In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 73

EPISODE 73

“Sorry, but the cleric you mentioned is currently away from the office.”

The woman in the yellow-patterned cleric robe replied in a dry tone while looking up at the large man standing in front of her. The burly man with shaggy hair that covered his eyes scratched his cheek as if in distress.

“Do you know when she might return?”

“I’m afraid I can’t provide that information.”

With a tone that was both gentle and firm, the man—or rather, Cordelia—clamped her mouth shut.

After finishing her conversation with Aileen and feeling refreshed, as if a bothersome toothache had disappeared, Cordelia had ventured out only to find that Lyneth was once again absent. Why is it that this person and she never seem to be in sync? Besides, how can a layperson be so busy?

If Lyneth knew, she might have commented that not everyone in the world is as free as Lady Princess, and Cordelia mumbled to herself. She then asked again.

“Then, is it possible to visit the new annex in the west?”

“I’m sorry, but today is not a day when the annex is open, so could you come back another time?”

Seeing the cleric’s awkward demeanor, Cordelia was left with nothing more to say. Is this just going to be a wasted trip? It was just at the moment when Cordelia was about to ask which day it would be open.

“Ah, is that not Mr. Epherman?”

A soft and lively voice called out to her. Against the backdrop of murmuring voices, Cordelia slowly turned around.

A man with brown hair was standing there. He appeared to be just over forty. His gentle, playful face seemed as friendly as a neighbor, but Cordelia tensed up immediately when she saw the cleric robes he was wearing.

A white cleric robe with blue patterns. If someone could wear that, it must mean…….

“E-Ephinas Benjamin!”

It wasn’t just Cordelia who was surprised; the cleric quickly bowed his head. Only then did Cordelia realize why people had started whispering.

The hierarchy of the Grand Temple starts with the head, Avis, and is divided into five levels. They distinguish their positions by their attire, and the man in front of her was wearing the Ephinas uniform, which is only given to five individuals directly below Avis.

Well, it wouldn’t have been such a shock if it were just that.

The guardian of the temple. With the title granted only to the greatest barrier master of the time, and the man who had exposed an incident that occurred two years ago along with another Ephinas. His resoluteness in confronting injustice, even at the risk of his honor and position, earned him the respect of many kingdom people.

Benjamin smiled broadly and whispered.

“It seems you’ve run into some trouble. Will you come with me?”

Cordelia hesitated for a moment. It seems like this person might know Noah…….

They said he only painted murals here, so when did he get to know such a big shot? But is it okay to follow him? What if she gets discovered? What if he dissects her or something?

But he doesn’t seem like a bad person. He also seems to have a good impression of Noah. Maybe he’ll let her see the murals after all.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Cordelia nodded in agreement and began to follow Benjamin, who led the way.

***

Noah, who had been gazing into the mirror, let out a small sigh. The image of a blonde woman in a violet dress stared back at him with a gloomy expression.

“My Lady, do you have any concerns?”

There were many concerns. Starting from why their body had changed, to why he had woken up not in a quiet mansion but in the duke’s residence, and why he had been dragged into dressing up by Rosa right after lunch.

It seemed like she had plans to go out. So where was she going?

“Rosa, what’s on the schedule for today?”

“Huh? You mentioned you would briefly visit Baron Delos’ residence in the afternoon. You’re supposed to meet someone there… Was there anything else on the schedule?”

“Oh, right. I remember now.”

Maybe he should just cancel it. The impulse crossed his mind for a moment.

“This dress is one you cherish, isn’t it? You don’t usually wear it unless it’s important. Is there someone you particularly like attending the banquet?”

“It’s not that.”

Upon hearing this, Noah immediately changed his mind. If she was going to wear her favorite dress, it was an important appointment.

Besides, wasn’t he the one who was experiencing this phenomenon? It wouldn’t be right to let his emotions negatively impact Cordelia.

‘If we’re switched back again, prioritize coming to see me. It’s okay to cancel any appointments.’

