“Mrs. Rohasch is quite remarkable. Honestly, I didn’t think you two would work out.”

“To tell the truth, neither did I…”

Melinda and Michael, who found love later in life after many twists and turns, seemed determined to make up for lost time, their passion burning daily. 

Watching them trust, yearn for, and love each other with storm-like intensity made Jacqueline both embarrassed and excited.

She briefly imagined what it might be like to meet a gentle man like Michael. If a devoted man like him were to actively court her…

‘Who am I kidding?’

Her meager imagination didn’t last long. Jacqueline shook her head and continued organizing her belongings. 

The space, which had contained only large furniture before, now looked like a proper home with household items and necessities filling it. Anette stretched and said:

“Now it finally looks like someone lives here.”

“Thanks for your help. Without you, I would’ve struggled to settle in.”

“It’s nothing. Neighbors should help each other. If you really want to thank me, watch Theo occasionally. He doesn’t bark and throw tantrums like before. He must be getting older because lately he just sleeps all the time.”

“Of course I will. Theo is special to me too.”

“I think you and I are the only ones who treat dogs like human children. Anyway, I’m counting on you. Welcome back, neighbor.”

“Likewise, neighbor.”

“Oh, I’m having a party with some friends this evening, so don’t be late, okay?”

“Got it. I’ll just stop by the association office and come straight home.”

* * *

Walking in the autumn rain, Jacqueline smiled brightly at maple leaves scattered on the gray-tiled road. The scattered leaves looked somewhat like dog paw prints. 

She picked up a maple leaf that was still intact with vibrant red coloring.

“I have something to tell Lord von Oestenberg.”

Jacqueline held the leaf stem between her fingertips, twirling it while humming a tune.

At the association office, Jacqueline approached Manon, the accountant, handed over her attendance record, and settled her weekly pay.

“Five gold coins, five silver coins, and 55 leaves.”

“Thank you.”

Volunteers earned considerably more than other professions. 

The average annual salary for ordinary workers ranged between ten to twelve gold coins, and a family of four could live comfortably for a month on one gold coin and 10 leaves, so volunteers were considered high earners. 

High earners received weekly payments, which was why Jacqueline visited the association office every week despite the inconvenience.

The office was still bustling with women who had seen advertisements for trainee recruitment at the education center. 

The gender ratio among volunteers was overwhelmingly female, as the job of building close relationships with patients while providing care matched well with meticulous and sensitive temperaments.

Manon clicked her tongue at the line of applicants.

“Applications have increased since that article came out saying volunteers earn five times more than regular workers. But you know, Miss Carroll, most of them won’t even make it through the education center’s door.”

“I heard they’re not being as selective these days because they need to fill staffing shortages. Would you like to try, Miss Manon?”

“Me? Goodness, no. How could I endure that difficult training process? I’m perfectly content just accurately calculating weekly payments for you volunteers.”

Manon’s adamant refusal was understandable. Becoming a volunteer required learning not only medical knowledge but also communication skills and various liberal arts subjects. 

Monthly examinations were administered, and failing three times meant immediate dismissal. The verification process was so rigorous that people without basic education couldn’t survive it.

The training was so grueling that even Jacqueline, who enjoyed studying, found it unbearable. Of those who entered the education center with her, very few ultimately became volunteers. 

Even among those who completed the volunteer course, many became private nurses for wealthy families or specialized medical professionals at large hospitals, leaving the Volunteer Association perpetually short-staffed.

Manon, well aware of Pers Friedman’s notorious reputation, held Jacqueline in high regard for having been his dedicated volunteer.

“I could never do what you do, Miss Carroll, not even if I died and came back to life. First Mr. Friedman and now him…”

Despite her respect and admiration for Oscar, Manon absolutely declined the idea of becoming his dedicated volunteer. Jacqueline spoke, seemingly voicing Manon’s thoughts:

“To be honest, I find it burdensome too.”

“I’m sure you do. So many watchful eyes. By the way, you’ve actually met him in person.”

Manon suddenly became curious about Jacqueline’s thoughts. Could she really be unmoved while being next to such a man?

“Some ladies say they’d gladly accept a tragic fate if it meant being with him. Do you truly have no personal interest in him at all, Miss Carroll?”

