TOPWL 154

Yvonne was the one taken aback by the frank confession.

“D-Do you really think writing is something you can just learn?”

“Of course it’s difficult. But wouldn’t it be meaningful to show children growing up in a world where only men can be authors that anyone can write fun stories? And didn’t you say you originally wanted to publish under your own name?”

“Who—Who said that?”

“Selena mentioned it earlier. Said she’d heard it somewhere but couldn’t remember who told her.”

At Yudit’s words, Yvonne’s face turned pale.

“You mustn’t let anyone know it was me.”

“I won’t say a word.”

At Yudit’s firm assurance, Yvonne let out a sigh of relief. Then, gazing at him, she asked,

“But… why are you interested in something like this? Your Highness is… a man, isn’t he?”

“I’m an omega.”

For omegas without money, life could be even more miserable than for betas. The cost of suppressants they had to take from manifestation until death was more than any commoner could afford. Some were lucky enough to meet an alpha or marry someone wealthy, but most poor omegas ended up selling their bodies to survive. Noble omegas had it a bit better, but even they weren’t always free from being treated like an alpha’s accessory.

“I don’t claim to understand everything women go through. They have their hardships, and I have mine. I just… wish for a world where everyone can live as their true selves.”

A life built on one’s own strength, without relying on anyone else. That was the kind of life Yudit longed for people to have.

“So that’s why I brought it up. If it was too much to ask, I’m sorry.”

Yudit withdrew gracefully. Yvonne wore a conflicted expression.

“I’ll think about it. That’s not a yes.”

“Of course. Take your time.”

Yudit smiled softly. Yvonne, looking at the man who had placed a heavy burden on her, let out a deep sigh.

⸻

“Your Highness.”

At the sound of Jayna’s voice, Yudit turned his head.

“The cover drafts for Bonin’s new book just arrived. Would you take a look?”

“Hmm, sure.”

Yudit examined the three sketched drafts and pointed to the one in the center.

“I like this one.”

“You too, Your Highness? I thought this one was best, too. It fits the tone of the work, and more than anything, it’s beautiful.”

“Indeed. And to think the drafts are ready already.”

“I’m actually acquainted with the cover artist. I begged them every day to hurry, and they came through.”

Jayna beamed as she spoke. Meanwhile, the proofreading of the manuscript was nearly finished. Apparently, there was hardly anything to revise. That made sense—each sentence had been rewritten and rewritten during Yvonne’s confinement in the tower.

“This is the fastest we’ve ever put out a book.”

Jayna hugged the proof copy close.

“Yes, the author did say there was something they wanted to change, though.”

“Change? What kind of change?”

Jayna’s eyes widened in surprise. Yudit smiled.

“They want to change the name.”

“The name…?”

“Yes. From Bonin to Yvonne Raylack.”

“Yvonne Raylack…”

As she repeated the name under her breath, Yudit handed her a small slip of paper. Jayna stared at it, then gasped.

“It’s a woman’s name.”

“Yes, it is.”

“She’s a woman?”

“Yes.”

“Her real name?”

“Yes.”

“Oh my god.”

Jayna clasped a hand over her mouth, stifling a squeal.

“Is that… allowed?”

“The author wants it, and the publisher agrees. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“This is… this is truly…”

Jayna trailed off, wiping the tears welling up in her eyes.

“That’s an incredibly brave decision.”

“Yes, it is.”

Yudit thought back to their meeting that morning. As he opened the door to head to the publishing house, there stood Yvonne, pale and haggard.

Did you sleep at all?

Not a wink.

She met his gaze directly.

I’ll do it. Please use my real name.

She handed Yudit a slip of paper with her name: “Yvonne Raylack”—a name that unmistakably marked her as a woman.

But don’t say it’s the next work by Bonin. Say it’s a debut novel by a new female author named Yvonne.

Will you be alright?

Yudit asked with concern in his voice. The biggest worry about publishing a book under a woman’s name was the potential hit to sales. Let alone a new book, releasing a debut novel under a female name came with considerable risk. But Yvonne nodded decisively.

