In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 54

EPISODE 54

<Night of Frey>

It’s a romance novel published three years ago, and it was one of the most popular and successful works by Laurence Blanc. The story begins when Countess Princess Frey Siliano has a dream about an unidentified man. The problem is, upon waking, she can’t remember his name or face.

Despite this, Frey continues to have interactions with the kind and gentle man every night, and she falls in love with him. However, she is already engaged to someone her family has arranged for her, which causes her great distress.

Ultimately, Frey decides to refuse the marriage proposal and meets her fiancé for the first time. The more she talks to him, the more she is confused by how his cold and blunt demeanor strangely reminds her of the man from her dreams…

That’s the gist of it. More on that later!

“Is there a special reason? Well… I recently read some books that mentioned such an ornament, and I thought it must be very beautiful.”

Deborah shyly explained. Many people nodded in agreement. Perhaps they had seen it in historical documents or old records. Usually, one would think so, but Cordelia was convinced that this person had read her novel.

It seemed that some of them had read the same novel. Look at that, some face turning away subtly.

She was well aware that her novel was popular. She received quite a few anonymous letters from young women.

But to think there are people around her who have read her novel and even made something inspired by it… Well, of course, it’s great.

Wow, she’s amazing, isn’t she?

Feeling a mix of embarrassment and a desire to boast, Cordelia tried hard to calm her racing emotions.

“Lady Cordelia, is something wrong? You seem a bit out of breath.”

“Oh, I’m just feeling a bit warm.”

She wanted to thank them for their appreciation or ask which scene they liked the most, but secrecy is a difficult thing. It reminded her of the time she first attended the capital banquet and struggled to control her talkative nature.

Although she managed to calm her trembling shoulders, her lips kept betraying her. Stop grinning and calm down!

As Cordelia held up her fan to partially cover her mouth, she seemed to be smiling with her eyes. Combined with her heavenly beauty, it had quite a powerful effect.

Cordelia raised her head proudly and accepted all the attention with familiarity. Some people, who disapproved of her, spoke up.

“By the way, it seems you haven’t found your match again. Are you sure you’re not missing your chance?”

“I understand that you’re being cautious, but wouldn’t some compromise be necessary?”

“We should be hearing good news soon.”

Although their words sounded concerned, instead of responding to their criticisms, Cordelia quietly smiled while hiding her face with the fan.

Of course, she was shouting inwardly.

‘I have found someone! He’s incredibly handsome, kind, and wonderful!’

But she couldn’t say that. If she did, she’d likely be met with questions about why she’s still here if that’s the case, or if she’s been turned down. Admitting it would hurt her pride, and denying it would mean lying. Either way, it would draw attention. No, how did she find him?

She has no intention of sharing that sweet and lovely guy with anyone, not even a little bit. Even though people always tell her she’s beautiful, it seems they’re not the type to be swayed by looks, so she can’t let her guard down.

Most importantly, she wants to avoid drawing attention to Noah because of her. Although Noah says he’s fine, someone who’s genuinely fine doesn’t make that kind of face.

Looking back, her behavior has been pretty thoughtless. When she focuses on one thing, she tends to ignore everything else around her. Cordelia silently reflected on this.

‘How can I fix this?’

‘Give up. It’s an incurable condition.’

Even though she protested against Calia’s coldly practical response, she still thinks it’s true. However, she’d like to work on tempering her impulsive nature.

Thinking of someone with a calm demeanor, a particular face came to mind.

“By the way, has Lady Mirian not arrived yet?”

The demure and shy eighteen-year-old girl was quite a noticeable figure this social season.

But, after returning from Roychel Castle, it seemed she hadn’t been seen at all.

The current banquet was quite large and lavish. It was odd that she wasn’t present, considering many of the nobility staying in the capital would be here.

As Cordelia wondered about the absence of a face that had always greeted her warmly at these events, an answer quickly emerged.

“I’ve heard she hasn’t been attending the banquets lately.”

“Has her marriage partner been decided?”

It wouldn’t be typical for someone to suddenly cut off contact like this.

As Cordelia inquired with curiosity, one of the people gathered around whispered.

“There’s a rumor that she might have run away with a man, captivated by love.”

“Oh, really? I also heard she was missing.”

“Though they say that, it’s usually just to hide any scandal. It’s common to conceal such matters.”

