Chapter : 50
Marcus hurriedly turned to the next page of the newspaper.
Without realizing it, he muttered to himself:
“Lies.”
The photo in the newspaper did not show the densely wooded, deserted island he remembered.
Instead, it showed a lobby that was luxurious yet highlighted exotic Southern-style décor, lavish facilities, and food that looked delicious.
Marcus was captivated and began exploring the Tadivna Resort in the photos as if in a trance.
“I can’t believe it’s changed this much.”
For reference, Matis had not been able to attend Harten’s engagement ceremony because it had been arranged so hastily.
As a result, he only remembered the old Tadivna Resort, which made the changes seem even more dramatic.
In particular—
“Wow, the rooms look amazing.”
Unlike the lobby, which retained some of the Southern exotic charm, the rooms were neat, high-class, and in neutral tones.
It was very different from the classic, antique-style Quind Hotel.
As Matis looked at the photos in a daze, he eventually read the last promotional line of the resort.
“At Tadivna Resort, you can enjoy a variety of marine sports that are hard to experience inland. Additionally, the tropical fruit ‘Ledive,’ available only here, has captured the hearts of many. We are confident that this place will provide unforgettable experiences and memories for you and your family.”
Below the text were photos of models happily eating yellow Ledive fruit.
Seeing this, Marcus suddenly recalled something his wife had said the previous night:
- “Honey, these days, children need a variety of experiences from a young age to develop sensitivity and cognitive abilities, and it also improves communication and thinking skills.”
- “Who says that?”
- “A magazine I like. They have a new column with interviews of child psychology experts and lawmakers, and they keep saying that.”
- “Pfft, that’s all lies. Look at me. I grew up in our village without any of that, studied hard, graduated from the academy, and got a decent job. I turned out fine.”
- “That may have been the case in our childhood, but times have changed now.”
- “…Is that so?”
- “Think about it. If diverse experiences in childhood weren’t important, why would nobles travel so much with their children? Why would they send their children to the capital? They understood the value of these ‘experiences’ and acted ahead of time.”
- “Hmm.”
- “Also, that magazine said that most successful people had various childhood experiences that became the foundation for their growth. Shouldn’t we give our children some unique memories too?”
- “How are we supposed to give such experiences when we’re busy making a living?”
- “The national foundation festival is coming up! Instead of going to your hometown as usual, why not try a different travel destination this time?”
- “Haah… When will we even have the time for that…? Fine, alright, let’s sleep.”
“Diverse experiences, unique memories…”
Since the resort was run by his superior’s fiancée, maybe this vacation would be a good chance to visit it.
Coincidentally, a fellow aide sitting nearby seemed to have the same thought and spoke up:
“Apparently, these days it’s trendy among mothers to give children diverse experiences. I’m thinking of taking my kids to Tadivna Resort too.”
“Oh? My wife said the same thing.”
“Funny, our household talked about the same thing.”
“Are we all going to end up meeting at Tadivna Resort?”
Everyone laughed, suggesting a group trip.
Marcus laughed along but then tilted his head in thought.
“Wait a minute. The publisher that issues the most popular magazine among women these days… doesn’t it receive investment from Areph Newspaper?”
From there, his thoughts spiraled.
Areph Newspaper publishes negative articles about Quind Hotel while lavishly advertising Tadivna Resort.
The magazine receiving investment from Areph recruits experts and creates public opinion that children need diverse experiences.
All of this happens right before the empire’s largest holiday, the Foundation Festival.
“Right, now that I think about it, the Areph Newspaper president recently attended the Marquis’ engagement ceremony.”
Since the newspaper had previously published malicious articles about Princess Nasel, they likely apologized in person during the ceremony.
When Marcus’ speculation reached this point, he pushed up his glasses.
His instincts, honed from years serving high-ranking nobles, reacted sharply.
“These connections aren’t coincidences…!”
All of these images and messages were clearly orchestrated by someone.
Marcus muttered in quiet admiration.
He had more information than most, and his intuition had connected the dots.
The average person would have absorbed the images of Tadivna Resort without realizing it.
“Even the reactions of the other aides make it obvious.”
Could the Marquis have pressured Areph Newspaper on behalf of Princess Nasel?
Marcus shook his head.
“No, the Marquis couldn’t craft such a subtle scheme.”
His superior was more honest than expected.
Such meticulous behind-the-scenes manipulation would never occur, especially without the chief aide’s knowledge.
“Then…”
Marcus naturally thought of who would benefit the most from Tadivna Resort’s successful promotion.
A remarkable person who had lost her memories and completely changed in character and demeanor.
The only person who could melt his otherwise strict superior’s heart.
The owner of Tadivna Resort and Harten’s fiancée, Eani Nasel…!
Marcus recalled Eani’s innocent smile and shrugged.
“Nah, that’s impossible.”
Someone with no business experience couldn’t have expanded it this much.
Though it felt strange, he soon dismissed the thought.
It was time to put the sweet relaxation aside and focus on work again.
“Hmm~.”
I hummed to myself, gazing at the Areph Newspaper.
It featured Tadivna’s greatest pride: the beautiful sea.
A satisfied smile appeared on my face.
“All that squeezing out from the reporters was worth it~.”
The photos of the resort’s interior and promotional shots on the following pages were also vivid and well taken.
Indeed, color photos were perfect for promotional images, not black-and-white.
“I used the compensation I got from trading with the Crown Prince at just the right time.”
I recalled my brief conversation with the Crown Prince at the engagement ceremony.
- “What if the Royal Agricultural Department researches growing Ledive in other regions?”
- “If I accept that proposal, it might tip the balance too much toward the throne. How would you maintain balance with me?”
- “Balance… in that case, what about this?”
The Crown Prince’s suggestion:
“Color photo printing!”
The empire still only had black-and-white photography.
Therefore, photos in newspapers, magazines, and even shopping catalogs were all monochrome.
“In such a world, my resort alone is being promoted in vivid color!”
I had always lived in a world full of color, but for others, these color photos must have been strikingly unique.
“This alone justifies giving up my monopoly on Ledive.”
“Haha, the Crown Prince had the color photo printing technology ready all along~.”
He had developed the technology but waited for the right moment to showcase it.
Through our conversation, he realized now was the perfect opportunity.
- “We’ll need to promote this resort soon. Shouldn’t we feature the most striking and glamorous advertisement possible?”
The Crown Prince smiled slyly, as if he knew I could never refuse.
“…That’s why I don’t like dealing with my own kind.”
As he predicted, I had no choice but to accept his proposal.
Of course, that alone didn’t satisfy me.
“I would have been content if I were allowed exclusive use of color photos.”
I was only the first to use it, and soon the technology would spread across the empire.
I had given up Ledive’s monopoly and allowed fruit cultivation research, yet the Crown Prince did not give up the color photo monopoly.
“Then the balance can’t be perfectly maintained.”
I folded the newspaper and rose from my seat.
I walked leisurely to the corner of the table where others were sitting.
“Everyone, is the follow-up piece ready~?”
The Areph Newspaper reporters, who had been diligently working on articles in a separate area, flinched at my question.
Then, glancing at me nervously, they nodded quickly.
“D-Don’t worry! We’re writing articles that will make people want to visit the resort!”
“Exciting, eye-catching, yet not over the line!”
“We’ve got it in mind!”
I nodded at the reporters’ desperate responses.
“Good. You’ve barely been allowed access to such a precious location.”
My words made the reporters tense again.
