Chapter 1
*Pauper Youngae*
Having a lot of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re happy, but generally, having money makes you happier.
Jacqueline realized this truth of life a little later than others did. It means that being a rich commoner is better than being a mere pauper named Youngae.
The era of wielding influence solely through titles is over. It’s now the era where gold wields as much power as titles, if not more.
Her father, Viscount Somerset, was interested in emerging new continent ventures, wanting to ride the wave of the times. The land across the sea was an unknown world, a land of gold that would bring him immense wealth.
However, that place wasn’t accessible to just anyone. It was a mysterious continent that could barely be reached after months of sailing.
They had to pass through the Valley of Death and withstand fierce storms that came unexpectedly. They needed luck to evade pirates.
More than half of those who embarked on the expedition never returned, and the rest mostly came back empty-handed without setting foot on the new continent.
That’s why the “Dream Continent” became one of the most popular businesses in the kingdom. A land of dazzling, untouched gold that no one had reached.
“But even my father wasn’t an exception.”
Viscount Somerset never returned. The family’s assets went to creditors, and the glorious Viscount’s family went bankrupt overnight. And all that remained for Jacqueline was the nickname “Pauper Youngae.”
“Now is not the time.”
With a light nod, Jacqueline stopped and began to move her hands. She neatly stacked folded clothes in a large bag. She had packed all her belongings, but somehow there was still an empty space.
“That’s odd, it was definitely full when I came… Oh, I almost forgot Colin. Sorry, Colin.”
At the age of fifteen, after putting the teddy bear her father had bought into the bag, it finally became full. As she struggled to zip it up, she heard a knock at the door.
Entering and speaking with polite demeanor, the maid said, ‘Viscount Greenwood has returned.’
‘He’s back early today. Where is Mr. Walter?’
‘He went straight to the study.’
‘Thank you, Laura.’
Taking a deep breath after surveying the neatly arranged room, Jacqueline headed towards the study. She opened the door and greeted the middle-aged man sitting at the desk with a warm smile.
‘Did you have a good outing, sir?’
‘Oh, Jacqueline.’
Walter Greenwood paused his work and cast a warm glance at her. Jacqueline sat down on the sofa with a smile. Walter, putting the half-opened envelope into a drawer and locking it with a key, walked over to her.
A longtime friend of Viscount Somerset, he willingly provided a room for Jacqueline, who had nowhere to stay in the capital. And he still treated her kindly, despite everyone else’s reluctance. Calling him ‘sir’ without formality was the result of the long-standing relationship between them. Walter was her benefactor, the only person she could trust.
In the blink of an eye, three years had passed, and she, once a rising star in society, was now the unnoticed ‘Pauper Youngae.’
“Jackie. Are you still thinking about Evan Nox…?”
Walter hesitated, his words trailing off. Jacqueline responded with a refreshing smile.
“No, sir. When was that even a thing? We were engaged, but I hardly ever saw Mr. Evan Nox since I was at boarding school.”
“Well, that’s fortunate.”
“Thank you for your concern about my marriage, sir, but right now, I don’t have the luxury to focus on anything other than earning money. I can’t leave my mother at my aunt’s forever.”
“Countess Somerset is my responsibility.”
Jacqueline smiled affectionately, folding her hands. She knew it was Walter’s sincerity.
“Thank you, but I’ll decline. The situation has changed, and I need to adapt to the new life.”
“Jacqueline.”
Walter sighed heavily, calling her name. There were many things he wanted to say, but in the end, he remained silent.
Deciding he couldn’t break Jacqueline’s resolve, Walter changed the subject.
“So, what’s this job you’ve found? Can you tell me about your future plans?”
“Of course. I’ve become a governess at Preston Manor. Fortunately, Lady Capelton provided me with a recommendation letter.”
“Preston Manor? Are you referring to Lord Windsor Preston’s estate?”
As if he had heard something unexpected, Walter widened his eyes. Jacqueline nodded with a smile.
“Yes, sir.”
“Hmm.”
Walter, recalling the rumors circulating in society, rubbed his chin.
“If you’re going to be the governess there, you’ll be in charge of Benjamin Preston.”
“That’s right.”
“I’ve heard that Lord Preston returned to the capital a few months ago.”
