She fumbled with the clasp of the thin necklace as she had to wear it without a mirror, but the Marquis only watched quietly and did not help her.
It took her an eternity to clasp the necklace, and the ruby rested heavily on her collarbone. Only after she had put it on did she realize that the string was a bit longer than the typical necklace. She felt a slight chill as the cold of the jewel touched her bare skin.
“I thought it would look good on you.”
The Marquis murmured in a low voice as he stared at the ruby hanging on the white flesh.
“The wine did, after all.”
Liv, who was looking down at the necklace awkwardly, shuddered slightly. The Marquis must have seen Liv stiffen visibly, but he didn’t care at all. If anything, he seemed a little pleased.
Maybe I have to sit down so that he can get a good look at this necklace?
Liv, who was standing awkwardly, sat on the bed. She was facing the Marquis head on. The Marquis’ eyes narrowed slightly.
The Marquis relaxed slowly and sucked the cigar as if it was all a lie that he was displeased at Liv, who was lost in her thoughts. The smoke scattered around him. It was just another ordinary day, except for the smell of cigars, which was stronger than usual, so Liv’s attention quickly turned to the jewelry.
She had never worn such an accessory in her life. Back in her school days, she never wore jewelry, and even after graduation, she never attended an event that required it. Even if she had some, she probably would have sold them all to keep the family afloat.
She had a bad eye for jewelry. However, she had learned that jewels are clear and crisp in color, and that the bigger the size, the more expensive it is.
Perhaps the little piece of ruby on her neck would be more expensive than her. Her neck turned stiff as she thought so.
Liv stared down at her chest.
“Take it.”
The Marquis suddenly opened his mouth. It took a little time for Liv to understand what he said.
“… Pardon?”
“Sometimes a tip makes the job worthwhile.”
“It’s fine, my Lord.”
The words of rejection immediately came out. The Marquis tilted his head sharply at her refusal without much thought.
“I can’t give something that has been worn to anyone, so you can sell it if you don’t like it.”
Take it and sell it?
Liv let out a wry smile without knowing it.
Whether it was a jewelry store or a pawnshop, if she took it there, the owner would call the police immediately. This jewel and Liv were too far from a match for her to explain that she had received it as a gift; even if that was the truth. She was lucky if she wouldn’t be accused of being a thief.
“No, it’s fine, my Lord.”
“Weren’t you the one who said you were short of money?”
The Marquis looked like he couldn’t understand Liv’s refusal. Given that the basis for them to reach this situation was about money, it was fair for him to have such a question.
Of course, Liv didn’t want to refuse the given tip. If it was money, she might have taken it. But it was a different case with jewelry.
“It’s enough now. If my life suddenly changes too much… it will look strange.”
The jewelry was beautiful, but that was it. It was a valuable item with no practical use, so she felt uncomfortable wearing it as if it belonged to someone else. It would be much better to get additional cash even if it wasn’t much.
The Marquis spoke to himself, looking quietly at Liv, who seemed to have no regret.
“So it already looks like that.”
The corners of Liv’s closed mouth twitched slightly.
She wondered how the Marquis got to the point so quickly.
“Did you get robbed?”
This was a topic Liv didn’t want to discuss. The Marquis clicked his tongue at the sight of Liv, who was silent because she didn’t want to mention it. He only did that, but it was enough to put pressure on Liv.
Liv, taking a glance at the Marquis’ face, reluctantly parted her lips.
“I didn’t get robbed. It’s just… There was a little misunderstanding because the carriage you provided is luxurious.”
Wouldn’t it be better to ask him to change the carriage with something common while we are on this?
Liv, who lowered her gaze, turned the accident into a positive direction. The Marquis didn’t have to pay for an expensive carriage either; a moderately inexpensive carriage would have saved him from unnecessary spending. Though it didn’t seem like the one who gave her such a necklace just because it looked good on her would consider the cost of the carriage.
Perhaps, if his capricious mercy were to be granted today, the troubles which had plagued Liv throughout might be reduced.
At that thought, a glimmer of hope appeared in Liv’s eyes.
“Oh.”
The Marquis gave a low exclamation at Liv’s words. He was silent for a while, pressing down on his temple as if to recall something, and he soon opened his mouth.
“Was your residence a slum?”
It wasn’t a slum.
Of course… It was not a decent enough neighborhood either.
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