The Pernot Company And The Hero

The Pernot Company, their next destination, was the most widely read newspaper. A pure entertainment paper that drew interest, provoked, and amused with sensational content.

Though its contents were extreme enough to make one frown, it was undeniably popular among commoners and increased circulation. Considering the main target audience, it could not be excluded.

—However.

(…Mm… I’m not good with this place… Rather, how can anyone even work here? I can’t focus at all…)

The reception room they were shown into was astonishingly overdecorated, as if baroque, rococo, and every other style had been crammed together. There was no unity whatsoever, and it was painfully noisy to the eyes. Moreover, statues and busts arranged everywhere all faced them, making it feel like being watched by a crowd.

“…So you are the young lady requesting a newspaper listing?”

Pernot himself stroked his long beard, belly wobbling, and asked arrogantly.

“As stated in our letter, our household is planning to begin a charitable enterprise.”

Lily began explaining exactly as she had at Kentonis Company. Cordelia stood slightly behind listening.

(It seems Mr. Pernot hasn’t realized who I am…)

Glancing at him, his gaze was not even on Lily—he lazily stared at the ceiling. Just as Cordelia was appalled at his rudeness, she noticed a young man behind him staring directly at her.

Their eyes met. She smiled politely, but he immediately looked away without expression. Irritated, she narrowed her eyes and observed him.

(This person… was one of the heroes, wasn’t he?)

Long dark brown hair tied behind his head, one golden eye hidden by bangs—yet unmistakable beauty remained. His shadowy air created an almost chilling allure.

(…Yes, I think I saw the announcement. But I stopped playing Flowers of Lakisen right before that, so I don’t know much. I recall something about a hidden secret…)

Then she noticed something outrageous.

While supposed to be talking to Lily, Pernot was openly staring at her body from head to toe in a lecherous way.

(What!? You must be joking!)

His gaze lingered far too long on Lily’s chest (very ample). Lily, looking at her papers, likely hadn’t noticed—but from behind Cordelia saw everything.

(Is this really the head of Pernot Company!? I want to slap him with dark magic!)

Suppressing the urge to shout, she noticed the young man again staring at her—sharp yet hollow eyes sending a chill down her spine.

(This man is unsettling too… If he recognized me, wouldn’t he at least whisper to his master?)

Unable to read his intentions, her discomfort only grew. Finally, Pernot spoke after hearing the explanation.

“Charity, hm… very noble. But you see, what we sell is entertainment. We deliver what people want enough to pay for. Of course charity benefits everyone, but there is the matter of demand… and limited advertisement space.”

From his sticky tone and smile, his meaning was clear: pay more money. As the top paper, that stance wasn’t wrong. Even Kentonis Company’s estimate was considerable.

—But.

(Absolutely not!)

Swallowing her anger, Cordelia whispered to Lily. Lily smiled elegantly.

“Understood. Then I shall consult my father once and return. May we have an estimate?”

“Benno, prepare it.”

“At once.”

The man behind bowed immediately. So his name was Benno.

(These names are too similar! This is confusing… I’ll just call them ‘the arrogant one’ and ‘the gloomy one.’)

Thinking rudely, Cordelia accepted the envelope from the gloomy man and left.

Outside, Lily whispered—rather loudly.

“He wasn’t listening at all, was he!? I said distribution of announcement papers, not newspaper advertisements!”

Apparently she was furious too.

“I already disliked his reply letter, but meeting him made it worse.”

“I understand.”

They had contacted companies beforehand under Lily’s name. Pernot Company’s response had been condescending from the start, so this was almost expected.

“Even for a popular paper, is that really the top executive? He just looked arrogant and incompetent.”

“I agree.”

Even if underestimated as young women, they were wealthy clients. A capable merchant would flatter them like Lord Kentonis to secure large profit—but that man squandered the opportunity.

“As a manager, he’s hopeless… Maybe someone else actually runs things.”

(Like that gloomy Benno…)

Remembering his dark eyes, Cordelia shivered. Handsome, yet instinctively unpleasant.

“Well, if Pernot fails we also contacted Sphida Company. Let’s move on!”

“Yes! On to the next!”

And so they returned to Isaac, who waited like a loyal dog.