CHAPTER 106…………………………..
Perhaps because the tower stood so high, from its top you could see everything — the forest just ahead, the villages beyond it, even the mountains far in the distance. Clouds dyed in purple and crimson chased after the sun sinking toward the western hills. The colors swirled and blended like paint brushed across the sky.
It was like watching the border between day and night — a mysterious balance that caught the eye at once.
“Wow…”
Even Noah, who rarely reacted to things, couldn’t help but let out a gasp of admiration. Cordelia grinned brightly and tugged Noah’s hand, leading her to the railing of the watchtower.
“This is the west tower of the castle. It’s where you can see the sunset best!”
Cordelia pulled out a mat from the corner, spread it on the floor, and set a basket on top to hold it in place. The two leaned against the railing and watched the sun slowly sink.
“We made it just in time. I thought it’d be setting soon.”
As the breeze turned chilly, Cordelia shivered and clutched the brown shawl draped over her shoulders.
“Pretty, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s really beautiful.”
Noah’s gaze flickered toward Cordelia and away again. Feeling oddly flustered, her words came out a bit fast.
“Why are we here?”
“I wanted to watch the sunset with you. You know, they say beautiful things should be shared.”
Her face, turning toward Noah, was bathed in the sunset’s glow. Her cheeks blushed rose-red, and emotions shimmered in her blue eyes — it was an achingly lovely sight.
“I wanted to relive the moment I fell for you.”
“Eh?”
Noah blinked in confusion, but Cordelia only smiled instead of explaining further.
“I figured you’d like something like this better. When I tried buying you clothes, you looked so uncomfortable, but now you seem… really excited.”
“Do I?”
Noah awkwardly rubbed the corner of her lifted lips. Cordelia, sitting down on the mat, gestured for Noah to sit beside her. When she did, Cordelia opened the bundle.
Inside were sandwiches stuffed with thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and eggs, a jug of fresh milk, a bottle of liquor, and two wooden cups. There was only one kind of food, but plenty of it — clearly prepared with care.
“Wow, they really packed a lot.”
“It might get dark before we finish eating.”
The sun hadn’t completely set yet, but in winter, dusk came fast. Even with the tower shielding them from the wind, it was already quite chilly.
“Oh, really? Well, we can always take it back to the room if it gets too dark.”
Saying it casually, Cordelia bit into the bread. The savory meat and crisp vegetables blended perfectly in her mouth. Noah poured liquor into a cup and offered it to her.
“It’s cold.”
“Thanks.”
Cordelia took the cup gladly, watching Noah quietly start on her share.
“Come to think of it — why were you so still earlier?”
“When?”
“When you met Rick. You didn’t move on purpose, didn’t you?”
“Ah.”
Noah, having just finished a piece of bread, murmured softly.
“I just… thought running away forever wouldn’t solve anything. Once I realized that, I couldn’t move.”
Truthfully, her mind had been too tangled at the time to react properly.
Still looking uneasy, Noah picked up another sandwich. Cordelia added lightly,
“You’re right. Now that things are like this, there’s no point hiding anymore.”
If that was Noah’s resolve, Cordelia would accept it. But that wasn’t the only reason she’d brought it up.
“So what’s been bothering you all day? You looked completely out of it.”
The question came gently, but Noah nearly choked on her food. Swallowing with effort, she forced a calm answer.
“Like I said, I was just tired.”
“Liar. Don’t think I don’t know you. Aren’t we supposed to be something special now? And you’re still hiding things from me?”
Cordelia’s expression practically screamed I’m hurt. Noah averted her gaze, eyes darting here and there. Finally, she whispered,
“Just… give me a little time.”
She couldn’t say it — not while she was still so uncertain.
It wasn’t just that she didn’t want Cordelia to see her wavering. It was that Cordelia, upon hearing her words, would likely decide everything too easily. And Noah didn’t want that.
She wanted to reach her own decision first.
“Well… I didn’t mean to force it out of you,” Cordelia relented. “You just looked so down, that’s all.”
Seeing Noah’s troubled face, Cordelia stepped back like the older one she was.
“I’m not mad because you’re not talking. I just worried you might not trust me.”
“That’s not it at all!”
