In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 109

EPISODE 109

“Trap?”  

“If you’re trying to hunt a fox trapped in a narrow den, it’s best to lure it out, don’t you think?”  

Silkion’s eyes gleamed sharply as he compared their target to a fox. His amethyst eyes were deep and dark, like an abyss. Cordelia, who had been silently observing him, finally spoke up.

“I think that’s a good idea, but… how do you propose we make the wizard come to us?”

“There are plenty of methods if we look for them.”  

“Well, let’s avoid anything that violates the law. We’d prefer not to provoke the temple if we can help it.”  

“Considering the laws of this country, that’s not easy.”  

The four of them huddled together, brainstorming but failing to come up with a solid idea. In the kingdom, magic was under the temple’s jurisdiction, so it was natural for all wizards to belong to the temple. However, while this was a theoretical concept, many wizards chose to hide and conceal their power instead of adhering strictly to temple rules.

Even though the affiliation was now more of a choice than a duty, the temple, which was obsessed with magic, wouldn’t easily allow wizards to choose freedom. It was already difficult to get wizards to reveal themselves under the sun when they preferred to stay in the safety of the shadows.

As the discussion continued, Noah, who had been deep in thought, seized a brief lull in the conversation.

“How about organizing an event?”

“An event?”

“Offer a valuable item that only wizards can recognize as a prize and build the event around that…”  

After Noah finished explaining, all three of them nodded in agreement.

“That’s not a bad idea.”  

“Not bad.”  

“Quite an interesting suggestion.”  

Lyneth, Cordelia, and Silkion each voiced their approval, but practical issues remained.

“But to hold such an event in the capital without causing suspicion, we’d need to involve at least the royal family.”  

“Indeed. It might be too ambitious.”  

“Wait a moment.”  

Cordelia’s clear voice momentarily interrupted the conversation. Her face was more serious than ever that day. Lyneth looked at her with wide eyes, surprised.

“Do you have a plan?”  

“I’m not entirely sure, but it seems better than not trying at all.”  

Even if the idea might not work, it was worth a try. It was also a chance to gauge the value of the information she had.

“I’m scheduled to meet with His Majesty soon. I’ll bring it up then.”  

What had initially been a scheduled meeting to convey a message might turn out to be more useful than expected.

“Whether the royal family will comply with our requests is questionable. It might just complicate matters further.”

“Oh, you don’t trust me?”  

“It’s not about trusting you. It’s about not trusting the royal family.”  

As expected of someone from the temple, Lyneth did not hide her negative views about the royal family. Cordelia clicked her tongue.

“Don’t say that outside. You might end up being dragged into something.”

“What are you talking about? I know where I stand.”  

Lyneth narrowed her eyes at Cordelia, who still didn’t realize her precarious position. Silkion then calmly added.

“For now, let’s keep this matter under observation and prioritize completing the magic circle.”  

“Oh, is it progressing well?”  

“Fortunately or unfortunately, it’s more than halfway complete, so the restoration is going quite smoothly.”  

“The issue is that it involves a lot of unfamiliar languages. Fortunately, the temple’s library has some related materials. It’s taking a bit longer to discreetly retrieve them, but it won’t be long.”

Despite their usual tension, they responded smoothly when it came to work. Cordelia looked at Lyneth and Silkion with a pleased expression.

“You’re all working hard. How about we go out for a meal? I’ll treat.”  

Despite Cordelia’s effort to foster camaraderie, Silkion remained expressionless.

“I’m not particularly…”

“Great, I’ll make sure it’s something really expensive.”

Lyneth quickly stomped on Silkion’s foot under the table, causing him to look at Lyneth with a mix of disbelief and reprimand. His expression was as if he were admonishing someone who didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. Despite this, Lyneth responded with an unabashed smirk, while Cordelia burst into laughter.

“Alright, the meeting’s over! Let’s go out.”

* * *

When Frederick said, ‘For now, let’s observe,’ Cordelia could hardly believe her ears. She had prepared herself for a heated argument, only to be met with this anticlimactic response.

