In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 106

EPISODE 106

The tower was so tall that the forest in front of them, the villages beyond, and even the distant mountains were all visible. Clouds, tinted purple and crimson, chased after the setting sun as it descended toward the western horizon. The sky was filled with swirling colors as if someone had splattered and mixed paints.

It was as though the boundary between day and night was on display, and the mesmerizing contrast instantly captured their attention.

“Wow…”

Even Noah, who usually reacted indifferently to most things, couldn’t help but let out a breath of admiration at the stunning view. Cordelia smiled widely, grabbing Noah’s hand and pulling him toward the railing of the watchtower.

“This is the west tower of the castle. It’s the best place to watch the sunset!”

Cordelia pulled out a mat from the corner, spread it on the ground, and secured it with a basket. They both leaned against the railing, watching the sun slowly sink.

“We timed it perfectly. It looks like the sun will set soon.”

As the wind started to get chilly, Cordelia shivered and tightly wrapped the brown shawl draped over her shoulders.

“Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Yes, it’s really beautiful.”

Noah glanced at Cordelia briefly before looking away, feeling slightly embarrassed as his words came out faster than intended.

“Why here?”

“I wanted to watch the sunset with you. You know how beautiful things are better when shared.”

Cordelia’s face slowly became bathed in the glow of the sunset as she turned to look at Noah. Her cheeks, tinged with a rosy hue, and the emotions shimmering in her blue eyes made her look truly lovely.

“I wanted to relive the moment I started liking you.”

“What?”

Noah, with a puzzled expression, was met with a soft smile from Cordelia, who didn’t offer any further explanation.

“I thought you’d like this more. You looked so uncomfortable when I tried to buy you clothes, but now you seem excited.”

“Do I?”

Noah awkwardly brushed his upturned lips with his hand. Cordelia sat down on the spread mat and gestured for him to join her. Once he sat down beside her, they opened the bundle together.

Inside were slices of bread stuffed with thinly cut meat, vegetables, and eggs, along with a bottle of fresh milk, a bottle of alcohol, and two wooden cups. Though there was only one type of food, there was quite a lot of it. It was clear that they had considered the lack of utensils.

“Wow, they packed a lot.”

“We might not finish it before it gets dark.”

Though there was still time before the sun fully set, winter meant the sun would go down quickly. While the watchtower provided some protection from the wind, the air was already getting quite chilly.

“Oh, is that so? Well, we can always eat the rest in our room.”

Cordelia casually answered, taking a bite of her bread. The perfectly seasoned meat and crisp vegetables were a delight to her taste buds. Noah poured alcohol into a cup and handed it to Cordelia.

“It’s cold out.”

“Thanks.”

Cordelia gladly accepted the cup and then looked at Noah, who had finally started eating his portion.

“Now that I think about it, why did you stay still earlier?”

“When?”

“When we met Rick. You didn’t move on purpose, did you?”

“Ah.”

Noah whispered as he quickly finished off one of the pieces of bread.

“Well… I realized I couldn’t just keep avoiding it forever. Once I thought about that, I couldn’t move.”

At that time, his mind had been so clouded with thoughts that his reaction had been delayed. Noah, showing his unease, picked up another piece of bread. Cordelia lightly added.

“You’re right. At this point, there’s no need to keep hiding things.”

If that was his resolve, she could accept it. But this wasn’t the only reason she had brought it up.

“So, what’s been bothering you all day? You’ve been spaced out.”

At her casual question, Noah nearly choked on his bread. After swallowing it down with effort, he answered as calmly as possible,

“Like I said, I’m just tired.”

“Lie. I know you better than that. Aren’t we special to each other now? Why are you still hiding things?”

Cordelia’s face was practically plastered with the words ‘I’m disappointed’ as she stared intently at him. Avoiding her gaze, Noah darted his eyes around before finally whispering.

“Just… give me a little more time.”

He couldn’t tell her. At least, not in this half-hearted state. It wasn’t just that he didn’t want to be caught wavering; Cordelia would likely give him a straightforward answer the moment he spoke. He didn’t want that. He couldn’t keep showing her this side of himself that lacked conviction.

He wanted to keep it a secret until he could make his own decision.

“I wasn’t trying to force you to open up. It’s just that your expression looked so bad.”

Cordelia said, stepping back with the maturity befitting someone older.

“I won’t get mad just because you don’t tell me. I just wondered if you didn’t trust me since you kept saying it’s nothing.”

“It’s not like that!”

“I know, I know. Let’s just eat. The sun’s about to set.”

Cordelia, deliberately exaggerating a shiver, began eating the remaining food. Noah wiped his hands with a cloth and carefully straightened the slightly askew shawl on her shoulders.

