CHAPTER 103……………………………..
Contrary to Cordelia’s worries, Noah’s recovery was fairly quick. He was still young, and his body, hardened through years of training and hardship, was more than capable of enduring this much adversity.
Still, the reason Noah hadn’t followed Cordelia right away was that there were quite a few matters left to handle. After informing the Marquis of the incident and writing that he’d have to postpone attending the festival, he received a reply urging him to prioritize his health first.
He copied the pattern engraved on his back by looking at it in a mirror and sent it to Riness, organized the tasks nearing their deadlines, and checked the messages sent by his teacher.
When he read the line saying “I’ll return to the workshop in about two weeks”—apparently after the teacher had finally heard the commotion in the capital—Noah couldn’t help but smile. Still hates noisy places, I see.
“Oh, Mr. Noah! It’s been a while!”
After dropping off the commissioned pieces at the guild headquarters, Noah returned to the workshop, where a young man sweeping the front greeted him warmly.
“It has been a while, Ello.”
“I almost didn’t recognize you for a moment. You finally chopped off that shaggy hair of yours?”
“Yeah, something came up that made it necessary.”
“What brings you here today?”
“My teacher asked me to check on the workshop supplies and restock the materials—preferably within the next two weeks. Looks like he plans to get straight to work once he returns.”
Ello, who had been working at the workshop since he was a boy, took care of keeping the place clean and tidy while the owner was away. Usually, such chores would fall to an apprentice, but since Olive never took on one except for Noah, he’d naturally hired a helper instead.
Fortunately, Ello seemed quite content with his role—understandably so, given that maintaining a renowned artisan’s workshop paid rather well.
“Wow, so Master Flotera is finally coming back? That’s earlier than usual. What’s it been, half a year?”
“Something like that.”
Normally, once Olive went traveling, he was gone for at least a year—sometimes even crossing the border into neighboring countries. Back when Noah was still apprenticing under him, he often had to write to Tyraine just to confirm he was still alive.
“This time, it seems he stayed within the kingdom.”
At least that meant he was reachable—thankfully so.
“I doubt he’ll ever cure that wanderlust of his.”
“I think it’s incurable.”
“Heh… fair point.”
Sighing, Ello handed over the key ring. Noah pulled out a note listing the materials his teacher had requested, unlocked the door, and stepped inside.
Sunlight poured into the spacious, immaculately organized workshop. It was hard to believe such a vast space was used by a single person—but Olive Flotera was an artisan whose reputation made that believable.
‘That pest Feron kept nagging me! Guess I’ll have to add a sculpture this time.’
With the expansion of the Great Cathedral, famous craftsmen from across the land were being summoned, and Olive, one of the kingdom’s most renowned sculptors, was among them. The guildmaster had likely approached Noah because persuading the apprentice was easier than convincing the master himself.
I wonder if I can find good-quality plaster.
Surveying the room, Noah thought of the plaster block he’d left on his workbench and smiled bitterly.
Will I ever finish that piece, I wonder.
Thinking of Cordelia, who was likely down in Devron by now, Noah glanced at the bracelet on his wrist.
It was a gift from Riness, so its effectiveness was certain—but he hadn’t worn jewelry in so long that it felt strange. Still, at least it wasn’t a ring. Rings would’ve been a nuisance while working.
After locking up, he handed the gathered materials to Ello.
“The chisels are a bit worn—might be best to replace about five of them. The hammer handles are old too; we should send them to the forge.”
Tools naturally wore down over time, even if unused. Ello nodded, gathering everything in his arms.
“We’re out of cord, too—get some of that. And three blocks of plaster about this size, as good quality as you can find.”
“Oh? Planning to do some clay modeling this time?”
“Just in case.”
There was no way his teacher would return only to complete a single sculpture. Once word got out that Olive was back, commissions would flood in again. For all his complaints, the old man never turned down an interesting job—and Noah realized how much he’d taken after him in that regard.
Leaving the workshop, Noah sent off a few letters at the guild office. As he did, he couldn’t help but notice the clerk eyeing him curiously, so he adjusted his hat slightly lower.
