The morning light was faint, and the castle air still carried the coolness of the night.
Livia stood by the window, gazing into the distance, her mind replaying everything that had happened last night. Today, she planned to visit the place Adrian had mentioned. But how could she avoid everyone's eyes, even Emma and Mark's? She still had no answer. Perhaps she could only wait until nightfall and sneak out in secret.
She withdrew her gaze, sighed softly, and walked out of her bedroom.
It was still early. Before carrying out her plan, she wanted to check on Elise.
Even though Elise had been acknowledged by Marcellus as his sister and was no longer a mere maid, Livia worried that she might struggle to adjust to this sudden change.
She was no longer the unnoticed little maid of the castle but a recognized member of the Marcellus family.
Livia turned down the corridor, heading toward Elise's new bedroom, but unexpectedly stopped at the dining hall entrance.
Her brows furrowed slightly as her gaze fell on the dining table.
Everything was arranged as usual—the familiar setting, the familiar dishes. The milk on the table still had a faint warmth, emitting a comforting fragrance. And there, bustling about beside the table, was a slender figure—Elise.
Livia walked over, her voice carrying disapproval. "Why are you still doing this? You're no longer my maid."
Elise froze at the sound of her voice. She turned, looking at Livia, and in an instant, her eyes reddened.
She set down the plate in her hands and whispered, "Livia, I know everything you've done for me."
She sniffled and spoke with determination, "But I can't trust anyone else to take care of you. Only I know what flavors you like, what kind of breakfast you prefer, when you'll frown, and when you'll lose your appetite. Just think of it as your little sister wanting to take care of you. Would you really refuse?"
Livia looked at Elise's slightly reddened eyes and, for a moment, was at a loss for words.
She had seen Elise's genuine emotions before, but at this moment, every word Elise spoke carried an unshakable resolve, making Livia feel a strange sense of warmth.
With a soft sigh, Livia softened her tone. "You don't have to do this. You're a member of the Marcellus family now; you don't need to serve me anymore. Besides… what about when you marry Adrian in the future?"
As soon as she said that, Elise's face instantly flushed crimson.
She lowered her head as if Livia had struck a sensitive spot. Her hands tightly gripped the hem of her dress, and she murmured softly, "We'll talk about that when the time comes… Besides, even after marriage, I can still take care of you."
Livia stared at Elise's embarrassed yet stubborn expression, falling silent for a moment before finally letting out a resigned sigh.
Elise was a stubborn person—once she set her mind on something, she wouldn't change it easily.
Besides, Livia knew she needed someone in this castle who was truly loyal to her, someone who would never betray her.
So, in the end, she relented. "Alright."
Livia picked up the warm milk on the table and took a small sip. Then, as if something crossed her mind, she casually asked, "What is Adrian up to now?"
Elise paused her movements, then looked up and replied, "He's still busy setting up his plans. He's fallen behind the past few days and needs to catch up."
A flicker of light flashed through Livia's eyes.
A perfect opportunity.
She set the cup down, a slight smile curling on her lips. "Let's make some food and go visit him."
Elise hesitated. "Is that really a good idea? It might not be safe…"
Livia chuckled, her tone firm. "We'll go in the morning—it'll be fine. In broad daylight, we'll just bring a few guards."
Elise still looked uncertain, but seeing Livia's confident demeanor, she eventually nodded.
She knew Livia didn't like taking too many people with her, so for her to suggest bringing guards meant she was being extra cautious.
If Livia had made up her mind, she must have ensured she wouldn't easily put herself in danger.
Livia quickly began arranging the trip, but this time, she secretly sought out Emma.
Leaning against the doorframe, she said softly, "Emma, I'm only going to see Adrian this time. You don't need to accompany me. You can take a good rest today and check on the 'training room' upgrades."
Emma was flipping through the accounts book when she heard this. She paused, then frowned. "Are you sure? You really don't need me this time?"
Livia smiled faintly, her tone light. "It's just a visit to Adrian, nothing dangerous. Besides, aren't you tired? Take this chance to rest, check the training room's progress, and stop following me around all the time."
Emma stared into her eyes, as if trying to determine if she was hiding something.
After a moment, she finally nodded. "Alright. Just be careful. Let me know if anything happens."
Livia's lips curled slightly. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen."