In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 113

EPISODE 113

CHAPTER 16: REUNION

The serene mansion, surrounded by high walls, had withered branches peeking over the top. The dawn had yet to fully break, casting a bluish air and gray sky in a mysterious harmony.

Soldiers stood guard in front of the iron-barred main gate, their sharp gazes keeping a close watch on the estate’s security from a distance. After some time, the heavily closed gate opened, and someone emerged.

A tall man, dressed in plain clothing, gave a slight nod and began walking along the path. Those who had been hiding behind the walls followed him quietly, keeping a discreet distance like shadows.

As the man turned a corner, a quiet sigh escaped from the group.

“……Hmph.”

The man had disappeared without a trace. Had he noticed that he was being followed?

The group exchanged glances and quickly scattered in all directions.

* * *

Who were those people just now?

Noah swiftly turned into a nearby alley as soon as he rounded the corner and silently navigated the winding path. He emerged into the city streets where he could catch a carriage. Climbing into a nearby carriage, he drew the curtains on the window.

Although he often used this alley to avoid detection, it was the first time he had seen people following him so close to the mansion. The place where his mother and he were confined was known only to a few in the royal family. Was it a coincidence that someone followed him from so close by?

The mere thought made Noah’s expression darken slightly. Although he couldn’t be sure until he confirmed it, the temptation to remain unaware forever was strong.

Noah shook his head to clear his thoughts. Sitting upright and staring at the coachman’s seat, his blue eyes were resolute and unyielding.

“What do you think? These are the best quality among the recent arrivals…”

“I’ll take this one. Can I take it now?”

After selecting the last piece of plaster, Noah, along with two workers, headed toward the workshop in the cart. As he got out of the carriage and approached the workshop, the door suddenly burst open, startling him.

“What’s this commotion… Oh.”

Noah’s eyes widened at the sight of a middle-aged man with unkempt hair.

“Master?!”

“It’s been a while. Have you finally given up that gloomy hairstyle?”

Noah let out a light sigh upon seeing his teacher, Olive Flotera, laughing heartily.

“When did you arrive?”

“I got back last night. I was just taking some time to relax when you showed up.”

A piece of plaster, now beginning to take shape behind Olive’s shoulder, hovered in sight. Before Noah could respond, one of the workers behind him spoke loudly.

“Should we move this here?”

“Yes. Please place it in that corner.”

After stepping aside, Noah watched as the workers carefully moved the plaster. Once they had set it down in the space and left, Noah quietly asked.

“When will you start working?”

“I was just about to go see Perron. Would you like to come?”

“I should. You don’t have anyone else to bring along as an assistant, do you?”

“I can manage just fine on my own.”

“Please consider your age. So, where have you been wandering this time?”

“Oh, I was in Heritha.”

Upon hearing this, Noah’s face hardened. He glanced around to ensure no one was nearby before clenching his teeth and whispering.

“Why on earth did you go there?!”

Heritha, the magical kingdom beyond the western border. Although one could gain a title with magical talent even as a commoner, the kingdom was notorious for its lingering slavery system and the many who fell into slavery due to various pretexts. It was a lawless zone for ordinary citizens, even more so than the Creitz Kingdom where Noah lived.

“It’s not like crossing the border will kill me. The soldiers there aren’t likely to pay much attention to an old person like me.”

Olive’s well-toned muscles were evident as Noah glanced at them, but he couldn’t shake his worried expression.

“The atmosphere there is quite dangerous. It’s been less than two years since the wizards who defied the royal family were suppressed. There are even rumors that wizards who escaped the purge are lurking around the border.”

“Ah, so that’s why there was such a situation?”

The prelude was rather ominous. Before Noah could ask anything, Olive added cheerfully.

“No, it just so happened that I had to rescue a wizard from there.”

“Excuse me?”

“The wizard was caught in a trap, so I helped him out. It was quite pitiful, really—couldn’t even get out of a pit by himself.”

“Well, ordinarily people can’t get out of a pit on their own.”

“Really? Anyway, he wanted to thank me, so he showed me a magic circle you sent. He asked me if I knew what it was. He said it looked like some kind of ancient magic.”

“Ancient magic?”

“He wrote it down for me, but although I can understand the language, I can’t read it. Here it is.”

