Odalisque - Chapter 50

“She’s about the same age as you, Miss Corida.”

Today, he had come to meet Liv, but the only person home was Corida.

Corida, who repeatedly apologized, saying she couldn’t invite him inside due to her sister’s wishes, instead brought out some tea. Thanks to her, Adolf was being served tea in the yard.

“Is your daughter unable to go to school as well? It must be so boring staying home all the time. She can come over, and we could play together!”

“…She’s attending school now. It was something she suffered from when she was younger.”

At those words, Corida exclaimed loudly. “Wow, then she’s all better now? Did the doctor who treated me also treat her?”

“Not exactly…”

Finding it difficult to continue speaking about a daughter who didn’t exist, Adolf decided to change the subject. After all, he had been thinking that one day, he’d need to have a conversation with Corida.

“More importantly, Miss Corida, have you ever thought about wanting to go to school?”

In response to Adolf’s question, Corida pouted. “I can’t go to school.”

Corida couldn’t even leave the house without her sister. Naturally, attending school was an impossible dream. Judging by her circumstances, she hadn’t recovered at all but was probably living each day just praying that her condition wouldn’t worsen.

Adolf, who could easily guess that much, continued speaking as if he knew nothing.

“Once you’re healthy, that is. Dr. Gertrude is an excellent doctor, and she’ll soon help you become healthy. Wouldn’t it be nice to keep that in mind now?”

“…Once I’m healthy?”

Corida widened her eyes and fell into thought for a moment before she spoke, as if recalling something.

“My parents were artisans. They were so skilled that even high-ranking nobles sought them out. I don’t know much, but according to my sister, they were truly amazing.”

Speaking lightly, Corida suddenly leaned toward Adolf. Narrowing her eyes, she whispered in a secretive tone, “I want to have great skills like my parents too. Then, with those skills, I could take on commissions from nobles and become rich.”

Adolf instinctively guessed that Liv probably didn’t know about Corida’s true feelings. Corida wouldn’t have been able to open up about such feelings to her overprotective sister.

However, Adolf had once suggested to Corida, “It’s not good to stay inside too much. You should at least take a walk in the yard.” Of course, Corida probably thought Adolf understood her better than Liv did.

Adolf’s eyes gleamed for a moment before he put on a composed expression and asked, “Skills, you say… Have you thought of anything in particular?”

“Hmm, embroidery sounds nice, woodworking would be great too, and working with leather seems like it would be fun.”

Corida’s eyes sparkled as she folded her fingers one by one. She must have imagined it countless times in her mind.

Adolf smiled at her. “I doubt Miss Rodaise would approve.”

“Oh, you’re right…”

The sparkle vanished from Corida’s eyes.

Adolf took a sip of his tea and, glancing at Corida, spoke casually, “But if your parents were renowned artisans, then surely you have some talent as well.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes. The Berryworth mansion has many books on the subject, so the next time we visit, we could take a closer look together and see what interests you. Narrowing down the options would help in forming a more concrete plan.”

Regardless of what was written in Corida’s medical chart, the treatment would proceed. Given the upcoming treatment sessions, the Berryworth mansion would be a place Corida frequently visited.

Corida, who had been staring blankly, furrowed her brows. “But studying costs money, doesn’t it?”

Corida had witnessed firsthand how Liv worked tirelessly, day and night, to provide for their household. She was even the reason Liv had to work so hard. Burdened as she already was by her fragile health, Corida couldn’t imagine adding to the financial strain by insisting on studying.

Understanding Corida’s concern, Adolf gave her a gentle smile. The conversation was progressing more smoothly than he had anticipated.

“That’s why the patronage system exists—to support talented individuals who can’t afford to pursue their abilities due to financial constraints. If you find the right patron, Miss Corida, you can study whatever you wish without burdening your sister.”

“A patron?”

“Yes. Truly exceptional craftsmanship is akin to art, and finding a patron for it is entirely possible. Many people are eager to support such skills, and Mazurkan, in particular, is well known for that. It’s a country where many renowned artisans go to study, and it’s also known for its excellent security.”

Though Corida was mostly homebound, she at least knew the names of neighboring countries. Therefore, instead of asking where Mazurkan was, she wore a distressed expression and shook her head.