“If I had such interest, I couldn’t take on this job. It’s unlikely, but if I ever developed feelings inappropriate for a volunteer, I would resign.”

Jacqueline, unlike Muriel, didn’t covet things beyond her reach, things that couldn’t be hers. 

When she was young, she received an exceptionally large apple through a sponsor’s kindness, which resulted in being ostracized by the other children for a while. 

Jacqueline learned then that life becomes difficult when people don’t live within their means.

‘What does Mrs. Medwin see in someone lacking like me?’

Previously, Jacqueline had gone to the coordinator, pleading to be replaced because she felt inadequate. But the coordinator repeatedly stated that it was difficult to change a volunteer-patient match once established.

‘If volunteers could pick patients according to their preferences, what patient would trust us with their care? It also contradicts the organization’s founding principles.’

The coordinator had a point. Pers Friedman had been a special case, and most patients didn’t want to change their assigned volunteers. For this reason, Jacqueline’s protest went unheeded. 

In the end, she was forced to reluctantly take on the volunteer position for Oscar von Oestenberg.

Even Jacqueline, who disliked confrontation, didn’t appreciate being asked such questions repeatedly. Manon realized her mistake from Jacqueline’s expression. 

Though sometimes careless and frivolous in her speech, she wasn’t a bad person, and she quickly recognized her error and apologized to Jacqueline.

“How could I possibly doubt your professional integrity? I was just amazed that two people I admire met through such a connection… I meant nothing by it. Anyway, I’m truly sorry. You must already be dealing with various misunderstandings…”

As news spread about Jacqueline inheriting a large sum of money from Pers Friedman, people who envied her gradually increased. 

While Pers Friedman was alive, people had been cautious with their words due to his difficult personality, but now that he was gone, rumors were beginning to circulate.

Jealous individuals refused to acknowledge the ideal professional relationship between the patient and volunteer. 

Somehow, rumors began spreading that Jacqueline had tamed Pers Friedman through “special services.”

The malicious rumors intensified when Jacqueline became Oscar von Oestenberg’s dedicated volunteer.

Realizing that continuing the conversation with Manon would only be detrimental, Jacqueline ended their chat.

“See you next time.”

“Yes, Miss Carroll.”

As she was about to leave the office, she heard someone calling her and turned her head.

“Who are you?”

* * *

Heather finally relaxed today after seeing Oscar eat a proper meal.

‘If only he would continue eating like this. When will he ever take a break from work?’

Heather worried constantly that his young master might work himself to death and precede him to the afterlife. Oblivious to Heather’s burning concern, Oscar gave instructions to Warren with an innocent face.

“Go to the Boer Trading Company and tell them we’ll adjust the copper quantity, so they should delay orders for now.”

“Should I inform the shell casing factory as well?”

“No need. I’ve already instructed them to make construction components for hot water pipes.”

“Hmm, that’s an aggressive investment.”

“Business must evolve with the times.”

“Wise words, sir.”

“And what about the background check I requested?”

“I’ll report on that now.”

Warren recited Jacqueline’s life story exactly as he had investigated it. Oscar immediately understood why his aunt had recommended that talkative woman.

“From textile factory worker to university student… I have to admire her tenacity.”

“Her records with the police and courts are clean. Her background from past to present is clear, so there’s no possibility she’s an enemy spy.”

Enemy nations knew Oscar was affiliated with the secret intelligence bureau and always kept a close eye on him. 

In such circumstances, bringing someone into the mansion required extreme caution. Warren understood Oscar’s obsession. He himself was on the verge of developing misanthropy after repeatedly uncovering people’s shameful secrets.

“Her diligence actually bothers me. I’ve never met an ambitious woman who wasn’t hardworking. Records can be fabricated easily. Is there anything else? Any reputation or rumors?”

“I was just about to mention this. She recently inherited an enormous sum of money. 24,000 leaves in cash, they say.”

“Didn’t you say she was from an orphanage? Did some wealthy relative suddenly appear?”

“Well… she inherited it from a previous patient she cared for.”

Oscar smiled coldly with satisfaction, seemingly vindicated in his suspicions.