âSheâs only used to giving and has never received proper love before. At some point, I think her feelings became as hollow as a doll. I know that sheâs been very lonely, it hurts whenever I think about that.â
âDad, Iâm not like that. Iâm really fineâŠâ
âOh, my dear Riel. You donât have to explain anything to me. I know everything, my poor daughter.â
âDadâŠâ
âMy dearâŠâ
Suddenly, before Noel, the scene of a loving family appeared. Noel only calmly and wordlessly watched the situation unfold. However, the three Chase nobles had not noticed that since a moment ago, Noelâs expression had become stiff.
âMy daughter is interested in the Duke, andâŠâ
âMiss Riel Chase.â
When the Count was about to convey his purpose, Noel, who had been silent, finally opened his mouth. Noelâs voice still held a bit of polite friendliness, as before. However, his expression did not match his voice. Noel said whilst holding the warm teacup in his hands.
âIâve met five maids while I was waiting to enter this room.â
âWhat does that mean?â
The Count asked with a curious look, not understanding why Noel would say something like so. However, Riel, who sat beside Noel noticed something was amiss. His upright posture meant that ever since he had come in, he had not let down his guard for a moment. She looked up at him with anxious eyes. Riel carefully grabbed at the hem of Noelâs clothes but Noel lightly brushed her hand off. The couple did not notice that because it happened under the table however, Rielâs face turned pale because of that.
âAll five of them didnât know anything about Miss Irene Chase, where she is, what her likes are, or even whether she has eaten her meal in the morning. However, when I asked about Miss Riel Chase, they could answer everything about her. Itâs as if, in this house, thereâs nothing but Miss Riel Chase.â
âWhat do you mean by that?â
The unexpected remark visibly shook the Countessâ composure. Noel leisurely smiled at her.
âThe sick younger sister and the outgoing older sister. Normally, the employee would prefer the outgoing older sister. Because itâs less of a hassle to take care of and appease someone whoâs not ill. Looking at the amount of trouble doting on the younger sister would cause and neglecting the elder one, I find this situation strange.â
âHow disrespectful of you!â
The Count raised himself from his seat and yelled at the handsome noble across him, but Noel did not lose his composure and returned the count a firm look. The Countâs anger began to simmer down from Noelâs fierce gaze.
Noel asked in a cold voice. âIs she really a daughter of the Chase household?â
****
Irene could not control her anger when the maid told her that she had a letter that had come for her with an unknown sender. Furthermore, not only did the maid conceal this from her, she had allowed Riel to take that letter knowing full well that the addressee was Irene, and the unspoken rules of society. She immediately knew that the maid thought of Irene as unworthy of respect. Especially since she had easily handed over Ireneâs letter to Riel, despite Irene being her mistress.
If Irene wasnât in a hurry at that moment, so would not have passed off that matter. However, considering there were more important matters to take care of, she could only deal with it later. Then, Irene visited Rielâs room. But she couldnât find Riel in her room. When Irene asked the maid who was cleaning the room, the maid said that Riel had gone out to meet a guest.
Irene could intuitively tell that Riel had gone to replace Irene to meet Noel. Ireneâs heart anxiously thumped as she headed to the entrance of the mansion.
Irene directly ran to the living room, ignoring the passing glances of the servants. She ran as eager as when she had searched for him at the ball. Irene wished that Noel did not fall for Riel, and she wished that Riel did not take away her last hope.
When Irene arrived in front of the living room, she immediately tried to get inside. However, Irene could not do that when she heard the voice that leaked through from that room.
âAs if she does not exist in this family, no one cares about her. Even her parents only compliment her younger sister, Riel Chase, and never mentioned anything about her.â
âThaâŠThatâs because we do not really have anything to say about herâŠâ
âDo you think itâs normal for parents to have nothing to say about their children?â
ââŠâ
Read Latest Chapters at wuxiaworld.eu
It was Noel Kristenâs voice.
âI cannot help but feel pity for her. She has spent such a long time in this house with no one on her side. How many years living like this? Is this a place that can be called home for her? Are you three fitting to be called her family? I know I am just an outsider, and have no right to pry into your familial life. However, giving birth to a child doesnât make you a parent, and just because they share the same blood, doesnât mean theyâre sisters.â
âWhaâŠWhat are you talking aboutâŠâ
The Count became speechless and stammered when he tried to retort to Noelâs remark. Noel rose from his seat and looked down at the couple and Riel. Then, he spoke in a chilled tone.
âIf you canât make her happy, at least donât make her feel hurt. Sheâs also a person who has her own feelings.â