“Moreover, the prince himself attended the lady’s party as her partner. In that case, it’s customary to send invitations regardless of factions.”

Evangeline seemed thoroughly angry at Lumi.

“…….”

I had nothing to say, so I kept silent.

In reality, I, too, can speculate on the reason why Lumi suddenly held a party and initiated a charity project for the poor.

However, from the perspective of Evangeline and Viscount Poiervakh, it might be like a bolt from the blue.

Even though Evangeline is considered an outsider in the social circles, her father is a high-ranking official in the Royal Treasury.

It’s by no means a family that could be snubbed even by a viscount’s family.

If Lumi caused the incident in an attempt to restrain the original female lead, it might escalate more than expected.

I asked Evangeline discreetly, “Do you happen to know what was discussed at that party?”

“I overheard a bit. Lady Elfriede decided to distribute 1,000 crowns each to the impoverished villages.”

Evangeline wrinkled her face.

“Considering the purpose of the party, it doesn’t seem like she harbors any dissatisfaction with our family. But I can’t understand it at all.”

“Did the Viscount and Viscountess say anything else?”

“My father, even if he felt uncomfortable, let it go, but my mother was quite angry. Although I’m stepping outside the social circles, my mother often associates with ladies of her age.”

Evangeline’s words were accurate.

Unlike her, who has no interest in trivial social matters, Viscountess Poiervakh was quite active in social activities.

Lumi should not have overlooked the viscountess. It’s dangerous to underestimate the community of experienced ladies.

“What does the Viscount think about Lady Elfriede’s 1,000 crowns project?”

“Well, I don’t know for sure. Honestly, I haven’t properly asked him about it. I do think it’s quite unconventional.”

Evangeline tilted her head.

“I can’t say whether it’s a wise relief method right away. We need to thoroughly investigate how the poor change their lives with those 1,000 crowns over time to properly assess the project’s effectiveness.”

“Hmm, you’re right. Thorough investigation…”

After finishing the discussions about the party and charity project, we gradually concluded the lesson.

“Next time, with black tea, we will come back with a more detailed plan. Thank you, Evangeline.”

“Okay. Muselle is a really diligent student.”

Evangeline showed a bright smile as if asking when I had become sullen again.

Leaving the Poiervakh Viscount Mansion, I found a shabby inn room in the city.

Hastily renting a room and carefully disguising myself, I cautiously passed by the innkeeper who was dozing off and went outside.

“…….”

I casually adjusted the veil hanging from my hat.
Even with the scarf tightly wrapped around my face, somehow I couldn’t ease my mind.

There were several newspapers in the capital.

The place I intended to visit was a newspaper known for anonymously publishing progressive intellectuals’ articles.

I stood in front of the sign that read ‘Huresvelg.’ The name sounds impressive, like the origin of the wind.

The passing gazes of people around the newspaper office lingered on me for a moment.

“Hmph.”

I chuckled.

It wasn’t a crowd. Tall women like me aren’t that common.

I took a light breath and entered.

The Huresvelg newspaper wasn’t that large in scale.

Inside the small office, several employees each occupied a large desk.

I approached the person closest to me, murmuring to him in a soft voice.

“I’d like to see the editor. Where can I find him?”

The person who had been hastily writing suddenly looked up.

Then, somewhat awkwardly, he raised his body and pointed with his finger.

“He’s the man sitting over there wearing glasses.”

After quickly finishing his words, he returned to what he was doing.

To avoid disturbing other employees, I stepped quietly toward the editor’s desk.

“Excuse me. I have something to report to the Huresvelg newspaper.”

“Hmm?”

The man with thick-framed glasses was younger than I had expected. At most, around thirty?

“Oh, really…?”

Judging by his expression, he didn’t seem particularly interested in me.

Well, I can’t help it. I have to get to the point right here.

“I learned something at Lady Elfriede’s party. It’s related to the 1,000 crowns project she’s planning.”

“!”

At that moment, not only the editor but also other nearby employees turned their heads towards me.

I lowered my voice as much as possible.

“Can we talk in a quiet place?”

“Oh, sure! Of course.”

The editor hurriedly got up from his seat.

At that instant, the somber expression he had earlier vanished, and he looked as if he had already caught a big story.

“Come this way, milady.”

Following him quietly, I approached the editor’s desk.

“…….”

The gazes trailing behind me felt uncomfortable.

The editor, after leading me into a separate room, introduced himself as soon as we sat down.

“I’m Anton. I’m the head and editor-in-chief of the Huresvelg newspaper.”

“Oh, I am…”