Odalisque - Chapter 36

This was an unassuming office on the outskirts of Buerno. It lacked even a sign, and at first glance, appeared far from impressive. It was hard to guess what kind of business was conducted here.

Liv wouldn’t have known this place existed if not for the current circumstances.

When she followed her guide inside, a familiar face greeted her with a friendly smile. Liv gave him a polite nod.

“Hello, Mr. Adolf.”

“I didn’t expect you’d want to meet me, Miss Rodaise.”

Liv had gone looking for Brad to get Adolf’s contact information. She remembered Brad saying that he had sent a letter saying he couldn’t work on the painting. It was through Brad that she got this office’s address, and Adolf had promptly sent a reply via a messenger.

And thus, she had come to this office today.

“Thank you for taking the time, despite how busy you must be.”

“Not at all. Miss Rodaise is an important contractor, after all.”

With an easy smile, Adolf gestured for her to take a seat, then sat across from her.

“So, what brings you here?”

Liv, who had been watching Adolf skillfully prepare the tea, began speaking calmly, having gone over her thoughts all the way here.

“I heard you came by to repair the fence around the house.”

“Ah, yes, I did.”

Adolf nodded awkwardly.

“Normally, I would’ve hired laborers for such a job, but Miss Rodaise’s residence requires a bit more care. We’re trying to keep it as hidden as possible from outsiders.”

“Thank you for taking care of it personally.”

Liv offered a faint smile. Adolf glanced at her briefly, then poured the tea.

“It doesn’t seem like that’s all you wish to say, though.”

With a smile, he offered her the tea as he spoke without pretense. Liv flinched at his words and lowered her gaze.

Her reflection rippled in the tea as she looked down at the cup.

“I also heard that my younger sister encountered you during the fence repair.”

“Yes, I did. She struck me as a very kind girl, just as she did when we first met.”

“The truth is, she’s very ill. So… if you meet her again in the future, I’d appreciate it if you could be mindful of her condition. That’s why I came to ask this favor.”

Adolf gave her a puzzled look.

“In what specific way?”

Liv, holding the cup in both hands, cautiously began.

“I don’t want my sister exposed to anything dangerous. For instance, I heard she helped with the fence repair… If she gets hurt, she doesn’t heal well, so we have to be extra careful. It would be best if you could send her back inside instead of involving her in such activities.”

“Ah…”

Adolf let out a low hum and seemed to ponder her words. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment before speaking in a soft voice.

“First of all, I must apologize if I seem to be overstepping.”

With a kind smile, Adolf continued, “I don’t know the exact details of your sister’s condition, but she seemed capable of light activities.”

“That’s because she’s taking her medicine regularly now. But…!”

“I have a daughter around your sister’s age who is also ill, so I understand a little about caring for a sick family member.”

Liv paused at Adolf’s words. Not missing the moment, Adolf continued, “Since we can’t take the pain away for them, we tend to be extra protective. I understand completely.”

Though Adolf appeared somewhat older, he didn’t seem to have a daughter as grown as Corida. Liv unconsciously pressed her lips together. If he really did have an ailing daughter, it made sense why he was so kind to Corida. He might have treated her similarly, thinking of his own daughter.

Seeing Liv’s slightly softened expression, Adolf gently asked, “Has your sister received a proper medical diagnosis?”

“…A long time ago.”

Adolf seemed to grasp that Liv’s “a long time ago” meant it had been many years.

“Medicine advances every year. As you know, various research efforts have greatly improved our understanding. I’ve come to understand certain things through my own experiences. That some illnesses can be treated now.”

Liv’s eyelids trembled slightly. She swallowed hard and glanced at Adolf.

“What are you trying to say?”

“I understand how much you care for your sister, enough to come here like this. But surely you realize that simply sheltering her isn’t the solution.”

Liv’s expression hardened.

“As you said, you’re overstepping.”

“I’m merely offering advice as someone in a similar situation. If it’s been a long time since her last check-up, this might be an opportunity to reassess her health. I did the same.”

