# 38
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“This weekend?”
Ian put down his spoon and asked again at my sudden suggestion.
My lips curved into a soft smile and I nodded confidently to him.
"Yes."
Of course, if it was Ian, he would definitely refuse, but today I was prepared with about ten reasons he couldn't refuse.
With the Arya Bulletin caring so much about us, wouldn't it be absurd for me to remain silent?
'Let's see if you can escape this.'
As I was preparing to quickly respond to his rejection, Ian spoke up.
“Okay, let's do this.”
“I'm sure it'll be annoying, but didn't you say you'd spend your weekends with me? Plus, there was the season party last time….what?”
“I said I agreed.”
I stopped my stuttering words and stared at him expressionlessly, my mouth open.
In return, Ian was looking at my face as if asking me why I was looking at him that way.
'What's the matter?' Why is he behaving in such a committed way?'
Shouldn't he ask the reasons, or say he'll think about it after checking his schedule, like when we went to the season party?
The sudden change in his attitude left me even more confused.
'Is he really going to die soon?'
While I was busy with unnecessary thoughts, Ian continued to look at me intently.
Every time he blinked slowly, the morning sunlight streaming through the large windows made his blue-violet eyes sparkle wonderfully.
And yet, his good looks were no joke.
“Is there a problem?”
“...No, it's not really a problem.”
“Okay. Tell me a good day and time over the weekend, and I'll keep my schedule free then.”
As if the conversation was over, he picked up his spoon again.
I was still confused while watching him, so I said
“Um… I haven’t told you the destination yet.”
"permission?"
“What if I asked you to go somewhere strange?”
At my question, Ian nonchalantly took a bite.
“It doesn't matter where.”
“...Where?”
It might seem nice at first, but knowing Ian I get it.
It just meant that he wasn't fond of the idea of going out in the first place, so the place didn't matter much to him.
To prove it, Ian's expression was as indifferent as possible.
'Well… I guess this is still progress.'
I didn't know what he was planning, but anyway, that wasn't a bad sign for me.
If Ian acted this way with Diana like he did with me now, the two would grow closer together much faster.
I nodded to myf, and began eating my partially melted plate.
Then suddenly, I looked up and found myf amazed again.
'...hmm?'
Ian, who had already finished his meal, did not rise from his seat but stared at me expressionlessly.
“What, what's wrong?”
If you're done eating, go.
“Is there… something you want to say?”
"no."
Then he closed his mouth again and continued to look at me.
‘…That is not possible.’
Does he wait for me to finish my food?
After hesitating for a moment, I looked back and forth between my plate and Ian's face before putting the last spoon into my mouth and setting down the dessert spoon.
Then Ian straightened his clothes and stood up slowly.
As he carelessly wiped his mouth, I internally screamed.
'He was really waiting for me!'
By then, Ian had pushed his chair in and was once again looking at me expressionlessly.
His stern gaze passed over my cheek.
As I rolled my eyes slightly to meet his gaze, he nodded slightly.
“Okay then...”
“Have a good day, ma’am.”
After that, he turned around and left the dining hall.
I watched his back walk away and found myf frozen in place, unable to move for a while.
❖ ❖ ❖
Time passed hard, and soon the weekend arrived.
When I mentioned that I was planning to go out to the bustling shopping district on Saturday morning, Ian immediately responded with “Okay.” News of my going out with the Duke spread quickly throughout the palace, causing the servants to become excited about their master and lady.
If you think about it, from accompanying the seasonal party to a weekend outing in the bustling area, it seemed that there was no topic more stimulating for them.
Early in the morning, Vivi, leading a group of maids, burst into my bedroom, smiling cheerfully as she led me to the dressing room.
“Ma’am, the weather is wonderful today, isn’t it?”
“You seem to be in a good mood.”
“Of course! Everyone is excited about Mr. and Mrs.!”
I feigned ignorance and asked while looking at the smiling Vivi.
“Servants?”
“Yes, everyone is so excited, wondering if you two are finally a real couple.”
“You make it seem like we're not really a couple yet, Vivi.”
“Oh, I'm so sorry! It was a slip of the tongue...”
When I saw Vivi turn pale quickly and bow her head, I laughed lightly.
"I'm just kidding. It's understandable."
“S-Ma’am...”
“It's good to hear that, so if you come across this, let me know. As always, no one will be punished.”
At my gracious action, Vivi nodded slightly.
“N-Yes, I will do that.”
The servants' reactions mirror those of the social circles and the entire empire.
The reason for going out with Ian to the crowded shopping district, and not waiting for the princess's birthday celebration two months later, was simple.
Publicity is proportional to exposure.
'Everyone was skeptical about Ian's appearance at the season's gala.'
While people are still in doubt, if Ian and I appear in the noisy area, public opinion will change even more quickly. The most important thing…
'I'm curious to see how Arya's newsletter will react this time.'
No matter how much I think about it, I really want that newsletter.
In the world I come from, South Korea in the 21st century, there were so-called social media influencers. Groups with common interests tend to follow the opinions of these named individuals, and when such trends converge, they form public opinion.
By the way, the individuals mentioned in this novel's fanbase were avid fans of Ian Cloud.
‘Just thinking about being cyberbullied by these people still makes my blood boil….’
Anyway.
If you find yourf on the wrong side of these mentioned individuals, it becomes very annoying, but on the contrary, if you succeed in gaining the trust of just one person, influencing public opinion is easy.
In this age without social media, Arya Newsletter is a name that has a strong grip on public opinion and can move social circles with just one issue.
Isn't that exactly what Aria's newsletter is all about?
'If I had known the identity of the writer, I might have been able to convince him.'
But there was very little information. The articles were written completely anonymously, and unlike other newspapers, they did not accept contributions.
'Well, if I stay there long enough, they'll finally give me something to do.'
They say you can't catch a tail in this world, right?
Of course, all this is secondary, the most important thing in this journey is Ian's education.
While I was lost in my superficial thoughts, Fifi and the maids finished dressing me and stepped back.
She stood in front of the mirror, admiring the bright yellow dress, and asked,
“Vivi, I don’t remember seeing this dress before.”
“Oh, this! Mrs. Zed sent it yesterday as a special summer edition!”
“Did Mrs. Zed do that?”
How long has it been since I modified my dress for the party, and she already has a new version? Aren't you supposed to be working on the princess dress these days?
“Yes, and she also asked me to tell you that you are always her number one customer.”
I couldn't help but let out a small sigh at Vivi's words.
'I love Lady Zed's loyalty.'
In the final part of the story, when Lady Zedd opens her heart to Diana, she stands firmly by her side despite all the controversy.
This loyalty she shows to me will soon be directed towards Diana.
'Diana! While you're not here, I'll work hard to win them over, so you just have to walk the flowery path!'
Satisfied, I shook the hem of my dress and smiled.
"i have to go now."
“Yes, ma’am! I will serve you with all my heart today too!”
After getting ready, I headed downstairs. As I was walking down the stairs, I saw Ian waiting for me in the hallway, just like last time.
When he sensed my presence, he turned around.
"my lady."
“Have you waited long?”
Ian instinctively opened his mouth to respond but hesitated before shaking his head.
“…I just arrived.”
He extended his hand to me.
“Shall we go?”