In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 59

EPISODE 59

Considering Pamela, as expected, Frederick’s eyes twisted in discomfort.  

“When you live and grow accustomed to something, you inevitably develop feelings for it.”  

“Even so, I don’t like it.”  

“So you want to enjoy the rights but not fulfill the obligations?”  

“I just want to choose my own life. And as a member of the family, I don’t think I’ve been so inadequate up to now.”  

Isn’t it usual for her to be involved in such matters? She’s done things like building relationships, creating networks, influencing rumors, and covering up problems.  

Frederick readily admitted.

“Yes, I’m not saying you don’t have any merits. It’s just that it might be time to gradually move on from that kind of life.”  

“Not yet.”  

“Enough. You can’t live only getting what you want.”  

Rarely, a sneer appears on Cordelia’s lips.  

“You’ve got everything, haven’t you?”  

Her mocking voice struck Frederick like a reprimand, but he remained unmoved.  

“I carry even more burdens.”  

He tries to avoid any burdens.  

Even though Cordelia noticed the unspoken thoughts, she didn’t care. It’s familiar. She’s always treated as someone who only chases ideals and lives thoughtlessly.  

The troubles she has would always seem trivial to this man. After all, he’s in a position to decide on more difficult and significant matters.  

So, she would never say it. Not now, and never.  

“This is a sudden question, but…”  

Of course, she wasn’t the type to just take things. It was her long-standing principle.  

“Then why don’t you have a mistress?”  

“No need for one.”  

“Oh, really? So if Pamela said she wanted to have someone, would you accept it? Because it’s only natural?”  

The mask of ease cracked. In stark contrast to Frederick’s frighteningly stiff face, Cordelia smiled kindly and drove the point home.  

“Why, it’s the same as being in a marriage for political reasons.”  

Instead of answering, the narrowing of his eyes expressed his discomfort. Cordelia, rising from her seat, leaned towards Rick, met his gaze, and whispered kindly.  

“You can’t do it, right? Don’t involve me in something you can’t handle.”  

Feeling somewhat relieved after airing out what had been bothering her, she felt a bit better. It would have been better if she could have poured it out at the time, but what can she do when she’s so angry that her mind goes blank?  

“I’m leaving. Keep your promise.”  

As if she didn’t want to exchange more words, Cordelia gathered her belongings and turned away. Frederick raised one eyebrow at her deliberately graceful steps, but that was all.

***

“Excuse me, Lady Cordelia. I have a question.”  

“What is it?”  

“Well, what exactly is happening right now…”  

Noah quietly raised his arm. The tailor, who was fastening a button on his sleeve, gasped.  

“Please stay still!”  

At the forceful voice, Noah stopped moving. His statue-like posture made him turn his gaze to Cordelia, who was sitting on a chair on the opposite side and observing the situation with interest.

“All done! How does it look?”  

The tailor lifted his head with a triumphant expression.  

The purple hat perched on Noah’s head revealed his broad forehead, while he wore a white shirt adorned with gold embroidery and matching buttons, paired with light brown trousers. The elegant purple velvet outer garment draped over his broad shoulders added sophistication.  

Cordelia raised her thumb lightly.  

“Perfect.”  

“Indeed, you have an eye for quality.”  

“Of course. You know my taste well, don’t you?”  

“Certainly, My Lady has always been the best guest.”  

Noah was the only one struggling to adapt to the cheerful atmosphere. Still, he didn’t challenge it. It seemed he wasn’t in the best of moods today, but now he appeared to be enjoying himself, so it was fine.  

By the way, this outfit must have been quite expensive.  

“But, what about the price…?”  

The fabric clung to his body yet remained soft, suggesting it was no ordinary material. Having lived casually in clothes since working as a painter, he was unaccustomed to such luxuries.  

Seeing Noah’s cautious inquiry, Cordelia responded in a gentle voice.  

“Don’t worry about the price. I’ve already paid for it.”  

“I can’t just accept something like this. Since it’s for me, I should pay for it…”  

“Oh, come now. Whatever I give as a token of gratitude should be accepted. It’s only fair, right?”  

Recalling the painting he had given her, Noah let out a low sigh. No, but…  

“There are more than one or two outfits!”  

This was already the third outfit he had tried on. Looking at Noah’s protesting eyes, Cordelia’s gaze grew a shade colder.  

