Chapter 1878
chapter1878
Manfred had initially let Vivian win in their chess game, hoping to entertain her
and make her happy. However, as they continued playing, Vivian's skills began to impress him.
Vivian had long noticed that Manfred was deliberately letting her win, but she didn't point it out.
Instead, she subtly showcased her abilities, keeping things balanced between them. It became a true exchange of skill, each trying to outplay the other.
Vivian quickly realized that Manfred was an excellent opponent. He remained completely focused throughout the game.
He was truly exceptional at strategizing, and before long, she found herself caught in the trap he had carefully set. However, Vivian was no pushover either.
They went back and forth, each move a careful response to the other's strategy.
Just as they were deep into the game, a maid's voice came from the door, announcing that the bath water was ready.
Vivian stretched, a small yawn escaping her lips as she decided it was time to stop. "Let's continue tomorrow. I'm getting a bit tired," she said.
Manfred nodded, his gaze shifting from the chessboard to her. "I've had the room next door prepared for you. If you're not comfortable with anything, just let me know, and I'll have them adjust it. If you need anything, call for me right away."
"Alright," Vivian responded, smiling warmly.
She stood up, and Manfred joined her as they made their way to the next room.
As soon as they entered, the fragrance of flowers greeted them, filling the air with a calming aroma.
"It smells wonderful!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with delight as she looked at Manfred.
She was impressed by his thoughtfulness. He had not only arranged the bathwater but also prepared flower petals for a more luxurious touch.
She also really liked the way the room was decorated. It had an antique charm, much better than the expensive inns she had stayed in back in Dewhurst. Staying here made her feel completely relaxed, both physically and mentally.
Manfred couldn't help but gaze at Vivian's radiant smile, his eyes filled with affection. He raised his hand, signaling for the maids to leave.
He then turned to Vivian and said, "You go ahead and bathe first. Once you're done, call me. I'll be in the room next door and can hear you. After that, I'll have them remove the bathtub."
"Okay, I understand." Vivian nodded eagerly. She was beginning to feel the exhaustion creeping in.
The transition from the modern world to this unfamiliar world had drained her more than she had expected. Now, her body ached for rest, and all she wanted was to soak in the tub and stretch her limbs.
As Manfred left the room, he closed the door behind him with careful consideration. Instead of returning to his room, he chose to sit outside in the courtyard.
It was winter, and although there were stone tables and chairs set up in the courtyard, sitting on them in this cold weather would surely freeze someone to the bone.
One of the maids quickly brought over some fox fur to lay on the stone bench. Kemp, along with a few other maids, watched this scene in confusion.
They were all startled by his behavior.
They had been waiting for Manfred to summon the woman, curious about who had caught his attention. But after Manfred entered the room to inspect the bath water, he had come out and shut the door
carefully. He even instructed
everyone not to approach.
If they hadn't been certain that the room was empty, they would have thought they
were experiencing some kind of hallucination.
They wondered what had happened to Manfred.
On such a cold night, sitting alone in the courtyard, Manfred didn't even seem to
know what he was thinking.
His face had a slight blush to it,
though it surely wasn't from the cold. His usual cold, stern expression had softened, and there was a clear smile in his eyes and on the corners of his mouth. Hismood was visibly better.
"Mr. Atkinson, you..." Kemp hesitated before stepping forward.