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Chapter 35 - 35: another sleepless night

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Irene woke up early—earlier than usual.

The sun had not yet risen.

She hadn't slept well that night; her body had grown used to the doubled dose of medication, and its absence had made her sleep restless.

She sighed, then slowly got out of bed. She looked to the side and saw Lucas sleeping next to her.

She quietly got up, washed, then picked up her book and gently opened the balcony door. She sat outside, continuing her reading, wrapped in the cool breeze of dawn.

Hours passed, lost in the lines.

Lucas finally woke up and didn't find her in the room. He assumed she had already left, as usual. He began changing his clothes, and just as he was about to put on his shirt… Irene suddenly walked in from the balcony, focused on her book, which she placed on the table without even lifting her gaze. Then she turned toward the bed—and her eyes met his.

He was standing in front of her… shirtless.

She froze in place and screamed unconsciously, covering her face with her hand and quickly turning around:

— "You! What are you doing?! Are you insane?!"

He responded in a calm tone:

— "I'm changing clothes in my room. Is that a problem?"

Still turned away, she said:

— "You… why now?!"

Then she rushed back out to the balcony, her face flushed and her heart pounding wildly.

As for Lucas, he stood still for a moment, then said to himself:

— "I don't have time for this."

He quietly dressed and left the room without saying another word.

Afterwards, Irene returned to the room, muttering in frustration:

— "What an idiot… didn't he see the balcony door was open?"

Moments later, Sally entered and helped Irene get dressed.

When they finished, Irene handed her the empty box of sleeping pills and asked her to have one of the servants bring a matching box—without telling anyone it was for her—and to make sure it reached her by tomorrow, if possible.

Sally nodded without hesitation.

Then Irene headed to her study, immersing herself completely in her work.

She was thinking of different ways to embed special symbols within currency paper—ones that would be difficult to counterfeit.

She spent two whole days trying, thinking, and reviewing books tirelessly.

By the evening of the third day, the news of her presence at the council had already spread through various social circles.

Irene sat quietly at the dinner table.

There, Elizabeth asked her:

— "Why didn't you tell me you attended the council?"

Irene replied:

— "I thought the king had told you himself… I assumed you already knew. I'm truly sorry."

Elizabeth said kindly:

— "No need to apologize. I was surprised when I heard, and I confirmed it with His Majesty today. I was happy for you… and how was it?"

Irene smiled faintly and said:

— "It was quite similar to Eiscard's council, but I felt happier being part of my new country's council."

Violette said with admiration:

— "You're truly amazing, Irene. You impress me every time. Only you and Viola have managed to break tradition and enter that place."

Irene looked at her with curiosity:

— "Who's Viola?"

Violette asked:

— "Didn't you meet her there?"

Irene answered:

— "No, there were only men in the chamber. But… who is she?"

Elizabeth seemed uneasy, then said:

— "No, actually, she's…"

But Richard interrupted:

— "She's the head of the Salvarin family, after her parents passed away in an accident."

Irene thought for a moment, then said:

— "Ah… I've heard of her. She took over her family's affairs at fifteen, right?"

Richard said:

— "Yes, that's correct."

Irene said:

— "I didn't meet her today, but it would be nice to meet her next time."

Violette said:

— "She actually lives just a few minutes from our home. She's close to Anita and me, so Anita spends most of her time there."

Irene said in amazement:

— "Really? What a lovely coincidence!"

Elizabeth said calmly:

— "The crown prince chose her to be his wife after he ascends the throne."

Irene briefly recalled the crown prince's gaze at the council, then said:

— "So… she'll be the next queen."

Elizabeth replied:

— "Yes, that's right."

Then she glanced at Violette and quickly changed the subject.

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After dinner, Irene returned, completely exhausted.

The maids helped her take a warm evening bath.

She then decided to take two sleeping pills, since Sally would be bringing her a new box the next day.

But there was only one pill left in the box.

Irene quietly took it, lay down on her bed, and drifted off.

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The next morning,

Irene woke up early to find that Lucas wasn't in the room.

She wasn't surprised—she had gotten used to his absence lately.

After she got herself ready, Sally entered quietly, as usual.

Irene looked at her and said softly:

— "Sally… did you bring the pills?"

Sally hesitated a little, then said apologetically:

— "Actually… those pills are only made in Eiscard, my lady. They're not available here."

Irene gasped silently, then held her head in her hand and murmured:

— "Of course… how could I forget that…"

Then she sighed deeply and said:

— "It's alright. Bring me any other kind… it doesn't matter now. I just need something to help me sleep tonight."

Sally nodded and said:

— "Of course, I'll request a suitable one right away."

But she paused for a moment, then added hesitantly:

— "The delivery servant isn't at the palace today. He'll be back tomorrow… I'm sorry."

Irene remained silent, closed her eyes for a moment as if trying to gather her patience, then said calmly:

— "Alright… I'll wait for you tomorrow then."

Sally bowed respectfully, helped Irene get dressed, then quietly left the room.

Irene stood still, staring into space with tired eyes,

as one thought echoed in her mind:

"Another sleepless night."

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