[TKOSINM] 205 - Noel’s Idea: A Portrait of The Ducal Couple)

After being buried in the water for a long time, the maids immediately came in and served, as Noel ordered. After receiving a massage from the maids, her aching body seemed to be relieved a little. After the massage, when she left the bathroom, breakfast was already prepared.

The maids who served the bath left, and Irene cautiously sat across from him. The atmosphere was awkward, but they continued their business.

Neither Noel nor Irene readily knew what to say.

Putting the lettuce of her salad into her mouth, Irene glanced at Noel.

As he quietly ate, he felt her gaze and lifted his head. When their eyes met, heat rose again on her body that had cooled down. The memory of last night was still in her body, and it was a natural reaction.

Irene immediately bowed and pretended to be absorbed in her meal. But after her eyes met him, she turned her attention to Noel. She was so befuddled that she could not even tell what was in her mouth.

“Tea party....”

“...?”

Hearing his voice, Irene raised her head. 

“The tea party is just around the corner,” Noel said, slicing his steak.

“Ah yes.”

His words calmed Irene’s mind, which was about to explode.

Right. There is still work to be done, but I can’t be in a hurry.

There were only three days left until the tea party. An announcement of the succession to the Grand Duke would be announced shortly after that. Neither she nor he could ever let their guard down.

Irene realised her current situation anew and hardened her heart, but truthfully, that was not what Noel wanted to say.

“After the announcement of the succession to the Grand Duke is over, there is something I want to do with you.” 

“What do you want to do?”

Irene’s eyes widened at his unexpected words. He had something he wanted to do with her... She couldn’t believe it.

“What is it?”

“It’s about painting a portrait.”

“A portrait?” 

“Yes. It is customary to paint the portrait of a couple one week after their wedding. But that portrait is in the centre of the hall. What I want to be painted is a portrait of you and me in our room.” 

“So Noel, what you’re saying is, are you going to commission a portrait, just the two of us?”

“Yes.”

Noel affirmed with a friendly smile. Irene was momentarily stunned by his proposal, something she had never expected, but she soon brightened her expression.

“I like that.”

She thought for a moment. 

‘Standing beside him.’

If it was a portrait for couples, was it drawn like the former imperial couple she saw last time?’

A portrait of the Count and Countess Chase couple was also hung in the County of Chase. The view of parents standing side by side. However, Irene could not find any special affection or love in their appearance. So she thought all couple portraits were like that.

However, when she saw the portrait of the former emperor and his wife, she changed her mind a little. By looking at the picture, she could feel the affection between the former emperor and his wife; the couple was in love with each other.

What about my and Noel’s portrait?

It can be a painting of an amicable couple or a portrait painted with just their appearance, like a portrait of her parents.

There was also the part where she was a little worried that the drawn picture might not meet her expectations. But why? There was a strange conviction that their painting would not be as cold as that of her parents.

Am I too conceited?

But she thought it would be fine; it was meaningful that she and Noel were in one scene.

Thinking of that, she couldn’t help but smile. Noel looked at Irene with soft eyes. That gaze was one that only appeared in front of Irene.

“We will also invite artists that you might like.”

 ”May I ask who you are?”

 ”I’ll let you know when I’m a little more certain.”

“I look forward to it.”

“I look forward to it too.”

At Irene’s words, Noel smiled quietly. Soon after their meal, Irene was ready to meet Lady Jasmine. But this time, Noel also stood up with her.

Irene looked at him curiously.

“I’m helping my wife; shouldn’t I say hello too?” He said.

“Oh? No. It’s okay if you don’t….”

“Let’s go.”

Irene tried to shake her hand, saying it was okay, but he had already prepared everything and reached out to her.

A small giggle escaped her lips at his speediness. Even if she wanted to refuse, she couldn’t. The time she spent with him was never short. But it was interesting to discover new things with him, day by day. “Okay.”

She replied cheerfully and held his hand. Holding Irene’s small hand tightly, Noel gave her a satisfied smile.

♔♔♔