Much like the familiar crosses of the Dream Society, this one featured a rhomboid, eye-like motif at its center, which I tentatively identified as an eye.
The distinction lay in the parchment’s depiction: this eye was open, whereas the Society’s emblem always bore a closed one.
Devoid of intricate carvings, its design was remarkably stark.
Considering a round trip by train from the capital would consume two full days, it was evident the parchment had been sent via post.
Dr. Callan, having departed on Sunday evening and only returned by Thursday noon, meant a three-day absence.
It was inconceivable she could have traveled back in two days without any delay, let alone been involved in an investigation.
This much, at least, could be unequivocally confirmed: Dr. Callan, through correspondence alone, had managed to persuade the Pontiff of the Dream Society to affix their seal, all without a single face-to-face meeting.
Involuntarily, she found herself re-evaluating the woman seated across from her.
It was entirely possible this woman could, by her own power, orchestrate her departure from the city.
“Aren’t you curious what’s so important it needs the headquarters’ seal?”
A hint of smugness touched Dr. Callan’s features as she deftly retrieved the parchment from before the girl, her eyebrow arching playfully.
“For your convenience, I’ll just read it aloud.
Do I need to tell you which word corresponds to which line and position?”
This was, after all, her domain—or rather, the domain of most literate individuals: the act of reading.
A pity, then, that some individuals, even at her age, remained unlettered.
Ghervil found Dr. Callan’s self-satisfied smirk utterly insufferable.
‘It’s just reading a few words.
What’s there to be smug about?’
‘Had I not consumed that draught, even the nation’s most celebrated philologist would struggle to keep pace.’
‘In that state, there were no words she couldn’t understand or remember.’
“I forgot to tell you, I passed Mrs. Keith’s literacy test two days ago, and this outfit I’m wearing is one of the rewards.”
With a flourish, the girl rose from the sofa, gathering the hem of her skirt, and executed a graceful pirouette.
“Indeed? I confess I pondered how you could bring yourself to acquire such a dress… But then, it is *you*.
Few others could take such an unadorned gown and make it convey such an opposing impression.”
It was not difficult to envision a day when a princess, donning the simple frock of a common girl, would elicit the realization that it was not the garment itself that was plain, but the person who wore it who bestowed its true character.
Dr. Callan’s gaze lingered on the girl, observing the subtle lift of her skirt as she spun, revealing the shapely calves encased in white stockings beneath.
Her eyes ascended slowly, from bottom to top, finally settling on a particular spot that had left an indelible mark on their first encounter—a spot still flushed from a recent tumble.
“I’ll just pretend you’re complimenting me…”
A blush creeping up her neck, Ghervil hastily retreated to the sofa’s depths, clutching a decorative cushion to her chest.
‘I just wanted to show off my new dress, but why does her gaze feel so strange?’
‘Could she be eyeing this tea-colored dress?’
‘Unlikely, her height wouldn’t suit it.’
‘I must be overthinking things.’
“Though I too passed the assessment,” she began, shaking her head, “I’m not one to flaunt my achievements, unlike certain others.
So, I shall cede this opportunity to you.”
She was the first to break the awkward tension.
“Cough.”
Offering no retort, Dr. Callan merely cleared her throat with a feigned cough, inwardly chiding herself.
‘It was merely a doctor’s duty, seen only during the bandaging,’ she reasoned.
‘Why dwell on a mere child, especially one of the same s*x…?’
Yet, neither had she ever entertained thoughts of the opposite s*x.
Had even a flicker of yearning for romance or marriage stirred within her back then, she would never have chosen this solitary path.
“Strictly speaking, I applied for this on your behalf.
It’s a formal employment contract.
Feel free to ask if anything is unclear; I will explain it to you.”
Collecting her scattered thoughts, Dr. Callan adopted a serious demeanor and lifted the parchment.
[“This contract is agreed upon by the undersigned parties and shall take effect from the date of signing.”]
[“Employer: Lottus-Callan, currently serving as Chief Physician of St. Eleusinian Benevolence Hospital.
Current residence: 100 Lily of the Valley Street, Wormwood District, Mistfall City.”]
[“Employee: Konehl-Ghervil, currently serving as a nun at Solis Abbey.
Current residence: 101 Lily of the Valley Street, Wormwood District, Mistfall City.”]
[“Whereas the Employer intends to employ the Employee, and the Employee voluntarily accepts such employment, both parties hereby agree to the following terms and swear to abide by them.”]
“Below are the formal contents of the contract terms.
Are there any questions about what I’ve read so far?”
She paused, glancing at the girl.
