Money doesn’t necessarily guarantee happiness, but having a lot of money generally leads to happiness.

Jacqueline realized this truth of life a little later than others. The fact that being a wealthy commoner is better than being a penniless noble in name only.

The era of wielding influence solely through titles has ended. The time has come when gold wields as much power as a title.

Her father, the Earl of Somerset, took an interest in the emerging New World business to ride the wave of the times. The land across the sea was an unknown world, a golden land that would bring him enormous wealth.

But it was not a place just anyone could go. A mysterious continent that could only be reached after months of sailing.

One had to pass through a valley called the Death Gorge, and overcome fierce typhoons that came without warning. Luck was also needed to avoid catching the eye of pirates.

More than half of those who set out on expeditions never returned, and most of the rest came back empty-handed without setting foot on the New World.

That’s why the ‘Continent of Dreams’ became one of the most popular ventures in the kingdom. A dazzling land of gold, untouched by human hands.

“But father was no exception.”

The Earl of Somerset never returned. The family fortune went to creditors, and the once glorious earldom went bankrupt overnight. And Jacqueline was left with only the nickname ‘Penniless Lady’.

“This is not the time.”

Jacqueline lightly shook her head and resumed moving her hands. She neatly stacked folded clothes into a large bag. Though she packed all her belongings, for some reason there was still empty space.

“Strange, I’m sure it was full when I came… Oh, I almost forgot Collin. Sorry, Collin.”

After putting in the teddy bear her father bought for her fifteenth birthday, the bag was finally full. Just as she managed to zip it closed and move it under the bed, there was a knock.

The maid who entered after opening the door said politely:

“Earl Greenwood has returned home.”

“He’s home early today. Where is Uncle Walter?”

“He went straight to the study.”

“Thank you, Laura.”

Jacqueline looked around the neatly organized room, took a deep breath, and headed to the study. After knocking and entering, she gave a friendly smile to the middle-aged man sitting at the desk.

“Welcome back, Uncle.”

“Oh, Jacqueline.”

Walter Greenwood paused what he was doing and gave her a warm look. Jacqueline sat on the sofa with a smile still on her face. Walter put a half-opened envelope in a drawer, locked it with a key, and walked over to her.

As a longtime friend of the Earl of Somerset, he had readily offered a room to Jacqueline who had nowhere to stay in the capital. And he still treated her kindly when everyone else avoided her.

The casual way she called the earl ‘Uncle’ was due to the long history between them. Walter was her godfather and the only person she could truly trust.

“I found a job.”

At Jacqueline’s words, he slightly furrowed his brow. Walter looked at her with worried eyes, as if looking at his own daughter.

Careful not to hurt Jacqueline’s pride, he chose his words carefully.

“Jackie, you don’t have to do that. I told you, I’ll cover your wedding expenses. I’m your godfather, and you’re like a daughter to me. That fact doesn’t change even without the baron.”

“I know. I’m always grateful for your kindness.”

“I asked Mrs. Smith to look into a marriage prospect for you. If you just wait a little…”

“Who would want to take me, an empty shell? Besides, I’m well past marriageable age.”

Just before Jacqueline’s debut in society, her father’s ship lost contact. She was too preoccupied with finding news about her father to pay attention to social circles.

Three years passed in an instant, and she who was once considered a promising debutante in society became the ‘Penniless Lady’ that no one paid attention to anymore.

“Jackie. Do you still… Evan Knox…”

Walter hesitated uncharacteristically and trailed off. At those words, Jacqueline laughed with an open face.

“No, Uncle. That was so long ago. He was my fiancé, but I rarely even saw Evan Knox’s face since I was at boarding school.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“I appreciate you caring about my marriage, but right now I don’t have the luxury to think about anything other than making money. I can’t leave Mother at my aunt’s house forever.”

“I’ll take responsibility for Lady Somerset.”

At those words, Jacqueline smiled affectionately, her eyes crinkling. She knew that was Walter’s sincere intention.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to decline. The situation has changed, and now I need to adapt to a changed life.”

“Jacqueline.”

Walter called her name and let out a long sigh. He looked as if he had a lot to say, but in the end, he said nothing.

Judging that he couldn’t change Jacqueline’s mind, Walter changed the subject.

“So, what kind of job did you find? You can at least tell me about your future plans, right?”

“Of course. I’m going to be a governess at Lord Preston’s mansion. Fortunately, Mrs. Carpenter wrote me a letter of recommendation.”

“Lord Preston? You mean Viscount Windsor Preston?”

As if hearing something completely unexpected, Walter’s eyes widened. Jacqueline nodded, still smiling.

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Hmm.”

Recalling the rumors circulating, Walter rubbed his chin.

“If you’re to be a governess in that household, you’ll be in charge of Benjamin Preston.”

“That’s right.”

“I heard that Viscount Preston returned to the capital a few months ago.”

True to his cautious nature, Walter held back his words. He gave Jacqueline a complicated look with a thoughtful expression.

Then, as if he could no longer hold back, he opened his mouth with a short sigh.

