In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 43

EPISODE 43

Cordelia was reassured by Isaac’s words, which expressed concern for her despite the family’s position.

Of course. There was no way her Father wouldn’t have noticed Noah’s identity. Given that he was the chief minister when Noah was under house arrest, it’s only natural that he would have had many encounters with him. Although she didn’t bring Noah to this territory without preparing for such a situation.

“Why are you saying you want to protect me?”

Even though she understood the concern, Cordelia wasn’t completely without words to respond.

“I can handle things on my own. I’ve always managed to do so.”

While it was true that being born into a powerful family had its advantages, if she had relied on her family for every little thing, she wouldn’t have established such a position in high society.

“Here, being just a pretty face won’t be enough to survive. This world isn’t that simple.”

“And my actions wouldn’t be seen as reflecting the family’s intentions, would they? I’m known for being particularly distant from politics even within our family. Even if it were discovered that I’m with Noah, it would be regarded as more of an indulgence rather than a political maneuver.”

Cordelia had intentionally kept her distance from political matters, so it was surprising that this would turn out to be beneficial. In fact, among the influential families who had made names for themselves in politics, she was subtly treated as just a pretty but foolish person. She had left it alone because making excuses would only draw more suspicion and, more than anything, it was just bothersome.

“And if there’s anyone who might challenge our family politically, it would likely be the royal family….”

She was well aware that several influential families, including Frederick, were united in their opposition to the royal family and its policies. It was said that it was rarer for Jerania and Rick not to have heated debates in the council chambers than for them to argue. What was most surprising was that they still got along personally.

“I heard that the fact that Noah can be out in public is a clear breach of confidentiality. It’s an absurd situation. Even though he is the grandson of a traitor with restrictions, he’s allowed to roam around freely.”

Cordelia smiled slightly as she remembered what Noah had said.

‘It’s a privilege, but it’s more like a sort of trade.’

‘Trade?’

‘It wasn’t my doing.’

Thinking back to what Noah had said, it could be interpreted that someone made a transaction and used Noah’s activities as the price. Given that they had sent a close confidant, Tyrain May, as an informant, it seemed unlikely that they would withdraw the order given to Noah hastily.

“So, in a way, the person who least wants the truth about Noah to come out might be His Majesty the King. Am I wrong?”

“Well, that’s true.”

As Isaac echoed her thoughts, he suddenly shivered, feeling a chill. Cordelia was, after all, suggesting becoming an accomplice to the king.

“Cordy, be careful. It’s crucial not to make hasty judgments when we don’t even know His Majesty’s intentions in releasing him.”

Isaac quickly added, alarmed. Although he had some suspicions, his immediate priority was to dissuade Cordelia.

Of course, while the king supports Jerania, his relationship with Queen Aileen, Ian’s biological mother, is also strained. This could lead to unnecessary trouble.

“Don’t worry, I won’t get caught by Rick. I promise!”

“Of course, you shouldn’t get caught! Oh dear…”

Just imagining the possibility made Isaac clutch his stomach as if the alcohol he had drunk the night before was coming back up. Cordelia gasped in surprise.

“Father, are you okay?”

“I’m not okay. Can we stop this conversation?”

“No, that’s a separate issue.”

Isaac glared at his unfeeling youngest daughter with resentment. Determined to say everything she needed to, Cordelia continued speaking.

“Even though I’ve calculated things like this, I know that if problems arise, our family might inevitably get entangled.”

Isaac’s expression brightened noticeably. Yes, his child does have some sense…

“But if that happens, can’t I just give up my inheritance? I don’t get anything from the family anyway, so what kind of conspiracy or rebellion could be connected to me?”

Isaac was shocked by her audacious suggestion and shouted.

“That’s nonsense. If you give up your inheritance, what on earth will you live on?”

No parent would be pleased to see their precious child deliberately choosing a difficult path. Maybe he should secretly transfer some land to her. Even if the official stance was severance, the unofficial situation might be different.

As Isaac pondered over hypothetical issues, Cordelia responded cheerfully.

“I already have a lot of money.”

“Huh?”

“There are sources of income. Even without the family’s assets, I can be self-sufficient.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“Ah, don’t ask. It’s a top-secret matter. If you knew how many properties I own in the capital, you’d be surprised!”

She hadn’t just left her royalties idle. After all, the foundation of all investments is land and real estate.

‘Cordy, having more money isn’t a bad thing.’

Jerania had advised this, and after checking Cordelia’s royalties, she bought a property in prime locations with every bit of money that came in. Calia found a careful and competent manager to handle the accounts.

As more than ten years passed, the money accumulated to such an extent that, to exaggerate a bit, she could bathe in gold coins.

