Chapter 54

It was a more explicit rejection. At that, Camille drooped his eyebrows and made a small whimpering sound.

“Oh, I’m not making you hate me, am I?”

“As I said the other day, we haven’t known each other long enough for me to have that feeling.”

At the sight of Liv drawing a clear line, Camille couldn’t help but stop being brazen. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he nodded in agreement.

“I understand.”

Still, he went on to say.

“But this is a little upsetting because you’re the only acquaintance I’ve met in this place. And please talk to me if you happen to run into me like this. I know a lot of interesting stories from the aristocratic society, so you won’t be bored with the conversation. From the most trivial gossip, to the rumors of a big shot like the marquis.”

Camille, who spoke in a rather mischievous tone, twitched his nose playfully. Liv, who seemed to hesitate for a moment while listening to him, slowly opened her mouth.

“Yes, I will.”

The marquis Camille was referring to was likely Demus Dietrion.

It was obvious that the story Camille could tell her was nothing more than unreliable gossip.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder inside. If he could tell her something more credible than Millian.

In this manner, at least, she wanted to know a little more about the Marquis.

***

Peaceful days followed for a while.

She still couldn’t leave the house in the evening, but she had already stocked up a lot of medicine for Coryda and Millian’s class was finished before sunset, so it was fine.

She was a little worried about coming home in the evening after modeling nude or extra work that would soon restart, but she thought it would be okay because she would be provided with a carriage.

It was a leap of faith, but the Marquis had already taken care of a robbery for her. Therefore, she came to think that he wouldn’t remain idle when she got in danger.

This made Liv able to calmly wait for the next work date.

… Although she didn’t expect to hear this on the day.

“You can’t work this week?”

In an hour, a carriage would pick them up to take her and Brad to the appointed place. Therefore, she came to the studio to meet Brad, but unlike usual, he wasn’t ready to go at all.

And the next thing he said was that he couldn’t work today.

“Yes.”

“Did the Marquis allow you to do that?”

Seeing the shocked look on Liv’s face, Brad nodded ambiguously.

“I sent a letter yesterday. Though I don’t know if it has arrived.”

Liv narrowed her eyes. She had known Brad for quite some time, and it allowed her to see at a glance that he was lost in other thoughts.

“… Brad, this work is not an ordinary painting work. You’ve been drawing sincerely lately, so what’s wrong with you all of a sudden?”

Just last week, Brad was confident that he would be able to complete the painting soon.

Was that all? He often fell into a happy delusion alone, picturing himself getting the Maquis as his official supporter after he completed the painting. He didn’t listen to whatever Liv told him.

“What’s the matter?”

“I’m not feeling well today.”

That was a ridiculous excuse. Brad was the kind of person who proudly bragged about his health, having never caught a cold in the middle of winter despite wearing only a few layers.

“Don’t lie.”

Instead of answering, Brad took out a dirty handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. As if that weren’t enough, he fiddled with his handkerchief with both hands and looked around nervously.

That reminded her of a scene from one day. The scene of the day he broke his promise to Liv and painted a nude with her side face revealed.

“Brad.”

“… If the carriage comes, say something for me. That I’ve been sick.”

“At least you have to tell me the truth.”

“Liv…”

Brad looked up at Liv pleadingly, not wanting her to ask any more questions. But Liv couldn’t just walk away.

This was about a painting for the Marquis of Dietrion, not anyone else. It wasn’t even a regular commission, but a painting to get back the one he bought.

There was nothing good for him to act like this when he was getting all the conveniences to work smoothly.

As though he had somehow noticed Liv’s firm will to hear the reason, Brad let out a long sigh and said.

“Actually, if I finish the painting quickly, it’s a bit, um, tricky.”

“Tricky?”

“Yeah. I need to sign a sponsorship contract before the painting is finished…”

“Sponsorship contract?”

Liv frowned. She had a vague premonition that he had gotten into trouble again.

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