Walter spoke cautiously, his expression thoughtful. After a moment of silence lost in thought, he cast a complicated glance at Jacqueline.
Unable to hold back any longer, he finally spoke with a short sigh.
“Do you know that Benjamin’s governess has changed countless times over the past two years?”
“I’ve heard about it.”
“I recall you being the tenth governess, Jacqueline.”
“Actually, I’m the thirteenth governess, sir.”
“Ah. Poor souls, there have been three or more. May God be with them.”
With a wry smile, Walter shook his head slightly.
“After Benjamin’s father, Geoffrey Preston, passed away, his brother, Windsor Preston, inherited the Preston estate and has been taking care of his nephew, Benjamin. The reason for the constant change of governesses is not Benjamin but rather Lord Preston.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about that.”
Jacqueline nodded casually. It wasn’t a time to fuss over trivial matters. Even stale bread was precious in her current situation.
After stroking his beard for a while, Walter finally spoke reluctantly.
“Do you know who Benjamin’s mother was?”
“Yes, she was Lady Amanda Preston.”
“Right. Unfortunately, she passed away from childbirth fever shortly after giving birth. Benjamin lost both of his parents. Do you also know that she was His Majesty’s youngest daughter?”
“Yes, sir.”
Walter’s expression grew even more troubled. Despite knowing all this, Jacqueline’s insistence on going to the Preston estate seemed incomprehensible to him.
Finally, Walter revealed his honest thoughts.
“The atmosphere between the royal family and the Preston Viscount isn’t favorable regarding Benjamin’s guardianship. It’s a well-known secret. It’s because Windsor Preston isn’t a legitimate heir. His Majesty doesn’t favor him because he’s a bastard. And I’m worried you might get caught up in that storm.”
Jacqueline looked at him with sparkling green eyes. They were lively and vibrant, like midsummer leaves.
“Don’t worry, sir. I won’t get caught up in it. I’m just a governess, after all. What business do I have meddling in the feud between the royal family and the viscount?”
“Well, I hope so.”
Walter nodded with a troubled expression. Soon, a resigned smile crept onto his face. If he couldn’t break Jacqueline’s resolve, he could at least support her.
“If you ever have any trouble, come find me. I’m always on your side. You know that, right?”
“Thank you, sir.”
Jacqueline smiled softly at him. As if remembering something, Walter cautiously spoke up.
“By the way, any news about the Baron…”
At the mention of her father’s name after a long time, Jacqueline involuntarily flashed a bitter smile. She knew her behavior was impolite, but she cut Walter off abruptly.
“I couldn’t give up because of vague hope, but now I’m trying to accept reality.”
“Jackie.”
“If my father were alive, he would have already returned. It’s been three years. We haven’t found his body, but the fact remains that he’s gone. It was hard for me to accept that fact all this time. Now, I’m trying to live my own life, sir.”
“Well thought out. Sometimes giving up is a brave choice. I’m sure the Baron would understand your heart, Jackie.”
Giving up can be a brave choice.
Jacqueline inwardly nodded. Yes, that could be possible. Giving up could be another choice to move forward to the next stage, that was clear.
It was a signal that she was ready to close the chapter of her life so far and embrace new challenges.
Walter, who had been wearing a puzzled expression, attempted to change the mood with a slightly cheerful tone.
“What if Viscount Windsor Preston falls for you? I’ve heard he hasn’t shown any interest in any lady invited to the parties so far.”
“Oh, come on, sir.”
Jacqueline waved her hand as if to say that was absurd.
“Have you forgotten that Viscount Preston, who has been invited to the gatherings, hasn’t danced with any woman so far? He has no interest in women at all. Why would he suddenly fall in love? Would I be called the ‘Demon of the Black Fleet’ for nothing?”
“It’s said that when such a man falls in love, it’s a terrifying thing. Fate has a way of knocking, anytime, anywhere.”
“That won’t happen, I assure you.”
“Well, we’ll see. With such a beautiful lady in front of him, which man wouldn’t fall in love?”
“It only looks that way in your eyes, sir. Others simply call me ‘Pauper Princess.'”
“Those people must be blind.”
Jacqueline burst into laughter at Walter’s genuinely indignant expression. Walter also smiled lightly, as if resigned. They looked truly affectionate, like father and daughter.
