Chapter 54

As she apologized to the Count and Countess Croiselle for her rudeness last night, they both laughed and forgave her, saying they didn’t mind. Then, they talked about the current state of society, and Opal was able to build a new friendship with the Countess’s daughter, Roana. Satisfied, Opal left the Croiselle residence, ready to head to the newspaper office with Claude.

“I hope the journalist who wrote that article is there...”

“Well, even if the journalist isn’t there, the editor-in-chief should be.”

Although Opal had spoken confidently to Claude that morning, the newspaper office was an unknown place to her, and she was a bit nervous. However, Claude remained as relaxed as ever and casually answered her concerns. Seeing this, Opal realized something.

“Could it be that you’re involved in the newspaper business?”

“No, I’m friends with the owner, but I’m not involved in the management.”

“What about in the Kingdom of Taisei?”

“I own one company there.”

“I didn’t know that.”

Opal slumped back into her seat, feeling a bit deflated. This time, too, it was clear that having information was politically very important. It was no surprise that King Alessandro had his hands in the newspaper business. Of course, the king himself wouldn’t be directly involved in the management, as that would undermine credibility. Claude, too, probably owned the company under a pseudonym.

“Do you want me to give you a list of my assets?”

“No, it’s fine. Just let me know when I need to know something.”

“Alright, then I will.”

She knew it, but Claude had become a man she hardly knew. After all, it had only been half a year since they had reunited after eight years. Not only during those eight years, but even before that, they had only met during long holidays since she entered the boarding school. It was only natural that there were many things she didn’t know about him.

She couldn’t say that she wasn’t concerned about this “other matter.” If Claude hadn’t returned to the country, someone else would have been involved in it, and that person would have been someone who could easily enter the social circles of the Kingdom of Sosie.

“Both you and King Alessandro are really not to be underestimated.”

“Is something the matter?”

“But you’re not the enemy, right?”

“To you and to this country.”

“...Then I’ll let it slide.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“You’re welcome, my lord.”

Claude understood exactly what Opal was saying, but they both left it ambiguous. Opal also understood that Claude had his secrets but never lied to her. Just as their conversation ended, the carriage arrived at the front of the newspaper office.

“There are quite a few people gathered here. There are even children...”

“There’s a bit of work at the newspaper office. Everyone is looking for jobs. ...More accurately, a bit of pocket money.”

“Even though there’s always a shortage of manpower in Mantes, everyone wants to come to the city.”

“It’s probably an image issue. Not everyone, but many believe they can make a name for themselves in the city.”

“I heard that the owner of this newspaper started as a shoe shiner after moving from the countryside to the capital. He’s a prime example of rags to riches.”

“He often says he learned about business from shining shoes, not from school.”

“That’s impressive.”

Opal was impressed and waited for Claude to get out of the carriage. Then, with Claude’s help, she got out of the carriage. Immediately, she felt the gazes of the people gathered in front of the newspaper office and was slightly intimidated, but she managed to hide it. She then smiled and bowed slightly, as if greeting people at a ball, and entered the newspaper office.

“Oh, Lord Fred. It’s unusual for you to come here.”

“Hello, Editor-in-Chief. It’s been a while. This is my wife, Opal. Opal, this is the Editor-in-Chief, Marc Ponsello.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ponsello.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Fred. Meeting such a beautiful lady today is truly a stroke of luck.”

After entering the newspaper office, Claude greeted the security guard at the reception with a nod and confidently escorted Opal to the third floor. When they entered a certain room, a man at the back of the room stood up and greeted them. It seemed they knew each other, but the man didn’t know that Claude was the Marquis Lucelle.

“I’m here to see a journalist named Alan Maron. Is he here?”

“Yes, he is. Was it about this morning’s article? I can’t reveal the source, but it was a great article, wasn’t it? It sold like hotcakes, and we just did a reprint.”

The editor-in-chief continued, beaming. He was probably more excited about the reprint than meeting Opal.

“Alan just got back from an interview. He seems to have some new information for this morning’s article and is about to submit it, so please be brief. Hey, Alan! Alan!”

“...What? What is it? I’m busy!?”

Alan, who had been buried under a pile of documents and newspapers, raised his head reluctantly. The moment his eyes met Opal’s, he pushed his chair back so hard it fell over, making a loud noise that echoed even in the noisy editorial room.

“Lady Opal!? Lady Opal!”

“...Y-Yes?”

A young man in his early twenties ran over to Opal, weaving through the rows of desks. Opal, taken aback by his intense demeanor, stepped back while responding, but Claude blocked him.

“Don’t get too close to my wife.”

“Huh? Oh, no, I’m sorry. I just got so excited to see Lady Opal...”

“You know my wife? She doesn’t seem to know you.”

Claude’s voice was unusually stern. The atmosphere in the editorial room became completely silent, and even the editor-in-chief, who didn’t seem to understand what was happening, was just watching the situation unfold.

“I’ve been admiring Lady Opal since eight years ago, so it’s only natural that she doesn’t know me!”

“Eight years ago?”

“Yes! My father serves the MacLeod Duke’s family, so I’ve had the chance to see Lady Opal a few times. Thanks to Lady Opal, I was able to study and become a journalist. Thank you!”

Alan answered crisply, standing at attention. Opal peeked out from behind Claude but couldn’t remember him. She had arranged for the children of the MacLeod Duke’s household staff to receive education, but there were many of them, so she couldn’t recognize him.

“So, what’s your father’s name?”

Claude, slightly irritated, asked, and Alan smiled.

“My father’s name is Kayb. We don’t have a family name, so I chose my favorite food as my family name.”