Meanwhile, aboard the steamship headed to the United States of Avalonia, Poul carefully examined Penelope's wound, making sure to clean it with antiseptic before re-dressing it. He knew that infections were a common risk with stab wounds, especially when they were inflicted with a dirty or rusted weapon.
As he worked, Penelope lay still on the bed, her eyes closed in pain. Poul couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sadness and worry for her. He just stabbed the person he loved the most and seeing them in pain add salt to that wound.
Penelope's eyes suddenly fluttered open, and she looked up at Poul. Her face was pale, and she looked weak, but her eyes held a spark of determination.
"Poul," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think you have done well enough on dressing my wounds. Don't worry, I'll take care of it once we are in the United States."
Poul felt relieved hearing her usual calm and reassuring voice, but he couldn't help but feel guilty for what he had done to her."Well, you are a doctor after all, I'm sure you can look after yourself better than I," he chuckled as he said that.
Penelope shook her head. "Mhmm…I think being tended by someone feels a little better than taking care of yourself. But I'll manage, don't worry. But still, do you think everyone in London is going to buy it? That I got stabbed and disappeared?"
"Given the fact that you are a popular doctor, I don't think the people of the British Empire would simply accept what happened to you. They will find you, they'll use any means necessary to get you back. But since I stabbed you, I already gave them false information that you were killed. Yet, there will be someone who can piece the puzzle together and see through our lies."
Penelope nodded understandingly. "I wonder if the coachman that you hired is going to remain silent…"
"I gave him one year's worth of his salary and money to buy another carriage. I don't think he'll sell us out," Poul reassured her.
Penelope smiled weakly, grateful for Poul's quick thinking. "You always know how to handle things," she said softly.
Poul's expression softened. "I just wish I didn't have to handle this. I wish we could have just left London and started a new life together without all this mess. But you knew better than I that it is easier said than done."Penelope was silent for a moment, then she squeezed Poul's hand.
"What are you doing?" Poul asked.
"Nothing, I just want to squeeze your hand…" Penelope replied and continued. "So this is freedom huh? My life as a daughter of a princess was a suffocating one. There is this etiquette that you must comply with or else you'll get punished. But now, even though we are on the run, I feel free. Free from those suffocating rules and expectations. Free to be with you, Poul."
"Even in this world, the United States is still a free country huh? Though there are expectations from those who were born from the upper class, your new life in the United States should be an easy one."
"Speaking of new life. Have you already arranged my new identity?" Penelope asked.
Poul hummed in thought. He had prepared all of the things she needed for her new life in the country.
"You are going to be an immigrant from Great Britain, a nurse working for the hospital of the poor in London with medical expertise.
Penelope raised her eyebrows in surprise. "A nurse? I never thought I'd be working as a nurse. But I suppose it's a good cover, especially in this era, where women having a career is still not widely accepted."
Poul nodded in agreement. "Yes, and besides, it will also give you the chance to use your medical knowledge to help those in need. That's what you've always wanted, right?"
Penelope smiled. "Yes, it is. So I guess I'll be looking for a job once we arrive in the United States?"
"Oh no...no, you will be working for me, my lovely wife," Poul grinned. "As you are aware, our company focuses on technology, and the factory churning out our products has a lot of hazards. So I figured, why not become our head doctor in the clinic that we are renovating?"
Penelope's eyes widened in surprise. "Head doctor? Poul, are you sure? I mean, how about the doctor who is working in the position? Am I going to replace him just like that?"
"Ah…I see where you are getting. If you are worried about his job then rest assured, he won't. He will still be able to continue working for my company…oh well, I guess you can start as his assistant."
Penelope couldn't help but feel grateful and overwhelmed by Poul's thoughtfulness. Despite the danger and uncertainty of their current situation, he had already prepared everything they needed for their new life in the United States.
"Thank you, Poul," she said softly and continued. "Once we get to the United States, I would like to speak with you about your lives, you and Jonathan. It must have been hard for the both of you considering that you were reincarnated in a pauper's body."
***
Back in Great Britain, at the Royal Hospital of London. Alexander's assistant, Reid, was walking towards the receptionist.
"Oh. Mr. Reid, good evening. So you have heard the news about the stabbing and the disappearance of Her Highness, Penelope? What a pitiful situation," the receptionist said as Reid approached her desk.
"Yes, it's quite shocking. But I trust that His Majesty and the authorities are doing everything they can to find Her Highness," Reid replied. "Do you mind if I ask you some questions about Her Highness at this event? I'm curious about something."
"What is it?"
"Well, did Her Highness speak with anyone here while she was working?"
"Uhm…that's a broad question, Mr. Reid. You know that Her Highness is speaking to a lot of people, especially with her patients. Oh…speaking of patients, there is this man who. He said that he came from the United States of Avalonia and wanted to be checked up by her."
"Hoh?" Reid mused, his brows narrowing. "Do you happen to remember his name?"
The receptionist thought loudly. "I believe his name is Poul?"
"Poul?" Reid repeated the name. "What was his surname?"
"He didn't say, Mr. Reid. But I'm sure his name is Poul. Why?" The receptionist asked.
There's no mistaking it. A man who was from the United States of Avalonia, and a name starting from Poul. Could it be?
"Oh, I remembered that I have a scheduled appointment today. Looks like I would not be able to work today, so look for someone who can fill in for me."
After saying that, Reid dashed out of the hospital and headed straight to the palace. He needed to speak with Alexander immediately.
