Odalisque - Chapter 66

Camille, looking disappointed, glanced at Liv’s reaction before slowly speaking up, “But you are interested in the blessing prayer led by the Cardinal, aren’t you?”

One of the reasons people were excited about the Cardinal’s visit was because he would offer a blessing prayer for peace in the city. Naturally, everyone wanted to see the prayer in person.

However, just because they wanted to see it didn’t mean they could. It wasn’t just anyone conducting the prayer—it was the Cardinal himself.

“I heard the chapel’s seating is limited, and those allowed to enter have already been decided.”

“I’m one of those people.”

Liv didn’t know if it was because of Baroness Pendence’s favor or the influence of his family name, Eleonore. It was probably one of the two.

It wasn’t surprising, so Liv just nodded calmly. Then Camille lowered his voice and whispered, “I can bring a companion, but as I’ve said before, I haven’t formed any ties in this city. My seat will be empty.”

“Then sell the seat.”

There were plenty of people who would be willing to pay extra just to get into the chapel and witness the Cardinal’s prayer.

Camille burst out laughing at Liv’s sharp reply, teasing her playfully.

“Would you like to buy it, Teacher?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“But they say seeing the Cardinal’s blessing prayer brings good fortune.”

Good fortune from the Cardinal’s prayer.

A few months ago, she might have been swayed by such an uncertain superstition, even going as far as asking to be taken along without shame. But surprisingly, now Liv wasn’t tempted at all.

“That kind of fortune seems a bit too much for me. I…”

Because she had already met someone who gave her all the luck she needed.

“I’m already perfectly satisfied.”

***

It was difficult to shake off Camille, who offered to escort her home, but the cake had been worth the trouble.

Since starting her treatment, Corida had been on a controlled diet, so she couldn’t eat much, but she seemed disappointed not to have more. She even promised to buy it again once she recovered.

In the end, it seemed like a good motivator for her treatment, which was a positive outcome.

The cake was delicious to Liv as well—so good that she even considered ordering another to bring to the Berryworth mansion. However, she decided against it.

‘There’s a resident chef in the mansion, and they might find it offensive.’

Though the cake was delicious, she thought the Berryworth mansion’s chef might not appreciate outside food.

Still, she found herself wanting to express her gratitude in some small way if an opportunity presented itself. She felt the need to show some token of appreciation to those who consistently looked after her and Corida, such as Philip and Adolf.

Of course, their kindness wouldn’t have existed without the Marquis’s orders, but they were always kind and friendly regardless.

Most of all, Liv was grateful for how they took care of Corida. Since starting to visit Berryworth Mansion, Liv had noticed a visible improvement in Corida’s mood.

‘Isn’t there something I could give as a gift?’

As Liv entered the now familiar entrance of Berryworth Mansion, she found herself watching Philip’s back with curiosity.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, Philip turned around and gave her a kind smile.

“Is there something you wish to say?”

“Oh, no, nothing in particular.”

If she asked him directly, he would likely refuse politely. Liv decided to think more about a suitable gift and settled on expressing her gratitude for now.

“I heard you lent Corida a book. Thank you so much.”

These days, Corida was enthusiastic about everything. The time she spent in the library with Adolf must have motivated her in some way. Philip seemed to find Corida’s enthusiasm very endearing—so much so that a stranger might mistake his care for that of a grandfather doting on his granddaughter.

“Miss Corida treats the books with care, so I have no problem lending them. By the way, Miss Cyril seems interested in spending more time with Corida. Is it still difficult for her to go out? I’m not well-informed about Miss Corida’s health.”

“Ah… That might be a bit difficult for now. But it’s very kind of you to mention it.”

Cyril Avilio was a reading companion Adolf had introduced to Corida. She was a girl the same age as Corida and a student from Mazurkan, studying abroad for a short time in Beren.

Originally studying in a major city, Cyril had decided to travel in Beren before returning to Mazurkan after her exchange program ended.

During her travels, Adolf—who knew Cyril’s relatives—had suggested introducing her to Corida, and Cyril had eagerly accepted the chance to meet a new friend.

From Liv’s perspective, Corida and Cyril seemed to get along very well. In fact, they had become friends within a day and started exchanging letters almost daily. Liv couldn’t understand what they could possibly talk about so much, but each letter was several pages long.

