Odalisque - Chapter 156

“Your gloves…”

The gloves Demus wore today were a gift that Liv had carefully given him a few days ago.

They weren’t quite as good as his usual gloves, but they fit surprisingly well and weren’t too uncomfortable. In addition, it was nice to know that Liv knew the exact size of his hands, and it was satisfying to think of all the time she must have spent trying to find something that would fit him.

That alone was reason enough for Demus to use these gloves.

“I didn’t expect you would wear it.”

“Didn’t you give them to me to wear?”

“Indeed, I did, but I’m sure you have many finer gloves, my Lord.”

Liv stared at the gloves with a curious look in her eyes. She seemed to be genuinely fascinated.

“Then why did you give me gloves if you know it well?”

“… Self-satisfaction.”

It was really an interesting answer, and it was an angle he hadn’t thought of.

“I only did just as you did, my Lord.”

Liv added in a nonchalant tone of voice and smiled at Demus. After that, she casually looked away.

Liv’s shoulders squared, perhaps at the realization that she would now have to appear in public as the Marquis’ partner. Demus could clearly see her swallow hard because of the neck-baring design of her dress. Nervous as ever, Liv tilted her head slightly as she checked the direction of the theater.

“… There aren’t many people here, are there?”

“Well, the opera has started. Didn’t you check the show times?”

Her wide-open eyes revealed her answer without him having to hear it.

“Did you really think we were going to get swept up in the crowd to make it in time for the start of the opera?”

Blinking rapidly, Liv slowly shook her head.

“You don’t like a crowded place, do you, my Lord?”

“Yes. Now that your curiosity is satisfied, I’d like us to actually enter.”

Liv walked cautiously. The few remaining people in front of the deserted opera housebuilding gasped in surprise and whispered to each other when they spotted Demus.

They soon turned their attention to Liv, who stood by Demus’ side. They stood and gawked from a distance, not daring to get too close, like startled rabbits.

Casually ignoring their stares, Demus glanced to his side. He was concerned that Liv might be walking with her head down, but she was looking straight ahead with great determination. Although she couldn’t quite hide her nervousness, it was an admirable demeanor considering the pressure she must be under.

As expected, she would be able to behave herself in any position.

Demus withdrew his gaze in satisfaction.

…

The opera must have been great.

Despite being present, the reason he held such an estimation was that his attention wasn’t actually on the performance. A far more captivating companion occupied the seat beside him, diverting his focus from the opera.

The audience seats with the lights off. Many of the people sitting there peered through the opera glasses at the box seats they occupied. Demus couldn’t ascertain whether Liv had noticed the numerous gleams of glass within the darkness. She was simply sitting with her eyes fixed on the dazzling stage.

Demus never grew tired of watching her, as the side of her face that stared so intently at the stage was something he hadn’t seen before. Every now and then, he’d reach out and touch the nape of her neck. Whenever he did it, her shoulders slumped slightly, but she remained sitting docilely.

Possibly, rather than delving into the nuances of the performance, the opera attendees might find themselves preoccupied with discussing “how smitten Marquis Demus Dietrion appeared by the lady accompanying him today.” Additionally, they could be taken aback by the unexpected identity of that woman.

In a small, provincial city like Buerno, news had a tendency to spread swiftly. It was quite likely that Luzia had caught wind of the situation.

Demus did not encounter Luzia. From Charles’ reports, it was clear that she had made it to the theater. However, it seemed that she was reluctant to show herself when she saw Demus walking openly with Liv.

Such a response was understandable, given that Luzia likely lacked precise knowledge of Liv’s identity. Besides, Luzia’s pride wouldn’t have allowed her to be seen clinging to Demus, who was accompanied by another woman.

She might have felt even more insulted once she realized who Liv was.

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