I asked Elodie with feigned kindness.

“Elodie, aren’t you hungry? Do you want to eat something?”

“…I’m hungry.”

“I thought so.”

Sonya, understanding my intention, immediately stood up.

“I’ll bring breakfast. Is there anything you can’t eat?”

“I eat everything well.”

The breakfast that arrived shortly after was delicious. Honestly, even more than what I would have made. The onion soup with a light sprinkle of grilled cheese, bread studded with dried figs, and a sweet and sour salad were simple but nothing was made carelessly.

It was when I was helping Sonya clear the dishes after finishing the meal. The morning newspapers loaded on the trolley caught my eye. Sonya started to explain as if making an excuse.

“Ah, these are standard on every trolley leaving the kitchen… Would you like to see them?”

“Yes.”

I started to examine the newspapers, which seemed to be four or five different kinds. I wondered if yesterday’s incident might be reported somewhere. Since Duke Baniche had directly received questions from reporters, it should have been published as at least a small article somewhere.

‘…?’

My eyes widened as soon as I pulled out a newspaper that was in the middle position with its front page hidden. I didn’t even need to unfold the newspaper.

<A love triangle that shocked the peaceful Saturn Street! Who will be the winner?>

The place in the large picture on the front page, along with the sensational headline, was too familiar. Although they didn’t explicitly draw the sign with the name, the luxurious exterior was unmistakably ‘Café Aria’ to anyone who saw it.

Moreover, the picture of a well-dressed nobleman in formal attire and a middle-aged man in a tailcoat pulling a long-haired woman with all their might. The blatant implication was enough to make my teeth chatter already.

‘I need to see what nonsense they’ve written.’

I quickly read through the article.

<Duke Theodore Baniche, who had been secluded for the past few years, has shown his face in the political world. According to reliable sources, the inspection went smoothly, so it seems we can now put aside the deep-rooted suspicion that Duke Baniche is a madman.

So, where was the first place Duke Baniche visited after completing this monumental inspection? One would normally think it would be the Duke’s residence. But dear loyal readers of the proud <Daily Empire>, the first place Duke Baniche visited was none other than a café. An ordinary café that sells coffee and desserts.

No, there might be an error in calling it ordinary. It was a café that started with prime real estate and luxurious interiors, with rumors of an unusual patron. With Duke Baniche’s visit, the identity of that patron has been revealed.

Is it only this writer who is curious about the relationship between the young and handsome Duke and the exceptionally beautiful female owner?>

I bit my lip. I wanted to tear up this terrible newspaper right away, but I needed to know exactly what they were saying about me, the Duke, and Eric.

<…According to sources, the female owner is said to be walking a dangerous tightrope between Duke Baniche and an employee known as his loyal servant…>

Rip. Before I knew it, I had crumpled the newspaper, and Sonya’s startled voice was heard.

“Miss Bertin? Is there a problem…?”

“It’s nothing.”

I took a deep breath for a moment. Although I was furious at the sensational article, I didn’t want to show it in front of Sonya or Elodie. Especially if Elodie, who has recently started reading well, were to see this article…

‘It’s terrible just to think about it.’

I rolled up the newspaper. The way <Daily Empire> described me was truly as a temptress playing with the hearts of two men. This level of description would surely deal a big blow to the café’s image, but the biggest worry was Elodie. I swallowed a sigh. It might be easy to prevent Elodie from seeing the newspaper. The problem is…

‘By now, there must be more than a few people reading this newspaper.’

I couldn’t stop the whispering behind my back. There was only one clear way to resolve this situation.

‘As expected, only that person can help.’

***

With a thud, the newspaper was thrown onto the desk. Theodore Baniche’s red eyes glared straight at the terribly crumpled newspaper.

“It seems Daily Empire wants to completely sever ties with the Baniche family.”

At the chilling voice, Count Jacob trembled slightly.

“Or, it’s a kind of declaration of war.”

“They wouldn’t be that stupid.”

“Is that so?”

Theodore laughed out loud, but his eyes weren’t laughing at all.

“No, I think it is a declaration of war. Just not from this insignificant newspaper.”

“Are you saying there’s someone behind this?”

“Yes.”

Theodore nodded.

“They used a very petty method. Involving Miss Bertin… I’ll have to make them regret it.”

“If we respond hastily, it might only spread unfavorable rumors.”

Count Jacob looked down at the newspaper with a gloomy gaze. <Daily Empire> was about the third largest newspaper in the empire, and their pride as a political newspaper was no ordinary matter. How much money must they have been paid to print such a trashy article?

“At least they seemed to have some conscience left, as there’s no mention of the young lady…”

“They will.”

Theodore cut off Jacob’s words in a dry voice devoid of any emotion.

“This is just the beginning, more severe articles will pour out from now on.”

“What do you plan to do?”

Count Jacob looked at the Duke with an expectant face. In fact, this wasn’t the first time malicious articles about Theodore Baniche had been published. Ever since he declared a baby of unclear origin as his daughter and heir one day, it had been one of the favorite topics of the yellow press.

Theodore picked up the entire newspaper and threw it into the fireplace. Before the newspaper had completely burned away in the fire, his decision was simple.

“We need to set an example.”

***

“Miss Bertin, please wait here for a moment.”

The young and sharp-looking servant left me waiting and then entered alone through the heavy door. I swallowed hard. What would Duke Baniche think about this article?

Perhaps he might dismiss an article of this level as nothing.

“Please come in.”

Soon the door opened and the servant gestured towards me. As I hurried in, a burning smell stung my nose.

‘…Ah.’

I could guess what the thin papers crumbling in the fireplace were without having to ask.

“Miss Bertin.”

Theodore Baniche called me in a low voice.

“I don’t think I need to ask why you’re here.”

“…Yes.”

I took a deep breath for a moment.

“I also don’t think I need to ask you to take action against the newspaper in question.”

The Duke nodded.

“Then, I’ll talk about something else. Please make sure that article doesn’t reach Elodie’s eyes.”

“I’ve already ordered that.”

“Even though this newspaper was received with breakfast this morning?”

I showed the Duke the crumpled newspaper I had rushed here with. Duke Baniche’s face visibly darkened.

“I trust Elodie didn’t see it.”

“Of course not.”

I answered with a bit of indignation. Did Duke Baniche think I was that careless?

“But if we’re not careful, it’s only a matter of time before Elodie finds out. As long as we’re staying at the Duke’s residence, she might overhear related conversations.”

“You want me to gag my people.”

“Yes.”

I nodded.

“And if possible, please do it thoroughly. To be honest, I’m worried about the pain Elodie might feel, but as I’m also involved, I don’t think I’d feel good hearing it either.”

The Duke pondered for a moment, then rubbed his temple.

“Fine.”

He frowned.

“I’ll tell Eric that anyone caught talking about this article will be fired on the spot.”

I thought firing might be a bit excessive, but I didn’t add anything. Duke Baniche himself would know best what measures would be most effective.

“And don’t worry too much about the article itself. I know how to deal with these kinds of people.”

“Well, you did seem quite adept at it.”

“You flatter me.”

Duke Baniche replied in a nonchalant voice, then stood up.

“There shouldn’t be any other problems.”

I hesitated for a moment. Should I talk to the Duke, who must be busy enough already, about the issue that has been troubling my mind recently?