[TKOSINM] 220 - Karl’s Painting

“Irene.”

“Yes?”

But Noel couldn’t say anything. It was because when he called her name, she looked back casually with a bright face. 

“Nothing,” he muttered, shaking his head and shifting the topic to something else. 

“Tom got a frame in which to hang the portrait. The painting will hang in our room.”

“I like that.”

Irene agreed to Noel’s plan and went out. She once again thanked Karl.

“You must have worked hard to get here. Thank you for the wonderful drawing.”

“I just did my part. So there is no need to thank me.”

“I will cherish it.”

“Thank you. Madame.”

As Karl nodded towards Irene, Noel spoke to him.

“It is late at night, so how about staying at the mansion for one night?”

“Thank you for your offer, but if I hurry, I may arrive home before the night is completely gone.”

“The road at night is dangerous.” 

“I have a routine that I keep every single day. I don’t want to mess around.”

Karl smiled and spoke. He didn’t say anything, but Noel seemed to know the routine—probably going to that tree.

“If that’s what you mean, I understand. I will have my knights escort you on the way. Please do not refuse this.”

“Heh heh, I would be grateful if you did that.”

“Then you better hurry. Irene, it’s cold outside, so don’t come out.”

“But…” 

“Yes, Madame. I will bid you farewell here. It was an honour to meet you.”

Karl said, agreeing with Noel’s words. Irene was upset that she couldn’t see him off, but she was forced to nod. She couldn’t ignore his consideration and thus vaguely consented.

“It was an honour to meet the artist I admired in person. Please leave carefully.”

“Yes. And...”

Karl paused for a moment. There was something else he wanted to ask her.

It was not easy to get the phrases that had been hidden for so long into his throat. He knew if his mouth betrayed him, then living with his disfigured face for over twenty years would all be for nought. 

“... it’s nothing. Then, Madame, have a good time.”

In the end, he held back the rising words and insisted on being silent, as he had always done.

‘Yeah, that’s absurd. At that time, she was not even in the meeting. It must be just a coincidence.’

Karl quietly left the room, avoiding the image of the family that came to his mind. 

“Irene, please go back to your room first. The picture will be framed by Tom and hung in the room. I will see Karl off.”

“Ah yes. I will do that.”

Even Noel left, and Irene, who was left in the room alone, tilted her head.

What?

Was it just her intuition? Somehow, she felt that Karl’s attitude was strange...

He looked at her and hesitated as if he had something to say. She wanted to hold on to him and ask. 

But she couldn’t leave the room easily.

“Young Madame, aren’t you going back to your room yet?”

“Oh, Tom. I will go back now.” 

“If I had known I would see you here, I would have just delivered it in person.” 

“What do you mean?”

Hearing his words, Irene tilted her head in confusion. 

“A letter that arrived for Young Madame, but I thought you had returned and put it in the room.”

“A letter to me...?”

Except for the invitation, she had no letter come to her. Irene couldn’t hide her curiosity.

Maybe Lady Jasmine sent it.

It was most likely her. After the tea party, she was still in contact with Lady Jasmine.

Well, you can check who the sender is.

“Then, I’ll go up first.” 

“Yes, the master will be returning to your room soon.”

“All right. See you later.”

After waving her goodbyes with Tom, Irene went back to her room. She then ran into Noel when she was just in front of her door. Noel’s eyes widened as he did not realise she would come later than him.

“Irene? Why are you coming now?” 

“Ah, I was just thinking about something for a moment… Is Karl back?”

“Yes, I have asked the knights to take good care of him, so you don’t have to worry.”

“I see. You worked hard, Noel.”

She meant it in multiple ways. To hold his succession ceremony and to invite Karl for herself. It must have been tough for him in all facets.