Chapter 110

The contract with Pommel had been settled in writing with Adolf’s help. Therefore, there was no need for her to visit that neighborhood again, but she felt bad for Rita for cutting off contact so abruptly.

“Oh, goodness. I see. It’s sad that we lost a faithful believer. Is Coryda okay?”

“Yes, she is. She’s getting better.”

“You probably go to a different chapel now, but please stop by from time to time, even if it’s far away. The chapel is empty because you’re not coming, Miss Liv.”

Liv could only offer a vague smile, for she couldn’t say she had stopped visiting the chapel lately.

She hadn’t been praying much in recent days, let alone going to chapel. The funny thing was, she had a much more stable and good life than when she was praying diligently.

“Are you still looking for God in the chapel?”

It is humans who have the power to achieve something. That statement was true.

It was the Marquis who made things happen for her.

“I remember there were a lot of believers the last time I was there.”

Liv calmly changed the subject. Bethel laughed hollowly at her words.

“Haha, we did have such a moment, but it quickly died down again. Turns out, there was a rumor going around that the Marquis of Dietrion was attending the chapel! Amazing, isn’t it?”

“… It is.”

She wondered how it was possible that his name popped up in her everyday life.

Liv realized that he had woven himself into every aspect of her life. It was incredible how no matter who she talked to, the Marquis would eventually come up at the end, or how she would be reminded of him.

“It was Marquis Dietrion! Why would such a person come to our chapel? He has the power to speak to the priest in charge of the largest chapel in Buerno.”

Bethel shook his head as if he had heard a stupid joke. He shrugged his shoulders and said he wished he could see the beautiful face of the man who was said to be the sole recipient of the god’s blessings. His voice was full of sincerity.

Liv, who had been listening to him, tilted her head.

“… Have you never seen that person even once, Bethel?”

“Yes. There’s no way I would have forgotten if I had!”

However, Liv had seen the Marquis several times in the chapel. Did this mean that a man as conspicuous as the Marquis was secretly visiting the chapel out of the public eye to meet her?

She had guessed his purpose for coming to the chapel, but she hadn’t expected him to come and go so stealthily that Bethel, who was practically a permanent resident of the chapel, would never know. Liv was about to ask Bethel something more but stopped herself when she spotted the carriage behind him.

A black carriage. It was a common carriage, but it was no longer common to her eyes. She recognized it at a glance.

“I’ve got a schedule, so I’ll leave now.”

Liv smiled and said goodbye. Bethel nodded in return.

“Yes. And you should come to the chapel!”

Liv smiled, then approached the carriage with a brisk walk. She gave the coachman a glance and climbed into the carriage calmly.

It was her first time being called on the day she had to teach at the Vendons estate, but she wasn’t troubled by it. On the contrary, she was excited by the call.

This would be the first extra work since the encounter with the Marquis at the greenhouse last time. That day, per Liv’s request for him to consider Coryda, who had come with her, the Marquis had done nothing more than kiss her. But today it would surely be different.

Leaning back against the carriage’s padded chair, Liv let out a long breath. Then it dawned on her.

She was waiting for this extra work.

***

She thought she had gotten used to this mansion by now.

However, Liv, sitting on her seat, stealthily looked around. She, who thought she would naturally undress as soon as she arrived, was ushered into the dining room.

“You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

Seated at the head table, the Marquis greeted her as casually as if they had made a prior arrangement. The food seemed to have been prepared in time for Liv’s arrival, for as soon as she was seated, the table was laid with appetizing dishes.

“We’ve got some good quality veal.”

Philip explained, setting the plates. In the center of the large table was a golden brown piece of veal. A servant cut it and placed it on the Marquis and Liv’s plates, then quietly withdrew. Philip also left, following the other servants.

“You may dine.”

Liv followed the Marquis and hesitantly picked up her cutlery. However, her confusion remained as she sliced the meat in front of her. The Marquis must have noticed her state of mind, and he spoke to her in a flat voice.

“Do you not have the leisure to dine?”

“Rather than that, I’m…”