In Order to Meet You, Beloved - EPILOGUE: TO OUR FUTURE (2)

EPILOGUE: TO OUR FUTURE (2)

Noah replied nonchalantly.

“Is that so?”

The Marquis gestured for him to come closer. As Noah leaned in, the Marquis brought his palm to his lips and whispered in Noah’s ear, as if afraid someone might hear.

“This is a secret, but I prefer you over that person.”

When Noah slightly raised his head, the Marquis was still smiling kindly. That expression was so genuinely pleasant that, even in his confusion, Noah felt relieved. A person whose attitude doesn’t change regardless of whether they know his title or not—perhaps that’s why he’s drawn to him.

“Well then, I’ll visit again next time.”

“Do that. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

After placing the papers in his bag, Noah nodded lightly and stepped outside, walking down the hallway. He then noticed a woman walking towards him from the opposite direction. It seemed Dahlia also spotted him and stopped in her tracks.

They faced each other at a distance of about five steps. It was Dahlia who spoke first.

“It’s been a while.”

Seeing Dahlia unable to approach any closer, Noah sensed that the Marquis had given her some sort of warning.

“It’s good to see you again.”

That was a relief. Setting aside the Marquis’ goodwill towards him, Noah now found himself in a position where entangling with others was quite difficult. Especially as a high-ranking noble with much to lose.

Cordelia was the exception. Bold and free-spirited, yet extraordinarily kind and lovely—his lady.

“May the blessings of Felicier, be with you, Lady, now and in the future.”

Noah added this in a gentle tone, bowed in thanks, and then passed by her without hesitation.

As he stepped outside, a carriage was waiting. Although it bore no insignia, Noah opened the door confidently and stepped inside.

“Welcome back.”

Cordelia said brightly from within the carriage. Her expression suggested she had been quite bored, so Noah pressed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.

“I’m back.”

Soon, the carriage set off. As Cordelia gazed out the window at the retreating Marquis’ residence, she asked.

“Did everything go well?”

“Yes.”

“Did anyone strike up a conversation?”

Now that he thought about it, maybe that was why Cordelia had insisted on coming along today, despite his urging that she might have to wait a while. Remembering how she hadn’t paid him any mind, Noah answered calmly.

“We just exchanged a few pleasantries. That’s all.”

“Hm… you’re not asking me to take your word for it, are you?”

“Um, what do you want?”

With a tilt of her head, Cordelia quickly responded.

“You have a title now, don’t you?”

“That’s right.”

When he first received the document proving his title from the attendants, he was very surprised. If he were to describe that feeling, he could fill a hundred sheets of paper.

“They say you don’t need to be monitored when going abroad.”

“Y-Yeah?”

Noah had planned to leave the mansion upon receiving his title, but since he still hadn’t secured a proper residence, he continued to stay there. What was a bit surprising was that the staff had all said they wanted to follow him.

‘It won’t be easy to find another good master like you or the lady.’

The butler had chuckled. That comment lingered in Noah’s mind. He hadn’t thought they had formed any bonds, but perhaps he was mistaken.

“Then let’s go on a trip!”

“A trip?”

“We need to refresh our minds sometimes. I went to the duchy two years ago, and the sea was so beautiful. You’d love it! Just seeing it might spark your creative urge!”

Cordelia’s eyes sparkled with excitement, while Noah’s response was rather dull.

“Well… since I’ve been granted permission to go abroad, I should probably start studying to become a master artisan.”

Typically, becoming a master requires years of apprenticeship at renowned workshops abroad. He had half given up due to the restrictions placed on him, but that was no longer necessary—unless he let his concerns about Cordelia weigh on him.

Cordelia sighed in exasperation.

“Ugh, are you talking about work after hearing that? A lovely partner is right in front of you! Just think about going to such a beautiful place with me. Doesn’t that sound amazing?”

“I’m not sure I fully understand. Anywhere is beautiful as long as I’m with you, Cordelia.”

Noah answered without much thought and then noticed Cordelia’s face turning slightly red. He reached out.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“No?”

“Your face is a bit red…”

“It’s nothing!”

Cordelia feigned annoyance and cleared her throat.

“Ahem! So, do you not want to travel with me?”

“No, of course I’d love to.”

Seemingly pleased with his firm response, Cordelia nodded contentedly.

“I’m just worried about how to explain this to my mother.”

“Hmm. Just say it’s a honeymoon?”

“…What?”

Now it was Noah’s turn to blush. Seeing him more embarrassed than she had been a moment ago, Cordelia rolled her eyes in disbelief.

“You seem to react to the oddest things. What, don’t you want to get married?”

“N-No, it’s just…”

“Still, hold on. You have to wait a year.”

Cordelia’s conviction was unwavering. Noah rubbed his flushed face, then whispered.

“Are you really going to marry me?”

“Yeah. So think of an amazing proposal. I’ll wait.”

Seeing his partner so nonchalantly pass the responsibility back to him was like a cold splash of water waking him up.

What would an amazing proposal even be? Is it something he can do?

“Cordelia.”

“Yeah?”

“…I’ll do my best, but please don’t laugh too much if it’s not to your liking.”

