Chapter 008
Chapter 8: The Master and the Apprentice (2)
Cordelia calmed her startled heart and approached cautiously.
“Well, who are you?”
“My apologies, it’s a late introduction. Hello, I’m Baron Langsha.”
She still wasn’t sure if he was human, but he bowed very politely. She opened her mouth with eyes mixed with curiosity and fear.
“Baron Langsha?”
“I’m the servant of Leonard the First, a symbol of loyalty and integrity.”
“Leonard? Are you talking about Leonard Atily?”
“Yes, you’re correct.”
“Leonard Atily, the one who complains about the side dishes at every meal and has no sympathy for women and children?”
“…Hahaha. You’re right.”
The baron wiped his mouth and glanced at the distance between them. After confirming thoroughly, Cordelia managed to approach him with a bright smile.
“Well, then. What should I call you?”
“Whatever you like.”
“Alright, Baron. Is the reason you appeared before me because the head of the family is asking for me?”
“No. Leonard doesn’t know that I’ve appeared before Countess Abrams. But…”
“Call me Cordelia. It’s not good to call me by that title.”
Cordelia pointed out with a frown. The baron lowered himself and immediately changed how he addressed her, continuing to speak.
“The reason I came here so boldly is to help Cordelia.”
“You want to help me?”
“I’ll help you become Leonard’s apprentice.”
He said with a beautiful smile. Moreover, he was confident that she wouldn’t refuse his offer.
“Why?”
However, he paused for a moment at Cordelia’s unexpected question.
“Why? I thought you’d ask how.”
“If someone who has no interest in me suddenly says they want to help me, wouldn’t it be better to first know their intentions?”
Her tone was nonchalant, but her words were sharp and precise. The baron was stunned for a moment, then laughed.
“I think I understand why Leonard keeps Cordelia close.”
“Close? Lord Atily is the farthest person from me in the world.”
“You’re still alive despite knowing the lord’s identity? That’s quite astonishing.”
“…”
This time, Cordelia was speechless. It seemed that “closeness” to Leonard went beyond what she thought.
“So, Baron, why do you want to help me? Since you came here without the head of the family’s knowledge, I don’t think he gave you permission.”
“As you know, Lord Leonard is currently in a very dangerous situation. Because Maximilian won’t leave him alone if he finds out he’s alive here. Moreover, the owner of this body, Count Abrams, is in such a bad position that it wouldn’t be surprising if his food were poisoned.”
“Yes.”
“In other words, it means we desperately need help here.”
“I’ve always thought that too. But since the Baron is here, I think my help isn’t very useful.”
‘To be honest, I doubt whether I’d really help Leonard. In fact, the only thing I did to fulfill his request was throw a letter into the air.’
“There are times when I have to leave my lord due to circumstances. If Cordelia poisoned my lord’s food while I’m away, I’d lose my lord twice.”
“…So, it’s not that you need my help, but you want me not to harm your lord.”
“That would be more accurate.”
The baron spoke politely but firmly. Cordelia frowned.
“That’s unfair. Where can you find someone as good as me?”
“Of course, I know Cordelia has a kind heart, but that’s because I believed in the good intentions of humans and lost my lord once before.”
In fact, Leonard died after being betrayed by the person closest to him. It might be natural not to trust others.
“I think helping me become his apprentice is an extension of something else. I have to be his apprentice and not do anything to harm him?”
“You have a sharp mind, so there’s no need to explain my intentions.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to kill me?”
“…”
“It would be better to kill me and silence me.”
She was somewhat like Leonard in casually saying frightening things. The baron licked his lips and spoke sincerely.
“It’s not that I haven’t considered that option, but I decided it would be better to have a trustworthy ally within the count’s family. And I also want to live as quietly as possible without any incidents until the lord returns to his position.”
“So, you’re telling me about his weakness? I was wondering if I could use that to threaten him into making me his apprentice.”
Cordelia’s eyes gleamed fiercely when she said the word “threaten.” The baron felt a bit embarrassed and spoke.
“His weakness… Rather, I’ll teach you how to stay by my lord’s side for a long time.”
He spoke with his chin raised, as if it were a great achievement. In response, Cordelia frowned and answered.
