Chapter 66

The Marquis was sitting in a chair near the fireplace.

Sitting comfortably, he held a book in one hand and his chin in the other. A pair of clear glasses hung loosely on the bridge of his high, sharply defined nose.

His outfit was the thing that surprised Liv the most. He, who had always been in his stuffy outing clothes, was wearing loose loungewear. He didn’t button up his clothes thoroughly to the neck, and he didn’t wear his gloves either.

“Do you like books?”

Without moving his gaze from the book, the Marquis asked indifferently. Liv answered while approaching him carefully.

“I do.”

It was more appropriate to say she liked it so much. She liked to learn something she had no knowledge of, and books were the easiest way to learn things she didn’t know.

The Marquis finally looked up after he heard Liv’s answer. He closed the book he was looking at and placed it on a nearby table. Then he took off his glasses and tossed them roughly on the book cover. It was a small, mundane gesture, but it was splendid enough to catch her eye.

“You look puzzled.”

“I thought you were summoning me to the usual mansion.”

“Today is not the work day. That mansion is only open on painting days.”

Liv recalled the somewhat dreary mansion where the studio was located.

It was too big and beautiful of a place to be opened only for a nude painting work. But if she thought about whether it could be opened for another purpose, she didn’t think so. It was fancy, but it felt a bit cold. Compared to that mansion, this place was really warm.

“So here is…”

“This is just a place I use for personal reasons. There is also a good hunting ground here.”

Replying casually, the Marquis pointed to a chair across from him with his chin.

“Have a seat.”

Just then the door to the study opened, and Philip entered, pushing a mobile tray.

Liv wondered if a butler was originally in charge of something like that.

As though he didn’t feel Liv’s questioning gaze, Philip, preparing the refreshments personally, looked like he was very happy.

“This is black tea. We just got some high quality tea yesterday, and I hope you like it. I’ve also brought some heated milk, just in case, so if you need it, let me know. And these scones are the dessert our chef is most proud of. The chocolate next to it is handmade, not too sweet, and just right.”

Liv focused on listening to the kind explanation from Philip without realizing it.

Fine, neat porcelain tea cups were filled with black tea, and platters of fragrant scones and chocolate were set out. There was even a selection of creams, butters, and jams to spread on the scones.

“Our chef is actually very good at making tarts. It’s a pity we couldn’t get it served because we were in a hurry. I hope there’ll be another time for it.”

Since the chance for it wasn’t up to Liv, she opted to answer with an awkward smile.

By the time all the refreshments on the tray were set down, the table was full. Philip, looking proud with all the refreshments he set, turned to the Marquis. The Marquis, who quietly watched Philip while propping his chin, asked apathetically.

“What made you do this yourself?”

“The more we age, the more we need to move our bodies. Otherwise we will get rusty.”

The Marquis pressed his index finger firmly to his brow at Philip’s shameless reply.

“Just finish up and get out.”

Philip seemed to want to stay in the study a little more. He showed his reluctance openly and said with a look of helplessness.

“Well then, please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

When Philip, who had been explaining the dessert in casual conversation, left the room, silence descended on the study. The silence was so heavy that lifting a teacup felt cautious. As if the Marquis noticed that Liv couldn’t easily bring herself to touch the refreshments, he lifted his cup first.

“Try it. The chef is not a bad cook, and I’m sure it’s to your taste.”

Even without such a statement, the exuded fragrance was enough to make her mouth full with water. The refreshments couldn’t be compared to the luxury ones gifted to her by the Vendons barony.

Nevertheless, Liv was more curious about the reason she was here than the taste of the desserts.

Liv, who had taken a sip of black tea out of politeness, spoke first.

“I want to know the reason you summoned me.”

Did she speak in a very low voice? The Marquis showed no particular response.

After agonizing for a while, Liv parted her lips again.

“Do you have something to say, my Lord?”

He showed a response this time. The Marquis put down the cup gracefully and glanced at Liv.

“I think it’s you who have something to say, not me.”

“Pardon?”

“I heard you visited Adolf.”

“Ah…”

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