“I’ve heard that with extra pay beyond the weekly wage, one can receive special services.”

“Oscar Walter von Oestenberg, I’m disappointed. How could you say such things! Making such vulgar accusations against those doing noble work!”

“It’s not an accusation. Don’t you know it too, Aunt? The world doesn’t run on goodwill alone. Things that shine brightly do so because they have equally deep darkness behind them.”

Even endeavors that begin with good intentions can degrade over time. More maliciously so. 

The woman he loved like life itself and the aide he trusted enough to entrust his life both changed their hearts and betrayed him. 

What he once believed without doubt to be love had now transformed into hatred and vengeance.

For Oscar, who might have to live in hell for longer than the time he loved Claire, nothing seemed eternal.

Whether Mrs. Medwin fumed or not, Oscar pushed forward with his stubbornness.

“Anyway, no one knows my condition better than I do. So what you did was unnecessary. I’ve managed well on my own until now. And I will continue to do so.”

Despite Oscar’s adamant words, Mrs. Medwin didn’t back down.

“No more arguments. Starting next Monday, someone will visit three times a week. I’ve already told your secretary Warren to keep those times open, so be aware.”

Mrs. Medwin had a resolute character that required her to follow through once she made up her mind.

“Oscar, don’t forget. I’m also an Oestenberg.”

Knowing that when his aunt took this tone, no one could change her mind, Oscar spoke in a half-resigned manner.

“Fine. But if this volunteer quits, please never force such a thing on me again.”

“I agree. In return, don’t be rude to the volunteer. This is a request.”

Oscar twisted his lips into a smile and added:

“Whatever happens from now on is entirely your fault, Aunt. I’ve warned you.”

Mrs. Medwin felt chilled by Oscar’s words but didn’t waver in her determination. 

Oscar’s perfectionism and controlling tendencies had worsened since the war, and Mrs. Medwin felt troubled by the thought that this too might be a post-war trauma.

That’s why she felt even more strongly the need for a third person, neither herself nor Heather, someone who could be another pair of eyes for Oscar. Despite knowing that building rapport with the meticulous Oscar would be difficult for any volunteer, she couldn’t give up.

‘Am I perhaps making a mistake?’

But it was too late to take back her words. Mrs. Medwin felt guilty toward Jacqueline who would take on her nephew and apologized inwardly.

‘Miss Carroll, I’m truly sorry. It seems I always ask you to do difficult things.’

* * *

【 Prejudice and Distrust 】

“Did you know about this too, Director?”

“Hmm… This is a check issued by Silverman Bank in the Gran Caillou district. It’s the wealthiest private bank. I doubt it’s a forged check.”

“I’m not asking whether it’s forged or not.”

“Aren’t you pleased with the surprise gift?”

“Even surprise gifts have their limits. I have no reason or qualification to receive this money.”

“Then, shall we return it to Friedman’s family?”

“That’s…”

The reason Pers Friedman disliked his family was self-loathing. Revealing a large inheritance to people exactly like him in character would sow seeds of discord. Carlson had a duty to inform this conscientious young lady about the harsh reality.

“Friedman disliked his family because they were similar to him in character. Miss Carroll, think about it. Could you handle dozens of Friedmans by yourself?”

“Waaah! I couldn’t!”

“So please respect his wishes.”

“But with such a large sum of money appearing suddenly, I don’t know what to do. It’s frightening too.”

Jacqueline looked at the large sum of money with suspicion. The money Pers Friedman left was enough to live without working for over ten years by the capital’s commoner standards.

“There are tax issues and many other concerns.”

“Your uncle Michael will resolve those. His specialty is inheritance and disputes.”

After her consultation with Carlson had somewhat sorted things out, Jacqueline apologized for her rudeness.

“I must have surprised you by visiting your home so late, but thank you for consulting with me so willingly.”

“Not at all.”

“Then, rest well.”

“By the way, Miss Carroll. Have you seen the documents for your next patient?”

“No, I was just about to look at them.”

“Hmm…”

“Why do you ask?”

“I have a feeling you’ll be visiting me again.”

Jacqueline thought Carlson was joking and laughed brightly, saying he shouldn’t worry because she wouldn’t visit again, then left the mansion.

