Tail’s Curse Chapter 37

 

The affectionate mother of the brothers knew her youngest son’s quirks better than anyone and sighed, wondering who he took after. 

 

But the father found it quite amusing and doted on him.

 

Noah grumbled under his breath.

 

“Then why don’t you two go first? With you both around, whether your son is there or not, time flies—yet here you are, pointlessly lamenting.”

 

His tone was indifferent, but Cordelia found it intriguing and glanced at him like a cat poking at its food. He sounded almost sulky.

 

Though he exuded an undeniably masculine aura, he sometimes acted like a child. 

 

Maybe it was his face, but instead of seeming immature, it came off as unexpectedly charming, a little absurd, and endearingly human. 

 

Life really was unfair…

 

“What are you looking at?”

 

Their eyes met. Cordelia flinched and shrugged her shoulders, trying to act nonchalant, but he was already watching her. 

 

Resting his chin on his hand as if he had no interest in eating, he pointed at the plate she had diligently emptied and asked,

 

“Was it good?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Well, you should eat a lot. You seem busy.”

 

He spoke generously, deliberately omitting the subject of when she had been busy. Cordelia got the impression that he was skipping some kind of explanation when dealing with her. 

 

That ambiguous attitude was as unsettling as a tickling palm.

 

Wayne, who had been watching the two of them alternately, deliberately cleared his throat and cut in.

 

“Did you hear, brother? They say the Count of Wales might get engaged soon.”

 

“Should I care?”

 

Noah, his subtle amusement gone, replied dryly.

 

“No doubt he’s scrambling to marry some ‘remarkable’ woman to fill his own emptiness. As if that’ll plug the hole.”

 

At the blatant mockery, Wayne forced an uncomfortable smile.

 

“Don’t do that, Brother. He’s just trying to fulfill his duties as a member of the imperial family in his own way.”

 

“Yeah, he should. What else would he do otherwise?”

 

Wayne sighed and winked playfully at Cordelia, who was watching him cautiously. 

 

A scolding came immediately.

 

“Cut the act, you playboy.”

 

“Why am I a playboy? I’ve never looked at anyone other than the woman I’m courting!”

 

“Sure, sure. Because they change so often, right?”

 

Noah teased with a smirk, while Wayne looked indignant—a familiar dynamic. 

 

But for some reason, Jacques Pierrot thought Noah Tudor was being even more spiteful toward his cousin than usual. 

 

And the only difference this morning was… 

 

His gaze drifted toward the silver-haired young lady with an innocent expression, who was quietly eating while occasionally glancing at Noah. When their eyes met, Jacques smoothly opened his mouth, as if he had intended to speak all along.

 

“I’ll deliver the Clamencia within two days. Do you need it sooner?”

 

“Oh, no. It must be troublesome for you. Thank you.”

 

“Not at all. It’s an honor to assist you, my lady.”

 

Before their affectionate exchange could conclude, a smooth, velvety voice interrupted.

 

“That mermaid grass? What for?”

 

Though asking, Noah’s eyes were fixed directly on Cordelia. 

 

Jacques opened his mouth with a peculiar expression, but she cut in first.

 

“I asked for it. Tea brewed from that herb helps me sleep better.”

 

Afraid Jacques might find it bothersome, Cordelia quickly replied as if reciting a prepared answer. 

 

Noah stared at her for a long moment before finally saying, “Oh, really?”

 

“Having trouble sleeping?”

 

“Huh? No. Thanks to your concern, I’ve been sleeping very well.”

 

“Sleeping well, my foot.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

Her barely audible voice was drowned out by a knock from outside. 

 

Jason, Noah’s secretary, entered the drawing room. He bowed politely and handed a letter to his superior.

 

“It’s from Katisha.”

 

Noah set down his cutlery and stared at the seal on the neatly placed letter on the table. The imperial seal was unmistakable to any citizen of the empire. 

 

Despite the glorious and absolute insignia, Noah tore open the letter with little ceremony, skimmed its contents, and let out a weary sigh.

 

“Is Katisha going to explode in my absence or something? They’re all so desperate to summon me, they can’t even wait.”

 

“Congratulations. Another medal to add to your collection.”

 

“What? Did I go to war without realizing it, brother?”

