In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 103

EPISODE 103

Despite Cordelia’s concerns, Noah was recovering quite quickly. Being young and having a body well-conditioned from various hardships, he was unaffected by this level of adversity.

However, Noah did not follow Cordelia because he still had quite a few things to handle. After sending a letter informing the Marquis of the incident and suggesting postponing the festival, he received a reply advising him to focus on his health first.

He mirrored the symbols engraved on his back and handed a copy to Lyneth, then checked the messages from his master while steadily organizing tasks with tight deadlines.

When he saw the note saying it would be about fifteen days before the capital quiets down and he would return to the workshop, he couldn’t help but laugh. Still disliking noise, he sees.

“Oh, Mr. Noah! It’s been a while since you came.”

Stopping by the guild headquarters to drop off the commissioned works, Noah returned to the workshop after a long time. A young man brushing the door greeted him warmly.

“It’s been a while, Elo.”

“I almost didn’t recognize you. Did you finally cut off that cumbersome hair?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“What brings you here?”

“Master asked me to check the workshop materials and restock some supplies. Preferably within fifteen days. It seems he plans to start work as soon as he returns.”

Elo, who had worked at the workshop since he was young, was responsible for keeping the seldom-visited workshop free of dust. Usually, such tasks would be assigned to an apprentice, but since Olive had never had an apprentice except Noah, it was only natural to have a lackey.

Fortunately, Elo seemed satisfied with his role. It was only natural, as managing an unoccupied workshop continuously earned him extra pay.

“Wow, is Lord Flotera coming back? This time, it’s quite early. Just half a year, right?”

“Seems so.”

Typically, someone who goes away would wander for at least a year. Occasionally, he went to foreign lands bordering the kingdom. During the days when he used to follow his master, he had to send letters to Tyrain from time to time to report his survival.

“This time, he seems to have stayed within the country.”

It’s a relief if that’s the case; otherwise, he might not have been in touch.

“I wonder when he’ll fix that wandering habit.”

“I think it’s an incurable disease.”

“Well…”

Elo sighed and handed Noah a bundle of keys. Noah took out a note with the materials his master requested and entered the workshop.

The workshop, which was well-lit by sunlight, was very spacious and neatly organized. Normally, it would be hard to believe that one person used such a large space, but Olive Flotera was a master with a reputation to match.

[This time, Perron kept pestering me! I think I need to add one more sculpture.”

Famous artisans from various fields were drafted for the expansion of the main shrine, and Olive, one of the renowned sculptors from the Creitz Kingdom, was among them. The guild master initially spoke to him because it was easier to involve him as his apprentice.

He wonders if he can find good-quality plaster. As Noah checked the tools around the workshop, he swallowed a wry smile thinking about the plaster that would be in his workspace.

He wonders if the day to complete that will ever come.

As Noah thought about Cordelia’s appearance in Devron, he glanced at the jangling bracelet on his wrist. It was something Lyneth had given him, so its efficacy was assured, but… It felt oddly out of place since he hadn’t worn jewelry in a long time. At least it was not a ring; that would have been inconvenient for work.

After leaving the workshop, Noah entrusted the items he had brought with Elo.

“Some of the tools are quite worn out. It would be good to replace about five of them, and the hammers have worn handles, so it might be best to send them to the blacksmith.”

While other things could be organized, tools inevitably wear out if not used. Elo nodded and gathered the items.

“There’s also no more rope left, so it would be good to stock up on some. As for the plaster, three blocks of that size would be ideal. Please get the best quality you can.”

“Oh, is he doing sculpture this time?”

“Just in case.”

There was no way his Master would only do that one sculpture after returning. As soon as news of his return spread, requests would flood in again. Seeing his Master, who dislikes annoying things yet never refuses tasks that seem interesting, made Noah realize how much he had been influenced by him.

As Noah walked away from the workshop with Elo’s farewell, he went into the guild headquarters to send a few letters. He subtly adjusted his hat under the gaze of a staff member who seemed to be staring at him intently while receiving the letters.

Stepping outside into the chilly breeze, a carriage came up alongside Noah. The window of the unadorned carriage rolled down, and someone spoke to him.

“Hey, you look busy. How about sharing a ride?”

A low yet playful voice. Surprised, Noah looked over and saw the person waving from the carriage window.

