WIFA Ch 2

At that moment, Baron, emerging from the office, raised his hand toward his wife with a welcoming expression.

“Carol. And our new Doctor, Melissa Blackwell.”

Baron, smiling affably, extended his hand to Melissa for a handshake.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Baron Oserne.”

“……Hello.”

How did he know my name when we’ve never met?

Moreover, his smile was so meaningful that Melissa shook his hand with a dubious expression.

“Please come in. The Duke is waiting inside.”

“Oh, I came unannounced without an appointment. If he has other plans……”

“He doesn’t. His afternoon is completely free.”

“…….”

“Come on, quickly now.”

Pushed forward by Carol and Baron, Melissa arrived right in front of the door.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked and opened the door.

“Excuse me. Melissa Blackwell.”

“…….”

Alex’s blue eyes, as he sat at his desk, moved indifferently towards Melissa.

Melissa took a few more steps forward.

“I heard you were looking for me.”

“Sit down.”

Alex gestured towards the sofa with his chin and stood up from his seat.

Melissa glanced at his appearance.

The first time they met, she was unconscious, and when she was being carried, she could only see his back. The next time, he was only wearing a shirt, so she couldn’t really take him in.

But now, seeing him in his proper uniform, particularly the ornate insignia on the right side of his jacket, she couldn’t help but gulp nervously.

An incredibly high rank.

Like the legendary 5-star general that doesn’t actually exist in the Korean military.

And that’s not all.

He is the only Duke in the Empire, the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army, and the private owner of the Ello Knights, the elite monster-hunting unit.

Facing such a man, she felt the military discipline she’d lost during her ten years in this world returning with a vengeance.

“…….”

Alex gazed intently at the stiff Melissa.

She’d been so noisy every time they’d met, but now she was completely different.

Her lips were tightly sealed, and her posture was the epitome of a soldier. Lightly clenched fists resting on her appropriately parted knees, straight arms, and even proper eye contact.

“Make yourself comfortable.”

“No, sir.”

Even her speech was stiff, and she still avoided eye contact.

‘Ah, perhaps she didn’t know who I was back then?’

A faint smile played on Alex’s lips.

“First of all, I appreciate you keeping quiet about my condition.”

When he went to find Melissa, he’d sounded out Carol, but she clearly knew nothing.

Viscount Ferris, the head of medical staff, was the same.

“I’m curious about how you treated me.”

“…….”

“After I collapsed, I mean, not the wound.”

“I administered antipyretics and analgesics.”

“And?”

“The fever wouldn’t break, so I administered additional antipyretics after a certain interval. That’s all.”

That’s impossible.

The symptoms and pain hadn’t responded to any painkillers or fever reducers until now.

Melissa’s treatment was no different from before, but it was unbelievable that his pain had disappeared.

Alex stared blankly at Melissa.

‘Why is he looking at me like that? Is he suspicious?’

Melissa glanced at Alex, and when their eyes met, she offered a sincere, bright smile.

However, her stiff posture, with her hands on her knees and arms straight, made it seem unnatural.

At least, that’s how it appeared to Alex.

Was she acting like this because she was intimidated by him, or was she trying to hide something?

Either way, she was terrible at concealing her true feelings.

Alex watched her for a moment and then chuckled.

“I see. Alright.”

Even though he accepted her explanation so easily, Melissa was bothered by his smile.

‘Why, why is he smiling like that? Is he really suspicious?’

Tense, Melissa continued to watch him carefully.

Actually, she had a lot of questions for him.

At the time, Alex’s high fever was the biggest problem, but the accompanying pain was different from other patients.

Just in case, she’d searched through all the charts to see if there were any patients with similar symptoms, but she couldn’t find any.

‘He emitted the same black energy as the monsters, so there must be a connection. Besides, he’s a Sword Master, right?’

A Sword Master.

At least she had seen monsters, but they were still an unreal concept to her.

‘I’ve fallen into a truly incredible world.’

Melissa let out a sigh mixed with a hollow laugh, inwardly bewildered.

