It would be too embarrassing if Christopher had fainted at that moment Libitina reached out her hand towards him. Then again, he could not remember reaching out to return the hand shake, either.
Demeter Industries. One of the most successful agricultural companies in the Josephian fiefs, with a focus on produce such as potatoes and carrots, as well as parsnips, peppers, and tomatoes. They were unique in that they were not just involved in farming but also the production of related food items. There had never been such an extensive and integrated production line that the Company had struck fear into many aristocrat's heart.
Christopher knew that Samantha had been involved in the growth of Demeter Industries, but he thought she only supported their rapid growth over the last year through her governance of the fief. He never thought that she would be the mastermind behind everything.
Zephyr Corporation was another big name. It was a new company that integrated all the Merveille���s different agricultural enterprises under a single, central management. In fact, a branch of the company had become the exclusive monopoly in the Magical Artefacts Industry. To think that their shareholders consisted of royal personages. No wonder the Magical Artefact Bill could be passed!
Naturally, as the son of a baron, Christopher Shantire did not know about the background infighting in the Magic Tower, nor understand the significance of the revelations.
"I am sorry, Christopher, for not telling you about all this," Samantha pouted and supported the weak-legged boy. "After all, business is business. Everything is under a confidentiality agreement."
"B-but I haven't signed one."
"You will. Lina, won't you explain to him what your idea is?"
Libitina nodded. Slowly, step by step, she would build up an organization that can support her endeavours. 'Welcome, Christopher Shantire', Libitina thought, 'to my arsenal of allies.'
"We are looking for collaborators to advertise some products that the shop will be selling," Libitina gave him a small smile. "You see, it is difficult for people to get rid of the notion that magical artefacts are exclusive for the nobles. I know that your House has a close relationship with your people, and I would like to request your help for a little marketing…"
…
Three days later, Ellie breathed a sigh of relief.
"Is everything ready?" she turned to look at her closest assistants.
"Yes, Adjutant Magdalene," the black-haired Eularie placed her left arm on her chest and nodded.
"All in place, Adjutant Magdalene," the orange-haired Timothy smirked, placing his left arm on his chest.
"Good. Let us see how the Lady overturns our peaceful capital," Ellie laughed as she gazed out of the Magic Tower's window.
The streets of Lefu was plastered with advertisements. These advertisements came from different shapes and sizes, and featured a vast variety of products. Some called for attention to the passing of the Magical Artifact Trade Bill, others highlighted the locations of the new shops and the identity of the sole company licensed to sell magical artifacts under the Bill. But they all shared the same colour scheme and style, and the vibrant designs consistently caught the attention and imagination of the people.
It was the first time the residents of Lefu experienced a blanket marketing campaign. Every corner they turned, they would catch the corner of the familiar advertisements, and every sidewalk they turned into would be filled with conversations about Magical Artifacts, where they are sold and the talk of the town, Zephyr Corporation.
"It's the only company licensed to sell magical tools after the Magical Artifact Trade Bill was passed!"
"There is no restriction on who you are to be able to buy the products! We no longer have to worry about paying premium to get access to magical tools! Companies run by commoners no longer have to lose out!"
"I hear that the magical tools are produced by the Magic Tower and Zephyr, and the price is very reasonable."
"Are you planning to buy something from there?"
The situation was not much different in the other fiefs, especially fiefs with a strong relationship with the Merveille Household. Everywhere, advertisements featured different magical artifacts ready for sale on the lamp posts, on the walls and on pamphlets given out on the street. The products ranged from industrial level artifacts such as hovering tractors to household artifacts such as magic air purifiers and bicycles equipped with speed spells.
In two weeks' time, every single citizen in the kingdom of Clomodor had heard of Zephyr and their shops and were anticipating their opening.