In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 76

EPISODE 76

Noah’s body momentarily stiffened under the cold, brown gaze that was as frigid as ice. The other person casually turned their head, but the sharp intuition Noah felt made him hesitate.

“Strange. I feel like I’ve seen this person before. Why do I get this feeling?”

“Over here.”

Before Noah could even grasp the sense of déjà vu, he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around. A woman with jet-black hair tinged with blue and gray eyes looked at him with curiosity. It was the woman he had seen earlier.

“This way.”

The woman gave a subtle nod, signaling him to follow. Even as Noah glanced back at the man he had seen earlier, he ultimately moved to follow the woman, unaware of the eyes watching him from the crowd.

The two of them made their way through the crowd and out of the mansion. It was only after they started walking along the path encircling the estate from the front gate that Jasmine quietly spoke.

“Why did you arrive so late? I thought you stood me up.”

“I’m sorry. I had some business in between.”

“Oh, it’s fine. I was just joking.”

Noah, who had answered earnestly without thinking, quickly shut his mouth. Right, he’s Cordelia right now.

“By the way, everyone is dressed unusually flamboyantly.”

“It’s the mansion owner’s taste. They have a fondness for the arts, especially theater, and prefer things to be as exaggerated and eye-catching as possible for the banquets. The attendees usually focus on catering to the mansion owner’s whims rather than the socializing aspect.”

Noah agreed with that. The attitude towards those who were not born into nobility but were merely nouveau riche was generally like that. Wealth has a different nature from power, and people might look down on them.

The composition of the banquet guests differed somewhat from the previous ones Noah had attended. As he wandered among the people, he quickly noticed that some of the jewelry worn by certain individuals was of poor quality.

Most people don’t have the means to change their outfits daily or afford multiple pieces of expensive jewelry. Thinking of those who made an effort to add a touch of glamour, Noah felt a strange emotion.

Is it really necessary to go this far to imitate nobility?

Although he had once belonged to such a noble place, eight years had been enough to create a psychological distance. If Cordelia had remained as aloof and elegant as her appearance suggested, he would never have been able to overcome that distance.

“I came because of family connections, but… I didn’t expect you to come. I thought you’d dislike this kind of banquet.”

“People can be fickle, you know.”

“True. It’s a good thing, as I was bored anyway.”

Jasmine’s pace quickened a bit more than before. As Noah naturally matched his stride with hers and walked alongside her, he whispered.

“By the way, are you being pursued or something? Why the rush?”

“Oh, there’s been some bothersome people lately…”

“Lady Jasmine!”

At the bright voice calling from behind, Jasmine touched her forehead, and Noah turned around with a puzzled expression.

“Y-You were here.”

A young man with platinum blonde hair and a youthful face walked up to them. He was tall, but he looked barely old enough to be an adult. His overall appearance was quite bright, and with his handsome face and unblemished smile, he seemed like a walking sun.

The young man, holding a bouquet made of white roses, approached with a shy blush on his face and offered it to Jasmine.

“I heard you like white roses. Would you, um, accept this?”

Noah, who had been alternating his gaze between the young man and Jasmine, flinched involuntarily at the strong sense of déjà vu that surged within him. Jasmine, who had been staring at the bouquet, let out a low sigh.

“How long are you going to keep bringing things like this?”

“Until you reply to my letters.”

The young man responded cheerfully as Jasmine accepted the bouquet with a reluctant expression. The young man, seemingly relieved, wiped his chest as if to calm himself, then turned to Noah. Realizing his mistake, he quickly adjusted his manners with a clumsy but polite gesture.

“Hello. I’m Joshua Francis. You’re Lady Cordelia, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t ask how he knew her. From his experience, Cordelia was quite famous and well-connected in the social circles.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you two together before. You must be quite close.”

“Yes, I suppose so. And as I mentioned before, please stop bringing these kinds of things. And stop sending letters too.”

“This time, we have a beautiful pearl hairpin at our house. I think it would suit you, Lady Jasmine. I’ll include it in the next letter.”

“I told you, no expensive gifts are needed. I’ve said it several times.”

“Oh, is it the thought that counts for you? I can’t write any more beautifully than this…”

“Listen to people!”

Wow, he’s persistent.

Seeing Jasmine finally lose her temper, Joshua spoke with a downcast expression. Noah rubbed his eyes as if he could see the drooping ears on Joshua’s head.

“Won’t you accept the letter… really?”

“Ugh.”

Seeing Jasmine’s resolve weaken at the sight, Noah was convinced. It seemed Joshua’s wall came down more easily the more fragile the person he was dealing with appeared.

“… just the letters, okay?”

“The reply…”

“Alright, alright. Just send it, then.”

Joshua’s eyes sparkled with joy, unlike Jasmine’s tight-lipped expression. He didn’t show any sign of refusal even as Jasmine’s parting gesture indicated he should leave.

