In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 122

EPISODE 122

Noah hesitated, his face uncertain, and asked.

“…Is that okay?”

“Come on, it’s just three nights. If we tell in advance, it should be fine. Oh, if you have things to do, you can bring your tools and stuff.”

To finish the manuscript, Cordelia needed to stay at her estate no matter what. Since it was a highly confidential project, any leaks would be troublesome. She had already discussed the progress with the palace a few days ago and had even planned the promotion carefully.

Cordelia lightly grabbed Noah’s hand. When she tickled his palm with her thumb, his shoulder twitched. She smiled as she met his gaze.

“Besides, you broke your bracelet just to see me.”

“That’s… well…”

“Isn’t it?”

“That’s true, but…”

Noah couldn’t quite deny it and awkwardly laughed, while he entwined his fingers with Cordelia’s, a hint of excitement in the firm grip that felt like he wouldn’t let go.

“This is all because we haven’t seen each other enough.”

As she asserted this confidently, Noah, still uncertain, slowly nodded his head. Cordelia’s steps were light as they walked down the slope just beyond the main gate.

The sunlight scattered over the white snow that had piled up.

“Right, we should probably tell Lyneth too?”

“If we’re switching bodies in four days, we’ll have to meet her at least once, so I think we can tell her then.”

“That’s true. There’s no need to hear the nagging sooner than necessary.”

“Even if I get scolded, I’ll take it.”

Noah crinkled his nose slightly as if feeling embarrassed.

“It’s an emotional issue, so it can’t be helped. Honestly, if I had been in control, I would have filled it up six times by now.”

Cordelia offered a half-hearted comfort and let go of his hand. Stretching one hand as if to shake off her complex feelings, she exclaimed.

“Alright. Since we’re out here, let’s have some fun!”

Now that the decision was made, what could they do? They might as well enjoy it. Worrying wouldn’t lead to any solutions.

“So that’s the conclusion, huh?”

“Are you unhappy about it?”

“Of course not.”

Even after spending the whole day together yesterday, he didn’t feel tired of her at all. Cordelia probably felt the same. He hoped so as he looked at Cordelia’s back a few steps ahead.

Even though it was his own body, it felt strangely unfamiliar.

“Oh, first, I should meet Tyrain. He might be at the palace?”

“Probably. If you say I called him, he’ll come out.”

“Right. Why don’t you tell him to contact you too?.”

Seeing Cordelia wave her hand dismissively, Noah couldn’t hide his laughter this time.

* * *

Surprisingly, permission for the overnight stay was granted easily.  

‘Well, who would listen to me anyway?’

Cordelia shot a retort at the man, who wore a look of enlightenment.  

‘At this age, having to ask for permission to stay out is ridiculous.’

‘Please don’t make such a scary face every time I see you. It frightens me.’  

‘What’s so scary about it?’

‘It’s like I’m looking at a different person.’  

‘Well, I am a different person.’

Noah looked at Tyrain with a mixed expression as he shook his head in disbelief. What was he looking at? Following Tyrain’s gaze, Cordelia’s eyes landed on the top of his head.  

A hat?  

He was wearing a dark green hat, elegantly adorned with a white feather secured by a brooch with a red gem.

Seeing that reminded her of an old commission she had placed; she thought she should contact the tailor again soon, as she held Noah’s hand tightly.

Though she had boldly declared they would go out, nothing had significantly changed from yesterday. They would just stroll around the city, have a meal, and this time return to the mansion early to chat comfortably with Noah. It felt a bit awkward to do anything like kissing since they were in swapped bodies.

After dinner, Cordelia spent a few hours in the study diligently writing. Once she finished her quota, she got up and knocked on the door of the room right next to hers while holding a lantern.  

“Are you in there? Sleeping?”  

“Oh, are you going to sleep?”

Looking down at Noah, who appeared in his pajamas, Cordelia was inwardly impressed. Wow, it’s her face, but the beauty is stunning.  

“I have a favor to ask.”  

“A favor?”  

Cordelia grinned and pulled on Noah’s arm. He was inadvertently dragged into her room, and as the door closed behind them, she plopped down onto the bed.

“Why all of a sudden…?”  

“Before I explain, just come here!”

Noah narrowed his eyes at Cordelia, who was patting the neatly arranged blankets on the bed, her behavior seeming suspicious.  

Well, even if he was in her body, this was Cordelia’s house. If he truly intended to imitate her, he’d need to fall asleep here.

But somehow…  

“If I misunderstood, I apologize, but…”  

“Let’s sleep together.”  

“I’ll decline.”

