Odalisque - Chapter 119

When the intention of the two to go out was conveyed, the staff from the annex rushed over. Among them was an unexpected face.

“It’s been a long time, Miss Rodaise.”

“Mr. Philemond.”

“As the butler, it is my duty to guard the mansion, but since there has been no word from the master, I thought you might be relocating, so I came to confirm.”

Philip still had his kind expression. It was as if he had no idea that Liv had tried to run away, his demeanor casual and composed.

“By the way, you mentioned going out? In that case, of course, snacks must be prepared!”

“No, there’s no need for that…”

“Master, what shall we prepare?”

Philip ignored Liv’s desperate attempt to wave him off and suddenly asked Dimus. Dimus, who had been watching Philip’s somewhat over-the-top behavior with reluctance, reluctantly responded.

“Just prepare whatever.”

Unfortunately, Dimus’ answer didn’t seem to satisfy Philip.

“Master.”

Philip’s expression turned serious, and he asked in an extremely respectful tone.

“Is Miss Rodaise’ favorite snack ‘whatever you deem appropriate’?”

“What?”

“I know your tastes well, but I still do not know Miss Rodaise’s preferences precisely. That is why I am asking you, Master.”

Liv, who had been listening to Philip from the side, interjected with a bewildered face.

“Wouldn’t it be quicker to ask me directly…?”

Everyone present thought so. However, it seemed that only Philip did not share this view. Still smiling, Philip turned to Liv and explained.

“I heard from Adolf. The master hasn’t taken a single step outside and has stayed by your side all this time. Surely, then, the master must also know your tastes well. Miss Rodaise, please do not worry and prepare for your outing. The maids will assist you.”

At Philip’s signal, the staff he had brought swiftly approached Liv. Somehow, they were already prepared, carrying a variety of items, including an outfit for going out.

Caught off guard, Liv was whisked away by the staff and disappeared inside. Philip maintained his smile until Liv was completely out of sight. Once she was gone, Philip turned back to Dimus, his smile vanishing.

Dimus frowned at Philip’s behavior, which bordered on overstepping his bounds, even in front of his master.

“What exactly are you trying to do…?”

“Master…”

Philip’s expression showed that he had much to say. After a brief pause to choose his words, he spoke calmly, “I genuinely wish for you to regain your former strength, Master. I apologize to Miss Rodaise, but to me, you are the more important person.”

It was a statement lacking much explanation. Dimus, who looked like he was about to lose his temper, attempted to say something but closed his mouth.

Philip was Dimus’ loyal servant, one of the few people who truly understood him.

Philip knew long ago that offering subtle hints instead of a lengthy lecture was often the quickest way to improve the situation.

“I will take care of the snacks.”

After a moment of silence, Dimus spoke up.

“Philip.”

“Yes, Master.”

“…The situation is not favorable.”

Dimus hesitated before speaking, his voice uncharacteristically devoid of energy.

His tone sounded no different from that of a defeated commander who had lost all his men and barely escaped to a rear base. He seemed to be in a state where, amidst being surrounded on all sides, he could only sit still, unable to find a breakthrough.

Watching the despondent Dimus, Philip carefully spoke, “You have always either served someone or been served, Master.”

Philip knew how rigid and unilateral Dimus’ relationships with others had been.

He had been hired during Dimus’ cadet school years. Philip was the first employee brought on to help Dimus maintain a minimum level of decorum as a cadet.

Given their history, it was only natural that Philip had been with Dimus for a very long time. Among Dimus’ long-serving aides, Philip was one of the most trusted, so when he spoke, Dimus did not completely dismiss his words.

And sometimes, Philip’s occasional advice turned out to be quite reasonable in hindsight.

“Where you place Miss Rodaise is your choice, Master. However… in my life experience, there are rare times when the conclusion is already set.”

Perhaps this time, it would be the same.

“You already know, Master, that some problems can only be resolved by accepting them, even if they are difficult to admit.”

Dimus no longer wore a purely grim expression.

Philip, watching him, smiled faintly and concluded, “I will also look into more places for you to visit. Seeing new locations can often help foster a shift in perspective.”

***

Life in Adelinde changed.

It seemed to have started after Philip’s appearance. The staff, who had previously been unable to even enter the main building due to Dimus’ intimidating presence, now began coming in and out, with Philip leading the way. Some seemed to be stationed there permanently, following Philip’s orders.

The mansion, which had been cold and empty with only two residents, became somewhat livelier. While Dimus still insisted on keeping Liv within his sight, the atmosphere of confinement and constant surveillance had lessened considerably. Philip’s good-natured laughter also contributed to softening the mood.

Liv didn’t know what Philip had said to Dimus, but now even Corida could come and go comfortably from the mansion. Corida was busy preparing for the entrance exam to the Adelinde girls’ school, which was held twice a year. Since it was too soon to take the first exam, she seemed to be preparing for the second one.

“…Are you sure you don’t need me to help?”

“Oh, Sister. Uncle Adolf knows much better than you do.”

Corida’s teasing caused Liv to look embarrassed. At that moment, Adolf, who was carrying a pile of books, spotted Liv and came to a hesitant stop.

Since learning that his lie had been exposed, Adolf had been uncomfortable around Liv. Despite that, his relationship with Corida remained as amicable as ever.

It was true that Adolf had tried to send Corida far away to Mazurkan… but recently, Liv found herself considering that perhaps his intentions had been sincere.

Seeing Adolf hesitate to approach, Liv spoke first, “Thank you for helping Corida with her studies.”

“Ah, well, it’s better than wasting my time doing nothing.”

It seemed Adolf had given up on the hope of returning to Buerno soon. Having arrived in Adelinde empty-handed, there wasn’t much he could do, and helping Corida study provided him with a more meaningful way to pass the time.

“Thanks to Miss Rodaise accompanying the Marquis, I’ve been able to breathe a little easier,” Adolf added, expressing his gratitude.

However, Liv, hearing his thanks, simply gave a vague smile and let it fade.

It was more like “dragging him around” than “accompanying” him.

While people had started coming in and out of the main building, Liv herself began going out more frequently. Philip had gone so far as to organize a complete list of tourist attractions in Adelinde. When she merely mentioned wanting some fresh air, before she knew it, she had begun touring Adelinde.

Dimus, as if it were the most natural thing, accompanied her on all these outings. She had half expected him to trail after her suspiciously, glaring and sneering, but he didn’t do that.

Of course, there were times when he couldn’t contain his irritation and had his moments. However, the frequency had noticeably decreased, and instead, he spent more time quietly observing Liv.

At first glance, it was similar to the time she worked extra hours while he watched her, his gaze unwavering as she stood naked before him. But Liv knew that things were entirely different now.

“Where are we going today?”

“It’s peak bloom season by the riverside these days. The weather is good today, so Mr. Philemond insisted we go.”

Hardly had she finished speaking when a maid’s voice came from outside, announcing that the carriage was ready.

Dimus was waiting for Liv by the door. The maid beside him, looking quite miserable, was clearly hoping Liv would hurry. Even though Dimus’ attitude toward Liv had somehow changed, toward everyone else, he remained irritable and cynical. Judging by the reactions of the staff, it seemed they were more afraid of him these days.

Hearing the pitiful maid’s plea, Liv sighed and left the library.