Odalisque - Chapter 89

Luzia swallowed dryly. Even from her reaction, it was clear—she had never expected such a response from Dimus.

“Then why… why did you just back down back then?”

“Why would I need to explain that to you?”

“You withdrew knowing full well that all your accomplishments would be recorded under Zighilt’s name? You finally had the chance to reclaim your position, and you’re just going to turn it down?”

Could it even be called ‘reclaiming’ it? Dimus sneered.

He knew now that it had never been his to begin with.

Of course, there was a time when he believed without a doubt that his future held honor and glory. Back then, it was exactly what he needed. But because his lineage was unsuitable, he had no choice but to find someone to be his stepping stone.

On the other hand, Stephan Zighilt was a man who had nothing to show for himself besides his bloodline—lacking in many ways. If not for his family, he wouldn’t have even gotten into the officer academy; he was an idiot who inevitably sought out and used a capable person at his side.

It was only natural that Dimus was chosen by him. Even though Dimus internally looked down on Stephan, he didn’t refuse the position of Stephan’s aide.

Stephan was foolish, but he made an excellent stepping stone.

“This is the problem with outdated folks. They believe that as long as they don’t get their own hands dirty, no mud will stick to them.”

Seeing how much attention Dimus received after enlisting, Stephan must have felt a considerable inferiority complex.

Sometimes, Stephan tried to obstruct Dimus, but often it backfired, actually aiding in Dimus’s promotions. That was when Luzia Malte was weighing Stephan against Dimus.

Dimus had no intention of being held back by someone like Stephan. He never once thought he was any less capable than him. Even the loyalty of their subordinates was more directed at Dimus than Stephan.

Everything was about to fall into place as he wished. He was just moments away from receiving a formal title from the king in front of everyone, adorned with a medal, and standing as the fiancé of the only daughter of the Malte family.

Dimus ended up taking the fall for Stephan’s fatal mistake, and as a result, he received an empty title. He was forced to keep silent in exchange for a substantial settlement and ended his military service in disgrace, with his entire military record classified.

Cardinal Calliope, who had supported Dimus all his life, turned his back on him at that decisive moment. In exchange, the Cardinal secured the prestigious and sacred position of a “leading Gratia candidate.”

It was then that Dimus realized he had been raised as a “useful bargaining chip” by Cardinal Calliope. The Cardinal had deliberately cultivated his weaknesses for future beneficial trades.

“How pitiful, Lady Luzia, that all you can spout is nonsense.”

Luzia Malte was foolish enough to think that Dimus still held lingering feelings for the military.

And she wasn’t the only one. Likely, everyone who knew of Dimus’s disgraceful withdrawal believed so as well—that he would return immediately if given the chance.

If that had been his plan, he wouldn’t have taken his subordinates with him in the first place. Nor would he have publicly committed insubordination by breaking Stephan’s arm.

“You’ll regret this.”

“Regret what? Rejecting your proposal?” Dimus asked leisurely, and Luzia’s face turned red and pale in turn.

He gave her a derisive smile. “If you were going to propose, you could’ve at least put some effort into preparing a bouquet of roses.”

“Even if I can’t kill you, I can make you a laughingstock.”

“We can’t kill each other, but we can make each other look foolish. I know that.”

As a Malte, Luzia was untouchable, and similarly, she couldn’t recklessly harm Dimus, who was Cardinal Calliope’s ‘critical weakness.’

But if nothing else, they could certainly make each other look ridiculous.

“…You will regret this.”

“I don’t regret anything, Lady. Regret is a useless, wasteful emotion.”

Dimus took one last puff from his cigar before pressing it firmly onto the document on the table. The paper blackened and burned.

When he checked his pocket watch, more time had passed than he anticipated. He clicked his tongue in displeasure.

By now, Thierry should’ve arrived at Liv’s house. Dimus had intended to go with Thierry to see Liv’s face before moving on to his next schedule.

He even considered canceling his next appointment, but it was to check the fitting of a hat tailored for Liv. Ever since the commotion at the boutique, Dimus had made it a point to personally oversee any orders of women’s clothing or accessories. It was a kind of warning.

Moreover, choosing even a small decorative jewel himself brought more satisfaction when he saw Liv wearing it.

If he wanted the hat completed before Liv fully recovered, he had to visit the hat shop today.