“I don’t really want to stay by that man’s side for long. I just want to learn a little magic and become a magical appraiser…”
“No!”
Before she could finish, the baron widened his eyes and became angry.
“A magical appraiser! Are you really thinking of taking that job? My goodness, Lord Leonard’s honor would fall if it became known that his apprentice is a magical appraiser.”
“You have the same reaction as your lord. Is it really that surprising?”
“Once Cordelia formally receives magical power in her body, you’ll understand what that means.”
The baron shook his head and let out a tired sigh.
“I’ll help you as much as I can. It seems the lord cares well for Cordelia, so it won’t be that difficult.”
“Cares for me well? From where are you looking?!”
‘He’s so harsh that he tells me to leave every time I say something, so on what basis is he saying this?’
“Later, you’ll understand what I mean. Cordelia doesn’t need to do anything to become his apprentice. To be precise, no matter what you do, the lord won’t accept you easily.”
“Then why are you telling me this… Fine, just let me threaten him with his weakness. I won’t say I heard it from the Baron.”
“There’s a much simpler way than that.”
“What is it?”
“Sympathy is the only way to melt my lord’s cold heart.”
The baron smiled eerily. Cordelia was about to ask, “What kind of emotions could that cold man possibly feel?”
“Young lady.”
The conversation between the two ended when a sudden voice came from behind. Cordelia turned around awkwardly and looked back.
“Yes?”
“Are you here?”
It was the servant in charge of the stables. Cordelia glanced aside, covering the trough with her back. Fortunately, the baron left no trace behind.
“Sorry. I was giving some food to Rooty.”
“You mean that dog? But…”
The servant frowned and looked at Rooty. He didn’t seem to like the idea of a dirty dog wandering around the count’s stable.
Cordelia asked with a kind face.
“What’s your name?”
“My name is Peter, young lady.”
“Alright. Listen. Rooty is my favorite dog. She’s like the hunting dog my father raised when I was young.”
“Is that true?”
Peter looked puzzled by the lady’s unexpected words.
“So, if I find out you chased Rooty away or treated her badly when I’m not around, I might kick you out of the castle.”
Her tone was gentle and friendly, but the warning in it was blunt. He immediately bowed and apologized. As a merciful lady, Cordelia was ready to forgive the servants.
“Alright. Why did you call me?”
“Oh, the great lady is looking for you.”
“Hmm.”
She wondered if Leonard was looking for her, but of course, it wasn’t him. She left the stable without hiding her disappointment.
***
Even after her meeting with the baron, Leonard’s attitude didn’t change. Instead, he pushed her away more openly. But Cordelia treated him with greater kindness.
“Did you like today’s food?”
“Do you want me to open the window a bit more?”
“Do you have any more letters to send?”
And little by little, Leonard started getting used to her presence.
“Has Lily arrived yet?”
“Yes. They say she’s passing through the castle’s outer gate now.”
Cordelia’s face, which had maintained its composure, grew tense. She thought Lily wouldn’t arrive until next week, but she had come really quickly.
“That’s not good news.”
“Ugh. The maids are so sad. I thought we’d stay comfortable for a while, but I wonder how much trouble there’ll be from now on.”
When Emily complained, Cordelia smiled ambiguously with a face that was neither positive nor negative and moved on.
While walking down the hallway, she saw Helena’s back. Unlike usual, she seemed extremely happy. It made sense since she was on her way to meet her only daughter. Cordelia followed her quietly.
“Mother!”
“Lily. Let me see your face. My goodness, it’s so worn out. Come here more often. How many months has it been?”
The mother and daughter spoke to each other with affection. Only after entering the castle did Lily notice Cordelia standing beside her.
When their eyes met, Cordelia greeted her first.
“Hello, Lily.”
“Your husband is bedridden and sick, and you look awfully plump.”
“…”
“Your health seems fine? If Craig were okay, he would’ve kicked you out by now.”
“…”
“Oh, you’re such bad luck. I didn’t want you in this family from the start.”
‘I’d rather deal with Helena.’
At least Helena ignored her as if she didn’t exist; she didn’t grumble every time their eyes met.
In times like these, if she responded, it would tire her physically and mentally. She simply endured the insult.
‘It’s okay, it’s not a big deal. I’ll leave them in the future.’