“Goodness. They say a quiet cat will jump onto the stove first…”

There’s a lot of chatter over something uncertain.

The volume of speculation growing from rumors is always odd. Just listening made Cordelia want to add her comments, but she turned to look at the source of the noise.

From a bit farther away, a woman with a stern gaze had sharply snapped her fan shut.

“Isn’t everyone talking a bit too much? If something serious has happened, what are you going to do about it?”

The high, cold voice made her sound even more unyielding due to her slightly sharp gaze. Cordelia recognized her from a few previous encounters at the banquet.

Jasmine Robin, the only daughter of Count Robin.

“Well, it could be that.”

“Hmm, why are you so sensitive? I almost had a heart attack myself.”

“There are conversations that should be taken lightly and those that should not. Isn’t it time to distinguish between what can be said and what should not be said?”

Due to her aloof demeanor and unaccommodating way of speaking, Jasmine Robin had few interactions with other women in social circles. Even though she was well past twenty, her reputation as an unmarried woman served as proof of her social difficulties.

Perhaps feeling pinpointed, people started awkwardly shifting the conversation. Not wanting to provoke a confrontation, Cordelia decided to keep quiet.

During this, Cordelia’s eyes met Jasmine’s, who was glaring at her with a look of disdain. The injustice Cordelia felt was palpable.

No, she was about to speak up just now?! It’s not like she just ignored it!

Although she had not had a substantial conversation with Jasmine, every time their eyes met, Jasmine seemed to be glaring at her. Cordelia was curious about what Jasmine’s dissatisfaction was but found it difficult to find an opportunity to address it.

And it seemed this time would be no different. Damn it!

Cordelia sighed deeply, trying to shake off her discomfort and shift her focus to the conversation, which had turned into a topic of potential interest.

“Speaking of books, I just remembered that the upcoming reading group will be held publicly.”

There were various social events in high society, and one of them was the reading group led by Viscount Owen.

The elderly man, known for his love of reading even more than for meals, invited prominent young authors every month for the meetings. It was also known that some nobles participated as observers, engaging in diverse discussions.

Even Laurence Blanc had received an invitation through the publisher. Unfortunately, since he did not wish to reveal his identity, he had to send a letter of refusal, which was regrettable.

A murmur of interest spread through the room. The man who brought up the topic looked around with a satisfied expression.

One of those standing nearby asked a question.

“Is this open to anyone?”

“Yes, just for this occasion.”

“Why open it to the public?”

“Just as water needs to flow in various directions to make the land fertile.”

After making this rather impressive statement, he cleared his throat.

“Of course, it might not be an enjoyable time for the ladies.”

“Is it really open to anyone? Lord Horrel?”

A clear, melodious voice rang out as the speaker, who had been casually shrugging his shoulders while looking at the men, turned his head to see an unexpected person staring at him.

“…Lady Cordelia?”

Cordelia smiled sweetly at the man with a stunned expression.

“That sounds like it could be quite interesting.”

***

“You folks seem to have business with the guild.”

A deep yet gentle voice drew near. At the end of Noah’s group’s bowed heads were sturdy-looking boots. The person who approached and stood before Noah began to speak again.

“Just in time, I needed a guide. Yes, you there.”

Noah suppressed a sigh as the gruff voice called out to him.

“Are you referring to me?”

“Yes. I’d like to meet with the guild master. Can you guide me?”

Although the request was phrased politely, there was no real choice in the matter. The fact that someone wanted to meet the guild master immediately suggested they were of a significant status.

Avery, standing right beside Noah, discreetly poked him in the side. Knowing his concerned companions were anxious, Noah gently grasped and then released Avery’s finger before looking up.

“Please follow me.”

After reassuring his still-bowed companions with a whisper not to worry, Noah quickly led his guest away from them. They entered the building, climbed the stairs, and Noah opened the door to a room where no one else was present.

“Hmm, will the guild master come if we wait here?”

As Noah watched his following guest smile slyly, he couldn’t hide his sigh this time.

“The word gets around quite quickly in this place.”

“I know.”

“A person who knows that… Do you want to be known as a notorious noble around town?”

After closing the door and leaning against it, Noah gazed at the familiar face before him and spoke the address he used.

“Uncle.”

The navy-blue eyes filled with Noah’s presence sparkled mischievously.