Mrs. Moore approached and grasped both of my hands warmly.
“You must have had a hard time because of our son. Please, come in.”
Her hands were incredibly warm, just like Liam Moore’s. Her smiling gaze seemed to welcome me deeply, making my heart flutter.
“…I’m the one who should be grateful to Liam, so it’s alright.”
“Oh my, what a kind heart you have. Don’t worry. We know our son can be difficult.”
Liam Moore, you better treat your parents well….
Liam put his arm around my shoulder.
“It’s cold outside, let’s go in. Mother, you shouldn’t stay out for too long either.”
“…Mila.”
Liam whispered, “Are you cold?”
What is he worrying about now? I poked his side and whispered back, “Take care of yourself first, patient. If you fall ill, many people will nag at you.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
“See?”
Nifoisse Hall was incredibly warm. Whether it was a boiler or underfloor heating, the house itself radiated warmth. I was slightly surprised as it was warm enough to break a sweat.
The 19th century wasn’t known for efficient heating. They relied on stoves and fireplaces, which meant if the fire weakened, a bone-chilling cold would set in. I’ve woken up cold in the middle of the night before.
But here, the cold didn’t even seem to touch the place. Despite it being the middle of December outside.
“Your coat, please….”
The butler naturally took our coats and handed them to a waiting servant.
“I’ll have them ironed and brought up to your room.”
“Thank you.”
It was truly a courteous reception. I looked at Liam, feeling a bit dazed. He blinked and then smiled softly. Seeing his face, I felt… well, it looked like he was just happy to have me here.
‘Is everything alright?’
He mouthed the words. I nodded slightly.
The Moores excused themselves first and asked the butler to show us to our rooms. At that moment, Liam’s younger brother spoke up.
“I’ll do it.”
Mrs. Moore seemed briefly surprised, though it might have been my imagination. Since no one objected, he received the key and glanced at me.
Oh no. His expression wasn’t a good one.
＊ ＊ ＊
“…”
“…”
And now, with Liam summoned by his parents, it was just me and Liam’s younger brother in an awkward silence.
Despite the house being warm, it felt chilly.
I wanted to cry a little. Clearly, this second young master didn’t like me. His stare felt prickly.
“Um….”
“Let’s go.”
He spoke coldly. His tone carried a chilling wind.
“This way.”
He started up the stairs without another word, making me more conscious of my surroundings. Though he looked gentle, he was colder than Liam.
Maybe because of the prolonged silence, he eventually spoke, though it seemed more out of obligation.
“If you wait a bit, a servant will bring your luggage. The second floor has my parents’ rooms, so you likely won’t need to go there. The layout twists from east to west. Most guest rooms are on the third floor, but… my brother prefers quiet, so his room is at the far end of the third floor.”
I understood. It was an L-shaped layout. Avoid the second floor.
“You can use this room, Miss Osmond.”
My room was also on the third floor. Though a bit distant from Liam’s room, it seemed manageable. Liam could visit often too.
As he inserted the key into the door at the west end, he spoke.
“We’ve prepared it to be as comfortable as possible.”
Upon entering, a large window filling the wall and a round terrace greeted me.
Describing this room would take at least three pages. It was that spacious. The lighting was great, and the furniture and bedding colors matched elegantly. The fireplace was lit, making the whole room warm.
“If you need anything, pull this bell cord. If you need medicine, we’ll call the household doctor.”
I nodded. It seemed the household doctor was on standby, which was fortunate. I’d have to get Liam examined.
“Can I go to the seaside?”
I asked.
“Yes. There are stairs leading to the sea behind the mansion. Be cautious, the cliffside is windy, so go when the weather is nice.”
I approached the window. The white foam of the waves was visible even from here.
“Wow….”
I couldn’t help but exclaim at the vast view. Quietly admiring, I fixed my gaze on the distant dark blue horizon.
“…You like the sea,”
At that moment, his low voice continued.
“don’t you?”
“Yes. In Bailonz, you can only see the Thames River. Oh, um… what should I call you?”
“Please, call me Theodore… if you will.”
“Theodore.”
Theodore blinked. His eyes, fixed on me with his hands behind his back, made me blink too. Why is he looking at me like that?
“…Um, you’ve seemed hesitant since earlier. Do you have something to say to me?”
Caught off guard, Theodore bit his lip and stopped glancing at me. After a long pause, he spoke. His formal face carried shocking words.
“What is your relationship with my brother?”
Oh. The Moore family seems to be perceptive. Trying to evade, I opened my mouth.
“Well… I’m his assistant?”
“My brother treats women like stones.”
Wow, that’s not something I wanted to know.
He added, “He’s never been interested in women. He’s only known the women in this house. He’s not the type to show affection. You must know this.”
“I’m not sure what you’re getting at, Theodore.”
Theodore stepped closer. Though he looked polite, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being interrogated.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen my brother show such intimate, affectionate attention.”
Now I understood why he’d been staring at me. His brother, who treated women like stones, suddenly brought one home, and they seemed closer than expected. This must have stirred his curiosity.
But I couldn’t just tell him, ‘Yes, I stole your brother’s kiss!’ This was someone I just met, and… he was Liam’s brother. Besides, I didn’t want to make a bad first impression.
“When you share life-and-death experiences, a bond forms, like camaraderie.”
“Once more, what is your relationship?”
Damn, that didn’t work.
Theodore Moore kept staring at me intensely. Just then, behind him, I saw a familiar head of black hair. Oh, Liam. As I opened my mouth,
“Sister-in-law.”
He dropped a bombshell. What was I to do with this man who declared me his sister-in-law to a stranger? I glanced nervously between Liam and Theodore. Theodore seemed unaware his brother was behind him.
Thud. The sound made Theodore turn around. Liam had dropped my suitcase and was staring blankly at his brother. Theodore shrieked in a high-pitched voice,
“…Brother?!”
My troubled thoughts… and anxious eyes… observed by Liam Moore.
It wasn’t a war. It was a catastrophe.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Hands up straight.”
What kind of situation is this? Sitting on the bed, I watched Theodore Moore with a complicated expression. Nothing goes right when caught between foolish brothers.
Liam Moore stood beside me, arms crossed, glaring coldly at his brother. His gaze was crooked, his face full of irritation.
Theodore Moore knelt on the floor, hands raised, looking utterly defeated. I wasn’t punished like this even when I was seven.
“I wondered why you were late, but it seems you had time to chat with my assistant.”
“…Brother….”
“Theodore Axel Moore.”
He used his full name. Never a good sign. Theodore flinched and bowed his head low. Clearly, Liam maintained strict discipline at home. A truly intimidating brother.
“No matter who I meet, who I bring home.”
Liam frowned and tilted his head.
“It’s my freedom.”
“…Yes.”
“You have no right to question our relationship. Understood?”
Theodore shut his eyes tightly.
“…Yes.”