Of course, he didn’t forget to wave his hand energetically as he walked away. Jasmine, seeing the attention of the surrounding nobles turn toward them, pressed her eyebrows together as if in irritation.

Noah could somewhat understand her feelings.

“Lady Jasmine.”

“Yes?”

“Why don’t you accept it?”

He heard from Cordelia that she’s a writer who creates works featuring kind men. He may be a bit overly bright, but he seems to be a nice young man.

Why does she react so strongly?

Jasmine’s expression darkened further upon hearing Noah’s words. She seemed increasingly displeased, her demeanor becoming noticeably harsher.

“First of all, he’s too young.”

“How old is he?”

“Nineteen.”

So he has only been an adult for about a year. Noah whispered, lowering his voice.

“Oh, but he’s interested in the Lady.”

“There’s a six-year difference.”

“But he is an adult now, isn’t he? Age difference…”

Noah, trying to justify his thoughts by recalling his age in comparison to Cordelia’s, made a timid attempt at an excuse. However, Jasmine shook her head resolutely.

“What could someone who has just become an adult possibly know? Moreover, he seems far too light-hearted to be genuinely pursuing someone.”

Even Noah could see that. The young man, as energetic as he was, lacked the depth and seriousness one might expect.

“And also, we don’t have any significant connection or history. Just because he spoke to me at a party, is it normal for him to pursue me so fervently?”

“Still, his feelings seemed quite genuine.”

“The more intensely someone pursues, the faster they burn out. Besides, it’s not very reassuring, and if things go wrong, it’s obvious I’d get the blame. They’d say I seduced a young man who had just become an adult and then rejected him or something.”

It was a harsh evaluation, but it was also convincing. Noah had seen many people experience love in his life, so he was about to nod in agreement.

If only Cordelia didn’t overlap with that innocent face of the young man who had just left.

“But isn’t it possible that, despite what you think, things might turn out differently as you get to know him?”

Realizing what he had just said, Noah was already too late. He tried to conceal his embarrassment and continued speaking calmly.

“Most people aren’t just what they appear to be. Maybe you’ll find you get along well with him.”

If he seemed like a dangerous or unsuitable match, Noah would have discouraged it outright. But since he seemed to be a genuinely pleasant young man, he thought Jasmine’s firm stance might not be entirely devoid of feelings. The fact that she accepted the bouquet and the expression she wore when receiving it suggested that she wasn’t completely indifferent.

“I’m not suggesting you rush into anything. But wouldn’t replying to his letters be okay? Rejecting everything from the start seems a bit hasty… It’s not like you wouldn’t be aware of the external gaze, but it’s a pity to dismiss it all outright.”

As he spoke, Noah thought of one possibility and quickly added.

“Of course, if you have no intention of marriage, then it’s not something to pay much attention to.”

“Somehow, hearing that makes me feel somewhat embarrassed.”

Jasmine wrinkled her nose, feeling awkward, but then relaxed. She fiddled with the rose petals of the bouquet she was holding and muttered.

“Then again, considering that Lady Cordelia has a lot of experience in relationships, you might be right.”

No, he’s never been in a relationship before.

Feeling as if he was unintentionally misleading Jasmine, Noah silently apologized to himself. Of course, Jasmine didn’t hear his inner thoughts.

“Oh, and Elisa said she couldn’t come today because of an urgent matter.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Though Noah wasn’t at all disappointed, he maintained a composed demeanor. A perceptive person was more than enough. He was already breaking out in a cold sweat trying to choose his words carefully.

Seeing that it was a good time to make a point while the conversation was flowing, he added.

“I need to head inside before dinner.”

“What, do you have an urgent deadline or something?”

“No, it’s not that. I have someone to meet.”

The original owner of this body.

Unable to say that, Noah unfolded his fan. Jasmine resumed walking and spoke.

“There are outdoor tables set up in the garden over there. There are fewer people than in the banquet hall, so why don’t we sit there and chat before we go?”

“Sounds good.”

As they strolled along the path to the back of the mansion, a well-maintained garden came into view. The colorful flowers and the rich scent carried by the breeze pleasantly tickled the nose.

Unlike the grand mansion at the front, the garden was not large and did not stand out compared to other estates. However, after leaving the brightly lit banquet hall, the greenery was soothing to the eyes. Several round white tables were arranged around the garden.

Noah expected there would be almost no one there, but to his surprise, some guests were already seated at the table right in front of them. Jasmine, unlike Noah who glanced over without much thought, immediately stopped in her tracks upon seeing who was gathered.

“What’s wrong, Lady Jasmine?”

“Shall we turn back?”

“Pardon?”

“I didn’t expect to see them here.”

Before either of them could turn around, one of the group called out to them. Both of their heads turned towards the table.