Odalisque - Side Story 22

The Langess mansion was truly an expansive place. It was so grand that calling it a castle would not be an exaggeration. This vast stone building was meticulously maintained in every corner. Every small window frame and spiral staircase railing was spotless, and each room was adorned with elegant sculptures and paintings that pleased the eye.

Corida had mentioned that Dimus was a sophisticated collector, and indeed, her words were no exaggeration. Even to Liv, who had no particular knowledge of art, it was evident that not a single small painting was placed carelessly.

Moreover, the staff working there were impeccably trained—their speech was faultless. Liv, who had worked as a live-in governess for noble families before, had never encountered servants as well-trained as those at the Langess mansion.

The way they respectfully bowed and called her “Madam” whenever they saw her made her feel like she was walking on clouds—unreal.

“I really painted here…”

“Yes, Madam.”

The studio, to which her personal maid had guided her, was excessively luxurious for an art studio. Even the wallpaper appeared expensive at first glance. It was so lavish that she felt guilty even imagining paint splattering on it.

Liv slowly surveyed the room, her gaze landing on the neatly arranged art supplies.

Huh?

She stared at the brushes, meticulously organized by size, before looking back at the maid.

“These are brushes, right?”

“Yes, Madam.”

“…Brushes inlaid with jewels?”

“I understand that they were custom-made for you by the Master.”

Why in the world were there jewels on the brush handles?

Liv stared at the sparkling handles for a moment, then turned her gaze away. She was curious if those shining stones were real diamonds, but she had a feeling she’d be even more unsettled if she found out. Instead, she looked at the large shelves next to them.

“…Why are there so many pigments?”

“They were provided to ensure you had any color you desired. The ones below were specially mixed.”

“And those canvases…”

“Organized by size.”

“Ah. And next to them are easels.”

She thought an easel was just something to hold up a canvas. But there were three-legged easels, four-legged easels, wooden ones, metal ones, square easels, and triangular ones…

Did it really make sense to have so many different types?

Liv felt a bit overwhelmed. From what she’d heard, painting had been a “light” hobby she’d enjoyed before losing her memory. It wasn’t even something she had been doing for a long time.

Corida wouldn’t have lied, so this lavish setup for a newly acquired hobby seemed way over the top. Even professionals probably wouldn’t paint in such an extravagant environment.

Liv couldn’t imagine that she herself had requested all of this. Even though she had lost her memory, she knew enough about her own behavior patterns to be sure—she was not the type to go overboard for a casual hobby. Which meant that this studio was put together under Dimus’s orders.

She had heard him say it multiple times, but seeing the ridiculous gifts he had showered her with made her feel something new.

Was he really so desperate for her?

Had she really done nothing wrong to make him feel that way?

“Angel?”

Lost in her thoughts while staring at the studio, Liv was startled by a sudden call. She turned to find a young boy, neatly dressed, looking up at her with sparkling eyes.

“You are…”

Liv hadn’t heard of Dimus having any other family, so she hesitated, simply watching the boy.

The boy’s eyes, which had been filled with excitement, soon clouded with confusion. It seemed that he had remembered Liv’s current condition, and his face quickly turned gloomy.

“This is Noah,” the maid beside her explained quickly. “He recently came under the Master’s patronage and is staying here temporarily.”

Listening to the maid, Liv slowly nodded and moved her lips.

“Noah.”

The name felt somewhat familiar in her mouth, but it didn’t bring back any particular memories.

Seeing that Liv didn’t recognize him, Noah looked somewhat disappointed. But he quickly seemed to regain his composure, and spoke in a deliberately mature tone.

“I heard you were unwell. I hope you recover soon.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Liv smiled involuntarily. The sight of Noah acting so mature for his age was both endearing and slightly pitiful.

It seemed Liv wasn’t the only one with this impression, as the maid watching from the side also smiled softly. She leaned toward Liv, whispering quietly enough that Noah wouldn’t hear.

“You were the one who helped Noah when he was abandoned by his parents during the festival, Madam. The Master decided to support him after recognizing his talent.”

“He did something good.”

“If it weren’t for you, Madam, Noah wouldn’t be staying here.”

“That’s not true. Ultimately, it was Dimus who chose to sponsor him.”

Noah looked up curiously at the two women whispering, and Liv carefully patted his head. Noah, seemingly familiar with her touch, calmly leaned into her hand.

If Noah had been abandoned by his parents, he must have grown up in a poor environment. Even so, looking down at Noah’s chubby cheeks, which were round and plump, Liv could tell that he was well-fed and looked after now. It was clear that this was more than just financial support—Noah was being genuinely cared for.

Liv, gazing down at the boy who barely came up to her waist, muttered to herself, “Perhaps he isn’t such a bad person after all.”

“Is that ‘bad person’ supposed to be referring to me?”

A blunt voice suddenly cut in. Liv looked up, startled, to see Dimus approaching with Philip in tow.

Liv wasn’t exactly speaking ill of him, but she still felt embarrassed and hesitated. In that brief moment, Dimus gestured toward the maid and Noah, and Philip smoothly led the two away.

Noah seemed like he wanted to talk more with Liv, but whatever Philip whispered to him worked, and the boy soon smiled brightly and said goodbye.

Dimus glanced at Philip, who was walking away with the boy, then turned his gaze to Liv.

“I wasn’t saying anything bad about you.”

“I know you aren’t the type to do such things.”

He replied easily, his gaze shifting to the inside of the studio that Liv had been examining.

“What do you think of your hobby?”

“One thing’s for sure.”

Liv looked into the studio, following his gaze. Standing straight, with her hands neatly clasped, she took in all the unusual details that had caught her attention earlier—all the absurd, extravagant items.

“Someone is very eager to please me.”

At her words, Dimus let out a small laugh. He was clearly well aware of how over-the-top the scene before them appeared.

“From ‘bad person’ to ‘someone eager to please you.'”

“Did my words offend you?”

“No. I was just surprised at how accurate you are.”

He certainly didn’t seem offended. In fact, he looked somewhat amused. His faint smile left his expression completely unguarded.

Liv found herself staring at him blankly. His sharp jawline, tightly shut lips, high-bridged nose, piercing blue eyes, and platinum hair slightly tousled over his forehead…

No statue in the world could match this man in real life. Just seeing his face filled her with pure awe.

It was because of that face that Liv had found it hard to accept reality.

The healthy Corida, a peaceful and abundant life, and an extraordinary fiancé who adored her…

“Honestly, this moment right now is the life I always dreamed of.”

Still mesmerized by Dimus, Liv slowly continued, “If I said it feels like God has given me a gift, would that be too childish a thought?”

Dimus shifted his gaze from the studio to Liv. “If it makes you happy, it doesn’t matter. Believe it’s a gift from God if you want to.”

“But all of this is really a gift from you, Dimus.”

Somehow feeling shy under his gaze, Liv lowered her eyes. A blush spread across her cheeks, and a bashful smile appeared.

“Then, you’re my god, Dimus.”

Dimus’s gaze wavered. He stared down at Liv for a long while, then cautiously cupped her face.

Liv did not avoid him as he leaned in closer.

As their lips met, warmth spread between them—a familiar heat that felt instinctive.