“You’re right, Annie! I need to go to the herb shop right now!”
I jumped to my feet, grabbed a bag, and opened the bottom drawer of the desk.
“Oh? My lady? Isn’t that the money you saved up to buy the Viscount a birthday gift…?”
“Ahh, this’ll do something even better for him. Let’s just call it a small investment.”
I brushed off her concern and checked the pouch of coins. It felt heavy—looks like 406 wasn’t just a noble in name only.
‘I guess her memories are actually coming in handy.’
Smiling, I slipped the money—406’s entire savings—into the secret pocket inside my dress.
***
“Wow, is this really the capital?”
Looking at the grand buildings built in unfamiliar architectural styles, I couldn’t help but stare wide-eyed.
It suddenly hit me all over again: I really was in a different world. Everything looked so foreign and exotic.
Like a tourist, I looked around in awe. It felt oddly refreshing and exciting.
Maybe it was because I hadn’t been outside the “hospital” (or mansion) in so long?
“Hmm? My lady, you’re acting strange today. You didn’t react at all the last time I brought you out.”
Annie commented with a smile, clearly finding my curiosity adorable.
‘Oh, right. I can’t be too obvious.’
I gave a dry cough and closed my eyes, trying to regain my composure.
I hadn’t recovered all of 406’s memories yet. Whenever I needed specific information, I had to take a moment to search my mind like this.
‘Wait… there. That’s it!’
After recalling the direction I needed, I confidently started walking toward today’s destination—
when suddenly—
Thunk.
“Oww…”
“……”
“My lady! Are you alright?!”
I’d bumped into someone coming from the opposite direction and fell backward onto the ground.
A panicked Annie rushed over to check on me.
‘Ugh… falling on my butt at my age? How embarrassing.’
Swallowing my pride, I snapped my head up.
A tall man dressed in a black robe from head to toe was staring at me in surprise. He was helping carry another large man on his back.
His face was mostly hidden by a hood, so I couldn’t see his expression, but he seemed uncomfortable.
And then, just like that—he turned and walked away.
Wait—what? He’s leaving?!
“Hey—wait a second…!”
Did I just get shoulder-bumped and not even get an apology?
His steps were so quick, and the crowd so thick, that he disappeared before I could do anything.
‘Ugh, what a terrible day…’
I clenched my teeth and was about to brush the dust off my skirt when Annie suddenly pointed at my waist, pale with fear.
“M-My lady…”
“Huh? What’s wrong?”
Thinking she’d seen a ghost, I turned around. But then she said something unbelievable.
“Your coin pouch is gone! I think that guy stole it when he bumped into you!”
***
There were thieves in the novel world too—using classic tricks to steal people’s wallets.
I bit my lip hard and started retracing my steps in a rush.
“My lady… I really think that man in the robe took it… What do we do?”
Annie was flustered and pacing around in panic. I had a strong suspicion the robed guy was the thief, but I had no proof.
This was my first outing in this world—and something this awful already happened?
That coin pouch was my entire fortune! My only money to make medicine!
“Ugh… If I ever find that guy—ugh…”
Sure, I could ask Petron (Dad) for help.
‘But he just let me use his lab. I can’t turn around and ask for money too…’
I shook my head quickly.
No—this was something I could handle on my own.
Fueled by rage, I began searching every corner around me, ignoring Annie’s warning that the alleyways might be dangerous.
…Maybe my anger really worked, because before long, I spotted a figure deep in an alley wearing the exact same robe and hood.
The shape of his back was identical to the guy who had turned away from me earlier.
‘Is he counting my money in there or something?’
Honestly, it was weird that he didn’t flee far, but I didn’t care what his reason was.
I turned to Annie, who had been trying to catch up, and gave her a low-voiced command.
“Annie, go get the city guards.”
“…You already found him?”
She peeked into the alley and nodded in agreement.
“While I’m gone, you need to stay put. Don’t talk to him. It’s dangerous.”
“Got it, got it.”
After Annie left, I stayed behind, quietly watching the alley.
I had to make sure they didn’t leave before the guards arrived.
‘Heh. You’re trapped now.’
I grinned and waited… and waited…
…Wait a minute. Why is it taking so long?
Apparently, the city guards were way farther than I thought.
Time dragged on. Annie didn’t return, and my nerves began to fray.
‘What if they leave before the guards show up?’
Just as I was stuck in that panic, the alley suddenly went silent.
‘What? Are they gone already…?’
Terrified, I peeked around the corner—and jumped when I heard:
“Who are you?”
“Eek!”
The thief was suddenly in front of me, like a ghost.
He put his hand on the sword strapped to his hip as soon as he saw me.
Startled, I took a step back—
and that’s when I saw another man deeper inside the alley, leaning weakly against a wall, clutching his bleeding stomach.
“Wait—ugh…”
Now I understood why they ducked into this alley.
‘He’s badly hurt. Is this why they stopped here?’
Judging by the exposed wound, they had been trying to do emergency first aid right there.
It should have been the perfect time to give the thief a taste of justice…
But seeing that bleeding man, I knew now wasn’t the right time to argue about money.
I raised both hands in a calming gesture to show I meant no harm, and nodded toward the injured man.
“Hey… how long has he been like this?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Come on. He’s clearly in bad shape.”
I gently walked past the thief and knelt beside the man holding his left side.
“Wait—!”
“Hey, can you hear me?”
The thief tried to stop me but went quiet when he saw I was checking on the injured man first.
“Y-Yes… I’m still okay… urgh…”
Yeah, right.
Even though he was pressing on the wound, I could see blood leaking out.
‘Judging by the blood, it doesn’t look like the femoral artery was hit…’
He was holding his left side—between his ribs and abdomen.
It was dangerously close to a major artery, and if internal organs were damaged, it could be fatal.
I asked quickly.
“How long has he been bleeding?”
“…About an hour.”
Longer than I thought. There was no time to hesitate.
‘I have to stop the bleeding first.’
He was already showing signs of fading consciousness, likely from blood loss.
I jumped to my feet and looked at the thief.
“This guy—he’s your companion, right?”
“…Yeah.”
“Then help me.”
“…What?”
“If we don’t do something now, he could die from blood loss. If there’s internal damage, it’s even worse.”
I saw him bite his lip under the hood, clearly hesitating.
After a moment, he snapped,
“Who are you? Are you a doctor?”
I paused. If I told the truth, I’d have to admit I had no license in this world.
But if I did that, he might not trust me to help.
So I said:
“…My name is Adelia Limonea. I’m the assistant to Viscount Limonea, a doctor. I’m at least better than you at emergency care.”
I spoke calmly and confidently. The thief wavered again—then finally, he nodded and said:
“…Fine. What do I need to do?”
