Odalisque - Chapter 133

News spread that a new Gratia had been elected unanimously. As everyone had anticipated, it was Cardinal Calliope.

Around the same time, the trial involving Marquis Dietrion and Lady Malte finally drew to a close. Lady Malte, who had been attending the proceedings out of spite, eventually began sending a representative, and their fervor had notably subsided. On the day of the final hearing, both sides were represented by delegates, and a swift verdict was reached.

The tumultuous trial concluded with the Malte family agreeing to pay a settlement to Marquis Dietrion. In terms of amount, it was mostly symbolic, and those in the know suspected that the real agreement between the two families had been made outside the courtroom.

Shortly afterward, rumors spread that Lady Malte, tarnished by scandal, had voluntarily entered a convent to atone for her misdeeds.

***

Although the trial was over, Dimus and Liv couldn’t leave the capital right away, as visitors seeking Dimus’s attention kept coming without a break.

Dimus was not one to warmly welcome visitors under normal circumstances. Yet, for some reason, he selectively met those who sought him out. Though he privately complained about the nuisance, he wasn’t as dismissive as he had been in the past.

With Dimus occupied by numerous visitors, Liv found herself with more free time. However, touring the capital alone wasn’t appealing, especially since she had become something of a public figure due to her association with Dimus. In the midst of all this, Liv started to worry about Corida, who was still in Adelinde.

When Liv had traveled to the capital, Thierry had stayed behind to watch over Corida. Knowing that someone capable of taking immediate action if Corida’s condition worsened was there had reassured Liv. Since arriving in the capital, they had exchanged letters frequently.

According to Corida’s letters, she was living peacefully. She found it difficult to establish a study routine without Adolf’s help, but she was adapting on her own. Moreover, she had made friends in the neighborhood, which kept her busier than expected, and she seemed happy.

Still, written words could easily mask the truth. Perhaps Corida was downplaying her struggles so as not to worry Liv.

Liv’s days with Dimus were indeed joyful and comfortable, but she felt it was time to return.

“Adelinde, you say?”

When Liv brought up her intention, Charles and Adolf exchanged uneasy glances. She had purposely broached the subject with the aides before bringing it to Dimus, and sure enough, they looked quite troubled.

“Would it be possible to wait just a bit longer until the Marquis has finished his business here?”

Charles, who had been busy tidying up after Dimus during his time in Adelinde, looked especially distraught.

“No one will stop you from going to your sister, but if you leave now, the Marquis will undoubtedly cancel all his engagements… and these matters need closure.”

Liv tilted her head slightly, considering Charles’s words before asking calmly, “When business here is finished, would I be able to stay in Adelinde?”

“Pardon?”

“If I can’t go anywhere alone, wherever I stay will be where he stays, correct?”

“That’s…”

Charles couldn’t bring himself to say no. It was clear, even without asking, that he envisioned life at the mansion in Adelinde.

Seeing Charles struggle to respond, Liv, who seemed to want to say more, fell silent. After becoming Dimus’s implied partner, they had yet to discuss their future plans.

Marquis Dietrion’s family estate was in Buerno. Dimus had once said he had lived there ever since completing his military service. To Liv, Buerno seemed like the natural place for Dimus to return to.

So what about Liv? Having grown used to a nomadic life, Liv could easily adapt to living anywhere. However, now she wanted to return to Adelinde for Corida’s sake, as Corida had set her sights on entering the girls’ school there.

The distance between Buerno and Adelinde was considerable. Dimus would certainly refuse to live apart from Liv, meaning that if she stayed in Adelinde, he would stay there too.

“On that note…”

Adolf, who had been deep in thought beside them, spoke cautiously, “Once Miss Corida gets into the Adelinde girls’ school, she’ll be staying in the dormitory, right? In that case, there wouldn’t be much reason for you to remain in Adelinde.”

While Liv was in the capital, the date for the entrance exam had drawn closer. If Corida passed and entered the school, she would live in the dormitory. Though Liv wasn’t entirely familiar with the school’s rules, most boarding schools strictly regulated outings.

But that was only if Corida passed the exam as planned.

“She might not pass.”

“Oh, there’s no need to worry about that!”

Adolf responded quickly, his face brightening.

“Now that the trial is over, I plan to go to Adelinde soon to help Miss Corida study. I promised her I would.”

“Won’t that be too much trouble for you?”

“Haha, it’s fine. I took responsibility for this, so I intend to see it through. And, if it’s alright with you, I would like to continue supporting Miss Corida in the future.”

Liv’s eyes widened at the unexpected statement. Adolf chuckled kindly and added, “We’ve grown close over time, and I’d like to offer more meaningful support. Besides, Miss Corida seems to have inherited her parents’ talents.”

Looking at Adolf, who clarified that his help was more of an investment than a favor, Liv felt a mix of emotions. Having a benefactor would ease Liv’s burden of being Corida’s sole guardian. In the past, she might have been wary and suspicious, but now she mostly felt grateful and relieved.

Feeling her heart lighten, Liv smiled awkwardly. She had no intention of rejecting Adolf’s offer.

It seemed that she wanted to be with Dimus, just as he was willing to follow her wherever she chose to stay.

***

Liv decided to stay in Adelinde until Corida’s entrance exam. Since it wouldn’t be for long, she persuaded Dimus to let her go alone.

“Must you go alone?”

“Yes.”

“…Really?”

“I don’t want my plans to disrupt yours.”

The timing of the exam coincided with when Dimus would finish his affairs in the capital, making it unavoidable.

“Adolf will be with me, and Dr. Gertrude is at the mansion in Adelinde.”

“Fine, and I’ll go with you.”

“There must have been a reason for all your meetings here. Please don’t cancel everything just because of me.”

Hearing Liv’s firm words, Dimus’s face twisted in displeasure. “Didn’t I tell you that I don’t mind?”

“I’m not trying to manipulate you. I don’t want us to have that kind of relationship.”

Dimus remained silent, clearly unhappy, and took a drag from his cigar. Through the faint, spreading smoke, his face looked particularly pale.

He smoked the entire cigar without saying a word. While he wrestled with his emotions, Liv sat quietly, waiting for him.

Finally, Dimus stubbed out his cigar in the ashtray and spoke slowly, “My insomnia still hasn’t been cured.”

“I know.”

“It’ll worsen again if you’re not here.”

It almost sounded like a threat—a refusal to sleep. It was a blatant display of his reluctance to be apart, and Liv found herself smiling without realizing it.

“I just need to see Corida settle into school.”

She meant it. She wanted to see Corida in good health, witness her enter the boarding school, and feel she had truly let her sister become independent. Only then could she fully devote herself to Dimus. How unfair it would be if she couldn’t focus entirely on him because she couldn’t let go of Corida.

“Afterward, I’ll return to the Langess mansion. So, will you wait for me?”

Liv carefully approached Dimus, cupping his cheek and meeting his gaze. His blue eyes, as cold as ice, looked back at her, but they didn’t frighten her.

“I’m not used to waiting, so…”

Dimus wrapped his arm around Liv’s waist, drawing her closer.

“You must return before the roses in the Langess mansion’s garden wither.”

The scent of his cigar mingled with the heat of his kiss, leaving a lingering reminder in her mouth—a memory she fully embraced.