Chapter 46 - My Brother, Ascardo Rixis (2/2)

When Irene was unable to come up with words to speak, Noel, who had been silent for a while, quietly spoke again.

“I did not tell you about it because I did not want to show you how bad my situation was. Even though I should have told you first. After all, you are the first person now who I should tell. If you became my wife and became the grand duchess, you will become the main person who will be threatened by him.” Noel paused and then sighed deeply. In the quiet carriage, he shifted his position to properly face Irene.

“…Noel.” Irene could not muster up words to comfort him. She knew that he did not want to put him at risk, but she also knew that it was inevitable if she were to marry him.

“It will be so incredibly dangerous for you. The possibility exists that you could even die because of that. Because they never sit idly by. They eradicate the people who block their way, no matter who that person is, or how high a position that person holds. One way or another, they will get them eventually through devious means. I understand if you want to break our agreement now because of that.”

The carriage grumbled past a sliver of light from an early lit, standing lantern post on the road. For a split second, the light bounced off Noel’s face, highlighting his brown eyes. Irene saw for a fraction of a moment, the frail boy that was concealed in them.

Irene was slightly surprised to see how full of anxiety Noel was. After all, she had only known him to be stable and relaxed. But at the same time, Irene felt relieved that Noel was also nervous because she could finally be of some help to him. She also wanted to help him because Noel had helped Irene in many things.

Even though she knew that Noel would be upset, she refused to back down.

“Noel.” Irene’s voice rang solid in the small space of the carriage.

Noel’s eyes focused on Irene when she called his name. Noel was taken aback because Irene was calmly smiling at him.

He said that I could die.

Contrary to Noel’s belief that she would be frightened upon hearing the danger of marrying him, Irene was even more resolved and determined.

With a strong and clear voice, she spoke resolutely.

“I will not give up.”