“Mazurkan is far away.”

“But they have a solid curriculum. If you’re going to study, wouldn’t it be better to do it in a secure place like that? If you’re truly passionate about craftsmanship, that is.”

Corida’s eyes widened. Though she didn’t immediately respond, it was clear from her expression that her mind was filled with thoughts.

“Actually, since we’re on the topic, I’ll give you a hint: I know someone in Mazurkan. He’s very dedicated to training artisans. If you’re interested, I could introduce you.”

What Adolf said was true. Though Mazurkan was farther away than their neighboring country Torsten, it was famous for its highly developed craftsmanship and its renowned artisans. And Adolf, who had reliable connections across various countries, had good contacts in Mazurkan as well.

If Corida were genuinely interested in craftsmanship, Adolf could introduce her to a suitable patron. If Corida’s talent was enough for her to be accepted into Mazurkan’s specialized school, she could grow into an artisan who would be highly regarded wherever she went.

“But first, of course, you’ll need to get better. So please follow Dr. Gertrude’s treatment plan.”

Upon Adolf’s request, Corida smiled brightly. She nodded vigorously and answered energetically.

“Yes!”

Seeing Corida’s hopeful face, Adolf felt an uncharacteristic pang of guilt growing within him. He silently prayed to himself.

I’ll really do my best to introduce her to a good patron, so please recover soon and leave your sister’s side without any issues.

And may this awkward situation be resolved quickly.

***

When Liv returned home, Corida and Adolf were chatting like close friends.

“Oh? Sister!”

“Why are you outside… Mr. Adolf?”

Liv, who had opened the gate tiredly, widened her eyes when she saw Adolf. Adolf immediately stood up with a smile.

“I heard you would be returning soon, so I decided to wait.”

“He has something for you, Sister!”

Liv looked back and forth between Corida and Adolf with a bewildered expression, tilting her head in confusion. Adolf wasted no time, handing over what he had brought.

It was a document envelope.

“I brought this directly from Dr. Gertrude. Naturally, I didn’t read its contents. The master is also unaware of the details.”

Realizing that Adolf was handing her Corida’s medical report, Liv stiffened as she accepted the envelope. The seal at the top of the envelope was intact, clearly indicating that it had not been opened.

Adolf, observing Liv quietly as she stared at the envelope, continued speaking in a calm tone, “The doctor said she’ll proceed in whatever way Miss Rodaise prefers.”

“Whatever way I prefer, meaning what exactly?”

“Whatever you choose.”

To Liv, his response sounded vague and uncertain. She simply remained silent before eventually nodding. Adolf, having completed his task, smiled gently and bid farewell.

“Then I’ll be on my way. Thank you for keeping me company while I waited, Miss Corida.”

“Yes, take care!”

With Corida seeing him off, Adolf turned and left. Corida, who closed the gate in Liv’s stead, hovered around her sister’s side. Just from knowing that it had come from Dr. Gertrude, Corida could guess what was in the document envelope.

“That’s my medical report, right? Huh?”

“Yes, I think so.”

Liv sighed as she answered, then began walking toward the house. Corida followed closely behind, chattering away.

“Let’s open it quickly. Huh?”

“What do you think is written in here?”

“Something must be.”

Corida, who had been so anxious before the examination, now seemed to have forgotten her fear, her curiosity evident.

Seeing her innocent expression as she looked at the envelope, Liv asked with a sigh, “Aren’t you scared that it might say something bad?”

“The lady doctor is supposed to be really skilled. That’s what Adolf said earlier.”

Liv wasn’t sure how to feel about Corida getting close to Adolf. He didn’t seem like a bad person, but… what was the use of worrying about it?

Liv shook her head. Since Adolf was the Marquis’s aide, she would inevitably see him often—better to be on friendly terms than distant if they had to meet frequently.

“It’s just a medical report. Treatment hasn’t even started yet.”

“Then we can start treatment depending on the results, right?”

Unlike the always-worried Liv, Corida remained optimistic. When Liv silently stared at her, Corida belatedly frowned and asked, “Did they say they won’t help with the treatment? Was it just an examination?”