Odalisque - Chapter 2.2

As though he saw her puzzled expression, Brad quickly explained.

“I heard it’s Coryda’s birthday soon. I thought money would be better than a gift.”

As he said, money was better than a gift. That was if he really meant to celebrate Coryda’s birthday.

She couldn’t let go of her reluctance, but that was all. The reason why she couldn’t reject his words to pay more, even if it was only empty talk, was that, as he said, Coryda’s birthday was near. Even though she wasn’t well off, she wanted to buy her a small birthday present. When she recalled Coryda’s innocent face, waiting for her at home, she could pretend not to know the uncomfortable feeling that had been making her uneasy all the time.

In the end, she uttered a thank-you in a calm voice. Brad continued a meaningless conversation, rambling on about things such as Coryda’s health and the weather these days. He also added a plausible excuse to talk about how she has been for a while because she seemed nervous.

She sometimes answered briefly, but mostly, she was silent and only listened to Brad. Then, when there was a little opportunity, she asked him in a quiet tone.

“You haven’t forgotten the promise to remain silent about the model, have you?”

“Huh? Of course!”

Brad nodded frankly. After that, he said they rested for too long and urged her to get back into position because he had to draw quickly.

She raised up her arms in silence. It had been a long time since her naked body chilled, but she still felt cold from the surrounding air. The sharp gaze on the skin also did not disappear, as expected.

She would rather close her eyes.

***

“Miss Rhodes. You did a great job today.”

“I should be the one to thank you for giving me the opportunity to guide Miss Millian. Since Miss Millian is so intelligent, I’m also looking forward to meeting her.”

“I think today’s class ended a little early, so would you like to join me for tea?”

Liv smiled and closed her eyes. She came to remember Coryda, who was especially sad about her going to work today, but she could not show it on the surface.

“Thank you for the kind offer.”

Generally speaking, parents who entrusted their children to tutors wanted their children to grow tremendously in just one class. Even though she knew exactly that it was a ridiculous and unrealistic wish, Liv needed to protect their earnest wish.

Because for a tutor, dealing with parents is just as important as teaching their children.

Liv took down the bonnet she was trying to wear. Recalling the hardships she went through because of various disrespect and arrogance from the parents of the students she had met, the lady in front of her was rather a comfortable person.

It was a one time blessing that she got a job here at the Barony of Vendons. Millian Vendons, the only daughter of Baron Vendons, was a cheerful and good-hearted child, and her parents, Baron Vendons and his wife, were people of dignity.

Compared to a count family, who demanded ridiculous achievements and then failed to pay three months’ worth of guidance, saying she violated the contract, they were a very cultured and reasonable couple. Even the situation that almost got her in trouble was getting stable because she got a job here.

When she recalled the count family that was shamelessly stubborn whenever she asked for the unpaid costs, Liv was naturally in agony. It was a mistake to be complacent because she thought that the renowned count family would not dirtily cause money problems.

They just happened to be aristocrats, but it was clear that they were wasting fortune every time with gambling and luxury…

“Miss Rhodes?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Is there anything in particular you can’t eat?”

“No, there isn’t, ma’am.”

“I see. I happened to get something as a gift this morning. I hope it suits your taste.”

Liv, who was going to say whatever she ate would suit her taste, closed her mouth with a smile instead.

Baron Vendons was rich. It was seen through the simple refreshments provided when she was conducting Millian’s class. The snacks, which Millian complained to be manufactured snacks, were the most expensive product sold at the most popular confectionery store in the city.

Whatever came out, it would be more expensive than the refreshments served in class, and it would be a high-end snack that made Liv wonder if she could eat it for the rest of her life.

“Now, this way.”

She walked under the guidance of the kind Baroness of Vendons, but there was a bustling presence among the workers. It didn’t seem that it was because they were preparing for their lady’s tea time.

Liv glanced at the workers’ flushed complexion. A middle-aged female worker who seemed to have a high position approached Baroness Vendons and whispered.

“Oh, my God, is that true?”

Exclaimed the baroness, perhaps forgetting that she was with Liv. She, who seemed to continue talking about something more, belatedly recognized Liv’s presence and looked embarrassed.