“Do you know that Benjamin’s governesses have changed countless times over the past two years?”

“I heard that was the case.”

“If I remember correctly, you’ll be the tenth governess, Jacqueline.”

“To be precise, I’m the thirteenth governess, Uncle.”

“My, my. There were three more poor souls. May God’s blessing be with them.”

Making the sign of the cross, Walter said half-jokingly and shook his head.

“After Benjamin’s father, Lord Jeffrey Preston, passed away, his brother Lord Windsor Preston inherited the Preston family and has been taking care of his nephew Benjamin. Rumor has it that the reason governesses change so frequently is not because of Benjamin, but because of Lord Preston.”

“Yes, I heard that’s the case.”

Jacqueline nodded nonchalantly. She was not in a position to insist on warm bread. Even cold bread was desperately needed.

After stroking his beard for a while, Walter spoke with difficulty.

“Do you know who Benjamin’s mother is?”

“Yes, it was Lady Amanda Preston.”

“That’s right. Sadly, she passed away from puerperal fever right after giving birth. Benjamin lost both his parents. Do you also know that she was His Majesty’s youngest daughter?”

“Of course, Uncle.”

Walter’s expression became even more troubled. As if he couldn’t understand why she would insist on going to the Preston household despite knowing this.

Walter finally revealed his honest thoughts.

“It’s an open secret that the atmosphere between the royal family and the Preston viscountcy is not good regarding Benjamin’s custody. It’s because Lord Windsor Preston is not a full-fledged heir. His Majesty looks unfavorably upon him due to his illegitimate birth. And I’m worried that you might get caught up in that storm.”

Jacqueline looked at him with sparkling green eyes. They were vibrant eyes, full of life like midsummer leaves.

“Don’t worry, Uncle. I won’t get involved. I’m just a governess. What could I possibly have to do with the fight between the royal family and the viscountcy?”

“…Well, I hope so.”

Walter nodded with an uneasy expression. But soon he smiled with resignation. If he couldn’t change Jacqueline’s mind, all he could do was support her.

“If you ever have any difficulties, come to me anytime. I’m always on your side. You know that, don’t you?”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Jacqueline smiled softly at him. Walter carefully opened his mouth, as if he had just remembered something.

“Have you heard any new news about the baron…”

Hearing her father’s name after a long time, Jacqueline unconsciously gave a bitter smile. Though she knew her action was rude, she cut off Walter’s words.

“I couldn’t give up because of vague hope, but now I’m trying to accept reality.”

“Jackie.”

“If Father were alive, he would have returned by now. It’s been three years already. Even though his body wasn’t found, the fact that Father passed away remains unchanged. Until now, I… I just had a hard time accepting that fact. Now I want to live my own life, Uncle.”

“I see. You’ve thought well. Sometimes giving up is also a brave choice. Baron would surely understand your feelings, Jackie.”

Giving up is also a brave choice.

Jacqueline nodded inwardly. Yes, that could be true. Since one can only move on to the next stage by giving up, it must be another kind of choice.

A signal that she was ready to close the chapter on her life so far and take on a new challenge.

Walter, who had been wearing a complicated expression, deliberately brightened his voice to change the mood.

“What if Lord Windsor Preston falls for you? I hear he doesn’t have any lady in mind yet.”

“Oh, come on, Uncle. That’s ridiculous.”

Jacqueline waved her hand as if it really was absurd.

“Have you forgotten that Lord Preston hasn’t danced with any woman at the balls he’s been invited to? He’s not interested in women at all. Why do you think he’s called the ‘Devil of the Black Fleet’?”

“You know, it’s those kinds of men who are the most fearsome when they fall in love. Fate can knock at any time, anywhere.”

“That won’t happen. I guarantee it.”

“Hmm. Well, we’ll see. What man wouldn’t fall in love with such a beautiful lady right before his eyes?”

“Only you see me that way, Uncle. Other people call me the ‘Penniless Lady’.”

“My, those fools must have something wrong with their eyes.”

Jacqueline burst into laughter at the sight of Walter getting genuinely angry. Walter also smiled lightly, as if he couldn’t help it. They looked truly affectionate, like a real father and daughter.

The first impression of Windsor Preston was one of surprise.

Jacqueline swallowed her admiration that was about to burst forth, her eyes wide open as if looking at a masterpiece carved by the finest sculptor.

She had heard rumors that Windsor Preston was handsome. Rumors that he was as beautiful as an angel and as seductive as a devil simultaneously graced the yellow papers.

However, at this moment, she was certain that the public rumors hadn’t captured even half of Windsor Preston’s beauty.

From his thin golden hair like silk threads to his thoughtful gray-blue eyes, his nose bridge higher than the Calpers Mountains, and his perfectly symmetrical jawline.

Even the finest sculptor’s work would look shabby next to him. That’s why Jacqueline missed the timing to greet him.

“Miss Jacqueline Somerset?”

Windsor spoke first. Unlike his sweet appearance, his voice was quite firm. It was then that she remembered he was a former soldier.