In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 66

EPISODE 66

“Whenever people meet, there’s always bound to be conflict. There’s no such thing as a relationship where only one side suffers.”

“But, there’s probably a lot more for the other person to handle than for me.”

“Noah, you know it’s extremely cowardly to leave the reasons for your decisions to someone else, right?”

“…I know.”

“Good.”

That’s all that mattered. Avery responded lightly.

Soon, the alley leading to Avery’s house came into view. After waving goodbye to Avery, who said she would be heading home, Noah started walking away again.

It had been dark for some time, with night watchmen carrying lights occasionally passing by. As Noah walked aimlessly, accustomed to the darkness, he suddenly became aware of the outlines of houses and let out a hollow laugh.

What was he doing here?

If he went one more block, he would reach the mansion where Cordelia was staying. Just thinking about it made Noah wonder what he was doing at this hour, so he turned around.

Or, he tried to.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to just look at the mansion from the outside. It’s not like he’s trying to see her face or anything…

Since Cordelia doesn’t sleep with her window open, if it’s just a quick look, she probably won’t notice.

Perhaps because he remembered that she was there, his feet wouldn’t move easily. Ignoring the feeling of being watched, Noah ultimately gave up and turned around the corner.

Seeing that the mansion had its lights on was fine, but a faint sound carried on the wind reached his ears. Noah found himself holding his breath and listening intently.

It seemed to be coming from inside the fence. Is it a thief?

“Why are you sighing again?”

“Feeling sorry for the poor soul who must have been captivated by your face.”

“Do you want to die?!”

Quieting his footsteps, Noah walked around the fence and approached the main gate with iron bars. As soon as he heard the harsh voice, he stopped in his tracks.

At that moment, Cordelia, who was shaking someone by the collar, turned to look directly at him. Their eyes met.

At that very moment, the moonlight, which had been obscured by clouds, shone down on the three of them. Thanks to that, Noah couldn’t just pretend to be an unrelated passerby and escape.

“Uh, sorry. I wasn’t trying to spy or anything.”s

Noah hastily offered his apology. Only then did he see the face of the person Cordelia was grabbing by the collar and gaping.

“No, um, it’s nothing between me and this guy!”

Releasing him and smiling demurely, Cordelia made Noah bow his head.

“Oh, yes.”

Although he tried to respond as best he could, Cordelia’s expression became even more inscrutable, making Noah unconsciously bite the inside of his lips.

Ah, maybe coming at night wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Of course, Cordelia’s thoughts were far from what Noah expected.

Crazy. Why is he here?! It’s a situation ripe for misunderstanding. But why is his reaction like this? Doesn’t it bother him at all? Ugh, she doesn’t know. Why did Liam have to come now and mess up her love life?!

In the awkward situation where everyone felt uncomfortable, only Liam remained calm. With sharp perception, he realized that the person Cordelia had been talking about was Noah and extended his greetings.

“Hey, hi. I’m Liam Gracia. And you are?”

“Noah Epherman.”

“That’s a nice name. Are you a noble?”

“…No, I’m a commoner.”

He wonders if he recognizes me. Despite feeling a cold sweat inside, Noah remained composed. Observing him closely, Liam said to Cordelia.

“Do you know him? Is it okay to let him in?”

“Uh, of course!”

Cordelia hurried over and lifted the latch inside the gate. Noah whispered a soft ‘Excuse me’ and stepped inside. As Liam took a closer look at him in the moonlight, he said casually.

“Your physique isn’t bad. Ever thought about learning swordsmanship?”

“Huh?”

“You’re talking nonsense in this situation.”

“No, it’s just that a body with such well-developed muscles isn’t common.”

Liam clicked his tongue as if disappointed and shrugged.

“It’s a shame you’re not a knight with that build.”

“How did you know I’m not a knight?”

“Well, knights walk differently. They receive training from their steps, so it’s obvious.”

Liam, scratching his head, made a lighthearted remark.

“So, what exactly is your relationship with Cordelia?”

Cordelia, clinging to Noah’s arm with a bright smile, spoke.

“Closer than you are.”

“Oh, so you’re that kind of close?”

Noah, who was about to deny it, closed his mouth instead. The sight of the two people being so close just moments ago made him feel strangely unsettled. It wasn’t unpleasant, but rather a sort of uneasy feeling.

Noah looked at Liam’s face with an awareness that it might be irreverent. Even when he saw him after a long time, he was indeed a remarkable man. Seeing him standing next to Cordelia, he couldn’t help but think they made a great match.

It was an obvious fact. There was no need to be shocked anew.

‘Still, if you keep being so indifferent, you might miss out when someone takes a chance.’

Why does that comment come to mind at this moment? Why doesn’t he want to shake off the warmth of this presence that’s next to him?

What is this sticky, unpleasant feeling that seems to rise from a dark swamp he felt just a moment ago?

Noah was lost in thought. He knew well that they had no particular feelings for each other. It was an issue of his own emotions. Just as light and darkness coexist, jealousy is always founded on affection and admiration.

As he examined the emotions that were clearer than before, he came to realize something naturally. Noah struggled to lift the unbelievable truth to his consciousness.

