LPST 01

Jacqueline realized this truth of life a bit later than most others—namely, that being a wealthy commoner was better off than being a penniless noblewoman in name only.

The age where titles alone conferred influence had ended. Now, an era had dawned where gold wielded power as potent as any noble title.

Her father, the Earl of Somerset, took interest in the rising ventures of the New World, hoping to ride the tide of the times. Across the sea lay an unknown realm—a land of gold that promised him immense wealth.

Yet it wasn’t a place just anyone could reach. It was a mysterious continent attainable only after months of arduous sea voyage.

One had to pass through the valley known as the “Canyon of Death” and survive sudden, violent storms. Luck was also needed to avoid drawing pirates’ attention.

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

Thus, the “Continent of Dreams” became one of the kingdom’s most popular enterprises—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 Somerset earldom went bankrupt overnight. All Jacqueline was left with was the nickname “penniless noblewoman.”

“This isn’t the time for that.”

Jacqueline shook her head lightly and resumed her halted movements. She carefully stacked folded clothes into a large bag. Though she had packed all her belongings, there was still an odd emptiness.

“How strange—I was sure it was completely full when I came… Oh! I nearly forgot Colin. Sorry, Colin.”

Only after placing in the bear plush her father had given her for her fifteenth birthday did the bag finally fill up. She barely managed to zip it shut and was sliding it under the bed when a knock sounded at the door.

The maid who entered spoke politely.

“Count Greenwood has returned home.”

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

“He went straight to his study.”

“Thank you, Laura.”

After taking a deep breath while glancing around her neatly arranged room, Jacqueline headed toward the study. She opened the door after knocking and greeted the middle-aged man seated at the desk with a warm smile.

“Welcome back, Uncle.”

“Oh, Jacqueline.”

Walter Greenwood paused his work and gave her a gentle look. Jacqueline sat down on the sofa, still smiling. Walter placed a half-opened envelope into a drawer, locked it with a key, and walked toward her.

An old friend of the late Earl of Somerset, he had readily offered Jacqueline a place to stay when she had nowhere else in the capital. He continued treating her kindly when everyone else avoided her.

Their long-standing relationship allowed her to call the nobleman “Uncle” without formality. Walter was her godfather and the only person she could truly trust.

“I’ve found a job.”

At her words, he gave a faint frown. Walter looked at her with concern, as though she were his own daughter.

Choosing his words carefully so as not to wound Jacqueline’s pride, he said,

“Jackie, you really don’t have to do this. Didn’t I already tell you I’d cover the costs for your wedding? I’m your godfather—you’re as good as my own daughter. That won’t change just because Baron is gone.”

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

“I’ve already asked Mrs. Smith to look into marriage prospects for you. If you just wait a little longer…”

“Who would possibly want someone like me, who’s nothing but an empty shell now? Besides, my prime age for marriage has long passed, hasn’t it?”

Right before Jacqueline’s formal debut into high society, her father’s ship went missing. She had been too preoccupied searching for news of him to pay attention to social events.

Three years passed in the blink of an eye. Once considered a promising debutante, she had now become the “penniless noblewoman” whom no one noticed.

“Jackie… Could it be you’re still thinking about Evan Knox…?”

Uncharacteristically hesitant, Walter let his sentence trail off. Jacqueline laughed with an open, carefree expression.

“No, Uncle. That was ages ago. Though we were engaged, I barely met Mr. Evan Knox a few times because I was in boarding school.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“I appreciate your concern about my marriage, but right now I can’t afford to think about anything except earning money. I can’t keep leaving Mother at Aunt’s place forever.”

“I’ll take responsibility for Countess of Somerset.”

Jacqueline’s eyes softened as she smiled tenderly. She knew Walter meant every word.

“Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. Circumstances have changed, and I need to adapt to this new life.”

“Jacqueline.”

Walter sighed deeply as he spoke her name. He looked as if he had much more to say, yet ultimately remained silent.

Concluding he couldn’t sway Jacqueline’s stubbornness, Walter changed the subject.

“Alright then—what kind of job did you say you found? You can at least tell me your future whereabouts, can’t you?”

“Of course. I’ll be working as a governess at Lord Preston’s manor. Fortunately, Madam Capelther kindly wrote me a letter of recommendation.”

“Lord Preston? You mean Marquess of Preston, Windsor Preston?”

Walter’s eyes widened as if he’d heard something completely unexpected. Jacqueline nodded, still smiling.

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Hmm.”

Walter rubbed his chin, recalling rumors circulating in society.

“If you’re the governess for their household, you’ll be assigned to Master Benjamin Preston.”

“That’s right.”

“I’d heard the Marquess of Preston returned to the capital a few months ago.”

Ever cautious by nature, Walter held his words back. After a moment of silent contemplation, he cast Jacqueline a complicated look.