Though Cordelia had said that, Noah took it lightly. After briefly showing his face, he would go to meet Cordelia. Since it was an afternoon event, he should be able to return to the residence by evening.

After all, switching back to his original body depended on the cleric’s schedule as well. It was somewhat apologetic to keep asking to accommodate their circumstances, so it might take a few days before they could return to their original form.

“All done.”

Rosa, who had finished braiding Cordelia’s hair, looked pleased. The beautiful, waist-length hair was braided into a single strand, swaying softly. With the hood secured on his head, he appeared elegant.

Noah stared blankly at the reflection in the mirror. It was certainly beautiful, but the dress, with its layers of fabric, made movement uncomfortable, and the hair accessories he had to wear were somewhat heavy.

He had felt the same when he attended a royal banquet in Cordelia’s body last time. Was it really necessary to go through all this to look beautiful? Even when he was a prince, he had never worn so many decorations, making it feel quite alien.

“Wow, I wonder which princess is this beautiful.”

Noah gave a faint smile to Rosa, who was lightly jesting and left the room. He continued to greet those who energetically greeted him, never forgetting to make eye contact.

Rosa, who followed behind Noah, whispered.

“Lady Cordelia, are you feeling unwell today?”

“Hmm? No, why do you ask?”

“It just seems like you’re a bit down.”

Noticing the worried look on Rosa’s face as he glanced back, Noah found himself at a loss for words. Although he felt reasonably well and had done his best to mimic Cordelia, it seemed he still fell short of replicating Cordelia’s vibrant personality. Despite having better stamina, he always felt a lack of energy.

As Noah descended the stairs, he caught a faint noise in his ears.

“What’s that?”

“Oh my, is someone coming?”

As he went further down the stairs, he saw the servants in the lobby below moving busily. The sight of people lined up on either side of the door raised a sense of foreboding in him.

With the surrounding area quieting down, a faint murmuring sound began to echo in his ears. Then, someone entered through the open front door with an elderly man who appeared to be a butler.

A man with dark brown hair and sharp eyes. Noah immediately recognized him.

Frederick Weichen. The current Duke Weichen and Cordelia’s only older brother. He was known for his calm demeanor, great ambition, and resourcefulness, willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.

He was the polar opposite of Liam Gracia, another duke, in terms of both evaluation and temperament. Noah, standing on the stairs, watched him impassively. Since he hadn’t descended the stairs completely, it naturally put him in a position where he was looking down at Frederick.

“Have Count Elon and Count Defkaran on the line at once. There’s something urgent to discuss… Cordelia.”

Frederick, noticing him standing on the stairs, raised an eyebrow in surprise. Although the man’s presence was quite imposing, Noah didn’t flinch. Seeing that he showed no intention of moving, Frederick gestured dismissively.

In an instant, the servants, including the butler, disappeared, leaving only the two of them in the hall. Noah gave Rosa a reassuring smile, signaling that it was okay, and let her leave with the other servants.

Only then did Frederick speak.

“Did you have a good trip?”

“Yes.”

Whenever Cordelia talked about her relationships, she had always given the most advice about this person.

‘Although there’s a strained relationship, he’s annoyingly perceptive. If he notices something odd, he might immediately latch onto it. At first, it’s okay to be somewhat accommodating, then show some irritation, and if it’s difficult, just mumble and leave. Especially, don’t answer questions about personal relationships.’

Cordelia’s advice echoed in Noah’s mind.

‘Keep answers brief. The important thing is not to hesitate. Just speak as it comes.’

A fleeting sadness crossed Cordelia’s face when she gave that advice. Though she quickly flashed a wry smile.

‘But never act subservient. Even if I’m like this, I’m not someone who would easily lose to Rick.’

Recalling Cordelia’s haughty demeanor as she raised her chin, Noah steeled himself.

“I’ve heard some about what happened at the banquet.”

“What?”

“I heard that you seemed to be on good terms with Duke Persique. Did you take a liking to him?”