Chapter 145

Coryda was becoming more sociable these days, perhaps due to the increased number of people she was interacting with. And for Millian, she would have looked favorably on Coryda simply because she was Liv’s sister.

“Why didn’t you ever bring Coryda along before? If I had met her earlier, we could have gotten to know each other and had fun together.”

Throughout her time in the Vendons barony, Liv had mentioned having a sick sister but had refrained from divulging further details. Revisiting her family’s unfortunate history would serve no purpose, and she knew it would only bring her discomfort and sadness.

But now that circumstances were looking up and Coryda’s health was improving, Liv felt a sense of joy seeing Millian and Coryda getting along.

“I’m glad to hear you two hit it off.”

“Millian invited me to hang out.”

“I heard a festival is going to be held by the lake to celebrate the Peace Pilgrimage’s visit! Can’t I go with Coryda?”

Liv, initially prepared to brush off the comment as inconsequential, paused as she heard Millian’s specific suggestion.

“A festival?”

You two just met today and you’ve already made plans to go out?

Observing Liv’s hesitancy to give an immediate response, Coryda swiftly chimed in to support Millian’s proposition.

“The doctor told me that I could go out last time! She said I’ve gotten a lot better!”

Coryda was well aware of her sister’s excessive concern about her wellbeing, even when it came to spending time in the yard. So, instead of relying on her own subjective feelings of improvement, she cited Thierry’s professional assessment to gain permission.

Liv furrowed her brows, thinking about it for a moment. Although Thierry’s evaluation of Coryda’s condition had been positive, Liv’s years of being overly cautious and protective made her feel reluctant at the prospect of going out.

Yet, witnessing Coryda’s eager anticipation—the look of someone who had never truly enjoyed a festival—made it difficult for Liv to decline.

Moreover, considering the security and escorts that accompanied Millian whenever she ventured out, this might be a rare chance for Coryda to experience the outside world safely.

“We still have a few days left, so let’s talk to your doctor again and decide.”

Liv decided to leave it at that, and that answer alone made Coryda’s face light up. Millian, too, sounded excited at the possibility of playing with a new friend.

“You mentioned that the Marquis had arranged for you to purchase the new medicine! I’m sure Coryda will be well enough to go out in no time!”

That’s right, new medicine. Not only Coryda had access to a good doctor, but she now had access to the new medicine.

The thought of it had caused the worry in Liv’s mind slowly dissipating.

“Yeah.”

The change had been so miraculous that it seemed trivial to grumble about such minor concerns. Her life had improved dramatically, so why should she let external perceptions bother her?

As Liv observed Millian and Coryda, she made a decision. She would face envy and jealousy with resilience. After all, there was no need to be well-regarded by everyone. As long as those closest to her remained unchanged, misunderstandings from others could be endured.

If she could have this much peace and the Marquis’ side, she could handle whatever rumor it might be.

***

Ever since the Marquis and Liv’s visit to the pharmacy and boutique, rumors had been swirling in Buerno for some time.

However, the rumors were contained to some extent due to Liv’s undisclosed identity and the absence of subsequent sightings. The descriptions available were insufficient to pinpoint a specific individual based solely on hair or eye color.

While Liv’s identity might have been revealed to certain influential figures in Buerno like Millian, they appeared to be observing the situation rather than approaching her immediately.

The situation was less tumultuous than Liv had anticipated. She even wondered if the rumors might fade away entirely if they continued to lose steam. Nonetheless, complete disappearance seemed unlikely due to Liv’s upcoming visits to acquire the new medicine and the tailored dress.

People at Hyslop recognized Liv at once. The doorkeeper who had been rude to Liv twice was nowhere to see, and Liv was led to the inner lounge with a warm welcome. The owner had apparently heard about how the doorkeeper had kicked her out on her first visit to Hyslop.

All the new medicine Hyslop had acquired was provided to Liv. Having already received assurances from Thierry that the new medicine could accelerate Coryda’s recovery twice as fast, Liv felt like she had the world at her fingertips.

“We can send this item to your home if you provide us with your address.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll still come and pick this up myself.”

Given that she was now the center of attention, it would be wise not to leave an address. Besides, if the medicine was meant to be delivered, the Marquis would have sent an errand boy in the first place.

Liv rejected the kind offer from the owner of Hyslop and rose to her feet. She had to move efficiently if she were to visit the boutique as well.

The boutique she had visited with the Marquis was the largest in Buerno. She expected there would be a lot of customers there. However, upon her arrival, the boutique was unexpectedly vacant.

This came as a surprise to Liv, who knew the popularity of the bustling boutique from afar.

She briefly wondered if the boutique was closed for the day.

Pausing at the boutique entrance, Liv was about to push the door open when someone emerged from inside.