The Kind Older Sister Is No More

Last time she was at an advantage; because of this one road, she was able to chase after Noel last time. But this time round, the single entrance had become a hindrance. Even so, Irene was too unsettled with idleness. How could she possibly just wait for Noel, not knowing when, or if he would come?

Is there a way to pass through the main gates safely without being caught?

As she contemplated and stared at the main gate longingly, her worries ate at her. Suddenly, movement out of the corner of her eyes caught her attention. The nobles in line were all taking note of the glamorously dressed women who entered the main house of the estate, but for the maids who travelled with them, not a single glance was spared.

If that’s the case, I might be able to pass without being caught.

It was a little embarrassing though. But where would she get a maid’s uniform?

Contemplating for a bit, and worried that she would not be able to pass without, Irene turned her head around.

“Can you help me?” Irene said to her maid, who was standing by her own side with her bewildered face. There was someone close by to help.

“Yes?” The maid seemed perplexed at Irene’s sudden request.

Irene clasped the maid’s robe she was wearing.

♔♔♔

“Milady, are you sure you do not mind? But, if you get caught…” the maid asked worriedly. What if someone recognised her, then not only would the miss be in trouble, but so would the young master! At that time, the maid would most likely lose her job.

“It’ll be fine.” Irene reassured her.

In fact, Irene was a little uncertain of herself. Although she wore a headscarf to cover her hair and the servant’s uniform, it still was the first time she had disguised herself like this. She had never dressed up as a maid, so it was natural to be anxious. However, those worries had to wait.

If he did not come, Irene had no choice but to go see him. After telling her worried maid where she would go, Irene left.

The closer she got to the main gate, the louder the noise was, and the chatter of the nobles amplified.

“I heard the rumour that Miss Chase was in the Grand Duke’s residence and came here, but is she really here?”

“It’s hard to believe that an unmarried woman is staying in someone else’s house in the first place.”

“But the man who visited Count Chase said so. The miss wasn’t there. Furthermore, it’s because they saw a woman who looked exactly like the young miss at the Grand Duke’s residence. Honestly, if you’re married, living together is not a problem.”

As the subject of the conversation was herself, Irene’s shoulders tightened. Irene lowered her face and hurriedly moved her steps.

“Uh, over there.”

However, a man pointed to Irene who was almost past the main gate.

“Isn’t that maid a little suspicious?  I think the colour of her hair is similar to what I’ve heard.”

“Say something that makes sense. Can’t you tell by looking at her clothes? She’s a maid.”

Sweat dripped from Irene's neck beneath the headscarf. Another man berated the man who had pointed to Irene. Irene walked faster. She held her headscarf tightly with her hands to keep it from flying away.

“Hey!” He shouted.

“Let’s talk to her.” Unfortunately, the man was already suspicious of her. He loudly called out to Irene, but she pretended not to hear and hurried her along. She quickened her pace, which made her rather suspicious.

The man tried to snatch Irene’s wrist.

“Ah!”

At that moment, Irene gasped at the force of a sudden pull, and she tripped.