Odalisque - Chapter 77

After almost an hour of talking non-stop, Million and Corida finally calmed down.

It was only then that Liv learned that Million, having heard the news from the maids about the rumors spreading the night before, had rushed out of her parents’ house without permission. Million’s rash actions were one thing, but what were the maids thinking, letting her leave like that?

After immediately sending a message to Baron Pendence through the maids, Liv decided to get to the bottom of what exactly was being said about her.

“So the only concrete facts being mentioned are the accounts from the pharmacy and the boutique.”

That was to be expected. No one had any real knowledge of the connection between Liv and the Marquis.

The only verifiable fact was that the Marquis had visited the pharmacy and the boutique with Liv. Everything else that had spread was simply speculation and imagination based on those facts.

If that was all, she could probably manage the situation. At least there was one truth she could make absolutely clear.

“I told you I owed the Marquis a lot, didn’t I? The truth is, he’s the one supporting Corida’s treatment.”

At Liv’s words, Corida’s eyes widened as she interrupted her sister. “Sister! You never mentioned that it was the Marquis of Dietrion helping us!”

“He’s not someone whose identity can be easily disclosed.”

Liv’s explanation was simple yet easy for anyone to accept.

“That’s why I went to Hyrob. The Marquis kindly made arrangements for me to purchase the new medicine.”

It was fortunate that the first place the Marquis had taken Liv was Hyrob. Since she had even argued with the gatekeeper there, it made it easier to create a plausible excuse.

“As for the boutique… That wasn’t planned. When they treated me dismissively at Hyrob, the Marquis took pity on me and decided to help.”

Liv didn’t want to mention the fact that she had been mistreated at Hyrob, especially not in front of these young girls. But it was better than letting their wild fantasies grow unchecked.

“I can imagine what kind of rumors are circulating, but they’re not true. Nobles of high status sometimes offer anonymous support privately. We were just lucky enough to be chosen.”

It was a much more realistic and plausible explanation than some vague love story.

Million seemed slightly disappointed, which made Liv feel somewhat relieved as she added gently, “So, Million, if this topic comes up in conversation with your friends, could you correct the misunderstanding?”

Liv clearly remembered the commotion caused when the Marquis had visited during Million’s birthday party. Naturally, those young noble girls would now be dying to dig for more information. Since Liv was Million’s private tutor, people would inevitably direct their questions at Million.

It was a bit awkward to think of using Million to clear up the rumors, but it was far more effective than trying to do so herself. At least no one would dare mistreat Million.

Of course, this excuse wouldn’t hold up forever. If the Marquis continued to act openly without regard for others’ opinions, talk of support or sponsorship would become meaningless.

Still, without a story like this, Liv had no other way to explain her relationship with the Marquis. Whatever kind of relationship the two of them developed later, it would be best if it began with the idea of “support.”

“I never imagined the Marquis would be interested in sponsorship.”

“Neither did I—I was so surprised to find out.”

Pouting slightly, Million turned to Corida. “So, Corida, does that mean you’ve never met the Marquis?”

“No, I’ve only ever gone for treatment…”

Corida nodded with an embarrassed expression, then suddenly lifted her head. “But, sister, what about your overnight stay yesterday? I thought… I assumed it was because of a new love.”

“That was…”

Liv hesitated at the unexpected question. Just as she missed the chance to answer, Corida clapped her hands, seeming to understand.

“Ah, was it another visit to Baroness Pendence?”

Liv remembered using “Baroness Pendence” as an excuse when her extra work had been confirmed. It was the same excuse she used every time she was late.

Aware of Million, who was glancing between herself and Corida with wide eyes, Liv hurriedly changed the topic.

“How did you two become friends anyway? Didn’t you just meet today?”

Raising her voice deliberately, she managed to shift their focus.

Million responded to Liv’s question, “Oh, I came to see you, but you weren’t home, so I waited. While waiting, I talked to Corida, and we got to know each other!”

With Million being so cheerful and Corida so sociable, they seemed to have had no trouble becoming friends.

Lately, Corida had become more social, likely thanks to meeting more people. With Million, she must have shown kindness just because Corida was Liv’s sister.

“Why didn’t you bring Corida along before? If I’d known earlier, we could have become friends much sooner.”

