The Kind Older Sister Is No More

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      “She’s 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 she’s been very lonely. It hurts whenever I think about that.”

      “Dad, I’m not like that. I’m really fine….”

      “Oh, my dear Riel. You don’t have to explain anything to me. I know everything, my poor daughter.”

      “Dad…”

      “My dear…”

      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 Noel’s expression had become stiff since a moment ago.

      “My daughter is interested in the Duke, and….”

      “Miss Riel Chase.”

      When the Count was about to convey his purpose, Noel, who had been silent, finally opened his mouth. Noel’s 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.

      “I’ve met five maids while I was waiting to enter this room.”

      “What does that mean?”

      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 Noel’s clothes, but Noel lightly brushed her hand off. The couple did not notice that because it happened under the table; however, Riel’s face turned pale.

      “All five of them didn’t 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. It’s as if, in this house, there’s nothing but Miss Riel Chase.”

      “What do you mean by that?”

      The unexpected remark visibly shook the Countess’ composure. Noel leisurely smiled at her.

      “The sick younger sister and the outgoing older sister. Normally, the employee would prefer the outgoing older sister because it’s less of a hassle to take care of and appease someone who’s 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.”

      “How disrespectful of you!”

      The Count raised himself from his seat and yelled at the handsome noble across from him, but Noel did not lose his composure and returned the Count a firm look. The Count’s anger began to simmer down from Noel’s fierce gaze.

      Noel asked in a cold voice. “Is she really a daughter of the Chase household?”

♔♔♔

      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, the maid concealed this from her, but she had also 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 considered Irene unworthy of respect, especially since she had easily handed over Irene’s letter to Riel, despite Irene being her mistress. 

      If Irene weren’t 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 Riel’s room. But she couldn’t 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. Irene’s heart anxiously thumped as she headed to the entrance of the mansion.

      Until now, Riel had taken everything from Irene. Parents, friends, maids and even Irene’s fiancé were all stolen from her. Upon first glance, one would think she was an innocent lily, pure and harmless; however, her subtle actions proved she was indeed the most vicious thief. Irene was about to faint, thinking that Riel would also take her only hope this time. But Irene could not fall down now. She breathed in deeply, strengthening her resolve. When she arrived at the mansion’s entrance, the butler said they had headed to the living room.

      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.

      “As 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 mention anything about her.”

      “Tha... That’s because we do not really have anything to say about her...”

      “Do you think it’s normal for parents to have nothing to say about their children?”

      “...”

      It was Noel Kristen’s voice.

      “I 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 has she lived 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 doesn’t make you a parent, and just because they share the same blood, doesn’t mean they’re sisters.”

      “Wha...What are you talking about….”

      The Count became speechless and stammered when he tried to retort to Noel’s remark. Noel rose from his seat and looked down at the couple and Riel. Then, he spoke in a chilled tone.

      “If you can’t make her happy, at least don’t make her feel hurt. She’s also a person who has her own feelings.”