Let’s Begin Public Relations (1)

“Yes, public relations.”

After sending her parents home—who still seemed reluctant to leave—Cordelia looked at Isaac and Jean seated across the desk.

(Now then, how should I explain this…)

Watching the evening sun shining through the window, she gripped the quill pen in her hand.

What she was about to discuss was not a fantasy topic like Sacred Beasts or magic, but a thoroughly practical matter.

“I believe the method of selecting the Grand Holy Maiden is still under deliberation… but it is unlikely the royal family will simply appoint the Holy Maiden, correct?”

When she asked, Isaac nodded as if in agreement.

“That is unlikely. If they chose you, who is strongly tied to the Eforl royal house, those aiming for the throne would not accept it. In the worst case, they might raise Lady Hina as a banner and revolt. And Lady Hina…”

As Isaac hesitated, Jean casually yet sharply continued.

“I doubt that king would pick someone like Hina. She’s far too childish to be queen.”

“Yes, as Jean says, His Majesty probably cannot choose either of us. In that case, the most likely outcome is a majority vote.”

Majority vote, ballot, election… different words but the same meaning: people choosing a person.

“So I believe we must win over as many hearts as possible, both nobles and commoners.”

Even if only nobles technically held voting rights, they could not ignore the voices of the populace. Individual voices were small, but when united they could overturn a nation—history had proven revolutions possible.

Therefore, Cordelia continued,

“First, I intend to make the people of the kingdom recognize the Holy Maiden named ‘Cordelia (me).’”

As she spoke, she wrote the names “Hina” and “Cordelia” on the paper before her.

“Among the populace, the recognition that Hina is the Holy Maiden has already spread. Since I appeared later, unless I do something memorable, they may not even remember my name.”

To commoners who treated the selection of king and Holy Maiden as gossip, the first and second Holy Maidens were not very different.

“So we must hold a striking event that remains in their memory, so they remember my name first. That is what I mean by public relations.”

After saying that, Cordelia looked at Isaac. He had listened intently and nodded.

“That makes sense. And the event must be something that captures people’s hearts.”

“Yes. A name without substance is meaningless.”

(Still, I never expected my past-life experience to help here.)

An election sounded heavy, yet even idols held popularity contests called elections. What was essential to gain popularity? Being known. Let people know who you are, relate to you, admire you… there were many methods, but nothing began until people knew you existed. In her past life she worked in public relations, and as manager of Hina—the company’s in-house talent—she had dabbled in negotiations and event planning.

(I’d have preferred producing His Highness instead of myself, but I can’t be picky.)

Fortunately, Cordelia’s family was ducal, meaning abundant funds. And her doting parents would surely allow her free rein.

“So what exactly are you planning? Judging by that look, you’ve got something in mind.”

Jean seemed to notice she was plotting something.

“Yes. I’ll start with a classic approach—noble etiquette: charity work.”

““Charity work?””

She nodded at their puzzled faces.

“On an appointed day at an appointed place, I plan to hold a meet-and-greet… no, a healing assembly by the Holy Maiden. Anyone suffering from ailments, regardless of status, may receive treatment from me free of charge.”

“I see, that is certainly charity. But then, wouldn’t visits to monasteries or clinics suffice?”

Isaac asked, and Cordelia replied of course.

“I will do those eventually. However, monasteries and clinics only help those inside them. An open healing assembly allows anyone interested to come, does it not?”

Her target was the entire kingdom’s population. She needed the method that reached the most people.

“In addition, as a special tactic, I plan to distribute announcement newspapers.”

“Why is that a special tactic? Just distribute them normally.”

“Well, yes… that’s true…”

She coughed at Jean’s retort.

Normally public relations meant getting free coverage from newspapers; starting directly with paid advertising felt like a cheat to her.

(But the goal of PR isn’t to avoid spending money, it’s to find the best method.)

If spending money was effective, there was no reason not to.

“In any case, we’ll go with a gold-coin blitz! Along with the healing assembly announcement, we’ll make everyone know ‘Holy Maiden Cordelia!’”

“Your word choices are always violent. Who are you planning to hit this time?”

“I will contribute from my personal funds as well. Please strike them thoroughly.”

“Your Highness, you’re going along with this!?”

“Oh my! I’m very grateful!”

Ignoring Jean’s exasperated expression, Cordelia clasped her hands in delight.