Huh? A Model?
In this world, 1 copper, 1 silver, and 1 gold were roughly equivalent to 1,000 won, 10,000 won, and 100,000 won back on Earth. But here, a single gold—worth about 100,000 won in local terms—held the value of around 500,000 won on Earth, five times more. And the price I'd quoted Emily for mole removal? Five gold per mole. In Korean terms, that was 2.5 million won each. Anyone hearing that might point fingers and call me a scammer, but so what? There was no Ministry of Health and Welfare around here.
Hold on... Thinking about it, maybe I should focus more on dermatology than surgery. Removing moles alone nets five gold each.
A wave of prosperity washed over me, and I sent a deep mental thank-you to the UV rays. In hospitals without specialization, they charged 1,000 to 5,000 won per mole, but standard dermatology clinics took about 10,000 won. High-end Gangnam spots? Up to 100,000 won a pop.
Of course, my clinic charged 200,000 won each. And patients still lined up out the door.
That was the power of brand image. Once you built a high-end reputation, it didn't crumble easily. Patients griped about the prices at first, then adapted. I was that good of a doctor, after all.
And that hasn't changed.
I smiled inwardly, content, as I waited for Emily's response.
Emily had 78 moles on her face. Most people developed 10 to 40 by adulthood, so at 18, she was above average. But her features were delicately refined, with sharp contours—a face that would turn heads even by modern beauty standards.
Still, if she wants them gone, they're gone. That's what a doctor does.
Today, as always, I was just fulfilling my duty as a physician. My heart raced a little at the thought of treating her sooner. How many would she want removed? The anticipation built—
"Director! I've decided."
I'd waited about ten minutes for her answer. Finally.
"Go ahead. Mark the spots you want removed on the photo—or the face sketch here—with circles, and confirm the total count."
I handed her the tablet with a gentle smile, but Emily didn't budge.
...What? She's not backing out now, is she?
Unfounded anxiety bubbled up, nearly sending me into a mental chant for calm, when Emily looked at me with resolute eyes.
"Remove them all, please."
"All... of them?"
"Yes. Not a single one left."
...Does this girl realize what she's saying?
Seventy-eight moles at five gold each: 390 gold. Enough to pay the territory office and survive for two full months—extending my lifeline by the same.
...Hah.
I closed my eyes briefly, the vivid scent of gold churning in my mind. But verification first. I needed to confirm if she could actually pay.
"That's 78 moles on your face, Emily. Total: 390 gold. And our clinic only accepts full payment upfront."
"...U-Upfront?!"
There it was. Her expression shifted at last, panic clear as day.
"...Could I pay in installments?"
"That's not possible. Upfront is our policy. No exceptions."
"Isn't there another way? Our grocery store does okay—not rich, but not broke. I get about 30 gold a month."
She bit her trembling lip, on the verge of tears. Truly heartbreaking.
Good thing I'm not weak to tears.
Emily's plight was pitiable, sure. But everyone had a story. Installments? Not in my dictionary. One exception would breed more.
The territory office bastards taught me well. Hardship builds character, after all.
"So, how much could you pay monthly? 20 gold?"
"Um... If I scrimp, up to 25 gold!"
Twenty-five gold a month... That would drop my territory office payments from 149 gold, 8 silver, 1 copper to 124 gold, 8 silver, 1 copper.
Buys me a year and three months before the flames lick my feet again.
But installments were a huge risk. Possessing the territory office clerk's mind, I pondered what Emily could offer besides gold.
Short, careful deliberation over, I asked, "How much can you pay right now?"
"Just two gold at the moment..."
Two gold. About 200,000 won here—peanuts compared to my worth. My face darkened sharply, and Emily waved her hands frantically.
"Ah, don't worry about the first treatment! Our store's not far. Right after the procedure—"
"No, better go pay first. Taking payment post-procedure keeps things fair with other patients."
"Yes, then right now—"
"But that's only if I approve installments. Which I haven't yet."
I pressed on firmly. "Even at 25 gold a month, it's not profitable for me—or our Cash Shop. Fair trade demands fair compensation, right?"
Her pupils dilated. Rubbing her nape with shaky fingers, the flustered Emily asked, "Compensation... like what?"
"I'm a doctor, not a merchant. That's for you to decide. I just want to know your resolve—how badly do you want those moles gone."
"..."
Resolve for mole removal? Even saying it made my ears burn. Back home, it'd earn a scoff—maybe go viral and tank my practice.
But here, moles were a lifelong curse. And only I could fix them.
In a way, my medical knowledge might be the rarest thing here—not gold, diamonds, or dragons.
Doctors saved lives, sure, but they weren't free volunteers like priests.
Of course, I have an idea what to ask for.
But I wouldn't say it first. In negotiation, revealing your wants was amateur hour. Make them offer something tempting.
Let's see how deep that resolve runs.
A few more minutes passed. Emily swallowed dryly, lips quivering as she spoke.
"I'll give you everything I have!"
A body deed? Not bad resolve.
"If you want, I could even marry you, Director!"
Okay, that's bad.
"Director, I really—"
"Calm down. Your resolve is clear, but I need more details."
"S-Sorry..."
"No need to apologize. As long as your terms appeal to me."
After a hesitant breath, Emily continued. "I mentioned our grocery store, right?"
"Yes, I remember."
"It's not as fancy as your Cash Shop's goods, but... how about we supply whatever you need until I pay off the full amount?"
"..."
Her gulp echoed in my ears.
"We're the biggest in the Frederik Dungeon Zone—dairy like milk and cheese, processed meats like sausages and ham, you name it."
"Hmm..."
Her initial bravado faded into a shrinking voice at my lukewarm reaction.
True, no one's useless.
Inwardly smirking, I mulled her offer. Solid, actually.
But don't show satisfaction yet.
"Ah, is that no good?"
"Hmm..."
With no response from me, Emily grew desperate, rambling on unprompted.
"It's family-run, but I'm the eldest daughter—siblings are married off, so it's basically mine!"
Perfect, shaping up just right.
"So, take whatever groceries you need, anytime. Of course, just what you require... enough for me to keep the lights on..."
Her panic mounted into a jumble of words. I suppressed a pleased smile, keeping a straight face.
"Of course. If I accept, I won't take more than needed. We live together in this world, after all. Your resolve is noted. Installments approved."
Her eyes lit up at my subtle smile.
"Th-Thank you! Truly!"
"No thanks needed. I'm thrilled to treat you."
Framework set; now fine-tune details.
"Emily, shall we proceed to the procedure?"
"Ah, yes! Right now?"
"Yes. It's on another floor."
Blushing with excitement she couldn't hide, Emily nodded.
"But just a few today."
"Huh? Not all of them?"
Her flustered face made me smile inwardly.
"This is our first meeting. I need to see how well you keep your word."
"R-Right. Makes sense for a first-timer..."
"Don't worry too much. Stick to the terms, and we'll remove them perfectly over three sessions."
"Great! Awesome!"
Her beaming smile warmed me too.
"Oh, and you'll model for us."
"Huh? Model?"
Detail one: modeling.