‘What is she thinking?’

Alex watched with an amused expression as Melissa’s face changed from moment to moment.

She seemed to think she was hiding her inner thoughts, but unfortunately, they were transparent to him.

“Everything we’ve discussed is confidential.”

When Alex finally spoke, Melissa stiffened again.

“It could affect the unit’s operations and morale.”

“I understand. The supreme commander’s physical condition is always classified.”

Monsters, lacking intelligence, wouldn’t care, but that’s how it is in normal wars.

It could cause confusion in the chain of command and negatively impact the morale of the troops.

After Melissa nodded in agreement and closed her mouth, silence fell again.

Alex seemed to have said all he wanted to say and remained silent.

Silence. Awkward silence.

Uncomfortable stillness.

It would have been easier if he just told her to leave, but Alex said nothing.

And why was he just staring at her like that?

Every time she glanced at him, their eyes met, and it was so uncomfortable she felt like she was going to die.

After observing him for a while, Melissa eventually gave an awkward smile and asked cautiously,

“How’s your wound? Can I take a look?”

“Ah.”

Alex lightly touched the area near the stitches.

It wasn’t particularly painful or uncomfortable, but since the topic had come up, it wouldn’t hurt to have it looked at.

“Should I take it off?”

“No. Just lift it up, please.”

“Hmm.”

He unbuttoned his jacket and pulled his shirt out from his waistband, lifting it up.

Melissa opened her medical kit and knelt on one knee in front of Alex.

“It’s healing well.”

Alex lowered his head. From his current position, he could only see the platinum blonde crown of her head.

“You can remove the stitches in about two days.”

“Alright.”

“I’ll just disinfect it one more time.”

“…….”

He’d thought something felt off, and it was Melissa’s stiff, military-like tone.

He wondered why a doctor would use such a tone. It didn’t suit her.

He’d almost prefer her usual bossy nagging.

“Come to my office the day after tomorrow.”

Alex casually addressed Melissa as she packed up her medical kit.

When Melissa looked up, Alex was buttoning his jacket and adjusting his clothes.

“The stitches need to be removed, don’t they?”

“Th…that’s right.”

“When are you free?”

That statement struck Melissa as odd, and she blinked.

Usually, one adjusts to the schedule of a superior.

“You’re busy, Doctor. Saving lives.”

Alex’s demeanor softened considerably, finding Melissa’s dumbfounded expression quite amusing.

Although he had asked her to maintain confidentiality, Melissa didn’t actually have any leverage over him.

He simply thought she seemed different from the doctors he’d encountered, and therefore perhaps a bit more trustworthy.

At least she had complied with his request, and it was only a matter of treating a wound.

“Then I’ll come the day after tomorrow, in the afternoon… let’s say, 2 PM.”

Melissa closed her medical kit as she set the time. The day after tomorrow was her first day off, but removing stitches wasn’t a big deal.

“Alright. You can go.”

“Yes. Excuse me.”

Melissa bowed respectfully and left the office.

₊˚🦢✩

Three days later.

Melissa walked out of the Knight Order headquarters building.

She had gone to see Alex precisely at 2 PM as promised, but he was out on assignment.

Given the unpredictable nature of fieldwork, it wasn’t something she couldn’t understand.

Leaving headquarters, Melissa headed towards the dormitory.

“Haaam. Time for my day off, so I’ll get some good rest… Huh?”

Melissa felt an unpleasant vibration.

A strange friction, different from an earthquake, transmitting waves directly from the air to her skin.

She stopped abruptly and looked around.

Soldiers occasionally passed by, seemingly oblivious and at peace.

A sense of foreboding washed over her, and Melissa scanned her surroundings, trying to locate the source of the vibrations.

“Is it that way?”

Melissa hurried in that direction. She intended to check it out and report back immediately if necessary.

The paved road turned into a dirt path, leading her to a small clearing with scattered broken trees.

The intensity of the wave-like sensation, which felt like needles pricking her skin, increased.

