CHAPTER 110……………………………………
“This… this is—”
Luther’s hand trembled as he gripped the paper. He read and reread what was written, then slowly lifted his gaze toward Cordelia, who sat across from him.
“What… what is this about, ma’am?”
“It’s the plot of my next novel. Oh, I’ll be changing my pen name, though. Lawrence will be taking a break for a while—some rest.”
Unlike Cordelia, who spoke casually, Luther felt his insides burning to ashes. If he could, he wanted to split open his chest and show her how blackened his heart had become.
“I—I don’t mean to criticize your work, but… isn’t this a bit dangerous?”
At first glance, it looked like a simple adventure story—but the moment he saw that the true cause of the hero’s suffering was the royal family, his vision darkened.
Sure, satire of royalty existed in all nations, but this manuscript contained far too many details that directly reminded one of the current royal family.
Was it really all right to publish something like this? What if one day soldiers came knocking on his door? He was the sort of man who simply wanted to live a long, quiet life.
“It’s fine. Look—here.”
As if she’d expected that reaction, Cordelia pulled out an envelope from her coat and handed it over. The moment Luther saw the royal seal pressed onto the creamy paper, his eyes went wide.
“Wha—this is!”
“A royal decree. In other words, official permission. Everything’s been pre-approved.”
“Wh-why would His Majesty approve something like this?”
She’d meant to reassure him, but Luther only grew paler. It was clear this wasn’t some trivial matter.
Cordelia didn’t bother to deny it.
“There’s… a reason. But they said the publishing house won’t suffer any consequences, so relax.”
Luther skimmed through the decree in silence, then lowered his gaze in troubled thought before asking in a weak voice,
“Why would anyone commission something like this?”
“You really want to know?”
“…No, ma’am. I think ignorance might be bliss.”
After several weary sighs, his expression steadied somewhat.
“So, when will you have the manuscript ready?”
Returning to his usual editor’s tone as if nothing had happened, he asked. Cordelia replied crisply,
“I’ll send you the first draft within a month.”
“That soon?”
“The framework’s already done. Writing it out won’t be hard—and I’ll keep the prose simple.”
That way, it’ll be easier to read… and harder to trace the author.
“Judging by the story alone, it should sell well enough. That twist, where the female knight turns out to be a disguised princess, is quite intriguing.”
“She’s fleeing a corrupt royal family, meets the hero, and together they reclaim the crown.”
She had to avoid being too obvious—otherwise, it would draw suspicion.
Simply hinting that the current monarchy was built upon corruption was enough. That was all the king wanted.
‘If this is for a public event, the Founding Festival in spring seems most likely…’
‘Wouldn’t early May be too late?’
When she’d dared to suggest that, the king had nodded.
‘Then late March. That timing should be perfect. It’ll take at least two weeks for rumors to spread across the realm, so you must publish the book before winter ends. Can you do that?’
It was early in the new year, and the chill in the air proved it. With barely six weeks to spare, Cordelia had still answered confidently—
‘Of course!’
Since she’d said that, she had to make it happen. Shaking off her recollection, Cordelia focused back on her conversation with Luther.
“What the—did you cut your hair?”
Avery stared at Noah in surprise. Expecting that reaction, Noah sheepishly fiddled with his bangs.
“Yeah. Does it look weird?”
“Oh, not at all! What’s gotten into you? Finally decided to stop brooding all the ti—urk!”
Tropa was silenced by Avery’s elbow to the gut. Laura, ever perceptive, gave Noah a thumbs-up.
“Looks fresh. I like it.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“But wait—you went to the guild like that? Didn’t people suddenly start talking to you?”
Noah hesitated, which told the three of them everything they needed to know.
Ah. So it happened. Probably more than once.
“How many?”
“About four? They just asked for directions…”
“Did they also ask your name or what guild you’re with?”
“They did. I didn’t answer.”
He said it casually, but even that showed his usual caution. The others exchanged knowing smiles. Laura crossed her arms lazily.
“There’s been a rumor about a handsome stranger visiting our guild lately. Guess we know who that is.”
“So… maybe I shouldn’t have cut it?”