“Publishing a book under my name has been my dream since I was a child. This feels like an opportunity too good to pass up, even if there’s no guarantee of profit. If I end up starving, Your Highness will rescue me, won’t you? Even if not, I’ve saved up enough royalties to live on for a few years. And if it doesn’t go well… I can always go back to being Bonin.”

Yet despite her brave words, Yvonne’s tone grew increasingly hesitant, as if she couldn’t hide her worries. Eventually, she clamped her eyes shut and fell silent, seemingly frustrated with herself.

“Anyway, just do it like I asked.”

“Thank you… for your courage. I mean it.”

“Alright then. I should go get some sleep now. I’m exhausted—I didn’t sleep a wink last night.”

The memory faded, and Yudit looked at Jayna, who was still holding the slip of paper with Yvonne’s name, reading and rereading it. Her reddened eyes only grew wetter.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help much because of school.”

“Oh, no, don’t say that! You told me to hire more staff, didn’t you? Thanks to that, things have been so much easier and more enjoyable.”

Jayna waved her hands in dismissal. Just as she said, the publishing house had gained two new employees. After working alone for so long, Jayna seemed genuinely happy about the change. As she walked Yudit out, she moistened her dry lips and hesitantly asked,

“Um… Your Highness…”

“Yes?”

“Do you wish to become Emperor?”

The directness of the question made Yudit let out a small cough.

“Hmm, well… I don’t know. For now, I’m just doing my best because I want to.”

“I’d be really happy if you did become Emperor, of course, but…”

Jayna hesitated, then spoke as if making a firm decision.

“If you don’t, would you stay here and work with us for a long, long time?”

Her simple wish made Yudit blink, then burst into laughter.

“Is that what you’d like?”

“Yes…”

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll seriously consider it.”

Jayna’s face lit up immediately at his words. Then, realizing how delighted she looked, she quickly wiped the smile from her face.

“Of course… I mean, I’d prefer if you did become Emperor…”

She averted her gaze, clearly uncomfortable with lying, and Yudit ended up laughing out loud again.

When Yudit stepped into the schoolyard, he found quite a few children playing outside, unlike the day before. Maybe six or seven. They were still too young to attend classes. He looked down at one child playing with dirt in the sandlot and asked,

“Are you having fun?”

The child sniffled, looked up at him, and dropped the twig he was holding.

“You must be an angel.”

“I’m a person.”

The child seemed doubtful and reached out grubby hands to squish Yudit’s fingers curiously.

“Is playing here fun?”

The child shook his head furiously.

“The sand’s too shallow. The soil’s no good.”

Where had he even learned to say something like the soil’s no good? Amused by the little adult’s tone, Yudit chuckled and stood up.

“I’ll turn it into a really fun playground soon. Come play often, alright?”

The child nodded. Yudit walked into the school, thinking of ways to make the yard more fun for the children. As he walked the halls, he heard cheerful voices and the smell of food wafting through the building. He peeked through one of the windows—clearly, the kids weren’t the only ones who had noticed the scent. Though they were supposed to be studying, their eyes kept drifting outside. One of the children locked eyes with him—it was the blond-haired boy from yesterday.

“Hey! It’s His Highness!”

The word His Highness sent a ripple of excitement through the classroom.

“His Highness? Where?”

“There!”

“Wow, it really is him!”

The children stared wide-eyed at Yudit, their faces glowing with excitement. At that moment, the front door slid open and Pavron appeared.

“Your Highness, what brings you here?”

“I was just wandering the halls. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Interrupt? Not at all. We were just about to wrap up. If you don’t mind, would you come in for a bit?”

“Me?”

“Yes. The children have been wondering when you’d be coming. I think they’d love it if you spoke to them for a moment.”

Caught off guard, Yudit stepped into the classroom. Over forty pairs of eyes turned toward him all at once. Yudit swallowed dryly.