However, the empty clearing held nothing.

Not even the small animals like rabbits she occasionally saw, nor the butterflies fluttering among the flowers.

It was eerily silent, without even the sound of birdsong.

Melissa cautiously stepped back.

‘Dangerous.’

Just as the instinctively sensed danger made her hair stand on end…

Creeeak, screech.

Accompanied by a ripping sound, space began to tear open before her eyes.

Within it, the golden eyes of the monsters she’d encountered before gleamed dully.

Face to face with dozens of golden eyes, Melissa let out a stifled groan.

“Ah, uh.”

Melissa retreated slowly, then turned and broke into a run.

There was no time to lose. She had to inform someone from the Knight Order about the appearance of the monsters.

“Huff, huff!”

Even as she ran with all her might, the black energy drew closer, and Melissa knew the monsters were pursuing her.

“Ouch!”

The dirt path was difficult to run on. Her ankle twisted in a rut, sending her stumbling forward.

“Huh?”

Instead of crashing to the ground, she found herself firmly held in someone’s arms.

Looking up, piercing blue eyes gazed down at her.

“Your Grace?”

“You’re quite fearless, Doctor.”

“Your Grace, monsters!”

“I know.”

Alex stared at the approaching horde of monsters.

“It’s too close to run with you.”

Muttering to himself, he grasped the hilt of the sword at his waist with his free hand.

“Your Grace. I don’t intend to be a burden.”

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

“It’s just…I sprained my ankle, so escape is impossible…uwaah?”

Melissa was lifted effortlessly and settled onto Alex’s shoulder. Again.

“Um, Your Grace?”

They were running, right?

Surely he wasn’t planning to fight in this situation?

To the bewildered Melissa, Alex said indifferently, “Since you’re having trouble moving, don’t struggle. And don’t scream, it’s annoying.”

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t ask again. I might not have time to answer.”

Melissa clamped her mouth shut.

Shwing. Alex’s sword slid from its scabbard.

₊˚🦢✩

“Ugh!”

Melissa struggled to calm her churning stomach. Being carried upside down and shaken vigorously had apparently upset her stomach.

Melissa sat down on the ground and turned to Alex.

As soon as he’d defeated all the monsters, Alex had set her down and was now examining the monsters’ corpses.

‘Not human-level.’

He’d defeated over a dozen monsters with only his sword while carrying her.

Although her vision had been too erratic to see clearly, the results alone showed he wasn’t an ordinary human.

To be honest, the title of ‘Sword Master’ hadn’t meant much to Melissa.

She wasn’t familiar with the concept and had thought of him as just a skilled swordsman.

But now, she had to immediately revise that preconception.

Moreover, after seeing it firsthand, she had many questions.

What was that strange energy surrounding his sword?

That bluish, yet somehow blackish aura, a strangely familiar yet repulsive sensation, what was it?

“Settled down now?”

“Yes. I apologize.”

Melissa wiped her mouth and tried to stand.

“You said you hurt your ankle, don’t push yourself.”

But Alex made her sit back down and handed her the medical kit that had fallen somewhere on the ground.

“Why did you bring this?”

“I was on my way to see you, Your Grace.”

“Ah. 2 PM.”

He seemed to have just remembered, but there was no apology or excuse.

Melissa sighed softly and touched her ankle, checking its condition.

Her ankle wasn’t broken, so Melissa opened the medical kit, took out a bandage, and wrapped it tightly around her ankle for support.

Alex silently observed her actions.

“Thank you for saving me. Twice.”

Despite expressing her gratitude, Melissa’s expression was troubled.

“Are you unhappy that I saved you?”

“No, that’s not it. It’s an honor, rather.”

Melissa gave a faint smile.

“However, as a member of the unit, I was thinking that it would have been more rational for you to return to headquarters and regroup instead of wasting time saving me.”

“You’re not a soldier, Doctor, yet you speak like one.”

“I’m a military doctor.”

Alex knelt on one knee and sat in front of Melissa.

He met her eyes at the same level.

