Soon, Anton slowly opened his mouth.

“The current emperor is quite adept at diplomacy. He maintains harmonious relations with the nobles.”

His fingers tapped on the notepad.

“At present, the nobles have no reason to be hostile to the emperor. Still, is it necessary to expand the significance to this extent, Miss Ginny?”

The newspaper company’s president was indeed no pushover. I shouldn’t shrink back in the face of his sharp counterarguments.

I looked straight at Anton beyond my veil.

“Mr. Anton, do you know what grievances are arising among the gentrification entrepreneurs compared to the nobility?”

“There is no need to belabor the point. Isn’t it because they pay much more in taxes compared to the nobles?”

“That’s right. Even when operating at a loss and having no net profit, they still have to pay taxes on the revenue generated. This is why nobles can expand their businesses without worrying about taxes, while those below the gentry cannot.”

I took a deep breath.

“The imperial family is aware of this injustice, too. Despite the loud voices of discontent, they won’t just ignore it. As Mr. Anton said, the emperor is a benevolent ruler.”

Anton’s eyes behind the glasses sparkled.

“For example, imposing taxes on the income of nobles like those below the gentry?”

“Yes, exactly. It’s not just about taxes. From the emperor’s perspective, there is a need to make some concessions regarding the privileges of the nobility to achieve balance between the classes. In such situations, public opinion can pressure the nobles.”

“Ah, so that’s why you mentioned that earlier.”

Only now did he seem to grasp the gist of this conversation.

“It seems the nobles are trying to preemptively garner public opinion in their favor, as mentioned by Miss Ginny, by distributing 1000 crowns to the lower classes.”

“Of course, Lady Elfriede herself may not think so deeply. As I mentioned, her main goal is to conduct a relief effort that stands out more than Evangelin Yeong-ae’s.”

“But Duke Mecklinger, who allowed and even encouraged this project and hosted the banquet, has different intentions.”

Finally, a smile appeared on my face.

“You catch on quickly. Indeed, you are someone who manages a newspaper.”

Anton jotted something down on the notepad.

“Miss Ginny’s story contains a lot. We may need to publish several editorial articles over time.”

“I would greatly appreciate that. I hope this issue will capture people’s attention.”

The matter seemed to be wrapping up. I slowly stood up from my seat.

Anton also rose clumsily to his feet, following my lead.

“Um, how can I contact Miss Ginny next time?”

“Oh, just through the post office’s mailbox.”

I shared the mailbox number I had been using with him.

Anton carefully noted it down and nodded.

“Thank you, Miss Ginny. By the way…”

“?”
He awkwardly chuckled and began scratching his chin, as if unsure of what to say. What on earth is he trying to say?

“Well, I’m not sure how you’ll take this, but…”

He hesitated for a moment. Seriously, just get to the point already.

“If Miss Ginny were to take off her veil, put on trousers, and straighten her tied-up brown hair to blonde… Doesn’t she look exactly like the assistant to Crown Prince, Miss Myuzelle Kyung?”

“!”

I almost let out a scream right there. I remained frozen, unable to even catch my breath properly.

Could it be that my identity has been exposed?

“Ahaha, I apologize if it made you uncomfortable. I’ve imagined a tall woman like Miss Ginny is rare. Besides, Miss Myuzelle is a man, isn’t she?”

He laughed good-naturedly and extended his hand eagerly.

However, I couldn’t muster a laugh at all.

“I don’t feel particularly good being told I resemble a man.”

I forced my voice to sound composed and added before leaving the private room.

“If it’s not Anton, the unwanted attention due to height is something I often deal with, not just now. Next time, please be more careful.”

I spoke with a stern tone, as if genuinely angry, and just before leaving the room, I added.

“I’ll look forward to the good articles. I’ll visit again.”

“Yes, it won’t be a short piece. I assure you as the editor-in-chief.”

Anton replied with a refreshing tone.

I turned away as casually as possible. Then, I exerted a lot of force in my back and walked confidently.

Only when I completely stepped out of the newspaper office did I let out the breath I had been holding.

“Phew.”

For now, it seems I got through without exposing my identity.

For someone working at a newspaper, they sure have sharp eyes. It was a close call.

Despite meticulously dyeing even my hair, I almost got caught because of my height.

Anyway, I had to go back quickly before things got more dangerous.

Oh, before that, I should return to the inn. I have to go back to being a man.

The next day, I reported to Klaus in the office about my visit to the newspaper office.

“I provided information to Anton, the president and editor-in-chief of the Hresvelgr newspaper. It seems they will publish it in several parts soon.”