The Perseta Empire’s newspaper stand was covered with a colorful front page, announcing today’s news.

As more sensational articles came out, the sales naturally increased. Even young children selling newspapers were shouting at the top of their lungs.

“Having kids sell newspapers, it’s unthinkable.”

Thinking it was distasteful, Aldwin Rochester, recalling the words of Countess Calleta, extended a coin to Eliyza Barkova, who was diligently selling newspapers.

“Can I have Part 2?”

“Here you go.”

Relatively smaller girls often found themselves overshadowed by the robust boys when selling newspapers. Eliyza deliberately bought newspapers and flowers from the girls. The girls were pleased that with a few coins, they could solve their meals for the day and take care of their younger siblings.

Eliyza was now fully familiar with the Perseta notation and grammar. She effortlessly sneaked into Shallea, gathered as much information as Aldwin wanted, and brought it back. Although the information was limited to the back alleys, sometimes the most foul-smelling information could be the most useful.

“A Southern Sage has appeared! Buy a newspaper!”

“A new Southern Sage! Five Leets per copy!”

The articles today were about the fact that the news was officially announced at the Shallea Palace and hung in front of the palace doors.

In reality, Aldwin Rochester, the Countess Calleta, was not interested in the Perseta Empire’s sages. However, Eliyza had studied Perseta deeply and found out how important the title of Sage was here.

She hurriedly returned to the Count’s office and immediately handed him the newspaper. He had been recently entangled in negotiations to extradite Calleta people. Perseta had no interest in those damn negotiations.

“A new Sage has appeared?”

“Not a morning edition, but a newly printed newspaper. The news came out this morning.”

“Their claim is that the Southern Sage is none other than our esteemed Empress Jimena? But she’s newly appearing?”

“The heir is Rustica Genesis.”

Aldwin Rochester, with a stiff face, glanced at Eliyza and quickly read the newspaper before entering his office.

Anyway, Aldwin would handle everything himself; he wouldn’t even tell Eliyza. Aldwin had noble authority, and Eliyza was just a guard and a mere knight.

Although social classes were somewhat blurry in Shallea compared to the East, the boundaries were very clear within the Count’s office.

‘He’ll probably take the newspaper, go to Katat, and report.’

Since news related to the Calleta Emperor was mentioned in Perseta, it was a significant event. Eliyza completely lost interest in an event that she could roughly guess without Aldwin telling her.

“Oh, hello, Eliyza. Have you returned?”
The maid, Lucilla, who had always been taught to greet properly, quickly approached and bowed her head. Instead of speaking, Eliyza handed her a package.

“Take this.”

In her hands was a package containing moisturizing cream, a small bouquet of colorful flowers with an unknown name, and a box of candies and jelly.

“I bought some trivial things because I didn’t like the idea of you earning coins by selling newspapers. Keep them in your room.”

Lucilla’s eyes widened.

“For me?”

“It’s yours.”

Eliyza said only that and left before Lucilla could say anything.

The contents presented at the Shallea Palace were very simple and clear.

Her Majesty the Empress was pleased to announce that Rustica Genesis, the beloved daughter of Countess Plachet and a lifelong knight, is the new Southern Sage.

The signatures of Queen Talat Anishe Ophelia, Dragonlord Melpheus, and Emperor Hayden Constante Rostana Veler, along with the imperial seal of the Perseta Imperial Family, were listed below.

The article also conveyed the news that Rustica Genesis had defeated a monster that had plagued the Eastern Hermoa Sea in the past.

Although the content was clearly about Delgow, Carlos Arthur Ingram’s first impression of the newspaper brought by Aldwin Rochester was very trivial.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen a wanted notice from the Imperial Family.’

He thought it was quite interesting that such small traces were resurrecting, considering he thought everything had been killed and destroyed. After all, having been a ruler with overwhelming power for 430 years, seeing new sprouts emerging from the ruins he had destroyed was intriguing. It might seem insignificant, but still.

Carlos gestured for Aldwin to take a look. After bowing deeply, Aldwin took a step back. Delgow, whom Carlos personally strengthened, was the only remaining fang of the nobility in Perseta. Well, that was fine.

“…Not bad. It’s good.”

The situation wasn’t bad just because it turned out this way. Carlos hadn’t only lost when it came to himself.

He recalled the time 430 years ago when he was not the one protecting but the one taking. His specialty at that time was observing and finding out.

What was most precious to whom, how people crumbled when it was taken away—Carlos quickly identified the weaknesses by observing and found ways to strike at the painful spots.