“What? No way! You look so much better now. Honestly, do you know how stuffy you looked before? Why hide your face like that—you’re not some child of darkness.”
“Oh wow, Tropa actually said something reasonable.”
“What was that?!”
As Avery teased, Tropa bristled, and both Laura and Noah burst out laughing.
Reunited after some time apart, the four of them sat around a table, catching up. By the time their food arrived, Avery was telling a story about a chase she’d been in one night.
“You’re kidding! That’s insane! Did you report it to the city watch?”
“Of course I did. They never found the culprit, though.”
Avery tore into a rib as she spoke. Dipping her bread into bean soup, Noah said softly,
“I’m just glad you’re safe.”
“Yeah, especially after that other incident.”
Laura’s voice dropped a tone. Avery gave a wry laugh and waved a hand.
“Ugh, don’t remind me. Reporting that and then hearing about the new case right after nearly scared the life out of me. For a second, I thought the guy chasing me was involved.”
Tropa, pouring Avery a drink, nodded.
“Since then, I’ve been walking her home at night. Better safe than sorry.”
“You don’t have to do that every time—your place is far.”
“It’s fine. I’ll just call it exercise.”
Avery crinkled her nose in embarrassment, while Tropa’s uncharacteristically serious expression made Noah pause. He stayed quiet instead of mentioning the guildwoman who’d been kidnapped with a similar trick.
No one asked him what he had been up to lately—which was a relief. He ignored the faint tug of pain from his half-healed side and said,
“My master’s returning soon, so I’ll probably get busier.”
“Wait, Lady Flotera’s coming back? Isn’t that early for her?”
“She has her reasons.”
“So you’ll be assisting her again, huh.”
“Most likely.”
Knowing her, she wouldn’t take on another apprentice. Honestly, with her talent, it was a waste that Noah was her only student—but he didn’t really want an apprentice himself, so he understood.
“So why’d you cut your hair, anyway? There’s gotta be a reason.”
The sudden question made Noah nearly choke on his food. He swallowed and forced a calm expression.
“Just felt like… a change.”
He thought he’d answered decently enough—
“Must be in a good mood, then.”
“Or maybe you wanted to impress someone, huh?”
—until he saw Avery and Laura’s grinning faces.
Their sparkling eyes were unbearable.
“What’s going on? Why do you all know something I don’t?”
Tropa blinked, utterly lost, but the others ignored him. With the situation impossible to dodge—and remembering his promise—Noah cleared his throat.
“Actually, there’s someone I’d like to introduce to you all. Don’t freak out, and just treat her normally.”
“So it is her, then?”
“Ha! Guess this guy’s not just a pretty face after all!”
“What?! Noah, you’re seeing someone?!”
Finally catching on, Tropa shouted in disbelief. Noah hushed him quickly.
“Keep it down. Anyway, she’ll be here soon.”
“So that’s why you offered to treat us today, huh?”
Avery’s sharp remark hit the mark, and Noah sighed inwardly. Avery rested her chin on her hands.
“But why does she want to meet us?”
“She said she wanted to know what kind of people I spend time with.”
“Wait—is she… someone important?”
“Just act normal. She doesn’t like formality.”
He dodged the question about Cordelia’s true identity. If they found out who she really was, all three would probably faint on the spot.
For craftsmen like them, meeting nobility higher than a count was rare enough—and they’d already been surprised when a marquess’s family had commissioned a picture book from him.
Still… was this really okay? Noah had to fight back a sigh.
After finishing their meal, he stepped outside first. Leaning against the wall, he murmured to himself as the winter wind slipped through his coat.
“When will she get here…?”
“Looking for me?”
A bright, lilting voice brushed his ear. He turned toward the sound—and there she was, wearing a thick violet cloak, hood drawn low, smiling faintly.
“Co—”
Cordelia pressed a finger to his lips, a playful gesture that said shh—it’s a secret.
“What are you doing out there, Noah?”
Tropa’s loud, oblivious voice made Noah flinch. Cordelia peeked out from behind him, spotting the three curious faces waiting by the door. With a soft laugh, she pushed back her hood.
Honey-blond hair spilled out, framing almond-shaped eyes clear as glass, a high nose, and lips curved in a gentle smile.
“Hello.”
