Chapter 038
The sun was slowly setting. The party was approaching its end. And they had also found Sera. It seemed a passerby had rescued her from where she had collapsed on the street.
What a relief.
“…Wow, you really went through a lot. Rebecca, you worked hard.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Rebecca sniffed and replied.
“Did you distribute the new gossip magazine today?”
“Of course!”
While a monthly magazine had its limitations in shaping public opinion, if I could use the information to my advantage, its value would increase exponentially.
For that, gossip magazines were the best.
Moreover, this one had low printing costs. I had distributed the gossip magazine to the guests who came today. And it would already be circulating in the city by now, under the name “Red Carpet.”
The first article of the gossip magazine was:
[Lady Reginis, the amount she earned in just a month.]
The article was written with Sera’s help. Sera had introduced me to one of her colleagues who was a journalist, and I had hired her to write the article.
Perhaps because of Sera’s recommendation, the journalist worked diligently and produced quality articles.
I included topics that people would be most curious about. My interview, of course, along with Crown Prince Alejandro’s fashion and his interview, and finally, an interview with Viviana.
While Viviana’s formal interview was published in issue 2 of the magazine, the gossip magazine contained more personal stories.
For example, it discussed rumors surrounding Viviana and the realities faced by opera singers.
Like who was having an affair with whom, and who did what with whom. It was that kind of content. Viviana kept her anonymity completely, but those who knew would know.
Moreover, with Viviana’s name written in the article, people had no choice but to believe it.
A small stir will arise in high society.
“I’ve seen ladies fold gossip magazines and put them in their bags more than once. The social scene will be noisy for a while.”
That’s exactly what I hope for.
The more the social circle is shaken and gaps are created, the easier it is to penetrate. They are not solid.
“When will the next gossip magazine be published?”
“In a week.”
“What content will you include?”
“One provocative article and one visually appealing article. Rebecca, please find a provocative article. And for the visually appealing one… how about discussing Crown Prince Alejandro’s contributions to the flood recovery? Maybe he made a donation, rescued a poor woman, or saved a child.”
Rebecca paused for a moment with a strange expression. Then she slowly spoke.
“How about an article condemning the person responsible for embezzling funds?”
“Was there such a person?”
“Yes, well. It wasn’t anything major, but it seemed like a provocative topic.”
“In what way?”
“Wormtail is the Empress’s nephew.”
“Oh my!”
This was exactly the material I was looking for. Plus, being able to target the Empress was a two-for-one deal.
“Great, let’s write an article about that.”
Rebecca is a great partner to work with. She understands what I’m thinking and what I need. Our Lehan is truly blessed to have someone like her.
“I think Rebecca is really capable.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Rebecca blushed slightly and waved her hand.
“No, really.”
In the novel, if it weren’t for Rebecca, Alejandro would have lost much more in the end. This difference stemmed from the fact that Rebecca and Alejandro had different perspectives.
It’s still true now.
In fact, if Wormtail’s corruption wasn’t that significant, major publications like weekly magazines would only mention it in passing.
However, Rebecca pointed out that Wormtail is the Empress’s nephew. She knows how to apply the right seasoning carefully.
“If it weren’t for Rebecca, I wouldn’t have achieved this much.”
“I work for the amount I’m paid.”
Rebecca cleared her throat.
“How are you planning the next fashion show?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about it.”
“Yes.”
“I think it’s better not to hold a fashion show this time.”
“Excuse me?”
Rebecca’s eyes widened. It might have sounded like I was giving up a business that had just started gaining popularity. However, if we maintained the same format, people would eventually get bored.
While it’s important to always decorate the stage with different themes to give the red carpet its unique identity, I felt that it would be better to plan a wedding-themed fashion show next month, targeting the fall season.
So this time…
“Hmm, how should I say this? A photo book?”
“I have no idea.”
Rebecca shook her head.
“I’ll be conducting voting in the same format as before for a week.”
“But the magazine has already been published?”
“The gossip magazine will come out next week. I’m planning to attach it to that.”
“I have no idea what you’re thinking… “
“I’m planning to hold a vote for ‘The Beauty of the Empire.’”
Rebecca’s eyes grew wider.
“The Beauty of the Empire….”
“Regardless of age or gender, whether it’s for their heart, face, or body, we’re selecting someone who can be called beautiful.”
“And then?”
“We’ll take photos of the chosen person and publish them.”
“Oh my….”
Rebecca swallowed hard.
While it has the provocative title of “The Beauty of the Empire,” that’s essentially what it is.
It’s about finding notable figures in the empire and publishing a photo book. In fact, it’s not just about having a pretty face; many people have gained respect through their own achievements.
“Wow… this is really…”
“I believe this project will attract the interest of various social classes.”
“I think so too.”
Rebecca murmured, lost in thought. I know, I’m kind of amazing.
I shrugged my shoulders.
As we quietly discussed the next project, a young man approached us with a middle-aged woman.
He slowly came closer…
Could he be an angel descended from heaven…?
I blinked. Of course, my top pick was still Alejandro, but this man had looks that were nearly as impressive. I swallowed involuntarily.
“Re, Rebecca. Turn around.”
Rebecca glanced back.
“He’s really handsome.”
He had a completely different image from Alejandro. He looked somewhat familiar… Oh my, did I really forget about such a man?
Unless I’m shot in the head.
“…Prince Adrian. I heard you attended today.”
“What?”
Prince Adrian?
The male protagonist of this world? The poor, terminally ill character who rises strongly with the help of a saint, like a candy-type protagonist?
The one who received praise for having a perfect narrative and character and was chosen as the warmest and most popular prince in the imperial family, causing a stir in the novel world?
Of course, I knew that the Empress was trying to sacrifice me to save Adrian.
But still.
“He’s handsome…”
“That’s true. It seems he has somewhat recovered more than before. I thought he would quietly leave.”
Rebecca clicked her tongue. Then, she smiled brightly and greeted Prince Adrian.
“Your Highness, it’s been a while. I’m Rebecca.”
“Long time no see, Rebecca.”
Prince Adrian greeted her with a gentle tone. Then his gaze turned to me.
“And this is…”
“She is Evelina Regnis, Your Highness.”
I did my best to show respect. Prince Adrian’s smile deepened. That gaze…
He knows me.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Regnis. I truly wanted to meet you.”
Prince Adrian extended his slender hand toward me. I awkwardly took his hand. It was colder than it looked. They say a person with cold hands has a warm heart; could that be the case?
“It’s an honor to meet you as well, Your Highness.”
“I heard you’re the most popular person in society these days. It’s really amazing. They say you prepared this stage in just two months.”
“It was possible with a lot of help.”
“Still, it’s impressive. My mother even praised you.”
Praise?
Time and again, and even this time, I had escaped the Empress’s clutches. What good is it for an Empress, who is desperate to kill me, to offer praise…
Is my life that long? Am I slipping away like an eel?
What a strange lineage!
Behind Prince Adrian stood a woman with a dark expression. I locked eyes with her.
The woman displayed fierce hostility toward me.
