Odalisque - Chapter 20

“Million, it’s been such a long time.”

“Yes, teacher.”

At first glance, Million’s smile seemed no different from usual. Her cheeks were slightly sunken, as if she had lost some weight, but it was clear she didn’t want to talk about her illness. Yet, when they opened the study book, her face quickly turned sullen.

“It’s been so long since I’ve studied, my head hurts so much. Can’t we take a break today?”

It was more of an excuse to avoid studying rather than actual pain—an attempt to find a way to play instead. Liv, who was about to shake her head sternly as usual, changed her mind. Though she hadn’t learned anything specific from Million, it was clear something had happened to her during the break. Whatever it was, it seemed to have caused her some emotional distress, so it might be a good idea to let her relax today.

“Alright. If Madam Pendence agrees, how about we go out for a change of pace today?”

“Really?”

“Yes. I heard they have boats decorated with flowers on the lake these days. Aren’t you curious?”

“I’m curious!”

“Let me ask her, so wait here for a moment.”

Though Liv thought the sudden suggestion for an outing might be rejected, Baroness Pendence surprisingly agreed, even offering a carriage. It seemed she was also aware of her daughter’s gloomy state.

“It’s actually a relief. She’s hardly been eating properly and hasn’t gone outside, so I’ve been quite worried.”

The Baroness added, hinting that Million, who had never been sick, had recently caught a serious cold, which seemed to have drained her energy. It was an unspoken suggestion to let her have fun but not push her too hard. Liv nodded in understanding, accepting the Baroness’s request.

A maid hastily prepared refreshments and accompanied them on their outing. For a spontaneous outing, they were well-prepared.

“Wow, look at the sky!”

Pointing out of the carriage window, Million’s excited expression made Liv sigh in relief. Seeing Million’s flushed cheeks made her feel that this was indeed a good decision.

The lakeside, where they usually sat, was as beautiful as ever today. The expansive view was more moving than any landscape painting. Without the confined view of a picture frame, everything the eye could see was a painting, a masterpiece. It was enough to forget worries for a while.

“Teacher, it’s the flower boat!”

While waiting for the maid to prepare the refreshments, Million let out a soft exclamation, pointing toward the lake. Sure enough, in the distance, a small boat filled with colorful flowers floated gently.

Liv had heard about it from shop gossip, but this was her first time seeing it in person.

“Wow, it’s so pretty. Can’t we ride it?”

“I think that might be difficult.”

For one thing, the boat was too small, and it was already filled with flowers. At Liv’s words, Million pouted, her shoulders drooping. Then she quickly made a determined face.

“I’ll ask Dad to buy me a boat! I’ll decorate it even more beautifully than that one!”

“A boat?”

“Yes! And I’ll invite you first, teacher! You have to ride it with me, okay?”

She said she would invite Liv first if she got a boat. Liv, recalling Camille’s inquiry about teaching methods, couldn’t help but smile awkwardly.

“Wouldn’t it be more fun to ride it with your friends?”

Liv hinted, thinking of Million’s many friends, but the reaction was not as positive as she had hoped.

Million pursed her lips, jabbing the scone in front of her with a fork, and confessed in a disgruntled voice, “Actually, I had a fight with my friends.”

“A fight?”

So, there really was a problem.

Liv widened her eyes, staring at Million. Million, who had been messing up the scone, let out a sigh and began to speak.

“It happened toward the end of my birthday party. Jaylin mocked me, saying I got the Marquis’s attention with money.”

“Oh, dear…”

Jaylin was the only daughter of the Deli Trading Company, which made a fortune from maritime trade. Though people whispered quietly, everyone in Buerno knew they had bought a noble title from a declining viscount family.

In any case, the head of the Deli Company had bought a noble title and made his daughter a viscountess, sending her into society. As far as Liv knew, they were also business partners with the Pendence family.

“I admitted that, yes, our family has money, but I didn’t think the Marquis would be interested in someone just for money. I spoke calmly and politely, just like you taught me, teacher. But then Jaylin started crying! And the others said I was thoughtless and didn’t consider Jaylin’s situation.”

