Philip was surprised when she told him that she wanted to see the basement of the mansion; he couldn’t believe that the Marquis would allow her access to it.

Not only did Philip question Liv of her claims several times in disbelief, he even sneaked off to check with the Marquis for verification. Only then did he apologize for his suspicions and escort her to the basement.

What kind of space is the basement that caused Philip to react this way?

Liv, who impulsively said she wanted to go to the basement, was later scared.

Am I going to see something I shouldn’t? Am I going to put my life in danger?

Had she been her usual self, she would have waited in the parlor for the Marquis’ summons, unconcerned about the manor’s secrets and vicious rumors. Then, she wouldn’t have had to worry as much as she currently did.

But…

Liv recalled the look on the Marquis’ face just before she left his office. She sensed he wanted to show her the basement.

Was that her delusion?

Liv snapped out of her thoughts and looked up as she realized her surroundings had changed. The walls and display cases were filled with weapons of all kinds.

Philip, noticing that Liv’s pace had slowed, spoke up.

“This is a long gallery. These weapons are currently unused, so don’t be alarmed.”

If these weapons weren’t used “now”, it would mean they were used “in the past”.

Liv’s eyes drifted to a firearm hanging nearby. The handle was visibly worn, leaving a deep impression on her. There were many different types of guns here that she didn’t recognize. There were also some swords.

“Isn’t a long gallery usually meant for hanging paintings?”

“Well… Generally speaking, yes, but the Marquis doesn’t like to leave portraits.”

Sure enough, Liv couldn’t imagine the Marquis striking such a majestic pose in front of a painter.

Liv nodded, accepting Philip’s answer, and muttered to herself.

“It’s cold here.”

“Maybe it’s because there are too many pieces of iron.”

In response to Philip’s lighthearted reply, Liv simply smiled quietly. Philip seemed to take her comment in stride, but Liv was honestly quite impressed with the long gallery.

It wasn’t solely due to the weapons that adorned the long gallery. Upon introspection, she came to realize that artwork was noticeably absent not only in this space, but throughout the entire Lanxess manor.

As she thought about it, she didn’t see a single small landscape painting in the lobby, hallways, the Marquis’ office, or anywhere else she had toured. It was a bit surprising, considering that the Marquis was a well-known collector in Buerno. Of course, he could have kept them in a private gallery, but…

If he truly liked art, shouldn’t he keep them visible in his living space? This was his home, after all.

A space where it wouldn’t be outlandish to decorate with the most expensive and precious artwork.

I’m sure his collection could have easily overflowed this long gallery.

As Liv continued her curious musings, she suddenly stopped walking. A sword had caught her eye.

“Miss Rhodes?”

“That is…”

“Oh, you do have an eye, don’t you? Beautiful, isn’t it? It’s the most valuable object in this long gallery.”

Listening to Philip’s explanation, Liv approached the glass case containing the sword. As Philip had said, it was indeed beautiful.

The blade of the sword, gleaming as if it had just been oiled, was engraved with elaborate patterns, and the hilt was intricately carved with gorgeously sinuous vines and luscious flowers. The gems embedded in between were probably diamonds.

Indeed, it was beautiful.

So beautiful that it felt awkward.

“It feels out of place.”

Every weapon on display seemed to have a history of its own, but only this ceremonial sword felt somewhat foreign. It was like seeing an artificial flower blooming in all its splendor alone amongst the wilting flowers.

Even when it was displayed in a very visible place, it felt like it was meant to be seen as an oddity rather than something to show off.

As if… it was meant to mock this ceremonial sword.

“Sorry?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Liv quickly shook her head and turned around.

“By the way, the basement is far away.”

“There is only one entrance, after all. We’re here.”

Exiting the long gallery, they arrived at a door. It was a side door, located next to the stairs, and much smaller than the other doors.

“This is it.”

Philip paused as he opened the door to the basement. When Liv looked at him curiously, Philip smiled benevolently.

“The basement is off-limits without permission from Master. Therefore, I shall wait at the entrance.”