Odalisque - Side Story 18

Side Story 3: Craquelure

Liv had fallen from a horse.

It happened just three months before their wedding.

***

Bang!

“Where is Liv?!”

Upon hearing the news, Dimus canceled all external engagements and rushed back to the Langess mansion. Thierry, who had arrived earlier and was organizing her medical bag, stood up. Philip, who had been standing nearby with a worried expression, spoke in a heavy voice.

“You’re here.”

“How is she?”

“Aside from her arm being injured, she has no major external injuries. She instinctively shielded her head when she fell, which is why it wasn’t worse. Frankly, it’s a miracle it ended like this.”

“It’s not a miracle—Liv is smart and protected herself,” Dimus retorted sharply, his eyes sweeping the room with a fierce gaze.

“Where is the attendant?”

“…There was no one with her at the time of the fall.”

Dimus’ expression turned cold at those words. His sharp gaze bore into Philip.

“No one was with her?”

“She sometimes enjoys light walks on her own…”

Liv had never been accustomed to being waited on by others, and she often liked wandering freely by herself. The vast private grounds surrounding the Langess mansion were perfect for such leisurely activities—including horseback riding.

However, that explanation did nothing to calm Dimus’ anger.

“I can’t believe the staff at my mansion are working so carelessly. Unbelievable.”

“I apologize.”

Instead of making excuses, Philip bowed his head. Thierry then intervened.

“Marquis, please lower your voice for the patient’s sake.”

Dimus, who had been frowning, turned his gaze toward the bed. Except for the bandage wrapped around her arm, Liv appeared to be peacefully asleep.

Falling from a horse is a dangerous accident that can easily be fatal. Considering that she only injured her arm, they were incredibly fortunate.

Liv had never been a skilled rider, and she likely knew her limits and rode slowly. Judging by where she fell—a spot with lots of shrubbery—it seemed the foliage had softened her landing.

Dimus turned his gaze back to Thierry. “Are you sure she’s alright?”

“Yes, I’ve checked all her external injuries. We’ll conduct further tests once she wakes up…”

Thierry was explaining calmly when they suddenly heard a soft groan.

In an instant, Dimus rushed to the bedside. Liv, who had been lying still with her eyes closed, furrowed her brow slightly.

Dimus gently stroked her forehead.

“Liv.”

As if responding to his voice, her eyelids fluttered. Moments later, with a soft sigh, her green eyes slowly opened.

She blinked slowly, her gaze unfocused, staring blankly at nothing. Gradually, as she regained her senses, she began to look around.

Light returned to her eyes as she processed her surroundings. With a faint look of confusion, Liv tried to sit up but immediately winced in pain, her brows knitting together.

“Wait, don’t move your arm.”

Dimus quickly comforted her.

“Where…”

“Can you see me? Are you hurt anywhere else?”

Dimus leaned forward, scrutinizing her face closely. But when their eyes met, he froze. Liv subtly pulled her head back, avoiding his touch.

Dimus, staring intently into her clear, transparent eyes, suddenly felt an ominous premonition.

In the chilled silence, Liv cautiously parted her lips.

“I’m sorry, but who are you?”

Philip looked at Liv with a shocked expression, and Thierry turned pale in disbelief.

Liv looked around at the visibly startled people, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Where is this…”

Dimus slowly straightened up. His face, now devoid of any emotion, looked cold. The atmosphere in the room grew even frostier.

“I take back what I said about it being a miracle. It seems she’s not alright after all.”

For the first time in her life, Thierry revised her diagnosis.

***

Standing under the bright sunlight pouring in through the large window, Liv stared blankly ahead—toward the entrance of the mansion.

From time to time, she gently touched the bandages on her arm, her expression distant. Then, all of a sudden, her face brightened. Moments later, the door to the sitting room burst open, and someone rushed in.

“Sister!”

With a pale face, Corida ran toward Liv. She was about to throw herself into Liv’s arms but froze when she saw her bandaged arm.

Liv was equally startled. She used her uninjured arm to cup Corida’s cheek, scolding her with a worried expression.

“Corida, you shouldn’t run like that! What if you collapse?”

Corida’s eyes widened at Liv’s gentle touch, as if handling fragile glass. Liv, unaware of Corida’s changing expression, anxiously examined her complexion and body. Feeling a bit embarrassed by the fuss, Corida hesitantly removed Liv’s hand.

“So it’s true that you lost your memory. Sister, I’m fine now. I’m healthy.”

“What?”

“A new medicine was developed. My condition has improved significantly—I’m almost like a normal person now. I’m healthy enough to live in a dormitory.”

“A dormitory? My goodness, how could you stay in a dormitory…!”

“Don’t you remember attending my entrance ceremony? You watched me move into the dormitory.”

Liv faltered, struggling to respond as she met Corida’s worried gaze.

“I… um…”

Confusion clouded her face, and Corida, watching her, let out a sigh.

“I heard you’ve lost a few years of memories.”

“It seems so,” Liv nodded, accepting the truth.

Corida set her jaw with determination. “Sister, I’m on your side, no matter what. Do whatever you want. If you want to leave here right away, do so. I’ll get you a ticket for the farthest train.”

Liv tilted her head slightly, observing Corida with a puzzled expression.

“Did I dislike this place that much?”

“Huh? …No, I don’t think so.”

“Then why are you saying that?”

“Well…”

Corida, still holding her fists, blinked and avoided Liv’s gaze, awkwardly clearing her throat to cover her discomfort.

Liv, not missing Corida’s reaction, narrowed her eyes. Her tone was firm as she questioned Corida.

“Corida, did something happen between the owner of this mansion and me? Do you know?”

“Well, um…”

Corida hesitated, stepping back cautiously, pretending not to hear. Just as Liv was about to press her further, a cold voice came from the doorway.

“Shouldn’t you be asking the person involved?”

Liv and Corida both turned their heads at the same time.

Standing tall with a strong build, Dimus blocked the doorway, leaning on a cane. He frowned at Corida before turning his gaze to Liv.

“Why are you asking someone else about what happened between us?”

His voice was so cold that Corida involuntarily flinched. But the person he was addressing remained calm and collected, as if she felt no fear.

“She’s not someone else. She’s my only family.”

“Your family…”

Dimus, who had begun to speak quickly, clenched his teeth, pausing. He took a deep breath and continued in a restrained voice.

“You may not remember, but we are engaged. That makes me your family as well.”

Liv looked at him with a wary expression, and suddenly seemed to remember something, her eyes blinking rapidly before she lowered her gaze.

“I can’t quite grasp that part yet. I sincerely apologize for unintentionally being rude…”

“You are the only one allowed to be rude to me.”

Dimus cut her off, gripping the handle of his cane tightly. His face grew increasingly rigid, reflecting his displeasure at the palpable distance between them.

“No matter what you do, there’s no need to apologize.”

“Alright, I will try to understand.”

Regrettably, this was the best response Liv could offer.