 

Wayne, who had hastily unfolded the torn letter, burst into laughter.

 

“Ah, that incident. Well, the capital was in an uproar. It’s not like there’s been much to celebrate lately. ‘Rescuing innocent citizens from pirates’—what a heroic tale for your return! Everyone’s cheering. And I’m sure Her Majesty nudged His Majesty into this. A medal is the least they could offer to lure you back to Katisha.”

 

“Tell them to call if they have something to say.”

 

Noah looked thoroughly unamused. Though he considered Katisha his home, he disliked staying in one place for too long, preferring to wander the seas and the world. 

 

Especially during the social season, he made a point of avoiding the capital—mostly to escape the clingy, meddlesome people, unfortunately, this included his own family.

 

“They’ll want to see and question you in person. About this and that.”

 

Wayne’s gaze flickered toward Cordelia, who sat quietly with wide, rabbit-like eyes.

 

Agnes, the empress and their outspoken elder sister, loved her family but couldn’t resist the occasional nagging and prying into their private lives. 

 

Noah called it plain interference. 

 

Given that this was their temperamental cousin’s first scandal in nearly a decade, though all their inner circle knew the gossip about Sasha Ander was just media noise, she’d undoubtedly insist on seeing him herself.

 

“His Majesty likely needs a political diversion and some headlines around this time. Seems like I really have to head out this time.”

 

“We should get going, brother. France is hosting the debutante ball this social season. You didn’t forget, did you?”

“Ah.”

 

This time, Noah’s eyebrows actually lifted. 

 

Wayne clicked his tongue at the dry, indifferent response. Strictly speaking, they were blood relatives—this was too much.

 

“You really forgot? She cried and begged so much for you to be her first dance partner…”

“Why would she dance her first dance with me? She should do it with her lover.”

 

“What lover at sixteen? Besides, dancing with you first would help her find one.”

 

Ever since she was little, their young cousin had followed Noah around, smitten by his handsome, dashing presence. She even threw tantrums, declaring she’d marry him when she grew up. 

 

And now that brat was already old enough for her social debut. 

 

Wayne looked oddly touched, while Noah remained unimpressed.

 

Jason, the secretary who had naturally joined them for breakfast, raised a hand as if he’d just remembered something.

“Lord Oliver also left a message. His exact words, ‘If you stood up to my daughter, you’re dead.’ That’s all.”

“Hah. Who says she doesn’t have a father?”

 

Noah snapped irritably at their absent uncle before suddenly turning his gaze to Cordelia, who had been quietly sipping her milk, seemingly left out of the entire conversation.

 

“What about you, Miss Cordelia?”

 

“Huh? Me?”

 

She reflexively echoed before forcing an awkward smile.

 

“Oh, congratulations? Have a nice trip?”

 

“What are you talking about? If I go, you’re coming too.”

 

“What?”

 

As Cordelia stared blankly, Noah tilted his head with a smirk.

 

“Did you forget? A creditor and debtor are practically one. You think I’d go anywhere without you?”

 

He really has a strange way of speaking. 

 

Judging by the odd expressions on the faces of those around me, it doesn’t seem like I’m overreacting. 

 

Cordelia could only nod blankly. 

 

It wasn’t as if I had any choice in the matter. Wait, does that mean I’ll end up going to that Katisha I’ve only heard about?

 

Her face flushed belatedly with a mix of nervousness and excitement as Lord Pierrot kindly spoke to her.

 

“Have you ever been to Katisha before?”

 

“No. In fact, apart from when I was a newborn, this will be my first time. Though I was born there.”

Wayne also chimed in, sounding surprised.

 

“Ah, is that so? It’ll be a new experience for you, Miss Cordelia.”

 

“Yes. My mother always spoke of it. She said it’s the heart of the world—the most dazzling and beautiful city.”

 

Without realizing it, she grew animated and explained quickly, prompting the two gentlemen to nod warmly. They mentioned that while the air could sometimes be unpleasant, the city was quite captivating. Her heart began to race again. 

 

Wasn’t Katisha supposed to be the first destination from the start? 

 

Filled with excitement, she had even stopped eating earlier, oblivious to the gazes fixed on her as she chattered more than usual.

 

“Actually, the reason I boarded the Mermaid was to get to Katisha. I’ve always wanted to see that city.”