Printing Money with an OB/GYN (3)
Printing Money with an OB/GYN (3)
Since I paid an unannounced visit to Count Knospe last time, it might not seem particularly surprising that Baron Bittenwald's butler came to see me without notice either...
But that was because back then I was at my wit's end—if I couldn't secure a weapons sales channel, I'd go bankrupt from expenses like workshop construction costs, so it was a desperate move.
It's something no sane person would do.
By proper etiquette, even if nobles are sworn brothers like the Three Brothers of Liu Bei, they must announce their intention to visit at least three days in advance, receive permission, and then go...
Given that someone of the butler's status—a noble's proxy—would suddenly visit without announcing his intention...
"It must be extremely urgent."
"Because of the Maternity Hospital, I'm honestly a bit taken aback. Surely you're not here to ask for help with Baroness Bittenwald's childbirth?"
Rumors about the Maternity Hospital run by the Kreuz Barony would have spread all over the Imperial capital by now.
After all, as many as 140 expectant mothers had passed through here, and those mothers and their acquaintances would have spread the word everywhere.
With such a commotion, even if it was just commoners' gossip, the nobles would have pricked up their ears to find out what was going on...
Naturally, I expected that the rumors would reach the nobles' ears, and that when a "luxury Maternity Hospital for nobles" opened, they'd send people out of curiosity...
"But we haven't even opened yet, and someone's already come calling—this is way off my expectations..."
The butler before me, as if understanding my feelings, began to speak cautiously.
"Yes, Baron Bittenwald has urgently sent me to ask for your assistance with the Baroness's childbirth."
"Our Maternity Hospital is not a suitable place for a noble lady like Baroness Bittenwald to use."
In 21st-century Korea, even if the facilities were a bit shabby, if a doctor hailed as a genius was there, a tycoon or politician visiting for cancer surgery wouldn't damage their dignity.
Even if it made the news, it would just be brushed off as a "peculiar incident."
However, for an Imperial noble to use a shabby hospital for childbirth would seriously harm the prestige of that house.
If we assisted a noble lady's childbirth in a hospital where the poor freely came and went, the reputation and credibility of both the Bittenwald Barony and our Kreuz Barony would be dragged through the mud.
"Baron Bittenwald is well aware of that point. Nevertheless, the Baron is making this sudden request because... the fate of the Bittenwald Barony hangs on this childbirth."
"The fate hangs on it, you say..."
"Baroness Bittenwald is the beloved daughter of His Excellency Count Hanover, whom he cherishes above all else. Originally, an arranged marriage with a partner befitting the dignity of the Hanover County was planned... but she fell in love at first sight with Baron Bittenwald at a ball and married him suddenly. Thanks to that, Baron Bittenwald received the patronage of His Excellency Count Hanover and was promoted to Major General in the Imperial Army at the age of twenty-four."
Most noble marriages are arranged, decided by the parents and the house.
But about one in ten couples marry for love.
Usually, even those love marriages happen between people of similar standing, but very rarely, there are cases where the gap in status is severe yet they still tie the knot...
"It was a shotgun wedding."
Even if it was a shotgun wedding, Baron Bittenwald was lawfully married to Count Hanover's daughter, so he received the County's patronage and managed to pin on a star at twenty-four.
"If the mother dies during childbirth, the alliance between the houses would collapse. Then the Bittenwald Barony, which has risen rapidly thanks to His Excellency the Count's patronage, would be politically isolated, and its path to survival would become bleak."
A single barony employs dozens of civil servants, and including their families, at least several hundred people depend on the house.
And if that house collapses?
That means several hundred people would be thrown out onto the streets in an instant.
"So we retainers have also been risking our lives, searching for various herbs and rare elixirs to improve the chances of a successful birth. While we were racking our brains, we obtained information that nearly all the mothers who gave birth at the Maternity Hospital you run survived. A maid working at the manor also gave birth there three days ago and testified that you had devoted great care to her."
The butler bowed his head to me.
