Chapter 61
“The marquis judged that you are someone who can tell human stories.”
Not someone who merely pretends to be noble, but someone who can reach the essence. Someone who, while painting sacred images, can still view the world centered on humans who exist here, rather than the gods up in high places.
It was a clear answer. Cordelia spoke confidently to Noah, who stared blankly at her.
“So, tell the story you can. That person is probably expecting it from you.”
At this point, she was genuinely curious about what the marquis had seen in him to entrust such a task to this young man, even paying him so much money.
Maybe she should visit the Sandria Cathedral soon.
“The story I want to tell…”
Noah’s clear eyes reflected Cordelia fully. Now that she thought about it, he was the kind of writer who handled tales of human love. Could someone who speaks of human stories really say such things?
The way he devoted himself to what he could do best, expressing his opinions without hesitation, was admirable. She thought it was almost a shame that only he could appreciate it.
Recalling the men who subtly ignored him when she had gone to the banquet hall in Cordelia’s body, Noah frowned unconsciously and then relaxed.
“Have you resolved your concerns?”
“Yes. I think it will work out somehow.”
Cordelia asked boastfully, teasing the calm Noah.
“So, how was I? Pretty cool, right?”
“Yes.”
Noah nodded obediently, and Cordelia felt a little embarrassed in response. Leaning back on the sofa and stretching out, her eyes calmed.
“Living so diligently, it’s lonely when no one praises you. And it’s hard to meet my sisters often.”
“I… could, at least…”
Noah began to speak, but quickly shut his mouth. Cordelia’s eyes sparkled as she pressed on.
“What? What were you going to say? Huh? Aren’t you going to tell me?”
His smile, while staring at her intently, was so beautiful that Noah unconsciously squeezed his eyes shut and mumbled.
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to tell you a lot…”
For a moment, the lonely expression that had crossed Cordelia’s face flashed vividly in Noah’s mind even with his eyes closed. The impulse not to see that expression shook him.
She had everything in the world, yet why did she make that face? Not everyone lives a life of complete happiness, but he selfishly wished that misfortune would not touch her.
“Then I guess you’ll have to come see me more often.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“By the way, Noah, how long are you going to keep your eyes closed?”
“I’m just preparing myself a little…”
His voice, teasingly playful, seemed slightly louder than before.
“Preparing to fall for me?”
“No, not at all.”
With that, Noah opened his eyes and was startled to find Cordelia’s face directly in front of him. He clung to the sofa in surprise. Though he didn’t scream, his flustered expression was enough for Cordelia to notice, and she muttered softly.
“What? Why are you staring at me like I’m a ghost?”
He had just been observing her because it felt different from usual with his eyes closed. Nothing more… probably.
“Miss Cordelia, anyone would be startled if a person’s face suddenly appeared when they opened their eyes.”
Noah offered this as a weak excuse and tried to keep his eyes from turning red.
Finding his reaction amusing, Cordelia kept trying to make eye contact, and Noah kept turning his head to avoid her. Only after he regained composure did Cordelia return to her seat, and Noah changed the topic.
“By the way, why don’t you reveal your occupation?”
“Huh?”
“If you told at least the people around you, wouldn’t more people praise you?”
He was honestly surprised that she hadn’t even told her parents that she was a writer. Though she might be mocked in noble society, those close to her would surely understand.
Was there a reason she had kept it a secret for over ten years?
“Maybe… I don’t want to shatter illusions?”
“I don’t think I fail to meet them.”
In fact, she was a beautiful and beloved noblewoman from one of the kingdom’s most influential families—a perfect protagonist for a love story.
“The more titles a person has, the heavier they feel. I just want to be a light, cheerful, and enjoyable person.”
Noah was momentarily speechless at her unexpected answer. Cordelia’s bright smile seemed oblivious, but looking at her, he couldn’t help but think there might be a side to her completely different from what he had seen or what people said.
“Oh, by the way, I’ve decided to go to the reading club.”
“Reading club?”
“It’s a kind of gathering. Not that I’m going there as a famous writer or anything.”
