Chapter 12
The Strongest Spear and the Strongest Shield
“Rines, where did you go yesterday?”
A breeze tinged with the color of sunset swept in through the open window opposite.
Seated leisurely at his desk reading a book, Rines slowly turned around. His eyes curved gracefully as he met Daniel’s gaze, who stood with arms crossed, looking straight at him.
“I just went for a short walk. You know, a little stroll and patrol, Danny.”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed for a brief moment before relaxing. The man, still with a boyish face despite being in his late twenties, spoke up.
“As always, you’re good at playing innocent. Iphinas Benjamin asked me to give you a warning.”
“A warning? About what?”
“He said you still need more study when it comes to barriers.”
Understanding the real meaning behind those words, Rines chuckled lightly. Daniel’s brow twitched.
“So, that means he was the only one who noticed I used magic.”
Seeing the satisfied look on Rines’ face, Daniel understood why his master had sent him here. With a small sigh, he spoke again.
“You do know that using magic outside is something you could be punished for, don’t you? What on earth were you thinking?”
“As long as I’m not using it to threaten civilians, it’s fine. It’s not like I’m the only one who does this. So, what’s the conclusion?”
“…If you’re going to cause trouble, he said to tell us in advance.”
“Oh my, and what makes you think I’d cause trouble?”
Rather than looking subdued, Rines’ eyes sparkled even brighter. Looking at that, Daniel couldn’t help but recall the face of his master, one of the highest authorities of the Grand Temple.
In some ways, Rines resembled him even more than Daniel himself, who had studied directly under him. Maybe even more bold and unrestrained than Benjamin in certain aspects.
“Oh, right. Since you’re here, why don’t you lecture me a bit on setting up barriers? It’s your specialty, after all.”
He was a barrier mage widely recognized as Benjamin’s most likely successor—Benjamin, the so-called Guardian of the Grand Temple. For someone whose dynamic ability was psychokinesis, static magic like barriers was a natural mismatch, yet the two still got along surprisingly well.
A priest of commoner origin, he had risen unusually fast to the rank of full priest, Derit, and now stood out in the Grand Temple, where priests of noble birth were everywhere.
Despite knowing many sought to find fault with him, Rines continued to act without hesitation, something that always worried Daniel.
“That’s not why I came. In three days, there’s going to be a nationwide inspection tour. You’re to join us.”
Once a year, the Grand Temple organized a nationwide circuit led by the Abis or the Iphinas under them. These tours aimed to encourage local priests, provide relief where needed, and gauge public sentiment.
It was also an event that put the Grand Temple’s representatives—the so-called “faces” of the temple—on display, so being selected was itself a sign of trust. Yet, Rines replied flatly.
“Wow, it’s that time already? There should be volunteers lining up. Why not pick someone else?”
“This is an order from Iphinas Eir.”
“…Even if I break my leg, I guess I’ll have to go.”
The sudden change of attitude was almost comical. Among the five Iphinas of the temple, Eir Sandria was the only one Rines obeyed without complaint, even though he was the type to argue even in front of an Abis if something bothered him.
“You really do turn into a lamb in front of Eir.”
“He’s someone worthy of respect.”
“How strange.”
“Is that something you, who can’t say no to Benjamin, should be saying?”
Rines’ sharp retort instantly shut him up. Then Rines asked lightly:
“So, how long will it take?”
“About a month, give or take.”
“Hm…”
A single autumn leaf floated in on the breeze and landed gently on his open book. Closing the book without moving the leaf, Rines fell into thought.
‘I really think I should tell the priest about this.’
While Cordelia had stepped out for a moment, the man spoke quietly. Noah’s face held a faint, lonely smile as he explained everything about the crystal sphere without embellishment.
‘…So, that’s the wish you made.’
‘At the time, yes. Do you think it’ll help solve the problem?’
‘Better than nothing, I suppose. But why bring it up now…?’
‘I know it’s shameless, but please keep this from Lady Cordelia.’
‘Why?’
The man hesitated briefly before speaking with resolve.
‘I don’t want to confuse her. I know it’s hard to expect her to trust someone she just met…’
Long lashes, slightly upturned eyes, and a high forehead leading down to a sharp nose gave an impression of refinement. Yet the firmly pressed lips and the angular jaw made it clear he was very much a man. His gaze lowered, his expression tinged with pity.
‘Is it impossible?’
‘Well, it’s not something that absolutely needs to be said.’
Rines had a feeling the man was hiding something more, but decided to leave it for now. After all, they say you should never meddle in other people’s love affairs. Keeping a healthy distance, Rines noticed Noah’s expression brighten slightly.
