Six months.
It took exactly six months for the Poster Newspaper to move into the former grounds of the Harold Newspaper.
It could be considered a long time or a short one, depending on perspective. However, the changes that swept through the capital during that time were far beyond anything I had imagined.
First of all, schools began to spring up all over the capital. The existing one or two schools were simply not enough to accommodate the flood of people eager to learn how to read.
On the day Poster brought the sample to our estate, three contracts were signed between Poster Newspaper, the Roha family, and the Grey Ducal family.
“This is truly water spilled on the ground now.”
“What do you mean?”
“It means that even if you want to run away now, it’s too late.”
Sasha spoke with a strange mix of relief and regret as he looked at me.
It seemed I was the only one who didn’t understand his words.
Armin smiled meaningfully, while Poster simply looked back and forth between the three of us, utterly confused.
For some reason, the news of our contract spread like wildfire throughout the capital.
The fact that the Roha and Grey families, whose children were known for their close friendship, had now partnered in business drew massive attention to Poster’s newspaper before it even launched.
That’s when the Harold Newspaper started reaching out to me, requesting meetings again and again.
But I simply reflected the same arrogant attitude that Viscount Harold had shown me before.
It was the most satisfying rejection I’d ever given in my life.
After selecting a highly readable typeface and running multiple test prints, we were finally able to publish the first issue a month later.
The response was explosive.
Even though we printed three times the usual number of copies, stores across the city were flooded with requests for additional deliveries.
At this point, the first edition of the new Poster Newspaper became a rare and highly sought-after item. Collectors were willing to pay any price for it.
The craze for the newspaper naturally led to an interest in the serialized novel.
Those who managed to get their hands on the paper would beg literate friends or family members to read the novel aloud. And, of course, the tantalizing cliffhangers meant that people couldn’t help but buy the next issue.
In fact, a new profession even emerged in villages — people who would read the novel aloud in public squares for those who couldn’t read.
However, the number of literate people was still limited, and a single voice couldn’t carry far in an open village square.
In the end, people grew frustrated with their inability to read and… the result?
A flood of people stormed the schools, desperate to learn how to read.
The second change, however, came from an unexpected place.
“Miss, shall I inform them that you’re ready?”
My butler’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Huh? Oh, yes. Let’s go.”
“There’s not much time left. I hear the area in front of the theater is quite crowded these days. The young master has already arrived.”
“Alright, alright. Seriously, you need to cut back on the nagging.”
The elderly butler, with his graying hair, didn’t bother responding to my words. Instead, he trailed behind me, nagging as if he couldn’t trust me.
“My Lady, you’ve been invited to the premiere of ‘that play.’ And not just any seat, but the best one. If you arrive late, it will bring disgrace to both the Grey and Roha families…”
“Ugh! I know, I know! I’m leaving now!”
I bolted out of the room, escaping the butler’s endless scolding.
But despite what I told him, I couldn’t hide my own excitement.
The second transformation brought about by Poster Newspaper’s new publication was in the cultural scene.
Theatre, which had long been filled with stiff classics and heroic tales, were now seeing a new trend in themes.
Tonight’s performance was an adaptation of the first novel by the author R.G., currently being serialized in Poster Newspaper.
The play had advertised that the cast had been carefully chosen to match the characters’ appearances as described in the novel. While others struggled to get their hands on tickets, I received an official invitation alongside Armin.
“Vivi.”
“Armin.”
The moment Armin saw me descending the stairs, he greeted me with a warm smile, calling me by my nickname. I responded by calling his name as well.
Armin had neatly swept back his platinum blonde hair, revealing his striking violet eyes, which seemed even more vivid tonight.
“Today, you look somehow…”
I giggled as I looked at him.
The white rose tucked into the pocket of his navy-blue jacket perfectly matched the appearance of the male lead in the novel.
Of course, Armin, who hadn’t read the novel, wouldn’t know that.
But considering that the Duke himself was the inspiration for the male lead, the person standing before me was undoubtedly the closest resemblance to the character the author had envisioned.
I couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth blossoming in my heart.
