Odalisque - Chapter 51

“No, that’s not it.”

A while ago, Adolf had told Liv, “We’ll proceed in whatever  way you prefer.” Technically, he was relaying the words of the Marquis, but still. Those words meant they would support Corida in any way to help her regain her health.

Unless her condition was beyond recovery, Corida truly had a chance to be completely cured this time. It was an opportunity not to be missed.

“I just think you’re braver than me,” Liv murmured.

Corida, who somehow managed to hear Liv’s muttering, pouted. “I’m not brave; it’s just that I’m not worried because you’re here, Sister.”

It was a baseless trust, born from the belief that as long as Liv was by her side, everything would work out somehow.

Yes, Corida trusted her to this extent—Liv couldn’t afford to hesitate any longer. She calmly tore open the envelope.

The report was longer than expected. Liv had thought it would be brief, but it contained a surprisingly detailed diagnosis of Corida’s overall condition.

It included her current health status, the cause of her symptoms, the potential complications if left untreated, the effects of her current medication, and the limits of its efficacy.

“What does it say?”

Corida, unable to get through the endless lines of text, quickly gave up. She seemed to be waiting for Liv to read and interpret it for her.

Liv, without responding to Corida’s question, read through the document in silence until she reached the final page.

“Sister?”

It was only after Liv had absorbed every word, down to the last period, that she realized she had been holding her breath out of tension. She exhaled deeply and turned her gaze to Corida.

“To summarize, it’s not an incurable disease.”

“Really?”

“Yes, there’s even a chance of a near-complete recovery.”

According to the report, Corida’s illness was named “Scurvyberry.” The name had only been coined within the last three years, and research was still ongoing. However, the report explained that depending on the progression of the illness, it could be treated to the point of near recovery.

“It seems the medication you’ve been taking wasn’t completely useless.”

The report also stated that she should bring her current medication to the next appointment. It suggested reviewing her lifestyle and dietary habits comprehensively.

It warned that without treatment, the condition could worsen and become fatal, and that the medication she was taking merely slowed the progression of the illness.

As Liv had feared, Corida’s current condition meant that even a small shock could easily fracture her bones, and she was more prone to bleeding than others. The report recommended starting treatment immediately, as Corida likely wouldn’t be able to endure even half a day of normal activities.

“Your body is indeed weak. So even if you feel well, you shouldn’t overexert yourself.”

“Ugh, really?”

Liv kindly pointed out the sentences to the disappointed Corida, who lowered her shoulders and looked at the report with a crestfallen expression.

“Still, it’s a relief that it’s not an incurable disease.”

“Do you think I’ll really get better?”

“Mr. Adolf said so, didn’t he? He said the doctor is very skilled.”

Compared to the past, when doctors had simply suggested drawing blood, this report seemed highly reliable. It noted even the minor symptoms that Corida hadn’t mentioned during the examination. At least it correctly identified the disease.

Of course, considering that the disease had only been named less than three years ago, it wasn’t surprising that the quack doctors who had examined her in the past hadn’t recognized it.

“You will get better, Corida.”

Liv had always spoken of uncertain hopes, but this time she could say it with conviction.

Corida would recover. It felt as though all the worries and anxieties had finally lifted.

***

When Liv first did the extra work, she had been so tense and rigid that Dimus had worried she might shatter at the slightest touch. He still remembered her comically stiff demeanor back then.

Now, seeing Liv unable to hide her excitement was a fascinating change. It seemed that her sister’s medical results were good.

Of course, even apart from that issue, Liv no longer stiffened in Dimus’s presence. Her emotions had become more varied, more expressive.

“Since it was you who introduced me to the doctor, Marquis, I thought it would be appropriate to show this to you.”

Liv cautiously handed over the medical report, a faint blush on her face.

Dimus wasn’t particularly interested in the report’s content, but he took it without hesitation. He skimmed the lengthy details and nodded indifferently.

“Dr. Gertrude does not visit anywhere but the Dietrion estate. Therefore, you will continue the treatment here.”

“Thank you. And Mr. Adolf mentioned the medical fees…”

“The doctor is already my personal doctor, so there’s no need.”

Liv hesitated, her lips closing at Dimus’s blunt response. Watching her reaction, Dimus tossed the report onto the table and asked, “Unless you insist on being charged?”

Was it a habit formed by years of living with so little money? Despite saying she would accept anything, Liv seemed reluctant to accept any financial support without reason.

He remembered how she had refused a ruby necklace in the past and how she still paid rent on the hastily arranged house.

She accepted the introduction to the doctor, but disliked the idea of having her medical expenses covered.

Dimus could easily guess her thoughts. She didn’t want to be explicitly reminded that she was being pitied. She had too much pride to beg like a beggar—she would rather earn money, even by selling her body.

“Are you concerned that a few coins for medical expenses would be a burden to me?”

“…Of course not.”

“Money comes and goes. Accepting some free money won’t drastically change your life.”

Liv quietly lowered her gaze. Though she seemed to agree outwardly, Dimus knew she wasn’t truly convinced.

Pressing a finger to his temple, Dimus looked at Liv with a crooked gaze before twisting his lips.

“If you’re that uncomfortable, entertain me. Consider that as compensation.”

“How?”

“Why ask me that? You should figure it out, Teacher.”

Just when he thought everything had crumbled, Dimus realized that there was still a solid part of Liv’s inner self.

He found it increasingly dull.

He detested those who gave in too easily, but even when he invested effort, he disliked those who remained stubborn. It wasn’t that he lacked patience—he simply saw no reason to endure unnecessary resistance.

Liv seemed to notice Dimus’s indifferent expression.

She hesitated for a moment, wearing a troubled expression, before glancing toward the door. Today’s meeting was originally scheduled for extra work, and so only she and Dimus were in the room.

Seeing that the door was locked, Liv grabbed the ribbon of her neatly tied collar. The thin, cheap satin ribbon came undone with a soft sound.

During her extra work, Liv had always waited until Dimus told her to “undress.” That action was an unspoken rule that defined all of these moments as “extra work.” But now, she wasn’t waiting for Dimus’s command—she was taking off her clothes of her own accord.

She hesitated while untying the ribbon and undoing the first button, but with a deep breath, she began to undress more assertively.

The caraco and petticoat fell to the floor, one by one. Liv’s body grew lighter with each layer that she shed at a steady pace—not too slow, not too fast.

Considering how she usually folded each garment and set them aside carefully, today’s behavior was markedly different.

Dimus slowly rubbed his upper lip with his index finger, leaning back slightly. The plush sofa enveloped him softly.

Liv, now in her undergarments, looked up. Her green eyes met Dimus’s gaze.

While maintaining eye contact, Liv pulled on the ribbon of her undergarment. The tightly tied garment loosened, revealing her white breasts.

Dimus had always thought her chest was pleasing to look at. There was just enough flesh that her breasts would bounce slightly whenever she undressed, but now, facing him directly, that movement was even more pronounced.

Liv took a deep breath, her chest visibly rising and falling. Lightly tracing her exposed breasts with her fingertips, she moved her hand downward.

The clip of her worn garter belt made a faint metallic sound as she unclasped it. The straps that had been pulled taut fell loose, and the stockings slackened.

The thin stockings were so worn that they looked ready to tear at the slightest tug.

Just imagining how easily they would shred made Dimus’s mouth dry.

Moistening his lips with his tongue, Dimus crossed his long legs, resting his chin on the armrest. He considered having a drink to quench his thirst, but something about dulling his sharp senses with alcohol felt unappealing.

Liv pushed her stockings down. They rolled into rings as they descended, revealing her bare legs.

At that moment, Dimus rose from his seat.