Odalisque - Chapter 12

“…I’m Liv Rodaise.”

Even as she introduced herself, Liv couldn’t shake her confusion. The man before her was quite handsome, but she couldn’t understand why he was approaching her.

After all, this was Million’s birthday party, and the attendees were either Million’s friends, their parents, or acquaintances of Baron and Baroness Pendence.

So, it stood to reason that this man was also somehow connected…

“You seem surprised that I approached you so suddenly.”

“I’m afraid so, yes.”

When Liv agreed plainly, Camille laughed cheerfully.

“I spoke to you because I was genuinely glad to see you. You may not know me, but I happen to know a little about you.”

Before Liv could misunderstand, Camille quickly added, “Million often talks about you during her painting lessons.”

“Ah… so, are you…?”

Now that she thought about it, Liv vaguely remembered Million mentioning she had found an art teacher.

Liv tried to recall what Million had chattered about, but she couldn’t remember much. Million often spoke about a wide variety of topics, and Liv had barely paid attention to the mentions of her new art teacher. What she did remember was being surprised at the name of the school the teacher had graduated from. It was impressive, and Liv thought it befitting of the Pendence family to hire someone with such credentials.

“You’re the one who graduated from Eglantine School of Arts…”

“Yes, I’m Million’s new art teacher.”

Camille nodded, his eyes crinkling warmly, before frowning playfully.

“It seems Million has mentioned me to you. I hope she only said good things.”

“Of course, they were good things.”

Liv quickly searched her memory. Apart from his credentials, all she could recall was Million saying he was handsome.

At the time, she had brushed it off, thinking Million was simply at an age when one starts noticing the opposite sex. It wasn’t exactly praise she could relay directly to the person in question. Perhaps it would be better to compliment his skills instead?

“Judging by your hesitation…?”

“No, really, it was good. She mentioned how handsome you are…!”

Seeing Camille look down dejectedly, Liv hurriedly opened her mouth, then hastily closed it again. But it was too late—the words had already slipped out.

Liv blinked in embarrassment, about to apologize, but Camille burst out laughing first.

“Haha, that’s quite a compliment! I should thank Million for that.”

Thankfully, Camille didn’t seem offended at all.

After all, it wasn’t a bad thing to hear, so maybe it was fine.

Liv felt a sense of relief, though her face still showed her awkwardness as she turned her gaze away.

“In fact, Million often boasts about you, Teacher Rodaise. I’ve wanted to meet you, so I’m delighted to have this opportunity.”

“Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Teacher Marcel.”

“Please, just call me Camille.”

“I couldn’t possibly…”

“I only ask because I’d like to call you Liv.”

Liv’s eyes widened. For a moment, she was too stunned to speak, then she eyed Camille with a curious expression.

Though her life had been consumed by work, Liv had received attention from a few male students back at boarding school.

She might not have much experience, but she wasn’t so oblivious that she couldn’t recognize romantic interest.

“I’m sorry, but we just met today, so I think it’s best if we maintain proper decorum.”

Camille’s bewildered look vanished in an instant as he composed himself, his expression turning somewhat apologetic.

“Oh, I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. I was just eager, that’s all.”

“It’s alright. It seems Million spoke very highly of me.”

What could Million have said to make a stranger immediately show such interest in her? Liv decided she would subtly remind Million to be cautious during their next lesson.

“I’ve never been accused of being impolite before, but it seems I’ve made a poor impression on our first meeting. It’s quite embarrassing.”

To show his sincerity, a faint blush rose on Camille’s cheeks. His warm, friendly demeanor and awkwardness made it difficult for anyone to stay angry at him.

Perhaps his looks had worked to his advantage more than once?

With that thought in mind, Liv took a step back. “It’s alright. Courtesy isn’t a one-time thing. As long as it’s maintained in the future, all is well.”

“I see… Million said you were strict.”

Strict?

Liv was genuinely puzzled and looked over at Million in the distance.

Strict? Million must never have met a truly strict teacher if she thought of Liv that way.

Noticing Liv’s bewilderment, Camille’s smile softened. “Actually, Million says you’re her favorite teacher. I wanted to ask for some advice on teaching.”

“I’m not sure my teaching methods are anything noteworthy.”

“But surely you can give me some guidance on appropriate boundaries? It’s my first time teaching a young girl, and I’m cautious about everything. I can’t very well bring this up with Baroness Pendence—it would be too embarrassing as a teacher. If meeting me in person is uncomfortable, even a brief letter would suffice.”

He probably did have some concerns, being a male teacher instructing a young girl for the first time. Giving him some advice would also be in Million’s best interest.

After a moment of thought, Liv nodded. “If it’s about Million, I can offer some advice.”

“Thank you.”

Camille, who had briefly seemed discouraged, quickly brightened again. He seemed like someone naturally optimistic and cheerful.

After giving Camille an address where he could send his letters, Liv decided it was time to finally leave the party.

She scanned the area, looking for the pile of gifts to leave hers among them. Her eyes fixed on the party entrance.

Was it just her imagination? The entrance seemed unusually noisy and bustling. Liv watched curiously as Baron and Baroness Pendence rushed toward the commotion, looking flustered.

…Liv had seen a similar scene before. On the day Baroness Pendence had been surprised by an unexpected visitor while offering Liv tea.

The day she first met Dimus Dietrion.

“Could it be…”

Liv’s mouth opened slightly in disbelief. Camille, who had approached her side unnoticed, looked toward the entrance and whistled softly.

“I didn’t expect to see someone like him at a gathering like this.”

A man stood out among the crowd. Even after blinking several times, his face didn’t disappear.

It was Marquis Dietrion.

Liv had never openly stared at anyone like this before. But at this moment, she couldn’t tear her gaze away from the marquis.

Not only Liv but everyone at the party was staring at him in shock. They were likely all thinking the same thing.

Could the marquis have really come just to celebrate Baron Pendence’s daughter’s birthday?

Surely he had some other important reason.

‘But wouldn’t showing up like this count as attending the party?’

A sudden thought made Liv glance over. Million, who had been playing with her friends, was now approaching her parents with a bright red face. Her friends stood behind her, their expressions unreadable.

The baron and baroness, their faces flushed, introduced their beloved daughter to the marquis. They seemed to be inviting him to stay, but when the marquis shook his head, they looked slightly disappointed.

It seemed the marquis intended to leave after meeting them. Standing awkwardly among the adults, Million kept glancing at the marquis’s face, her cheeks flushed.

Suddenly, Liv began to feel a bit worried.

For the baron and baroness, this was a wonderful opportunity to show off their connection to the marquis, but for Million…

“It’s surprising. He doesn’t seem like someone who enjoys large gatherings.”

Lost in thought, Liv turned at Camille’s words. He was watching the marquis with a vague smile, prompting Liv to ask cautiously.

“…Do you know Marquis Dietrion well?”

“Me? No, of course not. I just know as much as everyone else does.”

Yet his earlier comment sounded as if he knew him quite well.

Liv tilted her head slightly, but Camille narrowed his eyes playfully and asked in a teasing tone, “Are you interested in the marquis as well, Teacher?”

The question sounded as if he were asking whether she, too, was one of the many women enamored with the marquis’s looks. Liv put on a deliberately curt expression.

“Is there anyone in Buerno who isn’t interested in Marquis Dietrion?”

“Haha, you’re right!”

Camille burst into laughter at Liv’s retort. Though they stood in a secluded corner, his laughter was loud enough to draw a few glances their way.

And among those who looked over was the marquis himself.