Chapter 157

Chapter 157

I Became a Gallery Manager in Another World.

Episode 191: Let’s Try Dipping A Bitch’s Pussy Into The Sun’s Asshole (3)

“Hmm…”

Having composed herself with a kiss from Ian, Helen gracefully set down her wine glass and opened her mouth.

“Now that the atmosphere is sufficiently softened… shall we get to the main point?”

“Yes, Lady Helen. Please speak!”

Yuris nodded, still smiling brightly.

Swish-

Helen lightly tapped the documents on the table with her fingertips.

“The reason I asked to meet with you today, Lady Yuris, is not only to foster friendship… but also to discuss the matter of the church-owned land in Bellua Street.”

At that, Yuris’s expression stiffened slightly for the first time.

“Ah… yes, I see… but I understand that the proposal has already been politely declined, as an orphanage is planned for that site?”

Helen smiled gently, as if she had expected Yuris’s refusal.

“Of course. The construction of an orphanage! What a noble and meaningful endeavor. I have no intention of denying that. I deeply sympathize with and respect the heart of the next saintess, who seeks to provide a good environment for children. However…”

“However…?”

Helen slid a document towards Yuris.

It contained an analysis of Bellua Street’s current market value and future development potential.

“Bellua is not just ‘land,’ Lady Yuris. This place has the potential to become the second ‘heart’ of the empire. High-end shops and social clubs for nobles are already being established, and road expansion plans have been announced. I guarantee that within five years, the land value of this street will skyrocket several times over. Is it truly the best choice for the church’s future to use such a golden goose of an asset solely for an orphanage?”

“Hmm… but children are the future, you know? Money doesn’t matter for the sake of children! The church isn’t a business in the first place, right? And as Lady Helen said, if the roads are expanded, it means transportation will be more convenient, right? In other words! It will be easier for our sponsors to visit!”

Yuris countered, presenting a large ‘Sacred Power Pouch’ with as much confidence as she could muster.

Helen nodded as if she had been waiting for this.

“You’re right! A good environment for children is important!”

“Right? So Lady Helen’s proposal is…”

“But Lady Yuris, how about changing your perspective a little? Is a bustling commercial district really the ‘best environment’ for children?”

“Huh…? What do you mean…”

“Well, I don’t think so. Where money gathers, indulgence and chaos naturally arise. Would such a place be beneficial for children? Wouldn’t innocent children be corrupted?”

Having said that, Helen took a sip of her wine.

“Suddenly, Lady Yuris, why do nobles donate to the church?”

“…Because Lady Elise said that performing good deeds is the duty of nobles?”

“Really? Satisfaction through good deeds? Of course, that exists. But as the successor of the Redrose family, one of the three primary color families, who has dealt with countless nobles, I can assure you that there are much more complex and realistic reasons behind it.”

Helen leaned forward slightly, looking directly into Yuris’s eyes.

“Basically, it’s an investment, isn’t it? Social prestige, networking, and sometimes even political influence. Nobles create a link with the powerful institution of the ‘church’ through donations and use it to enhance their own value. But what about individual and sporadic donations like now? It’s not very attractive. The church has difficulty securing stable finances, and nobles don’t get a definite ‘return’ on their ‘investment.’ At best, it’s just self-satisfaction from ‘doing a good deed,’ right?”

Yuris listened to Helen’s words in silence.

It was impossible to deny Helen’s words, who understood the nature of nobles better than anyone.

“But what if I provide nobles with an irresistible ‘investment opportunity?’ A space that precisely meets their desires and needs. …Under the name of the church, too.”

Yuris’s eyes wavered uneasily at Helen’s voice, which sounded almost wicked.

“…What do you mean by that?”

Helen smiled confidently and pulled out her trump card.

“If an orphanage is built in Bellua Street, nobles will only see it as a target for ‘charity.’ Of course, it’s meaningful, but it won’t stimulate their ‘investment’ desires. But what if a high-end salon, officially sponsored by the church, is built there instead?”

“…A salon?”

Yuris’s eyes widened at the completely unexpected proposal.

“Yes, Lady Yuris, have you ever been to a salon?”

“Ah, no… not even once…”

“Hehe… a salon is not just a social space. Especially the one I, Helen Redrose, will create. Not at all.”

