Published at 10th of August 2022 11:10:25 AM

111 Lunch With The Grand Duke

Ah

Her lips were parched even though she had just drunk tea. Still, she felt as if she had more to say. I won't get hurt.

That's enough.

Noel smiled in satisfaction at her answer. Irene stared at his handsome face. One thing was certain. Something in her heart had become unlocked; there was a stir in her, and he was the cause.

A week has passed since the 700th anniversary banquet. The aristocratic society was still in turmoil, but the chaotic disturbance ignited by the events at the Great Hall had subsided, with the absence of the banquet attendees. In the meantime, many tried to approach Irene, but they were often blocked by Louiselle.

The Grand Duke had invited Noel and Irene to have lunch together, so the two headed to the reserved restaurant. The waiters opened the door for them, and Irene and Noel entered. The Grand Duke had already arrived, so when Noel and Irene entered, he stood up to welcome them.

Did you sleep well, darling? he first asked Irene. It was a customary morning greeting, but Irene felt the affection in the Grand Duke's words. Irene lowered her head, yes, I did, did you sleep well last night Grand Duke? she answered courteously.

Yes, I did, he replied affectionately, then his gaze turned to Noel.

you? Noel.

Yes. I had a good night.

Well, thanks to you, I slept well. Oh, come now, sit down, the food will be served soon.

Yes, Irene.

They were short and awkward but peaceful conversations. After Noel showed Irene to her seat, he sat across from her. In the middle seat was the Grand Duke. The food was soon served to them after they were seated. Likely because the Grand Duke had paid more attention to it, the menu was much more luxurious than usual.

For a while, only the clatter and clinks of cutlery on porcelain could be heard. Irene felt incredibly awkward in the silence, but she wasn't uncomfortable because they were her most familiar people. Regardless of her thoughts, it was meaningful for the three of them to dine together. Whilst mid-meal, the Grand Duke suddenly placed down his fork and stopped.

When will you two get married?

Keuh-

At the Grand Duke's sudden remark about marriage, Irene choked.

Darling are you alright? Drink this water. the Grand Duke handed her a glass.

Irene, are you alright? Here's some water. At the same time, Noel held out a glass of water to her.

Irene, who was mid-cough, widened her eyes at the two men holding a glass to her. It was a weird situation. It would be nice if one of the two withdrew their glass first, but they both only stared at her, with no intention of withdrawing.

Irene was nervous, not knowing what to do. However, it was not possible to leave both of them hanging in the air like this. Irene's head spun. Slowly she reached out.

I'm sorry, Noel.

As soon as Irene took the Grand Duke's cup, joy and sorrow instantly flashed across their faces.

I can't refuse the water the Grand Duke gives me

//BABY YOU HAVE 2 HANDS.

Since she had already received the glass, she had no choice but to drink the water. Irene took a sip and glanced at Noel. The moment Irene didn't choose his glass, he had retracted his hand. Why did it seem like the water shook pitifully?

Noel spoke up. We plan to get married as soon as possible. We plan to keep the number of guests minimal, and the scale as large as possible.

Irene nodded in agreement. For the past week, Irene and Noel had been discussing wedding plans. As a result, they had decided to minimise the guest list, and upsize the scale to have fewer unpredictable variables whilst still publicising their wedding and extending its reach. Irene knew it was important to make people take notice of them. That was because it was the wedding of the future Grand Duke of Kristen, nothing more.

When is the date that you have decided?

A month later.

I see. There's nothing I can do to assist.

Yes, we will make preparations on our own. Noel paused and continued.

But there's something that I do want from grandfather.

What is it?

For you to acknowledge Irene.

Irene looked at Noel surprised. This was something that they hadn't discussed between them.

But it's an issue that would have to be raised in the future.

Even if he announced his marriage and set in stone their wedding schedule, it was all futile should the Grand Duke not acknowledge Irene.

Irene turned away and stared at the empty air. What would she do if he said no? She was even contemplating how to change the Grand Duke's mind.

However

Perfect.

Unexpectedly, the Grand Duke responded enthusiastically. Irene couldn't hide her embarrassment. Even Noel seemed surprised as he had never expected this development for the Grand Duke to agree so readily.

I acknowledged you darling, from the moment you entered the house. If it's you darling, I can entrust you.

Oh

However, recognition is not merely a statement.

Then, what should I do?

His Majesty's seal is required.

His Majesty's you say? Noel asked.

The person mentioned was completely unexpected. Irene was also puzzled. The Grand Duke nodded.

If you marry a woman I approve of, you will succeed the Grand Duchy, with its responsibilities to keep hostile enemies in check. But there is also another reason for this approval, the promise that was created twenty three years prior.

What kind of promise?

In order to do so, the promise was made to ensure that each new member of Kristen is approved by His Majesty. Without his approval, we are not allowed new members.

There's no such condition that any family must get the approval of the Emperor.

Since he became the emperor by causing rebellion, he must have been afraid that the possibility of rebellion still remained. That's what power is. Even if there is no meaning, you will be checked and constantly keep the size of your power in place. However, oppression and checking are also a way of maintaining peace. If this can reassure the imperial family, there is nothing that I can do. In fact, there are actually no cases of refusal. With His Majesty's approval, there would be no one to question the legitimacy of you, darling.

It was a fact. It may have seemed like an unnecessary process, but the truth was, there was no other more secure way to ensure Irene's safety. Irene, who was quietly listening to the Grand Duke, became nervous for no reason.

So, I have to visit His Majesty the Emperor and receive his approval?

In short, that was it.

I've never been to the Imperial Palace

As the eldest daughter of Count Chase, she had several opportunities to go to the Imperial Palace, but each time her parents, for whatever reason, did not take Irene to the palace. They had taken Riel instead. That was why Irene had never been to the Imperial Palace. All she could do was look at her golden palace from afar. She trembled slightly at the thought of visiting the palace she had only ever seen but not entered. Her first time, she could only imagine something like that.

At the same time, she was also worried about what would happen to her if His Majesty refused approval, but when she heard it, it seemed almost more like a formality.

I am going to write a letter to His Majesty today. I will arrange a meeting for you to discuss. I'll set up a place so you can meet His Majesty as soon as possible. Don't worry too much.

The Grand Duke's tone was warm and reassuring.

Yes.

Perhaps Noel could also tell the hint of affection, he answered avoiding his gaze a little, then took a sip of water as if squeezing his throat. Seeing Noel like that, Irene smiled openly and too, raised her glass. The meal ended with that slightly awkward and warm atmosphere. After eating, Irene and Noel walked slowly to return to their room. Between those two, silence prevailed.

On the way, Irene's head swam with thoughts of the imperial palace and the emperor's approval. But by the time they arrived at her room, Noel spoke.

Irene.

Yes? she tilted her head at him, puzzled.

Noel opened her door and was silent for a moment.

Why are you doing this?

Irene blinked up at him.

Please choose me next time.

Ah?

Come in. I'll have to go back to my room too. I have a feeling that Tom is anxiously waiting for me.

Oh, yes, yes. Irene was almost semi-forced into the room. As she entered, Noel bid her farewell.

When the door clicked shut, Louiselle who was cleaning her room asked. Madame Irene, did you have a good meal?

Yes, it was deliciousah.

Suddenly she realised Please choose me next time. The meaning of his words.

It was what had happened when Noel and the Grand Duke had extended their glasses of water to her.

Poof.

Before she knew it, she was laughing.