“Was five outfits too few?”  

“Of course. Nowadays, to attend events and such, you need at least ten outfits. Doesn’t My Lady usually get that many from our tailor shop every year?”  

“That’s right, isn’t it?”  

“I apologize. Please forgive me.”  

As Noah, with a stiff smile, pleaded, Cordelia gave a nod as if to say she was lenient. As he removed the meticulously fitted clothes, his well-defined chest and muscular arms drew attention.  

Why are his shoulders so broad? She just wants to embrace him.  

She stared obsessively at the body, which looked even more solid than she had felt before. The body seemed more muscular when he was wearing the clothes, but now that they were off, his well-developed chest and relatively slim waist were striking.  

It was a bit disappointing to see only the front view. It would have been better to see his back, but Noah put on the top faster than she could move.  

The sound of fabric brushing against skin, the slightly lowered, long eyelashes, and the wrinkles and smoothness of the clothes as his body moved drew her gaze.  

Perhaps due to his upbringing as a prince, Noah seemed not to be particularly uncomfortable with undressing in front of others. This nonchalant attitude slightly irritated Cordelia.  

Isn’t he too defenseless? Could it be that he just swallowed everything she said without care?

“Cordelia?”  

“Hmm?”  

“I’ve finished changing.”  

Cordelia snapped out of her reverie and looked at Noah.  

The green silk top that slightly covered his waist fit snugly, while the trousers, though quite wide, tightened slightly at the ankles. With the addition of brown boots and a green hat adorned with feathers, the outfit gave a fresh, spring-like impression, despite winter being just around the corner.  

“Oh, it really suits you. When I first heard about it, I thought it would be hard to pull off, but…”  

“Yes, it suits you perfectly!”  

The tailor nodded sincerely. His attitude was a far cry from when Cordelia had first called him to the mansion to have Noah fitted for clothes.  

‘I wasn’t originally going to show it to anyone, but since I wanted to dress him well, I made an exception. Aren’t you excited?’

‘The fact that the lady likes it makes me excited too.’

The tailor, who had been tentatively flattering, had his eyes light up the moment Noah stepped into the room. When Cordelia saw him in the flowing white lace bishop-sleeved shirt and black trousers she had carefully chosen, the tailor almost shouted in surprise.  

‘My goodness, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such beautifully contoured muscles!’

Unable to contain his excitement over this rare subject, he quickly took measurements and asked a few questions before vanishing as swiftly as the wind.  

Three days later, he contacted Cordelia with a range of designs and an enthusiastic attitude. After giving him money and fabric, Cordelia scheduled the fitting for the day Noah was to visit.  

As soon as Cordelia finished speaking, Noah took off his hat. The tailor, who had been irritated by the bangs obscuring his vision, said cautiously,  

“By the way, your hair seems a bit long. Do you consider cutting it?”  

“No, I don’t.”  

Noah cut him off firmly. Cordelia, who had already failed to convince him once, shook her head in exasperation. The tailor quickly caught on to the signal and sighed in disappointment.  

It seemed odd that he wanted the hat to match the outfit, unlike before. Was it because of this?  

After trying on the last piece, Noah stood quietly according to Cordelia’s gesture. His silent stance, without a single sound, resembled a statue seen in temples or palaces.  

“Is there anything you’re not happy with?”  

“No, I’m satisfied with everything. It’s just…”  

Cordelia pointed to the green outfit he had tried on fourth.  

“That color of silk, is there a thinner fabric in a darker shade?”  

“That one is already quite thin since it’s made for spring, but…”  

“None?”  

“My memory isn’t sufficient at the moment, but I’ll check with the usual workshops and stores. There might be items from across the sea or the empire.”

“Then find out and let me know.”  

After sending the tailor away and having the servants organize the clothes, the room was left with just the two of them. Noah, dressed in pure white from head to toe, gently touched the red cloak draped over his shoulders with his gloved hands.  

“Um, can I take this off now?”  

“Buying something like this doesn’t mean it will be confiscated or anything, right?”  

“Not at all. There will be an inspection, though.”  

“That’s a relief.”  

Noah seemed to hope for the conversation to end soon, but Cordelia wasn’t foolish enough to pass up the opportunity to admire him. Sitting in a chair, Cordelia gazed intently at Noah and then spoke.