When he mentioned his sick daughter again, Liv fell silent, biting her lip.

Adolf, watching her cautiously, spoke in a calm tone, “I’ve never heard of a skilled doctor here in Buerno… but I’m certain the Marquis could find a suitable one.”

“The Marquis?”

Liv couldn’t hide her genuine shock at Adolf mentioning the Marquis. Seeing her wide-eyed disbelief, Adolf gave a slight smile.

“He’s already provided you with a residence, hasn’t he? I think it’s likely he would extend other favors as well.”

Liv opened her mouth as if to protest, but found no words, and instead looked away.

If Adolf, who was also the Marquis’s aide, said the Marquis had that much affection for her…

Then perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a bit more help. After all, such a request would mean nothing to the Marquis.

Introducing her to a good doctor—surely that was something the Marquis could do easily.

Liv felt her heart wavering uncontrollably. If she kept going like this, she might even ask Adolf to arrange a meeting with the Marquis right now.

Along with the sudden hope spreading like wildfire, an old fear began to resurface.

But what if she encountered another strange doctor like before? What if Corida ended up in danger again due to a moment’s mistake?

“Thank you for your advice.”

This wasn’t a decision to be made impulsively. Liv barely managed to steady herself, changing the subject.

“By the way, I didn’t expect your office to be in a place like this, Mr. Adolf. Given that you’re the Marquis’s aide, I thought you’d work closer to him.”

“Ah, yes, the office is a bit shabby.”

Adolf chuckled, glancing around his office.

“The Marquis keeps several aides. To be precise, I handle various legal matters for him. Since my work involves a wide range of activities, I set up this separate law office.”

Only then did Liv understand why Adolf had handled the extra work contracts. Come to think of it, he had also delivered the house lease agreement later on.

“You’re quite impressive.”

“No, it’s the Marquis who’s impressive. He sent a talent like me to this dusty office, after all.”

Adolf’s joke, delivered with a hearty laugh, lightened the previously tense atmosphere. Liv took a sip of her tea, her expression more relaxed.

“By the way, you care a great deal for your sister, Miss Rodaise. It’s admirable.”

“She’s my only family.”

The death of her parents wasn’t something Liv needed to hide. She sighed softly as she answered Adolf’s comment.

“If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be working so hard.”

Adolf nodded in understanding. “So she gives meaning to your life. I understand why you protect her so dearly.”

“You said you have a sick daughter, so you must understand. If my sister could be healthy, I’d give her my heart if I could.”

“Of course. That’s how family is.”

Honestly, caring for Corida was exhausting, but without her, Liv wouldn’t have fought so fiercely to survive. Corida was both a shackle and Liv’s sole purpose in life. Without her, what other meaning would Liv’s life have?

Now, it was impossible—and unwelcome—to even imagine.

Watching Liv smile gently, Adolf suddenly sighed softly.

“Still, it’s a bit unfortunate. I’m sure there are many things you’d like to do, Miss Rodaise.”

Things she’d like to do… Liv couldn’t remember the last time she’d heard such a romantic notion. It felt both refreshing and bittersweet to hear such an unfamiliar question after so long.

Liv gave a bitter smile and shook her head. “As long as Corida stays by my side like now, I’m content.”

As long as she didn’t cough up blood, as long as she didn’t collapse—just seeing Corida smiling happily was enough for Liv.

Hearing Liv’s answer, Adolf tilted his head slightly. He spoke in his characteristic kind, genuine voice, “What if your sister recovers?”

“Pardon?”

Liv looked up, puzzled. Adolf, watching her intently, smiled warmly.

“If your sister becomes healthy enough to leave your side, I mean.”

“She needs me to take care of her.”

“But she won’t remain a child forever. If she becomes healthy, she won’t need your care anymore. Since you want her to be healthy, you must also consider this possibility.”

Corida, healthy and leaving her?

It was an idea Liv had never even imagined. Her heart sank as if struck.

However, the shock was only fleeting. Liv quickly regained her composure and replied calmly, “Even if Corida becomes healthy, she won’t leave me.”