Odalisque - Chapter 58

Million hesitated, which was unexpected. Liv thought she would answer immediately, but instead, Million furrowed her brows and muttered in a dispirited voice.

“I don’t think so.”

“Really? Didn’t you say that the Cardinal would be staying at the Pendence estate?”

“We received a message not to prepare a room. …Apparently, he’s acquainted with Marquis Dietrion. They might have a meal here, but I think his lodgings will be at Marquis Dietrion’s estate.”

Liv’s eyes widened. “Marquis Dietrion’s estate?”

“Yes. It seems like high-ranking people know each other regardless of nationality.”

Million whispered excitedly at Liv’s silent reaction to the unexpected news.

“So I thought about it, Teacher. Could it be that Lady Luzia Malte’s broken engagement is because of Marquis Dietrion?”

“Hmm?”

“I mean, it’s strange enough that the Marquis Dietrion is hosting a guest, but that guest happens to be Lady Luzia Malte, who recently broke off her engagement! And both of them are unmarried! What if Marquis Dietrion stayed single for so long because he was in love with Lady Luzia, who was already engaged? And now they’re finally reuniting, like fate!”

Liv squinted at Million, who was staring at her blankly.

“What kind of novel have you been reading now?”

“Oh, it’s not a novel! Doesn’t it sound so plausible, though?”

“I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I don’t think that’s the case.”

Liv, who usually went along with Million’s stories, uncharacteristically disagreed this time. Million looked at her with disappointment, but Liv simply opened the textbook with a resolute expression. In the end, Million pouted her lips and stopped chatting.

Seeing Million shift her focus elsewhere, Liv glanced down with a complicated expression.

For some reason, she could taste bitterness on her tongue.

They finished the lesson a bit early.

Million had begged Liv to finish the class early and join her for tea in the garden. Usually, Liv would insist on keeping to the schedule strictly, but this time, she decided to accommodate Million’s request.

Previously, Million had wanted to guide Liv around the garden but hadn’t been able to, so this time, she enthusiastically pulled Liv along, introducing her to various flower beds.

“Oh? Teacher Camille!”

When they reached an outdoor table where the maids had prepared refreshments, Million and Liv ran into Baron Pendence and Camille, who were walking in the garden. The two men were having a serious conversation, but when they heard Million’s voice, they both turned to look. Liv quickly bowed her head in greeting.

The two men looked like they were about to leave but then stopped and exchanged a few words. After a moment, Camille approached the outdoor table, smiling at Million as he spoke, “I was planning to visit you right after your class, but it seems we met here instead. How romantic.”

“To see me?”

“To be precise, the Baron had something to discuss with you.”

Baron Pendence was standing at a distance, clearly waiting for his daughter. Million, who had just sat down, looked back at Liv with a distressed expression.

Camille also glanced at Liv and asked a question, “Is the lesson not finished yet?”

Million blinked desperately. Though Liv didn’t know what was going on, it was clear Million didn’t want to go to her father. Despite her pity for Million’s efforts, Liv couldn’t afford to risk falling out of favor with her employer.

“No, the lesson is finished.”

“That’s good to hear. Million, I think you shouldn’t keep the Baron waiting for too long.”

“But the refreshments are all ready…”

Million pouted and glanced at the table, where a delicious-looking strawberry cake glistened invitingly. However, she couldn’t ignore her father, who was waiting for her, so she reluctantly stood up.

Camille stepped aside to let Million pass, smiling brightly as he asked, “Would it be alright if I took your place?”

“Sure,” Million answered sulkily as she walked toward Baron Pendence. Liv couldn’t hear the father and daughter’s conversation from a distance, but after a short back-and-forth, they turned and left the garden together.

Liv, who had been watching from her seat, tried to get up as well. However, Camille, sitting across from her, quickly stopped her.

“It’s alright. Please feel free to enjoy the refreshments. The Baron has already given his permission.”

“What?”

