Chapter 54 - The Reporter
After apologizing to Lord and Lady Croisel for her impolite behavior the previous night, they both laughed and assured her they did not mind. Following a conversation about the current state of society, Opal managed to forge a new friendship with the viscount's daughter, Roana. Feeling satisfied, she departed from the Croisel estate. Now, she and Claude were headed to the newspaper company.
"I do hope the reporter who wrote that article is there..."
"Well, even if the reporter isn't, the editor-in-chief should be."
Although she had spoken boldly to Claude that morning, a newspaper office was an unknown world to Opal, and she felt a little nervous. Claude, however, was as relaxed as ever and casually answered her concerns. Seeing his demeanor, a thought struck Opal.
"Don't tell me you're involved in the newspaper's management?"
"No, I'm friends with the owner, but I don't participate in the management."
"What about in Taisey Kingdom?"
"I own one company, I suppose."
"...I never knew."
Opal sagged, leaning back against her seat. As this recent incident demonstrated, controlling information was of immense political importance. It was unlikely that King Alessandro would not have his hand in a newspaper company. Of course, if the king himself were involved in its management, it would lack credibility, so Claude was probably the owner in name only.
"Shall I make you a list of my assets and give it to you?"
"No. You can just tell me whenever it becomes necessary."
"Then I will do that."
She had known it, but Claude had truly become a grown man she no longer recognized. It had not even been six months since they had reunited after eight years. Not only were there those eight years, but ever since she had entered the boarding school, they had only seen each other during long holidays, so it was only natural there was much she did not know about him.
It would be a lie to say she was not curious about this other matter of his. If Claude had not returned to the country, someone else would have likely been involved, a person who could seamlessly enter the social circles of Sosylle Kingdom.
"Both you and His Majesty King Alessandro are quite the schemers, aren't you?"
"What's this all of a sudden?"
"But you aren't my enemies, are you?"
"Not to you, and not to this country."
"...In that case, I'll let it slide."
"Thank you, my dear wife."
"You are most welcome, my dear husband."
Claude understood exactly what Opal was saying, but they both chose to leave things ambiguous. Opal, too, understood that while Claude might have secrets, he did not lie. Just as their conversation concluded, the carriage arrived in front of the newspaper company.
"There are quite a few people gathered here. There are children, too..."
"The newspaper has small jobs to offer. Everyone is looking for work. ...Or more accurately, a bit of pocket money."
"Mantest is always short on staff, yet everyone wants to come to the city."
"Isn't it a matter of image? I wouldn't say everyone, but many people think they can make a name for themselves if they come to the city."
"Speaking of which, I heard the owner of this place came to the Royal Capital from a rural village and started out polishing shoes. He's a perfect example of someone who rose through the ranks."
"He often says he learned the ins and outs of business by polishing shoes, not by going to school."
"That's amazing."
Opal replied, impressed, and waited for Claude to exit the carriage. She then took his hand and stepped down. At once, the eyes of the crowd gathered before the newspaper office fell upon her. She flinched slightly but hid it well. Then, as if addressing a crowd at a ball, she offered a light bow with a smile on her face and entered the building.
"Well, Lord Fred. It's rare to see you here."
"Hello, Editor-in-Chief. It's been a while. This is my wife, Opal. Opal, this is the editor-in-chief, Marc Ponsero."
"A pleasure to meet you, Ponsero-san."
"A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Fred. I must be truly lucky today to have the chance to meet such a beautiful lady."
Upon entering the newspaper office, Claude gave a small wave to the security guard at the reception desk, then escorted Opal up to the third floor with unerring steps. When they entered a certain room, a man at the farthest desk stood up and called out to them. They seemed to be acquainted, but it appeared the man did not know Claude was Marquis Rousel.
"I came to see a reporter named Alan Maron. Is he here?"
"Yes, he is. Was it about this morning's article? I can't reveal the source, but it was a splendid piece, wasn't it? It's selling like hotcakes, we just ordered another printing."
The editor-in-chief spoke with a pleased look on his face. His good luck was likely more about the extra printing of the newspaper than about meeting Opal.
"Alan just got back from his reporting. It seems he's uncovered some new information on this morning's article and is about to submit his copy, so please keep your business brief. Hey, Alan! Alan!"
"...Yeah, yeah, what is it? I'm busy right n...?!"
Alan, who had looked up with an annoyed expression from a desk piled high with documents and newspapers, knocked his chair over with a clatter and shot to his feet the moment his eyes met Opal's. Even in the noisy editorial department, the sound of the shrieking chair echoed loudly.
"Opal-sama?! Opal-sama!"
"...Y, yes?"
The young man, barely in his twenties, wove through the tightly packed desks and rushed toward Opal. His frantic demeanor made Opal take an involuntary step back as she responded, but the young man, Alan, was blocked by Claude.
"Sorry, but please don't get near my wife."
"Huh? Oh, no, I'm sorry. I was just so happy to see Opal-sama..."
"You know my wife? She doesn't seem to know you."
Claude's voice was unusually stern. The atmosphere grew heavy, and the editorial department fell completely silent. Even the editor-in-chief, seemingly unsure of what was happening, simply watched the events unfold with a dumbfounded look.
"I... I just admired Opal-sama from afar eight years ago, so it's only natural that you wouldn't know me!"
"Eight years ago?"
"Yes! My father works for the Duke McLeod's household, so I was able to see Opal-sama a few times. And thanks to you, Opal-sama, I was able to get an education and become a reporter like this. Thank you!"
Alan stood at attention, answering as crisply as if reporting to a superior officer. Opal peeked out from behind Claude to look at Alan but could not recall him. She had indeed arranged for the workers at the Duke McLeod's estate and their families to receive an education, but there had been many of them, so she could not remember.
"So, what is your father's name?"
To Claude's slightly irritated question, Alan smiled brightly.
"My father's name is Cayve. We don't have a family name, so I chose the name of my favorite food for mine."