Chapter 67 - Greenhouse Date (1/2)

Chapter 67 — Greenhouse Date

There was nothing prepared for the greenhouse trip because it was unplanned. The top of the table felt empty.

As soon as I go back, I must tell Tom to organise afternoon tea.

He thought it would not be too bad if he served tea to Irene himself.

“Noel?”

Noel was in the midst of thinking what kind of tea would be better, when he heard Irene’s voice. Only then that he realised what was going on. He brought her there saying he had something to tell her, but later he acted rudely by zoning out.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. But what do you want to say?”

“It’s nothing special, but I think Irene said that you’re interested in painting before, right?”

“Yes? Oh…”

Irene narrowed her eyes at the unexpected question. Not long after he had said that, she remembered that she had mentioned something similar to him at Duchess Jasmine’s estate, where she had met him for the first time, to make that proposal. Thinking about that, she found herself feeling strangely surprised.

I never thought you would remember, Noel.

She thought he must have heard and spilled it, but she did not think he would remember it until now. Her toes suddenly felt ticklish.

“Yes. I am fond of it.”

Irene looked at Noel and said, trying to hide her shyness. As he looked straight into her olive-coloured eyes, Noel thought that they blended well with the greenhouse’s surrounding, which was green-filled. Clear and fresh, but not as bright.

“Good thing. Then why don’t we go there together?”

Noel took something out of his pocket and handed it out to Irene. Irene looked at it, confused. It was a dark orange envelope.

“This is…”

Upon checking the contents with a puzzled face, Irene’s eyes widened greatly.

“This time, the Duchess of Jasmine is holding an exhibition for the purpose of sponsoring poor artists, and she sent me an invitation to it. Normally, I would not go there, but if Irene is interested…”

As Noel paused at the end of his words, Irene paid close attention to him. He muttered in a small voice, avoiding her gaze when their eyes met.

“Would you like to go with me? Only if you are willing to…”

“…Oh.”

“If you want to go alone, please tell me. I’ll arrange all the necessary conditions…”

“I would love to!”

Irene pushed her upper body forward and exclaimed excitedly. Noel’s eyes widened slightly at her abrupt reaction. Irene spoke quickly.