Olive handed Noah a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket. Noah placed it in his own pocket without unfolding it.

“What happened to the wizard?”

“He said it was dangerous for him to stay with me, so he wanted to disperse. I haven’t seen him since.”

“Anyway, I’m glad you returned safely.”

Considering the wizard’s ability to recognize the magic circle that even the priests of Ephinas struggled to decipher, he was likely quite knowledgeable. Noah hoped that the wizard had safely escaped the border and avoided the excesses of the royal family.

“What exactly have you gotten involved in?”

“I’ll explain once things are settled.”

“Does it have something to do with the haircut?”

“Possibly.”

Noah, looking intently at his mentor, managed to force out the words stuck in his throat.

“I’m sorry. You crossed the border because of me, didn’t you?”

It must have been a difficult problem, one that was awkward to ask even from the priests. Although Olive was well-known for his wandering tendencies, he was not someone to take unnecessary risks thoughtlessly.

So why would he suddenly take an interest in a neighboring country famous for its magic? Ashamed, Noah lowered his head, and Olive’s rough hand patted his shoulder firmly.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s been a while since I’ve heard my only disciple make a ‘request’. Honestly, you weren’t as childish as I thought.”

“Childish…?”

“So just focus on being a good assistant. Don’t be discouraged.”

As Olive began walking towards the guild leader, Noah followed, glancing at Olive’s back. The half-carved white plaster remained behind, watching them off.

* * *

“Hey.”

Cordelia, who suddenly spoke up, looked around at those sitting with her. Jasmine, Elisa, and Viscount Owen were gathered in the Viscount’s residence, having a rare, relaxed meeting.

Since the incident, the number of attendees at the reading meetings had decreased significantly, leaving the Viscount’s residence unexpectedly quiet. Viscount Owen responded to Cordelia’s apology by expressing his worry that she might have gotten involved in trouble because of him and was relieved that she had returned safely.

Everyone was initially surprised by her shortened hair but soon said nothing more about it. Cordelia appreciated their measured indifference.

She had been busy writing non-stop since she returned to her mansion after staying in Devron until the rumors died down. Although she could have visited the salon first, she chose to meet with them deliberately.

There was something she wanted to discuss openly.

“Is it considered a serious matter if one talks about wanting to meet their partner’s parents?”

“Ugh.”

Jasmine choked on her tea, apparently surprised, while Elisa, fortunately, avoided any mishaps as she was in the middle of reaching for a cookie. Cordelia patted Jasmine on the back, and Elisa cautiously asked.

“Are you referring to marriage, then?”

“Well… something like that?”

“Introducing someone to your family can indeed be seen as a serious commitment. But, have you been in a relationship?”

“Recently, things have been going well. He ended up meeting everyone in my family.”

Cordelia said, recalling that he had met Rick’s family and everyone in her own family at this point.

“But I haven’t had the chance to properly introduce myself yet. Doesn’t that seem a bit unfair?”

She remembered Aileen’s face from the dining table when she was with Noah. Although she didn’t have any specific worries, she was unsure of how Aileen would react to her.

While Aileen didn’t seem like a bad person from their conversations, her reputation for being extremely fond of her son was well-known even from her time as queen. Considering that her political rival was Cordelia’s sister, it made her situation even more complex.

“…I suppose it’s hard to expect a positive reaction, isn’t it?”

“What did you say?”

“I’m just worried about the reaction.”

Cordelia wasn’t exactly scared, but she was concerned that Noah might worry about her, which made her uneasy.

“Hmmm. I’d imagine that an older person like them would probably think, ‘Finally, our son has brought home a bride!’”

Owen, who had been sitting next to Elisa, quietly offered his thoughts. Cordelia nodded silently, acknowledging the elder’s perspective.

“Probably. But my concern is whether they’ll like me.”

Cordelia felt it was important to make a good impression on both families so Noah wouldn’t have second thoughts about the relationship. Lately, Noah had seemed troubled, which suggested he might be overthinking things.

Instead of pressing the issue, Cordelia decided to wait patiently. After all, it wasn’t easy for someone with Noah’s personality to accept her.

Jasmine, who had finally stopped coughing, eyed Cordelia’s expression and bluntly asked.

“Are you feeling anxious?”