[TKOSINM] 139 - To seal with a kiss

His soft, mellow voice echoed through the hall. This time he looked into the distance and spoke in a slightly firmer and louder voice.

“No matter what happens, even if I lose my life, I will never let go of my hand, I swear before God.”

When his oath was finished, there was silence. Soon, the audience began to stir again. However, the atmosphere was different from before. They were so moved by Noel’s oath that they had never heard of it before; it was so impressive how could they not be restless?

The Grand Duke also looked at Noel strangely. He did not think Noel would say such a thing.

 Who could ever doubt the relationship between these two? Anyone could see that they were lovers who deeply cared for and loved each other without fail.

Since it was an oath made in the name of God, he could not even withdraw it. Those who prior to this, vaguely doubted the relationship between Irene and Noel had no choice but to drop their suspicions in front of Noel’s oath.

However, the person who was the most surprised and impressed here was none other than Irene herself.

Irene had not expected Noel to say that, and so she widened her eyes at him in shock. As if he could feel Irene’s gaze, Noel also turned his head towards her.

“Noel, what you just said…”

It can’t be withdrawn. Irene swallowed back her words. For some reason, the reality and weight of his words just hit her. He made an oath, and he had to keep it. No matter how abstract the phrase was, he could not let himself go in the face of any hardships to come.

But unlike Irene, who was confused, Noel was calm. He seemed so at peace saying such a heavy vow.

“...is it okay?”

Irene, who was trembling as she could not find the right words to express her feelings and confusion, barely managed to utter those few words. Noel’s gaze lowered for a moment, then he looked straight into her eyes, and parted his lips.

“It’s okay, because it’s not a lie.”

Even though their surroundings were a bit noisy, for some reason, only his voice echoed in her ears. Firm and resolute. It was so strange that it felt like a whisper just for her to hear.

Irene struggled to hold her breath. She wanted to breathe loudly, but she felt something clogged up inside. There was a heaviness in the pit of her stomach. She wanted to say something back to Noel, who was looking at her with a gaze full of assurance. But she did not know exactly how to convey.

“With this, the sincere oath between the two of them is engraved before God. Next, there will be the exchanging of rings.”

Mulliman spoke and turned his head as if calling someone. Irene and Noel’s eyes turned in that direction. The assistant, dressed as a servant, bowed his head and handed over the box. Since earlier, he seemed a bit shy and embarrassed, like he was caught.

As the assistant left, Mulliman opened the box in front of everyone. There, lay the real ring that Ascardo was aiming for. The transparent green emerald shimmered with multiple colours in the light.

Irene was looking curiously at the ring, which looked more complete than ever, and Mulliman whispered in a low voice that only the two of them could hear.

“The truth is, I almost got my ring robbed on the way. So, please imprint it right here.”

Irene, unaware of the fact that they had been shadowed, was startled by the news that they were about to be robbed, but Noel, who had already expected it, naturally nodded and asked calmly.

“How is it imprinted?

“Wear your respective rings and kiss each other.”

“...”

“...”

At Mulliman’s shocking words, Irene and Noel froze like stone statues. Irene could hardly believe what she heard with her own ears. He meant...what did he want them to do?

Her face became endlessly red at the words that were too embarrassing to even repeat using her own mouth. The situation was no different for Noel. A look of embarrassment appeared on his normally calm and neat face.

“That… what, what are you talking about?”

“What do you mean? You want to know how to imprint. If the two of you kiss while wearing the ring, the magic will be shared and thus it will be imprinted.”

“What nonsense…” Noel muttered, in denial.

“Are you a wizard? I’m a wizard.” Mulliman raised his voice sarcastically.

“Please exchange your rings, bride, groom.” Then he pushed the box between the two of them. It was confusing, but he had to witness it. Noel took out the small ring first and placed it on Irene’s ring finger.

“Bride, please put the ring on.”

At Mulliman’s words, Irene put the larger ring on Noel’s ring finger with her burning face bowed down.

“Then, the two of you make a kiss of oath in front of the witnesses.”

At Mulliman’s next words, Irene closed her eyes tightly. Then she carefully opened her eyes. Noel was looking at her stiffly. When her eyes met, Irene took a step forward. She then drew closer to his body and clasped his hands. Noel’s eyes widened.

“…If you don’t like it, please say no.”

If something had to be done, it should be done. That was what she thought. If they didn’t imprint it, they could not take advantage of the ring’s greatest abilities...

Irene believed so, but on the other hand, she did hate or feel burdened by kissing or touching him.

She had always thought that if she had to, she wanted her first kiss and physical contact to be with someone she could connect with and trust. So even though Boris and hse were lovers, she never gave permission for him to kiss her. Contrary to the feelings of like she had for him, she could never fully trust him. But Noel was different. If it was him, she thought it would be fine. Of course, if he did not like it, she could not help it.

//Noel Noel Noel~~~