Chapter 71 - Interview with the Bad Lady: Part Two
This is the second part of today’s interview.
"First, I would like to ask why you agreed to this interview. We've offered several times before, but is there a specific reason you accepted now?"
"Of course there is a reason," she replied.
Naturally, she wouldn't mention the bromide incident. She decided to be straightforward about the real trigger.
"It's due to the excessive amount of false information about the Kikyo Society. I can't just let such misleading articles go unchallenged. I want to make it clear that all these baseless rumors are lies. That's why I decided to grant this interview."
"I see. So, you want to dispel these false rumors. Why did you choose our magazine? I imagine you've received numerous offers."
"I like your magazine. Let's leave it at that."
"Thank you. According to our research, the recent rumors about the Kikyo Society include the following articles—"
The interviewer showed her a list of false articles they had compiled. The list ranged from amusing to outrageous.
The Kikyo Society isn't completely transparent, of course. There are things we can't say or prefer to keep ambiguous. But within the limits of what we can disclose, I corrected the errors in the more accurate articles and shared the truth. I also clearly denied the false ones.
"Thank you for your detailed comments on each article. I think the readers will appreciate it."
Indeed, the interviewer was asking the right questions—questions that aligned with what she wanted to convey. Despite some preliminary discussions, it was clear they had done their homework and understood the current state of the Kikyo Society and her personal background. She couldn't help but feel a growing sense of respect for this interviewer.
With the main purpose of the interview achieved, all that was left was to review the article once it was written.
"Next, I’d like to ask why you have so few media appearances. Is there a specific reason for this?"
"Yes, there is. It started when we were interviewed, and the articles published were completely different from what we said."
"So, it was due to inaccurate reporting."
"Not just one, but many. Reporters didn’t take us seriously, so there was no point in giving interviews. No matter what we said, they would only write lies."
This was the truth, not an exaggeration. She had been more than frustrated; she was genuinely disheartened. Naturally, they kept their distance from the media.
"It’s a matter of credibility. If the content is inaccurate, the interview loses its meaning. If there were any evidence to refute the false reports, it might have been different."
"There isn’t. They’re all products of imagination, just like the false articles. Maybe we need to set up a public relations department."
"Having a PR team could make it easier for you to handle interviews."
"In that case, I might consider recruiting you. How about it? Would you join us?"
"Really!?"
"Hold it, Margaret! We’re still in the middle of an interview!"
The photographer scolded the interviewer, who had been joking. But the idea of a PR team wasn’t entirely out of the question.
Taking a break, they refreshed their tea. A short rest before continuing. The interview wasn’t over yet.
She shifted her legs and changed her posture. Even just sitting and talking was tiring, she realized.
"Next, let’s move on to the Kikyo Society’s business. Your organization has achieved remarkable success and rapid expansion. Could you tell us about your current operations?"
The conversation turned to business. She didn’t mind, as it was good publicity.
"First, we run taverns and flower shops. These were our initial ventures and laid the foundation for our success. We also operate gambling houses, which are now our primary source of revenue. We’re planning to expand our operations and open new locations. Additionally, we offer consulting services. These are the core businesses of the Kikyo Society."
"You’ve built a successful business through continuous success. I noticed you mentioned plans for new locations. Could you elaborate on that?"
"We’re still in the planning stages, so it will be a while before anything is finalized. We’re currently negotiating with the Commerce Guild and the Construction Guild, and we have to submit applications to the administrative district. It’s a busy process."
The Secretariat Unit is handling the workload, not her.
"That sounds like it will take some time, but it seems almost certain to happen. When the plans are finalized, we hope to cover it in detail."
When the time comes, she would ensure they received extensive coverage. This interviewer seemed capable of producing a well-researched and positive article.
"Another business-related question: I’ve heard that the Kikyo Society employs many refugees and slum residents."
"They are full of enthusiasm. With proper education and fair compensation, they work very hard."
"Your organization has made significant contributions through employment."
Her enthusiasm was almost unsettling, making her feel a bit uneasy.
She was asked about the working environment of the employees in the shops, but nothing about the Kikyo Society’s regular members, which was a relief.
Then, the topic shifted to the relationship with the Five Great Families.
"Now, I’d like to ask about your relationship with the Five Great Families. There are many speculations, but what is the Kikyo Society’s stance?"
The media, including major publications, only spread false information. There was no credible information about the truth.
Speculations ranged from the Kikyo Society being under the protection of one of the Five Great Families to absurd rumors about romantic relationships with high-ranking officials.
During her early days in Exembra, she had been interviewed about her conflict with the Bruno Gang, but they refused to believe her account. Despite the Kikyo Society’s significant growth, most still doubted their strength.
"Some even speculated about romantic relationships with high-ranking officials of the Five Great Families. Ridiculous, really."
"The Kikyo Society maintains a neutral relationship with the Five Great Families. We are not allies or enemies with any of them."
With the mutual non-aggression pact in place, they were not officially enemies with the McDallian Family.
