“So that’s what you were worried about.”

“Yes…”

“There’s no need to worry. It’s the same with the conversation I had earlier with the noble lady of Turcan origin who researched it together with my aide. I heard an explanation of how they separated and refined it.”

“I see.”

Valentin nodded with wide eyes.

He had wanted to ask about it anyway.

Since there were three of them together, not just two, he hadn’t suspected any impropriety, but he was very curious about what kind of conversation would be had in such a secluded and secretive place… Thinking about it again, it was quite an odd combination. Moreover, the location was unexpectedly secluded.

But he hadn’t dared to ask, feeling like he might be jealous over nothing, and now Reynard had told him first. Newly grateful to his husband, Valentin reached out and interlaced his fingers with Reynard’s as he sat down across the table.

The server naturally pretended not to see the masters’ hands lovingly clasped on the table, and came to pour water and aperitifs. Of course, it was apple-scented soda juice imitating champagne.

Valentin happily picked up the crystal glass and drank it.

It had been a day full of unexpected events, meeting many people, and busy, but not bad.

No, what is merely ‘not bad’?

If Reynard understood and soothed his heart to the end like today, it seemed like everything would be okay no matter what happened in the future. Like today, even if he met unpleasant people or various things that made him feel uneasy, as long as you’re on my side… Valentin put down his glass and smiled at his husband sitting across from him, meeting his eyes.

Reynard smiled back, looking at that lovely face.

Somehow everything felt smooth.

Valentin happily started eating, thinking that all their life in Eldon where they would live would be okay like today. Hoping that all of their future life in the capital would be like this, Valentin clinked his apple juice glass with Reynard’s. The cheerful sound of clinking and the couple’s laughter echoed there.

Omen

<“For the People” 3rd Prince Develops New Drug>

The Empire’s 3rd Prince Clifton Leopold (hereafter 3rd Prince) has succeeded in developing a new drug called ‘New Popinsa’.

This new drug is an improved version of the existing Popinsa tincture, and research has verified that it has fewer side effects and increased efficacy compared to the existing one.

…(omitted)… The 3rd Prince, who launched a new pharmaceutical company, announced that he would use the new drug first for the welfare of the people. Samples of the new drug were distributed free of charge to poor neighborhoods simultaneously with the announcement, and contracts were made with hospitals targeting low-income groups.

Regarding this, 3rd Prince Consort Evener Leopold (hereafter 3rd Prince Consort) said while actively engaging in charity activities as usual, “It is the 3rd Prince’s heart truly thinking of the empire’s people.” Also…(omitted).

<Conscientious Declaration! Warning of the Dangers of the New Drug>

As New Popinsa tincture is being fully distributed and used, many imperial citizens are cheering.

In response, Professor Joffrey Wellington of the Department of Pharmacy at St. Matthew’s University criticized the current situation and argued that more definite verification is needed. He said that the most concerning thing is how quickly the new drug is spreading.

“It takes a lot of time for a drug to secure definite stability. In that aspect, ‘New Popinsa tincture’ is completely unstable,” he claimed, emphasizing that the empire’s drug management bureau, which assured this drug is safe, is also suspicious.

In response to his claims, which were close to accusations, the 3rd Prince’s side dismissed them as groundless…(omitted).

– The article about Professor Joffrey Wellington’s illegal civil movement continues on page 7 at the back.

Lounge of the lecture building at Lambridge University.

In a place decorated almost like a gentlemen’s social club, Valentin was sitting quietly on a sofa reading a daily newspaper.

‘The press is too biased.’

Valentin, no longer wanting to read the Eldon Times article praising the 3rd Prince’s moves, folded the newspaper and put it down beside him, looking around. Gentlemen sipping whiskey or brandy in small glasses were each burying their noses in newspapers and weekly magazines they had spread out.

<Interview with War Veteran “Grateful for Helping Forget War Aftereffects”>

<Cheers from Investors Who Invested in 3rd Prince’s Pharmaceutical Company>

The large headlines on the papers they were holding caught his eye.

The current seats seemed to be divided into exactly two categories: those reading these paper media, or those who had already read them and were discussing them.

“…I should have invested when His Highness first announced it.”

“Haha. Your life always being a late runner is evident even here.”

