[TKOSINM] ​​146 - Irene Kristen

Splash!

Irene spontaneously submerged herself in the warm water; embarrassed over nothing. She held her breath and slowly exhaled, relieving herself of the complicated thoughts plaguing her mind. Following several exhalations her head became clearer.

After bathing a while longer, Irene cleansed herself, wore the freshly prepared robe by her maid, and exited the bathroom. She intentionally drew the robe tighter so as to not appear like Noel, but could not cover her bare skin completely because of the nature of her gown.

After washing up, their breakfast was delivered. Irene sat across from Noel while the maid placed the dishes on the table.

‘You are already more than enough for me. Beyond precious, more than that. I also thank you for coming to me. Good night, Irene.’

The moment she saw Noel’s face, she remembered what he had said last night, and it was hard to look straight at him. As usual, he often spoke kindly and frankly, but what about yesterday? It felt a little different. Was it because of the atmosphere, or was it because it was the first sincere words he had spoken from his heart, after they became a married couple?

However, at the time, he was not aware of the fact that Irene was awake. Noel glanced curiously who appeared to be rather shy.

“Irene, is something the matter?” Worried about Irene, Noel asked her seriously. Moments before, he’d gestured for the maid to leave their room, and thus asked her freely.

Irene shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure you don't have a fever? If you’re not feeling well, tell me. I will cancel today’s schedule.” He spoke.

Their schedule for today was quite important, and cancelling would be quite difficult, if not, a great inconvenience. However, she was grateful to him for being so considerate of her. Irene shook her head, assuring him she was truly fine.

“No, really, I’m fine. It’s just, having breakfast with Noel like this, it feels as if everything’s so new.”

Even when she shared a room with him, they spent a lot of time eating together. However, it was the first time after waking up in the same bed that they ate like this. Her wet hair had yet to dry and because she was only wearing a robe, there was nothing underneath.

“Certainly, it is.”

Noel nodded, seemingly understanding her.

“It would be good to get used to it. There will be no need to use our own separate rooms in the future.”

“...Yes.”

She did not know if Noel himself was conscious of this, but sometimes he was too direct. Irene was once again reminded of reality.

Today’s breakfast was a light potato soup, salad, and bread. Last night’s meal had been a glamorous feast; thus the food was deliberately made to be light on the stomach.

This diet was perfect for Irene. After drinking alcohol yesterday, coupled with the oily foods of the feast, she felt bloated.

The meal continued wordlessly. Neither Irene nor Noel talked a lot whilst eating, and they sat contentedly, digesting at a mild pace. It was a comfortable atmosphere for the newlyweds.

How much time has passed? After eating to some extent, the two of them began to make preparations for their schedule.

They had to go out and greet the elders in the morning. Though it was the formal introduction of Irene into the Kristen Duchy, it was also a meeting held to discuss the succession of Noel as the next Grand Duke, since he had fulfilled the conditions the Great Kristen had imposed upon him.

As it was such an important event, the elders, and vassals as well as the Grand Duke of Kristen were expected to attend.

“There is nothing to be nervous about. You just need to remain as you are in your seat. Your attendance is enough.”

The place where the elders’ meeting was held was a small annex not far from the main building. However, the two did not go directly to the annex. Instead, they stopped by Grand Duke Kristen’s room first.

It was their first meeting after marriage, so Irene’s heart was pounding, but she made an effort to pretend it was nothing and kept her back straight.

Noel smiled at Irene, then knocked on the door.

“Grandpa, can I come in?” he asked.

“Come in.” A low muffled voice in the room responded. The answer was instantaneous, as if the person behind the door had been waiting for their arrival.

Irene, who was about to go inside, looked up at Noel, seeing his shoulders were a little stiff. She looked straight ahead, but for some reason, he seemed very nervous. Was it just her impression? Irene silently covered his hand with her own, prompting Noel to look down at her.

A soft, small figure smiled warmly back at him.

“This makes us look more like an intimate couple, right?”

The truth was, she did it hoping to somewhat relieve his tension, but it was good enough as an excuse. Actually, they were newlyweds who had just gotten married yesterday.

Noel looked at Irene for a moment, then smiled and spoke.

“I see.”

He nodded and shifted his position to grab her wrist, then clasped her hand tightly, entwining their fingers. A large hand and soft one, it fitted perfectly.

During that short time, Noel once again regained his composure, steeling his expression. The two took a short deep breath, opened the door and went inside.

♔♔♔