A magic merchant infiltrating Fairy Tail

Unsurprisingly, when Zena told those around her about it, their reaction was—

"Sales have exceeded 100 million? That's normal! What's so strange about it?"

"I'm so envious! If I could write something like that, I wouldn't be in this state now..."

"A role model for us all! I want to become a novelist like him in the future!"

"Enough talk, let's get started writing a book right now!"

After that, Zena heard that many people had quit their jobs to write novels full-time at home, hoping to become a literary legend like the author of that novel, but unfortunately, none of them ever came to fruition.

Zena also went to the bookstore to buy and read the novel herself. It tells the story of a young orphan with exceptional magical talent who, through tireless struggle and hard work, overcomes numerous obstacles and defeats powerful enemies. In the end, he joins forces with his friends and lover to defeat the evil dragon that attempts to destroy the world. He is then appointed by His Majesty the Emperor as the 'Thirteenth Shield Protector of the Empire' and becomes a legendary mage.

With the thought that "if this is acceptable, there's no reason why I can't," Zena secretly wrote a similar short story and sent it to the publishing house, but in the end, she received replies such as "does not meet the standards" and "review failed."

"How is this possible?!"

That day, the young girl Zena felt that her worldview had been severely insulted!

That sense of absurdity, so different from common sense, struck her nerves powerfully, as if forcing her thoughts to conform to that incomprehensible logic and then take its shape.

It took Zena several days to get out of that mood. Although she put it aside for the time being, her blood pressure would rise uncontrollably whenever she saw the name of that novel, just like it is now.

Even though I hated it to death, I had no choice but to ask passersby for their opinions on that news report, and then patiently write it down word for word.

She had also suggested to her seniors, "Since they're all positive reviews anyway, why don't you just write it directly?" but they retorted with, "News must ensure its authenticity."

Zena knew that this was only one reason; another reason was that the seniors even wanted to see other readers' reviews! That would make them feel like they were holding a book club.

This nearly drove her to the brink of collapse: Are there any normal people left around me?!

The answer is: no!

"A very good book, the elderly and children in my family all love to read it!"

"Please recommend similar novels next time!"

"Can't your newspaper's reporters write at a similar level? Why do you always write such nonsense? If you ask me, your boss should just turn the newspaper into a fiction publishing house..."

Unlike channels like "Astronomy," "Geography," "Military," and "Food," everyone Zena interviewed today, regardless of age or gender, commented on the novel featured in last week's "Entertainment" channel—the mindless novel that drove her to despair, "I Became the Thirteenth Shield of the Empire." This indicates that it has garnered an exceptionally high level of attention.

Amidst anger and resentment, jealousy and hatred, a thought seized Zena's mind: If I could have written that kind of novel, would things be like this now?

No…that’s wrong! That novel is utter garbage! Writing something like that will only soil your hands, your brain, and your paper and pen! Even if you might make a fortune from it, it will permanently pollute your soul!

Zena suddenly jolted awake, and amidst the shocked gazes of several passersby, she shook her head violently, trying to shake off all the wrong ideas in her mind.

Then... she saw an incredibly handsome red-haired boy walk past her.

"!!!"

This man... is so handsome!!

My gloomy mood from the past half day vanished instantly!

Zena wasn't a fangirl, but the person in front of her was indeed the most handsome boy she had ever seen! Words like "handsome," "impressive," "heroic," and "charming" were insufficient to describe the boy's good looks!

For a moment, Zena wanted to step forward and stop the red-haired boy to get to know him, but after taking half a step, she hesitated: He probably wouldn't praise that novel like everyone else, would he?

It's unclear when it started, but Zena has come to regard "the attitude towards the novel 'I Became the Thirteenth Shield of the Empire'" as a standard for testing the intelligence of normal people.

This person looks both talented and good-looking; he shouldn't be like those idiots!

Thinking of this, Zena gave herself a silent pep talk, mustered her courage, and jogged after him.

