“What is this about?” Yuriko asked, her tone neutral. From the sheaf of papers in front of them, she had an inkling of what it was. Darrel Schutter, her talent agent, introduced the two other men seated around the table. 

“First, this is Ignatio White, Pixel Fairy’s CEO.”

Ignatio was a slender older man with pink and gold hair, who was certainly wearing some kind of mascara, and probably some lip gloss. He was clad in a pair of tight pants, and an equally tight shirt. He had a jacket, but it was currently draped across the back of his chair. His physique was also well sculpted, but the muscles were built up more for show than for function. 

“And I’m sure you remember Bob Porter, Mira-hi’s representative?”

Bob was probably younger than Ignatio, but looked much older. He was slightly chubby, slightly taller than she was, and like Darrel, had black circles under his eyes. He didn’t look tired now though, but he had a manic grin. 

“I remember. A pleasure to meet both of you,” Yuriko said, shaking both men’s hands when they extended it. 

“The pleasure’s mine, my dear,” Ignatio gushed. “A rookie with great potential! Well, this was only going to be a matter of time.” 

“Nice to see you again, Miss Lawson,” Bob said. “Mira-hi’s sales went up a thousand percent!” 

“Oh, that’s good,” Yuriko said.

He shook his head. “That was only the first day’s sales!”

“Ah, congratulations?” 

“Thank you.” The man sighed then huffed, “Which brings us to this. Our focus group showed us the increase was mostly due to you, so here.” He pushed a folder towards her. “The company that produced Miracle Hydration, All-Foods Corporation, wishes for you to be the face of the product line involving Mira-hi, and a few other sports drinks and supplements. Here are the terms, as well as the remuneration.” 

After reviewing the contract, it wasn’t quite as restrictive as Yuriko expected, but it did come with some stipulations. A non-compete clause for about a decade, and while the contract was active, and for another year afterwards, she wasn’t allowed to endorse other sports drinks or any other kind of beverage in a similar category. She also needed to notify All-Foods if she intended to appear in any other food-related commercial, or model for any product in a similar line. Aside from that, she may be requested for other activities unrelated to being a commercial actress, though she had the right to refuse. Such activities will be compensated for separately. 

As for what the endorsement responsibilities entailed, well, she would have to participate in photoshoots once a week, and perhaps a commercial or two every cycle. Perhaps more, but exceeding a certain amount of engagements, fifty-two photoshoots and thirteen commercials annually will call for additional compensation. There might be other entertainment activities that would bolster Mira-hi or Lilibeth’s celebrity status, but that would be on a case by case basis. 

“I’m tempted to agree immediately,” Yuriko admitted, “but it’s better for all our sakes that I have my friend and assistant go over this, as well as a lawyer.” 

“Of course, we understand,” Bob Porter said. “But can we get a tentative agreement?” 

“Hmmm, sure. I will continue to work with Mira-hi since you do fulfill my requirements,” Yuriko smiled, and the older man returned it happily. 

“That’s good news!” Ignatio gushed. 

“Ah, Lilibeth, I’ve also received…” He trailed off and glanced at Bob, a bit shamefaced, “Ahaha.” 

“No worries,” the man said, “I have to go, anyway. I look forward to hearing a positive response, Miss Lawson!” 

“I will get back through Darrel, thank you,” Yuriko answered. 

Afterwards, her agent listed a few offers for work, some that would conflict with the contract from Mira-hi, but since she hadn’t signed on, those were still a possibility. 

Yuriko placed the papers inside her purse and left after another hour. Her appointment was with Scarlett and the activity: shopping. For a new home, actually. Yuriko considered if she should get an apartment in Winderfield considering she probably needed to go to Pixel Fairy’s Azure Solitude Building every time she was needed on a job. But then, the commute to Trinity University would be tiresome. Unless she flew every day. But that would be a blatant display of power and she didn’t want to be bothered by villains and daemons. 

Well, that day, she and Scarlett perused some offerings but mostly retired to clothes shopping instead afterwards. Property prices in Winderfield were atrociously high, and the two million she would earn after she accepted the contract felt so small all of a sudden. She could stick to rental, and move to a better apartment in Trinity Valley instead. 

The two of them had gone over the clauses of the contract, and the next day, they consulted a lawyer who had an office near the college. The man skimmed the contract, told her it was fine, slightly biased towards All-Foods, but that was pretty normal. And considering she was a rookie celebrity, most contracts would always be slanted against her anyway. Once she had a wider reach, she would get better offers. 

It occurred to her that she could use her Mien to gain an advantage, but she didn’t really want to screw anyone over while they were besotted with her. It left a bad taste in her mouth whenever she thought about it, and her Radiant Colligia and nature rebelled against the underhanded strategy. 

She was an Ancient in Transformation. Why would she cheat people? If she was the one offended, then it would be another thing entirely, but the contracts presented, while not completely fair, were good enough. She wasn’t going to be restricted by much, and if they protected the other side too much, it wasn’t as if she was losing out by much. Reputation was something to build up too, and if she gained one from dealing shadily with too many things, then her word would be worth nothing. 