* * *

The Oestenberg family’s main residence, Hildegard House.

Heather and the household staff anxiously awaited the guest. Their master was particularly ill-tempered today. 

There had been a conflict with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry over typewriter patents. They knew receiving a guest in such a state was terrible, but Heather considered it the visitor’s fate.

Even head maid Nora, who was trying to control the nervous maids, was equally anxious inside. Though she intended to welcome the guest respectfully according to Mrs. Medwin’s instructions, she too wasn’t pleased about the visitor’s arrival. 

The mansion’s atmosphere had been tense since the master and Mrs. Medwin had argued a few days ago.

The devout Nora prayed to God:

‘If this person will bring turmoil to our master’s life that has stabilized after long wandering and to our quieted mansion, I beseech that they turn back before crossing the threshold.’

When the front door opened and the guest entered, all the household staff bowed in unison. 

They raised their heads to see the face of the unfortunate volunteer who would likely soon be expelled from the mansion. Curious or hostile gazes focused on one person.

Standing before many people, Jacqueline was frozen in place. She had been overwhelmed with pressure since riding in the chauffeur-driven car. 

The chauffeur-driven car, the magnificent mansion scenery, and the dignified employees’ greetings. Jacqueline felt a different kind of pressure than with Pers Friedman.

‘I wasn’t this shocked even when I first visited the Hennessy family mansion…’

Though she felt sorry for the Hennessy family, nouveau riche could never match the elegance of old nobility. 

No matter how much money they spent showing off their wealth, it was merely an expensive luxury compared to an antique vase passed down through generations. Of course, Hildegard House was larger and had more staff.

Overwhelmed by it all, Jacqueline was consumed by the feeling that she shouldn’t be here.

‘Should I turn back now?’

“Ah, hello?”

When Jacqueline greeted them while trembling, Heather stepped forward as a representative, greeted her, and briefly introduced himself.

“Welcome, Miss Carroll. I am Heather, who serves Master Oscar.”

“Yes, Mr. Heather.”

“Heather is sufficient. The master is in his office, so I will guide you there.”

Afraid of losing sight of Heather, Jacqueline walked closely behind him. Even while following him in a daze, she glanced at the gold and marble-gleaming entrance hall and the corridor lined with classical paintings. 

The mansion’s interior was so splendid she didn’t know where to look, and the items placed throughout were treasures that couldn’t be obtained even with money.

Heather, guiding her to the study, felt sympathy for the pitifully nervous young lady. So he, who rarely spoke beyond what was necessary, initiated conversation.

“Sharon has praised you highly, Miss Carroll. She said you’re a talented student who attended Labon Education College and a young lady of impeccable character.”

Jacqueline looked confused, not knowing who this Sharon person was that the butler mentioned. Then, recalling Mrs. Medwin’s name, she finally smiled.

“Thank you for saying so. Mrs. Medwin is truly a wonderful person. There’s probably no volunteer or patient who doesn’t like her. Including myself.”

Jacqueline had met many intellectuals, but she had never seen anyone as perfect as Mrs. Medwin, who possessed both wisdom and virtue. 

She briefly explained to Heather how she had saved a child who nearly died from a blocked airway using emergency treatment she learned from Mrs. Medwin.

“If it weren’t for her, a precious life would have been lost.”

“I see.”

Mrs. Medwin was the Lungen Republic’s first female doctor, a heroine who served as medical staff on rough battlefields, and countless republic soldiers owed their lives to her surgeries. 

For this reason, Mrs. Medwin was called the Lady of the Battlefield and received respect and support from many. Jacqueline considered it fortunate to receive guidance from such a person.

“With all that power, she never once used her knowledge or influence for personal matters. How could one not respect her?”

Jacqueline found it difficult to refuse the request of someone she admired and respected. However, taking on Oscar von Oestenberg solely because of her respect for Mrs. Medwin still felt burdensome.

‘The atmosphere wasn’t welcoming to me.’

Having eaten many cold meals since childhood, Jacqueline was skilled at discerning others’ thoughts from their gazes. 

She already knew there wasn’t a single person in this mansion who was friendly toward her. 

That’s why she found it surprising when the middle-aged gentleman who was the head butler spoke to her first.