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~Chapter 1~
A secluded alley off Lyceum Street, the liveliest in the Empire.
In this narrow alley stood an unlikely group that seemed completely out of place.
A noble lady dressed in a luxurious gown, and children in shabby clothing.
At a glance, these two groups would never have anything to do with each other. But here they were, smiling at each other like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Aisha, how many should we hand out today?”
“Two hundred!”
When Aisha spread her ten fingers wide and answered, the children’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Huh? That’s double the usual amount!”
“Well, you all know last week’s issue sold like crazy, right?”
In other words, strike while the iron’s hot. Aisha smirked to herself.
“Anyway—”
Aisha opened the large bag she’d set at her feet. Inside was a neatly stacked pile of 200 flyers.
“Forty each. Since it’s double the amount, I’ll double your pay too.”
“Wow!”
The children cheered. Aisha carefully counted and distributed the flyers.
“Alright, I’m counting on you again today! And don’t forget—be careful.”
“Yes, Miss Aisha!”
With a loud cheer, the group of kids scattered into the street.
“This week’s Sunday Exposé! Subscribe now and get the latest issue delivered tomorrow!”
“Pay a little extra and receive every past issue too! A special offer only for this week’s subscribers!”
Hmph.
Tugging down the wide brim of her hat, Aisha stood at the alley’s entrance, watching the kids hard at work.
As expected, the response wasn’t bad.
“Really? If I sign up today, I get every back issue too?”
“Of course! And we’re also offering a special discount—10% off the regular price!”
Sunday Exposé.
A magazine that’s been shaking up the Draxion Empire for the past two years—no exaggeration needed.
Published every Sunday as its name suggests, Sunday Exposé was nothing like the standard newspapers sold on the streets. It was bold, scandalous, and packed with juicy, provocative stories.
Put simply, it was full of gossip—incidents from high society, and rumors surrounding the most talked-about figures in the Empire.
But even gossip had standards. Sunday Exposé ran on a strict tiered membership system. As the kids said, you had to subscribe first, and depending on how much you donated, you could access different levels of content.
Honestly, I’m too clever for my own good.
Aisha Ashton.
The sole reporter and operator behind Sunday Exposé.
The one who singlehandedly turned it into the most influential magazine in high society was none other than…
Just then, one of the flyers the children had been handing out fluttered to her feet. Aisha, grinning mischievously, bent down and read through the very leaflet she had printed that morning.
Special Issue No. 5: The Killian Winters Edition!
“This week’s issue is packed with juicy stories about Duke Killian Winters! Subscribe now!”
Is he really as cruel and ruthless as everyone says?
Killian Winters.
If we’re judging by looks alone, he’s easily in the top three in the entire Empire. But with his icy demeanor and his battlefield nickname “The Butcher,” he inspired both fascination and fear.
He was the very person who propelled Sunday Exposé to fame.
Though he himself had no idea.
This issue reveals long-held secrets—from Killian Winters’ first love to his past relationships! Discover what broke this beautiful man!
“There are perks depending on how much you donate!”
Notice: Bonus items are awarded based on your donation level.
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Top Subscriber: A handmade mask modeled directly after Killian Winters’ face — lips included and painted.
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2nd Place: An authentic badge worn by the Duke’s personal knights — actually used in service.
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3rd–5th Place: An extra article — Killian Winters’ food preferences.
Note: Donations are separate from the subscription fee. Please be careful not to confuse the two.
“A mask made from his actual face? How’d they even do that?”
“Who cares? I already donated last week, but… that won’t be enough. I’m heading to the bank.”
“Wait a sec. I actually want that third reward more.”
“Then just donate enough for the article and share it with me. I’ll let you touch the mask too. But… how much do I have to donate?”
“No clue. Those noble ladies can be seriously competitive…”
“Right? Just two weeks ago, Countess Will donated three million gold!”
Heh… hehehe…
Watching the young ladies whisper and scheme, Aisha grinned wickedly.
Alright. Why not? If sales break a record this week, I’ll extend perks to the top ten.
She still had plenty of tricks up her sleeve—more secrets to spill, and even a few uniforms she’d bought off the black market from the Duke’s knights.
I have to milk this for all it’s worth before Killian comes back to the Empire. Then I’m taking the money and running.
Anyway, today’s sales pitch was a resounding success.
The flyers were nearly gone, and noble ladies were beginning to swarm the stand—asking when they had to register by to get all past issues, or how much the top subscriber had donated last week.
“Registration ends at 6 p.m., when the bank closes!”
“Sorry, we can’t disclose last week’s top donation amount.”
Perfect. Just as planned.
In this business, nothing fuels large donations like igniting people’s competitive spirit. She’d have to give the kids a bonus too.
As Aisha basked in the success of her scheme—
“Special Killian Winters Issue! Don’t miss it—!”
Among the group, the smallest, youngest child.
Just as little Helen was enthusiastically handing out flyers, a large shadow fell over her.
“…”
Helen suddenly collapsed to the ground, legs giving out, and the once-lively street fell into heavy silence.
All eyes turned toward one spot.
The man standing in front of Helen.
Aisha turned too.
“…”
Under the bright sun and soft spring breeze, the man seemed to stand in defiance of the season itself.
Jet-black hair. Eyes gleaming like polished obsidian. Deep-set lids and a sharp nose that looked like it had been carved with precision. A tall, commanding frame wrapped in a tight black shirt that strained against his muscular build.
And an air colder than midwinter.
In his hand was one of the flyers the children had been scattering all morning.
Ki-Killian Winters?
No way.
What on earth is he doing here?
Aisha went pale and covered her mouth.
“So…”
Killian’s dark eyes glinted sharply.
“Where exactly do I go to subscribe to this damned magazine, kid?”