‘Thank you. I’ll do my best not to trouble Lady Cordelia any further, so please don’t worry.’
If only you knew—she’s probably hoping for the exact opposite.
Rines held back from correcting that misconception. The man spoke with such conviction, completely unaware of the possibility of getting involved with Cordelia.
Is this humility, or just cluelessness?
Either way, it wasn’t his concern. Cordelia could handle herself. He just needed to break the spell tying them together and collect his payment.
The man didn’t seem like the type to harm anyone. Cordelia’s judgment had been surprisingly accurate.
Still, if I’m gone, that means the two of them will be alone together for a while…
Surely nothing will happen in the meantime, right?
“Understood. I’ll start preparing right away.”
Giving his consent to Daniel, Rines turned his eyes to the window. The crimson leaves outside swayed gently in the wind.
“Wow, the weather’s so nice. Makes me want to go out and play.”
It was a bright afternoon. Sitting by the sunlit window, Cordelia pouted slightly.
“Please don’t move.”
Scolded immediately, she pressed her lips together. Across from her, in the shade, Noah worked quietly on the canvas. Cordelia asked softly:
“Noah, aren’t you bored?”
“How could I be, when I’m with you, Lady Cordelia?”
The tender answer instantly blew away her budding complaint. Sunlight danced on his neatly arranged golden hair, making it gleam brilliantly. Staring at his perfectly sculpted face from every angle, he wondered silently:
Can I really capture that beauty on canvas?
Worry flickered in his eyes as he moved the brush with great care. Then, suddenly, he voiced a thought that crossed his mind.
“By the way, are you sure it’s okay to pretend we’re dating?”
“Ah, well… it’s fine.”
It’s not like I’ve never dated before… She swallowed the rest of her thought and waved a hand awkwardly. Noah immediately warned her again, more concerned with her movements than her romantic past.
Should I be relieved he’s not overly curious about my relationships, or annoyed that he doesn’t seem interested at all?
Despite his mature demeanor, Noah was more innocent than she’d expected. Gentle and serious, he fell for every prank she pulled on him—ten out of ten times. Maybe she teased him too often, because even when he seemed wary now, it was like a kitten puffing up its fur—adorably harmless.
Hmm, maybe I’m being too mean?
“Are you sure you’re okay getting involved with me?”
“I’m more worried about you, Lady Cordelia.”
“You can just call me Codi, you know.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t.”
For someone who looked so pliable, he was surprisingly stubborn. His insistence on using honorifics wasn’t unpleasant, but it did feel like he was drawing a line, and that irked her.
“Don’t you have someone you like?”
She smiled slyly as she threw the question like a dart. The brush in Noah’s hand twitched ever so slightly. Watching him closely, Cordelia reaffirmed her suspicion.
He definitely likes me.
After years of dating experience, how could she not notice when someone was interested in her? Maybe it wasn’t love yet, but it was definitely attraction.
She’d witnessed countless men fighting for a chance to dance with her at parties, endured endless compliments about her beauty, and received so many love confessions she could probably wrap them around her mansion like a ribbon.
So, if Noah had fallen for her at first sight, it wasn’t exactly shocking.
“I do. But it doesn’t really matter.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t expect that person to return my feelings.”
Noah said it calmly, smiling faintly. Cordelia clicked her tongue inwardly.
Still, she couldn’t deny his attitude seemed utterly genuine. He never asked about her unless necessary, and even avoided physical contact. Sure, he blushed when she teased him, but the reaction never lasted long—his nature was just too composed.
She had even kept several servants on standby at her estate, just in case—but it seemed they’d have nothing to do.
“Anyway, why won’t you let me see the painting? I’m curious.”
“I want to show it to you when you look your most beautiful.”
“It’ll look good even if it’s unfinished. If Rines says it’s good, you should have some pride.”
“Still…”
He shook his head firmly, looking like a beautifully carved statue. Cordelia fought hard to keep from grinning like her father when he found good wine.
Still, I’m dying to see it.
“Shall we take a break? You’ve been sitting too long…”
As Noah turned to tidy his things, Cordelia sprang up and moved quickly toward the canvas.
“Ah!”
Maybe because she’d stood too abruptly after sitting for so long, her legs tangled. Still, the carpet should soften the fall, right…?
Thud! The sound of something crashing reached her ears. Squeezing her eyes shut, she groaned.
“Ouch…”
Wait… that didn’t hurt?
Something firm yet warm was supporting her from below. Opening her eyes slowly, she looked up—and saw strong arms wrapped around her, and a handsome face staring down in surprise.
Their eyes met.