Cordelia hesitated a bit and then sighed.
“I’ve never been before. Men usually don’t include women in such gatherings.”
“Why not?”
“Perhaps they think we’re ignorant?”
So she hadn’t cared much before, adopting a cold and stubborn attitude: if you ignore me, I’ll ignore you.
“But recently, I’ve changed my mind. I want to see for myself how impressive it is.”
She didn’t mention that Noah’s guild stories had sparked this thought. Even if the field was different, having someone to share your passion with was enviable.
“Despite appearances, my reading volume is not less than anyone else’s.”
Indeed, many nobles had plenty of free time and indulged in hobbies, but Cordelia had loved reading from a young age—mostly novels with adventures or love stories rather than the complex texts her sister Jerania preferred.
“The procedures and tests weren’t hard. I actually received the reply just before you arrived, and I can attend anytime.”
The letter also included a reading list, but she had already read all the works. She would glance at them again just in case. Perhaps they had made it easier for outsiders.
“By the way, that outfit really suits you. Can’t you wear it every time you come to my house? It’s not even outside. Huh? Huh?”
Cordelia clasped her hands and stared at Noah with sparkling eyes. If he refused, her lively face would surely fall. He quietly replied:
“…If you wish.”
Opening the thick wooden door, Cordelia was greeted by a spacious parlor that could easily hold dozens of people. Her deep blue silk dress made her look more composed than usual.
As she entered, everyone scattered on the round sofas around the central table turned to look at her. The commotion from just before vanished with her appearance.
There were about fifteen people. Six wore blue iris-shaped badges on their chests, clearly indicating the original members.
A kind-looking elderly man with neatly combed white hair welcomed her warmly. The iris badge on his chest sparkled beautifully.
“Welcome. Are you Cordelia Weitzen?”
“Yes, thank you for inviting me, Viscount Owen.”
“Here, just call me Owen. We aim to keep things as informal as possible.”
As Cordelia approached and extended her hand, the viscount lightly kissed the back of it. Quite different from the rumors she had heard—he was said to be a cantankerous old man living alone. Perhaps rumors were just rumors.
Now she needed to find a seat…
All eight sofas were occupied, with one to three people per sofa. Only three women were present, one sitting on the same sofa as the viscount.
An important guest, perhaps? Thinking she would be introduced later, Cordelia sat at a reasonably available spot. Of course, the person did not seem to think the same.
She could feel Jasmine Robin glaring at her from beside, but Cordelia resolutely ignored it. No, she didn’t want to sit with men. How many people would misinterpret that?
“Since the last guest has arrived, let’s do a quick round of introductions.”
With Viscount Owen’s words, the meeting regained energy.
After polite introductions, they exchanged light greetings, and, as announced, began discussing three books as topics.
The first book was The Epic of Franchio, a novel about the knight Jade Franchio, born of commoner stock.
A beautiful princess in a kingdom is kidnapped by a monster and imprisoned in a tower. The grieving king promises her hand to anyone who rescues her. Many knights attempt the rescue but fail and die. Jade, serving as a knight’s squire, survives after his master falls, and is told by a fairy that she will grant him strength.
Following her advice, he sets out to gather scattered treasures—‘Hat Containing Flames,’ ‘Armor Blessed by Water,’ ‘Shoes Light as Wind,’ and ‘Holy Sword Filled with Light.’ Armed with these, he battles the monster for three days and nights and defeats it.
After his adventure, he is knighted, marries the princess, and lives happily ever after.
The story was light yet carried meaningful themes, blending humor and satire, making it a delight to read. It was no wonder it was always among the top three adventure novels.
“It’s a well-crafted epic. So many moving parts that it’s hard to choose the best moment.”
“Especially after defeating the monster, when the knight shows consideration while talking to the princess—doesn’t that stand out?”
After the fight, the bloodied knight looks down while telling her it’s safe, and the princess hands him a cloth.
- Thank you for saving me.
“The princess must be careful with such a valuable person. She seems to like that knight too.”
“And the text even says they lived happily ever after.”
“Wait, I have a slightly different opinion…”