"Hello, sir! May I interview you?"

The red-haired boy turned around, seemingly surprised, and then gave the girl in front of him a beautiful and gentle smile.

"of course can!"

Chapter 564 There are rumors that Lord August is the Emperor's biological son!

"I'm Zena, a reporter from the Magic Newspaper's 'Miracle' section. May I ask your name?"

"My name is Kira!"

Kira? That name sounds familiar...

Zena's heart skipped a beat, but her excellent professionalism allowed her to maintain a standard smile: "Okay, Kirasan! Do you usually read the newspaper?"

"Sorry, I'm not watching!"

Okay, that concludes the interview!

That's impossible!

As a qualified journalist, even if you don't answer the interviewee's first question well, you can't just turn around and leave.

Zena remained calm and maintained her standard smile: "It's okay, you must be very busy with work!"

That's pure nonsense. Anyone would know that if the other person has time to wander around here, how could they possibly be someone who's very busy?! But as a qualified intern reporter, I have to be able to say these kinds of polite and flattering things without hesitation.

"But you must know about the 'Empire's overseas expansion operations,' right? Even if you haven't personally experienced it, the people around you should know a little bit about it, right?"

By flattering and drawing conclusions, one can give the other person the psychological suggestion that "your level is higher than the average person" and "people at your level should know important matters at this level." At the same time, most people cannot know what kind of information the people around them receive every day, so they cannot firmly deny that "the people around them know such and such things," thus allowing both parties to smoothly start the next topic of conversation.

Of course, these rhetoric tactics are just supplementary means. Zena believes that unless someone has just come from the mountains, they would know about this major operation that has been going on for half a year and has made headlines every now and then.

"The Empire's overseas expansion... Yes, yes, yes!! I've heard about it! Such a big event might have even reached Ishgar, so of course I know about it! But I've heard that there have been disagreements among the Empire's high-ranking officials about this matter recently, and it's been making quite a stir. Even I, who don't usually read the newspapers, have heard some rumors about it!"

That's it!

Zena's lips curved into a beautiful smile. This was exactly what she wanted to ask. Since the other party already knew, things would be much easier. She could now begin the interview on this topic.

The overseas expedition was a military policy of the Alvarez Empire, devised by Imperial Consul and one of the Twelve Shields of the Holy Army. It has been in place for the past six months and, thanks to the tireless efforts of Timalia and Brandish, is beginning to bear fruit.

Over the past six months, headlines have appeared every now and then with headlines like "Lady Timalia conquers XX Island again" or "Lady Brandish occupies XX Island." Dozens of islands have now been incorporated into the territory of the Alvarez Empire, making it a major event that affects the entire nation.

However, recently, rumors have circulated that the 'Magic King' Auguste, who had previously remained indifferent, has intervened. He has halted Imber's expansionist ambitions and proposed rebuilding the country to strengthen its power. These two opposing political opinions have caused a great uproar within the Alvarez Empire, and the entire nation is discussing the matter.

People were divided into three groups: the "war faction" who supported Imber and continued the expansion plan; the "peace faction" who supported August and wanted to stop the war and recuperate; and the "mind your own business" faction who supported neither side and watched from home. They would occasionally publish their opinions in the newspapers, causing widespread anxiety.

"So, Kirasan, what's your opinion on this matter? Which side do you lean towards, Lord Auguste's or Lord Inbel's?"

How do you see it? I'll stand here and watch!

Under Zena's expectant gaze, Kira raised his hands solemnly and said meaningfully, "Excuse me, this is a topic that cannot be touched!"

"..."

Zena's face fell instantly, and her gaze towards Kira became tinged with regret.

Seeing your handsome appearance and outstanding temperament, I thought you were a pillar of the empire with both talent and good looks, and that you must have unique insights into the current situation of the empire. I never expected you to make such a fuss. You have such a beautiful face but no talent!

Kira couldn't possibly miss the opponent's momentary dimming of his eyes. He had already revealed his name; he couldn't let the Alvarez Empire think he was a fool!