“If I had really done that, wouldn’t you have resented me as you died?”

“I would have resented you a bit, yes. What harsh words wouldn’t I say when I’m about to die? I probably would have cursed too.”

“……Pfft.”

Alex let out a short laugh. She’d been so stiff in his office, but now it seemed all that tension had dissipated.

“It’s hard to see you as a soldier now.”

“Because I’m a military doctor.”

At her pert reply, Alex chuckled. He pulled the medical kit she had closed back towards him.

“Treat my wound too.”

“Are you injured?”

“No. 2 PM has passed, but since you saved my life, I’m asking for a favor.”

Melissa was momentarily captivated by Alex’s light smile.

So much so that even his black bangs fluttering in the gentle breeze seemed to move in slow motion.

A man who fights monsters doesn’t need to be this handsome.

“Is that not allowed?”

“……It is.”

Snapping back to her senses, Melissa quickly shook her head to clear her distracting thoughts. Then she reached for the medical kit.

₊˚🦢✩

Back in her dormitory, Melissa took a leisurely bath for the first time in a while and sat on the edge of her bed.

It was already evening, as the world outside the window was dark.

She checked her ankle again, rewrapped the bandage, and then flopped down on the bed.

“A Sword Master and monsters…”

It had been ten years since she arrived in this world, yet she still found it hard to accept.

Well, to be precise, her arrival in this world itself felt unreal.

Melissa blinked slowly, staring blankly at the ceiling.

She had many questions about what she had witnessed today.

The vibrations that others couldn’t feel, the phenomenon of space tearing apart, and the monsters that emerged from within.

And the man who effortlessly slaughtered those monsters.

“Wow, how do I make sense of this?”

Just as Melissa grimaced…

Click.

The sound of the window latch moving reached her ears.

Melissa tensed, silently sitting up. She cautiously turned her gaze towards the window.

She saw something like a moving shadow. Her room was on the second floor, but it wasn’t an insurmountable height for someone determined.

“An intruder?”

What kind of madman would do such a thing in the Knights’ dormitory?

Melissa reached out and grabbed the pistol she kept on her bedside table.

“Huh?”

Hiding herself and standing by the window, Melissa’s eyes widened at the familiar figure. She quickly opened the window.

“Are you out of your mind? Why the window when there’s a perfectly good door…”

“Doctor.”

As the window opened, Alex’s body tumbled into the room.

Startled, Melissa caught him, and pain shot through her injured ankle as she put weight on it. She winced.

“I’m in a lot of pain right now.”

Alex’s grip on Melissa’s arms tightened. But his head fell weakly onto her shoulder.

The heat radiating from Alex’s body through her thin nightgown was intense.

“Do something.”

Alex lost consciousness.

“Your Grace!”

Alarmed, Melissa supported him and called out, but there was no response.

“This is crazy.”

Melissa struggled to move the unconscious Alex onto the bed.

“I clearly told him that antipyretics and analgesics didn’t work. He hasn’t figured it out, has he?”

Even as she worried, Melissa examined Alex, who was suffering from high fever and pain.

An ominous black energy also surged throughout his body.

Melissa gently brushed back his sweat-drenched bangs.

She placed her hand on his smooth, handsome forehead.

A faint, reddish haze seeped from her hand.

Simultaneously, Alex’s ragged breathing gradually steadied, and his complexion eased.

The black energy that had been surging throughout his body also visibly subsided.

‘Does he know what this energy is? As a Sword Master, he must be able to see it, right?’

She was full of questions, but afraid to ask.

It would be tantamount to confessing that she wasn’t ordinary, and she wasn’t close enough to him to vaguely hope that he would protect her.

‘I finally escaped, I can’t be used again.’

Melissa clenched her fists tightly. Memories of what her father had done to her at the Blackwell estate surfaced.

Now, she wouldn’t be so foolish as to let it happen, but back then, she’d had no choice.

When she’d regained consciousness in this world, ‘Melissa Blackwell’ was a mere ten-year-old girl.

