# 28
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I asked curiously, and everyone turned to look at me at once.
“Oh, Her Highness the Duchess probably wasn’t aware of that. You weren’t particularly interested in the social world, after all.”
"It's not an official newspaper, but a newsletter that focuses exclusively on social issues. It's published weekly, and tomorrow is its release day!"
'Was there something like this in the original story? 'I don't think so.'
Or maybe she forgot because she was not directly related to Diana.
Maybe you are ignorant of this.
As I expressed interest, one of the women smiled as if she was expecting it.
“It is one of the hottest topics in the capital these days. There is not a single noble in this empire who does not subscribe to the Aria Gazette.”
“That's right. Even though she doesn't receive advice, Aria Gazette somehow captures everything that happens in the social world with uncanny accuracy.”
huh…
Is there such a thing then?
The social world is known for publishing the most intimate conversations around the capital by the next morning, but the idea of a newsletter collecting and publishing all of this was very refreshing.
“Moreover, no one knows who is writing it or where it is being published, which adds to the excitement.”
“No one knows the writer?”
“Yes. But there are some rumours.”
Even though I was the one who asked, the nobles seemed more eager to explain.
Even though there was no one else around, they lowered their voices exaggeratedly, and one of them whispered,
“There is a rumor that the person behind the newsletter is a very skilled magician.”
"sorcerer…?"
Magical, and out of nowhere?
As I showed my confusion, they nodded enthusiastically.
“Ah, Her Highness may not know this. This newsletter is not just an ordinary newsletter; it is completely unique.”
One of the noble ladies cleared her throat, as if revealing a great secret.
“Of course, the fact that it quickly spreads the latest rumors from all over the social world is already a big mystery.”
“But?”
“It even allows you to see other subscribers' reactions in real time!”
"… What do you mean?"
Real-time feedback?
While I reacted in confusion, she continued, more excited than ever, in a hushed tone.
“When you subscribe, you receive a little magic manuscript with the newsletter. You can use it to write your thoughts under any article, and they will be published in the newsletter.”
“Yes, there is a separate section where you can see real-time reactions!”
“While the newsletter itf is great, reading those responses is also a lot of fun.”
As I listened, I was overcome by a strange feeling of déjà vu.
Can you post your thoughts on an article in real time and see other people's reactions?
Wait, that's just like...
'Comments?'
My eyes widened.
Has anyone in this world come up with such an idea?
“This…is not something that can be ignored, is it?”
An anonymous newsletter that delivers social news and even includes a section for sharing opinions freely.
It seemed like I had found something that might suit me well.
I asked, completely immersed in the conversation, eagerly.
“If it's not too annoying, can you tell me how I can subscribe to this newsletter?”
❖ ❖ ❖
Late at night, in the Duke's office.
Kyle stood in front of Ian and gave his report.
"It appears that Her Highness the Duchess enjoyed the season's ball without any problems. There was a brief clash with Lady Isabella Howard, but it was resolved smoothly."
Kyle shrugged lightly.
“Perhaps because the Princess and Duchess Prilloz, the host, were so friendly towards Her Highness, the nobles’ reactions were so positive.”
"Understood."
“Oh, I checked the matter you mentioned. Her Highness did not engage in any lengthy conversations with any men. She mainly socialized with other ladies her age.”
“Shall I continue?”
“No, that's enough.”
Kyle tilted his head as Ian dismissed him.
His red eyes sparkled cheerfully.
“You said you weren't worried, but you really are, aren't you?”
“Stop talking nonsense.”
“Really, listen. I can understand that you accompanied her because of Her Highness’s request, but you showed much more interest than that. You even kissed her hand in front of the greenhouse today, didn’t you?”
Cale looked at his master with a sly smile, making no effort to hide his amusement.
“…Where did you hear all this?”
“Ah, you know that everything in this capital reaches my eyes and ears, right?”