Cordelia tried to give her wealth to her sisters, attributing all the credit to them, but she ended up with her cheeks pinched and her forehead smacked, her cheeks puffed up like a squirrel.

“Of course, it’s a last resort, and I’ll make every effort to avoid such a situation.”

Isaac sighed and replied.

“Alright, let’s assume that’s the case. But what is it about that person that you like so much?”

“His face. His body. His personality.”

Cordelia listed off these qualities in one breath, causing Isaac to slightly open his mouth. She folded her arms and said.

“Why ask such an obvious question? Father, you were convinced by his looks, weren’t you?”

“He has grown up quite handsome.”

“When I first saw his face, I was so surprised. And on top of that, his personality is adorable—don’t you think that’s unfair, Father?”

His sweet demeanor, sharp mind, and diligence were all impressive. Cordelia cherished seeing someone who genuinely worried about her.

“But to think I’d have to let go of such a handsome man just because of that marquis’ mess—does that even make sense?”

“C-Cordy, calm down…”

Isaac, who was struggling to pacify his enraged daughter, cautiously asked.

“But, Cordy, does he have any feelings for you at all?”

Though his daughter was impulsive, she wasn’t one to force her feelings onto others. Ian had explicitly said he had no intention of getting entangled with Cordelia in that way. Of course, given his position, he had to say that, but still…

Upon hearing the question, Cordelia abruptly stopped. When she turned her head with a creak and locked eyes with Isaac, he quickly retracted his question.

“Oh, never mind. I guess it was just a comment based on his apparent feelings.”

Isaac, both then and now, was soft with his wife, and seeing his youngest daughter, so similar in appearance to his youthful wife, always gave him a chill.

The memory of kicking a friend in the shins for laughing too hard and then clutching his own aching foot came back vividly.

“I know it’s going to cause a lot of trouble. I’m sorry for making you and my sisters worry.”

Her usually cheerful voice had a slight tinge of melancholy.

“But this isn’t Noah’s fault. It’s just people meeting each other.”

In the nobility, marriage typically symbolized a union between families. While an affair might be seen as frivolous, marriage carries much more weight.

Cordelia wanted romantic love, but knowing reality, she had always struggled intensely with the decision. Finding a good match only to face so many obstacles was disheartening.

“Still, overcoming trials and obstacles to achieve love is quite romantic, don’t you think?”

“I can’t stand seeing you always so timid. I don’t want to avoid him for such reasons.”

She was upset now, so she would step back, but she wasn’t so easily dissuaded!

Of course, she needed to think of some practical solutions eventually, but that could be considered later. For now…

“Father, why are you looking at me like that?”

Cordelia glanced at Isaac, who was now smiling. Isaac cleared his throat.

“I’m just thinking how much our youngest has grown up.”

“Really?”

At Isaac’s warm gaze, Cordelia awkwardly scratched her cheek.

***

As soon as Noah looked up, he spotted women standing in front of the stall. A girl with somewhat ladylike brown hair and a petite woman who appeared to be her mother were curiously peering at the display. It seemed the one who spoke was likely the mother.

“How detailed! It looks like it’s alive.”

The woman clapped her hands and sparkled with enthusiasm. They were a mother and daughter of high standing. Despite not wearing elaborate jewelry, Noah, who had spent over five years in the craft guild, quickly recognized that the fabric they were wearing was anything but ordinary.

Considering the number of knights waiting at a distance, they must be of considerable rank. Noah, seeing the siblings standing behind him frozen with tension, gestured reassuringly and spoke.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, very much.”

The woman’s eyes widened and then she smiled broadly, resembling a rabbit in her delight. The girl, who had been intently examining the stall, chattered excitedly.

“Mother, this one is so cute. Can I have this rabbit?”

“If I buy this for you, won’t Oscar be disappointed, Linda?”

“We can buy something else for him!”

The girl, after a brief hesitation, declared boldly. Her assertive manner reminded Noah of someone, and he smiled, replying.

“I think the rabbit would be very happy if the lady takes it home.”

“Really?”

“They say even the grass that grows by the roadside knows who likes it.”

Linda’s cheeks flushed pink at the kind words. The woman, standing next to her, pointed to a sculpture in the center and asked.

“Is this sculpture of the deity?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The deity Felicier of the religious Fran. The woman, closely examining the sculpture, whispered with interest.

“A deity without a heart… that’s quite significant.”

It was likely that those who were knowledgeable recognized it immediately. A deity without a heart, symbolizing compassion and humaneness, would indeed be considered quite blasphemous by followers of Fran.

Since Noah hadn’t made it to sell it, he chose to remain silent. The removal of the heart had been quite impulsive.

At that moment, the woman made a surprising proposal.