In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 52

EPISODE 52

“I wonder if I’ve been holding onto just one thing for over 10 years.”

“Aren’t all craftsmen like that? I don’t think it’s a problem.”

“Is that so?”

Luther was very good at saying things that tickled people’s hearts. Being called a craftsman somehow reminded Cordelia of Noah, making her feel even more embarrassed. To shake off the awkward feeling, Cordelia pretended to look around aimlessly.

“This place has grown a lot. It was smaller when I first came here.”

“You were a rookie back then, just like a fledgling chick.”

“I’m as cute as a chick, aren’t I?”

“Hah, haha.”

“Why does your smiling face seem suspicious? Are you disagreeing?”

“How could I?”

Although Luther was flattering her, Cordelia didn’t press the matter any further. She found it comfortable that he didn’t seem to be conscious of her at all.

After finishing her plate, Cordelia wiped her mouth primly and stood up from the sofa. The playful expression on her face was gone, replaced by a dignified demeanor as she adjusted the wide-brimmed hat with a veil.

“Well, I’ll be going now.”

“Yes. Shall I send the earnings report to him as usual?”

“Yes, please do.”

As she stepped out and closed the door, a wide, empty hallway greeted Cordelia. Her shoulders slumped for a moment, but she quickly stood tall again. Clenching her fist, she resolved.

No, she can’t.

It would be a waste of his name to be disheartened by something like this.

Cordelia elegantly and confidently descended the stairs and crossed the hallway. She paused when she saw someone entering through the main door of the building.

The woman, also wearing a veil, stopped as she noticed Cordelia. The two of them quietly observed each other before almost simultaneously continuing to walk.

A refreshing and cool fragrance wafted from the woman as they passed each other. They soon went their separate ways.

***

“At the Grand Temple, you say?”

Noah asked in surprise, and Perron, the guild leader of <Hollemia>, nodded repeatedly.

“That’s right. It seems they were quite pleased with the mural you worked on last time.”

It wasn’t common for the temple to request a commission. Even Noah hadn’t expected to be assigned the task last time.

Considering the event that the mural symbolized, it was natural for most artists to shy away from it, as it revealed the dark side of the Grand Temple.

Although the project had overwhelming support from many lay priests, no one could predict what disadvantages the Grand Temple might impose in the future. It wasn’t worth risking one’s livelihood for a moment of honor.

Of course, Noah had no particular reason to fear losing favor with the temple, so he readily accepted the work. When the time came, the temple provided materials and tools, perhaps because his uncle, Tyrain, frequently visited to check on his progress.

“But I never expected them to commission a statue.”

As part of the expansion of the Grand Temple, they needed various decorations to adorn the new areas. Along with the mural, they expressed a desire to commission a large statue to be placed there.

“But aren’t you quite skilled at sculpting as well?”

“Who said that?”

“Who else? Your master, of course.”

Noah sighed inwardly. He could easily imagine his master laughing heartily.

“I appreciate the offer, but please let them know I must decline.”

“What are you talking about? Do you know what an opportunity this is?”

In today’s world, religious art is considered the pinnacle of the art world. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase his work to many people and to elevate his reputation. Most artists wouldn’t pass up such an opportunity.

However, Noah’s answer was firm.

“I don’t plan to take on any time-consuming projects for the time being. I’m sorry.”

Judging by the mention of it being a large-scale project, it was clear that other artists would also be involved. He would likely have to visit the Grand Temple several times, increasing the chances of running into others. Anything could happen during that process.

Moreover, even though the sculpture would be made in his studio, transporting it outside was another matter. He could carry a painting out on his own, but a sculpture would require a fair number of workers. If nothing else, it was best to keep the number of people who knew where he lived to a minimum.

Considering he truly couldn’t take on long-term projects right now, his reasons for refusing were valid.

As he bowed politely to apologize, Perron clicked his tongue regretfully but didn’t press further. After all, Noah was a beloved disciple of Olive Flotera, and the person backing him was intimidating.

“Then how about this? There’s been a request for you to illustrate a picture book.”

Reluctantly, Perron brought out his backup plan. Noah tilted his head slowly.

“A picture book?”

“Yes. They want to document the estate’s seasonal events each month, primarily with illustrations.”

“As you say, that would take at least a year.”

“Of course. But they said you’d only need to attend four of the estate’s events, and the rest of the illustrations can be entirely up to your discretion.”

“They’d go that far?”

“They said they were very pleased with the work you’ve done so far. They’re willing to provide all the necessary support, no matter the cost. The payment is also this much.”

