Odalisque - Chapter 107

Aside from pursuing Liv, Dimus’ first order of business was dealing with Luzia.

She was now publicly humiliated. Not only had she ruined her family’s marriage plans due to her infatuation with a man, but she had also sullied the sanctity of the Peace Pilgrimage by joining with impure motives. It was revealed that the object of her obsession was none other than Marquis Dimus Dietrion, proven by the partial disclosure of some letters she had sent him years earlier.

The revealed content mentioned her intentions of breaking off her engagement with Zighilt. Though the actual breakup happened only recently, the letters suggested that she had planned to end her family’s marriage arrangements because of Dimus for years.

Naturally, the Malte family publicly denied this, and Luzia vehemently protested.

Then came the next rumor—that Luzia had offered herself to someone in an attempt to fulfill her unrequited love. The surprising detail was that the target was the fourth son of Eleonore.

It was shocking enough that a direct descendant of Eleonore was in Buerno, and even more so that he was masquerading as a mere art teacher under the name Camille Marcel. Furthermore, one of the young ladies known to be close to Lady Malte was also acquainted with this Lord Eleonore.

The interactions between great noble families were nothing unusual.

However, the real problem was that everyone knew the Marquis’ cherished mistress had recently suffered because of a nude painting. And Camille had been one of the individuals who had selected the artwork to be exhibited on the boulevard.

Rumors began to circulate that Camille had made advances on Liv, the Marquis’ mistress, and was rejected, prompting him to act out of spite. Many could testify to Camille’s apparent interest in Liv.

It wasn’t far-fetched to think that Lady Malte, who pined for Dimus, and Camille, who coveted the Marquis’ mistress, might have joined forces. The names of the noble families involved created such a mess that the name of a mere mistress hardly drew any attention.

Of course, if Dimus had intended to end it with mere rumors, he wouldn’t have started in the first place. He had discovered that Luzia was the one who had stolen the unfinished nude painting and had it completed. He had even apprehended the artist who had worked on it.

The trial to restore honor was intended to be a public spectacle in the capital. Preparations were underway to bring Lady Malte, who knew no shame, to trial.

Dimus also possessed secret documents he had collected during his time as Stephan’s aide. These documents served as evidence of just how many different men Luzia had been involved with.

The situation was progressing so smoothly that even Dimus’ subordinates were taken aback. They were well aware of how Dimus had lived in Buerno up to this point, which made it all the more surprising.

“My lord, your actions are uncharacteristic.”

“I’m dealing with those who dared look down on me. What more explanation is needed?”

Indeed, Marquis Dimus Dietrion was not one to shy away from conflict. Arrogant and self-assured, he believed he could always come out on top in every battle. He could achieve the desired outcome whenever he put his mind to it.

This time, too, it seemed he wanted to deal with all the nobles who had deeply offended him in one sweep.

But Philip, who had seen Dimus’ private side more closely than anyone else, felt there was more to it. The way Dimus was handling the matter was unusual. Taking the time to generate rumors, involving prominent families, and diverting attention—all these efforts were unlike him.

If anything, Philip would have expected Dimus to shoot them and maim them in person.

“No noble would go to such lengths for a mistress’ honor.”

Dimus’ face twisted in frustration. “Nonsense.”

“Miss Rodaise’s name is no longer heard anywhere in Buerno. Thanks to the more scandalous stories you introduced. Normally, you wouldn’t have done this. Malte and Eleonore aren’t names you would easily use as pawns.”

“They touched what was mine, and they’re paying the price.”

“If it were the usual you, you would have discarded her first.”

Dimus clenched his jaw. Philip didn’t seem the least bit intimidated.

“You’re putting considerable effort into her.”

Just as Philip finished speaking, the servants who had gone to fetch alcohol returned cautiously. Drinks and light snacks were arranged on the outdoor table.

“I’ll bring dinner later.” Philip, speaking calmly, led the servants out of the glasshouse.

Dimus glared at Philip’s retreating back, then irritably grabbed a bottle of alcohol. He gritted his teeth as he fiddled with the filled glass.

Discard her first?

He had never even fully had her. Look at him now—pathetic, having gained nothing in the end. How could he discard what he had never truly possessed…

Then, was she never his to begin with?

Had she never been something he could call his own?

His hand tightened around the glass. A cracking sound echoed as the surface of the glass shattered.

The shards, glistening with spilled alcohol, soaked Dimus’ glove. Thankfully, he was wearing gloves, or his hand would have been shredded by the glass.

But now, the glove was soaked entirely.

It felt disgusting and filthy.

…Whether this feeling of loathing came from the soaked glove or not, he couldn’t tell.

***

She changed her appearance.

Since she had been caught wearing men’s clothes when she ran into Jacques, she figured it was no longer useful. Liv dyed her hair and dressed as an ordinary traveler. Of course, she discarded her old hood and cloak, replacing them with new ones. Now, Liv and Corida looked like siblings at a glance.

Traveling solely by carriage took twice as long compared to a train. But rather than being careless, Liv chose the safer route, even if it meant a little more hardship.

She wasn’t traveling alone—Corida was with her. No matter what, she couldn’t put Corida in danger.

“How are you feeling, Cor… Colin?”

It was unfortunate that she wasn’t yet used to their aliases, but with time, they would become second nature.

At Liv’s question, Corida smiled and nodded. “I’m okay.”

Unfortunately, Corida’s words weren’t very convincing. She looked much more haggard than when they had left Buerno, and her energy had dwindled. Liv glanced at her bag.

She had taken all the new medicine she could from Buerno, but with the journey taking longer than expected, there was a chance they would need more before reaching Adelinde.

If that happened, they would inevitably have to pass through a city. If only she could be certain that she wasn’t wanted…

Liv sighed deeply. For now, they just needed to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible.

Far enough that neither Buerno nor Elke’s news could reach them.

***

The glasshouse reeked of alcohol. The door opened as Dimus stepped out to hear Charles’ report.

“This is the information from the Dominion Medical Research Institute.”

The information included details on the merchants contracted to supply the new medicine, and the cities where the medicine was being distributed. It was all sensitive information. To obtain it, Dimus had gathered favors from his past connections.

No—to catch Liv, Dimus was using every resource he had. He had set things in motion that couldn’t be undone without catching her.

Even his subordinates no longer questioned Dimus’ orders. Too much had already been put in place to stop him. In fact, everyone secretly realized that the quickest way to improve the situation was to catch Liv as soon as possible.

“Fortunately, the limited supply of the new medicine makes it relatively easy to organize a list of buyers.”

“What about the schools?”

“It’s not the start of a new term yet, so there’s nothing significant to report.”

Dimus scanned through the documents listing the schools. Charles pulled out another sheet of paper.

“This one lists only the cities with both new medicine distribution and schools open to commoners.”

Dimus, checking the list, shifted his gaze to the map spread out on the desk. Despite having been drunk every day recently, his eyes were sharp and intense.

“Are you planning to go in person?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“…I’ve heard your insomnia has returned.”

Dimus glanced at Charles.

“Dr. Gertrude has prepared some medication. It’s the same as what you used in the military.”

“Leave it here.”

Charles carefully placed the container on the desk. The container was familiar to Dimus. Seeing it brought back old memories.

It felt like he was regressing further into the past as time went on—relying on strong alcohol, sleepless nights, and eventually the medication, just like during the war.

At least now, he no longer watched people dying in pools of blood every day, listening to their screams and moans through the night, surrounded by the overwhelming stench of blood.