When he stepped outside into the crisp autumn air, a carriage pulled up beside him. Its plain window opened, and a low, teasing voice called out:
“You look busy. Care to share a ride?”
Turning his head, Noah was surprised to see who it was waving from the window.
“L–Lord Liam.”
Liam Gracia grinned at him. As Noah stopped walking, so did the carriage, and the door swung open.
“Get in.”
Once Noah sat across from him, the carriage started moving again. He carefully drew the curtains shut and looked at Liam.
“What brings you here? Is this about Lady Cordelia?”
“No. It’s about Jerania.”
The way he said the queen’s name so casually made Noah wary.
“If it’s about a reward, I already said there’s no need for one.”
“Is there truly nothing you want?”
The directness of the question made Noah hesitate for a moment, but he soon shook his head.
“Even if there were, it’s not something you could grant.”
“I figured you’d say that. Still, here—take this.”
Liam handed him a small bundle. Inside were two letters and a jewel.
“There’s something left with a broker in Devron. Before Frederick catches wind, meet the contact named in that letter. The black envelope’s for you.”
A broker? A contact? How did the queen even know such things? More importantly—
“Why would Her Majesty ask me to do that?”
“How should I know? I wasn’t given an explanation either.”
Liam’s tone was blunt but casual—typical of a nobleman who was both refined and unpretentious. Noah stayed cautious.
“So you came just to deliver this?”
“Well, that, and…”
Liam cleared his throat lightly.
“I wanted a proper talk with you, for once.”
“A talk?”
“It’s been eight years—nine now, maybe.”
As soon as he said it, Noah’s expression stiffened. Liam smiled smoothly.
“Long time no see, Your Highness.”
Noah sighed. Why does everyone insist on greeting me like that?
“That name’s been long discarded. Please, just call me normally.”
“Well, if you ever want things to work out with my friend, you’ll have to reclaim it eventually.”
“That’s not something easily done. You know my situation.”
“Then do you have another plan?”
When Noah didn’t respond, Liam chuckled quietly.
“My friend’s always had a knack for turning things into a mess.”
“Pardon?”
“Who would’ve thought she’d fall for someone like this, eh?”
Noah answered calmly, “Even if it weren’t me, she’s someone who draws attention wherever she goes.”
“Oh?”
“Do you have any other business, my lord?”
“You seem more grounded than when we first met.”
His cropped hair revealed sharp, clear eyes—icy blue, as deep and endless as the sky.
“No plans to break up, then?”
“That’s for Lady Cordelia to decide.”
Liam laughed quietly, finding himself impressed. Indeed, a man of weak resolve could never have survived so long in such a precarious position.
“Ah, right—Jerania left you a message.”
“What kind of message?”
Liam’s tone grew more serious. Noah’s expression hardened as he listened.
“You won’t be able to avoid choosing forever. Whatever choice you make, I will respect your will.”
“What brings you here?”
Cordelia looked up at Noah, who had just been pulled into a hug. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to leave out the parts he couldn’t speak of.
“I wanted to see you, Lady Cordelia.”
It wasn’t a lie. Even if he’d just come from meeting the broker, he had planned to visit her afterward anyway.
“Oh? Then why didn’t you come straight to the castle?”
“I was picking up a small gift…”
Also not a lie—though nothing sold around here was really suitable for a noblewoman.
“What’s going on?”
A curious voice chimed in. When Noah turned, he found a pair of bright, inquisitive eyes staring up at him. A young girl had hurried to Cordelia’s side.
“And who are you? Why do you two look like you’re having such a dramatic reunion?”
The two of them instinctively stepped apart. Cordelia, looking a little disappointed, introduced the child with a smile.
“This is my niece—adorable, isn’t she?”
“I’m Linda!” the girl said proudly.
“Hello, Miss Linda. I’m Noah.”
As Linda gazed up at him with sparkling eyes, Noah felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
Maybe because she’s Cordelia’s kin… she looks oddly familiar.
But then—
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
