“I receive it in the afternoon. There’s a delivery route, you know. Why? Do you want to see it, Miss?”
“Is there a way to get it sooner?”
“I can go out and buy it. Shall I get it for you?”
“Yes, please. I’d appreciate it.”
It was rare for Elise to ask for something. What would a noble lady need to ask a maid for?
So, Regina was thrilled. She had a chance to be of use to Elise on her own.
“I’ll be back like the wind!”
Regina left like a gust of wind.
Left alone, Elise locked the bathroom door tightly and undressed.
“Ah…….”
A sigh of defeat escaped Elise as she looked in the mirror.
It was as expected.
Karan, usually far more courteous than any Bedrocan, had transformed completely in bed.
Elise stepped into the bathtub, looking at the mottled marks on her body.
Everything had been going smoothly since her regression. She felt like the goddess of fortune was on her side.
“Today, I’ll be sure.”
Elise was determined to identify the owner of the Alleycat Times. If one of the three people she suspected was involved, her story would certainly be in today’s article.
“Who could it be?”
Elise’s anticipation grew.
The next afternoon, Elise entered a small tea shop in the city.
The dimly lit tea shop had an atmosphere quite different from what noble ladies preferred.
Its location, far from bustling areas, made Regina ask several times when Elise said she wanted to go there.
“Do you really have an appointment?”
And for thirty minutes, Elise had been waiting for someone. Regina, tilting her head in confusion, asked her.
Yesterday, after Regina brought the Alleycat Times, Elise was certain about the publisher.
She immediately wrote a letter to the publisher.
If she received the letter, she would surely come to the appointment today.
‘Even if it’s to deny it.’
Elise trusted her intuition.
“Of course, Regina. If you’re bored waiting, go out and explore the city.”
“No way, Miss. How can I leave you alone?”
Though it was a safe place, Elise let Regina do as she wished.
Instead, Elise arranged a separate spot for Regina to rest comfortably.
There was also a reason to ease the guard of the person she was meeting.
“Order whatever you want.”
“I should be by your side…”
“It’s more uncomfortable with you here.”
Regina reluctantly moved to another table.
Elise watched Regina settle at a distant table before picking up her teacup.
That’s when a shadow fell over her.
‘Finally, she’s here.’
Judging by the timing, it seemed she hadn’t appeared until Regina was seated at another table.
Elise was glad she had moved Regina.
“Being punctual is a very important virtue for a journalist.”
“Duty indeed. But more important is security.”
Elise’s face reflected in the teacup was full of smiles.
Click, Elise set down her teacup.
She stood up and extended her hand.
“Welcome, Miss Devora Highbris. Should I rather address you as the publisher of the Alleycat Times?”
“Do you really believe I am the publisher of the Alleycat Times?”
Devora retorted sharply as she shook Elise’s hand.
After a brief handshake, she sat opposite Elise.
“I didn’t expect you to deny it after coming all this way. You were just talking about the stance of a journalist.”
“I came here to correct Elise’s misunderstanding. Anyone can understand the stance of a journalist if they think about it.”
“Well, if that’s what you think. Shall we order tea first since this conversation might take a while?”
Elise called the waiter. Devora ordered warm peppermint tea.
“Why do you think I’m the publisher of the Alleycat Times?”
Devora asked, seemingly impatient for the tea to arrive.
Elise poured milk into her teacup and stirred it leisurely. Devora furrowed her brows at her relaxed demeanor.
“Are you anxious?”
“Me? Why?”
“Exactly. Writing isn’t a crime, so why be nervous?”
“Look, Elise.”
“Your leg is shaking. You’re also constantly biting your lip.”
Elise rummaged through her small handbag and pulled out a handkerchief, offering it to Devora.
“You’re bleeding.”
Devora glared at Elise and took the handkerchief, pressing it firmly against her lip.
As expected, there was blood.
“Your tea is ready.”
The waiter arrived with the tea at just the right moment.
Elise waited for Devora to drink her tea and calm her nerves.
‘More sensitive than I expected.’
Writing isn’t a crime, as Elise said.
But there’s no freedom from moral responsibility.
Especially the Alleycat Times, which often dealt with sensitive gossip, had many enemies.
‘Many would think there wouldn’t have been a problem if Devora hadn’t written about the affair with a lover.’
The Alleycat Times occasionally did social exposés, resulting in fines for some nobles.
At least ten people would want revenge on the publisher of the Alleycat Times.
‘It’s natural to be cautious. It’s a world where the guilty are more indignant.’
Elise understood Devora’s position and thus continued the conversation in a softer tone.
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
