Bad woman, am I pretending to be bad?

“I understand, and I don’t blame you for taking advantage of the situation. Eliza is a good girl. Even if it wasn’t explicitly stated, I could see her self-control and perseverance through the details. Hysteria, a disease catalyzed by psychology, has evolved into a curse passed down through bloodlines. If it were me, I would never agree to the label of being incurable.”

"The fact that she trusts me is my greatest honor as a doctor, and the fact that I can stand firm in my convictions is my greatest reward, and also the most tactless thing in their eyes."

Theodore von remained silent for a moment, and after a long while, he sighed, as if acknowledging something deep in his heart.

“Eliza is right, you are indeed... different, kind and steadfast, aware of your suffering yet unafraid of oppression.”

"Unswayed by self-interest and utterly without weaknesses, such a person is simply out of place for them—"

"monster."

Chapter 148 The Mystery of His Origins

"I initially thought you were one of those cowardly scoundrels who deliberately approached Eliza with his own heart, but—"

"Since you can display such a fearless attitude in the council chamber, it proves that I have underestimated you and am clinging to the stereotypes I have held onto."

Without looking at Charlotte any further, Theodore's gaze fell on the magnificent foyer behind him, and he sighed softly.

“Eliza was frail from childhood and had seen too many doctors with ulterior motives and so-called sorcerers.” His voice was slightly deep, tinged with sarcasm. “They either wanted to curry favor with the Dickbatov family or treated her like a piece of glass to be played with.”

She was so fragile, as if a gentle breeze could knock her over...

Sighs of regret filled the air, and elegant words came and went as they pleased, like the narration of an opera turning the page, revealing a self-indulgent emotion, only to be ruthlessly interrupted by the chestnut-haired beauty.

"Sir, Miss Eliza's illness is merely a psychological lingering disease. She is not a fragile, easily bullied doll. At least, as far as I can see, she has her own opinions and a steadfast character. You should not judge her solely on her appearance."

"..."

For a moment, he choked on his words, and the ancients couldn't help but raise their eyebrows, not in anger, but with a hint of resentment.

Like those viewers who viewed Eliza as a work of art, Theodore von was also immersed in his own self-perception. The title of "brother" was the source of his pride. He reveled in this difference, just as he did in the others he scorned and looked down upon.

"Just like in the council chamber, you really are a clueless person."

"Focusing on the facts has always been my standard. If I offend others and am seen as rude or mediocre, it doesn't matter. I only care about every patient, whether it's Eliza or those who are suffering from the epidemic. There are no exceptions, only priorities."

She didn't say it outright, and even though others bluntly accused her of being ungrateful, Charlotte merely used this opportunity to bring up the topic, informing the former that her current focus was on the epidemic mentioned in the council chamber.

Unfortunately, despite her consideration for others' feelings, she is always subjected to various negative comments.

“I can’t help you. The Medical Committee is commissioned by the Empire, and Count Montero is someone who considers the big picture. You shouldn’t have been so forceful in proposing to change the entire water supply system. Anyone with eyes can see that it will cost a fortune and be slow to produce results.”

Theodore von's fingertips tapped lightly on the gilded cane, causing the driftwood and marble to collide with a crisp sound.

"But you still voted in favor, becoming one of those 'clueless' individuals."

“Because Eliza trusts you.” He turned and walked toward the nearby carriage, his tone somewhat complicated, with a hint of jealousy in it. “She said you are different from other doctors—the way you look at her is like you’re looking at an ordinary patient.”

"The Earl of Montero has made a compromise on the surface, allowing you to accompany the members of the committee to further investigate the truth as a political tool. However, in this epidemic, the number of lives is insignificant, especially since you have already been removed from the family register by Lord Alberto. You should be even more concerned about your own situation."

"This is the only reminder I can offer. After all, there is a distinction between superiors and inferiors. Farewell."

The gap between nobles and commoners was reduced to the small space marked by the ruts of carriages, which Charlotte heard all about and understood the intentions behind the gazes of those around her when she arrived.

It turns out that she was no longer Mrs. Valenti, but just a lowly doctor nominally working at the orphanage, at the mercy of everyone.

Charlotte chuckled as she gently stroked the lock on the medicine box, at her uncle's impatience and his self-righteous cleverness in trying to take over his position out of fear of being involved in power.

The stripping away of her identity will only make her more miserable. To be honest, when she submitted this report, she never thought she would be able to directly contact the Senate in Florence. Although this does have something to do with the freedom of speech mentioned in the newspapers, it is only the most basic superficial work.

It's neither free nor democratic; you can only be a tourist, watching those sitting high up spouting benevolence and morality, forcing you to keep quiet.

The investigation by her colleagues will likely involve a lot of sabotage by the medical committee, both in terms of reputation and physical and mental well-being, but that's exactly what Charlotte needs.

In this metropolis where people climb the social ladder and curry favor with the powerful, a good doctor like her is indeed an anomaly, a 'monster' that makes their ugliness stand out.

Away from the senators who avoided her like the plague, Charlotte left the magnificent chamber in a calm and frivolous manner.

