[TKOSINM] 211 - Fatigue

“The culprit has not been found yet. So I came to ask the Young Madame if she had any guesses...”

The maid’s gaze turned to Irene, who was sleeping in Noel’s arms. Noel turned slightly to prevent the maid from looking at Irene. The experienced maid immediately lowered her gaze.

“...Is that why she replaced it with a painting?”

“Yes.”

Noel’s expression darkened. He looked down at Irene with complicated eyes.

“It must have been tough.”

As he knew, this tea party was the first tea party hosted by Irene. But since the beginning, she faced such difficulties. How embarrassed must she have been? He seemed to know why she looked fatigued.

Noel consciously lessened the strength of his grip. Otherwise, he thought he would leave a bruise on Irene’s body.

“First, let’s stop by the room and then go to the flower warehouse. Until then, don’t let anyone approach.” 

“All right. Grand Duke.”

The maid who had received her order retreated, Noel recommenced his steps. His speed was faster than before, but he was still as stable.

“Are you here, my lord? I’m waiting for the Young Madame ...”

Louiselle, who was guarding the front door, saw Irene’s appearance and quickly opened the door. Noel laid Irene quietly on the bed. As he was about to leave the room, something caught his eye.

...The dress looks uncomfortable.

The buttons were pulled up to the neck, and the buckles that tightened the waist seemed very uncomfortable. 

If she slept like this, it seemed that the pain would remain tomorrow.

...I can’t.

Hoping for her to get a little more restful sleep, Noel began undoing her buttons one by one that wrapped around her neck. That moment.

 “…Noel?”

Still, her posture was uncomfortable, so after tossing and turning, Irene opened her eyes. Noel did not know that she would open her eyes, so he stiffened. Their distance was close and ambiguous.

“What are you doing….” 

“Ah- it’s a misunderstanding!”

When Irene suddenly woke up, Noel stepped back in embarrassment.

Seeing Noel’s appearance, Irene was puzzled.  

What in the world did he mean by misunderstanding? 

Irene inadvertently touched her neck where Noel had touched. Suddenly, Irene’s eyes widened.

... her button was loosened.

 ***

In a situation that anyone could misunderstand, neither Irene nor Noel were embarrassed. They looked at each other without saying anything. Even so, how could it be said that unbuttoning a sleeping person was normal? Even if they were a couple who recently spent their night together.

As Irene’s gaze unconsciously turned downward, Noel’s face turned red.

“No, I thought Irene, you would be uncomfortable when you were sleeping, so I just tried to loosen the button. Trust me.”

“Oh, okay. Noel. I believe you.” 

“...Ha.”

As Irene spoke quickly to appease Noel’s urgent words, Noel let out a profound sigh. How the hell did he wound up in this situation?

Looking at Noel, Irene parted her lips.

“Nevertheless, Noel, don’t avoid me like last time and be honest...” 

“Irene!” 

“Haha.”

Seeing Noel’s embarrassed face, Irene burst out in small laughter. He looked at Irene resentfully. 

“You must be tired. Please sleep more,” Noel spoke quietly.

 “Noel, where are you going?”

“I have something to check for a moment. It won’t take long.”

“...Okay.”

She wondered where he was going and what he had to check, but Irene didn’t ask. She had faith that he would tell her when the time came, and as he said, she was too sleepy right now, so it would be nice if Noel were by her side. If he was, she could have sweeter dreams.

“See you later.”

Quietly hiding her desire to be with him, Irene smiled at him and spoke. Noel looked down at her for a moment. Then leaned her back and gave her a light kiss on the lips. The touch of his lips tickled her, and Irene let out a soft laugh.

Moments later, Noel parted his lips and whispered as he ran through Irene’s light brown hair.

“You had it hard today. Get a good night’s sleep.”

“Don’t overdo it, Noel.”

“Yes, I’ll be back.”

After bidding farewell, Noel took a regretful step back.

***