The contract with Pommel had been concluded through written correspondence, thanks to Adolf’s assistance, rendering it unnecessary for her to revisit that neighborhood. However, Rita couldn’t shake off the unease caused by the sudden silence.
“Oh, I understand. It’s a pity to lose such a dedicated follower. How is Corrida faring?”
“She’s doing much better.”
“Although you may now attend a different church, please grace our congregation with your presence occasionally. Our church feels empty without Miss Liv.”
Unable to reveal outright that she had ceased attending the church lately, Liv responded with a vague smile.
Not only had she stopped attending the church, but she had also ceased praying properly. It was ironic that her life had become more stable and enjoyable since she no longer fervently prayed.
“Do you still seek God within the church?”
It was undeniable that humans possessed the power to achieve things. That statement held true.
The one who had granted her everything was Dietran.
“When I last visited, there were numerous devout followers.”
Liv calmly changed the topic, prompting Betril to burst into laughter.
“Hahaha, yes, there was a time like that. But it dwindled quickly. Rumor has it that Lord Detrian attends our church! Quite surprising, isn’t it?”
“…Indeed, it is.”
Why did his name always crop up in every conversation?
Liv suddenly realized that he had profoundly embedded himself into every facet of her life. No matter whom she spoke to, the conversation inevitably veered toward Dietran’s appearance or her thoughts about him. These occurrences left her astounded.
“Lord Detrian attending our church! Why would such an esteemed person visit our congregation? He possesses the power to stand side by side with the high priest in the largest church in Buerno.”
Betril shook his head, as though he had heard a funny joke. He playfully expressed his desire to catch a glimpse of that beautiful face, often lauded as the sole recipient of God’s blessings. His voice carried a hint of sincerity.
While Liv listened attentively to his tale, she raised an eyebrow.
“…Betril, have you never met him?”
“No. If I had, I would never forget!”
However, Liv had encountered Dietran multiple times at the church. Could it be that he discreetly visited the church, deliberately evading people’s notice to meet her?
Liv had inferred his purpose for frequenting the church, but she had never expected him to visit so covertly that even Betril, who practically resided at the church, remained oblivious. She was about to inquire further when she noticed a carriage in the background, behind Betril, and sealed her lips.
A black carriage. Although it was a familiar sight, it now seemed oddly distinct. She recognized the carriage at first glance.
“I have some plans, so I should take my leave.”
Liv bid farewell with a soft smile. Betril eagerly nodded in response.
“Yes, please visit the church sometime!”
With a gentle smile, Liv walked toward the carriage, unperturbed by the surprise. She exchanged a nod with the coachman and entered.
This was her first additional assignment since meeting Dietran in the glasshouse. Today’s circumstances were different. Dietran had respected Liv’s request not to think about Corrida, her companion, and they had not engaged in anything beyond a kiss. But today would be different.
Seated on the plush seat of the carriage, Liv let out a long breath. Only then did she realize that she had been anticipating this additional assignment.
***
By now, this mansion had become quite familiar to her.
As Liv settled into her seat, she discreetly surveyed her surroundings. She had assumed that she would need to prepare to disrobe as soon as she arrived, but it turned out they were heading to the dining room.
“Is it time for a meal?”
Dietran, already seated at the head of the table, greeted her casually, as if they had agreed upon it beforehand. Perhaps they had timed the food preparation to coincide with her arrival, as the table was immediately adorned with delectable dishes.
“We have obtained some high-quality veal.”
Philip explained while deftly transferring the dishes. The large dining table showcased meticulously cooked veal in a grand display. As the servant who had placed the meat on the plates for Dietran and Liv silently retreated, Philip and the other servants took their seats as well.
“Please, indulge.”
Following Dietran’s lead, Liv cautiously picked up her utensils. However, as she began to carve the meat in front of her, she remained composed. Even though she was cutting her food, her mind was not preoccupied. Dietran seemed to notice her state and spoke nonchalantly.
“Don’t you have time to eat?”
“It’s not that…”
“Are you occupied with another appointment? Perhaps with the man you were engaged in an intimate conversation with on the street?”
Had the coachman witnessed her conversation with Betril? If so, the report had certainly reached Dietran swiftly.