“It’s cold.”

“You seem colder than me. Are you okay?”

“I’m not very sensitive to the cold.”

“Must be nice. I really can’t stand the cold.”

Though it was warmer here in the south compared to the capital, it was still getting chilly. Romantic as the idea was, the cold could be deadly. As Cordelia looked up at the darkening sky, as if it were slowly draping a veil over them, she took a sip of her drink.

Just before the sky fully darkened, they gathered their now nearly empty basket and descended the tower’s watchtower at a leisurely pace. It wasn’t time for the patrols to start yet, so there was no one else around. The hallway quickly grew dark after the sun fully set, but the wall-mounted lights scattered here and there made it manageable to walk without a lantern.

The two walked slowly and stopped in front of Cordelia’s room. Since Noah’s quarters were one floor below, it was time to part ways.

Standing there in the hallway, they hesitated for a while. The reason was simple—they didn’t want to say goodbye.

Come to think of it, hadn’t they just reunited three days ago after becoming a couple? It was only natural that they’d be reluctant to part, given the early stage of their relationship.

“Well, thanks for walking me back. You should get some rest.”

Cordelia said maturely. Of course, as someone with more relationship experience, it made sense for her to speak first. She glanced around, hiding her deep reluctance. Good, no one was around.

Cordelia found herself seriously contemplating.

Would a hug be okay? After all, they were a couple now, and wasn’t a kiss just a normal way to say goodbye? Then again, would that be rushing things? They were both adults now, but Noah had only just had his first kiss recently. If she moved too fast, he might feel overwhelmed…

“Cordelia.”

“Hmm?”

“Uh… may I ask a favor?”

“What is it? What do you want to do?”

She teased playfully, noticing the blush creeping up Noah’s neck even in the dim light. Ah, maybe she had teased him too much.

“Do whatever you want. Go ahead!”

As Cordelia opened her arms wide as if to welcome whatever Noah was about to do, he let out a soft chuckle.

“Why are you laughing?”

“…You’re just cute.”

He replied quietly.

“I am pretty cute and lovable, aren’t I?”

She shrugged as if asking if he was going to do it or not.

With a resolute look, Noah took a step forward. He was now close enough to embrace her. Cordelia expected a hug, but to her surprise, Noah’s face slowly lowered.

Huh?

His arms circled her shoulders, and she felt something warm and soft press gently against her forehead. Noah always ran a bit warm, and in the winter, it felt almost scorching. After briefly kissing her forehead, he leaned in and lightly kissed her cheek. Finally, he pressed his lips firmly against her neck before lifting his head.

Caught completely off guard, Cordelia instinctively touched her cheek where his lips had just been. The moment their eyes met, Noah, flustered, blurted out, ‘Goodnight!’ before bolting down the stairs.

Cordelia stood there, staring blankly after him for a moment, then slowly turned, opened her door, and collapsed onto her soft bed. As soon as she hit the mattress, she kicked her legs in the air.

“Kyaaah!”

Biting her lip, she rolled around the bed for a while, grinning like a fool. With no one around to see her, she didn’t bother maintaining her dignity, openly giggling.

“Cute? Really…?”

Has she gone crazy? He’s the cute one!

For someone with that face and build to do something so adorable, it was ridiculous. She had only expected a hug, but he had pleasantly defied her expectations. As she recalled the events that had just transpired, Cordelia pounded her fists into the bed.

This is insane! She can’t believe this is happening to her!

She had been in plenty of relationships before, but she had rarely been this flustered. Honestly, she had more often experienced exasperation than butterflies.

Wait, no. Think happy thoughts!

Noah had been trembling a little when he kissed her. She could feel how much he liked her, and it made her strangely bashful.

So this is what dating a younger guy is like. Cordelia mentally added that to her list of realizations as she tapped her feet against the bed.

Maybe she should’ve been more assertive. No, she still has to play it cool for now. She’s curious to see how far he’ll go!

“Ah, this is perfect.”

She muttered as she slowly sat up, leaned back against the bed, and hugged her pillow, burying her face into it with a soft, mischievous laugh.

* * *

The next morning, Cordelia yawned and rubbed her eyes. After waking up leisurely as the sun climbed higher, she ate breakfast and dressed casually before briskly making her way to the parlor. She opened the door with a light push.

The parlor had a soft, classic atmosphere, with rose-patterned wallpaper and an unlit fireplace in the corner. The dark wood furniture and leather sofas added a sophisticated but not overly luxurious feel. This room was reserved for close guests only.

To her surprise, there was already someone waiting.

“Pamela?”