Without even pretending to hesitate, wasn’t that too much? Cordelia pouted her lips. Seeing her use his own face without hesitation made Noah feel tormented.  

“I won’t do anything. It’s just sleeping together.”  

It was a pretty reasonable conclusion considering they were in swapped bodies, but Noah didn’t move from the door. Of course, Cordelia wasn’t the type to give up easily.

“Really not? I had my own little romance about it.”  

Pretending to look gloomy and letting her eyes droop, Cordelia seemed to have hit a nerve as Noah slowly tilted his head.  

“A romance?”  

“Lying down with my partner and chatting all night.”

As Cordelia uttered the words, she felt goosebumps rise on her arms from the adorable thought that seemed fit for her younger self. Of course, her expression remained shameless.  

“…You must have had many romantic relationships, right?”

It was a question that implied more than just sleeping together. So, he wasn’t completely naïve? Thinking this was quite unexpected, Cordelia replied cheerfully.  

“Those things are done with marriage in mind.”  

She didn’t necessarily agree that women should be demure, but engaging in such activities without any benefit seemed pointless. Just sharing a kiss would have people whispering about it within days.  

Why are people’s mouths so light, anyway?

“We’ve only been dating for a month.”  

“Well, true. But we’re in swapped bodies. Even if I had ulterior motives, what could I actually do? Honestly, it’s embarrassing…”

If it weren’t for that, she would have tried to push him down earlier today at the mansion. Hiding her disappointment, Cordelia looked at him innocently.  

Seeing Noah take a step toward her, Cordelia cheered inwardly while maintaining a coy expression. As he slowly stood before her, Cordelia grasped his slender wrist.  

Noah, blinking in surprise, willingly leaned over Cordelia’s body. In the dimly lit bedroom illuminated only by the lantern, their eyes met.  

The sensation of their skin touching and their body heat became acutely aware. The surrounding silence made their heartbeats sound even louder. The flickering light filled her gaze.

Instead of avoiding it, Noah reached out toward Cordelia, his fingers brushing against her slightly rough cheek.  

It was her face, and she had no reason to feel nervous, yet she couldn’t help but feel shy. Was it because she knew whose essence was behind it?

Noah gently withdrew his hand and whispered. 

“…Shall we sleep?”

As Noah moved back from above her, Cordelia also sat up. She has to hold back, she has to hold back.  

But Cordelia had no talent for patience.  

“Ah, what a pity! This was the perfect moment to kiss and do a little something!”

“Cordelia!”  

The seriousness didn’t last long. Despite Noah’s exasperated reaction, Cordelia rolled onto the bed with a huff. The large bed, designed to her taste, was spacious enough for three people.

“But honestly, didn’t our mood just now feel amazing? I feel like we missed the best opportunity.”  

“What opportunity?”  

Sighing, she turned to look at Noah, who had settled down beside her. She smirked.  

“You’re not seriously asking, are you?”  

“I’ll turn off the light.”  

As the lantern was extinguished, darkness enveloped them. After a moment, their eyes adjusted enough to discern each other’s facial outlines. Cordelia reached out, slowly caressing Noah’s face.

Still, with her face somewhat obscured, the atmosphere improved a bit. It was a little embarrassing to whisper sweet nothings against her own face.  

“Anyway, do you not want to do that with me?”

“…No matter what, I’m not so selfish as to reject someone I like.”  

“Oh.”  

“But that’s not right now. What exactly are you worried about?”  

Despite the sharpness of his words, his voice was surprisingly soft, making Cordelia realize anew that her voice could be so gentle.  

Even if the consciousness had changed, could a person’s personality not be hidden?

“What do you think I’m worried about?”  

“Aren’t you trying to say something to me?”  

Ugh, why is he so perceptive?

“I’m not. By the way, come a bit closer. Why are you so far away?”  

Cordelia stretched her arms to pull Noah toward her. As they hugged tightly, the sound of their heartbeats grew louder. Whose heartbeat was it? Cordelia spoke playfully.

“Wow, your heart is racing. Are you nervous?”  

“…A little.”  

“You’re thinking about that even though you’re in my body?”  

“I don’t care about the shell. Being with you always makes my heart feel uneasy.”  

There was a hint of tension in his somewhat blunt tone. After a slight pause, Noah’s warm hand, patting her arm, made Cordelia hold her breath for a moment.  

Thump, thump. It seemed like everything was flowing peacefully at first glance as if anything could jump out without a care.

“Noah, you know…”  

The words came out impulsively.  

“If people who seem to know you come looking for you, what will you do?”