“Second, if the treatment fails, we will accept the punishment. But if any problems arise from terms not previously agreed upon, we want a guarantee that we won’t be held responsible for them.”
“That’s a difficult promise to make. The young lord is not an expert in medicine, so he may make incorrect judgments…”
Roman frowned immediately, preparing to protest, but my father cut him off.
“In that case, you may have a trusted medical expert review the plan alongside him. We’re already compromising a lot. If even that’s not acceptable, then the Duke’s household has no right to judge whether our treatment plan is correct or not.”
“……”
Wow, go Dad!
I always thought he was gentle, but now I could see he knew how to press back when needed.
Roman had lost his earlier composure and now replied with a much more serious expression.
“…Very well. Are those all your demands?”
“One more. Please put everything we’ve just discussed into a written contract and have it notarized by someone trustworthy.”
Dad paused for a moment after saying that, then added,
“If you agree to that, we will do everything we can to treat the young lady.”
Hearing his firm and reasonable words made me feel proud of him.
He’s basically saying, ‘We’ll give our best, so you show sincerity too.’
Roman didn’t say anything right away. He just blinked slowly, then let out a resigned smile.
…Is he actually smiling?
“Very well. I will report this to the young lord. Is there anything else?”
Dad gave a small shake of his head, indicating that was all.
“Understood. I’ll speak to the young lord and get back to you.”
Roman gave a small bow and turned to leave. I turned to look at Dad.
He let out a deep sigh and slumped his shoulders wearily.
“Dad? Are you okay?”
Dad hung his head low. His light brown hair trembled slightly as it fell softly.
Then—
“Hehe… ha… pfft—HAHAHA!”
Dad suddenly lifted his head and burst into childlike laughter. His radiant smile made him look like someone in his 20s.
“Ria, thank you so much.”
Still smiling, Dad looked at me with grateful eyes.
Well, we did manage to find a sliver of hope in this mess. Of course he’d feel relieved.
I smiled back.
After all, I only got this chance thanks to Dad’s courage.
“Don’t mention it. You did all the work, Dad.”
***
Not long after, Roman sent a message. Here was the summary of the important points:
- The contract would be written after reviewing the treatment plan, based on mutual agreement.
- The notarization would be done by the temple.
Well, that’s fair enough.
Both Dad and I were somewhat satisfied that the Duke’s household had agreed to this much.
Of course, from the young lord’s perspective, this was probably a way to avoid blame from the Emperor later…
In the end, we headed to the main building of the mansion to begin the young lady’s examination.
The mansion was huge. We walked for quite a while and still hadn’t reached our destination.
…But doesn’t the whole place feel kind of creepy?
There was a cold, lifeless atmosphere hanging over everything.
I unknowingly rubbed my arm, trying to shake off the chills as I followed the maid.
“This way, please.”
Eventually, a woman who introduced herself as the young lady’s personal maid stopped in front of a large door.
So this is our first meeting.
I felt nervous. With only 20 minutes allowed, I began reviewing my questions in my head.
Then the maid handed us something made of leather.
“The young lady’s illness may be contagious. Please wear this.”
My eyes went wide like a rabbit’s.
Wait—why is this here?
I’d seen it before in history books.
It was the plague doctor mask worn during medieval times to prevent airborne infections.
That long, bird-like beak was unmistakable.
Just looking at it made fear creep up in me.
How serious is this illness if we have to wear something like this?
Even my mom was quarantined at home, but she never needed anything this extreme.
I felt a chill run down my neck.
I didn’t want to wear it, but it also felt wrong to refuse.
So I reluctantly put on the mask that made me look like a crow.
Ugh, what is this smell?
As soon as I put it on, the awful stench of leather hit me hard.
While I was grimacing at the musty odor, the maid turned to knock on the door.
“My lady, this is Aileen. We’re coming in now.”
Creaaak.
The door opened with a sharp creaking sound.
The young lady’s room was finally revealed.
***
The room was enormous—even more than expected for someone of noble rank.
In fact, it didn’t feel like a bedroom at all.
It was one giant space, like a ballroom converted into a room. And it wasn’t decorated like a child’s room, but rather filled with ominous items.
What’s with this creepy room?
There were strange statues placed all around, and the walls were covered with pictures of a goddess called “Euphrasia,” almost like talismans.
I’d go insane staying here for even a week.
While I was busy scanning the unusual space, Aileen walked over to a large rocking chair by the window as if it were routine.
“My lady, we’ve brought the new doctors.”
“I told you I don’t need them…”
“But the young lord insisted—”
“That stupid young lord again! You’re supposed to be my maid! Why do you only talk about my brother? If that’s how it is, go be his maid!”
The girl—Lily—screamed and jumped up, then threw a candle holder at Aileen’s feet.
Self-defensive aggression.
I kept my eyes on Lily, observing her every move carefully.
She continued yelling extreme things, but Aileen didn’t react. She was probably told not to respond to such behavior.
Hmm… something’s definitely off.
I looked more closely at Lily.
Her shiny blond hair, lake-like eyes, delicate facial features—she was beautiful.
She wore expensive jewelry and looked every bit like a noble’s daughter.
At first glance, you wouldn’t even know she was sick.
Only her slim figure hinted at poor appetite or health.
Then it happened.
“Agh…!”
Maybe frustrated by Aileen’s silence, Lily grabbed a wooden toy nearby and threw it at her.
Thud.
The toy struck Aileen’s hand.
Only then did Aileen cry out softly and grab her hand.
“She’s bleeding! Aileen is bleeding!”
My panicked cry drew everyone’s attention to Aileen.
It looked like the sharp corner of the toy had split the skin on her thin hand.
“That’s enough, young lady.”
Dad finally stepped in and stood protectively in front of Lily.
He always believed no one—regardless of status—should treat another person like that.
Lily frowned, her eyes welling up with tears.
“What do you know?! I didn’t do anything wrong!”
She pushed Dad away and ran to her grand bed, diving under the blankets.
It was like a little hill had formed on the bed where she curled up, as pitiful as an overturned rice bowl.
“…Adelia, can you take the maid back to our room and tend to her wound?”
“Yes, don’t worry.”
It looked like Dad wanted to stay and talk to Lily a bit more.
He, too, seemed to sense that something deeper than illness was going on here.
I gave him a small nod and gently helped Aileen out of the room.