After drinking the Sequence Eight 'Monster' potion, she showed signs of digestion for the first time. The shock, anger, and rejection of those powerful figures acted as the best nourishment, accelerating the process. Next, she needed to be an incongruous good person, a thorn that those in high positions could not see, could not tolerate, but could never remove.

"An evening paper."

Charlotte took a yellowed piece of paper from the veiled man's hand. She didn't find the matter she was reporting among the many sections. Instead, she saw a notice about the Kingdom Theatre Company's new performance.

"Excuse me, ma'am, are you interested in the troupe's new performance?"

"Yes, I'm very curious about that rumored opera star."

Following the example set by the former's spontaneous introduction, Charlotte listened quietly to the words she needed.

The casual conversations on the streets are also an important source of information. At the very least, as a doctor, she does need to understand the patient's situation before making a diagnosis, whether it is their family background or their experiences.

"Oh, that's not surprising. After all, you can run into someone with those syllables on their lips on any street corner or at any table."

"Madam, please don't take offense. Most people say nice things about them. Anyway, you won't find much sarcasm unless you chew it over carefully. After all, Ms. Faringer is outstanding in appearance and virtuous. As the only daughter of the Dickbatov family, no, I should say the former second daughter, the word 'perfect' is most appropriate."

"Second daughter?"

She deliberately emphasized her questioning tone.

"Yes, in Florence today, after the ravages of war and the gradual stabilization of the city, the title of opera singer, as a symbol of art, is almost overshadowing the glory of the noblemen. In turn, it can also enhance the city's prestige."

"But in reality, the children of this little path surname are all cursed madmen, like Ms. Farlinger's former mother, who strangled her eldest daughter to death with her bare hands and pierced her husband's neck with a needle from a curtain."

"However, this only adds a touch of the bizarre to their incredible performances. The noble ladies are busy selling their good taste at social balls, while the gentlemen and ladies are scrambling to acquire wealth and fame."

"Since there is such a wonderful show that everyone is terrified of and cares about, why not let them offer themselves up for everyone to enjoy?"

The laughter was tinged with an unnatural dryness. Charlotte didn't ask any further questions, but simply followed the road back to her rented house, where she met someone she hadn't expected.

It's a baby parrot.

Chapter 149 Cohabitation

"Mrs. Savarin, are the houses in this area still available for rent?"

Thanks to her exceptional hearing, even though she had only passed by the door, Charlotte still recognized that familiar voice—

A vibrant, chirping green parrot that seems to leap onto a branch.

“Oh, young lady, you have excellent taste. There are very few outsiders here, and the security is relatively good. It’s quiet and peaceful. If I may be so bold, you won’t find a more perfect residence in the entire outer city.”

As a landlord, it's natural to talk about all the advantages of the property, and boasting is a common occurrence for such people.

Through the ivy-covered fence, she saw Melina standing on tiptoe, checking the light coming through the second-floor window, her chestnut hair gleaming like honey in the morning and evening light.

The girl was dressed in a simple linen dress today, but it couldn't hide her graceful demeanor.

"The rent is seventy shillings per month. Cleaning is the responsibility of the tenant, and any damage to the furniture will incur additional charges." Mrs. Savarin sketched on the ledger with a quill pen, then paused for a moment before suddenly speaking, "However, my dear, I must remind you that the epidemic in Florence is quite serious lately, so it's best to reduce the frequency of going out."

"In addition, a few days ago, a lady from Tingen was admitted to the area you marked out. Her composed demeanor and professional tone made me almost certain at first glance that she was a conscientious, humble, and polite doctor."

Melina's fingertips paused on the window frame, her amber eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Unfortunately, due to the recent housing shortage, you may have to share a roof with her. I think you two, coming from the same city, might get along very well."

"what do you mean?"

Clearly, the little parrot also understood the trap set by the landlady.

"Unfortunately, all the houses in this neighborhood are rented out. You should understand, young lady; good properties are always in high demand, and quiet, undisturbed places are not so easy to find. Of course, if you are willing to pay a little more shillings, I can find you a secluded little room in the inner city."

"Don't blame me for being heartless. After all, everyone knows the rule of first come, first served. You and I have only met once. It's not that I'm disrespecting you, nor that I'm unwilling, but I can't persuade the other tenants to change their rentals just for you. There are other houses in the outer district, but they are not as good as they used to be."

Upon hearing this, Melina frowned imperceptibly, about to politely decline, when she stepped across the threshold with light and rhythmic footsteps.

Charlotte, of course, was the one who pushed open the door and walked in at the opportune moment.

"Greetings, Mrs. Savarin."

Her hair was damp with dew, and vines clung to the hem of her skirt. She bowed slightly, her greeting a little distant but not at all unpleasant.

"Dr. Bella?"

The moment the little parrot saw Charlotte, her eyes lit up. She looked at Charlotte's clothes and demeanor with great curiosity, as if comparing them to an image in her mind.

"Young lady, I don't recall ever meeting you before?"

With a questioning tone, Charlotte, who believed herself to be of a certain status, should not have had any contact with Melina, so what was the reason for this change in expression?

