Chapter 58
“Are you saying it was artificially created?”
“It seems that the enemy is targeting you, Your Highness. An epidemic can easily sway people’s hearts, can’t it? They could frame the Crown Prince as the one who spread the plague, or claim that it was the work of the Crown Prince’s demon, or that it is a curse upon the Crown Prince. Isn’t that what they are trying to do?”
Alejandro rubbed his lips thoughtfully.
It was an accurate observation. If the epidemic was man-made, it could be resolved once the method was discovered.
“There’s no need for a lockdown. We’ll deploy experts to conduct a thorough investigation.”
Even if there was a lockdown, they could still cause trouble. The enemy is human, not just bacteria.
“Yes, Your Highness!”
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
The second photo book was successfully published. Although the interest of the public might have slightly waned due to the appearance of socially influential figures, the sales numbers were still holding strong.
People like Mr. Lexan were the dreams of young men and the hopes of commoners without a place to lean on.
Even noble ladies would say, “Why are they even taking pictures of such people?” yet their hands did not stop flipping through the photo book. That was how Casper had reported back.
In any case, this strategy had worked well.
“Congratulations, Miss! No other magazine or newspaper is selling as much as we are!”
“Thanks to Rebecca and Viviana for working so hard!”
“Moreover, this gossip magazine is getting a very positive reaction!”
A smile blossomed on Rebecca’s face. If you look closely, it seems she has completely devoted herself to this instead of continuing her work with Alejandro. Rebecca’s face, shouting that money is the best, was bright. There’s nothing wrong with an honest materialist.
Casper compiled the information he provided to create the gossip magazine, mixing in just the right amount of political color.
The gossip magazine was selling like hotcakes. While we were enjoying celebratory coffee instead of champagne, a messenger visited our office.
It seemed that we were subscribed to all the publications that could be competitors, so messengers were coming and going constantly.
This time, it was a newspaper from Reginox.
“Huh?”
Viviana, who had gone to get the newspaper, turned to me with a surprised expression.
“What’s wrong?”
What kind of article could it be? Could it be that Sera published a big article without sharing it with us? After saying thank you for introducing her to Illiana Millane?
No way.
I didn’t think that lowly of Sera.
And then, in the next moment, I was also taken aback.
“What! Alejandro and Illiana were in that kind of relationship?”
The article was about the scandal between Alejandro and Illiana. I hadn’t seen either of them for the past few days. I had been busy, but they had been busy too.
Illiana was preparing for a business presentation over the weekend, and Alejandro was originally busy.
Lehan only showed his face when he felt like it. So, I had no idea what had happened between the two of them during that time.
They were originally meant to be together. Things had gone awry since I got involved… They were a beautiful couple. The saying “Even cockroaches have mates” perfectly suits them.
I’m glad they match well.
“Do you know anything?”
I asked Viviana.
“Why are you asking me?”
Viviana shook her head vigorously and turned her eyes to Rebecca. I also stared at Rebecca.
“Is it really true about those two?”
Honestly, I was scared to ask Rebecca. She was the communication link with Alejandro. Rebecca would know the exact nature of Alejandro and Illiana’s relationship.
Rebecca stared at the newspaper with a serious expression. Then, in an even more serious voice, she said,
“I have no idea. Maybe I’m getting fired?”
Well, I don’t know.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
Alejandro received two pieces of news.
The first piece of news was effective in making Alejandro’s mood feel like it had just come from hell into a cesspool.
[It seems there is some kind of relationship between Count Evelina Regnis and dear Elizabeth’s Casper. Several instances of secret meetings have been confirmed in secluded places.]
Alejandro narrowed his eyes.
This was all the result of Alejandro being too soft. He should have responded to the hand that tried to drag him to the bathroom a while back.
Instead of being considerate and pushing Evelina away.
Alejandro lamented his own patience.
‘Since when did I become such a gentleman?’
Emil cautiously observed Alejandro’s cold demeanor.
“Um. They probably aren’t that close. Count Evelina might just be using him…”
“What does secret meeting mean?”
“Well… doesn’t it just mean meeting in secret?”
Alejandro frowned. The dictionary definition might be correct. However, the usual image that the word “secret meeting” carries…
Alejandro let out a harsh curse through gritted teeth. Emil flinched and stepped back.
He couldn’t understand how such a terrible thing had happened since morning. Emil looked at what Alejandro was holding with tearful eyes.
Alejandro gritted his teeth. But would Evelina even listen if he brought up Casper?
The relationship between Evelina and Alejandro wasn’t that solid either. They were just swaying with the wind and waves as they came.
Alejandro smiled coldly.
In the end, it was nothing.
The gaze of Alejandro, who had reached his own conclusion, grew even colder.
And this was not the end.
The scandal between Illiana and Alejandro created a significant uproar. While there were voices blaming Alejandro, there were also those who supported him.
Inevitably, it reached Alejandro’s ears. Everyone was talking about him. Alejandro glared at the newspaper Emil had brought with eyes full of malice.
“What is that?”
“Well… I’m not sure either?”
“Looks like the media has completely backed off. If they’re going to pin everything on Evelina, they could at least reduce the number of people and lower the salaries.”
“…Why do you speak so harshly?”
Both Emil and Alejandro were equally baffled. The photo used showed Illiana and Alejandro meeting several times at a hotel coffeehouse for business, and it looked plausible in this context.
So, it seemed they had spent the night in one room and came down for coffee early in the morning.
Alejandro raised an eyebrow. Given the chaotic times due to the epidemic, it was somewhat understandable that Emil was unaware.
That was a secondary issue.
What mattered was where this article had originated.
“Does the Empress have any reason to spread such an article?”
“Absolutely not. The Empress has no reason to support Your Highness forming ties with a powerful family.”
“What about the Pope’s side?”
“The Pope wouldn’t necessarily… The Pope is more about controlling major powers than nurturing individuals.”
“The Emperor is obsessed with art.”
Then, there was no one left who had a reason to sway public opinion. Alejandro smirked slightly. It seemed the outlines were beginning to take shape.
Among the factions supporting Alejandro were the noble families. Most of them lived off the remaining honor after passing on titles to their heirs.
They had staked their remaining lives on Alejandro, who was born as the firstborn and inherited the abilities of the first emperor. They believed that Alejandro would achieve great feats like the first emperor.
It must have been them who instigated this. They believed it would benefit Alejandro. To attach Millane to him.
‘What a pointless endeavor.’
Alejandro clicked his tongue.
“Evelina must have seen this, right?”
“Probably? She’s quite sensitive to public opinion, after all. She’s involved in that line of work.”
“What do you think Evelina thought when she saw this?”
“Um… I’m not sure?”
Did she have no thoughts at all, or was she jealous?
Or perhaps she was angry.
Alejandro smirked slightly. Was it strange to wish she would be angry?
“Should we publish a correction article?”
“No.”
Alejandro’s eyes gleamed with cruelty.
“Let’s wait and see what kind of fish gets caught.”
Illiana might be the first to come rushing in. But he hoped that the first person to walk through that door would be Evelina.
Then, he felt that this dirty feeling might improve a little.