"However, since it is not possible for the Baroness to give birth at this Maternity Hospital... we would like you to dispatch the midwives from the Maternity Hospital to the manor until the birth."
In 21st-century Korea, there are often cases where a social media manager, having genuinely done something wrong, issues an apology on their own and then receives disciplinary dismissal from the company.
The rationale being: "Who are you to apologize on behalf of the company and make the problem worse?"
In other words, when a noble's proxy bows his head, it is tantamount to the house he belongs to bowing to me.
"I cannot accept that request."
Upon hearing my words, the butler bowed his head without even showing a hint of disappointment.
He does that because he knows how rude and out of place his request was.
"However, I will welcome the Baroness as the first guest of the Maternity Hospital I have specially prepared for noble ladies."
"Is that truly so?"
"The preparations for opening are already complete, and I was planning to start full operations three days from now... If the Baroness's labor is imminent, I will accommodate her as a special favor."
"Thank you, Baron-nim..."
"If she hasn't gone into labor yet, please take a look at the facilities with your own eyes before she checks in. Then we can discuss bringing the Baroness over."
A much bigger customer than I had imagined walked right through my door.
Then I must do my utmost to serve them.
**
I immediately took the butler and headed to the Maternity Hospital I had set up in the outskirts of the Imperial capital.
After inspecting the interior, the butler spoke, unable to hide his astonishment.
"The interior is extremely clean. Even the windowsills..."
The butler touched the windowsill with his white-gloved hand.
Not a single speck of dust came off on his hand.
"Even our manor is not this clean."
"Isn't it common sense that disease arises in dirty air? And mothers become extremely weak during childbirth."
The concept of germs or microorganisms does not exist in the Empire.
Thus, people adhere to the miasma theory—the belief that disease is transmitted through foul air.
That's why hospitals everywhere in the Empire ventilate several times a day...
But while ventilation is important, the most critical thing is the cleanliness of the facility.
You have to minimize the chances for germs to spread if you want to avoid disease.
"And the facilities are extremely lavish. The hallways are covered with carpets imported from the East, and the walls are adorned with various paintings... Everything seems to match the dignity of a noble."
"This is a place for noble ladies to use, so it's only natural that it meets these standards."
"The garden I saw on my way in was also very beautiful."
"I brought in renowned gardeners from the capital to create it. Gentle walks after childbirth are good for the mother's health."
Of course, vigorous movement during postpartum care is forbidden, but light, consistent movement is beneficial.
Otherwise, not only does recovery slow down, but the likelihood of lingering complications increases.
"In addition, I've recruited chefs renowned in the capital and gathered doctors to provide meals tailored to each mother's body. Nutritious food that is both healthy and delicious."
"If it's a place like this, I'm sure the Baroness will be satisfied."
Since the butler spoke thus, the Baroness Bittenwald's childbirth would definitely take place at this Maternity Hospital.
And the Baroness would spread reviews of her experience everywhere.
Customers would come one after another, like a chain.
"I, Peter House, butler of the Bittenwald Barony, wish to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Barony. Thank you very much."
"You're welcome. Then I will do my utmost to help the Baroness have a safe delivery."
**
Butler Haus immediately rushed back to Baron Bittenwald and reported.
"Milord, rejoice. Baron Kreuz-nim has agreed to cooperate fully."
Baron Bittenwald shouted with joy, forgetting his dignity.
It was because he had succeeded in securing the safety of his wife—who was as precious as his own life, and who would guarantee the prosperity of his house.
"Excellent! Send someone immediately to bring the midwives. Give them a generous reward upfront as a sign that they must succeed..."
"Baron Kreuz-nim has established a new Maternity Hospital specifically for noble ladies... I think there's no need to bring the midwives. And the facilities at that Maternity Hospital..."
As the explanation of the Maternity Hospital continued, the smile on the Baron's face deepened.
"It's a hundred billion times safer to take the Baroness to that Maternity Hospital and entrust the delivery to them than to have her give birth here in the manor with everyone gathered around. Put the Baroness in a carriage and send her to the Maternity Hospital immediately! We don't know when labor might start!"