Odalisque - Chapter 13

Wait, was he there?

Liv thought she had made eye contact with the marquis for a moment, but perhaps it was just her imagination.

Yes. It must have been her imagination. How could the marquis notice her in such a large crowd, and even if he did, why would he pay any attention to her? Lately, she had been entangled with the marquis in the most absurd ways, which had made her overly sensitive.

Still, what had brought him here so suddenly?

Million had mentioned that the marquis and the baron had become acquainted through an art deal. If the transaction was finished, there would be no reason to see him again, right? Or was there a new artwork involved?

Liv cautiously assumed that her name wouldn’t come up in the conversation between the marquis and the Pendence couple. After all, it wouldn’t benefit the marquis in any way.

…Would it?

Seeing Liv’s eyes fixed on the marquis, Camille sighed softly. Then he whispered, as if sharing a secret, “It’s true that I’ve heard a little more about the marquis. There are many nobles who cherish and love beautiful art, and I often mingled with such people. Naturally, one comes across various stories, even if they aren’t specifically about the marquis.”

On the surface, Camille’s words sounded like an explanation of an artist who was skilled at securing noble patronage.

However, if he were just an ordinary artist, why would the nobles share their private stories in front of him?

Liv easily grasped the key point hidden in Camille’s vague words.

“…Are you a noble?”

“Not much of one.”

Perhaps noticing the discomfort on Liv’s face, Camille waved his hands dismissively. “Regardless of my origins, I’m just an art teacher struggling to make ends meet from the Pendence family. Life is really tough these days! I haven’t even lived in my new place for a month, and the crazy landlord is already trying to raise the rent.”

Camille sighed, touching his forehead as if genuinely troubled.

If he were truly a noble of some standing, there would be no reason for him to rent a place, so it seemed his words were true.

Nowadays, there were plenty of noble titles that were merely for show, and rumors even circulated about people buying and selling titles in secret. Being a noble didn’t necessarily mean living an extraordinary life.

Initially hesitant to even consider getting closer to Camille, Liv found herself feeling some sympathy for his circumstances. She felt somewhat relieved, and a comfortable smile appeared on her face.

“Still, living in Buerno is more manageable compared to other cities. Just look at Feron—trying to rent a place of similar quality there would cost two to three times as much.”

At Liv’s casual remark, Camille let out a low exclamation and asked, “Wow, have you lived in Feron?”

“…Just for a short time.”

Feron was the capital of the country. As befitting a capital, it was more glamorous, larger, and more populated than any other city. Liv had liked living there.

Until her parents had their accident in that city.

“If you were a noble, there’s no way I wouldn’t know about it!”

“It’s only natural you wouldn’t know. Because I’m not.”

Thinking about Feron only brought Liv sadness. She forced herself to focus on something else and lifted her head.

At that moment, she noticed the marquis seemed to be preparing to leave. The baron and baroness were smiling brightly as they saw him off, and Million stood by her parents, trembling slightly.

“Just having you here has made this the most wonderful birthday gift for Million.”

She heard Baron Pendence laughing heartily. The marquis glanced briefly at Million. Though Liv stood far away, it was easy to imagine the cold look he must have given her.

Liv glanced at Million with concern before turning her gaze to where the other young ladies were gathered. The young ladies were busy whispering behind their hands, constantly glancing between Million and the marquis. They were undoubtedly gossiping about him.

Memories of her boarding school days surfaced—particularly the early days.

‘No, it’ll be alright.’

Watching the marquis disappear beyond the party entrance, Liv tried to quell her growing worries. Her school days were merely her personal experiences. The idea that Million might go through something similar was just her own imagination.

Even if trouble arose, would it be her place to intervene? Worrying over unnecessary things was unproductive; it would be more useful to focus on her own situation. Right now, she needed to worry about whether the marquis had mentioned her to the Pendence couple.

The only saving grace was that, judging by the baroness’s demeanor, it didn’t seem like Marquis Dietrion had said anything particularly bad about her. If he had mentioned Liv, Baroness Pendence would have surely sought her out.

