[TKOSINM] 267 – Grief Is Painful As the World Collapsing

There was silence as they headed to the dining room. The atmosphere dwindled, serene as they silently sipped on glasses of water. When they arrived at the restaurant, the food came out as soon as they had already ordered ahead. Perhaps the chef paid more attention, and unlike usual, light foods rather than flashy or oily foods were prepared.

“Let’s eat.”

When the Grand Duke suggested commencing, Irene ate a spoonful of the soup placed in front of me. However, she could not feel the taste of it. Perhaps others did as well.

However, everyone was focused on pushing the food into their mouths. If they felt it, they didn’t show it.

“Whoa.”

During such an artificial meal, the Grand Duke sighed and set the tableware down. He then buried his face in his hands and spoke in a heavy voice.

paused

“I’m not sorry for making an uncomfortable place for nothing. I can’t hold on to that child forever, so it’s not as easy as I thought, even if I try to be resolute. I’m sorry ....”

Irene then understood why he suddenly asked for a meal. He was trying to erase his dead grandchildren and return to his daily life. But that would eventually fail.

Irene stared at the Grand Duke and quietly placed her spoon down. 

“I don’t think you need to force yourself to forget,” she said in a calm voice.

Hearing her, the Grand Duke and Noel looked at her. Irene looked at the Grand Duke gently and parted her lips.

“Losing a loved one is as painful as the world is collapsing. You shouldn’t pass on that sadness to others, but I don’t think it’s necessary to erase your sadness. Because that’s too harsh on yourself...”

“Darling...”

She wasn’t talking about the Grand Duke. She was just expressing her thoughts.

One might think her arrogant, but the Grand Duke didn’t. Instead, as if comforted, the corners of his eyes reddened. Seeing this, Irene stood up.

“…I’m sorry for waking up first. Thank you for inviting me to dinner today. I hope to have another chance next time.”

“.... Okay. Thank you.”

“Noel...”

“.... Yes.”

Irene left the dining room with Noel, leaving behind the Grand Duke, who was holding back his tears. The door to the dining room closed, leaving behind a silent sob.

The two of them left the restaurant and went out to the garden for a while. It was a good idea for them to go on a walk alone to lift the heavy atmosphere.

However, outside, they could not walk freely.

“Hello, brother. I see that you are here. Hello sister-in-law.”

“Ah, hello.”

The interruption lay in the unexpected person and witness. Contrary to the gloomy weather, Ascardo greeted them brightly. Even though it was an unanticipated meeting, it was as if he had planned for a reunion.

Irene couldn’t ignore his greeting, thus accepted awkwardly. She looked at Noel’s eyes. It made her uncomfortable knowing that he wouldn’t be happy to be reunited with Ascardo on a day like today.

Ascardo must have known that, too, but he had an innocent expression on his face as if he were oblivious.

“I see the two of you are taking a walk out. Nice to see you too.”

“Why are you here? The service must have ended long ago.”

“It’s just that today, I think of my eldest brother. Dear eldest brother really liked this garden too. He was a very caring and warm person, but suddenly he….”

“No one expected the death of Eldest brother. My older brother, who was good at swordsmanship, horseback riding, and hunting, fell while hunting. That day, he went out with his younger brother, with whom he was not on good terms, and died.”

From the look on his face, it seemed that he was expressing pure regret, but his actual meaning was quite different.

“The truth is, only the Grand Duke will know.”

He was provoking Noel. Despite his blatant provocation, Noel just stared at him silently. It was a wise choice. If there were ever an argument on a day like today, the already suspicious gaze of Noel would change to a harsher one.

Ascardo also knew that fact well, so that he had no hesitation. But.

“Your words are harsh. Young Count.”

Irene had nothing to do with it. Ascardo, who did not expect Irene to come at him, frowned at her.

“This is not your place to speak.”