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chapter 13
“Even if you publish a newspaper, can’t it still be used for agitation? In fact, it seems better suited for that purpose.”
“That is because of the balance between the freedom of information and the duty of responsibility.”
Newspapers and gossip rags both conveyed news through paper, but there were a few important differences.
First of all, newspapers prioritized accuracy. A newspaper that published false information would inevitably face criticism. On the other hand, gossip rags didn’t place much value on accuracy. A few sentences that sounded plausible—phrased as ‘they say it happened’—were enough to fill the pages.
In addition, newspapers had to take responsibility for the social consequences of their published information. Gossip rags did not. They were merely a collection of rumors woven together, so there was no need to accept any responsibility for public uproar.
If problems arose, they could simply shrug it off with, “Well, only a fool would believe it.”
“But if word were to spread that the Duchess herself owns a gossip rag company, wouldn’t that be troublesome?”
Many nobles bought gossip rags, but they considered them terribly vulgar.
“That fact will never be revealed.”
Uriella’s voice was so firm that Viscount Vitale looked at her with growing interest.
“Newspapers are created by those who wish to implement justice, those who want to change the world. I don’t belong to that group. Do you think anyone would go digging for the true source of gossip rags?”
“Then for what purpose do you wish to publish one, Duchess?”
“To protect what is mine.”
Uriella’s expression was earnest. She had to protect Duke Baraota, the people of the ducal household, and her own family.
I will never repeat the same pain. I won’t sit back helplessly and suffer again.
In her eyes, which resembled the night sky, Viscount Vitale glimpsed deep sorrow.
I’ve seen many people with such eyes. Those are the eyes of someone with a tragic past.
“Very well. I’ll invest both funds and manpower into your endeavor.”
Uriella could not hide her smile at the thought—I did it.
“Thank you.”
“In return, there is one condition.”
“A condition? Please, tell me.”
“I’ll explain it later. Give me a little time.”
“Riel!”
Because her conversation at the Vitale estate had lasted longer than expected, Reyna—who had been left alone with Geno—brightened upon seeing Uriella return.
“Somehow the talk dragged on. Sorry, did I keep you waiting too long?”
“You didn’t come back for so long, I almost thought you’d abandoned me.”
“As if I’d ever do that.”
Reyna knew Uriella would never do such a thing, but since she had been left alone for hours, annoyance made her tease that way.
“Young lord, it’s late now, so we’ll be heading back. Thank you for inviting us.”
“It was an honor to have you visit today. And Lady Reyna.”
Suddenly addressed, Reyna startled and asked, “Yes?”
“Thank you for giving me your time. I will never forget this day. And—you said I was still too young, correct?”
Reyna gave a small nod.
“Then please wait for me.”
“…What?”
“Until I become an adult. I will ask for your answer then, Lady Reyna.”
Reyna’s face flushed crimson, and she hastily bowed her head to hide it.
“Riel, let’s go quickly.”
She tugged Uriella’s arm.
“We’ll be going now.”
The two left the Vitale estate and climbed into their carriage.
“Ha… finally, we’re out.”
As soon as they sat down, Reyna let out a relieved sigh.
“Did young master Vitale make you uncomfortable?”
“Not the person, the situation.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He was extremely cautious around me.”
After Uriella had left, Geno had become even more careful in his behavior. His awkward restraint was obvious, but it made clear that he didn’t want to be disliked. That alone showed he wasn’t a bad person.
Even so, being left alone with him had been unbearably uncomfortable.
“Then what was wrong with the situation?”
“The conditions are too mismatched.”
“In what way?”
“The age gap is too big, I’m someone who’s already been married once, and then there’s the huge difference between our families.”
Reyna was all too aware of reality: her failed marriage, her no-longer-youthful age, her years of living as a commoner. She knew exactly how all of that affected relationships.
“Besides, right now I want to focus on Bliss and Daisy. At the very least, I want them to meet good people. People like you, Riel.”
“…But for that to happen, you need to be happy first.”
“…What?”
“If you’re alone, do you think Bliss or Daisy could marry comfortably? Even if good people came along, they’d refuse.”
Reyna couldn’t give any immediate reply to Uriella’s words.
