Odalisque - Chapter 138

Shortly after his initial statement, Dimus seemed to feel that more explanation was needed and added quietly, “I decided to collect what you were most likely to love.”

Liv looked at Dimus silently. Neither she nor he had ever directly confessed their love for each other. There was no need to say it outright; they shared their feelings fully through their actions.

She preferred seeing his affection reflected in his actions rather than hearing unfamiliar words forced from his lips—like in this very moment.

The gallery itself was touching, but even more heart-fluttering was seeing the man who, while introducing it, appeared so nervous. Liv, unsure what to say, bit her lip to keep her emotions in check.

Dimus seemed to be waiting for Liv’s response, his lips pressed together as he remained silent. But soon, unable to hold back, he spoke again.

“Originally, I intended to gather every piece from across the regions and show you the completed gallery, but I couldn’t afford to wait and miss the right moment.”

His face grew more tense, as if he feared she might be disappointed by this incomplete gallery. Seeing him this way, Liv forced a smile to reassure him.

“The right moment?”

“The moment when everyone would know you are mine.”

Seeing Liv smile, Dimus finally sighed with relief and extended his hand to her. Liv willingly took his arm as they began walking through the gallery.

Some of the pieces were her parents’ works that Liv herself didn’t even know about. Dimus truly seemed determined to collect everything ever created by the Rodaise couple. They had been renowned artisans, with countless clients, and had crafted countless works.

After passing through several gallery rooms, they arrived at a courtyard. It was a dark evening, but the courtyard was brightly lit with beautiful lights. On one side, there was a small artificial pond, and next to it, dinner was prepared just for them. The dishes on the table were still steaming, as if they’d been freshly made.

Just as Liv, who had finally managed to calm her emotions while walking, was about to sit down with a more composed expression—

“The legal procedures are taking longer than expected, so for now, I want to give you this.”

Dimus picked up a box from the table and took out its contents. A ring glistened in his hand.

“Something visible to ease my mind.”

Even without the courtyard lights, the diamond ring seemed as though it would never lose its sparkle, even in the darkness. Dimus slipped the ring onto Liv’s finger as if it had always belonged there—it fit her perfectly.

He paused to gaze at the ring on her hand before cautiously lifting his eyes to meet hers. Considering he’d put the ring on her finger without giving her a choice, his expression wasn’t overly confident or arrogant. Instead, it was almost as if he feared she might take the ring off immediately; he didn’t release her hand.

“Even if it feels overwhelming, think it over again as we explore the gallery before refusing,” he said.

Clearly, he was remembering all the lavish jewelry Liv had rejected, and how she had abandoned them when she tried to escape. Despite having given her exquisite and beautiful things, her complete indifference toward them in the past was now making Dimus uneasy.

It was as if he wanted to prepare something she would surely love, leaving no possibility for rejection. Though, in his impatience, he couldn’t wait for the gallery to be fully completed.

Liv’s lips twisted subtly as she realized the hand that held hers was trembling ever so slightly. She lowered her gaze to the ring’s brilliant shine and slowly spoke.

“I thought I wasn’t the type to care for jewels…”

She raised her free hand and lightly brushed her fingers over the diamond’s surface.

“You might think I’m materialistic, but I’m very happy. I’ve never seen such a beautiful ring in my life. I can’t possibly refuse.”

At her words, Dimus finally regained a bit of his characteristic arrogance. Tilting his chin slightly upward, he responded nonchalantly.

“You’re not materialistic—you’re simply self-aware.”

His tone wasn’t exaggerated or overflowing with emotion. It was as clear as stating an objective fact.

“Flamboyance suits you well.”

Dimus, whose face remained completely composed, had a knack for saying things that could make anyone blush.

Liv let out a small laugh. The tension that had enveloped them both eased considerably.

Completely at ease, Dimus gently pulled Liv into an embrace, whispering softly, “That’s why only you belong by my side.”

His fingers slowly slid between hers, caressing each joint. Realizing how close his breath was, Liv smiled and tightened her grip around his interlocked fingers.

Perhaps he didn’t know—of all the lavish jewelry he had given her, there had never been a ring.

And that was why this ring felt even more special.

It wouldn’t have mattered if it wasn’t a shining diamond but rather a piece of scrap metal or a wildflower picked from the roadside. She would have cherished it just as much.

But there was no need to tell him that—after all, he was hers now.

“Indeed. Flamboyance suits me well, which means being by your side is exactly where I belong.”

Liv embraced the rose she was certain would be beautiful for the rest of her life.

***

[I miss you, Corida.

The sunshine in Buerno is very warm. How is it there?

Are you in the midst of preparing for your final exams? I was so surprised to hear that you received a scholarship after your first exam! I’m incredibly proud and happy to be your sister. But I hope you’re not overworking yourself—you know that your health is always the most important thing, right?

I’m glad to hear that dormitory life in Adelinde is suiting you well. Knowing that you’ve made good friends puts my mind at ease. But remember, if you ever have worries, you can always share them with me. Don’t forget that I’m always here for you.

I worry that this reply might be a bit late and make you feel disappointed.

Actually, I’ve been helping Million lately, and I’ve been so exhausted that I fell asleep for days without even having the energy to write you back. It’s not like I’ve taken on a full-time tutoring job again—just giving some occasional advice—but maybe it’s because I haven’t done it for so long that it completely wore me out. How did I used to do this all day long? Even so, it’s been fun working again, and I might continue giving lessons to the young ladies here and there for a while.

Oh, and why did you hang my painting in your dormitory? It’s not good enough to display, so please don’t embarrass your sister like that. Besides, he was quite upset when he found out I sent you the painting. If he learns it’s hanging in your dormitory, he might come to collect it himself. You wouldn’t want that, considering how you feel about him, right?

Anyway, I’m doing well. Come visit Buerno during your break after final exams with your friends. There’s a wonderful place for all of you to stay. A banquet and party will be held there as well!

If you opened the invitation you enclosed with your letter first, then you probably already know what I’m going to write.

Yes, we finally set a date. The wedding will be held right when your break begins. The day after we decided on the date, invitations were already sent out to everyone in Buerno, so there’s no postponing it now. Because of that, there are even people calling me “Marchioness” before we’ve had the wedding!

Corida, if you’re late, you might find yourself meeting me as “Marchioness.” So you must come as soon as your break begins—we need to make our last memories as the Rodaise sisters!

But please don’t think this marriage is forced in any way. I’m so happy right now, and I just want to share that happiness with you. You’ve never quite understood when I tried to tell you how adorable he can be, right? But when you see it for yourself, you’ll understand.

I can’t wait for that day. You’ll see that we’ll become a wonderful family.

That’s all for now, Corida—it’s time for me to go on a date, so I need to wrap this up. Take care and stay healthy for the rest of the semester.]

“Liv?”

Over the gentle scratching sound of the pen, a soft voice called out. The woman, busy writing her letter, turned around. A handsome man in formal wear stood there, leaning on a cane.

“Dimus.”

The woman gave him a gentle smile and swiftly finished her letter.

[See you soon, my beloved sister.

―Always your family, Liv Rodaise.]

With that final black period, the pen’s cap clicked shut. The woman put down the pen and turned to the man, her face radiant with happiness.

The couple left the room, arm in arm. Their figures, walking side by side, grew smaller until they were just a dot, like a period.

<Main Story Complete – To Be Continued in the Side Story>