“I told him that I’m interested in you, Teacher, but it’s hard to find opportunities to talk to you, so when we meet by chance, I can’t just let it pass.”

Liv blinked, her hesitant movement frozen. Her face, which had been surprised, gradually took on a deeper frown.

“…You’re joking, right?”

“I’m serious.”

Camille had always been lighthearted, so Liv wanted to believe he was joking now, too. Unfortunately, there was no trace of playfulness on Camille’s face as he smiled warmly at her.

Liv opened her mouth as if she couldn’t believe it.

“Did you really say that to the Baron?”

“Yes. Without the Baron’s help, I doubt I could create an opportunity like this.”

So Baron Pendence took Million away to create a moment for Camille and herself to have refreshments together? Since when did the Baron act as a matchmaker for a private tutor?

Liv pressed her fingers against her temples. She felt too astonished even to be angry.

“I’m not pleased with this approach.”

“Ah, the Baron only sympathized with me. So…”

“I have no intention of complaining to the Baron. I’m not in a position to do that.”

Liv decisively cut off Camille’s words and glanced up at him.

“Unlike you, Teacher Marcel, I’m employed by them. I can’t act based on my emotions.”

Unlike Camille, who could say what he wanted at any time, Liv had to choose her words more carefully. Camille seemed to catch the rebuke in Liv’s response, his eyebrows lowering.

“I’m in the same position as you.”

He’s still saying that?

Liv touched her forehead, sighing deeply after a moment of silence. Continuing this evasive conversation was exhausting. Already overwhelmed by the Marquis’s presence, she had no intention of getting further entangled with someone else.

“I have no idea why you came to the Pendence estate or why you’re approaching me. I don’t want to know, either. As long as our paths don’t cross unnecessarily, I hope we can live our lives separately.”

Camille, who had been smiling warmly while listening to Liv, swallowed a sigh.

“You must think I’m quite suspicious.”

“Wouldn’t it be stranger if I didn’t? I’m not a fool.”

Even if she pretended not to notice, thinking it had nothing to do with her, it was impossible now that Camille had approached her so persistently.

Camille, who had been quietly watching Liv’s stern expression, gave a bitter smile. He frowned as if struggling with something, then sighed with resignation.

“Actually, ‘Marcel’ is my mother’s surname.”

No, I wasn’t asking for your identity.

Before Liv could stop him, Camille continued his unexpected confession, “My father’s surname is ‘Eleonore.'”

Liv, who was about to say she didn’t want to hear it, gasped and closed her mouth.

Eleonore was a prestigious noble family in Beren. They had served as close aides to the king for generations and were known to hold significant power in the central government. They were also prominent in politics, commerce, and the arts.

“Count Eleonore…”

“That’s my eldest brother. For reference, my second brother manages the family business, and my youngest brother is in the clergy. As for me, the fourth child, I’m nothing. I’ve just studied art a bit. Occasionally, I help with family matters here and there.”

Camille waved his hand dismissively, quickly offering an elaborate explanation. He bit his lip and sighed again.

“I’m sorry for not telling you from the beginning. It’s a long story, and for various reasons…”

“This isn’t something you should be telling me now.”

Liv interrupted more firmly than before. Her face was now filled with discomfort.

“Ah, Teacher, you’re really difficult to approach.”

Realizing that the distance between him and Liv had only grown, Camille sighed and rubbed his face.

“Most people exaggerate their behavior once they know about my family. I use my mother’s surname for public activities because I dislike that. But now, I regret that the name ‘Eleonore’ doesn’t help at all…”

Is he suggesting she should flatter him because of his family’s status?

The thought filled Liv with distaste, though she kept her expression neutral and remained silent. Camille, however, continued speaking even more ridiculously.

“The truth is, I’m here in Buerno because of Marquis Dietrion. My family suspects that he might be working for a foreign power, considering he seems to have quite the powerful backing. Of course, he doesn’t look like an ordinary spy… But wouldn’t it be suspicious if someone of his caliber suddenly appeared out of nowhere?”