In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 126

EPISODE 126

CHAPTER 18: A SPECIAL DAY

As winter neared its end with just over half a month to go, a new work emerged in the world.

<The Song of Sel and Jay>

With a simple yet easy-to-understand structure, captivating protagonists, and a faithful adherence to the theme of good triumphing over evil, this work began to gain popularity just three days after its release, thanks to word of mouth. The story follows a boy named Sel, the son of an ordinary farmer, who leaves his village, destroyed by monsters, and embarks on an adventure with a knight named Jay. Together, they help various troubled cities ravaged by monsters, acquire mysterious artifacts, and ultimately overthrow a corrupt king and an incompetent royal family, restoring peace to the kingdom.

However, as the work gained traction, strange rumors also began to circulate, largely due to the detailed portrayal of the royal family within the narrative. While nothing overtly blasphemous was said, stories about the royal family’s bloody history started to spread among the people.

Within less than half a month, the growing rumors reached the royal family itself. In response, the royal family seemed eager to appease public sentiment, distributing food reserves nationwide to assist the people while also declaring a festival to celebrate the arrival of spring and express gratitude to the deity for the upcoming sowing season.

The festival, centered around five major cities including the capital, featured various events, with particularly special goods prepared under the temple’s approval for the capital’s festivities.

As soon as this news spread, everyone’s curiosity turned to the nature of these ‘special goods.’ The more trivial the topic, the more it served as the perfect fuel to pass the long, dreary winter.

“What could those goods be?”

Someone casually asked in a tavern as darkness settled over the roof. The question sparked a flurry of opinions among the patrons gathered at the tables.

“Since they specifically mentioned the temple’s approval, I think it might be something related to magic.”

One person ventured with a plausible theory. Everyone responded with claps and the sound of utensils tapping on the table.

“Well, when you think of a temple, magic usually comes to mind!”

“But if it’s something magical, what exactly are they talking about?”

“What about a sacred sword blessed by the deity?”

“Oh, come on. That’s only useful for knights, right?”

The royal family had already set the premise that the items would be usable by anyone. The crackling fire in the hearth chimed in with the rhythm of their conversation.

“Maybe it’s a magic stone? Even a small one is worth enough to buy several houses.”

“That makes sense. Indeed, people can’t even find a tiny piece on the black market.”

As they exchanged various guesses, the night gradually deepened.

“It probably isn’t a type of magic stone. Regular folks wouldn’t be able to handle it anyway.”

However, the conversation among the priests, who knew a bit more about the situation, differed somewhat from the others. As the evening sun bathed the grass in a golden hue, those walking toward the dining hall nodded in response to one layman’s remark.

“Traph? But isn’t that easy enough to obtain? In terms of its value as a product, it lacks rarity.”  

“I think it’s more likely to be a tool imbued with a magic circle. Even those with barely a speck of magic should be able to use it.”  

Among those gathered, a notably younger girl dressed as an apprentice priest raised her hand excitedly.  

“If it’s someone from above, wouldn’t they be willing to share if we asked them?”  

“Don’t you know? I’ve heard of someone who asked such a question and ended up with the dirty work!”  

“Still, I’m curious. It’s been a while since I looked forward to a festival.”  

As they chatted softly and exited the temple, bluish clouds mixed with the sunset above their heads.  

“Are you saying you want to make something like that?”  

Matthias Hazel, the owner of the Hazel Workshop, stared incredulously at the man in front of him. Benjamin, wearing a neatly patterned priest’s robe, smiled amicably.  

The midday sunlight spilled through the window, casting a warm glow at their feet.  

“Is it possible?”  

“It can be done, but… the materials won’t be easy to find.”  

While it wasn’t useless, considering the cost, it was frankly an inefficient item. When the blacksmith repeatedly asked Benjamin if he was sure this was okay, Benjamin waved his hand dismissively.  

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll get whatever you need. It’s just that the deadline is tight.”  

“When do you need it by?”  

“I’d like it finished by mid-March.”  

“If you can get the materials quickly, we should be able to meet that timeline.”  