“Haha, it’s wonderful that Miss Cyril has made such a good friend. It’s enjoyable for both of them.”

“I’m so grateful for all your consideration. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“There’s no need. It’s all things I do because I enjoy them.”

“Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.”

At Liv’s sincere offer, Philip burst out laughing. “Haha, just having you visit the mansion is enough. Without you visiting, Miss Rodaise, it would be hard to know if anyone even lives here.”

Despite his words, Liv knew that plenty of staff worked at the mansion.

Of course, even if many people lived there, it wasn’t as if life in such a remote estate would be dynamic. Perhaps entertaining guests could indeed be enjoyable work for them.

Liv, smiling at Philip’s response, asked lightly, “Does Mr. Philemond stay here at Berryworth Mansion?”

“Technically, he comes and goes, depending on the Marquis’s needs.”

“Comes and goes?”

Liv looked puzzled. Philip nodded, just about to explain when a nonchalant voice interrupted them.

“He also manages the main residence.”

Both Philip and Liv turned their attention toward the sound. At the top of the staircase, with one hand resting lightly on the banister, stood the Marquis, looking down at them.

Liv looked up at the Marquis, surprised, having assumed he would be waiting for her in his room.

Unlike his usual casual attire, today the Marquis wore formal outerwear, buttoned up to his neck.

He spoke slowly as he descended the stairs, adding casually, “He travels back and forth between Langess Mansion and Berryworth Mansion.”

“Langess—the mansion rumored to house taxidermy, right…?” Liv muttered without thinking, then suddenly closed her lips. Philip, who had overheard her, chuckled softly. “The Langess Mansion used to be known as the haunted mansion in Buerno. Because of that, there have been spooky rumors circulating about it for ages. But after the Master purchased and completely renovated it, it’s now just an elegant old mansion.”

The Langess Mansion belonged to the Marquis of Dietrion.

Whether it was truly his main residence or just a place he conveniently called his main residence remained unclear.

“It’s a shame you came here today, as I need to return to Langess.”

“Oh…”

“Philip, prepare for departure.”

The Marquis, now at the bottom of the stairs, gave Philip a curt command. Philip nodded immediately, turning to tell Liv he would prepare a carriage for her and asking her to wait just a moment.

Liv, who had barely made it down the few steps back to the lobby, stood awkwardly, glancing at the Marquis. Though his face appeared expressionless as usual, upon closer inspection, his slightly furrowed brows hinted at his annoyance.

“…Is something wrong?” Liv asked in a low voice, causing the Marquis to glance sideways at her.

“Nothing serious, just that my personal time was interrupted. That’s reason enough to be displeased.”

“I see.”

It wasn’t something that needed to be asked. Liv nodded a bit awkwardly, lowering her gaze. The Marquis’s eyes lingered on her face for a long time.

Then, as if changing the subject out of nowhere, he asked, “Aren’t you curious?”

“Pardon?”

“Whether the rumors are true.”

Curiosity filled Liv’s eyes. The Marquis remained indifferent, but the faint irritation had now vanished.

“About the taxidermy.”

“Ah, well…!”

“Aren’t you curious if there’s really a collection of taxidermy in the basement?”

Liv wasn’t sure if she fully understood his intention. But it almost sounded like he was inviting her to Langess Mansion.

“It’s not taxidermy, but there’s something else.”

“Something else?”

The Marquis offered no further explanation, only staring at her intently.

“Miss Rodaise, the carriage is ready!”

Right then, Philip returned. He bid Liv a careful farewell, and then assisted the Marquis with his coat and hat.

The Marquis turned away from Liv, seemingly having forgotten the previous conversation entirely, and accepted Philip’s help without a word. Donning his coat and hat, he was about to leave the lobby when he suddenly paused.

The Marquis looked down, his gaze fixed on Liv’s hand, which had grabbed his sleeve.

Philip stared at Liv in surprise. Realizing her action had been somewhat childish, Liv hesitated before letting go of his sleeve.

The Marquis, who had been gazing at his now-freed sleeve, raised his head. His gloved hand extended toward Liv. Swallowing dryly, Liv carefully placed her hand in his. The firm fingers gripped her, leading her.

The black carriage Philip had prepared was no longer needed. Instead, Liv sat beside the Marquis, heading to Langess Mansion.