Chapter 59

Late at night, Amourora caught Luan flipping through Canary's Corner red handed, even if it was okay, the magazine was meant for teens, so Amourora confiscated it. She flipped through it to compare it to its progress in her last life.

It might seem like a gossip magazine now, but in a few years, they would expand to other countries and as their popularity grew, so did their power. In the future, they would be enough to question the power of a count, and many tried to suppress them but with no avail.

Once the tree grows, it's hard to dig up the roots, and the roots of Canary's Corner ran deep. Many noble ladies and princesses liked it, so officials couldn't do much about it. They especially had a sharp-tongued princess who fought passionately for it.

Victoria won them over by giving them innovative ideas and marketing tactics. The magazine started to influence the public opinion and even had a hand in changing a few laws, giving women more rights. That's how the little girl gained a foothold after coming back from the country side.

Both the Veritas and Verena's family joined hands and forced the Duke to send Victoria away, but he brought her back four years later, after his mother and the grand duke passed away. Victoria didn't spend her time in the countryside idling around, instead she put all her efforts in establishing her own force and gaining connections. She even built a successful business, with the help of a foreign royal and a local noble.

Aside from having to read more about Lilacian nobles and foreign countries and their leaders, she also has to be more knowledgeable about the Lilacian empire's politics and power struggles, as well as its flaws and strong points. In the past she had been too blinded by glitter and riches, she couldn't care less about what's happening in the world. Moreover, a long time had passed, and her memories were fuzzy.

She sighed in exasperation, wishing she was in the Cloud kingdom instead. It was a peaceful country, and she received education on being an eligible queen, there, so she already knew about its situation, politics, and people .

'ah, so much work!' she shook her head and sighed.

"your highness, would you like me to read it to you?" Lena, who was braiding her hair for bed, asked, thinking the princess wasn't that good at reading. When writing the apology letter, Luna wrote it in a separate paper and Amourora only copied it down.

Luan's eyes sparkled hopefully, and her movement in tidying the sheets paused. The other maids also perked up their ears.

"not really." she put the magazine down at the table, so Luan can take it back later. She already scanned everything and analyzed the existing sections. "I'm going to sleep."

'Gossip Girls'. Instead of someone spreading groundless gossip, they uncover the truth and tell the story from more than one perspective, like a chatting room. The protagonist of this week's gossip is undoubtedly, the infamous Victoria.

'Bookworm' recommends different books and novels, but mostly has a short story with a moral.

'Decorum and Decor' shows manners to follow or simple decorative ideas to liven up the house.

'What's Cooking?' critiques different dishes and sometimes shares a few recipes or dishes. This time it's about chocolate chip cookies, currently displayed at 'Sunflower tower'. Baxter asked her this morning about it, and she agreed.

'Madame Mystery' replies to letters from teens and gives them life advice. This week's article is quite interesting, a young man lost his heart to a beautiful young miss, but fears the gap in their social status. Furthermore, he wasn't sure if the girl even shared the same feelings, and wondered what to do next without ruining his relationships with her and his family.

Madame mystery's reply was as wise as a grandmother's advice, clear and sincere. It was clever, too, even she couldn't think of it.

"good night, your highness." the five maids bowed, trying not to show their excitement in their face, they could hardly believe the princess left the magazine in the table. Luan snatched it and hid it behind the taller new maid, Sarah.

"wait."

They stiffened and held their breath, 'she didn't happen to notice did she?'

'please don't, please don't, please don't let her notice the magazine!' Luan shut her eyes and prayed from her heart.

"Luan..." it was hard not to notice her clumsy and nervous behavior.

"yes!?" she almost jumped out of her skin. "I mean, is something the matter, your highness?"

"yes. Bring my doll from the doll castle."

'Oh, just that? Phew! '

Luan's face, like an open book, reflected her relief. "of course, your highness!"

Seeing Maylea still asleep, Amourora sighed, but fell asleep next to her.

*****

The eldest daughter of the grand Duke is a quick-witted lady. Without being told a single word, she figured out that entire situation in the first minute of their arrival.

Verena came early, there is a problem. She brought baby Victor, the problem is with her husband. The luggage carrier is big, she's staying for a few days. It was a piece of cake to read the situation in a glimpse!

She brought her husband's bastard child... This is the problem. She wore more makeup than usual... What happened to her face? What happened to Aurelia's throat?

Her chest tightened with every speculation, until she couldn't stand it anymore. She hinted at Archer, and as always, he was quick to respond.

"Aurelia, you wanted me to teach you chess?" he took her hand and gestured for Aramis to follow. "let me tell you, back in the day..."

"first one to reach the inside garden gets a piggyback ride! " he watched the kids race out the door, and took Victor from his nanny very carefully. "what about you, little guy? Do you want to play outside, too? Aunt Verena, can he sit?"

"oh, yes. He is a very healthy child, he can already crawl, but make sure the place is clean." Verena watched them leave. "isn't he a talented young gentleman? He already knows how to handle children! Oh, right, why did he come back early?"

"he finished his studies earlier than expected and came for a short break." Veronica glared at the stupid girl who didn't get the hint to leave. Is she slow-witted to the point everything has to be spelled out to her? What's so good about that stupid good-for-nothing? Even her golden eyes and silver hair look like a coiling snake. Is the Duke even her father?

Alright, just give her what she wants." Enzo, have someone escort her back. "

After sending everyone away, and settling down with calming tea, she opened her mouth,

"tell me how have you been, little sister. "