Matthias tore off a piece of paper from a stack in the corner of his workshop and began writing a list of materials with a quill he had prepared. As Benjamin examined the paper, which bore his rough handwriting while stroking his chin, he added.

“But Matthias, can we keep the purpose of what you make just between you and me?”  

“Sure? That shouldn’t be a problem… But you’ve been placing orders quite frequently lately, Ephinas. What will you do if you get in trouble with Ephinas Eir?”  

“Life is unpredictable, after all.”  

As if at a loss for words, Benjamin averted his gaze, his brown hair glinting in the sunlight.  

“Are you asking for something like this?”  

Perhaps due to the clouds blocking the sunlight, the weather outside was rather gloomy despite it being just past noon. Sitting behind thick curtains that shielded them from such scenery, the wizard Truyev opened his eyes wide.  

Tyrain nodded and spoke. 

“Can you do it?”  

“Of course, if I have the materials. But who on earth came up with such an idea? It doesn’t seem like the work of an ordinary mind.”  

“Wizard, is it common for you to have so many questions when you receive a commission?”

Seeing Tyrain’s chilling gaze contrasting with his smiling face, Truyev swallowed the curiosity that had surged up to his throat.  

“Oh, haha. Not at all. I just need some time.”  

“How much?”  

“Around half a month at most.”  

That was enough. As Tyrain nodded thoughtfully, he seemed to remember something and added.

“Oh, and it would be problematic if any secrets got out, so you’ll need to stay here until the work is finished.”  

“Excuse me? What do you mean by that?”  

“I promise you’ll be treated well enough. Ah, I’m not a suspicious person.”  

Though Truyev wanted to say that the mere act of requesting such a job was already quite suspicious, he glanced at the sword at the man’s waist and forced himself to remain silent. Moreover, hadn’t this man revealed himself to be immune to magic?  

Given that the spell he had attempted to cast had genuinely failed, it didn’t seem like a lie. Just then, feeling that he had suddenly been dragged into something dangerous, he tensed up.  

“Ah, here’s your pay. The rest will be paid once I receive the item.”  

“I will cooperate wholeheartedly.”  

Tyrain, who had been watching the wizard in disbelief as he rubbed his hands together as soon as he saw the pouch full of gold coins, patted him on the shoulder encouragingly.

“Great, I’ll be waiting.”  

The curtain swayed as a breeze brushed against it. The hazy clouds were beginning to clear.

* * *

“Wow, this fabric is so beautiful.”  

Cordelia couldn’t contain her admiration as she gazed at the flowing silk draped over her arm. The deep green hue of the fabric exuded elegance on its own, and the material was so soft that it sent chills across her skin.  

“Do you like it? I heard a trading ship arrived after a long time, so I went to see it, and as soon as I laid eyes on this, I just knew it was destiny.”  

The tailor, seemingly excited by Cordelia’s reaction, replied enthusiastically. She held out a piece of paper pinned to a wooden board in front of her.  

“First, I was thinking of a dress like this.”  

The paper featured a dress design with flowing layers of thin fabric, a ruffled hem, lace covering the neckline, and wide bishop sleeves. Considering her recently shortened hair, it also included a wide-brimmed hat instead of a hairpiece.  

Imagining what the completed dress would look like, Cordelia smiled contentedly.  

“It looks nice. Perfect for wearing in spring.”  

“I tailored it similarly to the outfit I made for that gentleman last time, so I’m honored you like it.”  

“Your instincts are as sharp as ever, Dorothea.”  

“Thank you for the compliment.”  

As they exchanged playful banter, Cordelia glanced at her watch. Realizing it was nearly 4 o’clock, she carefully returned the silk to the tailor.

“Then, it will be twenty days, right?”  

“Yes. Shall I measure the dimensions now?”  

“No, let’s do that in a week. I have an appointment right now.”  

“Understood. I’ll come back in a week.”  

After the tailor nodded and left the room, Cordelia began to prepare to go out. With Rosa attending to her, her face lit up with excitement as she got ready.