“No, continue.”
[“Article One: Term of Employment: This contract, effective from its signing, may be terminated by either party at any time.
Note: A written notice (TL Note: This clause, requiring a personal, handwritten explanation of at least ten thousand words for contract termination, exemplifies a ‘bully contract’ designed to be practically impossible to fulfill.) of termination, personally handwritten by the individual, accompanied by a fingerprint and signature, and comprising no less than ten thousand words explaining the circumstances, must be submitted thirty to forty days in advance.
No proxy writing is permitted.”]
At this, Ghervil’s expression froze.
‘The first half sounds reasonable, but isn’t the second half specifically aimed at me?’
‘So, this is a bully contract specifically tailored for me.’
Rather than immediately challenging it, she resolved to observe just how audacious this contract dared to become.
Observing the girl’s subdued reaction, Dr. Callan’s heart swelled with quiet satisfaction, and she quickened her pace.
[“Article Two: Working Hours: The Employee is required to work eight hours or more daily.
The Employer reserves the right to request the Employee to extend working hours when necessary, and the Employee shall not refuse without just cause.
There are no specific holidays throughout the year; vacation time may be discussed with the Employer and is subject to the Employer’s approval.”]
A sly grin touched Dr. Callan’s lips as she concluded this section.
“It’s written that way, but my work rarely requires your presence.
Signing this contract won’t affect your current life; it’s mainly to prevent you from being unavailable when I truly need you.”
“That explanation is somewhat plausible.”
The girl regarded her with an expression of grudging skepticism.
“I’ll reluctantly believe you.”
[“Article Three: Nature and Content of Employment: During the contract’s effective period, the Employee shall act as an assistant, cooperating with the Employer to complete related tasks.
The Employee must fulfill basic daily obligations and strictly adhere to the Employer’s lawful instructions.
If required, the Employer may request the Employee to attend to the Employer’s three daily meals and daily living arrangements.
Under special circumstances, the Employee, Konehl-Ghervil, must obey a series of directives from the Employer, Lottus-Callan, including but not limited to suggestions, commands, and demands.”]
“Are you hiring an assistant or a s*ave?”
Ghervil, her patience finally snapping, leveled a stare at Dr. Callan that suggested profound idiocy.
“If it’s the latter, I can tell you it’s not night, and it’s not dreaming time.”
‘This is absolutely a deed of servitude (TL Note: A ‘mà ishÄ“nqì’ was a historical contract in China, effectively selling oneself or a family member into slavery or indentured service.).’
‘Anyone who would sign this contract, and the person who drafted it, must both be mentally ill.
And not just a little, but beyond the point where medicine could cure them.’
“This is for your own good.”
Setting the parchment aside, Dr. Callan clasped her hands, explaining with a heartfelt, almost pleading tone.
“Take last Sunday, for instance.
If I hadn’t arrived in time, would you still be here, hale and hearty, talking to me?
The purpose of this clause is to nip such situations in the bud.
It’s no exaggeration to say my experience in handling plagues surpasses even your abbot’s.”
“But saving a life doesn’t mean I have to become your s*ave.
You certainly know how to strike a bargain…”
Ghervil averted her gaze, her voice tinged with a surprising lack of conviction.
‘That statement doesn’t seem too problematic.
In the few historical dramas I watched in my previous life, wasn’t it common for men to become loyal servants after being saved, and women to offer themselves in marriage…?’
“Is there more?
Just read the important parts of the rest, so I can refuse and make you give up.
You don’t need to give me the 20 Denarii you promised monthly anymore; I’ll just find a way to earn it myself.
Our relationship ends here…”
The more Ghervil spoke, the more a sense of unease settled upon her, until she clamped her mouth shut, her eyes darting away from Dr. Callan.
Far from displaying discouragement or disappointment, Dr. Callan’s lips curled into a subtle, almost imperceptible smile.
[“Article Four: Remuneration and Payment Method: The Employer pledges to pay the Employee a basic monthly salary of 20 Denarii.
For external assignments, an additional 200 Denarii per day shall be paid.
Payments shall be made in cash or by bank note, without delay.”]
“I should mention here that any venture outside the confines of Lily of the Valley Street counts as an external assignment.”
As the girl slowly turned her head, her eyes alight and her mouth hanging open in astonishment, Dr. Callan continued, her voice dropping to a softer, more alluring tone:
“Should you sign this contract, it would grant you the pleasure of sightseeing and travel, entirely without personal expense, and with the added benefit of a daily income of 200 Denarii, a bounty to enjoy until you are too weary to move.”