When Noah heard the amount Perron mentioned, he blinked in surprise. The sum was impressive, but the terms were even more appealing. Why were they going to such lengths?

After learning who the client was, his curiosity only grew.

“So, what will you do?”

After pondering for a while, Noah quietly murmured.

“There are a few conditions I’d like to adjust, but…”

No matter what, he couldn’t be away from Cordelia in the capital for too long. They had agreed that he would regularly visit her at least once a week, just in case. Still, the fact that it was an entirely new field he had never tried before piqued his interest.

“Alright. I’ll give it a try.”

***

“Noah, is that you?”

After finishing his conversation and coming down to the lobby, Noah blinked when he spotted three people gathered in front of the sales counter. Although his bangs hid his eyes, the slightly parted expression of his mouth was enough to show his surprise.

“It is Noah, isn’t it?”

“It feels like it’s been ages since we last saw you.”

Commoners usually don’t have surnames. If one were to add something, it would be like Tropa, son of Bella; Avery, daughter of Frankie; or Laura, granddaughter of Edith. Alternatively, people might be identified by their place of origin or occupation.

Tropa worked as a blacksmith, Avery in jewelry crafting, and Laura in textile crafting. Despite having different jobs, they had become friends after bonding over drinks at a gathering for artisans that they happened to attend together. Even now, Noah wasn’t sure why they had taken a liking to him. These three were the only ones Noah interacted with regularly at the guild, besides his master, Olive.

“Has it been that long? It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long to me…”

“Well, you’re so quiet that no one even knows when you’re around. Make some noise when you walk!”

Avery playfully slapped Noah’s arm, teasing him about how someone his size could have so little presence. Tropa nodded in agreement and gently pulled Avery back by the shoulder.

“What brings you all here?”

“Laura made a lot of money this time, so she’s treating us. Want to join?”

“Yeah, come with us. We’re planning to go to our usual spot.”

It seemed they had already finished their business, as they eagerly pulled Noah along with them. Before he knew it, Noah found himself sitting inside a restaurant. The people seated at nearby tables were chatting noisily about various topics.

This place, not far from Artisan Street, was famous for its cheap yet delicious food, despite its rough exterior. The proximity to the academy might have contributed to its popularity.

“We’ll take four servings of today’s special! Actually, make that six! And four beers too!”

Laura called out loudly, and the waiter took their order. After a while, two plates of spicy steamed fish, six skewers of grilled fish, a basket full of bread, and a pot of stew filled with all sorts of ingredients were brought to the table.

“So, what kind of job did you take on this time?”

Tropa asked Noah while scooping up some of the steamed fish with his spoon. Noah, who had just finished a bowl of stew, paused as he ladled more into his dish. After a moment of contemplation, he answered.

“A picture book.”

“A book, you say?”

“They wanted me to do it. It seemed like a good opportunity, so I accepted.”

Noah answered calmly as he tore into a piece of bread. Tropa muttered incredulously.

“Those noble lords sure have a lot of money. What do they even do with things like that?”

“So what? It’s thanks to them that people like us make a living.”

Avery replied while dipping her piece of bread into the stew. Given that her main customers as a jeweler were nobles and wealthy merchants, Avery was generally tolerant of such matters.

She also loved decorating herself just as much. Perhaps that’s why she looked much more polished than the others even now. Given her love for beautiful things and her admiration for jewelry, it might have been inevitable.

“Though that also means the competition for positions is fierce.”

Tropa and Laura remained silent, focusing on their meal instead of adding anything to the conversation. In that silence, Noah discerned the answer.

“It seems like there are people who have split off again.”

Tropa’s voice dropped to a level that only the group could hear.

“Yeah, the locksmiths have started a rebellion. It seems they have a steady client base and have gathered enough connections to break away from the guild. With the recent hike in fees, that’s probably a factor too. Laura, has anything happened in your area?”

“In our case, things are different. Since we have large numbers, the guild master probably thinks there’s no shortage of people to make fabric, so it’s not easy to band together.”

“That makes sense.”

“We’ll have to negotiate at some point, though. Who do they think this money is going to support?”

Having started working at the age of thirteen and now at twenty-seven, Laura held a skewer in her calloused fingers, a testament to the years she had endured, and bit into the fish roughly. Then, she suddenly turned to Noah.

“By the way, there’s been some talk about you among the painters.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, rumors that you’re sneakily grabbing all the good jobs and that you might have someone backing you.”