In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 132

EPISODE 132

A distant bell chimed two o’clock. As soon as the play ended, the few stragglers that had remained began to disperse from the central square like water flowing away. Only a handful of people remained in the now sparsely populated square, some of them busy packing up the props from the performance.

Cordelia and Noah walked away from the square, leaving the festivities behind. The streets were more crowded than usual, making it hard to focus, but the excitement in the air seemed contagious. She found herself in high spirits, possibly picking up on the lively mood of those around her.

‘Ian, do what you truly want.’

They had parted ways with the royal couple upon leaving the square. Jerania had told Cordelia to visit the southern plaza, while the king had left Noah with a few words and a firm pat on the shoulder.

‘I’ve seen your paintings.’

‘What?’

Noah had asked, surprised.

‘They are beautiful and warm. I don’t know much about art, but you will no doubt become an even greater painter.’

The king’s voice was as dry and emotionless as ever, almost cold. He turned to Jerania with the same calm indifference.

‘Your Majesty…!’

Noah called out to him hesitantly.

Franz turned his head slightly, raising a brow.

‘What is it?’

‘…I hope you enjoy the festival.’

Noah finally said, stumbling over the words.

Franz reached out and ruffled Noah’s hair gently.

‘You too.’

“Aww, I wanted to spend more time with my sister.”

Cordelia said with a half-joking, half-sincere expression, torn between duty and the festive atmosphere. It was hard to feel completely at ease, but there was something about the festival’s magic that kept her mood light.

“Do you not like being alone with me?”

Noah asked, bending slightly to meet her gaze. His deep blue eyes, impossible to fathom, combined with his soft, smiling expression, made him look almost unbearably handsome. For a moment, Cordelia was speechless.

“Of course, I do.”

She replied quickly.

Noah covered his mouth with his fist, letting out a soft laugh. Cordelia swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze.

“Then, let’s go explore.”

“Yes, let’s head to the southern plaza.”

As Noah took her hand, a flower petal from somewhere drifted down and landed on Cordelia’s hood. Noah gently removed the petal and clutched it in his hand.

* * *

By the time they reached the southern plaza, they found it bustling with people, all gathered around a large statue in the center. The most eye-catching among the crowd were those dressed in pristine white clerical robes. From their fingertips, they conjured the image of a pure white bird, which soared into the sky to the amazement of the spectators. Then, as if by magic, the bird scattered into a swarm of rainbow-colored butterflies that fluttered above the crowd’s heads. Children, laughing with delight, chased after the butterflies as their guardians hurried to reign them in.

“Wow, is that something magic can do? Have you ever seen anything like that before, Noah?”

Cordelia asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

“No, it’s my first time as well.”

“Not even in the royal palace?”

“They prohibit the use of magic for personal purposes there.”

As they chatted, someone placed a hand on Cordelia’s shoulder.

“Ah!”

She shrieked, startled.

“Why so jumpy?”

Came a familiar voice.

Turning around, Cordelia was shocked to see her sister.

“Sister?”

Calia, having removed her hood, let her rose-colored hair shine brilliantly under the sunlight. Perhaps already bothered by the attention it attracted, she pulled her hood back over her head and crossed her arms.

“So, I take it you managed to find Jerania at the square without any trouble? I swear, that girl is better than a fortune teller.”

Calia said, clicking her tongue lightly in amusement.

Cordelia, still confused, stared at her older sister.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to enjoy the festival. Right, Veronica?”

Calia replied nonchalantly.

“Yes, Lady Calia.”

Answered Veronica, who had been standing quietly behind her. She was dressed modestly in a simple purple gown, looking quite composed. However, Cordelia couldn’t help but think about the many hidden weapons that were likely concealed beneath the hem of her dress. With that thought, she quickly averted her gaze.

“Since we’ve run into each other, let’s walk around together for a bit. Ah, if I’m intruding on your alone time, I apologize in advance.”

Calia said with a confident smile, showing no intention of stepping back.

Noah nodded in agreement.

“I don’t mind, as long as Lady Cordelia is okay with it.”

“That’s good.”

“My opinion doesn’t count?”

“Stop being stubborn and just come along.”

