“Ah, it’s not like that,”
Dad said, looking troubled as he tried to explain.
“How should I put this… The lady’s illness isn’t really physical, but more of a mental issue. That’s why I think it needs to be treated differently.”
He added that he had a friend who studied such things and had learned a bit from them.
“I had heard of cases like this before, but as you know… people don’t really look kindly on patients like that.”
Dad explained that just like how the duke’s family locked the young lady away in a separate building, people here believed mental illness was caused by being possessed by evil spirits.
Sometimes, they even used cruel methods on such patients.
‘So that’s how it is… Even in a place like this where medicine isn’t advanced, they still recognize mental illness, but because there’s no treatment, they end up mistreating the patients instead.’
Even in my old world, understanding and acceptance of mental illness only improved recently.
So it wasn’t surprising that people in this underdeveloped world had such negative views.
‘Wait, then how does Dad plan to treat her?’
The methods Dad described for treating mental illness were awful—like locking the patient up, praying to the gods, or torturing them to keep them quiet.
As if he sensed my thoughts, Dad continued.
“But the fact that so many doctors have failed to cure her must mean a completely different method is needed.”
I felt a bit relieved hearing that.
“That’s why I remembered a book I read a long time ago from a distant country.”
“A book from another country?”
“Yes, it described how they treated similar patients with music.”
“Wow, that’s crazy—”
“Hmm? Ria? What did you say?”
“Ah, nothing! Please continue.”
I quickly smiled, hiding my shock.
‘So this world has something like music therapy too!’
I was excited.
In my old world, music and art therapy were known to help calm people and treat anxiety.
Just listening to good music can help someone feel more at peace. Actually playing music helps even more.
So Dad’s idea was definitely worth a try.
But…
‘The problem is that music therapy takes a long time…’
And since Dad only read about it once in a book, he didn’t have much knowledge of how to use it properly.
“But I’ve never actually used this method on a patient before… so I’m not sure if it’ll work. The book didn’t explain much either.”
I nodded in understanding.
‘Music might help the young lady, but what she really needs right now is something deeper.’
So I gently offered a different opinion.
“Um, Dad. I think—”
“Yes?”
“Your idea is really good. I agree that music can help calm her down, especially since she’s in such a fragile state.”
“You think so?”
Dad looked relieved at my words. But I continued with a slightly apologetic expression.
“Yes, but I don’t think it’ll be enough to completely cure her. If the problem is mental, she must’ve experienced something really traumatic. So I think the first step should be figuring out what that is.”
Dad blinked slowly, as if he was caught off guard.
Of course he was. People here didn’t even know viruses caused colds, let alone understand the cause of mental trauma.
“So, Dad… would it be okay if I wrote my own treatment plan and submitted it?”
Dad stayed silent, thinking deeply for a while.
Then he nodded.
“Alright, Ria. If you have a better method, it’s worth trying. But we’ll need permission from the head butler and the young master.”
“Of course! I’ll ask right away. But I’ll need to do some research first. Is it okay if I don’t help you for a while?”
“Haha, you’ve already helped so much. Don’t worry.”
Dad smiled warmly, and I sighed in relief and smiled back.
Thankfully, I had gotten his permission easily.
Now then—time to start investigating!
***
I stuffed my small bag with pens and notebooks and headed to the kitchen.
Depression usually affects a person’s most basic habits—cleaning, eating, and sleeping.
‘They said the maids do the cleaning, so food is the next thing to check.’
Diet is important when treating depression.
Good sleep, healthy meals, and regular exercise—these are key.
I moved confidently with that in mind—
“They said to go straight and then turn left… right?”
—but the duke’s mansion was huge.
No one else was around, so I couldn’t even ask for help.
“Ugh, what do I do now…”
Just as I was starting to panic—
I saw a knight in uniform walking toward me.
Like a person lost at sea spotting a rescue ship, I ran toward him.
“Excuse me! Wait!”
I managed to stop him, panting heavily as I looked up.
“I got lost and—”
“……”
“……?”
“Why are you here, my lady?”
Surprisingly, the man I ran into was the same one I had treated in the alley a few days ago!
Red hair, pale gold eyes—it was him!
“Oh, wow. What a coincidence to see you here!”
I laughed awkwardly.
He seemed just as surprised to see me.
“Right! How’s your injury? Is it healing well?”
He blinked for a moment, then came to his senses.
“Ah, yes. Thanks to you, it’s completely healed. No scar at all.”
No scar? Wow, that’s amazing.
“I’m glad. So, can you help me with something? I’m kind of in trouble.”
“What kind of trouble, my lady?”
“Well, I… got lost.”
“Ah.”
I was embarrassed to admit it, but he nodded without judgment.
“Makes sense. This place is needlessly big. I used to get lost too when I was younger.”
“Wait, you lived here as a child?”
I tilted my head in confusion.
He looked like someone who worked under that rude guy Richard.
He quickly waved his hands, flustered.
“Ah! Not exactly. I just meant… young master Richard used to visit here often, and I came with him as his bodyguard.”
Oh, I see.
I nodded, understanding now.
By then, he had returned to his calm and polite expression.
“Ahem. So, where were you headed? I owe you my life, so I’d be honored to guide you.”
See? This is why it pays to be nice.
I smiled brightly and opened my mouth to reply.