Her body was covered in wounds, and she was so emaciated that her physical abilities were severely diminished.

She’d been confined to the estate, denied proper education and interaction with others.

This world itself was unfamiliar and bewildering, and the circumstances she found herself in were unfortunate.

But the most perplexing thing was the strange ability Melissa possessed.

The power to heal others’ pain and alleviate their symptoms.

It wasn’t a complete cure, but it could provide sufficient comfort and relief to those suffering.

The Count had forced her to use this power solely for his own benefit.

Refusal was not an option. If she disobeyed, he would use various methods, especially physical violence, to coerce her.

‘This is a divine blessing.’

It might have been for some, including the Count, but for Melissa, it was a curse.

The Count often threatened her, saying that because it was a power befitting a saint, if it were discovered, she’d be dragged to the temple and exploited until she died.

From Melissa’s perspective, the temple and the Count were no different.

Nevertheless, she clung tenaciously to life at the Count’s side.

She judged that the Count’s estate, being a civilian residence, would be less secure than the temple, making escape easier.

Moreover, it was uncertain whether she, a minor in this unfamiliar world, could survive alone.

So she built up her physical strength, accumulated knowledge, and waited for an opportunity to escape.

After all the twists and turns, she had finally made it this far, but…

“…….”

Melissa gazed intently at the sleeping Alex.

Judging by the fact that he’d come just before collapsing, he might already be suspicious.

And since she’d used her power again today, it might have fueled those suspicions further.

“Hmm, this is troublesome.”

Melissa muttered, frowning.

This man was Duke Norton, the commander of the Imperial Army, and in any case, someone of immensely high standing.

If he set his mind to obtaining this power, he could easily manipulate someone like Melissa to his will.

“This is the last time. Even if he’s dying, I’ll never, ever use it again.”

Melissa made a firm resolution.

She would never let go of the freedom she had fought so hard to gain.

₊˚🦢✩

“Hmm.”

Alex slowly opened his eyes.

The unfamiliar ceiling kept him in a daze for a moment, then his consciousness gradually sharpened.

Only then did he remember visiting Melissa last night.

The memory of losing his senses to pain and fever, and crawling here in desperation, clutching at straws.

Alex touched his forehead.

While some warmth remained, the pain was definitely gone.

So, seeking out this woman had been the right decision, in the end.

“Ha.”

However, no matter how he thought about it, his actions were ridiculous.

After a short, hollow laugh and a longer silence, Alex turned his head to the side.

Melissa was asleep, her face buried in the pillow.

With each restless toss and turn, her long, pale gold eyelashes fluttered slightly.

Intending to slip away unnoticed, Alex quietly sat up.

The moment he carefully lifted the blanket, Melissa grabbed his arm.

“Where are you going?”

Her voice was raspy with sleep. Her eyes were still half-closed.

“Are you running away again?”

Melissa asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes. They were bloodshot from what looked like a sleepless night.

The imprint of the blanket was clearly visible on her fair face, where she had slept with her cheek pressed against it.

“It would be uncomfortable for you, being alone in a woman’s room.”

“And you know that, yet you climbed in through the window in the middle of the night?”

When Melissa asked with an incredulous look, Alex closed his mouth, seemingly embarrassed.

Melissa rolled her eyes slightly and reached out, placing her hand on his forehead.

“Ah, I apologize. I did it in my sleep.”

He’d said he disliked being touched.

Melissa quickly withdrew her hand and stood up, muttering awkwardly.

“Ah.”

A faint sigh escaped Alex’s lips, as if regretting the loss of the brief coolness.

“It feels cool.”

“……That’s because you still have a fever.”

Mistaking his sigh for one of discomfort from the fever, Melissa hurriedly searched for a thermometer.

“You still have a fever, so it would be best to rest properly. I’m off duty today, so I’ll take care of you calmly.”

“Doctor.”

“Please listen to your doctor. If you came all the way here in the middle of the night, couldn’t you listen to me just once?”

