Chapter 38

The Marquis was seated in a chair near the fireplace.

He sat comfortably, with his body stretched out, holding a book in one hand and resting his chin on the other. A pair of transparent glasses perched loosely on his high, sharp nose.

What surprised Liv the most was his attire. The Marquis, who usually dressed in formal outdoor clothing, was now in casual loungewear. He hadn’t buttoned up his collar fully, nor was he wearing gloves.

“Do you like books?”

Without lifting his eyes from the book, the Marquis asked indifferently.

Liv cautiously approached him and answered, “I like them well enough.”

To be honest, she really loved them. She enjoyed learning things she didn’t know, and books were the easiest way to acquire such knowledge.

At Liv’s answer, the Marquis finally looked up. He closed the book he had been reading and placed it casually on the nearby table. Then he removed his glasses, tossing them carelessly on top of the book. It was such an ordinary, small gesture, yet it captivated her attention.

“You look bewildered.”

“I thought you’d call me to the mansion I usually visit.”

“Today’s not a workday. That mansion is only open on days when we work on the painting.”

Liv thought of the mansion that had always felt somewhat bleak.

It was a place far too grand and beautiful just for painting nudes. But then again, there wasn’t really any other reason to open it—it was a splendid space, yet devoid of any warmth. In comparison, this place felt much cozier.

“And this place is…?”

“Just somewhere I use privately. There’s even a decent hunting ground attached.”

The Marquis replied dismissively, motioning to the seat opposite him with a tilt of his chin.

“Sit down.”

Just then, the library door opened, and Philip entered, pushing a serving tray.

Did butlers normally do such tasks?

If Philip noticed Liv’s puzzled gaze, he showed no sign of it, looking genuinely pleased as he prepared the tea himself.

“This is black tea. We just received an excellent batch yesterday, and I hope it suits your taste. I’ve also brought warmed milk, just in case. Please let me know if you need it. And these scones are the chef’s most confident creation. The chocolates next to them are handmade, not too sweet, and should pair well.”

Liv found herself unintentionally focused on Philip’s courteous explanation.

A delicate porcelain cup was filled with rich red tea, while plates of fragrant scones and chocolates were laid out. There were even various types of cream, butter, and jam to spread on the scones.

“Actually, our chef makes wonderful tarts as well. It’s a pity we didn’t have time to prepare one today. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity next time.”

Liv responded with an awkward smile, as she wasn’t in a position to create such opportunities.

With the table now filled with the treats from the tray, Philip looked satisfied. Glancing back at the Marquis, who had been observing him while resting his chin on his hand, the Marquis spoke in a disinterested tone.

“Why did you come here personally?”

“One must keep moving as one gets older. Otherwise, they rust.”

At Philip’s easygoing answer, the Marquis pressed his index finger to his brow.

“Clean up and leave when you’re done.”

It seemed Philip had wanted to stay longer to serve in the library. With a clearly disappointed expression, Philip bowed and said his farewell.

“Then, if you need anything, please call for me anytime.”

After Philip, who had continued speaking smoothly while explaining the desserts, left, silence descended upon the library. The stillness was so heavy that even lifting the teacup felt like an act requiring caution. Perhaps noticing Liv’s hesitation, the Marquis was the first to lift his cup.

“Go ahead. The chef isn’t bad at what he does. I’m sure it’ll suit your taste too.”

Even without the recommendation, the aroma alone had already made Liv’s mouth water. She doubted the high-end pastries she received from Baron Pendence’s family could even compare.

However, Liv was more curious about the reason she was here than the taste of the dessert.

After sipping her tea out of courtesy, Liv spoke up first.

“I’d like to know why you called for me today.”

Was her voice too soft? The Marquis didn’t respond.

After some hesitation, Liv tried again.

“Do you have something you wish to say to me?”

This time, there was a response. The Marquis, elegantly setting down his cup, glanced at her and replied, “It seems like it’s you who has something to say to me, not the other way around.”

“Pardon?”

“I heard you went to see Adolf.”

