One Silver Clinic is the name Emily gave to the clinic she reopened.
Because in order to receive treatment at this clinic, Emily and Iris agreed that patients who could afford to pay must pay a minimum fee of just 1 silver coin, which would be collected as a community medical fund.
Meanwhile, patients who truly had no money would not be charged anything.
The principle is to collectively share the costs through mutual aid, for any member of the community who may eventually need medical treatment.
After discussing it with Iris, Emily also decided to appoint Rio’s mother as the clinic manager, responsible for tracking the financial records and maintaining the clinic, of course in exchange for a suitable monthly salary.
Meanwhile, the physical cash will be kept by Iris for security purposes.
Who would dare to mess with Iris if they want to stay alive?
Since Emily couldn’t come to the clinic every day, the remaining money from the sales of her dresses and jewelry was entrusted to Iris, so that if any residents needed emergency funds for medical treatment while Emily was away, they could still see another doctor without having to pay anything.
From the treatment plan to the preparations for the clinic’s grand opening today, it’s been exhausting, but also incredibly rewarding for Emily.
For the first time since waking up in this world, Emily feels truly alive.
Old habits die hard.
Emily’s workaholic tendencies seem to have become second nature, even after changing bodies (?).
…… At 11 a.m., local residents had already gathered in the field right in front of the clinic.
More people came than Emily and Iris had expected.
It seemed that residents from other villages had also come to watch the opening ceremony after hearing about the new clinic for the poor.
Fortunately, Emily and Anna had prepared goodie bags filled with candy and cookies in quantities exceeding the estimated number of visitors as souvenirs for the event.
“This clinic would not have opened without the many sacrifices and hard work of Miss Emily and Miss Anna,” said Iris in the middle of her opening speech for the clinic in front of hundreds of poor villagers, followed by applause.
Emily and Anna simply bowed their heads in respect and greeted all the guests who had come.
“I’d like to invite Miss Emily to give the next speech!” “…Huh?” ‘What am I supposed to say?
I’ve never given a speech in my life.’ But despite her confusion, Emily finally pressed on.
Thump…
Thump…
Thump…
Her heart was pounding.
Her hands were shaking.
Her voice seemed unwilling to come out of her throat.
But seeing the hopeful faces of the residents— the elderly, women, and children—sent a rush of adrenaline through Emily.
And…
That courage emerged.
“We opened this clinic with everyone’s help.
This clinic will continue to operate in the future through all of our contributions.
No resident should have to endure pain because they cannot seek treatment.
Everyone has the right to adequate medical care and health facilities!” said Emily, greeted by applause from the visitors.
The crowd cheered, chanting their names.
“LONG LIVE MISS EMILY!” “LONG LIVE MISS ANNA!” “LONG LIVE MISS IRIS!” ‘Maybe I should have run for president instead of becoming a doctor?’ thought Emily, who suddenly felt proud of her impromptu public speaking skills.
Hah…
After stepping back from the podium following her speech, Emily could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Amid the cheers of hundreds of residents, Emily spotted Damian at the back of the crowd, accompanied by Jack at his side.
Damian smiled and waved.
If this were a TV drama, there would surely be a sudden bloom of flowers appearing behind his head as a background.
“CRAZY!
That smile is bad for my heart!” Emily muttered, clutching her chest.
…
After the opening ceremony ended, Emily, Anna, Iris, and Rio’s Mother were busy handing out bags of cookies and candy to the guests.
Suddenly, in the middle of the line, Damian was standing right in front of Emily.
Today he looked incredibly handsome with his hair slicked back, wearing a white shirt and simple black pants.
Actually, Emily was sure that even if he weren’t wearing anything at all, Damian would still be charming.
Wait, Sorry, that’s too perverted.
“That was a very impressive speech,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you.” Emily handed Damian a bag of cookies.
He took the bag with a laugh and handed it to Jack, who was standing right behind him.
“Can I see your hand for a moment?” Damian asked.
“…Huh?” Emily was confused, but she still reached out her hand, albeit hesitantly.
Seizing the moment, Damian’s right hand immediately took Emily’s and gently kissed the back of her hand.
Blush.
Emily’s face flushed with embarrassment.
Iris and Anna, who witnessed the scene, were also startled, but pretended not to see it.
“Uh…” reflexively, Emily pulled her hand away from Damian’s grip.
Damian smiled warmly, and out of nowhere, his left hand—which had been behind his back the whole time—brought out a bouquet of red roses.
“A beautiful flower for a beautiful lady,” he said, offering the flowers to Emily.
“A-are these for me?” Emily asked in disbelief.
In her entire 40 years of life, no one had ever given her flowers, except her parents and younger brother when she graduated from college.
‘Mom, I’ll die in peace today,’ Emily thought.
“Of course.
I hope you like it,” he replied kindly.
“Th-thank you so much,” Emily said, bowing her head; she was sure her face must be as red as a boiled crab from nervousness and embarrassment.
WHO WOULDN’T BE NERVOUS SEEING A FACE THAT HANDSOME UP CLOSE?
“Alright, I’ll be going now.
I just came to see the opening ceremony in person,” Damian said as he took his leave.
“Thank you for coming.” Emily bowed.
Damian and Jack left the crowd, and Emily could only watch them until they disappeared among the crowd.
‘Damian is truly dangerous; he’s not good for my heart.’ Emily muttered.
…..
From a distance, Arthur and his three knights watched the scene unfold.
“This looks like it’s going to be interesting,” Arthur said.
===================================================== As someone who had grown accustomed to the conveniences of the internet and gadgets in her daily life, it wasn’t easy for Emily to shake off her boredom.
That evening, Emily decided to spend her time at the library, reading whatever books might catch her interest.
But no matter how hard Emily tried to focus on reading, her thoughts kept returning to the shocking incident from earlier that afternoon.
“A beautiful flower for a beautiful lady.” Damian, you really are a criminal!
You’re handsome, and your words and actions are sweet, too!
Emily laid her head on the study table.
“But why am I the only one who got flowers?” “Could it be—could he like me?” Slap… slap… slap… Emily slapped her own cheeks, trying to snap herself out of it.
“HAHAHA HEY EMILY, YOU’RE GOING CRAZY” “I guess I’ve been reading too much fanfiction.” “But, it feels like I’m forgetting something… but what?” It was as if something had slipped her mind.
“What are you doing here at this hour, Lady Emily?” Emily immediately lifted her head from the table and turned toward the voice of the person she had unconsciously forgotten.
“Grand Duke Cedric?” How could she have forgotten?
That she was already engaged to this man?
OH NO!