Odalisque - Side Story 20

Dimus’s face grew serious at her questioning words.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’ve lost my memory, haven’t I? I might make a mistake in front of others… Everything feels so unfamiliar and overwhelming. Especially with you, Marquis…”

“Dimus.”

“Oh, yes. With you, Dimus… our relationship is just so surprising to me.”

Liv corrected herself awkwardly under Dimus’s prompt, carefully watching his reaction.

“Is that meant in a negative way?”

“Not really. It’s not something I could easily describe as positive or negative. It’s just surprising, that’s all. To think we are lovers… You probably know, but I’ve always had to work to make ends meet, so I couldn’t possibly attend gatherings where I might meet someone like you.”

Her question made sense. Considering Dimus’ status, it was unlikely that their paths would ever cross. And yet, somehow, this man, who seemed beyond her reach, was now her betrothed. It was all too incredible.

While it might feel like good fortune, Liv’s rational approach to understanding their connection—instead of simply accepting it—left Dimus feeling unexpectedly disheartened.

“You…”

Dimus paused, wetting his lips as he chose his words. It was better for him to explain things himself rather than let her imagination run wild.

“You were teaching the young lady of the Pendance family. I met you while visiting the baron’s residence on personal business.”

“I see… The baron’s residence…”

Liv nodded, her expression showing understanding.

“So our relationship began after we met at the baron’s residence?”

“…More or less.”

It wasn’t entirely wrong, though it left out much of what had happened in between. Dimus, uncharacteristically vague, looked away. However, Liv didn’t seem inclined to let the matter rest.

“What made you take notice of a mere tutor?”

Hearing her belittle herself like that made Dimus frown.

“What about you was lacking?”

“You’re handsome, of noble rank, and you seem to be wealthy. I’m sure many women must have wanted to be with you.”

It was meant as a compliment, but it didn’t make Dimus smile. The qualities she listed didn’t seem to sway her at all, even after losing her memory. Worse still, she hadn’t even considered that he might have fallen for her at first sight.

Unaware of Dimus’s dissatisfaction, Liv seemed deep in thought before voicing a careful guess.

“Did I somehow deceive you or do something improper?”

“You, deceive me?”

Where would her imagination take her if he didn’t intervene?

Dimus almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of her suggestion. However, seeing her genuinely serious expression, even the urge to laugh faded. Unable to hide his incredulity, he responded in an exasperated tone.

“Do I look like someone who would easily fall for trickery?”

Liv gave Dimus an appraising glance. His commanding presence made it abundantly clear that he was not someone who could be taken lightly.

She shook her head in acknowledgment, conceding that her thoughts had been a bit far-fetched.

“Of course not.”

“I understand that all of this is unfamiliar to you,” Dimus sighed deeply, meeting her gaze. “But the one thing I can tell you for certain is—I’m not good at interacting with others. I’ve never kept anyone else close to me. You—you are the only one who holds everything of mine. This leash, I gave it to you myself. There’s no question; it belongs to you…”

Liv still regarded him with unfamiliar eyes. Even so, Dimus couldn’t help but continue.

“And that will never change, no matter what.”

Even if Liv had lost her memory, she was still the only one for him.

***

Mental health wasn’t Thierry’s main field of expertise, so she decided to gather some materials and head to a nearby town to consult on the matter. Since Liv’s arm needed time to heal anyway, Dimus allowed Thierry to be away for a few days.

Before leaving, Thierry advised Liv to avoid trying to force her memories back and to proceed cautiously. It was an injury that couldn’t be physically touched or seen, so she had to be particularly careful.

Corida, too, gave Liv a brief summary of important matters but otherwise decided to watch the situation unfold. It happened to be school break, so Corida stayed by her side, trying to keep Liv’s mind at ease.

Liv agreed with Thierry’s suggestion to take things slowly, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t questioning the situation.

In fact, the more time passed, the more her doubts grew.

“I think… I must have done something to him.”

Liv spoke suddenly while gazing absentmindedly out the window.

Corida, who was reading in the same room, looked up with a puzzled expression. Though Liv’s eyes were still fixed on the view outside, her gaze wandered aimlessly.

“How could such a fine-looking man be so devoted to me unless I did something wrong to him?”

Corida, who had been listening silently, let out an exasperated sigh.

“Sister, just accept it. Amazingly enough, this is your life now.”

“Still… something about it doesn’t sit right with me.”

“What doesn’t?”

“It feels like I’ve led someone who was doing perfectly well down the wrong path.”

Corida couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“…How could you even think that?”

But Liv didn’t seem to hear Corida’s muttering, her face showing only concern.

“How did it come to this? What could I have done?”

She had it all wrong. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

Watching Liv with an incredulous look, Corida clicked her tongue, shaking her head. Clearly, Liv must be feeling well enough to have such irrational thoughts. Glancing briefly at Liv’s arm, which was healing nicely, Corida turned her attention back to her book. From her vantage point, watching their dramatic romance unfold up close was of little benefit. Better to just study for next semester.

Regardless of Corida’s reaction, Liv was quite serious.

The memory of Dimus’s expression during their recent conversation outside the mansion lingered in her mind.

“You are the only woman to whom I have given that privilege. You are my first and last lover, and soon you’ll be my one and only family.”

The words made her heart drop.

Honestly, how could she not be moved when such a stunningly handsome man confessed so passionately? Liv had long stopped expecting romantic relationships, having focused solely on supporting herself and earning money for Corida’s medical expenses. But it wasn’t as if she never wished for love.

She had always wanted someone to lean on, someone to protect her, but she believed it was unrealistic and had thus never shown it.

So she should be happy with her current circumstances…

But why did his heartfelt confession feel so unsettling? No—it wasn’t his words that felt unstable, but the man himself.

And maybe it was just her imagination, but Dimus seemed reluctant to speak clearly about their relationship. It didn’t seem like his reluctance was just because of Thierry’s advice to tread carefully.

That lingering ambiguity left an uncomfortable mark on her heart.

“If you want to leave here right away, do so.”

Now that she thought about it, Corida had said something like that early on. It was an odd thing to say to someone who had just lost their memory.

Her thoughts were increasingly leaning toward the idea that there was something being hidden from her.

Knock, knock.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Dimus stood at the door when Corida opened it.

Dimus cleared his throat under the curious gazes of both women. Then, in a formal tone, he asked, “Would you like to go out for some fresh air together?”

Corida looked at Dimus and Liv in turn before covering her mouth and stepping back, clearly signaling her intention to leave them alone. After a moment’s hesitation, Liv nodded.

Nothing would be solved by just overthinking. She decided she’d spend more time with Dimus—perhaps doing so would help her regain her lost memories.

***

It was Philip who had suggested they go on a date.

“You can’t just sit back and wait forever. Dr. Gertrude didn’t say you shouldn’t date, did she? If you spend time together naturally, she might remember the familiarity you once shared.”

Dimus, who had been helplessly hovering around Liv, immediately agreed. He also made subtle arrangements to create an environment that might trigger her memories.

The boat they were riding was one such arrangement.

“The lake is so vast.”

Dimus watched Liv closely as she marveled at the scene, but it was clear that she remembered nothing.

It seemed all his efforts to borrow this boat from the Pendance family had been in vain.