Chapter 129 EPISODE 129 INVITATION (1)

Late post~! Genshin had an update yesterday, so I spent most of the day playing it and forgot about the translation, hahaha. As for the next chapter, there might be some delay in its release because I would have to help with the Christmas eve food preparations (noche buena).

Terms used in this chapter:

Mildang

Korean slang for a love strategy where the BF/GF try to control their love so that they do not look too much needy. Its sometimes translated in English as playing hard to get. Source: Art of Mildang

Three weeks after Gal and Adelias engagement ceremony.

Cordelia was quietly sitting in front of the desk as she pouted her lips.

And there was one woman who was watching her.

Cordelias escort, Dahlia, who was like an older sister to her, smiled and said in passing.

Miss, miss. Are you sulking?

No, Im not?

Cordelia automatically responded, and Dahlia smiled again.

Dont say that. Youre sulking, right?

Im not?

Cordelia replied in annoyance and even snorted, but Dahlia became more certain because of that.

Shes really upset.

You look sulky.

Dahlia shifted her gaze a little further away and looked at the paper Cordelia was scribbling on.

It was the paper that she used to write formulas in her magic studies, but small scribbles could be seen everywhere, and as Dahlia had thought, the scribbles was about someone specific.

Stupid Jude. Idiot.

Upon seeing the clumsy scribbles, Dahlia quickly raised her hand to cover her mouth.

Because she smiled like a mother.

How can you be so cute?

The reason why Cordelia was sulking.

It was something simple and obvious.

Because Mr. Bayer had stopped writing to her.

Around three weeks had already passed since the last one.

An unexpected letter arrived once with a gift five days after Adelias engagement ceremony, which had happily surprised Count Chase and everyone, but no other letters had arrived since then.

How coldhearted.

He hadnt been in touch with Cordelia for almost 15 days.

I roughly heard the reason why, but

After Cordelia lost contact with Jude, she was like a flower that withered away day by day of course if she had heard Dahlias thoughts, she would have excessively denied it, but Dahlia had already gone to Count Bayers place once for Cordelia.

According to the explanation of the knight, Jun, whom she became acquainted with during their journey to Langesthei, it was as follows:

He has been practicing hard every day with Count Bayer from early in the morning to late at night.

In short, Sir Jun said that Jude was busy practicing every day.

Wellit cant be helped.

Yes, the young master was so quick to learnso the count was also very passionate.

Judes extraordinary talent had already been proven by the various events that occurred.

So she could also understand why a fire was lit in Count Bayers eyes and he began to actively train Jude.

Young master Gal and even the count was convinced. Young master Jude will be the strongest knight in the north.

Oh

The weight of the counts words was different from the words of a parent who often bragged about their child.

Count Bayer.

One of the Northern Sagang and one of the ten great swordmasters with the title Sword General.

Jun saw the count say that Jude would be the strongest, so it seemed to him that Jude had immense talent.

In fact, Iron Man Landius coveted his talent.

Iron Man Landius was one of the five heroes of the Paragon Kingdom and the man who was always mentioned when people discussed about the strongest people in the world.

Jude was a disciple of Landius, and there was only one reason why Landius made Jude his disciple.

Cheonmujiche.

The incarnation of martial arts from the heavens.

Soplease take care of Lady Cordelia. Theyre a really good couple but if they ever have a falling-out

Yes, I wont let that happen. Ill have a talk with the miss when that occurs.

Thank you.

Knight Jun sighed in relief as if this was his business.

One way or another, it seemed like he was devoted to his young master Jude.

Its a good thing.

Gal and Jude had a very close relationship, so Count Bayer did not have any problems with the two.

Anyway.

Dahlia stopped recalling her conversation with Jun and looked at Cordelia in front of her again.

Cordelia was sitting in front of the desk and playing with her pen, and every small gesture of hers expressed her annoyance and dissatisfaction, just as Dahlia thought.

If she really wanted to see him, she should contact him first.

She could also visit the Bayer mansion once.

But Cordelia didnt do that.

She puffed her cheeks and pouted her lips every day, but she never tried to contact him first.

Its mildang.

Ufufu. How cute.

-I want to see you, I want to meet you, but I have to endure and hold back my feelings.-

But her mildang had a small drawback.

While Cordelia had plenty of time to think about Jude, Jude could not afford to think about anything else because of his one-on-one training with Count Bayer.

So Ill have to help the young miss for a little bit.

Because Dahlia had an idea on how to tease Cordelia who was sulking today.

Miss.

Whyyyyyy.

A letter has arrived.

A letter?!

Cordelia jumped up from her seat, but she soon blushed a little and then cleared her throat.

A letter isnt that important.

She quickly sat down and turned around, but Dahlia could see it. The corners of Cordelias mouth was slightly raised.

Hmph, I knew youd give up first. Are you thinking of something like that?

Ahem, ahem. By the way, Dahlia.

Yes, miss.

Im not really curious, but you know that, right?

Yes, miss.