Unable to contain himself any longer, he finally spoke with a short sigh.

“Do you even know how many governesses Master Benjamin has gone through in the past two years?”

“I heard it’s been quite a few.”

“As I recall, you’ll be the tenth governess, Jacqueline.”

“Actually, Uncle, I’m the thirteenth.”

“Goodness. Three poor souls more than I remembered. May God have mercy on them.”

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

“After Lord Jeffrey Preston, Benjamin’s father, passed away, his younger brother, Lord Windsor Preston, inherited the Preston title and took custody of his nephew Benjamin. There are widespread rumors that it’s not Master Benjamin, but Lord Preston himself who causes the governesses to be replaced so frequently.”

“Yes, I’ve heard the same.”

Jacqueline nodded dismissively. She was long past the point of being picky—she needed even stale bread now.

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

“You do know who Master Benjamin’s mother was, don’t you?”

“Yes—Lady Amanda Preston.”

“Right. Tragically, she passed away from childbed fever shortly after childbirth. Benjamin lost both his parents. And do you also know she was His Majesty’s youngest daughter?”

“Of course, Uncle.”

Walter’s expression grew even more troubled. He couldn’t understand why she insisted on joining the Prestons despite knowing all this.

He finally voiced his true concern.

“It’s common knowledge that relations between the royal family and the Marquess of Preston household are strained over custody of Master Benjamin. Since Lord Windsor Preston isn’t the legitimate heir, His Majesty looks down on him for being of illegitimate birth. And I’m worried you might get swept up in that storm.”

Jacqueline looked at him with sparkling green eyes—vibrant and full of life, like summer leaves.

“Don’t worry, Uncle. Nothing like that will happen to me. After all, I’m just a governess. What business would I have getting involved in conflicts between the royal family and a marquess’s house?”

“…Yes, I hope so.”

Walter nodded reluctantly, his expression uneasy. Then, with a resigned smile, he accepted it. If he couldn’t change Jacqueline’s mind, all he could do was support her.

“If anything becomes difficult, come to me anytime. I’ll always be on your side—you know that already.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Jacqueline gave him a gentle smile. Walter, as if suddenly remembering something, spoke cautiously.

“Have there been any new developments regarding Baron…?”

Hearing her father’s name after so long, Jacqueline couldn’t help but let a bitter smile slip. Though aware it was impolite, she cut Walter off abruptly.

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

“Jackie…”

“If Father were still alive, he would’ve returned by now. It’s already been three years. Though his body was never found, the fact remains—he’s gone. All this time, I… just couldn’t bring myself to accept it. Now, I want to live my own life, Uncle.”

“Yes. That’s wise of you. Sometimes, giving up takes courage too. Baron would surely understand your heart, Jackie.”

Giving up takes courage too.

Jacqueline silently nodded in agreement. Yes, perhaps that was true. Only by letting go could one move forward—so surrender, too, was a choice.

It was a signal that she was ready to close this chapter of her life and embrace a new challenge.

Trying to lighten the heavy mood, Walter forced a brighter tone.

“What if Lord Windsor Preston falls for you? I heard he hasn’t taken a fancy to any young lady yet.”

“Oh, don’t be silly, Uncle.”

Jacqueline waved her hand emphatically as if the idea were utterly absurd.

“Have you forgotten that Lord Preston, though invited to balls, has never once danced with any woman? He has absolutely no interest in women—why else would they call him ‘the Devil of the Black Fleet’?”

“You know, men like that become truly fearsome once they fall in love. Fate can knock at any time, from anywhere.”

“That won’t happen. I guarantee it.”

“Hmm. We’ll see about that. How could any man not fall in love when such a beautiful noblewoman stands right before him?”

“You only see me that way, Uncle. Everyone else calls me the ‘penniless noblewoman.’”

“Goodness. Those fools must be blind.”

Walter’s genuine indignation made Jacqueline burst into laughter. Helplessly, Walter also offered a small smile. They truly looked like a loving father and daughter.

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Her first impression of Windsor Preston was sheer astonishment.

Jacqueline stared, wide-eyed, as if gazing upon a masterpiece carved by the greatest sculptor, swallowing the gasp that rose in her throat.

She’d long heard rumors of Windsor Preston’s good looks—whispers of angelic beauty and devilish charm simultaneously graced the yellow press.

Yet at this very moment, she was certain those rumors captured less than half of his true magnificence.

His golden hair was as fine as silk thread; his thoughtful gray eyes, his nose higher than the Kalpurs Mountains, and his jawline perfectly symmetrical.

Even the finest sculpture would look shabby beside him. Thus, Jacqueline missed her chance to greet him properly.

“Miss Jacqueline Somerset?”

Windsor spoke first. Unlike his sweet appearance, his voice was firm. Only then did she remember he was a former soldier.