There were minor skirmishes, but nothing that would escalate into a full-scale conflict, at least for the foreseeable future.
"Would you say you are neutral?"
"Not exactly. We can form alliances with anyone when our interests align, and we can become enemies when they don’t. Currently, there are no such interests."
For now, the Kikyo Society was an independent force. They were open to cooperation with anyone who could be a valuable ally. It would be foolish to see everyone as an enemy. If push came to shove, they would stand their ground, but that required a certain resolve.
"Now, while we’re at it, I’d like to ask some personal questions that might interest our female readers."
"Sure, if I can answer them."
She wasn’t aware they would ask personal questions, but it was fine.
"Many members of the Kikyo Society, including Yukari-san, are exceptionally beautiful. Do you have any special beauty secrets?"
Ah, so that’s where this was going. Beauty was a topic that would catch the attention of female readers.
The Kikyo Society did have many attractive members, but she hadn’t hired them based on their looks. Initially, they paid little attention to their appearance, but her and Frederica’s insistence improved the situation.
She had heard that appearance was 90% of a person, but she believed there was some truth to it. While it wasn’t everything, appearance was important because inner qualities were not immediately apparent.
Therefore, members of the Kikyo Society were expected to maintain their appearance. They started with basic grooming. The leadership had a solid foundation and, through training and lectures, gained knowledge and culture, which naturally boosted their confidence and cultivated a dignified demeanor.
Their posture and walk also improved through combat training, and the foundation of beauty was built through such practices. Her super-complex recovery potion also played a role, keeping them in optimal health and providing all necessary nutrients. Their hair and skin were more radiant than those of wealthy merchants or nobles.
The leadership now took pride in their appearance and were dedicated to educating the rank-and-file members. They were determined to polish them as well.
Most people could be refined like raw gems. In the Kikyo Society, members were naturally polished, whether they liked it or not.
If the leadership was charismatic, the lower ranks would naturally strive to emulate them.
"Thank you. Regarding beauty, we place a strong emphasis on rigorous training. That might be part of the reason."
"Could you elaborate on the training?"
"Well, first, we focus on developing good manners and knowledge. Then, physical exercise. Simple things, really."
"Simple things can be challenging. Do you have any advice on beauty that our readers might appreciate?"
"I’d love to share, but it’s not something I can explain in a few words. Maybe we could create a special curriculum and offer beauty workshops?"
"That sounds very interesting. Please consider it."
Opening a beauty or fitness class could be a profitable venture. Yes, it had potential.
"Moving on, I’d like to ask about fashion. The Kikyo Society’s trademark black and white cloaks are iconic, and especially Yukari-san’s outfit is breathtaking. It’s very flattering and brings out her charm. Could you tell us about the brand you use?"
"These are custom-made by a friend. They’re not mass-produced or from a famous brand."
"Are they custom-made? Could you share the name of the tailor?"
I didn’t order them, but that’s beside the point. Revealing Torietta’s name might cause her trouble.
"I’ll ask and see."
"Thank you. I’m personally very interested."
If it was just a personal interest, introducing the clothing store Brillonvest might be acceptable. The quality of the store’s tailors was excellent.
"Lastly, you must be very busy. What do you do on your days off?"
"Nothing special. I go shopping or meet friends. Just like anyone else."
"Do you have any favorite stores?"
"There are a few, but I don’t want to inconvenience them, so I’d rather not mention them in an interview."
"Do you have any hobbies?"
"Hobbies? Hmm."
The interviewer was persistent, asking a lot of personal questions. But she could tell there was no ill intent, and their enthusiasm was genuine.
Well, hobbies. She had several, both practical and enjoyable. Research and training were at the top of the list.
Research covered a wide range, from various magics to potions and magical artifacts, with no end in sight. Training was similar; the more she did, the stronger she became, and the more she could do. It was a cycle that kept her motivated.
But the interviewer probably wanted a more general hobby. Explaining her research might lead to more questions.
"I enjoy reading. From novels to academic papers, I read anything that interests me."
She and the interviewer shared a brief discussion about their love for reading, and the personal questions were wrapped up there.
"Finally, what are your future goals?"
"Our goal is to implement and succeed in our planned business ventures. That’s all there is to it."
"I look forward to it. Thank you for your time today."
Afterward, she dodged the hidden interview disguised as casual conversation and made her exit.
The article wasn’t out yet, but she felt it went well. She might consider more interviews with this magazine.
Initially, she had planned to limit interviews to one company to avoid the hassle. But the first interview went so well that she agreed to another one. That was a mistake.
The second company was neutral, but they wanted paid advertising. They wanted her to pay for favorable coverage. She wasn’t asking for biased articles but for the truth.
The interviewer’s attitude didn’t sit well with her, and it was unclear whether her intentions would be respected. It seemed like a waste of time, so she cut it short.
Dealing with the media was difficult and tedious. Having a dedicated PR person might be a good idea.