But he wrote it first, right? So wouldnt it be polite for me to check it?

Maybe?

Ahem, ahem, youre right. So bring me the letter.

Cordelia turned around very slowly and stretched out her hand as if she was not interested. But there was something she couldnt hide, and that was her eyes.

Youre anxious.

After suppressing her laugh, Dahlia handed over a letter in a white envelope.

Ahem, ahem.

And then.

Cordelia grabbed the letter as if snatching it, and opened the letter in a contradictory behavior, as she did it as slowly as possible yet was quite quick too. But Cordelia soon frowned.

She cant help it.

The letter wasnt Judes.

The letter that arrived was an invitation from Count Ficus.

Birthday party?

Yes, its a party to celebrate Lady Emma Ficus 17

th

birthday.

No, I know that too.

It was natural for Cordelia to frown.

The Ficus family was one of the 12 northern families, but wasnt very close to the Chase family.

It wasnt that bad that they would fight each other, but they didnt have a friendly relationship either.

Moreover, Emma Ficus had long been a person who was arguing with Cordelia, and had a strange yet burning desire to compete with Cordelia in the past.

Shes hardly seen in the game.

There was a related sub-quest involving her, but she only appeared once so Yellow Storm didnt remember her.

But it was different for Cordelia.

Emma invited Cordelia on her birthday last year and bragged about her fianc a lot.

Oh, is Mr. Bayer absent again? Im so sorry, I feel so sad thinking about it. But lateryoull have no problems with the wedding, right? Im worried that its because of a problem with his healthhohoho.

That voice. That look.

That behavior made her very angry even before she recalled the memories of her past life, or even when she was much gentler back then. But she got even more angry when she looked back on the memories of her past life.

Miss, its time to show them what youve got.

Huh?

Mr. Bayer will be with you this time.

When Dahlia spoke with sparkling eyes, Cordelia blinked because she didnt understand her immediately, but it was only for a moment.

Cordelias eyes were suddenly filled with a will to fight.

We have to pay back the grievances she had caused! And this is an excuse no, we have to discuss this with Mr. Bayer who is coming too.

That was why Dahlia didnt lose her smile when she handed Count Ficus invitation that would surely upset Cordelia.

It was a justification for Cordelia to visit Jude first!

A way where Cordelia wouldnt look like she lost against Jude, and a way where she could say that it was unavoidable!

Ju-Jude?

Yes, there is something you need to discuss with Mr. Bayer. Its also urgent.

They didnt have much time since Emma Ficus birthday was five days from now, and it would take a full day of travel in the carriage to get to the Ficus territory.

In addition, Cordelia had one more reason.

Come to think of it, its about time for that event to happen.

The time when the royal capital sent invitations to everyone for the 300

th

anniversarys founding ball.

Emma Ficus birthday was a trivial event that one could just ignore, but the founding event was different.

It was their third task for a perfect happy ending.

Yes, yes. This is really important. So I have to discuss it with Jude.

As Cordelia spoke to herself, Dahlia immediately followed.

Yes, miss. It is as you had said. So lets go to Count Bayers mansion. In order to meet Mr. Bayer.

Hmph, thats right. Ill meet with Jude.

Okay. Then lets begin now.

Huh? Now?

Yes, now. Before its too late.

In fact, Dahlia had already sent a letter to Count Bayer, saying that they would come to visit today.

W-wait a second.

Yes, so you have to dress up and be pretty. We still have enough time.

I-its not like that? Theres no need for me to look pretty for Jude.

Really?

Thatahem, ahem. But I should do the basics. For decorum.

Cordelia murmured as if coming up with an excuse before she quietly moved in front of the mirror, and Dahlia smiled again.

And three hours later.

Lets call it a day.

Were done?

Inside the drill hall.

Jude tilted his head and asked after hearing Gals words, as he sat on the floor and wiped his sweat.

Because it was too early than the usual time.

Yes, were done. Theres something scheduled for today.

Did you get a letter from sister-in-law Adelia?

Jude asked him teasingly, but Gal shook his head as if it was absurd and then said.

If its letters, it comes every day. I also write back every day.

I-I see.

Gal was his usual self, but Jude was very surprised with Adelia.

It feels like her real nature itself has changed.

Adelia was like a hedgehog in the original, so he never thought that she would be a lady so deeply in love now.

It would be worth seeing her at the founding ball.

Unlike Jude and Cordelia who were just hanging out at home, Adelia was a royal wizard for the Royal Guard Magic Corps in the royal capital.

She took a long vacation to catch Jude and Cordelia, but she still served as the commander, so she had no choice but to return to the royal capital.

It was another reason why the engagement ceremony was hurried.

But Adelia was due to retire sooner or later, since the engagement ceremony alone wasnt enough.

She was supposed to quit her job as a commander and return to her hometown after the founding event.

Because my brother Gal has to inherit the title of Count Bayer.

They came to this conclusion because it was impossible for Gal to go to the royal capital even if Adelia could go to Bailon.

She must have really loved him.