At the unexpected inquiry from Dietran, Liv quickly raised her head.
“Betril is an aspiring clergyman currently undergoing training at the former church I attended, and we do not spend any personal time together,” Liv stated firmly.
However, despite her firm words, Dietran chuckled dismissively, showing no concern for the matter at hand.
“The pursuit of amusement and the life of a clergyman are distinct realms.”
If such a statement were to reach the ears of clergy members or devout believers, they would undoubtedly report it to the ecclesiastical headquarters in outrage. Even for someone like Liv, who lacked intense religiosity, the remark seemed irreverent. She looked up with disbelief and averted her gaze.
“I am well aware of your devotion, so there is no need to inform me as if it were a newfound revelation,” she added, justifying herself while skillfully cutting her calf meat into smaller pieces. “After moving, I have not been attending the church. I merely happened to run into him and asked how he was doing. There are no promises, and I did not expect him to call me today, so I was taken aback.”
In truth, Liv did not need to provide such a detailed explanation of her brief conversation with Betril. However, she felt irked by Dietran’s use of the phrase “having an intimate conversation.” It seemed unnecessary and hinted at her being a woman who easily befriends any man, leaving a distasteful feeling.
That was all there was to it. She simply did not want to be unjustly misunderstood.
Having rationalized it in this manner, Liv covertly glanced at Dietran. He had a serene expression on his face as he calmly savored his wine, seemingly unfazed by her words.
According to Betril, Dietran possessed the ability to challenge even high-ranking priests. However, he did not exude religious fervor to the extent of engaging in confrontations with priests. Yet… Liv had encountered him several times at the church.
“Do you recall your visits to the church, Lord Dietran?”
“I do,” Dietran nodded without hesitation.
Observing Dietran in silence, Liv idly played with her fork as she spoke.
“Betril mentioned that he has never seen you at the church before.”
Even when standing quietly, Dietran was a man who stood out. How could such a man conceal his identity and make multiple visits to the church?
“How is that possible?” Liv asked.
Dietran responded in a voice filled with curiosity, “Deceiving human eyes is not that difficult. I dislike leaving traces of my presence. There are far too many people who cling relentlessly, even for mere morsels.”
Yes, even without being told, it seemed plausible. He appeared to dislike people approaching him, pretending to be close. Naturally, secretly visiting the church must have been a bothersome task for him.
In other words, it meant that she held a special place in his life for him to endure such annoyance.
Unconsciously, Liv tightened her grip on the fork and knife. She silently prayed that her face did not betray her unease as she slowly spoke.
“If someone were conducting a background check on Lord Dietran… what would you do?”
The movement of his cutlery came to a halt. Dietran silently placed the utensils down and leaned back slightly, toying with his wine glass. Then, in a low and enigmatic voice, he inquired, “Who might that be?”
It was a concise question, gently posed, that nearly made Liv blurt out Camille’s name without thinking.
Thankfully, she still possessed some reason. She suppressed the name of Camille, who continued to observe Dietran, and instead indirectly cautioned him.
“If, by any chance, someone were to discover that our paths have coincidentally crossed, wouldn’t it be prudent to exercise greater caution?”
“That is intriguing gossip,” he responded affirmatively, appearing intrigued.
“It must be quite tantalizing.”
Liv contemplated Camille’s words. Camille had mentioned that Dietran maintained distance from women, yet here Liv stood at his side. If Camille continued to closely monitor Dietran, it was possible that he would eventually uncover the connection between Liv and Dietran. Furthermore, it seemed that Camille held an interest in Liv as well.
Would Dietran still regard Liv as special if she were to acquire an irritating reputation due to Camille’s scrutiny? Although Dietran treated her differently, his discreet visits to the church indicated his desire to keep their encounters concealed from others.
In fact, Liv pondered whether Dietran was somewhat cognizant of Camille’s existence. His inclination to avoid excessive companionship suggested a certain level of caution to prevent troublesome situations from arising. Nevertheless, Liv harbored concerns about the somewhat haphazard progression of their relationship.
More precisely… she worried about becoming an exasperating presence to Dietran himself.
