If another reporter had stayed at the Fortrion estate and conducted in-depth reporting, they would likely have added unverified, sensational stories to sell newspapers. However, Benjamin only wrote articles based on thoroughly factual information.

“If it were another reporter, they would have probably turned it into a provocative novel by linking Jac’s sexual preferences or stories about the ladies.”

“Those who would do such things probably wouldn’t have the passion to go all the way to the distant Fortrion estate for coverage.”

Thanks to Benjamin’s in-depth reporting, other reporters had no choice but to edit and copy his articles to some extent. Benjamin also knew that for the image of Edit and Walter, his role was crucial, so he paid attention to each word to prevent malicious editing.
Thanks to Walter’s heroic efforts to bring about a generational change in Fortrion, suffering under tyranny, his remarkable side garnered attention. It was a bit bitter to be recognized for the heroic aspect, but it couldn’t be helped since he had indeed planned everything behind the scenes as the hero of the territory.

“Anyway, since the special feature article was a hit, you can take it easy for a while. So, if you have any requests, feel free to ask.”

Benjamin wasn’t foolish enough to not know that he, as the stable keeper named Walter, and Duke Walter Jacques Lexion, were not comparable opponents.

However, as someone who had a career in journalism in the capital, he also knew that he could provide other assistance that she might need.

After thinking for a moment, Edit spoke to him in a low voice.

“Benjamin, have you ever covered the Viscount Gerturck?”

“That’s right. Probably because it’s Patricia Hwangbi’s family. The viscount couple, a son, a daughter, and Gilbert Gerturck, the viscount’s brother, all live in one mansion.”

Edit had read newspaper articles about the Gerturck Viscount family for the past few days, but Benjamin, who had actually been on the scene for coverage, knew more than she did.

‘I need to find out exactly how Elizabeth is involved with the Viscount’s family.’

Once he found suspicious aspects, he could delve deeper. Edit listened carefully to Benjamin’s words, with a cautious expression.

The news that Duke Lexion was participating directly in the sword fighting tournament spread rapidly throughout the capital.

“I heard he’s a tremendous handsome man.”

“After the tournament, he’ll probably receive numerous marriage proposals.”

People gathered in the shops, and even the palace workers, were busy talking about Walter’s story.

“My friend says that if you invest in the upper part that is deeply connected with Fortrion, you’ll gain a lot.”

“Well, since the Duke wants to repay Lady Jac, it’s no wonder he’s helping Lady Jac in any way possible.”

The palace workers, who were quick to speak, noticed someone approaching from a distance and fell silent. Patricia Hwangbi, who had been in a bad mood since morning upon hearing the news of Duke Lexion’s social debut, approached.

She received greetings from the workers as if she hadn’t heard them to avoid giving off a malicious impression, but her insides were twisted.

‘Participating in the sword fighting tournament must mean challenging the Gerturck’s authority.’

Challenging a family meant challenging Patricia Hwangbi, who gave birth to the Golden Emperor. Moreover, recently, there were rumors that Lady Carter Jac had been ignored by Duke Lexion, and this was considered an insult to the Empress herself. So, the Duke’s decision bothered her even more.

Annoyed, she walked quickly to her residence.

There, Aizen, who had answered her call this morning, stood stiffly with his head bowed.
“I will soon meet Patricia Hwangbi, who will become the owner of the empire.”

Under ordinary circumstances, even a casual compliment would have lifted the spirits, but Patricia was in a state of extreme tension, literally feeling the heat from head to toe.

Inevitably, she glanced at Aizen, who was once her former guardian knight.

“If you had properly dealt with the stable keeper Duke when he was just a stable boy, you could have been pleased with his greeting just now.”

“…I apologize.”

“Weren’t you the one who said you wanted to take revenge on the nobles by killing the man Nicolas Fortrion is holding, the ones who suffered from the revenge of the nobles for killing them in the name of Duke Lexion?”

Aizen knew that Patricia was the type to vent her anger to others, gently scraping the insides of those who could not retaliate and confirming her authority.

So he kept his mouth shut even more, but to Patricia, it seemed like a silent protest.

Thump—

Patricia placed a small vial on the table.

“This is a poison made by the wizards I employ. If those with magical power drink this poison, they will suffer severe damage inside their bodies.”

“…”

“As Empress, I have two choices to offer. Either you drink this now, or you go to the sword fighting tournament with the qualification of a knight who has opened an oar and feed this to the Duke Lexion.”

Aizen knew that if he didn’t follow Patricia’s command, he would face pressure from Viscount Gerturck. It was probably not going to end with just resigning from the position of the head of the assassination squad.

As a commoner who had risen to success with just one skill, he had no power to rival Patricia.

Also, considering it as an opportunity for revenge against Walter, who had mocked him by capturing his subordinates and then dropping them off at Lexion Estate, it was not a command he could refuse.

“I will obey, Your Highness.”

Aizen bowed his head, avoiding Patricia’s chilly gaze.