It wasn’t that, but staying here would be troublesome…

He’d meant to say that, but he met Melissa’s gaze, which, in her own way, was a fierce glare.

“…….”

It wasn’t threatening at all, but as she’d said, he was guilty of intruding.

Alex obediently lay back down on the bed.

Melissa tucked the blanket up to his shoulders and stood up.

“Where are you going?”

“To get some coffee.”

Replying without thinking, Melissa turned around with a dumbfounded expression.

“It hasn’t even been five minutes since you lay down? Isn’t it a bit too early to be thinking about escaping?”

“…….”

“Close your eyes.”

Now it was a downright order.

Since the death of the previous Duke and Duchess, no one had dared to speak to Alex in such a commanding tone.

“Hurry up.”

“I’ve slept enough.”

“If you keep them closed, you’ll fall asleep. Your body is doing its best to recover right now, so please cooperate.”

At her coaxing tone, as if dealing with a child, this time it was Alex’s turn to wear an incredulous expression.

“……Then I’ll at least make you some tea.”

Still, seeing such an expression on her superior, Duke Norton, her own assertiveness instinctively softened.

Melissa quietly got up and headed towards the desk where the teapot was placed.

“Oh, there’s no water. Wait a moment. It would be even better if you slept.”

Speaking to Alex as she held the empty teapot, Melissa left the room.

As soon as she did, Alex sat up as if waiting for this moment.

He couldn’t understand why he was playing along with her pointless demands.

Alex carelessly brushed back his hair that had fallen over his forehead.

He immediately got out of bed and put on the jacket Melissa had hung on the coat rack.

₊˚🦢✩

“Your Grace… Ah.”

Melissa, entering the room, eventually sighed.

The bed was already empty and neatly made, even the pillows and blankets arranged tidily.

Melissa sighed softly and placed the teacup on the desk.

“I knew this would happen.”

Having been through this once, she wasn’t even angry anymore.

Left alone, Melissa looked at the open window.

Only the white curtains fluttered emptily in the still-cool breeze.

₊˚🦢✩

“Good morning.”

Melissa’s morning greeting upon arriving at the medical ward station wasn’t particularly bright.

Carol, who was just about to have some coffee, responded with a gentle smile.

“You don’t look like you had a good morning. It’s your day off, why are you here?”

“I woke up, have nothing to do, and nowhere to go.”

“Such a pitiful youth.”

Carol shook her head as if in sympathy.

“Aren’t you in the same pitiful boat, Doctor Carol?”

“The difference between a married woman and a single woman is enormous, regardless of age.”

Carol poured half of her coffee into an empty mug and offered it.

“I haven’t even taken a sip yet, so have this at least.”

“Thank you.”

Alex’s escape had completely ruined her appetite, and she hadn’t even bothered with coffee this morning.

Just as Melissa gratefully took the mug of coffee, someone greeted her cheerfully.

“Oh, Doctor Melissa! It’s your day off!”

A youthful man with light brown hair approached diligently, using crutches.

With a cast on his right leg, he was the same patient who had caused Melissa to cut her hair.

“Toby. Why are you wandering around with that leg so early in the morning? You shouldn’t be overdoing it yet.”

“I get restless just lying in bed. More importantly, Doctor, could you take a look at me for a second?”

Toby carefully examined Melissa’s hair.

“It won’t grow back faster just because you stare at it.”

“You never know. Oh, Doctor, I heard it grows faster if you have a lot of dirty thoughts.”

“Where would I have the time for that? I pass out the moment my head hits the pillow.”

Carol, listening from the side, shook her head again in sympathy.

“Such a pitiful youth indeed.”

Melissa glared at Carol and waved her hand dismissively at Toby.

“Stop talking nonsense and go back to your room.”

“Aww, already? Can’t we take a walk together?”

“I’m busy. I have a lot to do. I wouldn’t be here on my day off otherwise.”

Dejected by Melissa’s relentless nagging, Toby finally turned towards his room.

Just then, Viscount Ferris, passing by Toby, spotted Melissa.