“You agree, don’t you? That’s why you should open your heart. Not necessarily to a man—even just as a friend. Having a friend is a good thing.”
“But isn’t it wrong to plant false hopes?”
“You said it yourself—you’d start as friends. And young master Vitale accepted that. Besides, let me tell you something from my own experience: if you hesitate too much, you’ll regret it. You’ll keep thinking, I should’ve at least tried.”
“What? I’m not hesitating. I’m rejecting him.”
At the moment, Reyna felt no emotions for Geno—but two years later, things would be different. His unwavering sincerity eventually shook her heart, something Uriella had seen firsthand in her previous life.
That was why Uriella now encouraged her friend—to ensure this time the two could be happy.
“And what do you have to regret? Did something happen with the Duke? You’re acting strange.”
Before they knew it, the carriage arrived at the Longo sisters’ estate.
“We’re here. I’ll visit soon.”
“Alright. Don’t break that promise.”
Reyna returned home alone, uneasy.
Something’s definitely going on with Riel. Did she fight with the Duke? Haa… I should bring her over soon and have a proper talk.
After Uriella left, Viscount Vitale sat in deep thought.
If everything she said is true…
Had he heard such a ridiculous tale of turning back time from anyone else, he would’ve ended the conversation immediately. But this time he didn’t.
Years of working as an information broker had sharpened his ability to discern truth from lies.
Those eyes weren’t lying. Nor were they delusional. And even if it were false, I would lose nothing…
There were people who spoke of their fantasies as though they had truly lived them. Such people usually went to great lengths to prove their words, desperate not to be caught in a lie. But Uriella was different. She recounted her story so calmly, so matter-of-factly.
“Of course, you don’t believe me. I understand. Even I sometimes wonder if it was all just a dream. It’s such a nonsensical story. That’s why this is the first time I’ve ever spoken of it aloud.”
“And what makes you believe it wasn’t a dream?”
“There’s another person who experienced the same thing. Someone with the exact same memories. Even without words, I could tell they knew. Ah… they have those memories too.”
She had smiled bitterly as she said this.
“That’s why I want to protect what’s mine from that person.”
Her eyes had carried a faint, aching light.
“Father!”
The door suddenly burst open, pulling Viscount Vitale from his thoughts.
“Why do you come barging in without knocking?”
Geno realized only then that he hadn’t knocked and looked sheepish.
“Ah, sorry. Should I step out and come back in?”
The Viscount sighed and shook his head.
“Never mind. You’re already here. What is it?”
“Father, what did you discuss with Duchess Baraota? Did you scold her over my rudeness?”
The Viscount smacked his son on the head.
“You’re nearly of age, yet still such a child. You knew it was rude, yet did it anyway—and now you worry?”
“I know it was wrong. But at that moment, I couldn’t stop myself. The instant I saw Lady Reyna Longo, everything my brother and sister ever said made sense.”
“And so you propose to her on the spot? If you truly care for Lady Longo, that is the last thing you should do. Don’t you realize your foolish action could ruin her honor?”
The Viscount sighed heavily.
“I won’t do it again. Lady Longo forgave me, and I’ll personally take care of her reputation.”
“How? How could you possibly restore Lady Longo’s reputation?”
“I have an idea. Please trust me just once.”
The Viscount studied his youngest son’s serious expression and reluctantly nodded.
“…Fine. But you’re not going to tell me what you and the Duchess spoke of, are you?”
Geno gazed up at him with his most pleading expression.
“You really are desperate, aren’t you? Pulling that kind of face.”
“Of course! To win Lady Reyna’s heart, I must first win over those around her.”
“This matter has nothing to do with you.”
The Viscount paused, then corrected himself.
“…No, it could be made to concern you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Would you like to build a connection with Duchess Baraota—”
“Yes!”
Geno answered before his father even finished.
“I thought as much. Then I’ll entrust this task to you.”
“Thank you!”
He expressed gratitude without even knowing what the task was—believing that if he became close with the Duchess, it would naturally bring him closer to Lady Reyna as well.
“I do wonder if it’s wise to entrust this to you so suddenly.”
“I can do it well. Please, just tell me what I must do.”
