In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 61

EPISODE 61

“The Marquis has judged you to be someone who can speak about human stories.”

Not just someone who can put on an air of nobility, but someone who can touch the essence of it. A person who, while portraying saints, can still view the world through the perspective of the humans present here, rather than from the lofty heights of the gods.

It was a clear answer. Cordelia spoke confidently to Noah, who was staring blankly at her.

“So, tell the story you can tell. That person is probably expecting that from you.”

By now, it was quite curious what the cold Marquis saw that made him spend so much money commissioning such a task from this person. Perhaps it’s time to visit the Sandria Shrine.

“A story I want to tell….”

Noah’s clear eyes were fully focused on Cordelia. Come to think of it, this person was a writer who dealt with love stories between men and women. Could it be that someone who tells stories about people could say such things?

Performing what one is good at to the best of their ability and expressing one’s opinions without hesitation is worthy of respect. It’s almost a shame to keep it to oneself.

As Noah recalled the faces of several men who had subtly looked down on him when Cordelia had gone to the banquet hall, he unconsciously furrowed and then relaxed his brows.

“Have you resolved your concerns a bit?”

“Yes. It seems like it will work out somehow.”

Cordelia said proudly to Noah, who replied calmly.

“How was it? Was I a bit impressive?”

“Yes.”

Cordelia felt a bit awkward at Noah’s straightforward nod. As she stretched out while leaning back on the sofa, her gaze calmed.

“I live so hard, but there’s no one to compliment me, so it’s quite lonely. It’s also hard to meet my sisters often.”

“If I could….”

Seeing Noah hurriedly shut his mouth after almost saying something, Cordelia’s eyes sparkled as she persistently asked.

“Why, what were you going to say? Huh? Aren’t you going to tell me?”

Noah, who found Cordelia’s smiling face, which was pretty as she looked at him, involuntarily squinted his eyes and stammered.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll tell you a lot…….”

The wistful look that had suddenly crossed Cordelia’s face was clear even through his closed eyes, and the urge not to see it shook him.

She has everything in the world, so what could be missing that makes her show such an expression? Though no one is solely happy, is it selfish of him to hope that only for her, the touch of unhappiness will not reach?

“To do that, it seems you’ll need to come to see me a bit more often.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“By the way, Noah. How long are you going to keep your eyes closed?”

“Just preparing my mind…”

It seemed the playful tone of her voice was slightly louder than before.

“Preparing to come over to me?”

“No.”

As Noah opened his eyes at those words, he was startled to see Cordelia’s face right in front of him and stuck to the sofa. Although he didn’t scream, his expression of surprise was probably enough for Cordelia to mumble quietly in annoyance.

“No, what’s this? Why are you looking at me as if you’ve seen a ghost?”

Since he had his eyes closed, the feeling was different from usual, so she just wanted to take a look. There was no ulterior motive… probably.

“Lady Cordelia, anyone would be surprised to suddenly see someone’s face as soon as they open their eyes.”

Barely managing to come up with an excuse, Noah made an effort to steady his gaze. It was best to just try not to turn red.

Cordelia seemed to find Noah’s reaction amusing and kept trying to make eye contact, so Noah turned his head and avoided her gaze. It wasn’t until he managed to compose his expression that Cordelia returned to her place, and Noah changed the subject.

“So, why don’t you reveal your profession?”

“Huh?”

“I thought that if you disclosed it to the people around you, there might be more people who would give you praise.”

He was honestly a bit surprised that she hadn’t even told her parents that she was a writer. Of course, in aristocratic society, she might face ridicule, but he would have thought those close to her would understand.

Is there a reason why she had to keep it a secret so thoroughly for over ten years?

“Well… maybe I don’t want to break the illusion.”

“I don’t think it would be that disappointing.”

If he were to make an assessment, she’d be the beautiful princess from the most prominent family in the kingdom. She’s someone who would be fitting to be the protagonist of a love story.

“The more titles you have, the heavier the person becomes. I want to remain light, cheerful, and pleasant, no matter what.”

Noah was at a loss for words at this unexpected answer. Although Cordelia seemed not to realize it, there was something about her that made Noah feel this way.

Perhaps there is a side to Cordelia that is completely different from the image he has seen or what people say about her.

“Oh, by the way, I’m going to a reading group.”

“A reading group?”

“It’s a kind of gathering. Not under my author name, though.”

Cordelia hesitated slightly and then sighed softly as she confessed.

“Actually, I’ve never been before. Men usually don’t invite women to such places.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. Maybe they think women are ignorant?”

So, she became even less interested. It was a result of her cynical and stubborn mindset, thinking that if they looked down on her, she would ignore them in return.

“Honestly, I haven’t cared about it until now, but recently my thoughts have changed. I want to see for myself how impressive it is.”

She didn’t mention that this thought had arisen from hearing about guild-related stories from Noah. Even if the fields don’t overlap, it’s honestly quite enviable to have someone to talk to with pride about their stories.