Kyle added with a smile,
“They say a sudden change in a person can be a sign of death. Are you secretly dying? If so, you should tell me, so I can start looking for a new job.”
Ian, who was sitting at his desk, frowned.
"Loyalty to your master? It might be better to give it to a dog."
"Oh, come on. I'm just saying that because it's nice to see."
Ian sighed as Kyle continued his playful banter.
“That's enough. You can leave. You're giving me a headache.”
“After I worked so hard on this report, you fire me?”
"Get out."
“You are really heartless...”
Under Ian's sharp gaze, Kyle grumbled, drew a magic circle, and disappeared from the office without a trace.
Once he was sure Kyle was gone, Ian took off his glasses.
His actions were full of frustration.
‘She talked about changing herf, but all she did at the party was mingle with other women…’
His face twisted in annoyance.
“What exactly are you thinking?”
Before inheriting the dukedom, Ian spent his life as a half-prince.
He had learned early how to survive in the harsh environment of the imperial court, so measuring the intentions and actions of others was natural to him.
But Eloise was an exception.
Without deliberately trying to provoke or upset him, all of her actions left him confused.
At this point, he was starting to wonder if she was doing this on purpose just to upset him.
Since she always bothered him whenever they met, it wasn't completely impossible.
He stared expressionlessly at the papers on his desk that had made no progress since he sat down.
He wasted hours busying himf with Eloise, who only attended a seasonal party.
'Was it me, and not Kyle, who was wasting his energy on pointless things?'
Ian, who had been staring absentmindedly at the newspapers, got up and walked to the window. The sky outside had already darkened considerably.
As he stared at the peaceful garden for a while, he noticed a carriage entering the main gate from a distance.
It was Eloise.
“Has she returned to the palace this late for just a light seasonal party?”
The seasonal parties hosted by the Duchess of Brillose usually lasted well into the night with drinks, but from what Ian knew of Eloise, she wasn't the type to stay up late partying.
Ian's prediction that she would be home in just a few hours was completely wrong.
Perhaps, as Kyle suggested, she was enjoying the party in an unusual way.
Ian watched the carriage approach the main building with an expressionless face, then grabbed the jacket hanging on the coat rack.
“I need to see for myf.”
Whatever Eloise was thinking, this was not a question that could be solved without seeing her face directly.
When Ian straightened up and went down the hall, Eloise had just stepped into the main building.
Ian, who had stopped at a distance to watch her, narrowed his eyes.
Eloise, who was usually quiet, seemed a little uneasy.
“...Is she drunk?”
Ian's expression turned to disbelief for a moment, then he let out a small disbelieving laugh.
He thought she might be late for something else, but it seemed like she stayed out late just enjoying the party.
However, she seemed to be paying attention to her posture the entire time, as she seemed surprisingly calm aside from the slight unsteadiness.
'Ah, I'm feeling dizzy... Maybe I shouldn't have continued drinking whatever was offered to me.'
Eloise was holding her head, swaying slightly.
Ian, who had been watching her from a few steps away, clicked his tongue and stepped forward to steady her by grabbing her waist.
“Be careful.”
“Oh, thank you—Duke?”
Eloise, who bowed her head slightly in gratitude and her face flushed, stared at him with her eyes.
Her face, which had been slightly relaxed until a moment ago, now bore an expression of displeasure.
Ian found this change in her expression somewhat ridiculous.
He had just caught her when she almost fell, after all.
But Eloise seemed to have a different perspective, as she quickly stood upright and calmed herf, turning away from Ian's support.
Ian, who was watching her expressionlessly, tilted his head slightly.
“It looks like you attended a drinking party, not a seasonal party.”
“Everyone prefers alcohol to tea, you know. I ended up that way after having a few drinks while chatting.”
“I didn't know Eloise had such a low tolerance...”
Eloise muttered, red-faced, a tone of dissatisfaction in her voice.
Ian narrowed his eyes.
'Eloise...?'
Is she in her right mind?