I decided to admit that my worry about him, who had shown a crazy behavior, going beyond being radical, even going as far as a onenight marriage, was unfounded.

But on the other hand, it was strange.

Didn’t he decide to marry because he was burning to the point of death?

“Don’t you want to see her?”

“Not particularly.”

“……Really?”

“It’s not like we’re in a diehard relationship.”

“Yet you proceed with marriage so quickly, even though you’re not in such a relationship?”

“Marriage is business.”

At his unemotional words, Salk narrowed his eyebrows.

“Oh, that’s the most garbagelike thing I’ve ever heard.”

“I can’t help it. My time with her is only three days. It’s too much to expect love. I like her, though.”

“But you’ve perfectly proceeded with a proposal and marriage in just 3 days. You’re a highspeed talent in a highspeed age.”

Salk thought that the rational Matop Duke had finally returned to his original state.

At the reception, he was slightly out of his mind. Yeah, this is it, his true self.

While thinking so, he handed over today’s freshly printed gossip paper.

“And here’s a piece of garbage gossip that matches your garbage statement.”

“Am I on the front page again?”

“Yes, you’re the headline.”

“I’m excited about being the headline after a long time.”

Gibnen stopped his work for a moment and took today’s gossip paper.

“Horizon’s Matop Duke, Gibnen Lianster’s wedding is imminent. The other party was revealed to be the fiancée of Earl Ermeintz, shocking! Will the affair of the century begin?”

Despite the sensational headline and his name emblazoned on it, Gibnen was calm.

It was not a mere rumor. It was an insinuation of an affair.

At this, Gibnen smiled, as if he found it amusing.
The engagement was proceeding in utmost secrecy, but where had the information leaked from?

“That’s not the point.”

Sak pointed to the word ‘love scandal’ as if he was shocked.

“This is the essence!”

Love scandal, literally an unhealthy, indecent, immoral, unethical love drama, wasn’t it?

There was no need to read the detailed article. The content was obvious. It would surely be a critical discourse on ‘the audacious theft of Count Ermeintz’s betrothed.’

The engagement between Count Ermeintz and Riley Eadalin was, from the beginning, a matter of utmost secrecy. It was clear where this article had started, without even having to see this part exposed.

Gibnen burst into laughter as he read the article.

“The old man is really angry.”

“You find this funny? This is a very serious matter. It’s different from the previous rumors, a love scandal… This is a disgrace of unprecedented proportions!”

“Is it only my disgrace? It’s a disgrace for the old man too.”

Count Ermeintz would obviously take a hit to his reputation from this controversy.

Already the fifth time, the fact that he was preparing to marry a young girl was not a good issue for him. But he had gone ahead and triggered this article. His judgment must have been twisted.

The content of the article was honestly a truth without a shred of falsehood, so there was nothing to say, but

“How did the old man know about my marriage?”

“Could it be that Count Eadalin mentioned it?”

“Why? There’s no good in mentioning it.”

“Well, it would only provoke Count Ermeintz’s anger…”

“And for some reason, he didn’t reveal anything about Riley. Why? If he was so blinded with rage to put out an article like this, there was no need to conceal Riley Eadalin’s identity.”

“Maybe he was just focusing on tricking the master?”

“Then he should have revealed more. The difference between the houses would make it a much bigger issue.”

Just looking at the families of his exwives, most were either heavily declining or nameless, impoverished houses.

No matter how great Count Ermeintz’s power was, respectable households, considering their external reputation and children, had refused to send their daughters to him as his wife.

So, even if he revealed that the Eadalin family was an impoverished Count’s house, it wouldn’t be a big problem for Count Ermeintz.

But why, exactly?

Did he spare Riley because of his character? No, absolutely not.

Did he make an unintended mistake because his mind had become dull with old age? No, he was sharper than anyone else when it came to tormenting others.

“It’s certainly not ordinary gossip, but a love scandal report… This could be a bit problematic.”

“Hmm.”

“How shall we respond?”

“Leave it for now.”

“Understood.”

“You have people attached to Count Ermeintz’s side, right?”

“Yes.”

“Increase their number and have them on standby 24/7. If they see any suspicious movements, tell them to report immediately.”

“Understood.”

Dirty media play wasn’t anything new and wouldn’t be too shocking.

Of course, there might be some impact due to the love scandal, but even so, it would not put a dent in Horizon’s prestige.

A guy like Count Ermeintz is living well in this world, too. Honestly, it will probably only be noisy for about a week.

Still, there was a lingering discomfort.

A feeling like something was missed.

Gibnen leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead, lost in thought.

‘It’s annoying. What is it?’

What had he missed?

At this moment, Gibnen thought of Riley.

It would take some time for today’s rumors to reach where she lived. It was fortunate that Riley’s identity had not been revealed, but the fact that Count Ermeintz had shown careless handling of the matter was unsettling.

Was this a mistake, or was it intentional?