“Ah…”

So he knew about her conversation with Adolf. Come to think of it, it made sense that the Marquis would be informed. Since he owned the house, he would naturally receive reports about any maintenance work.

And what might have happened during that process could also have been relayed to him.

“I heard your situation looked rather dire.”

How much did he know?

Liv bit her lip, remaining silent for a moment.

It was Adolf who had suggested she ask the Marquis for help. So perhaps Adolf had shared enough to elicit sympathy from the Marquis? If that were the case, then…

Was now the time to ask the Marquis for something?

“I have a sick… younger sister at home. I suppose that’s what he spoke about.”

With some difficulty, Liv finally spoke. The Marquis gestured for her to continue. After a moment of hesitation, Liv seemed to make up her mind and spoke more firmly.

“She’s been holding on with medication, but I heard that the Dominian Medical Institute recently developed a new drug. There’s a possibility it could improve my sister’s condition… but I have no way to look into it. If you could provide even some information…”

“A drug, is it…”

The Marquis tilted his head slightly, drawing out the last word as if in thought.

“Is that why you needed money?”

By now, Liv was no longer ashamed to admit her financial difficulties in front of the Marquis. Understanding her silence as affirmation, the Marquis gave a small nod.

“A pitiable family situation.”

Despite the content, his tone was remarkably dry.

“But before looking into the drug, shouldn’t your sister see a doctor first?”

He was echoing what Adolf had said. But Liv still lacked confidence. Anyone who had seen that child coughing up blood and dying would likely feel the same way.

“Of course, she’s been examined. There just hasn’t been any progress.”

“Was it a proper examination?”

“Pardon?”

“Judging by your circumstances, it doesn’t seem like the doctor you saw was particularly competent.”

To her surprise, the Marquis had hit the nail on the head, and Liv’s eyes widened. The Marquis, who had been watching her, picked up his cup again.

He seemed to have said all he intended, and now silence stretched out, leaving Liv feeling increasingly uneasy. She had already expressed her wish to the Marquis, and he had pointed out what needed to be addressed first.

Was he expecting her to make another request?

Did he want her to ask for a doctor’s recommendation?

Liv, after opening and closing her mouth several times, finally spoke in a strained voice, “Could you perhaps assist in caring for my sister?”

“If I could?”

“I will… do anything more you ask of me.”

Such vague promises were dangerous.

Liv knew just how reckless and daring her words were. But there was nothing else she could offer. She had nothing material to repay the Marquis for his help.

At Liv’s words, the Marquis let out a subtle sigh. Then, narrowing his eyes, he asserted, “There is nothing of value that you can give me.”

Liv’s head shot up, her eyes trembling. Seeing her desperate expression, the Marquis lifted one corner of his mouth into a slight smile.

“What, do you think you have something to offer me?”

His words made her face burn. Liv realized that the Marquis had discerned a deeply hidden, unacknowledged fantasy she herself hadn’t fully recognized—the presumptuous notion that he might desire her in his bed.

“Actually, now that I think about it, there is something worthwhile.”

The Marquis leaned back in his chair, nodding. Liv’s shoulders tensed up at his words.

“You are amusing.”

It wasn’t a complicated statement, yet Liv couldn’t understand what he meant. What part of her was amusing?

“So keep entertaining me. As long as you don’t disappoint me, good fortune will visit your house every day.”

Would that really be good fortune? It seemed far too much to handle, despite being wrapped in the sweet term “good fortune.”

Liv felt her heart pounding, accompanied by an inexplicable sense of unease.

“Bring your sister here. I’ll introduce you to a good doctor.”

“A doctor?”

“He’s been my personal doctor for years, so you needn’t worry about his skills.”

If he was the Marquis’s personal doctor, he was certainly better than the quack doctor she had met before. In fact, someone of such status was beyond what Liv could ever hope to access. She was overwhelmed by the sudden stroke of fortune that seemed to have dropped from the heavens.

The Marquis, who had casually thrown this opportunity before her, spoke in a detached voice, “And from now on, any extra work will be separate from the painting sessions. I’ll send a carriage for you.”