Philip wasn’t surprised even though Liv clearly showed a distance. Instead, he put on a big smile and casually offered to guide her.
“This way please. Did you have a comfortable ride?”
“Before that, Mr. Philmond. I have something to ask.”
“Go on, please.”
Liv, standing awkwardly, looking back and forth between the carriage and the mansion, asked dubiously.
“Is the one who wants to meet me…”
“It’s Marquis Dietrion.”
Philip answered with clarity. Hearing that answer erased her anxiety without a trace.
Liv, who heaved out a breath of relief without realizing it, flashed a shy smile.
“Ah, this is my first time meeting the Marquis here…”
“It’s no problem. Well then, can you please follow me this way?”
“Yes.”
Philip led the way to the mansion. As he did so, he spoke casually to Liv.
“If there’s any food ingredient you’re avoiding, I’ll take note.”
“There’s nothing in particular.”
“I see. Then, are there any particular food ingredients you prefer?”
“Oh… I don’t really have any food preferences.”
More accurately, she couldn’t afford to do so. Her kitchen budget hadn’t been generous enough to allow her to complain about food. Liv, who cleared her throat with a bashful look, glanced up and saw Philip walking ahead of her.
“You’re kind.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve welcomed a guest to the Verworth manor, so I’m a little excited.”
Philip answered with quite a cheery tone as though to prove that he wasn’t lying.
She felt more and more relaxed as the old man, who had a mild demeanor, smiled and acted like a gentleman. His ability to make her feel so relaxed with just a few words of conversation was truly remarkable. All the more so compared to the Marquis, who could send a person’s nerves into overdrive with a single glance.
They entered the mansion in no time as they shared a short conversation. Upon entering, Liv let out an involuntary gasp. Seeing the interior of the mansion, which was decorated in an old-fashioned way, left her in awe.
In the center of the spacious lobby, where they now stood, there was a thick, colorful patterned carpet, and the high ceiling was lit by glittering, ornate chandeliers.
The wooden staircase in the center of the lobby spiraled upward on two sides, and the railings were so well maintained that the shine was visible from a distance.
“Where is Master?”
“He is in his study.”
The servant on guard near the front door answered politely. He appeared to offer to accept Liv’s hat or coat, but since she didn’t seem to have any intention of handing him anything in particular, he simply backed away.
In hindsight, she thought she should have handed her hat over to him. However, Liv soon threw away that thought and chased after Philip.
After climbing a staircase that was too much for her feet, she found herself in a hallway lined with large, clean windows. With all the curtains drawn, sunlight was streaming in through the windows.
The sunlight not only brightened the hallway, but also created a gentle warmth. For that reason, Liv grew increasingly fond of the large, antique mansion. Unlike the mansion she had been visiting to work on the nude painting, this one felt inhabited.
“Behind this mansion is a very large arboretum. It’s a very good place to take a walk.”
Philip smiled and said as if he noticed Liv’s fascination. Liv, who had been busy admiring the mansion’s interior, gasped and looked down at his words.
“I see.”
“The arboretum also has a greenhouse.”
“It must be cool.”
“That is something this old man is proud of.”
Liv smiled instead of answering. Even though it was a beautiful greenhouse, she didn’t think she would have a chance to take a look at it. Aside from that, Philip’s friendly demeanor was not bad.
“This is the study.”
After walking down the long hallway, Philip stopped in front of a door. It was a large door with carvings on it.
Philip knocked it lightly and then spoke to the one inside.
“Master, I have brought Miss Rhodes.”
A second later, approval was granted to enter from the inside. Before Liv had time to prepare herself, the heavy door slowly opened. Philip stepped out of Liv’s way and gestured for her to enter.
The first thing she noticed was the smell of paper that washed over her like a wave. Her vision took in the bookshelves that filled the walls. The interior, with its soaring ceilings, was large enough on its own, but the books lining the walls made it feel even more imposing.
But it wasn’t just filled with bookshelves. Large windows above let in plenty of light, and thick red velvet curtains were neatly hung. There was also a white fireplace that went well with the solid looking red-brown wood bookshelves.
She remembered the library of Clemence Boarding School she often visited in her school days. It was big, too, but it didn’t have the same sense of openness like this.
It seemed like there was more space further in, not merely what was visible in her eyes. Although part of her wanted to explore every nook and cranny, Liv resisted her desire and turned her head toward the one who had called her.
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