Odalisque - Chapter 176

Whereas Buerno was bustling with activity due to the Cardinal, Liv’s home was quiet.

Even after their little disagreement in the restaurant, her relationship with the Marquis hadn’t changed. He still called on Liv frequently, coveted her body, and often invited her to stay through the night.

However, perhaps following the Marquis’ instruction, Adolf and Coryda were no longer spending time alone. Nor did he seem to be suggesting strange things to Coryda when Liv was out of earshot.

Judging by Coryda’s reaction… No, maybe even if nothing had changed, Coryda was likely more careful with her words in front of Liv. After all, she could discern what words would hurt Liv’s heart.

In the big picture, her life hadn’t changed. However, Liv could no longer believe in anything. She was no longer under the ridiculous fantasy that some great stroke of luck had come into her life, as she had been before.

She no longer anxiously tried to read the Marquis to get his attention, nor did she rack her brains to find out more about him.

Instead, she maintained the obedient demeanor that the Marquis expected of her. For some reason, the Marquis seemed to be dissatisfied by Liv’s demeanor, which only puzzled her. It was him, though, who wanted her to be like a plant.

Regardless, it didn’t matter.

All of Liv’s attention was focused on Coryda’s health. Fortunately, the new medicine had worked well with her body, and now she didn’t bleed so much when she got injured. She’d also gained weight and gotten plump, so she was looking pretty healthy.

Liv’s only regret was that she couldn’t take Coryda out with her. With all the talk about her still out there, she couldn’t bring herself to go out with her.

She had wondered if the Cardinal’s visit would make things better, but unfortunately, the gossip about Liv seemed to be taken as an extra. In fact, it seemed to have gotten worse.

As proof, Liv was now facing the heavy face of Baroness Vendons.

“It’s been a long time, Miss Rhodes.”

This was a private room in a fancy coffee house in Buerno. The Baroness had booked it unilaterally, and the location alone suggested that she didn’t want anyone to see her meeting with Liv.

“Yes. Long time no see, ma’am. By the way, aren’t you busy with guests lately? I would have visited your mansion if you’d called me.”

In response to Liv’s decent words, Baroness Vendons’ expression stiffened awkwardly.

Could it mean that the rumors were so bad that she would not be allowed inside the mansion? If so, she might have to be grateful for the Baroness’ willingness to meet her face to face one last time.

“Miss Rhodes, I know how hard you’ve worked to teach our little Millian. She’s relied on you a lot, and I’m grateful for that.”

Baroness Vendons seemed to see no need for prolonged greetings, cutting straight to the chase.

Actually, this direction of conversation was somewhat expected. Liv had gotten a feeling about it the day Millian and Coryda’s promise had been broken.

Ah, so this is how it will end.

“With the Cardinal in Buerno, I don’t want to make any unnecessary noise.”

“I understand.”

Baroness Vendons pressed her lips into a straight line as Liv nodded in silence. Staring at the glass in front of her with perplexed eyes, the Baroness sighed.

“I was going to watch as quietly as possible, and make my decision carefully. At least from what I’ve seen of you, you’re not what the public says you are. But I can’t watch any longer, and it seems to be affecting Millian negatively.”

“Yes, I completely understand. … However, would you mind giving me a little time to say goodbye to Millian one last time?”

Liv understood that she couldn’t continue the lesson, but with all the time they’d known each other, shouldn’t she at least say goodbye herself?

At Liv’s request, Baroness Vendons shook her head, showing disapproval.

“I was going to avoid talking about it since it’s embarrassing, but I happened to see a painting on my way here today. I was quite surprised. After seeing it, I can’t allow you to meet with—”

“A painting?”

“Yes.”

Seeing Liv’s expression, Baroness Vendons narrowed her eyes.

“… You don’t know?”

Liv blinked rapidly and pursed her lips. Her mind was gradually turning blank.

“What painting… are you talking about…?”

“The outdoor exhibition that started today.”

Liv could vaguely remember it. Camille had told her before that there was going to be an outdoor exhibition near the art gallery to commemorate the Cardinal’s visit.

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