Chapter 16

Name:Odalisque Author:미나토
No, was he?

Liv felt momentarily that she had made eye contact with the Marquis, but she could have been mistaken

Yes, I must have been mistaken. How would the Marquis find me among all these people, and even if he did find me, why would he look this way? I must be overreacting because I’ve been involved with the marquis in such a bizarre way these days.

Anyway, what on earth made him show up here all of a sudden?

Millian has said that the Marquis and the Baron become acquainted with each other over art matters. If the transaction has been completed, shouldn’t they have no reason to see each other again? Or is this about a new piece of art?

Liv cautiously predicted that her name would not become a topic in the conversation between the Marquis and the Vendons couple. It wouldn’t do the Marquis any good.

… Surely not?

Camille whimpered at the sight of Liv, who could not take her attention away from the Marquis. He then whispered in a small voice as if he were telling a secret.

“It is true that I have heard a little more about the Marquis. There are so many aristocrats who appreciate and love beautiful art, and I’ve been hanging out with them quite often. In the process, even if it’s not necessarily about the Marquis… I get to know a lot of things.”

On the surface, what Camille said sounded like an explanation of the life of an artist who was well sponsored by the aristocrats.

However, if he were really just an ordinary artist, why would the aristocrats tell their secrets in front of him?

It didn’t take long for Liv to realize the truth behind the vague words.

“… Are you an aristocrat?”

“Just an insignificant one.”

Camille waved his hands as though he had noticed the tension on Liv’s face.

“Regardless of my status, right now I’m just an ordinary teacher who barely makes a living as an art teacher for the Vendons family. Why is it so hard to make a living for this one body?! It hasn’t been a month since I moved in, but I’m having a hard time because the crazy landlord is trying to raise the monthly rent.”

He touched his forehead and shook his head as if he was really in trouble.

It seemed that he was telling the truth that he wasn’t a decent aristocrat, since there would be no reason to pay a monthly rent if he was one.

In fact, these days, there were endless aristocrats in names only, and it was a world where people secretly bought and sold titles. No one said that aristocrats couldn’t live normally.

Liv, who was thinking that she shouldn’t start a friendship with Camille regardless of the teaching method issue, was relieved by the familiarity of his situation. She was more relaxed and a light smile crossed her face.

“But Buerno is worth living in compared to other cities. In Peron, it costs two or three times the rent to get a similar kind of house.”

Hearing the casual remark, Camille asked a question in a low interjection.

“Wow, have you ever lived in Peron?”

“… Yes, shortly.”

Peron was the capital of the country. As the capital, it was more colorful, bigger, and more crowded than any other city. Liv had a good life there.

Until her parents had an accident in that city.

“I should have known you if you were an aristocrat!”

“It’s natural that you didn’t. I’m not.”

When she thought of Peron, the only thing that flooded in was sorrow. Liv turned her head to try to divert her attention.

Just in time, the Marquis was moving as if he was about to go back. The baron couple smiled brightly and saw him off, and Millian stood nervously by her parents’ side.

“Your visit alone would be an absolutely glorious birthday present for Millian.”

Just then, she heard the words said by the Baron with a loud laugh. The Marquis’ gaze reached Millian for a moment. Even though she was far from them, it was so easy to imagine how cold he must have looked at Millian.

Liv looked at Millian with worried eyes and then looked at the place where young children of her age gathered. They were busy whispering while covering their mouths. Seeing that they were constantly glancing at Millian and the Marquis, they certainly seemed to be talking about him.

It reminded Liv of her school days in boarding school. Especially at the beginning of school.

No, I’m sure she will be fine.

As she watched the Marquis disappear over the entrance to the party, Liv pushed aside her worries, knowing they were unnecessary. Her school days were just a personal experience. It was no more than her own assumption that Millian might have a similar experience with her.

Even if there was a problem, would there be anything she could do? It would be much more productive to worry about her own future than to worry about useless concerns. Right now she had to worry about whether the Marquis had told the Vendons couple about her.