Chapter 18
“No, I was just wondering when you’d arrive, Sis.”
“Zerania? I don’t know either, she’s really late. Did Ayra and Janis get into trouble again?”
Kalia’s gaze dropped to the box Noah was holding tightly. The moment she saw the box with its delicate embossed patterns, a soft smile touched her lips.
“That’s a gift for Zerania? You could’ve just sent it through a servant, she would’ve received it just fine.”
“But it feels nicer to give it in person.”
“Well, that’s true.”
While Noah was tense and on edge about being found out, Kalia was perfectly relaxed. Unlike the way she had been scolding people moments ago, her voice now held a warmth that revealed her affection for Cordelia.
“I heard you fought with Rick.”
“From who?”
“Rick, of course. I just ran into him. He told me about it. Easy for him to say—he told you to get married, right?”
“Yeah. Did he say that to you too?”
“At first. But I think he’s mostly given up on me now. I mean, you haven’t even inherited your full estate yet, so maybe you seem like an easier target than me. He’d never think that if he knew how much you’ve earned from your novels.”
“Oh… right.”
Caught off guard by the unexpected information, Noah’s eyes widened. Kalia seemed to interpret his startled face as anger, and she gave Cordelia’s shoulder a reassuring pat.
“Anyway, I’ll have a talk with Rick about it. By the way, where are you staying?”
“Well…”
Just as Noah opened his mouth to respond, a commotion broke out outside. Kalia stood up as she saw a group approaching through the doorway.
“Looks like the guest of honor has arrived. Come on, let’s go.”
Noah hesitated before taking Kalia’s outstretched hand and rising from her seat. Only then did Kalia notice the navy gloves on Noah’s hands and ask curiously,
“What’s with the gloves? Ah, right. I guess you don’t need to wear the ring anymore, so that makes sense.”
“…Where do you even hear these things?”
“Oh, I have my ways. You’re in the palm of my hand.”
With a playful smirk, Kalia tapped Noah’s forehead and turned to lead the way. Noah followed slowly, her hands trembling with nerves as she held the wooden box.
“She must be inside the banquet hall by now.”
Wearing attire fit for a servant, Cordelia blended into the bustling crowd of attendants. Tied to her waist was a pouch containing a box identical to the one Noah was carrying.
‘Oh no! I gave her the wrong one!’
About an hour ago, Cordelia had checked the box in her room and let out a horrified gasp.
The gift meant for Zerania was a lovely emerald bracelet she had commissioned months ago from her favorite artisan. But she had also ordered another bracelet made of sapphire at the same time, and both were stored in very similar-looking boxes. It wasn’t until long after the carriage had left that she realized she had given the wrong one.
She couldn’t just pass it off either—the bracelets were a matching set meant to be shared with the king. She had prepared something meaningful, and now it was all a mess.
After pacing around her room for a while, Cordelia made up her mind and looked in the mirror. Her straight bangs covered her eyes, making her face hard to see. Clues began to click into place in her mind.
She had an item that could prove her identity, so getting into the palace wouldn’t be hard. And with her hair down, Noah had a fairly ordinary appearance.
So, if she could just find Noah, swap the gifts, and leave—wouldn’t that be fine?
Once decided, action followed. She had been getting a little bored just sitting around anyway.
The palace, after so long, was still as grand as ever. Big and crowded. Thanks to Noah’s considerable size, she wasn’t jostled around, but the limited visibility was more annoying than expected.
Does Noah deal with this all the time?
When she got back, she’d insist they trim her bangs. It couldn’t be good for her eyesight.
Yes, it was purely for health reasons—not because that handsome face was being hidden!
As she discreetly scanned her surroundings, Cordelia slipped between two buildings. If she continued this way, she’d reach the garden.
The weather was lovely and her steps were light. She was just about to hum to herself when—
“Let go of me!”
A sharp voice pierced the air. Cordelia instinctively turned toward the sound.
Just as Kalia had guessed, the King and Queen of Linaen were standing at the center of the banquet hall.
With his tall figure, sunlight-melted golden hair, vivid blue eyes like the autumn sky, and defined features, the king—once hailed as the most handsome man in the kingdom since his crown prince days—had grown even more striking in his thirties.
Beside him stood the guest of honor, the queen with chestnut hair. Compared to the dazzling king Franz, she may have seemed plain, but Zerania Linaen was a refined and beautiful woman. Her intelligent green eyes brightened as she saw Kalia and Noah approaching.
“Welcome.”
Her gentle, warm voice greeted the two as they came near. At her gesture, those around them stepped back just enough to give space while still remaining close enough to hear if voices weren’t lowered.
In place of her stoic husband, Zerania spoke with a playful tone.
“It’s been hard to see you lately.”
“It just turned out that way,” Kalia replied, casually ignoring the formalities.
Zerania beckoned to Noah, who stood awkwardly behind Kalia. When they were close enough to whisper, she took Noah’s hand.
“Why do you look so stiff? Are you feeling unwell?”
Her soft whisper made Noah even more rigid. He didn’t even glance at the king, just mumbled and quickly held out the box he’d brought.
“This! A gift!”
“You’re giving it in person again this year? Thank you.”
Zerania smiled gently as she accepted the wooden box. Noah hurried to add,
“Open it later. I think you’ll like it… I mean, I’m sure you will.”
Zerania looked at him curiously, but before she could say anything, something heavy latched onto Noah’s leg.
Looking down, Noah saw two small, well-dressed children clutching the hem of his dress and gazing up at him.
“Cody!”
“Cody’s here!”
The platinum-blond boy Janis and the red-haired girl Ayra—clearly siblings—beamed up at him.
Noah’s eyes twitched slightly as he hesitated on how to respond. Then he remembered Cordelia’s advice and gently reached out to the kids, patting their heads with a soft smile.
“It’s been a while, you two! Have you been well?”
“Ayra’s been great!”
“Me too.”
Ayra was bright and bubbly, while Janis was calm and composed—the two were quite different but both adored Cordelia.
That was mostly because Cordelia was the only relative who played with them. There were no other royals left in the palace. After Franz took the throne eight years ago, he had exiled all other royal family members to prevent power struggles. Given that he had come to power after rebellion and chaos, he hadn’t hesitated to act harshly.
That left only their mother’s side—the House of Weizen. But calm types like Kalia or Frederick weren’t exactly playful. Naturally, cheerful Cordelia had all their attention.
Not that she minded—she loved her nieces and nephews dearly.
Noah quietly watched the children, then gently picked up Ayra. She liked this kind of thing.
She was heavier now, probably because she was over five. Or maybe it just felt that way in Cordelia’s body.
“Eee!” Ayra squealed, clinging to him. Janis stared at her enviously. Noah grinned and reached out a hand.
“I’m not strong enough to carry both of you. Will you hold my hand, Janis?”
“Okay.”
Though he spoke primly, Janis grasped Noah’s hand tightly. Noah smiled and set Ayra down, then turned to Zerania.
“Sis, happy birthday.”
At Cordelia’s request, he voiced the birthday wish. Zerania, slightly puzzled, smiled back.
“Thank you for always celebrating with me. I’m glad I get to see you again this year.”
“Me too! I’m really happy.”
Zerania tilted her head at the sincerity in Noah’s voice.
“Cody, is something wrong?”
“Huh?”
“You seem nervous. Is there something else you want to say?”
Her sharp observation made sweat break out on Noah’s back. Still, he kept his expression calm.
“Ah, I just didn’t sleep well last night. I’m tired.”
“You? Not sleep well? What happened…?”
As both Zerania and Kalia stared at him in disbelief, Noah once again marveled at Cordelia’s incredibly optimistic personality.
“Yeah, so I’ll head out soon.”
“Okay.”
“Well, I guess you’re allowed to have off days.”
At this point, Cordelia would normally say, “What’s wrong with me?!”—but she didn’t react. The two sisters exchanged a silent glance.
“Isn’t she acting weird?”
“You should talk to her later.”
Just as Kalia was about to say something, Noah cut in with a determined face.
“Sis.”
“Yes?”
“I’m hungry.”
“…What?”
“I’m going to get something to eat. See you later.”
With an absurdly serious expression, Noah made his escape. It was one of Cordelia’s secret tricks—an emergency excuse.
He wasn’t sure it would work, but the strangely convinced looks on their faces surprised him. Just how chaotic is Cordelia normally for this to be believable?
The thought made him laugh. Maybe he really was losing it if he found even that charming. To stifle the chuckle, Noah bit his lip.
As he stepped into the garden, sunlight poured down overhead. Blending into the nobles scattered throughout, he mulled over his next move.
I’ve delivered the gift, so I can leave now, right? I don’t want to run into the Duke of Weizen. Which way should I go…?
But just then, someone grabbed Noah’s shoulder.
He turned—and a puzzled expression spread across his face.