“Tinggen is a small place. Some things and some people don’t need to be widely reported. Through word of mouth, even I know that there is a kind and noble doctor in such a conservative seaside city.”

Well, being too famous does bring her some trouble, just like when Melina walked up to her and shook her hand.

"My goodness, you seem to embody the doctor's profession perfectly—calm, gentle, and reassuring. That coat, that tone of voice—it's simply a unique and captivating quality!"

"I was thinking of declining Mrs. Savarin's suggestion. After all, familiar people will have more or less conflicts, and few people can accept being in the same room with strangers. But now it is you. Just looking at you has benefited me a lot. I think I understand how to describe such a scene."

"By the way, by the way, why did you come to Florence? It must be because of this damned plague. I heard that thousands have already died from it. It's truly..."

There was no way to stop this excessive passion. Charlotte tried to express herself more gently, but to little avail.

she says:

"As a doctor, I only spend a short period of time sleeping in that house. The rest of the time I am busy with the work at the orphanage, so I don't mind living under the same roof as others."

“If you’re okay with it, I’d be happy to offer you a bedroom. In Florence, where land is so expensive, old friends should look out for each other. As for the rent, we can split it equally. Although there’s no official definition, I’ve taken the liberty of calling it ‘co-renting.’”

After speaking, she withdrew her five fingers, but Melina's kindness remained.

"Share a room? That's such a perfect word! Oh, exceptionally talented and virtuous. Even though we only met once, you were so generous with your good deeds. I've finally found a real-life example of someone like that!"

As he spoke, the emerald feathers pinned to the brim of his hat swayed back and forth, conveying a joyful and lively air.

Good heavens, she's like a chattering green parrot...

Charlotte's original intention was to help Melina out of a predicament, to prevent her from being deceived by the vain Mrs. Savarin, and to use Isabella's identity to get closer to this old acquaintance, so as to carefully observe her future behavior. However, it now seems that she has fallen into a trap she set for herself.

Only then did the girl realize the question of whether she minded or not that she had mentioned earlier.

"Mind? If it's you, of course I don't mind. On the contrary, I'm worried that my noise might bother you."

Charlotte smiled slightly, maintaining the gentleness and restraint expected of a doctor: "That's good. Now that we've reached an agreement, Mrs. Savarin, please have this lady's name added to the previous contract."

She glanced sideways as she handed over the pen, and Melina at that moment raised the corners of her mouth, a smile spreading across her lips, clearly indicating that she understood the former's meaning.

“Melina, Dr. Bella, you can just call me Melina.”

Seeing this, Mrs. Savarin's wrinkles deepened. She muttered, "If it's for two people, the price will inevitably have to go up. After all, wear and tear on the furniture, water consumption—these are all extra expenses..."

They didn't mind the temporary price increase. Although it was called co-renting, from another perspective, it was equivalent to losing a business deal.

As a tenant, it was perfectly fine for her to invite the little parrot, but when things came to the table, she had to make some compromises, even if it meant spending some of her own money to get rid of the trouble.

Now, worldly desires are of no concern to her; what lies before her is the weakness she had previously sensed in Melina.

The little parrot is injured.

Chapter 150 Acknowledgments

Charlotte kept quiet until Savarin's bloated figure was out of sight, until she was in the same room as Melina, before she finally revealed this to herself.

“Miss Melina, even though you wiped it very carefully, there are still bloodstains on your cuffs.”

Her voice was very soft, but it made Melina freeze in place.

The little parrot instinctively hid its right hand behind its back, but its smile remained bright.

"Ah, you might have accidentally brushed against something, Dr. Bella. As you know, the outer city is not peaceful right now."

“No, the shape and color of the bloodstains tell me the answer.” Interrupting this explanation, Charlotte’s gaze fell on the former’s eyebrows and eyes, her tone calm and certain, “The wound is still bleeding, isn’t it? Your breathing is much faster than normal, and you deliberately clench your left hand tightly when you walk, as a way of concealing it.”

Melina's smile froze on her face.

Before she could even sit down, Charlotte took a step forward, and Melina immediately stepped back, pressing her back against the wall. Her eyes flickered for a moment, like a small animal cornered, but she quickly raised her chin and smiled casually, "Dr. Bella, it's not very polite for you to stare at a lady like that."

"Just as you said, I am a kind and gentle doctor, and you are a patient who catches my eye. Should I not turn a blind eye to you?"

Smart is mistaken by smart.

The little parrot's eyelashes trembled slightly, and it finally sighed, slowly raising its left hand.

The cuff slipped down, revealing a thin, long cut on the inside of the wrist, the blood already slightly darkened.

"It's just a minor injury. The carriage had some trouble on the way here, but it's nothing serious. I was planning to go back to my room and take care of it myself. I'm very sorry to have worried you."

A slight shrug is an obvious cover-up.

It is unknown where the information was leaked and her identity exposed, but not long after Melina left Tingen, she was ambushed by wild extraordinary beings.

She was aware of the principle of not flaunting wealth, but the convenience brought by the channel meant that items like talismans, which were low-profit but high-volume, always had a market, thus attracting those who set traps.