Odalisque - Chapter 153

Liv now traveled in the black carriage for all her outings. The guards stationed near her house were still there.

Her outings had always been infrequent. If she were to go out to teach Millian, she would have done so, but it had been a while since her last visit due to the Vendons preparing to welcome guests, effectively confining her indoors.

Her already small life radius had become even smaller. Most of the people she met now were from either the Verworth or the Lanxess manor. Yet, even among these, besides the familiar faces of Philip, Adolf, and a few employees, she remained somewhat of a stranger.

Although she found it frustrating, it wasn’t like she wanted to escape this life. Her lack of wandering around the city of Buerno meant she remained oblivious to the city’s gossip, and this ignorance made her less tired.

She couldn’t remain in this quiet forever, anyway.

Therefore, Liv decided to treat this period as a short vacation. After all, she had been working so hard to make ends meet. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to indulge in a period of idleness and inactivity.

Soon enough, after living such a leisurely life, the time came to use the opera ticket she had received from the Marquis.

…

The appointment was scheduled for the evening, yet Liv had prepared herself a bit earlier. Today, unlike her usual attire, there were many details she had to attend to.

To begin with, she had a variety of different garments she had recently been fitted for. Changing into them required Coryda’s assistance due to the numerous adjustments that were needed.

“Liv, you’re so beautiful!”

Coryda clapped her hands in admiration. Liv smiled awkwardly at her, then took a seat in front of the mirror.

Having never worn makeup to match the fancy clothes and ornate jewelry, she was honestly a little overwhelmed. Nevertheless, she recognized the importance of making an effort rather than procrastinating and venturing out looking like an ugly mess.

The tailored garment draped more comfortably across her body than her usual attire. Yet, there was an odd sense of discomfort, despite the absence of any physical unease. Brushing aside this feeling, Liv took a deep, calming breath.

In the mirror, she saw a fair woman who had lost a few pounds and had a slightly sharper jawline.

Maybe it was because she’d been home for a while, but her face looked unusually lifeless. She even looked more lifeless than Coryda.

“Wow, that’s a beautiful necklace.….”

Liv looked over as she picked up her makeup. Coryda’s attention had shifted from Liv’s clothes to the jewelry she was going to wear.

“Oh, this is a gift from the Marquis, right?”

“Rather than a gift… Well, I can’t exactly go to the opera house looking too plain if I’m attending as his companion. I need to put on at least a minimal adornment.”

Although it was a bit too much jewelry for a minimal adornment.

Coryda, who had been staring at the diamond necklace with dazed eyes, suddenly snapped her head up and looked at Liv with a serious expression.

“Liv, I think it’s obvious that the Marquis likes you. It’s because of you that he’s supporting my treatment. I’m sure of it.”

Has she developed an interest in romance novels since getting to know Millian?

Liv thought about it for a moment, but quickly dismissed it.

Outside, people would openly discuss whether she was the Marquis’ mistress. Coryda had less contact with the outside world than Liv, so she was less exposed to bad rumors, but there was no telling when or where she might hear something unexpected. It was much better for her to be convinced of her romantic fantasies, even if they were delusional, than to be shaken by such rumors later.

Still, Liv couldn’t in all good conscience agree with Coryda, so she offered a vague excuse.

“Today, it’s just because he said he couldn’t find a good partner…”

“Liv. Don’t assume that just because I’m at home, I don’t know anything.”

Liv, feeling her conscience pricked, looked at Coryda with a somewhat rigid gaze. Coryda, seemingly unaware of Liv’s state of mind, crossed her arms and spoke triumphantly.

“They say people don’t spend time and money on people they don’t have any interest in.”

There was confidence in Coryda’s voice as she said it. Liv, who had been looking at Corrida in disbelief, narrowed her eyes and asked a question.

“Who in the world told you that?”

“Cyrielle!”

Oh, her friend from Mazurkhan.

“… Haah. I see you guys have a lot of diverse conversations.”

Liv had been curious about what topic could require so much letter paper between them, but evidently, Coryda was deeply engrossed in the interests typical of girls her age.

At the sudden revelation of Coryda’s friendship dynamics, Liv couldn’t help but emit a wry laugh. Misinterpreting her reaction, Coryda, with an unusually mature expression, patted Liv’s back.

“Liv, have courage. In my eyes, you are more valuable.”

It was an outrageous thing to say, but Coryda likely meant every word.

Even if the rest of the world accused Liv of daring to take on more than she deserved, Coryda would give her a thumbs up, saying that she was the best.

“Thank you for the kind words, Coryda.”

With Coryda by her side, helping her with small preparations, the rest of the time passed with relative ease, and she was able to finish ahead of schedule.

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