The Maid's Contract Marriage (1 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 279

Good evening, dear readers of the *Imperial Gazette*. This is Donovan Redpen, your current affairs commentator.

As a chronicler and poet of this age, I am certain that today I am writing the most glorious page in the history of the Empire.

Viewed through the lens that history is shaped by attempts to shatter peace and the heroic deeds of those who resist them, I believe we live in the most magnificent era.

The honor of being entrusted with recording these defining moments of our age on the pages of the Empire’s most popular newspaper—and passing them down to future generations—is surely a privilege not granted to just anyone.

Though each of us will hand down our own stories to posterity in our own vivid voices, as someone whose very profession is to document such events, I feel a unique sense of duty and joy.

It is an honor to share this momentous occasion with you.

Were it not for the exploits of the Empire’s shining heroes and the astonishing events that unfolded in high society this winter, newspapers across the Empire—including the *Imperial Gazette*—would never have received such widespread attention. As a journalist, I extend my deepest gratitude to every hero of this era.

We have personally witnessed some of the most captivating chapters of history: the birth and growth of the most beloved Crown Prince in Imperial history; the royal family saga that stirred high society; the rise and triumph of a once-unsung hero; and even the debutante ball of his perfect counterpart—a bride of this century.

We observed the rise and fall of the shortest-reigning heir-apparent in history and watched the debutante balls of beautiful ladies harboring unspeakable secrets.

We saw the moment when the highest-ranking leader of the Imperial family had long-concealed sins laid bare before the world, and witnessed His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—once called a hothouse flower—blossom into the most just and noble figure.

Our newspapers stood alongside you through every one of these moments.

With sharp, piercing eyes, we have at times uncovered dark secrets hidden by the powerful; with eyes of justice, we have watched as those wrongs were righted; and at other times, we have willingly concealed unspeakable tragedies within the fictional tales of playwrights.

You all noticed it, didn’t you?

(I am truly glad to live in the same era as such remarkable individuals. I am proud to be a journalist.)

In truth, every time I look at Sir Arthur’s face, I deeply regret having spent the past five years not as a war correspondent—due to my own laziness and lack of insight.

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