Well, he could just ask Thierry about her condition.

Dimus decisively set aside his regrets, grabbed the cane beside him, and stood up.

“You’re leaving like this? Aren’t you afraid of the consequences?”

“You’re the one who’s scared of past consequences, running after me like a dog with its tail on fire. And after all that effort, this dreary proposal is all you had to offer—what a disappointment.”

In a flat tone, Dimus likened Luzia to a “dog,” stepping over the pool of blood as he turned his back.

Just as he was about to leave the room, he suddenly paused.

“Above all…”

Trailing off, he turned halfway, fixing Luzia with a cold gaze.

“Maybe it’s just my poor disposition, but the very thought of keeping you by my side makes me want to vomit.”

Only after watching Luzia break into a humiliating sob did Dimus finally leave the room.

***

Due to Liv’s illness, Corida’s regular treatment schedule had to be adjusted. Although Corida said she could skip a week, Liv couldn’t bear the thought.

It was completely unexpected when Thierry offered to visit their home himself. Remembering that Thierry had said she would never treat anyone outside the Marquis’s estate, Liv couldn’t help but be surprised.

“This is a very special exception, you understand?”

“Thank you so much!”

Seeing Corida’s bright smile as she expressed her gratitude, Thierry fell silent, seemingly at a loss for words. She frowned slightly before speaking again, her tone serious.

“Not even the Marquis can order me around like this. Remember, this is my own decision.”

“Yes!”

Watching Corida’s cheerful face, Thierry cleared her throat, turning her gaze away. The tension in her brow relaxed slightly. It seemed Thierry had grown quite fond of Corida over the course of her treatments.

No matter what Thierry said, Corida was delighted to see her visit her home in person. When she excitedly went to prepare drinks and snacks, Thierry looked around the living room, frowning.

“Why is there so much stuff in such a small house?”

Leaning against the wall, wrapped in a thick shawl, Liv answered awkwardly, “I received gifts, but I had nowhere to put them… The inner sitting room has more space, so it should be better for your examination.”

It had all happened during the few days she was bedridden, unable to even get out of bed.

Dresses she doubted she’d ever wear, jewelry too delicate to touch, dozens of shoes and hats to match—all piled up. And what was even more surprising was that the stream of gifts wasn’t over yet. According to Adolf, there were still quite a few items in production.

The attire she had worn to the opera must not have pleased the Marquis much.

Thinking this, Liv looked at the pile of gift boxes with indifferent eyes. Despite the impressive mountain of gifts, she felt no emotion.

“Wouldn’t it be better to move to a larger house? There’s only two of you, but it seems like this small house is at its limit.”

Liv smiled weakly. If this were her previous home, much smaller than the current one, Thierry might have sworn never to come again.

“Adolf knows about the estate matters well, so you could consult with him. Though he’s a bachelor and may lack some attentiveness, he’s quite meticulous with paperwork.”

Liv, who had been half-listening to Thierry’s words with a smile, froze.

“…What?”

“Adolf. Didn’t you know he serves as the Marquis’s legal representative?”

That wasn’t what Liv was curious about.

“Mr. Adolf is single?”

“Yes. Doesn’t he look the part?”

“…Did he get divorced or have a child somewhere…?”

“I didn’t know you disliked Adolf so much that you’d imagine him as a divorcee with children.”

Thierry chuckled lightly. Just then, Corida poked her head out from the sitting room, having finished preparing refreshments.

“Doctor! Do you like cookies?”

“I don’t eat things like that.”

“They’re really good with apple juice!”

“Are you even listening to me?”

Corida chatted cheerfully, while Thierry answered curtly, their voices echoing distantly. Liv watched Thierry’s back as she walked into the sitting room, her mind swirling.

“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.”

He had said that.

Was that a lie?

But why would he lie about something like that? What could Adolf possibly gain from doing that?

Tightening the shawl around her shoulders, Liv hunched over. Not fully recovered yet, she felt her legs weaken, as if she might collapse. She remembered Adolf’s words from that day when he had mentioned his ill daughter.

“I’ve come to understand certain things through my own experiences. That some illnesses can be treated now.”

I’ve learned quite a bit myself. Some diseases can now be treated.”

“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’m certain the Marquis could find a suitable one.”