Kira then spoke up, "Alright, I support Lord August's decision!"

The unexpected turn of events roused Zena's spirits: "So it's the 'peace faction,' why is that?"

"Because Lord August is the head of the Twelve Shields of the Holy See, a veteran minister who has followed His Majesty in ruling the Empire for over 80 years, and the future successor of the Empire, his opinion is His Majesty's opinion!"

Zena nodded repeatedly, a strange light flashing in her eyes: "Hmm... So, Kirasan's preference for Lord August is not because he agrees with his views but because of his seniority? If Lord Inbell had the same seniority, would you choose to join the 'pro-war faction'?"

This is putting me in a difficult position...

"No! Absolutely not!"

"I am a peace-loving person! I believe that Alvarez is also a peace-loving empire! Imber's ideas are wrong! Harmful! Twisted! They do not conform to His Majesty the Emperor's governing philosophy!"

“On behalf of all ‘peacemakers,’ I hereby strongly condemn Imber’s actions!”

Now it was Zena's turn to feel like she couldn't continue.

Why are you, a mere passerby, acting so indignant? What gives you the audacity to condemn Lord Imber? Do you represent the 'peace faction'? What makes you think you can represent them?

"...And, Miss Reporter, you didn't know, did you? Rumor has it that Lord August is His Majesty the Emperor's biological son!!"

Zena's eyes widened instantly, staring incredulously at Kira's smiling face: "You...you mean..."

Kira patted the shocked little girl and continued to reveal: "According to my grandfather, it has been more than a hundred years since His Majesty Emperor Superrigan established the Alvarez Empire, and his appearance has remained unchanged throughout that time!"

"More than eighty years ago, Lord Augustus, who was still a child, suddenly appeared by the Emperor's side and claimed to be the child the Emperor had picked up, thus beginning his legendary life as the 'Magic King'."

"However, a little thought reveals that it's impossible for an orphan with such strong magical talent to suddenly appear in this world. Unless there's a physical mutation, such a powerful talent must come from genetics!"

"So what kind of parents could give birth to a magical genius like Lord August? They must also be very strong mages! How many mages of this caliber are there, even if we include Ishgar and Giltina? But if that person is the emperor, does everything make sense?"

"Furthermore, if we disregard the identities of 'Emperor' and 'Magic King,' the way His Majesty and Lord Auguste interact is almost no different from that of an ordinary father and son. Of course, this is what the old men who have been with the Emperor since the founding of the Empire say..."

"For decades, Lord Auguste has been like a prince, managing this country for the emperor who is often away on tour. Imber, a mere consul, is nothing but a clown!"

Kira talked on and on, and before he knew it, the topic of imperial expansion had shifted to gossip about August and Zeref. This topic not only attracted the attention of the interviewer, Zena, but also made passersby stop and listen with curiosity.

"What?! Lord Augustus is the Emperor's son?! Is that even possible?!"

"I had a feeling their relationship was off! But I never expected..."

"Big news! This is big news!"

"But without evidence, how could such a rumor be published directly in the newspapers? Shouldn't news be based on truth?"

"Just write 'suspected'! Just say there's a rumor! When the time comes, people will naturally provide concrete evidence to prove whether it's true or false!"

"That's right, and don't newspapers have an 'entertainment' section? The things written there don't need to be truthful!"

"You know so much..."

Listening to the increasingly chaotic discussions around her, Zena silently thought to herself: Sure enough, gossip is human nature!

After a long while, she suddenly realized: she had come to collect the residents' opinions on the previous issue of the newspaper, not to gossip about Augustus and the Emperor's relationship!

"Kirasan, let's continue..."

Zena, regaining her senses, remembered to continue her interview, but when she looked up, the red-haired boy was nowhere to be seen.

Zena sighed regretfully, put down her notebook, and quickly wrote down a few large characters:

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"This is the only way we can get this done!"