The contract with Pommel had been concluded through written correspondence, thanks to Adolf’s assistance, rendering it unnecessary for her to revisit that neighborhood. However, Rita couldn’t shake off the unease caused by the sudden silence.
“Oh, I understand. It’s a pity to lose such a dedicated follower. How is Corrida faring?”
“She’s doing much better.”
“Although you may now attend a different church, please grace our congregation with your presence occasionally. Our church feels empty without Miss Liv.”
Unable to reveal outright that she had ceased attending the church lately, Liv responded with a vague smile.
Not only had she stopped attending the church, but she had also ceased praying properly. It was ironic that her life had become more stable and enjoyable since she no longer fervently prayed.
“Do you still seek God within the church?”
It was undeniable that humans possessed the power to achieve things. That statement held true.
The one who had granted her everything was Dietran.
“When I last visited, there were numerous devout followers.”
Liv calmly changed the topic, prompting Betril to burst into laughter.
“Hahaha, yes, there was a time like that. But it dwindled quickly. Rumor has it that Lord Detrian attends our church! Quite surprising, isn’t it?”
“…Indeed, it is.”
Why did his name always crop up in every conversation?
Liv suddenly realized that he had profoundly embedded himself into every facet of her life. No matter whom she spoke to, the conversation inevitably veered toward Dietran’s appearance or her thoughts about him. These occurrences left her astounded.
“Lord Detrian attending our church! Why would such an esteemed person visit our congregation? He possesses the power to stand side by side with the high priest in the largest church in Buerno.”
Betril shook his head, as though he had heard a funny joke. He playfully expressed his desire to catch a glimpse of that beautiful face, often lauded as the sole recipient of God’s blessings. His voice carried a hint of sincerity.
While Liv listened attentively to his tale, she raised an eyebrow.
“…Betril, have you never met him?”
“No. If I had, I would never forget!”
However, Liv had encountered Dietran multiple times at the church. Could it be that he discreetly visited the church, deliberately evading people’s notice to meet her?
Liv had inferred his purpose for frequenting the church, but she had never expected him to visit so covertly that even Betril, who practically resided at the church, remained oblivious. She was about to inquire further when she noticed a carriage in the background, behind Betril, and sealed her lips.
A black carriage. Although it was a familiar sight, it now seemed oddly distinct. She recognized the carriage at first glance.
“I have some plans, so I should take my leave.”
Liv bid farewell with a soft smile. Betril eagerly nodded in response.
“Yes, please visit the church sometime!”
With a gentle smile, Liv walked toward the carriage, unperturbed by the surprise. She exchanged a nod with the coachman and entered.
This was her first additional assignment since meeting Dietran in the glasshouse. Today’s circumstances were different. Dietran had respected Liv’s request not to think about Corrida, her companion, and they had not engaged in anything beyond a kiss. But today would be different.
Seated on the plush seat of the carriage, Liv let out a long breath. Only then did she realize that she had been anticipating this additional assignment.
***
By now, this mansion had become quite familiar to her.
As Liv settled into her seat, she discreetly surveyed her surroundings. She had assumed that she would need to prepare to disrobe as soon as she arrived, but it turned out they were heading to the dining room.
“Is it time for a meal?”
Dietran, already seated at the head of the table, greeted her casually, as if they had agreed upon it beforehand. Perhaps they had timed the food preparation to coincide with her arrival, as the table was immediately adorned with delectable dishes.
“We have obtained some high-quality veal.”
Philip explained while deftly transferring the dishes. The large dining table showcased meticulously cooked veal in a grand display. As the servant who had placed the meat on the plates for Dietran and Liv silently retreated, Philip and the other servants took their seats as well.
“Please, indulge.”
Following Dietran’s lead, Liv cautiously picked up her utensils. However, as she began to carve the meat in front of her, she remained composed. Even though she was cutting her food, her mind was not preoccupied. Dietran seemed to notice her state and spoke nonchalantly.
“Don’t you have time to eat?”
“It’s not that…”
“Are you occupied with another appointment? Perhaps with the man you were engaged in an intimate conversation with on the street?”
Had the coachman witnessed her conversation with Betril? If so, the report had certainly reached Dietran swiftly.