And now that I thought about it…
The lavender dress that Michelle had stubbornly insisted I wear today was also identical to what the female protagonist wore on her first date in the novel.
“What’s wrong?”
“N-Nothing.”
Even though we’d grown used to calling each other comfortably by name and spending more time together, I suddenly found myself feeling oddly conscious of Armin’s presence.
With Armin escorting me, we made our way to the theater.
“I’m really excited for today’s performance! How about you, Armin?”
The moment I stepped into the carriage, I couldn’t hide my anticipation.
Somehow, seeing Armin dressed exactly like the novel’s male lead only heightened my excitement.
Armin gazed at me with those gentle, affectionate eyes.
He’d been looking at me that way for quite some time now…
And honestly, it made my heart flutter.
“If you’re happy, then I’m happy too.”
Ugh. Such a classic male lead line.
No wonder the Duke was able to win over the Duchess with that kind of personality.
‘No one would ever believe that Armin is this kind of person.’
Since Armin is naturally shy and reserved, he doesn’t have many close friends besides my brother and me.
Only a few people know that he’s playful, mischievous, and sometimes quite stubborn.
I am one of those rare few who truly knows the real Armin.
To outsiders, the way Armin treats me might seem like a man showing affection for the woman he loves.
But as an Armin expert, I no longer misunderstand these little things.
“If you’re happy, then of course I’m happy too, Armin.”
I nodded.
“Today’s performance is truly special, isn’t it?”
“It’s quite a bold move to let commoners attend a performance that even nobles struggle to get into.”
For the first performance, Poster Newspaper had purchased all the tickets. It was a special event to celebrate the newspaper’s explosive growth over the past six months.
In the final chapter of the novel, a number was printed on each newspaper. Those who held newspapers with the winning numbers were given tickets to the play through a lottery.
Rumor had it that the ticket prices skyrocketed, but surprisingly, no one sold their tickets.
Everyone was too eager to witness the scenes they had only imagined in their heads come to life on stage.
When we arrived at the theater, there was a large poster hanging on the front. The crowd of people who couldn’t get tickets had gathered just to catch a glimpse of the sign.
Because of them, we had to walk the rest of the way.
I could feel the eyes of those around us as they whispered and murmured.
Maybe it was because of our fancy outfits, or perhaps because people recognized us as part of the Roha and Grey families.
Having lived as a “background character” for 21 years, I wasn’t used to being the center of attention. It made me uncomfortable.
But at the same time, it made me realize just how popular Madam Author’s novel had become.
When we entered the theater, Poster was already there.
Unlike our first meeting, where he wore ragged clothes, today he was dressed in a fine suit. However, he had undone a couple of buttons from his shirt, as if the tight fit was uncomfortable.
“Lord Grey, Lady Roha. Welcome.”
“Mr. Poster, you look quite dashing today.”
“Do I? You look wonderful as well, Lady Roha.”
With lighthearted greetings, we moved to our reserved seats.
Since neither I nor Poster were familiar with the theater, Armin skillfully guided us to our seats.
“I understand why I’m lost, but you seem unfamiliar with the theater as well, Lady Roha.”
“I never had a reason to come before.”
After all, heroic tales and old chronicles never really interested me.
“By the way, I’m curious… how’s the response to the next novel?”
“Ah, the response has been quite good.”
The third change brought about by Poster Newspaper was something I thought would take much longer.
It was the birth of new novels.
As Madam Author’s novel neared its final chapter, Poster Newspaper published an advertisement looking for new serialized works.
The response was overwhelming.
Far more talented writers submitted their works than we had expected.
“There were quite a variety of genres too, right?”
“Yes. There are so many talented people out there. Honestly, it’s hard to choose just one.”
I grinned.
After all, the Roha family was already planning another business venture to make use of those ‘unfortunate’ rejected authors.
Armin, who knew about our little secret, smiled and said to Poster,
“Keep them all. We’ll find a use for them.”
“Yes, Young Lord.”
“Oh! The play is starting. Quiet, everyone.”
As the lights dimmed, the curtain slowly rose.
