- Listen, maybe you could ask the Empress to adopt me too?..
- ...
- ...
- It was just a joke, in case you thought otherwise.

- Ha-ha, alright, alright. But it reminded me of something. It might not be entirely relevant to today or this location, but I think it's worth considering... - the question was directed to Sonata and Cleone in a private chat. - Do you know exactly whose "grace" brought you to Risser? After all, it requires quite specific conditions... If it was "her," then now you are, uh... on your own? Is that right?

- I mean, involving non-professional models who aren't part of our agency... What did you think I was going to say?

- No, nothing, I was just asking...

- That's how it is, - Penelope finished explaining, - by the way, some of our clients have expressed disappointment with the new cover designs, and what do you think - was the previous format with minimal text better or worse? As you can see, since I took over as head of the agency, we've been trying to diversify them, but it seems not everyone is happy about it.

- I think... that the amount of text could be reduced... - Ayano said with difficulty, turning her face away and hiding the pain in her palm.
"Okamisama... What have we become?... How embarrassing."
With great effort, she regained her composure after a brief session of Japanese breathing exercises, and disappointedly shakes her head:
- Too bad... This is already the umpteenth "event" that I won't be able to get the ✹ for... It's not that it's so important, but... oh well.