Chapter 124

The sun was setting in the sky as the carriage passed through the front gates of the Lanxess manor.

Against a crimson sky, the manor was so magnificent that it was hard to believe it was the source of such vicious rumors. This scene, however, did not inspire any excitement in the faces of either Demus or Philip, who had grown dull to it.

The thing that caught more attention than the amazing scenery outside was Liv Rhodes, who couldn’t hide the look of surprise on her face.

“What do you think?”

Philip, who had been entirely in charge of transforming the dusty Lanxess manor into what it was today, beamed with pride as he spoke to Liv. Liv replied in a hushed voice, unable to take her eyes off the mansion that got closer.

“… Isn’t this a castle rather than a manor?”

“Haha, it’s a manor. For now, it is.”

“No one would ever imagine there’s such a cool castle around Buerno.”

“It’s a manor, not a castle, but… Indeed, it’s cool, right? You don’t know how sad I’ve been since there’s no one I can boast this off. I did a nice job renovating it, but there are only weird rumors going around.”

“You must have a hard time managing it, Mr. Philmond.”

“Finally, someone notices my hard work!”

Demus, glancing at Philip humorously continuing the conversation, clicked his tongue. Liv was so absorbed in the view outside that she didn’t notice Demus’ gaze at all.

In general, it was irritating to see her not focusing on him and being absorbed in anything else. However, for some reason, he was fine with her being dazed like that now.

In fact, he enjoyed it a bit. It was because she was so cute, with her rosy cheeks and sparkling green eyes.

She had always been quiet, mature.

But when she was like now, there was something childlike about her.

The more she revealed herself, the more this aspect of her personality surfaced. Given that Liv rarely had anyone close to her, it was probably only in front of a very small group of people that she showed that side of her.

Demus found it satisfying whenever he saw that he was one of that “very small group.”

“Oh, there’s a guest…”

Liv, who had been watching the view outside in excitement, opened her eyes wide as she found someone.

Demus looked outside the window at her reaction. He saw someone pacing on the porch of the manor, his horse was put in standby. He was the one who made Demus come here.

That person also seemed to notice the carriage. The pacing steps came to a halt.

That person immediately walked over as soon as the carriage stopped. He opened the carriage door with familiarity and his eyes widened in surprise as he spotted Liv, who was sitting near the window. Liv, caught off guard, stared out the open carriage door in confusion.

She then shifted her gaze and read Demus’ face.

“You’ll need a foothold. Let me get off first.”

It was Philip who stepped between the two awkwardly frozen people. Philip got off the carriage first and then unfolded the folding foothold that was attached under the carriage.

“You may get off now, Miss Rhodes.”

With Philip’s escort, Liv ended up stepping out the carriage and hesitantly stood at a distance from the stranger. That person, without a doubt, also eyed her warily.

As if to mediate the awkwardness between the two, Philip stepped in and asked Demus.

“Should I go and show Miss Rhodes around?”

Liv’s face turned bright in an instant. Demus, who didn’t have to look hard to figure it out, twisted his lips somewhat nastily.

“No need. Just go and prepare the room.”

“Yes, Master.”

Liv, her eyes showing that she wanted to follow Philip, drew a disappointed look. The sad gaze she flashed at Philip, who entered the manor, incited a desire to tease her.

Demus got off the carriage. The person, who had been watching Liv with wary until then, immediately raised his hand in salute to Demus.

“I have to reach out to you because this is urgents news. Forgive me, Ma—”

(TN: Ma— Major, not to be mistaken with Master)

“Sir Roman.”

Demus cut him off with a cold voice.

“How long should I keep correcting you?”

“I will pay closer attention, sir.”

Roman quickly put his hand down. Nevertheless, the way his shoulders tensed and upright posture told a lot about his origin. Demus, who squinted his eyes, looked away coldly.

“I’ll hear your report inside.”

“Yes, sir.”

Demus, who was about to walk ahead, suddenly reached out his arm. He reached it out to Liv, who was keeping a little distance behind him.