Why does he feel like a soldier heading to battle?

As Noah solemnly steeled himself for the proposal, Cordelia decided to let it be. She was curious to see how he would approach it.

The carriage soon arrived in front of Noah’s mansion. Though he wished her to stay longer, Cordelia had to attend a banquet she had been invited to.

“Well, have a good time.”

Before getting out of the carriage, Noah gently kissed Cordelia’s cheek, which made her smile beautifully.

“You have fun too, Cordelia.”

“Of course! I’ll capture everyone’s attention, so look forward to it.”

“I’d rather you didn’t; can’t you just keep it moderate?”

“What can I do about the accidents caused by my overwhelming charm? But remember, I’m yours, so bear with it.”

With a giggle, Cordelia returned the kiss on Noah’s cheek and gave his shoulder an encouraging pat.

Noah stood in place until the carriage completely disappeared from view, then entered the mansion. After exchanging nods with the butler, he headed to his workshop and immediately turned to the right.

The white plaster sculpture, which had always been tucked in the corner, stood a little away from the table, welcoming him. Looking at the sculpture, whose facial contours were becoming clearer, felt like time, which had stopped, was starting to flow again.

Noah picked up the hammer and gong that were on the table, pulled out a chair, and moved closer to the sculpture. He gently caressed its face, sensing warmth beyond the cold surface.

Chuckling softly, Noah returned to a serious expression.

Thud, thud!

The lively sound of the hammer striking the gong startled a bird perched on a nearby branch, causing it to flutter up into the sky.

* * *

[Dear Princess Cordelia,  

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring days filled with blooming roses.  

I received the items you sent safely. The accompanying story was intriguing as well. Like a gentle rain on parched land, it refreshed my dull life with delightful experiences.  

I would like to reciprocate, so if you find the time, I kindly request you to visit Yurite Sanskria Duchy around late May to June. If you accept my invitation, I promise you the best treatment, putting my title and honor on the line.  

I look forward to our meeting.  

Raymond Persique]

Though the letter was adorned with elaborate phrases, the conclusion was clear. Silkion had returned safely, and while he had heard all the stories, he was now bored and wanted Cordelia to come to visit for some fun.

Setting the cream-colored stationery down carelessly on her desk, Cordelia muttered incredulously.

“He sure knows how to speak well. But since he’s offering to host, should I take Noah along for a visit?”

What could be more entertaining than draining another country’s finances? Seeing him boast like this, seemed like a meaningful experience to test the extent of the duchy’s wealth.

Cordelia was just about to embark on a journey. She needed to find a place where no one would disturb them and enjoy some time together. With a wicked smile, she quickly wrote her reply, then carefully placed the letters in the drawer. Next, she picked up the red-covered book sitting in the corner of her desk. With a serious expression, she dipped the quill in ink and began to write, word by word.

She was so engrossed in her writing that she didn’t notice the sound of someone knocking at the door.

“Lady, dinner is ready.”

Came the voice of Rosa.

“Okay, Rosa. I’ll be right out!”

Leaving the open book behind, Cordelia stepped out of her room.

* * *

[Once upon a time, there was a very beautiful young lady.  

Her golden hair shone like the sun, her blue eyes reminded one of lapis lazuli, and her delicate features were as if beauty itself had been sculpted into a person.  

The young lady was happy every day. Everyone loved her, showering her with praises for her beauty.  

One day, however, someone whispered to her.

“Everyone loves you because of your looks. If you weren’t beautiful, would anyone truly care for you?”  

The young lady thought this couldn’t be true, but curiosity began to grow within her, unbeknownst to her. Eventually, she decided to go out dressed simply, with her hair hastily tied back and a bit of soot smudged on her cheeks.  

What happened next was astonishing. Except for one servant from her household, no one recognized her as she passed by. Perhaps deemed of low status, people pointed fingers and hurled insults or tried to make fun of her. If the servant who recognized her hadn’t helped, she might have been in danger.  

The young lady was deeply shocked. She had to acknowledge the truth of their words. On the other hand, she was troubled about what to do next.  

Ultimately, despite everyone’s objections, she set off on a journey. She resolved to find the answer in a place where no one knew her.  

After cutting her flowing hair, she disguised herself as a man.  

Traveling through various towns, she met many people and witnessed their lives, sometimes even experiencing passionate love. However, there was always a hollow feeling in her heart.  

And she felt lonely.

At some point, she became unsure of what she was seeking while wandering. Suddenly, she bumped into someone. The lady, who had intended to pass by, looked up at the sound of someone whispering her real name. It was the only servant from her mansion who had recognized her. He said he had been searching for her for a long time and inquired about her well-being.

“How did you recognize me?”  

“No matter what form you take, I can always recognize you.”  

“I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”  

“Then may I accompany you on your journey?”  

Through their conversation, the young lady finally realized that even if she was not beautiful, there could be someone who would love her just as she was.]

A strong wind blew through the wide-open window, causing the curtains to flutter and the unfilled pages of the book to flip rapidly. On the last page that fluttered by, hastily written words appeared.

<To my beloved, may you always find happiness.>  

– Cordelia Weichen

END