A Handsome K*nky Gangster Reporter - Chapter 87

#87

I wondered what made her come in such a state. But even though I was a journalist, it wasn’t necessary to pry into someone’s private life…

“Next month, a ball will be at the imperial palace, and the Crown Prince will be looking for someone to marry among the guests. That’s why many noble guests have been flocking to the dress shop, causing chaos, so I was a little late.”

Just three days ago, the photo book from the P&P dress shop we shot had been released. Once the news got out, everyone would likely buy the book from the bookstore to reference their dress choices.

“I should immediately contact the printers to add extra copies. Oh no, I need to include the ball news in tomorrow’s newspaper!”

Excitedly, I was about to rush off when Madame Ferronel calmed me down.

“Calm down, Hailey. The news about the palace ball won’t be officially announced until three days from now. Right now, it’s only confirmed by the nobility’s word.”

“Such gossip needs to be revealed faster than anyone else. That’s the job of a journalist! Oh no, I mean a reporter!”

Oh, I felt embarrassed as my true feelings came out. I cleared my throat a few times and made excuses to Madame.

“Er, ahem! Isn’t it the duty of a journalist?”

Overexcited, my words came out unclear, and my heart was racing. Madame Ferronel had given me valuable information. Keeping connections with prominent people was indeed very helpful in life.

I stood up to leave in a hurry but paused. Even though I was in a rush, I needed to convey something to Madame.

“Madame, here are the letters we received at the newspaper. After sorting out the irrelevant ones, we’re left with these. Please read them and mark the ones you’d like to meet. If you want to meet them all, we will contact them.”

In reality, there were so many lengthy letters that it was hard to hold them with just one hand. We handed over a few to Madame, even though I suspected someone might be Madame’s daughter. To confirm, I needed to meet the person first.

I instructed Madame to read the letters calmly in the office, then prepared to leave, putting on my coat. Madame Ferronel tightly clutched the letters and sighed. I noticed her throat visibly swallowing.

“By the way, what about the search for the red-haired woman who took my child?”

“At that time, the woman was said to be in her mid-twenties. So, she would be around 45 to 50 years old now. We’ve requested a search for women in that age range, particularly those who might be working as doctors or caregivers in hospitals, given her known expertise in herbs. We’ll let you know as soon as we have any updates.”

***

Next month, there’s an exciting chance for women to become the Crown Princess! Could commoners have the opportunity to rise in status?

The imperial family will host a grand ball next month, inviting unmarried women. While the exact date hasn’t been announced yet, we suggest that any woman interested in the position of Crown Princess keep a close eye on our newspaper for updates.

According to sources at Golden Wild Goose Daily, there are rumors among high-ranking nobles that one of the women attending the ball next month will be chosen as the Crown Princess. What’s more, the event at the palace is open to all unmarried women, regardless of their social status.

Our reporters have found that Crown Prince Edmund previously preferred women with long red hair. However, recently there are rumors that his tastes have shifted, and he’s now also interested in women with silver hair. So, if you’re aiming for the role of Crown Princess, we encourage you to seize the opportunity next month.

Additionally, our newspaper has teamed up with P&P Boutique in the capital to release a photo book titled ‘The Ferronel Design’. This book showcases the latest trends in dress designs and accessories to help you make a stylish impression at the ball.

In the early morning, Gillian, the owner of a general store, hurriedly arrived at Tom Baker’s bakery. She had visited the bakery so often that her relationship with Tom was no longer as contentious as it used to be. Gillian came in wearing pajamas and hadn’t even wiped the sleep from her eyes. Seeing her, Tom frowned as if he were seeing something he shouldn’t and turned away.

“Hey, hey. Is this for real? I haven’t heard any story from Marry.”

“What’s going on at this early hour? Did something happen?”

Whenever there was a special article in the newspaper published by the news office on the second floor, Gillian would come to Tom to confirm its accuracy. Since Tom’s daughter worked at the news office, Gillian hoped Tom might know more about the news.

Gillian held up the special article wedged between the newspapers and brought it closer to Tom’s face. Tom read the article very slowly, making Gillian feel frustrated and impatient.

“Is it true that unmarried women can attend the palace ball next month?”

Hearing Gillian’s words, Tom nodded nonchalantly. To him, pulling bread from the oven perfectly was more urgent than such news. The sweet aroma of the bread made Tom’s heart race.

“Yeah, that’s what it says. Why? Planning to get married again?”

“Oh, get married again? How embarrassing at my age.”

“That’s good then. Think about it. Even a prince has certain views. He’s not likely to notice an older woman who already has children.”

“Old man! Who says I’m going? This is a golden opportunity for my children!”

Tom stopped checking the bread and slowly turned to look at Gillian’s face. He knew Gillian’s two daughters well. He still remembered when they were little and playing in this alley. But they were just like their mother…

Gillian, feeling insulted, got angry with Tom.

“Why are you staring at me like that! You’re making me upset.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. But the eldest daughter is already divorced and back, so that can be understood. But the younger one still has a few years to go before she’s grown up, right?”

“Does age matter in love? If a young man prefers it, then that’s enough.”

“It’s not that. But looking at your daughters, they’re a bit too… well, plump, aren’t they?”

It wasn’t just their age and body shape but also their temperamental nature, which resembled their mother’s, that was a significant issue.

“Many men like women who are charming! Compared to the thin and unattractive nobility, our Jane is far more appealing, don’t you think? Anyway, when is the head of the store coming to work? I’m definitely going to see him today. Bring me that bread.”

Gillian decided to sit in the chair at the front of the counter, planning to meet with Hailey today. She intended to get more information about the prince’s preferences so she could dress up her daughters according to his tastes. Who knows, if her daughters became princesses, she might gain great wealth and noble status.

Seeing Gillian daydreaming and smiling to herself, Tom shook his head. After all, he felt that commoners attending the ball wouldn’t attract much attention from the noble class. Even if they were lucky, they might only become a mistress.

Tom recalled the conversation he had with Mary before heading to work.

“Mary. Then, you should attend the ball that the crown prince is hosting.”

“Why? Do you want me to become the crown princess?”

“No, not really. But it’s a good chance to see the royal palace and all. Who knows? You might even catch the eye of a servant working there. People who work in the palace are usually well-educated and have some wealth.”

“No thanks. I’m seeing someone already.”

“What!? Who is he? What’s his job?”

After that, he excitedly asked a lot of questions, but it was of no use.