“Doctor Melissa. Weren’t you off duty?”

“Yes, I came out for a bit to organize some things.”

“That’s perfect timing. Come see me.”

“Ah, yes.”

Following Viscount Ferris, Melissa glanced back at Carol.

She mouthed, ‘Did something happen?’ but Carol simply shook her head, as if she didn’t know.

With an anxious expression, Melissa followed Viscount Ferris.

“Um, did I do something wrong?”

Melissa asked cautiously. No matter how hard she racked her brain, she couldn’t think of anything she had done wrong.

“No, not at all. I’d like you to take charge as the Duke’s attending physician.”

“Attending physician?”

Melissa tilted her head.

Usually, the attending physicians of high-ranking individuals were experienced and competent doctors.

However, Melissa had just graduated from medical school, at least in this world, so she wasn’t at that level.

Moreover, she had firmly resolved just yesterday to be wary of Alex, or rather, to avoid him.

“I don’t think I’m qualified to be the Duke’s attending physician.”

Melissa subtly expressed her intention to decline.

“You refuse?”

Being the Duke’s attending physician was a golden opportunity for Melissa, who had nothing but her skills.

It would be beneficial for her career, and she could build a close relationship with a prominent figure like Duke Norton.

It would be a valuable asset in many ways for Melissa, a noble in name only, so why refuse?

“I heard your financial situation isn’t very good. That’s why you applied here.”

“Yes.”

“Then how about receiving the special attending physician allowance?”

Viscount Ferris dangled a practical bait.

“It’s equivalent to your monthly salary. Duke Norton is a very important person.”

Melissa’s eyes wavered.

She seemed tempted, but something was troubling her, and she only opened and closed her mouth without giving a definite answer.

“Doctor Melissa. Patients can choose their doctors, but doctors don’t choose their patients. We do our best for any patient who comes to us. Isn’t that what you learned?”

It will be helpful to your career, and you can build a close relationship with a big shot like Duke Norton.

It would be a valuable asset in many ways to Melissa, a noblewoman in name only, but she refused.

“I heard that your financial situation is not good. That’s why you applied here.”

“Yes.”

“Then how about receiving a special allowance for the attending physician?”

Viscount Ferris cast a realistic bait.

“It’s as much as your salary. Duke Norton is a very important person.”

Melissa’s eyes wavered.

She seemed tempted, but she hesitated, her lips moving as if she was struggling with something.

“Dr. Melissa, a patient can choose a doctor, but a doctor does not choose a patient. We do our best for the patients who come to us. Isn’t that what you learned?”

This time, he cast an ideal bait that touched her conscience as a doctor.

Although it wasn’t a long time, he had observed Melissa doing her best for her patients every moment.

So it was a story that was likely to work.

“The Duke came to you among the doctors here and received treatment. So, the Duke is now your patient.”

Alex, who had climbed through the window with a dying face, flashed through Melissa’s mind.

A face flushed with high fever and contorted in pain.

It was a face too pitiful to firmly refuse.

“Are you going to give up on a patient who came to you?”

“……That’s not it.”

“I thought so. You have the qualities to be a good doctor. Dean Reynolds said so too.”

“You flatter me.”

Her voice seemed to have lost its strength, but Viscount Ferris smiled as if he didn’t know.

“Then I look forward to working with you.”

“……Yes, I will do my best.”

Now that she had resigned herself, she felt more at ease.

Melissa asked with a lighter face than before.

“When will I receive the handover from the previous attending physician?”

“There’s no need for that. You’re the first attending physician.”

“Yes? But there are charts, right?”

“No. You can make them.”

“…….”

She had a bad feeling.

Melissa asked, wondering if it could be true.

“Does he perhaps have any underlying diseases……?”

“You can check that too. Ah, that’s right. You can start with a checkup.”

Melissa blinked blankly.

She should have realized something was strange at this point.

She should have carefully considered what it meant that there were no charts for ‘Duke Norton’.

It was only after some time had passed that Melissa regretted this moment.