‘Wait, are you serious?’ 

‘Yes. Even if I take action now, you wouldn’t agree easily. It seems everyone who knows about it is aware of that.’  

Frederick glanced at Noah, who was standing next to Cordelia.  

‘I only hope you have some semblance of a conscience. Is that too much to ask?’ 

‘…Of course.’  

Noah, though still bewildered, answered earnestly.  

‘I have no intention of causing trouble for Lady Cordelia.’  

‘I hope that sentiment lasts. You’re more impulsive than a colt, so it’s best to be cautious.’  

‘What did I do to deserve this?’  

‘Who knows? Anyway, you’re not the worst…’  

Watching Frederick muttering to himself, Cordelia felt a growing unease about Pamela. She had expected Frederick to throw a tantrum and insist on immediate action, so she was curious how he had been convinced to tone down his reaction.

Was Noah’s support more substantial than she realized?  

‘By the way, it’s odd how…’

Without hearing Frederick’s murmured addition, Cordelia focused on the person sitting directly across from her.

“So, what brings you here?”  

The man with shimmering platinum hair, an array of features that seemed to embody every artistic ideal of beauty and a large, imposing presence with a cold gaze.

The most glamorous man in the kingdom. Anyone who had seen the king’s face would understand his reputation.

His blue eyes flicked towards Cordelia. Despite not being intentional, his presence had a peculiar force that made Cordelia understand a little why Noah had felt intimidated.

“While it’s customary for nobles to start with pleasantries, it seems a bit ridiculous to observe formalities with just us, doesn’t it?”

His bright and cheerful voice lightened the previously heavy atmosphere. The man, initially surprised, raised one eyebrow and responded briefly.

“Speak.”

“I recently saw a play in Devron. It was by a traveling troupe in the square.”  

“A play?”  

“Yes, a play.”  

The story was about a noble family. The legitimate heir, wrongfully accused, is cast out of the family. The illegitimate half-brother, who had been pushed down the line of succession, takes over as the head of the family. The wandering younger brother overcomes numerous adversities and ends up killing the half-brother who framed him and regains what he lost.

“The plot was cleverly twisted, but… Maybe because I’m involved, I couldn’t help but think about the relationship between His Majesty and Noah. Oh, it’s not that the two of you don’t get along!”  

After explaining the play, Cordelia quickly added, and the king blinked in surprise.

“Why do you think we get along?”  

“Well, His Majesty doesn’t seem to dislike Noah, does he? He seems to like him.”  

“I’m curious about the basis of your certainty.”  

Wondering if he was being sarcastic, Cordelia scrutinized the king’s expression. However, he genuinely seemed curious. Cordelia chose her words carefully before responding honestly.

“If you disliked someone, would you go out of your way to check on them when they were in trouble? You visited when there was a hole in the ship and sent herbs and a physician. I heard from Hannah that you sent excellent medicine, and she was surprised.”  

“…I see. However, the premise seems somewhat strange.”  

“Strange in what way?”

“Isn’t it more likely that Ian would find me troublesome?”

“I didn’t think so.”

Cordelia, who had been speaking casually, snapped back to reality as she noticed the king’s questioning gaze.

She thought this before, but this person doesn’t seem as intimidating as his reputation suggests.

“By the way, about the play…”

The king, with an unusually indifferent expression, made a surprising comment.

“That’s good. It might be worth encouraging a bit more.”

“Pardon?”

“The fact that weeds are showing their heads means it’s time to start weeding them out.”

The king’s calm voice contrasted sharply with the menacing undertone of his words. It was like watching a tiger reveal its claws after sitting quietly.

As Cordelia recalled the other reason she had come to meet him, a thought suddenly flickered in her mind.

“Your Majesty.”

Despite his penetrating gaze, Cordelia spoke with confidence.

“There’s something I urgently need to ask of you. How about making a deal with me?”

“A deal?”

“There’s a skill I haven’t mentioned to anyone.”

With a mischievous grin, Cordelia’s eyes sparkled like stars.

“Wouldn’t you like to make good use of that skill?”