Odalisque - Chapter 178

“They should have taken the painting down. It wasn’t agreed upon in the first place, and they said it was just added today.” “I see.” “We’re

“They should have taken the painting down. It wasn’t agreed upon in the first place, and they said it was just added today.”

“I see.”

“We’re also looking for the person who submitted the painting. I’m sure that Marquis Dietrion has heard about it by now, and he’s not going to stand still. Whoever it is, they have done something they can’t handle.”

“Is that so?”

“… Miss Rhodes, are you sure you’re okay?”

Liv, who had been staring blankly into space, blinked slowly and then raised her head.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Her voice didn’t sound the least bit troubled to her own ears. Nevertheless, Camille’s face sank darkly.

Glancing toward the warehouse door, Camille hesitated for a moment before asking in a cautious tone.

“Did you not get a good look at the painting earlier?”

“If you mean the nude painting, yes, I saw it.”

Speechless, Camille fell silent. Liv, who had been staring at him, finally parted her lips.

“You’re the one who called the staff, aren’t you, Mr. Marcel? Thank you for removing the painting.”

Camille, who had been silent with a complicated expression, brushed his face.

“… I was there when they were selecting the works for the outdoor exhibition. I heard that the exhibition was starting today, so I came by to check on it, and when I found it, I called the staff. I should have cleaned it up sooner…”

He seemed rather confused, or maybe he was blaming himself. Either way, it was a pleasant surprise, and a little funny.

After watching Camille with a strange look in her eyes, Liv glanced back toward the door.

Has the Marquis heard by now that I’m with Camille? He’d told me not to hang out with him, so he’d surely be furious if he heard the news. He’d probably also heard it with the news of the painting, so would he be doubly furious?

No, no. Even if he was angry, would that make the chatter out there go away?

“There’s a lot of talk about me in social circles these days, isn’t there?”

Liv asked in a casual voice, and Camille looked up in surprise, then froze as his eyes locked with hers.

“You’re a hotbed for gossip, aren’t you, Mr. Marcel? I’m sure you know about it.”

“Well, that’s…”

Camille couldn’t bring himself to answer the question.

Unknown to him though, his demeanor was more of a definitive answer than anything else.

“I’m sure I’ll be much more famous after today.”

As the Marquis had hoped, she would now have to stay home and be a pretty statue. Liv couldn’t help but chuckle.

If the shameful rumors were to spread and cause Liv to be isolated, the Marquis would likely be more than happy for it. She wondered if the whispers that tormented her were actually the Marquis’ doing. She felt like the Marquis was more than capable of doing that.

Did he say he wanted to keep her locked up?

But what if his interest waned after he’d locked her up and favored her? Once he lost interest, he’d withdraw all his kindness as though nothing happened in the first place. Then she would be left in the cold basement, staring blankly at a door that may never open again.

And what if the Marquis was really, as the Lady of Malte Duchy said, going to put an end to all this country life and leave to seek back his honor?

What would become of her who had been left behind?

“There’s one thing I’m curious about. What’s the relationship between Marquis Dietrion and Lady Malte?”

Camille looked puzzled by her sudden question and slowly parted his lips.

“… I know that there was once a talk of an engagement between them. But it was more of a political relationship than one based on love. It seems that the Marquis is also related to Cardinal Calliope.”

Not only the Lady of the Malte, but also Cardinal Calliope.

The mention of such great names didn’t feel real to her at all. She could only feel that he probably didn’t tell her anything because he was entangled with such great people.

Well, the Marquis said it’s as natural as water flowing downward. Exchange was only possible when she was on the same level.

Whatever his life had been like for him to bear such scars on his body, he was still a rose, blooming high, just out of her reach. And she was the fool who had reached out to touch it, somehow, and ended up falling over thorn bushes.

“I just got fired from the Vendons barony.”

“Oh… I’m sorry to hear that.”

“In that regard, you said if I needed any help, I should ask.”

Liv looked at Camille, whose eyes now widened, and gave him a faint smile.

“I know I’m being shameless, but can I ask for your help?”

I’m sorry, Coryda.

I thought I’d hold out until you were cured, but I can’t.

***

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