Chapter 52
“You’re saying that to spite her.”
Alejandro glanced at Emil.
“Of course.”
Emil clicked his tongue. To bring Evelina into that situation and say thanks—he was truly glad Alejandro wasn’t his enemy.
He really knew how to get under people’s skin.
“I thought the Empress might collapse right there.”
Alejandro laughed coldly.
“The protests will soon come to an end.”
“They should, and spread the knights we prepared.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
There was a matter that needed to be quietly handled amidst the current situation. To prevent the Pope from holding onto this matter and tormenting Evelina any further.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
That evening.
It had been a full five days since Alejandro and I had met. He came to the mansion, inviting me to dinner, looking very lighthearted.
The mansion’s chef gathered all the available ingredients and showcased his skills, making the already lavish dining table even more extravagant because Alejandro was visiting after such a long time.
“Has the busywork come to an end?”
“The protesters will disperse soon. Her Majesty will graciously distribute grain to them.”
“Aha.”
I didn’t know what he had done, but he looked refreshed, so things must be going well. There was no need for me to worry about that. Alejandro would surely handle it well.
“I’m glad to hear that. Now I have work to do as well. It would be troublesome if I fell behind.”
Before the protestors gathered, enough ballots had accumulated in the office. This time, there are five people who will be selected through the gossip magazine. They will be prominent figures from various fields.
The first candidate has already been chosen.
Now, we just need to conduct interviews and take photos… It seems that the publication of the next issue will be slightly delayed. Although there’s a minor setback in the plan, I thought it might be better to skip a month altogether.
If we publish a photo book and a gossip magazine in the meantime, people won’t forget the red carpet.
Moreover, because of the gossip magazine published from the red carpet, protests erupted, leading to the downfall of the Empress’s people, including Wormtail, so people will have no choice but to pay attention to us.
“Evelina.”
“Hmm?”
Alejandro narrowed his eyes.
“You seem remarkably indifferent.”
“Excuse me?”
How am I indifferent? There’s no one as meticulous as I am! It’s because I’m detailed that the red carpet is going so well!
And do you think it’s easy to turn people’s opinions of Alejandro around with just a few articles? It’s because of me, because of me!
“I feel wronged.”
Alejandro smiled slightly.
“It seems like I’m the one who’s wronged. You have this innocent face as if you’ve forgotten everything that happened the other day.”
That remark snapped me back to reality.
Oh, right. That did happen! I still can’t remember it clearly, but it has faded over the five days. They say humans are creatures of forgetfulness, so why are you not forgetting and still remembering?
Woe is me, obliviate!!
“Shouldn’t I be the one feeling wronged?”
“W-well… I really can’t remember. I must have drunk too much that day.”
Alejandro brushed my cheek.
“Look at this. I really am the one who’s wronged, right?”
Ugh, sob. I’m really sorry. I shrank back, suddenly feeling like a criminal.
“If I drink again, I’m not even human, Lehan.”
Damn it, damn it.
Alejandro chuckled softly. So, no more talking about that day? Seeing that my mind refuses to remember, it seems that not remembering is beneficial for me.
I shouldn’t remember…….
“Lehan, wait a minute. Just take your hands off for a moment.”
I shouldn’t remember…….
‘What do you think I’m going to eat you?’
I shouldn’t remember… Am I crazy? Did something really happen? I pressed my lips tightly shut and went silent, but Alejandro declared,
“I won’t let it slide next time.”
I flinched.
“You need to know how kind of a man I am.”
Hahaha.
I turned my head slightly. Fortunately, Alejandro seemed willing to let it go for now and naturally changed the subject.
“Evelina, I heard the Pope said she would help with your succession.”
“That’s right.”
It had been pushed aside with all the protests and whatnot, but the Pope had made that promise. Alejandro handed me some documents.
“What is this?”
Instead of answering, Alejandro gestured lightly with his eyes. What could it be that he looked so confident about…….
「Count Regnis, Evelina Regnis.」
It was the succession document. And it was proof that I had become the rightful owner of the Regnis family. At the end of the document, the seals of the emperor, the pope, and the prime minister were stamped in order.
“Lehan…!”
In this world, titles like ‘daughter of someone’ or ‘son of someone’ hold no power unless you come from a ducal family. Just as I received no special treatment for being the Lady of Regnis.
“Th-thank you.”
Is this what a turnaround in life feels like?
I came in as a sacrifice, and now I’ve become the head of the Regnis family. Moreover, I’m a count now.
Of course, there’s not a single asset left, though. People of the class system don’t buy titles with money for no reason.
I felt exhilarated.
“How did you do it? I thought the Pope would keep dragging her feet. I was wondering if I needed to come up with some plan!”
“The protestors have occupied the area in front of the temple.”
Alejandro lifted his lips in a smirk.
“Evelina, do you think only the Empress received the money that Wormtail embezzled?”
“Then the Pope….”
Lehan chuckled softly.
“The Pope has seen firsthand the power the protestors wield. With Wormtail imprisoned in the underground prison and the Empress’s prestige at its lowest, the Pope must have feared for her own reputation.”
That makes sense. I’ve heard that the Pope has been very quiet lately! She must have been scared and tucked her tail between her legs.
“I promised the Pope that the temple would be excluded from this matter.”
“Is that really okay?”
Lehan nodded.
His eyes were filled with confidence, as if he could involve the Pope regardless.
I will support whatever choice Alejandro makes. I was delighted that he thought of me even at this busy time.
My heart raced with joy.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
The star of the first photo book was none other than Illiana Millane. In fact, Illiana Millane was truly beautiful, and her abilities matched her status as a beauty.
Illiana was the chemist who first developed firearms. In the world I lived in, guns were common, but this place is based in the medieval era.
It was only now that firearms were starting to make their appearance. Although still in the development stage, Illiana’s invention made a significant mark on the world.
What’s even more impressive is that after participating in the development, she seems to have no lingering attachment and is preparing to venture into another business.
As a result, Illiana Millane was akin to the dream of every noblewoman. It’s no wonder she was mentioned as a candidate for the Crown Princess.
Moreover, Illiana Millane was famous for her perfectly matching hair, makeup, and costumes. She was very suitable to be the first muse.
If the photo book is released alongside an article about Illiana’s private life that was intended for the next gossip magazine, it would surely create a synergy.
“Just trust me, Illiana.”
After hearing my lengthy explanation, Illiana smiled softly. She willingly took the time to meet with me. So we were having a meeting at Dear Elizabeth after a long time.
“It’s the first photo book.”
Illiana shrugged her shoulders. Every time she moved, her perfectly suited bob hairstyle swayed.
I heard she cut it not long ago.
Sister, take me.
“I love that it’s the first, Evelina. Alright, let’s do it your way. Hmm, but regarding my private life… I wonder if there’s anything interesting. Wasn’t the last article too intense? It would be hard to surpass it with just anything.”
“Oh, how is Duchess Karina doing?”
“Thanks for asking. There’s a protest going on, so the lawsuit has been slightly delayed, but I heard that the Count of Develin is actively proceeding with the divorce.”
It’s different from before.
Develin accepted Karina, and she was now taking time to care for herself under protection.
I’m glad she can do that.
“What about Duke Sidney?”