Reaffirming her principles left her with a pleasant buzz, and she informed Darrel that she agreed with the contract, and didn’t need much alteration. She only had them stipulate that if she wanted to leave earlier than two years, she would only have to reimburse the excess pay rather than be forced to pay a penalty. She also couldn’t change her mind until two Seasons later. 

The changes were easily accepted and by Watersday, Yuriko signed the contract and was officially Mira-hi’s endorser. She would start her work by next week, at her own insistence. The funds were deposited to her bank account, sans taxes and Pixel Fairy’s cut. That one act moved her to a high tax bracket and she wound up holding just about half of the stated amount.

Five hundred thousand Torries was still more than enough for her needs, and considering a decent house cost about a hundred thousand Torries, she could pay for one in cash and sell it later if she wanted to move. 

Of course, Scarlett, and the bank manager dissuaded her from doing so. She apparently qualified for competitive insurance rates if she got a real estate loan. It would also mean that she wouldn’t have to pay the entire amount up front, just about twenty thousand Torries or so. Of course, this was putting the cart in front of the horse since she hadn’t actually found a place she wanted to purchase just yet. 

By Woodsday, she was given half a dozen credit cards, little squares of plastic that substituted for cash so she wouldn’t have to carry huge amounts if she wanted to buy expensive things. The six cards were rather excessive though, so she didn’t use them, much less activate the things. 

On Goldsday was the Year End Invitational, set up by the Union of Fraternities and Sororities at Trinity University. Yuriko received an invitation during exam week, and she was allowed to bring a guest. Well, Scarlett got one too, so both of them asked Nora, and Jenna if they wanted to go. They agreed and after lunch, they set off towards the other end of the valley, which led out to the coast. 

A strip of beach and a resort were owned by the university to train hospitality students, and probably earned the campus a hefty sum, too. It was the first week of the Season of Fire, and it was scorchingly hot. When they arrived at the Trinity Resort, there were hundreds of students, freshers, sophomores, and juniors already enjoying the afternoon sun, the sea breeze, and the warm, pristine sand of the beach. The soothing rhythm of the waves was accompanied by a couple of bands playing their songs on either end of the broadway. 

Yuriko and her friends changed into their swimwear, modest suits in all cases. Yuriko’s was a one-piece that had a cutout that exposed sculpted abs, had a pair of flip-flops, and a towel that hung off her shoulder. 

They waded right into the surf and enjoyed the waves for a little bit before Yuriko decided to sunbathe in one of the loungers set up across the sands. There was supposedly a program that the upperclassmen set up for the late afternoon and evening, but that was hours away. As an invitee, they were also expected to go through the frat and sorority booths set up along the boardwalk, but she figured she’d do it a bit later. For now, Radiant Sun. 

She took a nap for half an hour, then roused with a yawn she quickly concealed with a hand. The Radiant Sun was about an hour from setting, but it was about time she did the rounds. Scarlett and the other two weren’t anywhere nearby, and Yuriko felt too lazy to look for them with eyes or Anima. 

She wandered towards the boardwalk and looked at the booths each student organization set up. Some were just a two-seater table laden with pamphlets and a bored watcher, while some were elaborate set pieces that displayed photos of extracurricular activities the group did. 

Lilibeth was part of the Occult Research Club, but students weren’t prevented from joining more than one. And fraternities and sororities only accepted pledges once they were no longer freshers. Come to think of it, most of the booths were those rather than the more casual clubs. 

A passing server offered her finger foods and a flute of sparkling wine. Yuriko nibbled and sipped while she wandered around, eventually winding up in front of a set piece from the Flowers of the Wild Sorority. A gorgeous blonde woman had started playing a violin and the melody cut through the noise of the resort and the rowdiness of the beach. Yuriko closed her eyes and images of her family back in Rumiga danced at the forefront. It brought up a sweet smile on her face until she focused on Kato, who was still missing. There was hope so she didn’t frown, but it gave her smile a melancholic tinge. 

The woman…was Altered, that she was sure of. She might not know she was, but Yuriko could feel soft tendrils plucking at her heartstrings, borne through music. She enjoyed the performance, glanced at the name card and memorised the woman’s name, Abigail King. 

Curious about what that sorority was all about, she accepted a pamphlet and browsed it as she walked away. Feminine Arts? 

She mulled over the idea and thought it might be a worthwhile pursuit, all the while acknowledging that she’d thought the opposite back in Realmheart when the Mishala Clan foisted such studies on her. Perhaps the difference was that she was genuinely curious now, instead of being forced. 

At the end of the boardwalk, Yuriko was just about to circle back in search of more wine, when someone she hadn’t expected to see again stormed up to her. The stench of alcohol was heavy in Evan Andrews’ breath and there was a belligerent look on his face, couple with a strange glint in his eye. 

“Lily. I want to talk.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep