CHAPTER 66………………………….
“When two people meet, there will always be conflict. That’s just how it is. There’s no such thing as a relationship where only one side suffers.”
“But… compared to me, the other person would have to shoulder far more.”
“Noah. You know it’s cowardly to let someone else decide the reasons for your choices, right?”
“…Yeah, I know.”
“Good.”
That was enough for Avery, who replied lightly.
Before long, the narrow street leading to his house came into view. Waving goodbye, Avery headed inside, and Noah slowly trudged onward alone.
It had long since grown dark. Watchmen carrying lanterns occasionally passed by on their patrols. With eyes adjusted to the gloom, Noah wandered aimlessly until suddenly he recognized the outlines of the houses around him—and gave a bitter laugh.
Why the hell did I come here?
Just one more block, and he’d reach the mansion where Cordelia was staying. Realizing this, Noah turned on his heel.
Or at least, he tried to.
…Maybe it would be fine to just look at the mansion from outside. It’s not like he intended to see her face.
Lady Cordelia doesn’t sleep with her windows open anyway. If it’s just for a moment, no one will notice.
But once the thought of her being so close came to him, his feet refused to move away. Ignoring the prickling at his back as though someone were watching, Noah gave up and rounded the corner.
The mansion glowed with light. But then—carried on the breeze—faint voices reached his ears. Noah instinctively held his breath and listened.
It’s coming from inside the walls. A thief?
“Why are you sighing again?”
“I just pity the poor soul who’s fallen for your face.”
“Do you want to die?!”
Carefully muffling his steps, Noah crept along the wall until he reached the front gate, fitted with iron bars. The moment he heard that sharp, indignant voice, he froze.
Cordelia, shaking a man by the collar, turned at just that moment—and their eyes met.
As if on cue, the clouds shifted, and moonlight spilled down upon all three of them. With their faces illuminated, Noah had no chance of pretending to be a stranger and slipping away.
“Uh, I-I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.”
He blurted the apology in a fluster. Only then did he finally register the man in Cordelia’s grip—and his lips parted in shock.
“I mean, it’s not like there’s anything between us or anything!”
Cordelia dropped Liam’s collar, smirking sweetly, and Noah bowed awkwardly.
“Ah, I see.”
He thought he’d answered appropriately, but Cordelia’s expression only grew stranger, as if dissatisfied. Noah bit the inside of his lip.
Right. Coming here at night really was a bad idea.
But Cordelia’s thoughts were nothing like his.
Has he lost his mind? What is Noah doing here of all times?! This looks exactly like a compromising situation. And why is he reacting so indifferently? Does he really not care? Ugh! And Liam, of all people—why did he have to show up now and sabotage my love life?!
Only Liam remained perfectly at ease. With sharp intuition, he quickly realized that the man Cordelia had been talking about earlier was Noah, and greeted him.
“Oh, hello. I’m Liam Gracia. And you are?”
“Noah Epermann.”
“Fine name. Are you a noble, by chance?”
“…No, just a commoner.”
Will he recognize me? Noah’s palms sweated, but he stayed calm. Liam studied him a moment before turning to Cordelia.
“You know him? It’s fine if I let him in then?”
“Of course!”
Cordelia hurried to lift the latch from inside. Noah murmured a soft “Excuse me,” and stepped in. Liam gave him a once-over from head to toe under the moonlight and spoke lazily.
“Solid build. Ever thought of training as a knight?”
“…What?”
“What the hell are you babbling about?”
“I’m serious—muscles like that don’t just happen.”
Liam smacked his lips as if regretting it, shrugging his shoulders.
“With a body like that, it’s a shame you’re not a knight.”
“How did you know I’m not?”
“Knights are trained in everything, even how they walk. I can tell by your stride.”
Scratching his head, Liam suddenly cut straight to the point.
“So then—what exactly is your relationship with Cordelia?”
Noah froze, but Cordelia slipped close to his side, clinging to his arm with a bright grin.
“Closer than you are.”
“Oh-ho, so you are involved?”
Noah opened his mouth to deny it—but shut it again. The image of Liam and Cordelia together just moments before came back to him, and a strange pang twisted in his chest. Not anger, exactly… more like an aching hollowness.
Against his better judgment, Noah let his gaze rest on Liam’s face. As he’d thought the last time they met, Liam was a man of remarkable looks. Standing beside Cordelia, they truly looked like a perfect match.
Of course they did. There was no reason for the thought to surprise him.
Still… if you keep hesitating, someone else will snatch them away.
Why did Avery’s words echo in his mind now? Why didn’t he want to push away the warmth pressed against his arm?
What was that suffocating, sticky feeling that rose like mire from the depths of his chest?
He knew Cordelia and Liam had no romantic feelings for each other. This was about his own emotions. Just as light gives rise to shadow, jealousy is born of admiration and longing.
As Noah sifted through the sharper, clearer feelings rising within him, a shocking realization surfaced.
He’d promised himself he would put these emotions in order. He’d thought he was succeeding. But instead… they’d only grown stronger.
…He didn’t know anymore.
Mistaking Noah’s conflicted expression for disapproval, Liam quickly clarified:
“Wait, don’t tell me you think this is a love triangle? Not at all. Cordelia and I are like siblings. I’ve already got a wife and kids. I only came by tonight to see if I could stay here for a while.”
“At such a late hour?”
“As I said, we’re family-like—”
“Which is exactly why you should be more careful. Even if the two of you are fine with it, public opinion isn’t so forgiving. Lady Cordelia has already suffered from such rumors.”
Noah’s polite words carried the faintest hint of rebuke.
Cordelia glanced sideways at him. The tight line of his lips, the sharp edge in his eyes—somehow it made her feel oddly warm inside, her mouth itching to smile.
You’re so adorable sometimes. You never get angry for yourself, but here you are fuming for me.
“Hm. You’re right,” Liam admitted simply, stroking his chin.
Cordelia bristled.
“Hey! When I say it, you never listen!”
“Coming from you, it’s routine. But if even someone else says it, maybe it is a bit much. I guess we can’t go on as if nothing’s changed forever.”
Raised in a strict household, Liam had always rebelled by dismissing etiquette and formality. He couldn’t be bothered with matters of rank.
Cordelia liked that about him—but still put on a mock shiver.
“Ugh, don’t be weird. When it’s just us, don’t act so formal—it gives me goosebumps.”
“Same here. I just figured some things need to be said. You said Gerania vouched for him, right? Then it can’t hurt to listen a little.”
Noah watched the exchange in puzzlement. Just who was the queen, that her name carried so much weight wherever it was spoken? Her serene smile flashed in his mind and faded again.
“Oh, by the way, you’re really coming to the delegation’s banquet?”
“Of course. I came all this way for it. Plenty to coordinate, too.”
“Then let’s talk later. I’ve been thinking about something.”
“Good idea. If you’re planning trouble, better to give warning. Smart move.”
“It’s not like that!”
Even while bickering, Cordelia still hadn’t let go of Noah’s arm. He kept stealing glances at her. She was in her evening dress—she must’ve just come back from the reading club.
“Anyway, sorry if I interrupted your secret tryst.”
“…What?”
“You’re only realizing that now?”
Cordelia stuck out her tongue. Noah froze, face rigid with panic.
“I’ll be sure to crash one of your dates with Mildred.”
“Don’t waste your time on impossible things.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“Enjoy your evening with your lover. I’ll be off.”
“Your carriage?”
“Waiting nearby. Your estate is smaller than I thought.”
Tossing out one last infuriating remark, Liam vanished into the night. Noah worried briefly about him going alone without guards, but then caught the glint of a sword at his waist. One of the kingdom’s top swordsmen hardly needed escort.
Once he was gone, the air felt like a storm had just blown past. Noah muttered under his breath:
“That man’s personality is really…”
“Selfish.”
“…Now I see why you two are friends.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing at all.”
Before Cordelia could glare, Noah quickly replied and tried to pull his arm free. But he faltered, caught by her clear gaze. His strength drained away.
Softly, he apologized.
“Forgive me for coming so late. I must’ve startled you.”
“Huh? Not at all! You helped me chase him off sooner—so actually, you did me a favor.”
“…You must be close.”
“Does that bother you?”
Cordelia’s playful tone made Noah hesitate. Seeing him flustered, she blinked in surprise.
“What—seriously?! You’re unusually honest today.”
Well, well. Liam’s good for something after all.
“N-no!”
“Liar. It’s written all over your face—‘I can’t stand it! I don’t want Lady Cordelia with anyone but me!’”
“Th-that’s—”
How could she…
Noah nearly blurted it, but swallowed the words. He couldn’t afford to lose control. One slip, and the dam would burst.
An accident might excuse it—but not now. Not like this.
With the most solemn face he could muster, he changed the subject.
“It’s late. The night’s cold. You should go inside. I’ll take my leave.”
“Want to stay over? You said yourself it’s fine to spend a night away while in the capital.”
Cordelia’s eager offer made Noah want to clutch his head.
“Did you forget what I just told your lordship earlier?!”
“I heard you loud and clear. But he’s like family. And you—you’re going to become my family.”
Her cheeky reply turned Noah’s face scarlet. Losing his composure, he stammered:
“D-don’t say things like that!”
“Ooh, embarrassed?”
