Chapter 4
“According to my memory, that wasn’t the case.”
“Hmm. That makes it even more interesting. The Rethor family has already fallen, yet their daughter shows such behavior now…”
Bathilda’s voice trailed off.
After silently watching the festival crowd, she pulled her robe down deeper and turned around.
“We’ll wait and see for now. It’s time to work.”
At those words, Dominic furrowed his brow.
“Your Highness. Perhaps you shouldn’t go personally…”
“I’ve told you before. A ruler must not lose touch with the ground reality. Come, let’s see how earnestly they’re laundering their black money.”
“Yes.”
“What about our cousin, Grand Duke Zahig?”
“We received word that he’s waiting at the scene.”
“Just like him. Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Dominic saluted before following her.
And neither Bathilda nor Dominic, who left without lingering, could have predicted it. That at Orquenina’s most famous Gahasu auction, the Pavela artwork they had given away would sell for 2,098,900 gold, meaning they would end up owing Baeksan at least 2,090,000 gold.
* * *
After parting with Bathilda, Baeksan immediately sought out an inn. She needed time to sort out the situation.
Fortunately, Bathilda had indeed provided generous lodging money. The purse contained roughly 800 gold.
It was enough to ease the pain of the 2.5 million gold loss.
The quest reward of 600 gold was also in her pocket.
In an instant, she had earned 1,400 gold, equivalent to 14 million won.
Since a decent inn in the capital cost 20 gold per night, this would likely last at least a month.
“So then.”
After having a quick meal and washing up, Baeksan sat on the bed and stared at the 1,370 gold before her.
“What I’ve learned so far.”
First, this world wasn’t entirely a game.
Walking around made that clear. Rather than a game, it felt more like a parallel universe that shared the same setting as the game.
Because of that, several potentially concerning aspects weren’t issues at all.
For instance, the bathrooms had soap, and the streets had proper water supply systems.
‘It actually feels almost like traveling in Europe.’
Thanks to this, she adapted to the unfamiliar situation without much trouble.
Second.
The circumstances that left ‘Minervina Rethor’s’ body vacant didn’t seem pleasant.
While bathing, Baeksan had discovered a large cross-shaped scar on Minervina’s chest.
It was far too deep to have been self-inflicted.
‘Honestly, this concerns me the most.’
Who inflicted this wound? Why? Why didn’t anyone stop it?
Where was Minervina’s family, why was she alone in the capital, how did Bathilda recognize Minervina…?
‘I’ll either figure it out gradually or ignore it completely.’
Third.
She truly only had the ability to ‘read’ status. For example, she didn’t have abilities like an inventory window.
‘That’s fine. The ability to read information alone is already overpowered enough.’
After finishing her assessment, Baeksan pocketed the money and lay down on the bed.
The bedding was wonderfully fluffy, proving worth its high price.
Baeksan enjoyed it for a moment before exhaling.
“Now what I need to do is… well, obvious.”
Find a normal job and make a living.
* * *
She woke up early the next day. After washing up and going outside, they bought an apple, took a bite, and surveyed the street.
The festival must still be ongoing as the streets were crowded. White text still floated above people’s heads.
She had made a late discovery: focusing on specific words in descriptions revealed detailed explanations.
[Wide-Brimmed Women’s Hat]
A women’s hat made of silk with ribbon decoration. Made by ‘Artisan Fruge’.
[Artisan Fruge]
A famous ‘dressmaker’. Possesses exceptional skill, and their reputation is already the highest in Orquenina.
[Dressmaker]
‘Seems like really basic terms don’t show up. Next is…’
Baeksan asked a passing pedestrian.
“Where’s the hosp… I mean, the physician’s house around here?”
“Follow this road straight ahead, it’ll be on your left. Can’t miss it with the long line.”
“Thank you.”
Baeksan bowed slightly and walked along the road.
Soon enough, they spotted a respectable house with people lined up in front.
[Physician’s House]
The house of Physician Medus.
Crunch.
‘Just as I thought.’
Baeksan stopped in place while biting into their apple.
‘Jackpot.’
They didn’t even need to enter the house.
Text appeared above the heads of people lined up in front of the physician’s house.
[Lydia]
Has body aches. Crushing Barbuto herb and boiling it with ginger would be effective.
[Caleb]
Has a tingling sensation in his fingers. Believes it’s herb poisoning, but actually has been bitten by a ‘Seivu Snake’.
[Seivu Snake]
A snake evenly distributed throughout northern Orquenina. Its venom seems too weak to bring about the end of the world…
After seeing the description change while appraising ‘The Memoirs of Bourbon Rock’ yesterday, it was now confirmed.
‘The information window does seem to be influenced by my thoughts.’
It showed what they were curious about, or what they might be curious about.
Even now, it displayed information based on the premise of being in front of a physician’s house.
‘If needed, I could become a doctor. At least I won’t starve to death.’
A satisfied smile appeared on their face. Just as Baeksan turned around, tossing away the finished apple—
“If only a Rethor sage would appear…”
A voice reached their ears, stopping Baeksan in her tracks.
“Talk sense. Is Rethor anything like what it used to be?”
“True enough.”
Again.
Turning her head, she saw two middle-aged men drinking at an outdoor tavern.
Baeksan immediately strode over to the two.
“Hm? Who are you?”
When the two men looked up with puzzled expressions.
Baeksan pushed back her hat and smiled sweetly.
“Hello. Do you have a moment?”
The middle-aged men blinked. They seemed unable to find a reason why a young woman like Baeksan would approach them.
Meanwhile, Baeksan processed another piece of information.
‘While Minervina Rethor is known well enough for the princess to recognize her, it seems her face isn’t familiar to common people.’
Baeksan smoothly sat down in the chair opposite them.
“I heard something interesting. Another round of beer here please! Ah, beer is fine with you, right?”
“No, miss, who are you…”
“I just have a few questions. Would that be alright?”
Baeksan put on a dejected smile.
One more thing she’d learned from looking in the mirror yesterday.
‘Minervina is exceptionally beautiful.’
The middle-aged men seemed to soften at the sight of a maiden their daughter’s age looking downcast.
“Well… What did you want to know?”
“Ah… excuse me, but I happened to overhear what you were saying earlier. About ‘Rethor’…”
“The Rethor Baronial Family? Why that?”
Ah, so they were barons.
“Just curious? Let’s get the most expensive side dish here please!”
Baeksan called out to the server who had just brought the beer. The implication was clear – have some food and let’s move past that part.
Seeming to understand, one of the middle-aged men smirked.
“But regarding Rethor, I only know as much as anyone else.”
“That’s perfect. Just what everyone knows. That’s exactly what I don’t know.”
“What? How could you not know about the Rethors?”
“I grew up rather sheltered from worldly matters. So I sometimes seek guidance from knowledgeable people like yourself, learning as I go.”
The words flowed smoothly as if their lips were greased.
When young people show such an attitude, even if elders know it’s just flattery, it’s hard to turn them away.
One of the middle-aged men burst out laughing.
“Such a polite young girl! I wish my daughter could speak half as well!”
“You’re too kind.”
“Haha! Well, about Rethor…”
The middle-aged man took a swig of beer and began his story.