Helen gestured, as if drawing a picture of a splendid salon.

“A hub where the empire’s power and wealth gather! A place where the latest information is exchanged, secret deals are made, and new networks are formed! And if this salon is operated under the blessing and management of the church? Nobles will gain the prestigious status of ‘cultural business partners of the church.’ Using the salon itself becomes an act of supporting the church, and all relationships formed there fall under the church’s invisible influence. Nobles will gladly open their wallets! This isn’t just a donation; it’s a definite ‘investment’ to enhance their status and prestige!”

“…Church sponsorship? What do you mean specifically? Will the church hold services at the salon?”

Yuris asked cautiously, and Helen’s eyes lit up.

“Hehe… that’s a cute thought. But I want something a little more intimate. Our Redrose Trading Company is willing to offer 33% of the salon building’s shares as part of the purchase price for the Bellua site, to prove our solid trust and partnership with the church.”

“33% of the salon’s shares… owned by the church?”

Yuris’s mouth gaped slightly.

33% was not just a symbolic figure.

It was a substantial share that could exert significant influence on major decisions.

It was a huge stake that Helen would never have offered if she didn’t have a ‘real purpose’ of her own.

“Yes, consider this not just a transaction, but a joint investment proposal for the future. The moment the church becomes the major shareholder of the salon, this salon will become a bona fide ‘church business.’”

After all, Helen’s real purpose for opening a salon in Bellua was to check her brothers and to create the starting point for ‘Helen’s Gallery.’

As long as the operation didn’t incur losses, having the church’s protection could make the plan safer.

“Nobles will trust a salon that the church directly manages even more and will try to participate more actively. Through this, the church will secure a strong influence over noble society, as well as a stable and sustainable source of revenue.”

“Haa… even so… the orphanage for children… I can’t give up Bellua Street…”

Helen smiled as if she had been waiting for this and replied.

“Of course, I have prepared a perfect solution for the orphanage issue as well.”

Swish-

A new map and environmental analysis data were spread out on the desk.

“As compensation for the Bellua site, excluding the 33% stake, I will provide the church with land in the western Marian District.”

“Marian District?”

“Yes, as you can see, it’s not as bustling as Bellua Street… but that’s actually an advantage. It’s quiet, and the natural environment is well preserved without any harmful facilities nearby! Don’t you think it’s a much more ideal place for children to grow up in a peaceful and safe environment, rather than a noisy commercial district?”

“Hmm… you might be right…”

Yuris nodded unconsciously, recalling the rural orphanage where she grew up.

Helen didn’t miss the opportunity and pulled out her final trump card to drive the point home.

“Moreover, our Redrose Trading Company promises to donate a significant portion of the new orphanage’s construction costs. Considering the much lower land costs in the Marian District and our support, the church will be able to build a much larger and better-equipped orphanage with a smaller budget. What do you think? Isn’t this a much better outcome than the plan to build in Bellua Street?”

All the cards were now on the table.

Knowing that any more words would feel like pushing, Helen stopped talking and waited for Yuris’s decision.

‘In the end, I’ll be the one smiling.’

Helen! The mythical merchant!

Dominate information, dominate psychology!

A salon operation leveraging the immense potential profits of Bellua Street, strengthening the church’s financial independence and influence through it, offering an unprecedented 33% stake, and providing an orphanage site with a better environment and construction cost support for the children.

It was truly an irresistible proposal.

“Haa…! I initially intended to refuse, but with so much offered… it’s hard to refuse… ugh… alright! I’ll accept Lady Helen’s proposal!”

“A wise decision, Lady Yuris.”

Helen smiled as if she had been waiting for this and took out a contract from her bag, gently sliding it towards Yuris along with a pen.

“Then, please sign.”

“Yes!”

Once she made up her mind, Yuris didn’t hesitate any longer.

Scribble-

After signing, Yuris carefully placed the signed contract into her bosom…

“Alright, Lady Yuris. Shall we have a toast to our successful contract? Bring the best wine from here…”

Helen smiled brightly and raised her glass.

“No, just bring all the wines in the shop, by type!”

“Ugh… my, my head! My head… hurts!”

The next day, Helen faced an unfamiliar ceiling with a splitting headache.