Chapter 218
Chapter 218
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 218
Chapter Title: The Foreign Princess is Interested in Clothes (3)
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Megacorp. In other words, a megacorporation.
It’s a name given to a company that possesses a scale and power comparable to that of a nation.
For instance, a company undertaking a massive project that would normally be handled at a national level.
Or using its financial power to easily twist the very foundations of the law to avoid being constrained by it.
Or raising a dangerous private army, comparable to a national military, under the guise of corporate security.
It might be easier to understand if you imagine the incredible corporations often seen in sci-fi or cyberpunk genres.
If the global conglomerates we know are the elephants or killer whales at the apex of the animal kingdom, these are closer to a Tyrannosaurus or Brachiosaurus, in a completely different weight class.
‘Well… they’re hard to imagine existing in reality. Money isn’t everything, after all.’
Of course, growing a company to such a colossal size was an incredibly risky choice.
Other powers wouldn't just sit back and wait for a company to gain such absurd influence.
Besides, it was incredibly inefficient for a corporation to assume the role of a nation.
And in the end, a corporation is an entity whose ultimate goal is to maximize profit.
A nation sometimes needs to carry out unprofitable actions for the public good.
A corporation replacing a nation was a delusion, practically impossible in reality.
But perhaps it would be a shame if a shonen manga in the sci-fi genre didn't feature such a megacorporation.
Coincidentally, this world had several companies that could easily be called megacorps.
One of them was Ark, a representative megacorp that easily controlled several European nations.
‘They were a major beneficiary of the chaos and war caused by the sudden appearance of metahumans all over the world.’
The reason Ark, once an ordinary energy company, grew so rapidly into a megacorp was simple.
It was because they had built a benevolent image by actively helping people when damage was caused by the metahumans who had crossed over from another world.
As they continued to expand their influence during a crisis where countless people died and even national governments were paralyzed...
Ark was able to transform into a massive behemoth capable of influencing all of Europe.
Naturally, Ark's CEO, Mikhail, also became an absurdly famous celebrity.
It was only natural that his daughter, Anna, would become a princess who rivaled any celebrity.
Despite her somewhat sharp features, she was undeniably a beautiful girl, and it was said that any product she advertised would sell out in an instant.
I thought she seemed like a princess from the moment I first saw her, but I never imagined she was a lady of that caliber.
‘But why is she here…?’
I was bewildered by Anna's sudden appearance.
As I’d just recalled, her home was in Europe.
I couldn’t help but be surprised that she had suddenly popped up here after crossing the ocean.
Moreover, my predicament was amplified by the fact that she was staring intently into my face from right in front of me, her eyes sparkling.
“Alright, I’ve decided on you. No, it has to be you. I’m already completely smitten, from head to toe.”
“…”
“Ah, I haven't introduced myself, have I? Right, my name is Anna Stuart. Feel free to think of me as Anna. And since I’m older, it’s okay to speak casually, right?”
“Uh, yes.”
“Oh my, your voice is cute too. Could it be a voice of 9? Yuria, every little thing about you is just adorable!”
S-stop it…
I took a hesitant step back, overwhelmed by her directness, and pressed my lips together.
It wasn't bad to be liked, but when it came on this strong, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
So, flustered with shame, I averted my gaze and looked at Raven as if to ask if this was really happening.
He simply looked away with an apologetic expression.
Was he asking me to put up with it for a moment, implying it couldn't be helped because she was an important person…?
I’m going to make you pay for this with some very expensive beef later. You’d better be ready.
Meanwhile, it seemed Anna also had something to say to Raven.
Turning away from me, she faced him and spoke in a very polite tone.
“Mr. Fixer, thank you so much for finding a girl like her. It must have been an unreasonable request.”
“Ahem, just in case. Could you please refrain from taking pictures or walking around outside with her? It would be problematic if she were seen in public.”
“Hmm, so you cherish your jewels by keeping them hidden from others? I’m dying to show her off, but I can’t ignore the words of the Fixer who granted my request. I’ll accept your terms.”
Anna placed a hand on her chest, her expression quite serious.
She had a prickly appearance reminiscent of a villainess, but from what I remembered of the original story, her personality was actually quite kind.
In that case, she probably wouldn't go bragging about our meeting on social media, which was a relief.
The chances of a paparazzi targeting her accidentally snapping a photo were probably higher.
At this rate, what would happen next was obvious. I’d probably be following Anna around from now on.
But if there was one thing bothering me… it was that I had no idea why this person needed me.
‘Looking for someone who looks good in any clothes… Does she plan to dress me up in something? Hmm, even so, I don’t understand her intentions.’
I’d do whatever she asked, as long as it wasn’t too much.
Still, I wanted to know the reason she needed me.
As I was looking around, somewhat puzzled,
Anna spoke to the old man who had been quietly sipping tea in his chair.