At the unexpected inquiry from Dietran, Liv quickly raised her head.
“Betril is an aspiring clergyman currently undergoing training at the former church I attended, and we do not spend any personal time together,” Liv stated firmly.
However, despite her firm words, Dietran chuckled dismissively, showing no concern for the matter at hand.
“The pursuit of amusement and the life of a clergyman are distinct realms.”
If such a statement were to reach the ears of clergy members or devout believers, they would undoubtedly report it to the ecclesiastical headquarters in outrage. Even for someone like Liv, who lacked intense religiosity, the remark seemed irreverent. She looked up with disbelief and averted her gaze.
“I am well aware of your devotion, so there is no need to inform me as if it were a newfound revelation,” she added, justifying herself while skillfully cutting her calf meat into smaller pieces. “After moving, I have not been attending the church. I merely happened to run into him and asked how he was doing. There are no promises, and I did not expect him to call me today, so I was taken aback.”
In truth, Liv did not need to provide such a detailed explanation of her brief conversation with Betril. However, she felt irked by Dietran’s use of the phrase “having an intimate conversation.” It seemed unnecessary and hinted at her being a woman who easily befriends any man, leaving a distasteful feeling.
That was all there was to it. She simply did not want to be unjustly misunderstood.
Having rationalized it in this manner, Liv covertly glanced at Dietran. He had a serene expression on his face as he calmly savored his wine, seemingly unfazed by her words.
According to Betril, Dietran possessed the ability to challenge even high-ranking priests. However, he did not exude religious fervor to the extent of engaging in confrontations with priests. Yet… Liv had encountered him several times at the church.
“Do you recall your visits to the church, Lord Dietran?”
“I do,” Dietran nodded without hesitation.
Observing Dietran in silence, Liv idly played with her fork as she spoke.
“Betril mentioned that he has never seen you at the church before.”
Even when standing quietly, Dietran was a man who stood out. How could such a man conceal his identity and make multiple visits to the church?
“How is that possible?” Liv asked.
Dietran responded in a voice filled with curiosity, “Deceiving human eyes is not that difficult. I dislike leaving traces of my presence. There are far too many people who cling relentlessly, even for mere morsels.”
Yes, even without being told, it seemed plausible. He appeared to dislike people approaching him, pretending to be close. Naturally, secretly visiting the church must have been a bothersome task for him.
In other words, it meant that she held a special place in his life for him to endure such annoyance.
Unconsciously, Liv tightened her grip on the fork and knife. She silently prayed that her face did not betray her unease as she slowly spoke.
“If someone were conducting a background check on Lord Dietran… what would you do?”
The movement of his cutlery came to a halt. Dietran silently placed the utensils down and leaned back slightly, toying with his wine glass. Then, in a low and enigmatic voice, he inquired, “Who might that be?”
It was a concise question, gently posed, that nearly made Liv blurt out Camille’s name without thinking.
Thankfully, she still possessed some reason. She suppressed the name of Camille, who continued to observe Dietran, and instead indirectly cautioned him.
“If, by any chance, someone were to discover that our paths have coincidentally crossed, wouldn’t it be prudent to exercise greater caution?”
“That is intriguing gossip,” he responded affirmatively, appearing intrigued.
“It must be quite tantalizing.”
Liv contemplated Camille’s words. Camille had mentioned that Dietran maintained distance from women, yet here Liv stood at his side. If Camille continued to closely monitor Dietran, it was possible that he would eventually uncover the connection between Liv and Dietran. Furthermore, it seemed that Camille held an interest in Liv as well.
Would Dietran still regard Liv as special if she were to acquire an irritating reputation due to Camille’s scrutiny? Although Dietran treated her differently, his discreet visits to the church indicated his desire to keep their encounters concealed from others.
In fact, Liv pondered whether Dietran was somewhat cognizant of Camille’s existence. His inclination to avoid excessive companionship suggested a certain level of caution to prevent troublesome situations from arising. Nevertheless, Liv harbored concerns about the somewhat haphazard progression of their relationship.
More precisely… she worried about becoming an exasperating presence to Dietran himself.