“That… Your Grace.”

Liam Gracia was smiling as he looked at him. As Noah stopped, the carriage also came to a halt. The door of the carriage slid open, and Liam casually spoke.

“Get in.”

After Noah took a seat opposite Liam, the carriage started moving again. Noah, who had carefully drawn the curtain on the window, turned to Liam.

“What brings you here? Is it something about Cordelia?”

“No, it’s about Jerania.”

The man’s face showed indifference as he mentioned the queen’s name without hesitation. Noah cautiously spoke,

“I thought I had made it clear that it wasn’t necessary to send a reply.”

“Are you sure you don’t want anything?”

Faced with such a direct question, Noah hesitated for a moment but soon shook his head.

“Even if I did, it wouldn’t be something you could fulfill.”

“Just as I expected you’d react. Here, take this.”

Liam handed over a bundle he had next to him. Taken aback, Noah accepted it and checked the two letters and the jewel inside.

“They say there’s something left with the information broker in Devron. Before Frederick notices, you’re to contact the person mentioned in the letter. The black envelope is for you.”

What is an information broker, and who is the person he needs to meet? How does the queen know about these things? No, more importantly…

“Is there a particular reason you want me to handle this?”

“How would I know? I didn’t get a detailed explanation either.”

The man spoke in a straightforward yet casual manner befitting an aristocrat. Noah maintained his composure and continued.

“Did you come just to deliver this?”

“Well, that and…”

Liam cleared his throat softly.

“I also wanted to have a proper talk with you.”

“A talk…?”

“It’s been eight years. Or is it now around nine?”

As Noah slightly stiffened at the light banter, Liam displayed a flawless smile.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

Why is everyone so eager to greet him? Noah couldn’t hide his sigh.

“That name is long abandoned. You can call me whatever you like.”

“Well, don’t you think you should reclaim your name? For the sake of getting along well with my friend.”

“I don’t think it’s a simple matter. I’m sure you understand my position.”

“Then, do you have any alternative plans?”

Seeing Noah tightly close his mouth as if he had no intention of speaking, Liam chuckled softly. He lamented quietly.

“My friend has always had a knack for making things complicated.”

“Really?”

“Who would have thought she could handle romance like that?”

Noah replied quietly to Liam’s playful remark.

“Even without me, she is always noticeable.”

“Oh.”

“Do you have more to say?”

“You seem stronger than when we first met.”

Unlike before, his sharp gaze was strikingly clear with his recently cut hair. His features were as splendid as the king’s, and his sky-blue eyes were as deep as an endless abyss.

“Have you no intention of parting ways?”

“That’s a matter for Lady Cordelia to decide.”

Seeing Noah draw a gentle line with his tone, Liam appeared genuinely pleased. Indeed, if Noah were indecisive, he wouldn’t have maintained such a precarious balance for all these years.

“Oh, and there’s a message from Jerania.”

“What is it?”

Liam spoke somewhat seriously, and Noah’s expression gradually hardened as he listened.

“It says, ‘You won’t be able to avoid making a choice forever. Whatever choice you make, I will respect your will.’”

* * *

“When did you get here?”

Noah looked down at Cordelia, who had embraced him warmly. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to leave out some details.

“I missed you, Lady Cordelia.”

It wasn’t a false statement. Even though he had just returned from the information broker, he was indeed planning to visit Cordelia.

“Then why didn’t you go straight to the castle?”

“I went to buy a gift…”

That wasn’t a false statement either. Although the items suitable for here weren’t exactly appropriate for a noble lady.

“What’s going on?”

Turning to the side, Noah saw a pair of curious eyes sparkling. Linda, who had scurried up to Cordelia, looked back and forth between them.

“Who are you? How did you two end up having such an emotional reunion?”

The close embrace quickly fell apart. Cordelia looked at her lover with a hint of regret as she took a step back, and Noah, trying to hide his flustered emotions, greeted Linda.

“Hello, Lady. I’m Noah.”

“Oh, I’m Linda!”

“Ahem hmmm, this is my niece. Isn’t she cute?”

Noah felt a strange sense of déjà vu from the girl with bright, curious eyes. Was it because she was related to Cordelia? Why did she seem familiar?

Anyway.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”