“Who knew the business would grow so fast. It feels like I completely missed out on gold right in front of me…”

“With dozens of hospitals already partnered with that pharmaceutical company, I completely agree that you missed out on gold.”

A middle-aged gentleman with his nose arrogantly turned up sneered as he put his hand on his regretful friend’s shoulder. While quietly watching their behavior, someone addressed Valentin.

“Lord Valentin Dennox. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s alright, Your Highness the Princess.”

Valentin slowly stood up and formally greeted the 1st Princess Ellison.

“Sit down. Thank you so much for coming today.”

“I’m the one who should be grateful for being able to be of help to Your Highness, however small.”

“Indeed, who would call the name of Dennox small?”

Ellison received Valentin’s modesty with a smile. Then she gestured to her attendant to have various cookies, cream, and fragrant black tea set before them.

“How was today’s lecture?”

She asked Valentin, bringing the thin, sleek teacup to her lips. It was referring to Professor Malone’s lecture that had just taken place in the large lecture hall of Lambridge University.

“It was a very high-level lecture. I would say there was indeed meaning in Your Highness personally inviting me.”

“I knew you would surely like it. I’ve been interested in equal education for a long time.”

“I certainly agree that what can be given equally to everyone is an educational environment that alleviates the clear distinctions between individuals and classes. It’s something everyone knows but still hasn’t been able to practice.”

“I fully agree.”

Ellison nodded at Valentin’s words. She was not yet an emperor, nor even the heir to the throne. Although she was the most likely candidate for succession, it was true that her influence was weakening recently due to the 3rd Prince’s business success.

“From a position of agreeing with Your Highness’s thoughts, I have brought a promise from the Dennox family.”

That’s right. This was the reason why Valentin had personally come to this place today, despite Reynard not being able to accompany him due to busy work, bringing Dalton as a partner instead.

After the Royal Ascot where the 3rd Prince Clifton’s new drug was announced, Valentin had an in-depth conversation with Reynard. They decided to completely reverse their previously passive attitude towards political actions. And Reynard was already acting indirectly like that. That’s why he felt more courageous. He was aligning with his husband’s intentions.

[Until now I didn’t want to step into this arena at all, but I’ve changed my mind.]

[Is the reason because of the new drug, as expected?]

[Yes. I think this drug will become an evil in the world. And I think His Highness the 3rd Prince’s activities of expanding his support and influence using the new drug and the poor are really wrong. When I think about the weak being harmed without knowing anything…]

[You’re saying you’ll now act actively for them.]

[That’s right. I’ll support Her Highness the Princess. And I know you’re already doing that too.]

Valentin said, recalling how he had been maintaining friendly relations with the Princess.

[After talking with Her Highness the Princess, I realized. Someone like her should become the next emperor.]

His fists were clenched.

[And as someone in a position to help her, I think I shouldn’t just stand by.]

Valentin’s nightmare gave him even more confidence in that thought. The 3rd Prince who had merely used the original Valentin as a tool, lightly regarded the preciousness of life, and seized property. Of course, after becoming aware of his past life, many things had changed from the original. In fact, Valentin knew best that the original characters and the people around him now were different.

‘Still, a person’s essence doesn’t change.’

Even if he didn’t act like in the original, Valentin realized more clearly how much he could regard people lower than him as tools and how lightly he could regard others for his own honor and the imperial throne.

He couldn’t stand by and watch such a person become the next emperor.

[Do whatever you want to do. I intend to follow you unconditionally.]

Reynard said, kissing Valentin’s forehead as he wore a serious expression.

Since that day, Valentin began active activities as he had pledged. That was why he was now personally attending the lecture by a foreign professor invited by the Princess and even coming to the salon.

“Such important things should rightly be conveyed and spoken by my husband, the heir of Dennox…”

“It’s enough that you came to support me.”

Ellison said, holding both of Valentin’s hands tightly as he wore an uncertain expression. Their eyes met straight on.

“Even at the wedding, I didn’t expect this. I want to express my gratitude for making this difficult decision. Thank you so much.”

“Your Highness moved my heart.”

Valentin soon said with a firm expression.

“The times are changing. Your words that the true owners of the country are the people were really touching. In such turbulent times, someone like Your Highness who truly thinks of the people is the most necessary person.”