落とし穴番外：マスコミュニケーションの基礎 (Part2)
"Of course. You are all VIPs from Weed and Haiden, are you not? I have been trained to ensure there are no lapses in etiquette. Besides, I report directly to Kirika-sama."
"Ah, Kirika-san's subordinate. That’s a relief."
Kirika-san’s people really are everywhere, aren't they? I suppose that’s exactly why she has such incredible information-gathering capabilities.
"So, what brings you all to request a pamphlet? Is this for diplomatic work?"
"Yes. The Princess wants information for when we build a mall over there."
"And I’m here for a magazine feature."
"I see. I understand the situation. Please, take these identification badges. With these, you can enter the backyards, warehouses, and other restricted areas. Though, I imagine you are mostly interested in the public-facing side of things."
Wow. They’re prepared. As expected of Kirika-san’s subordinate.
"Thank you."
"Yeah, this helps a lot."
"Thank you very much."
With a powerful ally and the necessary items in hand, we immediately set to work.
"So, what exactly are we supposed to learn from looking at a pamphlet?"
"Kagura, you still have a long way to go. If you look at this, the entire layout of Wee-Mall is clear at a glance. It’s a pamphlet, sure, but you might not have noticed—it’s a 'map'."
"Oh."
"Ah, I see."
They both had that look on their faces, realizing it for the first time. If even these two didn't notice, there's no way the average person could conduct a proper investigation.
"For now, let's head to the food court. We can look over the pamphlet properly there."
There’s no point in wandering around aimlessly; we need to narrow down our targets first.
"Alright, let's order some juice while we're at it."
"Mikos. Are you planning on slacking off already?"
Kagura was annoyed by Mikos-chan’s casual attitude. She’s as serious as ever.
"Yes, yes. Kagura, calm down. It’s rude to the shop staff to use their tables without buying anything, right?"
"Hm. That is true, I suppose."
"Then I’ll go buy the drinks. What would you like?"
"Tapioca milk tea."
"Same for me."
"Coming right up. You two, please go secure a table."
Solo headed off with practiced ease. She must come here often with Eoid, Amanda, and the others. It’s nice to see them getting along so well.
"Let’s take that one over there."
"Okay."
Luckily, it was only 11:00 AM, so the seats weren't filled yet. During lunch or dinner, this place turns into a battlefield.
"Alright, let's look at the pamphlet."
"Ugh. Can we wait until after we drink our juice..."
The moment she said that, Kagura shot her a glare so intense it felt like she was a guard from the depths of hell.
"Yes, yes. Let's look at it."
"The first floor is mostly groceries, I see."
"Yeah. Mostly food, some sundries, and souvenirs, I guess? Well, Wee-Mall is also a place for locals to do their shopping."
"Wait, even with Super Ratz around?"
"Yeah, this place has things Super Ratz doesn't. Besides, there are plenty of tourists, so having a place where you can do all your shopping at once is a good thing. Then, the second floor is clothing and specialty shops. And the third floor is for shops from various countries. Though, those are basically just fancy gift shops too."
"They’re betting their national prestige on them. Recently, almost every shop has been stocking ultra-expensive, flagship items."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I heard about that."
Betting national prestige on ultra-expensive goods. Ratz-san had just scoffed at that. She said that while it was supposed to be for the enjoyment of the general public, it had somehow turned into a playground for the elite. If they only wanted to cater to that demographic, that’s one thing, but considering the purpose of this mall, it’s a failure.
*Note, note.*
"...Many shops have forgotten their original purpose. What does that mean?"
"Wow. Even Kagura forgot? That makes you a terrible wife, you know~. The whole point of Wee-Mall was to let the general public who came through the gates experience the fact that the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance had begun. Even if you can't easily travel, coming here and visiting the shops from different countries makes you feel like you’ve toured the world. It’s amazing, right? And yet, it’s become a place for celebrities where normal people can’t even shop..."
"Ah, I see. That is indeed terrible."
"Whoa! I’ve got a juicy story! I can really tear into these countries!"
"Don't put it that way. And keep the article moderate. Are you trying to embarrass Yuki?"
And just like that, while Solo was off buying juice, the main angle of the article was decided. Mikos-chan’s journalistic soul had been ignited!
Later, during the editing phase, Eris-san and Ratz-san showed up for some reason and added a mountain of corrections... I wonder why?
That is how articles are made. If there is anything you would like Mikos to investigate, feel free to ask. She might just look into it for you.