EPISODE 57

“The princess is still quite the same, isn’t she?”

Sitting on a red leather sofa, Esther sipped her tea gracefully while facing Cordelia, who tilted her head in curiosity.

“What do you mean?”

“I heard you decided to attend the Viscount Owen’s reading club this time?”

“Oh, you still have sharp ears.”

“Haha, that’s basic.”

This salon, which only women could attend, was a gathering created by Cordelia’s sister, Jerania, and was one of Cordelia’s mental refuges. In the spacious drawing room, five people had gathered, including Cordelia.

“I was just bored. Trying something new isn’t too bad, right?”

“Well, it should be entertaining to see what kind of sophistry book-reading gentry come up with.”

“Esther, you should be more careful with your words.”

Rayna, who was sitting next to Cordelia, admonished Esther, who spoke indifferently.

“I’m just stating facts.”

“I wonder where that sharp personality of yours comes from.”

“Perhaps it’s in the blood. Unlike the noble ladies.”

The woman who laughed heartily exuded confidence, contrary to her humiliating words.

Esther Nigeley, born into a wealthy merchant family, married a minor nobleman and actively expanded her business. Now, she has become one of the leading figures in social trends.

Her sharp and candid nature, a reflection of the free-spirited household she was raised in, initially made Cordelia feel awkward around her. Although they became quickly close after discovering similar tastes, it was important to be cautious, as one might end up losing everything if one was too complacent with someone who was fundamentally a merchant.

Thus, the confrontation with the noble lady Rayna Ortega, who seemed to embody elegance, was one of the highlights of this salon. Of course, as much as they fought, they were also very close, proving the adage that human relationships are indeed unpredictable.

“It hasn’t been long since that commotion, and now you’re going to a gathering full of men. Isn’t there bound to be some gossip?”

To Hannah’s worried question, Cordelia shook her hand dismissively, indicating that it was fine.

“It’s a respectable occasion for now. Adding scandal to it isn’t very noble either.”

“Of course, but I don’t think there will be no one trying to flirt.”

“True, there will probably be some foolish individuals.”

Given that this was an unusually unrestricted event, Cordelia understood Hannah’s concerns thoroughly.

“Even so, if I don’t give them any reason, that’s enough, right? For now, I’m planning to attend and show off my intellect as much as I can.”

Cordelia was quite sincere, but the other women cast worried glances. Cordelia, feeling puzzled by the strange atmosphere, narrowed her eyes. Sarah, an academy teacher, even held Cordelia’s hand tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I-I’ll help with anything I can!”

What kind of misunderstanding has she had now?

Did she come across as overly cheerful here? She understands that they can’t imagine her being contemplative, but isn’t this a bit much?

Even though she might seem this way, reading is her hobby! To write a book, she needs to have read and know a lot of information!

“Princess.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t get upset.”

At Esther’s earnest advice, Cordelia slightly retracted. Well, it’s hard to guarantee that.

Cordelia, who had been gazing at Hannah, who was awkwardly smiling next to Esther, finally spoke.

“Oh, by the way, Hannah.”

“Yes?”

“About that… never mind.”

Cordelia, recalling Hannah’s husband, eventually kept her mouth shut. She knew it was rude to interfere in someone’s private matters unless advice was specifically sought.

She understood, but she was genuinely curious. What exactly did she find appealing about that person?

Remembering the face of Tyrain, who laughed heartily, made her furrow her brow as if she were chewing on a bitter herb. Struggling to maintain her expression, Cordelia’s thoughts shifted in another direction.

Could Hannah possibly know about Noah? By the time of Tyrain’s marriage, Noah had already been confined, so Hannah might not know.

Even if she wanted to ask, she had no way of doing so. The existence of Noah was indeed confidential.

Meanwhile, the sound of the door opening drew the women’s gazes toward the entrance. The figure with short hair dressed in a shirt and pants looked unmistakably like a common boy, but everyone immediately rose from their seats.

“Your Highness Ayla. It’s been a while.”

Rayna, showing a pleasant smile to make a good impression, bowed politely. Ayla slightly frowned.

“There’s no need to greet me like that.”

A voice that was flat and emotionless followed.

The current King’s half-sister, Princess Ayla Linaen. As a result of surviving a power struggle, the girl, who had lost her hearing, was given a mansion and moved out of the palace after the King’s ascension. She now operated that mansion as a school.

At twenty-one, the youngest princess was the youngest in the salon, but no one disrespected her. It was only natural, regardless of rank.

“I didn’t hear you were coming today.”

“I was busy. Today I had some time.”

“Welcome, Your Highness!”

The people’s lips moved more slowly and clearly than before. In fact, unlike the inherently calm Rayna, Esther, who spoke carelessly, struggled the most in such situations.