“I see.”

“Then I told them again: why is it upsetting just to say that you have money? What does her house being up for auction have to do with us being wealthy?”

“Oh, I see.”

Was it true, then, what people were saying about the Deli Trading Company’s ship sinking recently?

Liv nodded, secretly surprised. If their house was up for auction, they must be experiencing severe financial difficulties. It seemed Jaylin, the only daughter, had taken her frustrations out on Million out of envy and jealousy.

“Besides, if Jaylin has a crush on the Marquis, shouldn’t she be grateful to me? She got to meet the Marquis because of me.”

Apparently, this Jaylin had a crush on Marquis Dietrion. It wasn’t unusual for young noblewomen of Million’s age to admire him, but it seemed her innocent feelings had only fueled her jealousy.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Million didn’t seem bothered by Jaylin’s crush. It didn’t seem like Million’s interest in the Marquis was serious or deep.

Instead, she seemed more uncomfortable with the fact that she had argued with her friend and was blamed for it.

“Do you think I was wrong, teacher?”

Seeing Million pout, Liv let out a low sigh.

Of course, from what Million said, it was Jaylin who had been in the wrong first. And wasn’t it Million’s birthday party? Jaylin had been thoughtless, and the other friends’ judgment seemed far from rational.

Still, Liv could easily imagine what Jaylin must have felt, and why she ended up crying.

“Do you want to make up with Jaylin?”

“I wasn’t happy at the time… but she’s not really a bad person. So honestly, this situation makes me uncomfortable. But it seems like everyone is taking Jaylin’s side.”

It wasn’t just because they were closer to Jaylin or because Million had been wrong. Liv thought the root of this uncomfortable situation was the Marquis and people’s desires toward him.

All the Marquis had done was visit the same house twice, yet that alone had stirred so many people.

Once, Liv herself might have joined in the excitement. But now that she faced him every week, occasionally enduring his unrefined insults, it was hard to see him as an unattainable figure.

People yearned even for the Marquis’s cold gaze, but how many could actually face it and endure it?

Just thinking about it made her shiver. Liv quickly shook off the thought and spoke calmly.

“Jaylin was wrong to say such harsh things first. So, in my opinion, she was at fault. And in time, Jaylin will realize how embarrassing her behavior was. But Million, next time, try to consider the other person’s feelings more when you speak. If you show care for others, they’ll do the same for you.”

Even as she spoke, Liv felt her words were somewhat unrealistic. They were sound in theory, but devoid of practicality. Liv knew this from her own experiences.

Even if she considered others’ feelings, all she got in return was cold disregard or ridicule.

But she couldn’t share such harsh realities with Million just yet. Besides, Million would likely receive the care that Liv never did.

People prioritized who they chose to care for.

“Really?”

“Of course. And if they don’t consider your feelings even after that, then it’s okay to get angry and point out their mistakes.”

Hearing Liv’s words, Million’s eyes widened. She seemed to ponder something for a moment, then questioned in a doubtful voice.

“But the Marquis doesn’t care about anyone, and still everyone likes him.”

“That is…”

Liv was at a loss for words, her mind racing for an answer. Fortunately, Million didn’t seem to notice her struggle and continued nonchalantly.

“But I understand what you’re saying, teacher. We can’t stay upset forever. Besides, I’m a young lady who knows about inter-house alliances!”

Million lifted her head with mock sophistication, elegantly raising her teacup. It was something she often did when she wanted to act like an adult.

“Talking to you makes me feel better, teacher.”

“I’m glad. Try to talk it out with your friends too.”

At least she felt better, and that was enough for Liv. She smiled faintly, lifting her own teacup. As she brought it to her lips, the warmth of the tea spread across her face. She carefully tilted the cup, and Million changed the subject with a cheerful voice.

“Yes. Oh, did you see it, teacher? Dad made a big purchase recently—an incredibly expensive painting.”

“I think I saw it in the hallway.”

Liv nodded in response, and Million leaned in closer, lowering her voice.

“I overheard that it’s by one of the Marquis’s favorite artists. He might visit again!”