Calia said firmly.

The southern plaza didn’t have any benches to sit on, so the group naturally left and headed down a wide street to the east. The clear sky and faint scent of flowers made it obvious that spring had arrived. Calia glanced briefly at the blue roof of the distant royal palace before speaking softly.

“Did you enjoy the play?”

“Of course I did… Wait, you should have told me beforehand if you were going to make it public!”

Cordelia replied, indignant.

“Please. You’re the one who always acts first and asks questions later.”

Calia teased, bringing up Cordelia’s own past behavior. The younger sister had no retort to that, so she stayed quiet, pouting.

“Where are we going?”

Cordelia asked after a moment of silence.

“Looking for the red flag.”

“What? You’re joining that thing too?”

“I’m bored. It’s a good way to pass the time. What else do nobles have but time?”

Calia’s graceful steps seemed to match her easygoing nature. Behind her, Noah and Veronica exchanged curious glances.

Calia’s tone dropped a little lower.

“I’ve heard the public mood has been restless lately. I was worried something might happen today, but it seems that was just my imagination.”

“…Is that so?”

Cordelia swallowed nervously. She had a feeling that, in some way, she had played a part in calming things down.

Noah, who had been listening from behind, wore a thoughtful expression, his mood darkening slightly. Veronica noticed this, her eyes reflecting curiosity.

“Jerania has no fear. Going for a stroll when things are so uncertain.”

“She has her guards. Besides, she can’t just be confined to the palace all the time.”

“True enough. Everything seems peaceful enough, so what could go wrong?”

Soon enough, they reached a building near the eastern plaza, marked by a large red flag. The flag was so conspicuous that they could spot it from a distance. The massive letters on the flag hinted at some kind of challenge.

“Now, I will present a riddle. Those who answer correctly should retrieve the corresponding item and bring it inside the building to receive their proof.”

A soldier announced loudly in front of the flag, ensuring that even those who couldn’t read would understand.

On either side of the building’s entrance were panels that seemed to be made from dark stone. The soldier continued.

“Here is the riddle: ‘It is whole at the top but empty at the bottom, has a face but no body, and is close when young but distant when grown. What is it?’”

The question was quite metaphorical, leaving many people scratching their heads in confusion. As the crowd murmured, trying to figure out the answer, Calia tilted her head slightly.

“This is harder than I expected.”

But Cordelia, after thinking for a while, suddenly brightened up.

“I think I know what it is! Let’s go!”

Her energy seemed endless, but Calia sighed, looking exhausted.

“I’d rather rest for now. If you must go, take Veronica with you.”

“Go with Veronica?”

Cordelia asked, surprised.

“That’s what hired help is for. Surely you weren’t planning on making your lover run errands for you, were you?”

“No way! Fine, fine. Noah, stay here with my sister, and don’t move!”

Cordelia grumbled before turning to leave.

“Yes, be careful.”

Noah replied with a soft smile, watching as Cordelia and Veronica left. The atmosphere shifted as they were left alone. Moving to a shaded spot, Noah turned to Calia and spoke.

“Countess.”

“You’re finally addressing me properly.”

Calia said, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“You already know the answer to the riddle, don’t you?”

“Your instincts are as sharp as ever.”

Noah had suspected it, and now it seemed clear that Calia had sent Cordelia away to speak with him alone. But what was it she wanted to say? Sensing his unease, Calia gestured reassuringly.

“It might be surprising to hear this out of the blue, but don’t worry too much.”

Calia’s gaze drifted off as if she were looking at something far away.

“I once had someone I liked.”

As expected, Noah blinked in surprise at the unexpected confession, and Calia just shrugged.

“I still like them, actually. But I’ve never thought about wanting things to work out between us.”

“Why not?”

Noah asked, puzzled.

“Because I thought it was beautiful precisely because it could never be.”

Calia replied with a soft laugh. Her profile, framed by the light, looked serene, befitting her elegant beauty.

“Besides, I never wanted to be trapped in the constraints of marriage just for love.”

She added, making a face that clearly showed her distaste for the idea.

Noah, watching her closely, suddenly had a thought.

“Could it be… you don’t want Lady Cordelia to get married either?”