Nevertheless, the presence of Ayla brought even more vitality to the room than before. She was known among the salon members as an exceptional storyteller with a wide range of stories, and since many of the salon members were active in social circles, they were more interested in small, enjoyable daily matters rather than high society news.

After a long conversation, everyone began to rise from their seats to return to their homes. As Ayla was preparing to leave, Cordelia stopped her.

“Excuse me, Princess Ayla.”

Ayla turned around, noticing Cordelia’s resolute expression.

“What’s up?”

“I know this question might sound very strange.”

Ayla’s expression turned serious as Cordelia hesitated after starting her question. Was it a serious concern?

Cordelia glanced around and led Ayla into an empty room with no one around. Once the door was closed, she got to the point.

“Do you have any thoughts about dating or marriage?”

What is this about?

Ayla raised her eyebrows slightly at the unexpected question but answered steadily.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“It’s hard enough to take care of myself, and I don’t think there’s anyone who would genuinely like me as I am.”

Ayla’s expression, delivering her words in a disjointed manner, was truly indifferent. Despite not resembling Noah at all, her attitude somehow reminded Cordelia of him.

“What if someone truly, truly liked you and said they were okay with whatever situation you’re in?”

“I’d think about it. But I’d probably refuse.”

“Why?”

Cordelia’s voice rose slightly. Ayla shrugged lightly.

“My situation is a bit unusual. Getting me would mean facing hardships that are likely incomparable to those of an ordinary person. I’m not sure if there’s enough value in me for someone to go through that.”

Ayla’s candidness left Cordelia momentarily speechless. After a pause, Cordelia spoke again.

“So, what would someone have to do to be accepted by you?”

“Unless it’s something necessary for both parties… I’m not sure. I live this life because I like it, but I’m not sure if the other person would feel the same.”

“Well, what if the other person was in a position where they could accept even your situation?”

“Then I’d probably refuse even more. There’s no need for someone to go through such trouble.”

Even though she tried not to show it, Cordelia’s questions became increasingly persistent. Ayla, who was answering everything, tilted her head, holding her chin and wondering if something was strange.

“Why are you asking about this?”

“Oh, it’s just… I read a novel recently with a similar theme. So, I became curious.”

“I see.”

Ayla nodded nonchalantly, tolerating the awkwardness. Silence followed.

When Ayla gave a look suggesting she had nothing more to say, Cordelia eventually nodded slightly. It seemed difficult to expect a meaningful answer without directly stating everything.

Holding the door handle, Ayla turned back as if she had forgotten something and looked at Cordelia.

“Cordelia.”

“Yes?”

“Think a bit deeper. With that level of dedication, you might make me waver a little.”

“Excuse me.”

“Oh, by the way, you don’t seem very good at lying. I hope things go well.”

Leaving those words behind, Ayla gracefully opened the door and left. Cordelia, left alone in the room with a blank expression, held back the urge to tear her hair out with superhuman patience and let out a deep sigh.

Ah, this is difficult.

***

“The moment I saw that mural, I knew I had to commission you for it.”

Marquis Paulette extended his hand to Noah with a gentle smile. Noah carefully shook his hand, which had been smiling since the moment he was greeted.

“I’m honored that such a distinguished person has entrusted me with this commission.”

Even now, it was hard to believe that a newcomer like him was given such favorable terms by one of the four marquis families of the kingdom.

This only made him more nervous because, although he hadn’t met the marquis directly, he would surely have known his mother’s face.

He had served in the royal palace for a long time and is currently even holding the position of prime minister. It was fortunate that he was originally from the treasury department and had not shown his face in the palace more than necessary.

However, Noah only needs to meet him once every three months. It’s only four times in total, so it should be okay. Feeling a strange sense of relief from the dense hair that obscured his view, Noah spoke calmly.

“May I ask what kind of composition you are looking for?”

“Oh, that’s…”

Noah listened attentively and recorded the marquis’ enthusiastic description. Although he had heard that the marquis was known for his integrity and good nature, meeting him in person made it more comfortable than expected.

He also liked the idea of creating a picture book.

“Then I will refine the concept a bit more and visit again. The actual work will begin next year, but I should first attend the festival happening this month.”

Mentioning the festival that would take place in the Daz territory, the center of the Paulette domain, the marquis gently touched his chin.

“There’s no need to rush.”

“I prefer to prepare things in advance for peace of mind.”

“Any costs can be billed to me at any time.”

“Yes.”

After walking out with the marquis, Noah proceeded down the corridor. As he walked, he noticed the hired man walking beside the marquis and the curious glances from the other staff members before continuing on his way.

“Wait a moment.”

At the quiet voice, Noah turned his head. A woman leading a group of maids approached from across the corridor and stopped to gaze steadily at Noah.