“Wilhelm, and you Fixers, and Yuria. Please get ready. We’re going to the largest department store in Nighthaven now.”
“Yes. As you command.”
“A department store… ma’am? May I ask for what reason?”
“Yes. There’s no reason to hide it. I’m going to pick out some clothes as a gift! I feel a little bad for Yuria, but I’d like her to try them on.”
Picking out clothes for a gift.
It wasn't a strange answer, given they were going to a department store, and Raven seemed to accept it.
However, the question of why I was needed in the process still seemed to linger.
But she didn't seem to mind his reaction.
Anna simply smiled triumphantly.
*
It feels a bit late to mention this, but the Fixer crew was surprisingly conspicuous.
For one, there was Alice, with her ultimate combination of pink, big breasts, a kimono, dual swords, and being a beautiful girl.
Raven was also quite handsome, and David, a bear beastman, had a rather large build.
I, in my simple masked maid outfit, barely stood out among such a distinctive group.
Especially Raven, whose recognition had soared since becoming a double-number Fixer recently, so people would often recognize them when they moved around Nighthaven in a group.
Even if they went by car, six people moving together would attract some attention.
Thus, in the process of escorting Anna to the department store, the group naturally split in half.
“Alright, I’ll mark the location on the map. You guys come a little later. I’ll go ahead with Miss Anna and Mr. Wilhelm. Yuria, put your mask back on.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Okay.”
The groups were Raven, Anna, and Wilhelm. And Alice, David, and me.
Well, Raven and Wilhelm were incredibly strong. I didn't think there was any need to worry about something happening along the way.
After the client, Anna, left with Raven, the office fell quiet.
With a little time to spare, I hid in a corner of the office and secretly took out my Echo.
‘Alright… in the meantime, I should find out why a princess who should be in Europe is here.’
There must be some reason she hasn't mentioned.
I felt it with a clear, tingling sensation.
So, I sifted through all sorts of information with my Echo, even peeking into the Fixer Association's internal data.
And I was able to figure out why she had come to Nighthaven at this time.
‘I see. Seraph, the number one ranked Fixer who primarily operates in Europe, has come to the Association's headquarters. He's staying for a week. Anna is very close with his younger sister, Lana… so maybe she came along because she was worried.’
No, then she should be at the Association headquarters. Why come to Nighthaven…?
Puzzled, I tilted my head and checked the details again with my Echo.
And I finally found out that after finishing their business at the Association headquarters, the Seraph siblings...
...were scheduled to make an official visit to Nighthaven.
It seems there are no other cities in other countries composed mostly of metahumans.
So, since they were already at the Association headquarters, they probably intended to do some sightseeing in Nighthaven.
However, according to their schedule, the Seraph siblings could only visit Nighthaven for a single day.
That’s why it seemed Anna, having heard the situation, came to Nighthaven first…
“Well then, shall we get going?”
“Yes. I rented a car earlier, so I’ll drive.”
“…”
It seemed it was time to move. I guess I'll stop thinking about it for now.
I got into the car driven by David, along with Alice, and headed for our destination, the department store.
When we arrived safely at the department store, we couldn't help but be amazed.
As we entered through the VIP-only passage, countless employees bowed their heads to greet us in unison.
Ooh, so this is the VIP experience…!
Alice, who came from a noble family, looked around as if it had been a while.
But David and I, being of common origin, could only marvel at the incredible sight.
So, where are we supposed to go now?
As we stood blankly near the entrance, looking a bit lost,
Raven, dressed more lightly, trudged over with Anna from inside.
“Ah, you’re here. This way. She rented out this entire floor for today. The staff will be leaving soon too.”
“I wouldn’t have minded if there were other customers… You’re so overprotective.”
“…It is a necessary precaution for your safety, milady.”
I see, so they rented out an entire floor of the department store's VIP section for security reasons.
The daughter of a global megacorp CEO really operates on a different scale.
Just thinking about how much it would cost to rent it for a day made my head spin.
After the department store employees who had greeted us all filed out,
and we were left alone in the VIP area, Raven spoke as if to summarize the situation.
“Alright, we’ll be nearby keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious. Yuria, I’m counting on you.”
“…Okay.”
“Don’t be mad that I dumped this on you. I’ll buy you lots of delicious food when we’re done today.”
“…”
Hmph. Of course you have to buy me food.
I'm only putting up with this because you've done so much for me.
I pretended to be angry, playfully tapping him with my fist before breaking into a small smile.
Then I took off my fox mask, handed it to him, and approached Anna, who was waiting quietly over there.
“I’m looking forward to today, Yuria.”
“…Yeees.”
It’s a bit much, so I wish this would end quickly.
Whether she knew what I was thinking or not, her face was as bright as a blooming flower.
And so began my sudden department store date with a stranger I’d just met today.