It wasn’t hard to spy on either the Hudsons or Miss Selfridge. When they went out for work, or in Miss Hudson’s case, she went out for groceries, Edmund snuck in and easily installed magical spy cameras that were hidden from view. They wouldn’t even see them. Then, he got about doing his work. He felt Miss Sara Hudson’s stored dark energies were significantly stronger, and decided she would be his first target.
Edmund then concentrated on his powers over the Neo-Tori City.
[Edmund Greenhat – The Rising King]
[Current Buildings Owned : Sunlight Apartments]
[Unspent Building Points : 5]
[Unspent Minion Points : 15]
[Building points generated per month : 0]
[Minion points generated per month : 1]
[Buildings that can be purchased. Buildings come fully equipped]
[Small office : 3 points (Max 1)]
[Small Photography Studio : 5 points (Max 1)]
[Minion that can be purchased. Minions are mind-controlled minions that obey every order. Minions can be deployed to work at your buildings, or infiltrate other companies]
[Office Assistant – Rank 0 – 3 points (max 1)]
[Office Manager – Rank 1 – 10 Points (1 point upkeep needed) (max 1)]
[Photography Assistant -Rank 0 – 3 points (max 1)]
[Female Photography Assistant – Rank 0 – 5 points (max 1)]
[Janitorial staff – Rank 0 – 5 points (max 2)]
An office meant he was going to offer a job to Miss Sara Hudson. While a photography studio- what was he going to do with a photography studio? He thought about it, and figured, that since Miss Selfridge worked in an office, the small office was likely more suitable for her. He could go with either one, and decided that he would rather take the photography path, and so, selected it.
The system prompt was immediate.
[Small Photography Studio controlled! You gain photography and editing skills! You also now unlocked two websites that you may use! Your studio will be stocked with supplies depending on the choices of Website B.]
[Website A : Photography Studio Portfolio (cannot be changed)]
[Website B : not chosen.]
Edmund then wondered what it was for-
[Website B choices : Fashion (Swimwear & Lingerie) Store, Escort Services, Massage Parlor, Hostess Bar Services, Cosplay Store, AV Production House]
“Oh.” Edmund immediately understood. The choice of the Website B would then determine what kind of jobs he could offer to his targets, but looking at it- it’s unlikely he would be able to get Sara Hudson to agree to Escort Services, Hostess Bar, Massage Parlor or AV production House.
It’s possible that she likes cosplay, but he’s fairly sure, from their home which was devoid of any anime-related merchandise, that she was not one of those.
Therefore, by elimination, he chose Fashion (Swimwear & Lingerie). He felt the knowledge of that business flood his mind, and he instantly controlled a beautiful website selling lingerie and swimwear, and his studio was magically stocked with all sorts of lingerie.
That was the start of the Inner Wear Website, Guiltypleasure Innerwear.
***
James and Sara sat in the room, as Sara held the phone. She’s been calling for the past two days, at every job ad in the newspaper. But nothing in Neo-Tori City accepted her.
“-Can you give me a chance?” Sara asked.
The person on the phone countered. “-I’m sorry maam, I’ve reviewed your resume and noted you have a long absence since graduation and never held a job. Unfortunately we cannot offer you a position.”
It was the same reply from almost every employer, and she frowned. “Please? I’ll even be a cleaner.”
“Sorry. We don’t have vacancy for cleaners at the moment. Thank you for calling.”
*click* The phone line was cut off, and Sara sat. James looked at his newly wed wife.
“It’s another no.” Sara’s email inbox was filled with rejection. The economy of Neo-Tori city, at least, the traditional economy, was terrible. Experienced graduates were doing simple jobs such as working in convenience stores. For someone like Sara who never even worked a job, she didn’t stand a chance.
James frowned. “-I’m sorry, dear. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have asked you to stay home those years ago-“
Sara shook her head. Inwardly, there was a small part that did blame her husband. Her husband promised her the heaven and earth back then, and she believed him. He got a job in a big company, and confidently told her to stay at home. Her family thought James was just mediocre, and that she could do better, but love was love, and she accepted his proposal. There was nothing her parents could do. “It’s alright. I’ll keep trying.”
James had an ego, and an urge to appear as the provider.
Sara asked. “-do you think I should ask my parents for help?”
James was horrified. His fingers trembled. “No. We- we can’t. I won’t be able to face them if we did.”
Sara sighed. She understood. Her husband wanted to appear strong in front of her parents, and her traditional parents, who lived in a different, but much smaller, city, looked upon that favorably. “Okay. I’ll keep searching then.”
But it wasn’t any different. Sara’s string of rejections from job opportunities were relentless. No one wanted to hire a late 20s woman with no work experience.
So, while her husband was at work one day, she walked past a photography studio called NTR Photography Studios, and there was a banner outside.
“Swimsuit models wanted. Pays $150 per photography session. 1 session is 1 full day, up to ten different changes of attire. No experience required. Female only!”
Sara paused. Normally, she would skip all such advertising. After all, they all seemed like dodgy, no good things. But today, she was compelled to step inside, and found a woman at the door. It was surprising luxurious inside, there was a faint pleasant incense that made the studio feel like some tropical spa and resort. It even had pleasant classical music playing in the background.
The woman, a minion of Edmund, smiled. “Greetings. Welcome to NTR Photography Studios. Are you here to be a swimsuit model?”
Sara twitched. She wanted to say no. But she looked around, and felt a part of her say no-
The female minion smiled and took a tablet. “Don’t worry. Why not I show you what sort of photos we are taking?” The tablet immediately showed the website Guiltypleasure Innerwears, and show photos of various swimsuits and lingerie. Sara had to admit, the website was beautiful, and she liked how none of the swimwear shows her face. It was all on how the outfit looks when worn.
“Do I need to do lingerie?” Sara asked, as she noticed they had a lingerie line as well.
The minion shook her head. “That’s for our experienced models. We pay more for those willing to do lingerie wear and more interesting couple shots. Just ignore it. For now, if you come on board, it’s just swimwear.”
“-oh.”
“No worries, just think about it.” The minion laughed. “We provide food and drinks as well!”
‘Is the photoshoot here?”
The minion nodded. “Yup. But we’ll only let you have a tour if you agree to sign a two month contract, which commits you to at least 10 photoshoots. If you finish all ten you usually get an extra $150-200, depending on how much our photographer likes your photos.”
“Is the photographer a guy?”
“Yes. Don’t worry, he’s a handsome buff man!” The minion said, but Sara squirmed. The idea of wearing swimsuit just reminded her of her school days when she wore swimsuits for swim class.
