34 – Miss Irene Chase

As soon as Tom raised his hand to forehead, rubbing to get rid of the goosebumps that had appeared from the disdainful memory, Noel turned towards him. At the sudden eye contact, Tom, who was surprised, quickly lowered his arm.
“Ensure that this room is secured, so that no one will be able to come near to it, or enter. Whilst we are inside, I do not wish to be disturbed.”
The sternness of Noel’s voice made Tom shudder. There was few a time when the cold edge in Noel’s voice whenever he made an order that reminded him of the perseverance and distance of his master. When Noel used his authority, he could not even draw a link between the person he was before and now. He was certain, the joking Noel moments ago was a ghost who had possessed him. Although Noel’s order did not mention anyone in particular, Tom knew the person who he specifically would not like to disturb him. Should they ever show up, and realise what Noel was doing, Tom had not an ink of doubt the situation would turn into chaos. Irene would be collateral. Her reputation would be ruined because that person knew she was the key to ruin Noel. could understand who would disturb him. If they were to show up, there was no doubt that the situation would turn into chaos. Tom bowed his head.
Then, Noel and Irene stood in front of the door. Noel knocked, but there was no response, as if he had tapped at the door of a hollow room. Irene looked up at Noel with a troubled face, but he didn’t bother to answer her questioning gaze. The situation was all too familiar for him, and the gesture of knocking was merely a notice that he was about to enter.
“I’m coming in, grandfather.”
Without hesitation, Noel opened the door. Irene, who was surprised, tried to stop him, but the door was flung wide open. It slowly revealed the room’s interior. So, Irene was forced to straighten her head and face inward.
The room was very spacious and fit the title of Grand Duke of Kristen, but the splendid look created a tranquil atmosphere.
There was a fireplace full of firewood and a wall stuffed with books. The wallpaper of the room had a warm green hue, and the furniture was various shades of brown. Drawing in a deep breath, Irene could smell the old paper and a musky wood scent filled her nose. It made her feel like she had come to a mountain cabin that naturally made a person feel at peace.
There was a rocking chair in the middle of the room, and an old man sat with his back facing them. Irene intuitively recognised that the man must be Noel’s grandfather and the Grand Duke of Kristen, the person who, with his own hands, raised the Kristen family to the lofty standing of which they held today.
“Grandfather, as I told you before, this is Miss Irene Chase.”
When Noel spoke to the back of the Grand Duke of Kristen, Irene, who was at a loss for what to do, bowed her head at him.
“Nice to meet you. I… I’m Irene Chase.” Irene stammered while introducing herself. She was full of nerves at that moment and was not sure how to approach him. Before her after all, was a man who she had never even imagined she could talk with. Irene was unsure of how to appropriately conduct herself and respectively bowed.
“…”