While working at the Pendence estate, Liv had mentioned her sick sister but never elaborated. There was no need to lay out the details of her troubled family life, and even if she did, it would only lead to feelings of inadequacy and gloom.

But now, their situation had improved, and Corida’s health was getting better. Because of that, Liv felt happy seeing Million and Corida together.

“I’m glad you two get along.”

“Million invited me to go out together.”

“There’s a festival being held by the lakeside to celebrate the visit of the Peace Pilgrims! Can Corida come with me?”

Liv was about to brush off the idea, but Million’s specific proposal made her pause.

“A festival?”

They had just met today, yet they already planned to go out together?

Seeing Liv’s hesitation, Corida chimed in, trying to support Million’s suggestion. “The doctor said I could go out! She said I’m much better now!”

Corida knew her sister better than anyone and understood how anxious she got at even the thought of Corida stepping out of the yard. So instead of relying on her own enthusiasm, she referenced Doctor Thierry’s assessment.

Liv furrowed her brow, pondering for a moment. It was true that Thierry had given a positive evaluation of Corida’s condition, but after spending so much time caring for her sister, Liv couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about her going out.

However, seeing Corida’s hopeful eyes, filled with excitement at the prospect of experiencing a festival for the first time, she couldn’t bring herself to say no.

Moreover, if she went with Million… Considering the attendants and guards that accompanied Million every time she went out, it might actually be the safest opportunity for Corida.

“The festival is still a few days away, so let me ask the doctor again, and then we can decide.”

Liv decided to leave some room for consideration. Just that was enough to make Corida’s face light up. Million, too, seemed thrilled by the idea of spending time with a new friend and spoke with excitement.

“Since the Marquis arranged for you to get the new medicine, you’ll be well in no time, and then we can go out!”

Yes, the new medicine. Not only was Corida seeing a skilled doctor, but now she was receiving treatment with the new medicine as well.

Thinking of this, the lingering worries in Liv’s mind gradually began to dissipate.

“Yes.”

It was too miraculous a change to complain or grumble about the rumors and gossip. Life had improved so much—couldn’t she handle the eyes of others?

Liv looked at Million and Corida and resolved herself. She would endure jealousy and slander gracefully. After all, there was no need to please everyone. As long as those close to her remained the same, everything else was bearable.

If it meant she could keep this peace and stay by the Marquis’s side, she could deal with all the rumors.

***

After Liv and the Marquis’s visits to the pharmacy and the boutique, rumors ran rampant in Buerno for some time.

However, since Liv’s identity had not been publicly confirmed and there were no further sightings, the rumors could only spread so far. After all, it’s not easy to pinpoint a specific individual based on vague descriptions like hair or eye color.

Among the well-connected families of Buerno, like Million’s, it seemed that Liv’s identity was already fully revealed. But rather than approach Liv directly, they were cautiously observing the situation.

It wasn’t as bad as Liv had feared. She even thought that if she could just disappear quietly, the rumors might fade away completely. But she couldn’t fully hide—she had to move about to collect the new medicine and tailored clothes.

At Hyrob, Liv was immediately recognized. The gatekeeper who had twice turned her away was nowhere to be seen, and she was welcomed warmly and led to an inner lounge. The shopkeeper seemed to know what had happened with the gatekeeper during Liv’s first visit.

All the new medicine secured by Hyrob was provided to Liv. Thierry had already assured her that it would speed up Corida’s recovery significantly, so Liv felt as if she had the world at her feet.

“If you leave your address, we can deliver it directly.”

“No, thank you. I’ll keep picking it up myself.”

Now that many people were paying attention to her, it was better not to leave her address anywhere. Besides, if delivery were an option, she suspected the Marquis would have assigned someone to handle it from the start.

Declining the shopkeeper’s offer politely, Liv stood up. She needed to move quickly if she wanted to visit the boutique as well.

The boutique they had visited together was the largest in Buerno, so Liv expected it to be crowded. However, upon arrival, she was surprised to find it unusually quiet.

From a distance, the bustling popularity of the boutique had always been evident, so this unexpected calmness puzzled Liv.

Was the boutique closed today?

As she hesitated at the entrance, before she even had a chance to open the door, someone suddenly rushed out from inside.