The Day Of Distribution

“Now then, today’s finally the day.”

Looking up at the sky, Cordelia spoke with a refreshed feeling. The sky was clear and bright blue, a day that promised a pleasant start.

All preparations regarding the distribution were finished, and now all that remained was to wait for the noon execution.

The Kentonis Company would deliver to noble houses using wind magic, while the Sphida Company would have vendors stand in plazas and street corners to hand them out manually.

“I’m excited, my lady! …Huh? What’s that ribbon?”

Lily noticed the ribbon Cordelia held and asked with interest.

“This? This is the final touch.”

Cordelia held up the ribbon as she said so.

The velvet ribbon had a smooth feel and the same deep ocean color as Cordelia’s eyes. Onto it she had infused a single drop of her favorite rose perfume.

Finally, tie the ribbon neatly around the rolled newspaper and it was complete.

(This doesn’t reach all five senses, but visual, tactile, and olfactory—an aggressive sensory release!)

Holding up the finished item, Cordelia let out a soft laugh.

In this era, newspapers were almost entirely filled with black-and-white text.

Simply attaching a colored portrait would draw far more attention, and naturally people would want to see the face of the newly announced Holy Maiden.

The finishing blow was tying a “ribbon in the same color as the Holy Maiden’s eyes” and adding “the Holy Maiden’s personal perfume,” appealing to touch and smell as well. This made it easier to imagine Cordelia as a real person.

(The power of money really is amazing… I never could have done such a luxurious release in my previous life.)

Not just an ad space but a standalone announcement newspaper, plus two kinds of colored engravings, ribbon, perfume, and staffing costs—everything that could be added had been added.

This time profit was ignored for election activity, but for a normal company it would have been extremely difficult to approve such a plan. It was only possible thanks to the duke family’s abundant wealth.

(Being able to do whatever I want like this is so fun!)

She had various regrets in her previous life, but having this much freedom now cleared them away. Cordelia clenched her fist.

(Next comes the results. Not only how many people actually come today, but I also want to know the effectiveness of this advertising paper. Will it be ignored or draw interest? Both companies said they’d summarize reactions, but…)

The release wasn’t the end; measuring its effects afterward and applying lessons next time mattered. That was why she wanted to inspect it directly instead of only hearing reports.

“Cordelia, are you there?”

A knock sounded along with Isaac’s voice. Opening the door to his now-familiar visit, she found him dressed unusually.

“What are you wearing?”

Instead of his usual proper prince attire, he wore a slightly casual shirt and vest like a refined young noble.

As Cordelia looked curiously, Isaac gave a rare grin. His eyes sparkled like a child planning mischief.

“You’re curious how the newspaper you made is being read, right? —Let’s secretly go to town.”

(As expected of His Highness… proposing exactly what I want most—how capable!)

Her heart applauded the perfect suggestion.

“I’d love to! But…”

“But?”

“I think disguises alone won’t be enough. I even put my portrait on it…”

Sadly, the portrait meant to make people remember her face also risked revealing she was the Holy Maiden.

Yet instead of discouragement, Isaac’s eyes shone even brighter.

“Did you forget? I’m a Sage-ranked water mage and royalty. I’ve also been taught magic unknown to the public.”

He called over Jean beside him, swiftly moved his hands, and cast some magic—

“Oh…?”

Cordelia rubbed her eyes. Lily beside her did the same.

Standing there was certainly someone who seemed to be Jean.

But—

“It’s Jean, right?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

His usual cheeky voice answered, yet his face looked blurred as if covered by a film, impossible to focus on.

Because of that, his presence itself became extremely faint, like just another passerby blending into the scenery—incidentally, it must never be said his presence has been faint lately; apparently he cares about that—.

“That’s amazing! Is this the effect of magic?”

“It’s complicated, but think of it as creating a frosted-glass effect with water.”

As Cordelia truly began applauding, Isaac looked down slightly embarrassed.

“With this magic, it won’t be easy to recognize us. …How about it? Would you come with me to inspect the town?”

“Yes, gladly!”

Cordelia answered with a full smile.