Chapter 6 – Noel Kristen (2)

You are forbidden from inheriting the dukedom until you’re married to the woman I approved for.

“That’s a ridiculous requirement.” Noel Kristen disheveled his silvery grey hair. He remembered the duke’s words that had been spoken sternly to him and sighed.

“What should I do?” His secretary asked with a troubled face. Noel shook his head despondently upon hearing that.

Noel Kristen. He was the only heir of the Kristen family, but the problem was that he was an illegitimate child. His father, the former head of Kristen’s family, had committed a mistake by impregnating a maid. As a result, that was when Noel had been born.

He was acknowledged as being part of the Kristen lineage, but the way he was treated, and the attitude of the family he was surrounded by, was distinctly different from his brother. It seemed that as soon as his brother became the Grand Duke, he would be evicted from the mansion.

However, when his father died from disease, and his brother died whilst hunting as a result of falling from his horse, Noel was hoisted into the spotlight. From his cornered position, he was thrust into the shoes of the successor of the family. Becoming heir apparent.

There were those who had initially expected him to be horrific at his job. After all, he had been neglected and had no support – the title was never meant to his. However, soon, he managed to gather his own people and grow with power, based on his own abilities, and wit. As a successor, he was the most fitting and did a splendid job.

However, his grandfather still did not want to acknowledge him. It was a complete insult to his noble family’s honor having an illegitimate child as the successor. Therefore, he proposed hurdles to prevent him from succeeding.

That hurdle, was..

‘Marriage.’

No noblewoman was willing to become his wife, because he inherited the blood of a lowly commoner. Most noble families valued their lineage and origin. If a woman married him, she would be despised by her family as tainting their honor.

So, one had no reason, or incentive to be his wife. Even though he had incredible wealth, all women turned a blind eye to him, and because there was no assurance that he would be the one that would inherit the dukedom.

Noel knew this better than anyone else. Even if he didn’t inherit the dukedom, many relatives were available who could take the position. There were reports from his secretary about a powerful candidate besides him. He knew that his grandfather would rather have anyone else besides Noel to inherit the position.

“It’s a difficult situation.”

“Should I start by asking around about this?.”

Noel unhappily nodded to the question that was asked by his secretary, Tom. As Tom hurriedly left the room, he loosened his stuffy tie and flopped down on the chair. A bitter laugh came out from his mouth.

Even if they ask around, will there be any woman who is willing to be my wife?

No one wanted him.

****

Because of the count’s order that she should be present at breakfast, on time, Irene was forced to head to the dining room. But the sound of laughter from beyond the door stopped Irene’s step, halting her from entering.

“Should I open the door for you, Miss?”

Her personal maid asked her, but she could not bring herself to respond quickly to that question. It was because she knew that she did not fit into the happy situation beyond the door. She was afraid that her presence would lead to silence and break that happy bubble. Usually, Irene would enter the dining room with Riel. If she does that, she would not be afraid of that because their attention will be focused on Riel.

“Open the door.”

But today was different. Irene decided not to be afraid and forced herself to face what was ahead. She had already acknowledged that there was a gap in the relationship with her family and no matter what she did, she would always be left out. Already ostracized, there was no use longing for affection from them.

I have long given up. My longing for familial love and care has disappeared with that desire. However, instead, I have become fearful.

Then the maid opened the door, and Irene walked in.

“Do you understand, Dad? When Irene comes......”

Riel, who was talking intimately to the count, became surprised upon seeing Irene enter the dining room.

“Good morning.”

“Ahem!”

Her parents became uneasy when Irene greeted them. As expected, a cold silence ensued in the room the moment Irene appeared.

“Sister!” Riel stood up and greeted Irene.

Irene just looked at her with a cold expression. Riel paused for a moment and then talked with a cautious smile.

“You don’t have to be sorry.”

“....What?”

“It’s not your fault that I became sick yesterday. So, if you’re feeling sorry.....”

“Why should I feel sorry to you?”

“Irene!”

Count Chase appeared irritated. He could not stand Irene’s answer towards his beloved younger daughter, so he stood up and shouted at her. Countess Chase who sat beside him just breathed a deep sigh, frustrated by the situation. Riel quickly tried to passify the count.

“Dad, you promised me to not be angry. I’m fine.”

“Riel, you must be mistaken.” Irene spoke in a subdued voice.“Why are you acting like a victim?”

“Sist..”

“Irene! How can you talk like that to your younger sister?”

“Please don’t ruin the mood and just sit down, Irene.”

The countess’s exhausted voice can be heard after the count’s shout at Irene. Meanwhile, Riel has a wounded look on her face while her shoulder was shaking. This whole situation pierced Irene’s heart.

But this time, Irene did not back down. No, she would also not back down in the future.

“You were the one who was kissing my fiance, but why are you pretending to be a victim?”

“That’s....”

With Irene’s word, Riel became taken aback and stuttered her answer. Their parents looked back in surprise at Riel as if they didn’t know the truth.

“Is that true Riel?”

“I’m sorry Dad..”

When Riel admitted that, Count Chase’s face became distorted.

“Why did you do that? How could you kiss your sister’s fiance?”

“It’s because I was jealous of her.”

“What do you mean by that, Riel?”

The countess carefully asked Riel. Tears welled up in Riel’s purple eyes. The count must have felt sorry for Riel because he was the one who bombarded her with the question suddenly, so he wiped away Riel’s tears.

With that touch, Riel burst into tears once again and fell down to the floor. They became startled and hugged her. Irene just watched that situation with an expressionless face.

“Because I’m weak and can’t go outside, I have no chance to meet other people, so I’ve never been in a relationship. That’s why I’m jealous of her. I’m sorry that Boris keeps seducing me. I’m sorry, sister..”

“Yes, I understand what you mean, so get up from the floor. The floor is cold.”

“Somebody, bring me a blanket!”

The countess cried whilst ordering a maid to quickly bring a thick blanket and carefully wrapped Riel. They carefully assisted Riel as if they were dealing with a fragile glass that can break anytime. And just like that, the matter involving Irene’s fiance has swept under the table.