Chapter 106

Liv had expected Millian would say yes right away, but for some reason, Millian paused. Millian, her brow furrowed and her lips pursed, said in a sullen voice.

“I don’t think so.”

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

“We’ve been informed not to prepare any rooms. … Well, apparently someone in the pilgrimage is acquainted with the Marquis of Dietrion. We might be able to arrange a meal here, but the accommodation will likely be at the Marquis of Dietrion’s mansion.”

Liv opened her eyes wide.

“At Marquis Dietrion’s mansion?”

“Yes. It seems like those in high places know each other regardless of nationality.”

Seeing that Liv was silent at the unexpected comment, Millian whispered in her ear, her face full of excitement.

“So I made a guess, Teacher. Could it be that the Marquis of Dietrion is the reason for the breakup of Lady Malte’s engagement?”

“Huh?”

“First, it’s surprising that very Marquis Dietrion is accepting guests, and it happens to be Lady Malte who’s recently broken up her engagement! Besides, both of them are unmarried! Maybe the Marquis of Dietrion has remained single and unmarried for so long because he has a crush on Lady Malte, who had a fiancée! But now, by fate, they’re reunited!”

Liv, who had been staring at Millian blankly, narrowed her eyes.

“I wonder what novel you’ve been reading this time?”

“Aww, this isn’t a novel! Doesn’t it sound so convincing?”

“I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I don’t think so.”

Liv, who had always agreed with Millian, disagreed for once.

Millian looked at Liv in disappointment, but Liv only looked at her textbook with a straight face. Eventually, Millian pouted her lips and stopped her chattering.

Liv glanced at Millian, who quickly turned her attention elsewhere, and lowered her gaze with a subtle expression.

For some reason, it tasted bitter on the tip of her tongue.

…

She ended the class a little early.

The reason for this was that Millian had begged her to finish class early and go for tea in the backyard. Normally, she would have been strictly punctual… but Liv decided to give in to her wishes.

As though she was regretting that she hadn’t been able to show her around the backyard before, Millian took Liv around and showed her the flower beds.

“Oh? Teacher Camille!”

Arriving at the outdoor table where the maids had prepared refreshments, Millian and Liv ran into Baron Vendons and Camille strolling through the backyard. Deep in conversation, they heard Millian’s voice and looked over at the same time. Liv quickly bowed her head in greeting.

The two men, who she expected would leave, stopped and exchanged a few words. After a few moments, Camille approached the outdoor table with a smiling face. He looked at Millian and spoke to her.

“I was going to go to see you after class, but then I ran into you here, how romantic.”

“Me?”

“To be precise, the Baron has some business with you.”

Baron Vendons was standing in the distance, looking this way. It was clear he was waiting for his daughter. Millian, who had to leave when she had just sat down, looked back at Liv with a pout. Camille also looked at Liv and asked a question.

“Is the class not over yet?”

Millian blinked desperately. Whatever was going on, it was clear that she didn’t want to go to her father for now. As much as she pitied her efforts, Liv couldn’t risk being on the wrong side of her employer.

“No, the class is over.”

“That’s good to hear. Millian, I think it’d be best not to keep the Baron waiting too long.”

“But I’ve prepared the refreshment…”

With her shoulders slumped, Millian pouted her lips and glanced at the table. There, a specially prepared and delectable strawberry cake was set out, radiantly colored. But Millian reluctantly rose to her feet, unable to resist a glance from her father, who stood and waited for her.

Camille, who had stepped aside to let Millian pass, asked, smiling broadly.

“Do you mind if I take your seat?”

“Sure.”

After answering bluntly, Millian approached Baron Vendons. The distance prevented Liv from hearing their conversation. After a brief exchange of words, the father and daughter turned and walked away together.

Watching the scene from her chair, Liv started to get up. However, Camille, sitting across from her, quickly stopped her.

“It’s all right. Feel free to enjoy the refreshments, I have the Baron’s permission.”

“Sorry?”

“I’ve told him that I’m interested in you, but it’s hard to get a chance to meet you, and if I do, it’s hard to pass you by.”

Liv stopped her movements and blinked. Her face went rigid with surprise, and then a deep furrow formed in her forehead.