The Kentonis Company And The Hero (1)

“Alright then, let’s go, Lily!”

“Yes!”

A few days later.

Inside an incognito carriage, Cordelia—wearing glasses and dressed in a maid outfit—nodded firmly with Lily, who was dressed like a proper noble lady. Beside them sat an even more sour-faced Isaac than usual.

“—Are you truly alright going alone? Should I not accompany you?”

“It’s fine. If anything happens I’ll shout, and before that I’ll blast them with dark magic. And Lily may not look it, but she’s quite strong.”

Ever since she said they would go alone, Isaac had been like this. They weren’t even going anywhere dangerous like a tavern, yet he kept insisting it was risky and demanded to go along.

However, if the prince accompanied them, Cordelia’s objective would be ruined, so after much persuasion they finally settled on a compromise: he would wait in the carriage.

“…I am still worried. Why only two women? At least let Jean go with you…”

“It must be two young women for this to work. More importantly, Your Highness, absolutely do not follow us, understood? Until we return, you must not even peek out of the carriage.”

Like instructing a small child, Cordelia emphasized it again. Dissatisfaction was clear on his face, but he seemed willing to keep his promise and remained silent.

(If it’s about protection, Jean would have sufficed, so he could’ve waited at the palace… has he always been this overprotective?)

He had always been kind, but lately it felt excessive.

“Hehe… His Highness simply cannot help worrying about you, Lady Cordelia.”

Lily leaned close and whispered happily into Cordelia’s ear.

She had known since childhood that Cordelia loved Isaac alone, so she was delighted the two were close.

Moreover, after the recent commotion, Isaac’s reputation skyrocketed among the maids because “he manfully rejected Holy Maiden Hina and prioritized milady!”

“Yes, I’m very grateful. …Now then, it’s about time we go, Lady Lily. Remember? From now on, you are Lady Lily, and I am your maid Cordy.”

Whispering the latter so others couldn’t hear, Lily straightened her back sharply. Originally she was also the daughter of a viscount—an actual lady herself.

—There was a reason they disguised their status.

First, Cordelia being chosen as the second Holy Maiden had not yet been officially proclaimed and could not be publicly stated. Also, while not classified, spreading Holy Maiden information lightly would be troublesome. Thus they chose disguise to carefully judge whether their partner could be trusted with important information.

(I feel bad for testing them, but I’d like a long relationship if possible. For that, I must confirm they’re trustworthy.)

The place they were headed was one of the newspapers in the Lakisen Kingdom: the Kentonis Company.

Though technically a Holy Maiden, Cordelia was not part of the royal family and could not use official proclamations (and those had many restrictions anyway). Therefore, cooperation with a newspaper was essential to announce the healing assembly. Partnering with an experienced private paper was faster.

The Kentonis Company building they passed through the gate toward was large, its plaster wall decorations modest yet refined.

This was said to be the kingdom’s oldest newspaper, continuing since the era when papers were handwritten. Proud and aristocrat-leaning due to many noble patrons, it would be advantageous to ally with them for future plans.

“I was surprised to receive your request. To think such noble ladies would come here personally. Please, both of you, have a seat.”

In the reception room, two refined men awaited them. One was Lord Kentonis, the company’s head and chief executive. The other was a younger subordinate.

(If I recall, he’s also a hero character—the handsome older-man type.)

Recognized for his achievements and granted a baron title, Lord Kentonis looked every bit the dignified gentleman. Handsome, composed, and elegant—no wonder he had many devoted admirers.

“So, you wished to publish a notice?”

After some small talk, Lord Kentonis finally asked. Lily immediately straightened and replied briskly.

“As stated in the letter, our household wishes to begin a new charitable endeavor. But ordinary charity is dull, don’t you think? Since we’re doing it, we want something unusual, which is why we contacted you.”

“I see. Do you already have an idea for this ‘unusual’ plan? Or do you seek assistance developing it?”

“We have a plan already. What we want help with is the announcement. And if possible, we would also like the opinions of experts such as yourselves.”

“You wish to publish it in the newspaper?”

“No, we would like a separate advertising sheet distributed alongside it—presented as an invitation to the healing assembly.”

Lily explained the memorized details earnestly. The two from Kentonis listened sincerely, occasionally taking notes, while Cordelia watched carefully.

Eventually, when the discussion paused, Lord Kentonis suddenly turned to Cordelia and spoke slowly.

“…Now then, I understand Lady Lily’s proposal, but what does Lady Cordelia Harmonia wish for?”