Chapter 28
“The public newsletter is a big hit. People are desperate to get a copy!”
Now that the emperor had shown himself and even introduced a policy for the people, his image had started to change.
“When someone who never did anything suddenly starts doing good, people tend to like them even more.”
“People who used to criticize His Majesty read the newsletter and calmed down. Now they understand what really happened.”
News that the Imperial Magic Tower had begun collecting public opinions for developing new medicines made everyone cheer.
“There’s going to be a lot of talk about hair-loss and fertility treatments for a while. That means we’ve created a chance to stay in the spotlight for something positive.”
“Some people even complained that His Majesty should’ve announced this himself! They said, ‘What if the people never found out?’”
It was a cute kind of complaint. I folded my arms, proud, and listened to my juniors’ report.
“Should we publish the newsletter monthly?”
Originally, it was only supposed to be a one-time thing, or just for special announcements.
“But looking at the reaction, I think doing it regularly wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“Yes, Miss Foy. Even internally, people are hoping we’ll continue. Let’s bring in more staff and keep it going!”
The advisors were getting compliments from everywhere, which boosted their confidence. They were more motivated than ever.
“It’s been a while since I felt proud of my job.”
“I finally feel proud to work in the Imperial Palace.”
Of course, our official job titles were still confidential, so we couldn’t go around shouting them.
“Should we pop a bottle of champagne?”
“Too early to celebrate. Let’s see how things go first.”
Hearing the word “champagne” reminded me of that night with Mr. Smith—our dinner at the fancy restaurant. The steak was delicious, and his escort was perfect. But what I remember most… was how much he ordered.
‘I didn’t expect him to spend that much money.’
The moment I said I wasn’t dating Frisbee, he suddenly became so happy—he laughed like crazy and ordered a ton of food.
Pasta, lobster, the most expensive dishes… even desserts in every variety.
He even tried to order expensive champagne, which I barely stopped.
—“Mr. Smith! That’s way too much for our salaries! Please get a grip!”
I actually felt proud of myself for stopping the chief advisor from blowing his entire paycheck on one meal.
‘You’ve gotta live smart. I’m not the type to live recklessly.’
I’d never be someone who throws money around, so I needed to keep my head on straight.
“Miss Foy, let’s pick the topic for next month’s newsletter!”
“Sure! Got a good idea?”
As I looked over, Mr. Smith was still smiling brightly at his desk.
Seriously. I hope whatever strange excitement he’s feeling fades soon.
In his office, Alastair sat at his desk, twirling a pen, thinking through all the recent updates.
“Your Majesty, here is the list of new finance department candidates. Would you like to review it?”
Mullin pointed to each name.
“They’ve all been carefully selected, with no ties to the Duke. They passed both the strict interviews and the lie detector test from the Magic Tower.”
“Watch them for at least a month. Say it’s training—check if they let their guard down.”
“As you wish.”
As Alastair looked through the names, he asked casually,
“What about the old loyalists? Are they safe?”
“They are,” Mullin replied quickly. “But they’re still afraid to return to public life.”
The loyalists were scared of Duke Devilport’s influence and avoided politics.
“I wish at least one of them would return.”
Most of the talented people were purged or hiding. The new candidates weren’t impressive—or were spies. Finding the right people was hard.
There was no one he could truly trust.
No one… except one person.
“Rose Foy,” Alastair whispered her name sweetly, like candy on his tongue.
Mullin gave him a look of horror.
“Forgive me, but that sounded like a lovesick man calling out to his soulmate.”
“You really say whatever you want, even to the emperor.”
Alastair chuckled. He was aware of his growing attachment to her.
“Mullin, why am I like this?”
“Maybe it’s because you’ve had so few people on your side for so long.”
“I want to make her my closest aide… Is that it?”
“Maybe. What other reason could there be?”
Another reason…
“Mullin.”
“Yes?”
“What if I’ve started to… like her?”
Mullin looked horrified again.
“Your Majesty. Let me ask—you mean ‘like’ as in wanting her to be your ally? Or ‘like’ as in wanting her as your lover?”
“What do you think?”
“I hope it’s the first one.”
“And if it’s the second?”
“Then I’m afraid that answer is already clear.”
“You’re too bold.”
Mullin rolled his eyes silently. Alastair leaned on his hand with a sigh.
“Fine. Just tell me about the search for the count’s child.”
“We’ve searched the entire countryside this year—no sign of the child. The other loyalists haven’t heard anything either.”
“Maybe they changed their name and went into hiding?”
“That’s likely. Especially after the Count’s ‘letter of rebellion’ got leaked, many loyalists disappeared or are barely surviving.”
He remembered that Miss Foy’s grandfather had been one of the old loyalists. That’s why her mention of gambling had hit him hard.
Loyalists, broken and scattered.
“…I guess I wasn’t trustworthy. The Count didn’t believe I could protect his child.”
“Your Majesty…”
It weighed heavily on Alastair.
Failing to keep the Count’s final promise wasn’t something he could accept. Finding the Count’s child had become his own mission—to prove himself. He wouldn’t let his fear of his uncle’s power stop him from standing by the people who once supported him.
Mullin offered quiet encouragement.
“Don’t blame yourself. Some things are out of our hands. And Your Majesty has grown a lot in the past year.”
Clenching his fist and then relaxing, Alastair imagined the future.
“Mullin. When the day comes that I return publicly as the Emperor—it won’t be as the same man. I’ll be stronger.”
Mullin bowed respectfully.
“I will stay by Your Majesty’s side until that day comes.”
A lonely emperor and his loyal knight made their vow.
“And I’ll stay by your side, until your final breath.”
Seeing Alastair still looking so serious, Mullin tried to brighten the mood.
“But there is some good news. Someone who might be the Count’s child was found in the Barren region.”
“Looks like another trip. Probably a false lead again…”
“But we should still check.”
“Alright. Make preparations.”
Alastair assumed it would be a dull, routine mission.
Just another ordinary trip with Mullin.
“Rose Foy? Are you here?”
A middle-aged man with a lazy look strolled into the office. I stood up, following the eye signals of my juniors.
“That’s me. Can I help you?”
“Oh, nothing serious. I just came to check out the newsletter—heard it turned out great.”
The moment he saw my face, he casually dropped formal speech.
“Didn’t expect you to be such a young lady. When I heard you were second only to the Chief Advisor, I figured you’d be older.”
Looking closely, I realized I had seen his face before—passing by in the halls a few times. He worked in the department that handled regional development and promotions.
“So… what brings you here exactly?”
“Aw, don’t be so stiff. Listen, I had a chat with the mayor of the eastern region—he’s a friend of mine. He came up with this amazing slogan to promote the city, and he asked me if we could include it in the newsletter. Preferably on the front page.”
“In next month’s issue? I’m afraid that’s not possible.”
The man’s face fell.
“Huh? Why not?”
“The focus for next month’s newsletter is national policy—especially disease prevention. And putting a promotional ad for a specific region on the front page just isn’t appropriate.”
The man’s eyebrows twitched.
