# 51
---
It was evident, even without carefully observing the atmosphere, that public opinion was full of sympathy for the unfortunate situation of Countess Olsen.
'In fact, as long as one is a human, it is impossible not to be affected by this story.'
Even I, who did not know the Count's face, felt my heart flutter.
I pretended not to notice the sounds and pulled the Duke with me.
“…It seems like everyone has read the poster. Let’s go and take a closer look as well.”
Ian, who had been staring intently at the excited me, nodded obediently.
“Yes, let's do that.”
Under normal circumstances, I would have been happy with his compliance, but after remembering the story of the Count and Countess, I couldn't help but feel extremely sad.
'How can a minor character's fleeting love story be more like a true romance novel than the main plot of the original?'
The author of this novel clearly did not understand what love is.
“Ha.”
"…my lady?"
“Nothing. There are a lot of people.”
'Why can't you even do half of what Count Felix Olsen did?'
This was something I could never say.
I left my complicated feelings behind and headed toward the poster through the crowd.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the people who spotted me and the Duke slowly made way for us, so it didn't take long to reach the poster.
'Let's see....'
The poster was placed in a prominent place, and neatly arranged, just as the guild member the butler had hired had promised.
“Under the tree lie 20 years of memories of the Count and Countess. Those precious memories cannot be traded even for tons of metal.”
I couldn't help but smile with relief as I read the contents of the label.
“Whoever wrote this did an amazing job...”
The writing was really great. Truly amazing.
I can say with certainty that the only person who won't be affected by this poster is Ian, the Tin Man.
While I was inwardly astonished, Ian asked nonchalantly, in a tone devoid of any emotion.
“Is this really what all this turmoil is about?”
Thanks to him, the overwhelming feelings that had just filled my heart deflated like a balloon.
“Are you telling me that you don't feel anything after reading this painful love story?”
"What exactly am I supposed to feel? If it's about mourning the late Count Felix Olsen, then I've already done that."
“Ah… the tin man.”
I muttered, rubbing my forehead.
Yes, if this man could understand such poignant feelings, he would not have driven a nail into Diana's heart.
I pointed to the poster and said,
"Isn't this romantic? A woman trying to protect the precious memories of her late partner! How absolutely heartbreaking!"
He frowned as he wiped the poster from top to bottom.
“Romantic, huh...”
As expected, his facial expression showed that he did not understand anything.
“I said you were n
You prefer a gentle and considerate man, but now it's about romance too, huh.”
'What am I supposed to do with this man?'
Ian felt my fiery gaze, and tilted his head slightly to meet my eyes.
His blue eyes sparkled, shining unevenly in the early morning sunlight.
'Don't look at me with that innocent look in the middle of this!'
How could your question and outlook be so different?
Still staring at him in frustration, I replied,
“The Duke may not understand, but ordinary people are easily affected by things like this.”
“So, instead of just making a face like you don't understand, how about trying to find some romance? “I think this will be very beneficial for our married life.”
“Usually, a lover is someone who only loves one person. There is no more beautiful form of love than that.”
'Learn a little and treat Diana better when she returns.'
I glanced sideways at Ian, then turned my attention back to the poster.
Even after I looked away, the look that settled on me remained for a long time.
There was no way I could understand the meaning of that look, which lasted so long and so inteny.
❖ ❖ ❖
A few days later, as expected, the Emperor rescinded his previous order and sided with Countess Olsen.
It seemed that the rumors that had been going on for a week in aristocratic society and among the common people about the Olsen family had had a great impact.
From Marquis Merry's point of view, it was as if ashes had been thrown onto a perfectly cooked meal, but contrary to fears, the Marquis retreated with a very polite attitude.
No one can know whether he truly pitied the Countess or whether he reluctantly withdrew due to overwhelming public opinion.
Then came the weekend. I couldn't help but smile with relief when I saw the article about Count and Countess Olsen prominently on the front page of Aria's newsletter.
It was not stubbornness, but a tender love story between two couples!
The opinions below were very similar to the whispers in the arena.
-I had no idea such a story existed.
-Should I feel sorry for them or should I pity them...
-I cried after seeing the poster in the square. How could such a thing happen?
-This time, I was a little emotional too.
- Of course, they couldn't abandon the mine. These are the memories of a lifetime that will be lost!
– Exactly, I always thought that the Count and Countess seemed particularly sentimental. Wherever they went, they were always together, right?
-But who do you think wrote this piece?
- Wasn't it said that he was one of the servants?
-They write very well. If it was a servant, he must be a commoner, but the writing is very smooth, as if they had received a good education.
Discriminatory remarks, unbelievable.
I lowered my gaze silently, astonished.
Although most of the comments were positive, as you would expect from an anonymous forum, there were still some sarcastic opinions.
– In the last newsletter, everyone was busy criticizing the Countess, and now they have changed their position. It's like flipping a switch.
- That was before we knew the circumstances!
- Why do you make others seem strange?
They say that those who shout the loudest are the most guilty. Are you all guilty? I was thinking about canceling my subscription after seeing everyone attacking the Countess last time.
- Excuse me, where do you live and who are you?
Why are they fighting again...
She quietly flipped through the newsletter and laughed.
“Anyway, I knew it would end up like this.”
After checking the reactions in Arya's newsletter, it became clear who was victorious in this situation.
“A perfect victory for me.”
Eloise, you've done it again.
“I don't know how to thank you enough.”
Countess Olsen, who was sitting opposite me, murmured quietly.
I waved my hand dismissively.
“That's enough, this is the fifth time you've said that today.”
"But it's all thanks to the Duchess. I don't know if just offering you tea is enough."
I was enjoying a modest tea-time in the Count's garden after Countess Olsen had invited me early in the afternoon.
The Count's garden, which had been full of withered trees last week, was decorated, albeit roughly.
“I heard you hired a gardener?”
“Yes, not only a gardener but I also reassigned a few servants.”
“That is good to hear. You have to hold on strong so that the Count can rest as well. From now on, there will be no need to worry about losing this mine or cutting down the tree.”
“Yes, indeed.”
Countess Olsen raised the corners of her mouth lightly in a smile.
She wondered if she had smiled that way often before she lost the Count.
My thoughts were interrupted by her next words.
“Actually, I asked to meet you today for a reason. Didn’t the Duchess mention last time that you wanted a favor from me?”
“Ah, this thing.”
I answered lightly, almost as if I had forgotten.
Of course, this was all an act; In fact, I had been waiting for this moment since earlier.