“I know, I know. Let’s just eat. The sun’s about to set.”
Cordelia, who’d been shivering on purpose to lighten the mood, began eating again. Noah wiped her hands with a cloth, then carefully adjusted the shawl slipping off Cordelia’s shoulder.
“It’s cold.”
“You’re probably colder than me. Are you okay?”
“I don’t get cold easily.”
“Lucky you. I can’t stand the cold.”
It was warmer than the capital, being in the south, but still brisk. Romance will be the death of me, Cordelia thought as she sipped her drink, watching the sky darken like a veil being drawn.
Just before full darkness, they left the tower with the now-light basket and strolled slowly back. No guards were around yet — patrols hadn’t started. The hallways turned pitch-dark as the sun disappeared, but the wall lamps gave enough light to walk without a torch.
They stopped in front of Cordelia’s room. Noah’s quarters were a floor below — time to part ways.
They lingered, neither wanting to say goodbye first. It made sense; it had only been three days since they’d become lovers. At such a time, even short partings felt long.
“Well then, thanks for walking me back. You should get some rest.”
Cordelia spoke first — as expected from someone more experienced in romance. Hiding her disappointment, she glanced around. Good — no one was nearby.
Cordelia grew serious.
Would a hug be okay? she wondered. We’re lovers now — a kiss goodnight isn’t too much, right? Or maybe that’s too soon? We’re adults, but still… Noah only had her first kiss recently. If I rush things, she might get scared…
“Lady Cordelia.”
“Hmm?”
“Um… may I… for a moment?”
“What is it? What do you want to do?”
She teased, and even in the dim light she could see Noah’s neck flush red. Ah, maybe I went too far.
“Go ahead, whatever it is. I don’t mind.”
Cordelia opened her arms wide in invitation. Noah let out a small laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“…You’re just so cute.”
“I am a little cute and lovable, aren’t I?” she said, shrugging as if to say so what are you waiting for?
Noah stepped closer with a look of quiet resolve. Just one more step — close enough to reach out and embrace her.
A hug, right? Cordelia thought. But then Noah’s face tilted down.
Huh?
Warmth brushed her forehead — soft and gentle. He’d kissed her there. Just like before, Noah’s skin burned hot, maybe from the cold air, maybe from something else.
Then his lips touched her cheek — lightly, fleetingly. And finally, he pressed them softly to her neck before drawing back.
Cordelia blinked, dazed, her hand rising to the cheek he’d kissed. Their eyes met, and Noah blurted out, flustered,
“Good night!”
And with that, he dashed off down the stairs.
Cordelia stared after him, stunned, then turned stiffly toward her door. Once inside, she collapsed onto the soft bed — and kicked and flailed like a teenager.
“Kyahhh!”
Biting her lip to stifle a squeal, she rolled around, then touched the corners of her mouth, which were helplessly turned up.
“He said I’m cute…”
He’s lost his mind. The cute one is him!
That face, that build — how could someone like that be cute? She’d expected maybe a hug, but he’d surpassed expectations beautifully. Remembering the moment, Cordelia pounded her fists on the bed.
I’m crazy, I’m really crazy. Who knew I’d live to see a day like this!
She’d had plenty of romances before, but few that made her heart flutter like this. Honestly, she’d had more that ended in frustration than in butterflies.
No, no — think happy thoughts!
When Noah kissed her, his lips had trembled slightly. She could feel, through her skin, how overwhelmed he was — and that made her oddly shy, too.
So this is why people date younger lovers, she realized, grinning and kicking her legs on the bed.
Maybe I should’ve been a little bolder… No, not yet. I should play it cool for a bit. I want to see how far he goes first!
“Ah, this feels amazing,” she sighed.
Sitting up against the bedrest, hugging a pillow, she buried her face in it with a giddy laugh.
“Fuaaahm.”
Cordelia yawned, rubbing her eyes. When the sun was high, she finally got up, ate breakfast, and dressed casually before heading to the parlor.
The rose-patterned wallpaper, the unlit fireplace in the corner, the deep brown wooden furniture and thick leather sofas — it was elegant but not overdone, a room reserved for familiar guests.
And there, someone was already waiting.
“Pamela?”