She easily gave up her position as a commander of the Royal Guard Magic Corps.

Anywayit would be sooner or later.

There was a month and twenty days left before the 300

th

anniversary founding ball.

If he followed the flow of the original, an invitation to the royal capital would probably arrive within a week.

Well, it seems like the time has come. Go quickly and wash off your sweat first. Its been a long time, so shouldnt you look the best?

Eh? What in the world are you talking

That was it.

Jude quickly turned to the piercing gaze he felt behind him, and he finally saw her after a long time.

Cordelia.

There was a red-haired girl standing and looking down on the balcony overlooking the drill hall at a distance.

I hear that she has something to urgently discuss. It seems like she got an invitation for a birthday party at Count Ficus territory.

Jude nodded when he heard Gals explanation.

In the original, there was no event like an invitation to a birthday party because Cordelia was not in Bailon at that point, but the event was bound to naturally happen now that the situation had changed.

So instead of raising questions about Count Ficus, Jude just stared at Cordelia and asked Gal in a low voice.

But brother.

Yes, my younger brother.

She somehow looks upset, right?

Hmmmaybe?

Gal and Jude looked at the girl on the balcony together, and the girl Cordelia, changed her expression and Jude thought he could hear her snorting at him.

Go quickly.

Yes, brother.

Jude smiled as he stood up right away and hurriedly moved.

***

Are you upset?

No, Im not? Im not upset at all, okay?

But you look like youre upset?

No, its not. Im totally not upset at all, okay?

Jude and Cordelia were seated across the table and quickly exchanged glances, and Maja and Dahlia warmly smiled at the affectionate air between the two.

They really look good together, right?

Yeah.

The two had a similar conversation with their eyes before they quickly got up and left their seats.

It was to allow Jude and Cordelia to spend their time alone together.

Arent you upset?

No, Im not! Theres no way Im upset just because you havent contacted me for 16 days!

Oh.

16 days.

She was counting the days.

Im touched.

Jude smiled in satisfaction, and Cordelia snorted without realizing the mistake that she had just made.

Anyway, Im sorry. I was too preoccupied with training.

Hmph, its okay. I do not mind it.

I am glad then.

When Jude smoothly said that, Cordelia frowned for a moment, but she couldnt take her words back now.

So, is your training going well?

Jude immediately nodded his head at her slightly sulking voice that she was unconscious of.

Yes. Im training on how to further utilize the power of the Ninth Heavens Nine Doors Specifically, Im learning how to fight while using it together with the Bayers swordsmanship.

I see.

She didnt really understand what he meant, but it seemed to her that he was working hard.

I guess he really cant help it.

Should I forgive him?

No, he didnt do something for me to forgive in the first place.

Cordelia herself had never been that upset.

Anyway, Cordelia, what about you?

Me?

Yes, you wouldnt be just doing nothing, right?

Of course, I didnt. I practiced really hard.

Cordelia loudly snorted again before she pulled out a detonating cord from her waist.

She looked like she wanted to show off her training achievements.

But a detonating cord out of all things?

No, it was definitely a tool that required training in order to be properly used, and it was something that Jude himself gave her.

Why? Are you impressed?

Cordelia asked in a quiet voice, and Jude immediately nodded.

If he pretended to be tactless at this point, she would really be upset.

Yes, Im impressed. Im very much impressed.

Hmph, wellif you say so.

I guess Ill have to give you a demonstration.

The corners of Cordelias mouth was raised, and she promptly picked up the detonating cord. However, she definitely couldnt use the detonating cord inside the drawing room.

Therefore, Jude said as he slightly dissuaded Cordelia.

Lets put that off for a moment because we have to go to the training area to see it. Before that, theres something that I want to show you.

Something to show to me?

Yes, you came here today in the first place because of the invitation from Count Ficus, right? Theres also the invitation for the founding ball that will arrive soon.

Yes, thats right.

She had forgotten it for a while, but her primary purpose for visiting was to discuss on how they would respond to the invitation of Count Ficus.

Well have to crush her.

She was a girl who was not satisfied in arguing with Cordelia every year, but even leveled insults at her.

Jude had no intention of letting her get away with it.

Hey, Jude? Were going to a birthday party, right? Were not going on a fight, okay?

Yes, youre right. Its not a fight. Were just going to crush her one-sidedly.

Cordelia frowned at Judes words, but she decided to let it go since she somehow felt much better and relieved.

The timing is perfect. We can use it for practice before using it in the royal capitallets consider it as a demonstration.

Cordelia tilted her head when Jude spoke again.

She couldnt understand what he was talking about.

Ah, come to think of it

Was it in Langesthei?

Jude had said that he was preparing a secret weapon to increase their influence in the royal capital.

Thats right, thats what he is talking about now.

Jude had immediately said that without checking if Cordelia had understood him, so Cordelia decided to ask instead of thinking more about it.

So, what is it?

Its these.

Jude smiled a little more evil than usual as he put the things he had prepared over the past three weeks on the table.