CHAPTER 88……………………
When Cordelia first went missing, Noah just wore a blank expression. He didn’t blame himself, nor did he get agitated—but the calm silence was even more terrifying to Tyrein.
Yes, it was like a punishment that absolutely needed to be given had been postponed.
“I have something to tell Priest Rines. Do you have a moment?”
See? Like this.
Tyrein, unable to guess Noah’s true intentions behind such a sudden declaration, blinked nervously. Should he just make up some excuse and send him away?
“I’m not sure if it will help the situation.”
As if anticipating that, Noah quickly spoke before he could. Seeing the other members’ faces brighten, Tyrein pressed his palm to his forehead inwardly.
“It would be nice if you’re willing to cooperate… but why not say it here?”
“It’s a personal matter. I wanted to tell someone I know first.”
Unlike everyone else, who looked at him with curious expressions, Tyrein felt a dry throat.
“Then, let’s hear it for now. For the priest’s safety, I’ll join as well.”
Marcel looked at Tyrein, puzzled by his swift decision.
“What? Only the captain?”
“I’m magic-resistant. If something goes wrong, the risk is lower.”
“Oh, I guess that makes sense.”
“Right. You guys, report immediately if anything comes up at the scene. Now, let’s go this way.”
Leading Rines and Noah, he entered a nearby room. As soon as Rines cast a soundproof barrier, Tyrein leaned against the door, irritated.
“Where do you think you’re coming in here!”
“I’m sorry. But no matter how I think about it, I feel I need to tell you.”
“What…?”
“Priest Rines.”
Noah spoke with gravity.
“When Cordelia and I switch bodies, you said a thread connects us, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then, is it… perhaps traceable?”
“Ah!”
Rines let out a light exclamation, as if she realized something. Noah, motioning Tyrein to hold back, continued.
“Is it possible?”
“Since your bodies are connected, yes. It’s magic. Tracking it shouldn’t be difficult. I could do it alone if needed.”
Finally relieved by Rines’ answer, Noah exhaled deeply. He spoke more seriously.
“I know the conditions, but is there any way to increase the chance it activates? I’m having trouble focusing. I think you could help, Priest Rines.”
His voice was neither fast nor slow, tinged with subtle anxiety. Rines watched Noah, who repeatedly rubbed his dry face, before speaking.
“Yes, it’s possible. But… how many threads do you have left?”
Noah silently removed his gloves and held up his hand. Seeing three threads remaining, Rines clicked her tongue lightly.
“Has it changed again already?”
Noah just smiled quietly. Rines swallowed her question about how he broke the magic and added:
“As I said before, when the magic’s lifespan ends, anything could happen. Are you sure you really want to do this?”
“Yes.”
He answered without hesitation.
“It’s already been two days. Something might have happened to her, and I can’t just wait quietly.”
Noah’s resolute voice trembled slightly. His usually calm face looked pale and fearful, and his eyes were dark.
Tyrein had never seen Noah so shaken. Even in his surprise, a small smile slipped out.
Yes, just because one doesn’t want to love, it doesn’t mean it’s under their control. Even the coldest person I know is helplessly swept away by emotions.
“And I can handle things a bit better than Cordelia. I know some self-defense techniques.”
“When did you even learn that, esteemed sir?”
“My uncle taught me. Given my situation, it seemed necessary.”
Turning slightly, Tyrein feigned indifference but spoke to Noah.
“Be careful. Even if you succeed, don’t forget you’re not carrying just one life.”
Tyrein, wanting to warn him but able to say only so much, received a faint smile from Noah.
“Don’t worry.”
“So it really works….”
Cordelia’s earlier exclamation made Tyrein murmur in disbelief as she realized their bodies had swapped. Rines examined Cordelia’s complexion carefully.
“Cordelia, are you okay?”
“For now, yes, but I feel like that won’t last. Oh, and I met Princess Mirian already.”
“What do you mean?”
After briefly explaining the situation, Rines nodded in understanding, and Tyrein took notes.
“So it’s near the mountain as expected. Priest Rines, we need to hurry.”
“Yes. Cordelia! Stay still.”
Following Rines’ gesture, a thread slowly became visible from Cordelia’s fingertips.
As Rines traced the thread with narrowed eyes and cast a spell, a small blue circular magic sigil appeared on her hand. Grabbing the thread, she tied it to a compass she carried.
The compass needle spun wildly before pointing in a direction. The thread soon vanished.
“Done. Now we can follow it. Summon the soldiers.”
“Got it!”
Tyrein took the compass from Rines and headed out. Rines looked back when someone grabbed her sleeve.
“Wait, what are you doing?”
Cordelia looked up at Rines, sitting firmly with determination.
“I’m coming too!”
“Huh?”
“It’s my body. How can I just sit here and wait?”
Though she worried more about Noah, Cordelia had to think fast. If she told the real reason, she would be told not to follow.
“That’s nonsense….”
“Really, no?”
Seeing her pitiful gaze, Rines paused. Then, sighing, she shouted:
“If you’re coming, get up quickly! There’s no time!”
“Okay!”
Cordelia nodded enthusiastically, but her voice didn’t reveal her inner turmoil. Gloving up, she followed Rines, silently praying:
Please, let everyone be safe!
“Cordelia? What’s wrong?”
Mirian watched the suddenly quiet Cordelia worriedly. She seemed busy but suddenly dropped her head as if a candle had gone out. Mirian cautiously asked if she had collapsed, but received no answer.
As fear filled her eyes, Cordelia twitched, slowly opening them and scanning her surroundings with an eerie calm.
“Cordelia?”
When Mirian called again, she finally looked at her. Did her expression just change a little?
“What is it?”
“Ah, yes!”
“How many people are outside?”
“Huh?”
“Quickly. There’s no time.”
Taken aback by the urgency, Mirian answered blankly.
“Uh… about five or six men guarding outside. Some are paired, patrolling nearby.”
“That’s manageable. Is Horel outside?”
“No, he went to get clothes.”
Cordelia’s face stiffened slightly. Without understanding why, Mirian watched her closely.
“Clothes… then we must hurry.”
“Uh?”
Ignoring a stunned Mirian, Cordelia fiddled for a while. The ropes binding her hands suddenly fell to the floor. Mirian’s eyes widened.
The ropes hadn’t moved before—how did they come off so easily?
“Uh, how?”
“I’m good with my hands.”
“Huh?”
“…I hoped you wouldn’t push yourself.”
Rubbing her scratched wrist, she picked up a nearby stone and scraped the rope around her wrists with its sharp edge.
Once the rope came off, she cut the ropes binding her feet, quietly approached Mirian, and freed him. After fiddling with the bandage on her left forehead, she extended her hand to Mirian.
“Shall we escape?”
Right now.
