What! I Got Reincarnated as a No-Name Character in the World of an Otome Game

Chapter 10 (Revised)

Christina's first day assisting Paul at his clinic in the village of Havenbrook passed quietly, devoid of any patients seeking medical attention. As they shared a moment of respite, Paul revealed a startling truth: Christina had been his sole patient for the past three months. Shocked by this revelation, Christina couldn't help but question how Paul managed to sustain himself financially.

Paul took a contemplative drag from his cigarette, the tendrils of smoke curling around him like wisps of despair as he spoke. "Do you know that villagers are poor? Even in the face of hunger, sickness, or any other affliction, they're left to fend for themselves. That's just the way of our world."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, before continuing with a somber tone. "The impoverished don't flock to clinics; they turn to the church instead. Hoping, perhaps, that the master mage serving as priest will show them mercy, offer treatment without asking for a single coin."

Christina listened intently, feeling a pang of empathy for the struggling villagers. She wanted to interject, to offer some solution or comfort, but she knew deep down that in this harsh reality, words alone couldn't change their circumstances.

"As for the rest," Paul went on, "they resign themselves to their fate, waiting for death's embrace. Healthcare, whether from a mage healer or an ordinary practitioner, is a luxury they can't afford."

Her heart heavy with the weight of the truth, Christina found herself nodding in silent agreement. She couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness, knowing that even with her newfound abilities, she was powerless to alter the systemic injustices of their world.

"For someone teetering on the brink of death," Paul continued, "a single hearty meal holds more value than any potion or poultice. So, to answer your question, I spend my days doing odd jobs. Anything to pass the time."

With a resigned sigh, Paul's expression hardened, a silent acknowledgment of the grim reality. Christina, grappling with the harsh truth, could only close her eyes in silent acceptance, knowing all too well that in this unforgiving world, even she was not exempt from its hardships.

After their conversation, Christina found herself with some free time. Christina surveyed the cluttered chaos that engulfed the clinic. The floor was strewn with discarded bandages, empty potion bottles, and scattered herbs. Paul's tools haphazardly arranged, and a mound of cigarette butts accumulating in the corner. Even the floor was not spared, bearing traces of dust and mud that only added to the chaos. It was a disorganized disaster, a far cry from the serene healing environment she had envisioned. How had the clinic descended into such a state of chaos? It seemed inconceivable, especially considering that she had been Paul's sole patient until recently.

Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she embarked on a mission to clean and tidy up the cluttered clinic. Despite her mounting frustration, Christina hesitated to confront Paul.

Their previous clash over Paul's smoking habits had left a sour taste in Christina's mouth. She had confronted him about the dangers of smoking, especially in a healing environment.

"Paul, you can't keep smoking in here," she had pleaded, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's not safe for the patients." Paul had simply shrugged, taking another drag from his cigarette.

"Relax, Christina," he had replied, his tone casual. "My cigarettes are special. They won't cause any harm." Their exchange had ended in stalemate, leaving Christina resigned to the fact that Paul would always be a smoker.

Setting aside Paul's smoking habit, Christina took it upon herself to address the mess in the clinic. With determination in her eyes, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work, intent on restoring order to the chaotic space.