He had promised to sort out these feelings and thought he was doing well. But somehow, things seemed to be going wrong. It felt like they were growing even more than before. Was it an illusion?

…He doesn’t know.

Misinterpreting Noah’s confused expression as being upset, Liam glanced at Cordelia and quickly added.

“No, you’re not thinking this is some sort of love triangle, are you? We’re, well, more like siblings. I have a family of my own, and I just came by to see if I could stay at this mansion for a while.”

“At this late hour?”

“As I mentioned earlier, we’re like family…”

“In that case, shouldn’t you be setting clearer boundaries? Even if you’re fine with it, you never know how others might perceive it. Such rumors have caused Lady Cordelia some difficulties.”

There was a faint reprimand in the polite tone.

Cordelia glanced at Noah’s face. Seeing his firmly closed mouth and slightly sharp eyes, she felt a strange yet ticklish sensation at the corners of her mouth.

He’s really something. She can’t believe how cute he is. It’s like he doesn’t even know how to get angry about his own business.

“Hm, is that so?”

Seeing Liam’s simple agreement while stroking his chin, Cordelia’s eyes narrowed in irritation.

“Hey! You didn’t listen to me before.”

“You’re always like that, but if others are acting like this, maybe it is a bit excessive. Although I suppose things can’t stay the same forever.”

Perhaps as a reaction to growing up in a strict household, Liam didn’t pay much attention to manners or formality. He even found it bothersome to think about social status.

While this attitude was indeed comfortable, Cordelia pretended to shiver dramatically.

“Why so formal? Just be casual when there are no other people around. The thought of you being formal with me already gives me the creeps.”

“Wouldn’t I feel the same? Anyway, I thought I’d better be cautious. You’re someone vouched for by Jerania, right? It wouldn’t hurt to listen to what you have to say.”

Noah watched the exchange with a bewildered expression. What kind of identity does the queen have that her name alone is effective wherever she goes? The image of her gently smiling face briefly appeared in his mind before disappearing.

“Oh, but are you coming to the ambassador’s banquet?”

“I came all this way for it, so of course I’ll attend. There are things to discuss, after all.”

“Then let’s talk later. I’ve got something I need to think about.”

“Yeah, it’s best to let me know in advance if you’re planning to cause trouble. That’s a good attitude.”

“It’s not like that at all!”

Even while bickering with Liam, Cordelia showed no sign of letting go of his arm. Noah kept glancing at Cordelia. Seeing her in a dress, he wondered if she had been out. She had said she was going to a reading group meeting today…

“Oh, and I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything private.”

“Huh?”

“You’re only realizing that now?”

Next to the flustered Noah, Cordelia stuck her tongue out.

“I’ll make sure to interrupt you and Mildred.”

“Don’t waste time on impossible things.”

“Ugh, so annoying.”

“Alright, alright. Enjoy your time with your lover. I’ll be on my way now.”

“What about a carriage?”

“I’ve left it waiting nearby. Your estate grounds are narrower than I expected.”

With his usual irritating comments, Liam left and disappeared outside. Noah wondered if it was alright for him to go out without any guards, but seeing the gleaming sword at Liam’s waist, he felt a bit more at ease.

After he left, it felt as though a small gust of wind had ceased. Standing there with a dazed expression, Noah muttered softly.

“His personality is quite something…”

“He’s quite self-willed.”

“I can see why you two are close…”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing.”

Before Cordelia could narrow her eyes at him, Noah quickly answered and tried to pull away his arm, only to pause. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from her clear, looking-up eyes, and he felt a rush of energy leave his body.

In that state, Noah quietly offered his apology.

“I’m sorry for dropping by so late at night. I must have surprised you.”

“Huh? Not at all! It’s good that he left quickly. In the end, it worked out well.”

“…You seem very close.”

“Are you concerned?”

Cordelia, who had asked the question playfully, blinked as she watched Noah hesitate to respond.

“Wow, you’re really honest today!”

Even though Liam could be occasionally useful, Noah thought, he didn’t expect him to be useful in this way!

“No, that’s not it!”

“Liar. It looks like your face is saying, ‘I’m so worried I can’t stand it. I don’t like seeing Lady Cordelia with someone else!’”

“That…”

How should he say it?

Noah almost said it but managed to swallow his words. It wasn’t the time to be caught up in his feelings. He was on the verge of being swept away if he wasn’t careful.

Sure, the dam might break in an accident. But it’s not the time for that. Noah turned to speak with the most serious expression he had worn recently.

“It’s quite late. It’s getting chilly; perhaps you should go inside. I think I should head back as well…”

“Want to stay the night? They say it’s okay to stay out for a night when you’re in the capital, right?”

Cordelia’s excited response made Noah genuinely want to grab the back of his neck.

“Did you forget what I said earlier to the Duke?”

“I heard you. But he’s like family, and you’re going to be family with me, aren’t you?”

With her teasing reply, Noah’s face turned red. Losing his composure, he stumbled over his words.

“D-don’t say such things!”

“Oh, are you embarrassed?”