“I should get going,” Liv said to Camille, her voice heavy with fatigue.

Camille kindly suggested they meet again soon, and Liv finally left the mansion, only relaxing when she was far enough away.

She had attended the party to celebrate Million’s birthday, but on her way back, all that remained was the unsettling feeling stirred up by Marquis Dietrion.

***

Not long after Million’s birthday, a letter arrived from the Pendence family.

It stated that Million was very ill and unable to attend her lessons for the time being. Liv had sent a reply last week, full of concern and wishing for Million’s swift recovery.

Not knowing when the lessons might resume made it difficult to find additional work. To make use of her free time, Liv had spent several days wandering the neighborhood, hoping to pick up some sewing work.

Though her efforts had been largely fruitless, it felt better to do something than just sit idly.

“Sister…”

Liv, bustling about to prepare for another outing, turned at the sound of Corida’s weak voice. Her sister’s pale face looked hesitant as she gazed at Liv.

“Hmm?”

“Um, Mr. Pomel came by while you were out.”

Hearing Pomel’s name made Liv groan reflexively. “I was actually planning to see him today anyway. I should’ve taken care of it sooner, but I’ve been so scatterbrained lately.”

“Okay. And…”

Corida, who had been fidgeting with her hands, lowered her gaze and spoke hesitantly, “I’m out of medicine.”

Liv froze. Because she was often away for various reasons, Corida was used to managing her own medication. As a result, when she wasn’t paying close attention, it was easy for them to lose track and run out without realizing.

Feeling a pang of guilt, Liv gently stroked Corida’s head. “Since when?”

“Oh, not long.”

That meant she had endured her pain without medicine for at least several days. Liv stifled a sigh and hugged Corida tightly.

“I’m sorry. I’ll go get it right away.”

“It’s not urgent, sister!”

“Just wait a little while. I’ll be back soon.”

Corida’s idea of “urgent” was when she was in a truly dire state, coughing up blood. The fact that she had even brought it up meant she was already in a dangerous condition.

Liv grabbed what little money they had left and headed out the door. Aside from the extra payment for Pomel, all the remaining money would be spent on Corida’s medicine.

Perhaps she should ask Baroness Pendence if she could receive her salary a bit early.

‘If only I hadn’t bought Million that birthday gift, we could have lasted a few more days.’

As Liv hurried down the narrow, dirty alley, mentally calculating her expenses, she let out a bitter smile.

How shameful and petty a thought.

The fact that she couldn’t even afford to celebrate her student’s birthday properly was pitiful. But since there was no immediate solution to her predicament, it was natural for her to seek something to blame. Though, in truth, no one was at fault.

If there was any blame to be had, it was hers. She should have checked Corida’s medicine earlier, but she had neglected it in the midst of her busy schedule.

“Hello! Long time no see, Liv!”

The pharmacy wasn’t far from their home. When choosing a place to live, Liv had made sure it was close to the pharmacy so she could always rush over for medicine. Of course, the main reason she lived in this area was because it was the cheapest in Buerno.

The pharmacist greeted Liv warmly, just as if she were an old friend. Liv smiled faintly in return.

“Hello. I’m here to buy some medicine.”

“I was wondering why you hadn’t come by recently.”

The pharmacist grinned and began preparing the usual medicine. Since Liv always bought the same kind, there was no need for a prescription.

While expertly packaging the medicine, the pharmacist suddenly raised his voice to speak, “Did you hear? There was an announcement about a new drug from Dominian.”

“A new drug?”

The medical research institute affiliated with Dominian Academy distributed medicine throughout the entire continent. If they had announced a new drug, it meant it could soon be commercialized.

“Yes. From what I heard, it sounds like it could be perfect for someone like Corida. You should look into it.”

“Do you think it will be available here?”

“Unfortunately, a new drug like that won’t make it to a backwater pharmacy like this.”

The medicine Corida currently took merely kept her condition from deteriorating further. But if there was a drug that could actually cure her…