Perhaps she might find a good networking opportunity.

“I may not look it, but I have read a lot.”

Many nobles, having plenty of free time, enjoyed various hobbies, and Cordelia had particularly loved reading since childhood. Although she enjoyed novels with adventure and romance much more than difficult and complex texts like her elder sister Jerania did.

“They said you have to go through a simple procedure and a test, but it turned out to be easier than I thought. I received a reply just before you arrived saying I’m welcome to attend.”

The letter also included a list of books to be read before the meeting, but since she had read all of them before, there didn’t seem to be any major issues. Still, she decided to review it once more, just in case. Maybe they had made the conditions a bit easier for outsiders.

“By the way, that outfit really suits you. Could you wear it every time you come to our house? It’s not like you’re going outside. Huh? Huh?”

Cordelia’s eyes sparkled as she looked over Noah’s attire with her hands clasped together. If he said he wouldn’t wear it, that bright face would surely be filled with disappointment. Noah eventually responded quietly.

“…If you want.”

***

As Cordelia opened the thick wooden door, she was greeted by a spacious reception room that could comfortably accommodate dozens of people. The deep blue silk dress she wore made her appear more composed than usual.

Everyone who had been scattered around the circular sofas surrounding the central table turned to look at Cordelia. The previous clamor that had been in the room faded away with the arrival of the new face.

There were about fifteen people gathered. With six of them wearing blue iris-shaped badges on their chests, it was clear that these were the existing members.

An elderly gentleman with neatly combed white hair and a gentle demeanor welcomed Cordelia warmly. The iris badge on his chest shimmered beautifully.

“Welcome. Are you Lady Cordelia Weichen?”

“Yes, thank you for inviting me, Viscount Owen.”

“Please just call me Owen here. We aim to keep things as informal as possible.”

As Cordelia approached them and extended her hand, the Viscount lightly kissed the back of her hand. It was quite different from what she had heard. She had been told he was a reclusive, eccentric old man, but perhaps rumors were just rumors after all.

Now, she needed to find a place to sit…

Among the eight sofas, each was occupied by various people. At least one person, and up to three, were seated. There were only three women among the participants, and one of them was sitting on the same sofa as the Viscount.

She must be an important guest, Cordelia thought, assuming she would be introduced later. Cordelia chose a seat that seemed appropriate. After all, it was a woman sitting alone and someone she was somewhat familiar with.

Although it seemed the other party didn’t think so.

Feeling Jasmine Robin’s glare from the side, Cordelia resolutely ignored it. Well, she didn’t want to sit with the men anyway. How many people misunderstand things like this?

“Well then, now that the last guest has arrived, let’s have everyone briefly introduce themselves.”

With Viscount Owen’s words, the meeting regained its liveliness.

After the polite round of introductions, the participants exchanged light pleasantries before starting to discuss the three books that had been announced. The books were:

– The Lily Tale, known as the epitome of court literature,

– The Comedy of Rodeo Flois, a religious novel completed after 12 years of writing,

– The Franchio Epic, is a literary novel dealing with chivalry in the kingdom.

The first book discussed was The Franchio Epic.

The Franchio Epic tells the story of Jade Franchio, a knight from a commoner background. In a certain kingdom, a beautiful princess is captured by a monster who covets her beauty and is imprisoned in a tower. The heartbroken king promises to marry his daughter to anyone who rescues her.

Many knights set out for the tower, but none could save the princess from the monster and lost their lives. A good-hearted man, Jade, who had served as a squire to one of the fallen knights, survives and hears from a fairy that he can lend his strength in return for saving his former master.

Jade embarks on a journey to collect treasures scattered across various lands, according to the fairy’s advice. After enduring numerous hardships, he successfully acquires four treasures: the ‘Hat Containing Flames,’ the ‘Armor Blessed by Water,’ the ‘Shoes as Light as the Wind,’ and the ‘Holy Sword Absorbing Light.’

Armed with these items, Jade heads to the tower and, after three days and nights of battling the monster, succeeds in defeating it.

The knight, having completed all his adventures, is granted a title and marries the beautiful princess, living happily ever after, as the final line of the novel says. The inherent themes, while not light, were skillfully blended with humor and satire, making it a delightful read. It’s no wonder that this adventure novel is often ranked among the top three.

“It’s indeed a well-crafted epic. There are so many touching parts that it’s hard to count them all.”

“Yes, especially in the part where the knight, after defeating the monster, speaks with the princess, the knight’s consideration is quite evident.”

After the battle with the monster, covered in blood, the knight, looking down and reassuring the princess, is handed a cloth to clean himself by the princess who says, ‘Thank you for saving me.’

“It’s understandable to be cautious when dealing with someone precious. It seems the princess was also fond of such a knight.”

“There is also the line that says they lived happily ever after.”

“Wait a moment, I have a slightly different perspective.”