Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

"Speaking of which... why is this opera from the troupe in Dayan?" Noya pondered, her head tilting. Although that troupe is quite famous, they used to perform more plays, right? Why did they suddenly change?

Noah was still thinking when he heard familiar footsteps approaching from afar. These small and light footsteps belonged to only one person.

"Viviana, here, here!" Noah made trumpet shapes with his hands and shouted, "I'm here!"

"Noah—" Viviana finally saw Noah's figure, coming here through the crowd, "I thought I came too early."

"It's indeed much early. Our agreed time is half an hour later, right?" Noah said with a smile, "Viviana, you're almost here before me."

"...After all, going out takes a lot of time, so we must leave early. If anything goes wrong, we can make up for it..." Viviana reached out and helped Noah tidy up her hair. "Did you sleep in the office yesterday?"

"how do you know?"

"Your hair is messy. If you leave home, you will at least ask Kuro to help fix it." Viviana said with a smile, "Although hard work is important, you can't devote yourself to work. There are many other things to do."

"It's not like I'm completely devoted to work..." Noah shook his head a little embarrassedly. "For example, didn't I come out to see the opera with you?"

"Well, I'm looking forward to it." Viviana said with a smile, "And maybe I can get inspiration to write new poems."

"Really?" Noah smiled. "Oh, by the way, I've asked that little fan of yours, but it might take a while to write a review."

"Oh...I see." Viviana was clearly looking forward to other people's evaluation. After all, it was her debut work, so she might have higher expectations. However, Noah already knew that McGee's evaluation would not be very high.

After all, McGee is too honest...

"Although there's still some time before the show starts, we're in the VIP seats, so we can enter first," Noah said with a smile. "Also, Viviana, if you keep showing up like this, tomorrow's news headlines might be exciting."

People around Viviana had already begun to notice her as the renowned Candle Knight, the most popular of the three. Some had already stopped to take pictures, and reporters were probably on their way. Aware of her popularity, Viviana frowned in annoyance. To avoid trouble, she followed Noya's instructions and entered the theater in advance. When the three of them arrived at the theater's VIP seats, Viviana breathed a sigh of relief.

"Becoming famous is really hard." Noah said with a smile, "It's hard to imagine that before I invested in you, you were just an unknown little knight."

"Who can know what will happen at this time..." The friendship between Viviana and Noah began when Noah invested in Viviana, who was just an ordinary participating knight at that time. The Candle Knight was trained as an idol knight, but she was not satisfied with this. Later, she became an independent knight and participated in the competition. Noah finally found her and had no intention of restricting her actions. He just invested money and helped with logistics.

The result was that although she did not win the championship, Viviana also made it to the semi-finals and was awarded the title of Candle Knight.

Since then, Viviana has become a household name, attracting numerous individuals seeking to profit from her, and numerous scandals have emerged. Although Noah has been helping to manage the situation, her immense popularity has made it difficult for him to control the situation, especially with newspapers like the Red Wine News. Even Noah has been unable to do anything about it. While it wasn't Noah's original intention, the Candle Knight's current troubles are inextricably linked to her.

However, this did not affect the personal relationship between the two.

"I've heard some rumors lately, saying you actually like women. Maybe you've realized you can't dig up any male gossip, so you've finally decided to switch targets?" Noah said with a smile. "Or maybe someone took a picture of you and me going out together?"

"Huh?" Viviana was stunned. "Why...why is there such news?"

"Huh? What's wrong?" Noah felt that Viviana seemed a little panicked, and asked with some confusion, "You... do you hate this kind of thing?"

"Ah... well... maybe a little." Viviana hesitated for a moment before nodding, "It's really a far-fetched story... a little."

"I see. If it's really that bothering, I'll try to shut up that tabloid." Noah nodded. "If you have any problems, you can tell me. After all, I'm still your major investor. And I was recently promoted to spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce."

"Spokesperson? Congratulations." While Viviana wasn't familiar with the Chamber of Commerce, she knew the spokesperson's power was immense, and so she was delighted by Noya's promotion. "Just like you didn't know I, a little knight, would become the Candle Knight I am today, I never imagined I'd see you rise to that position. So, it's even, right?"

"Indeed." Noah nodded, agreeing deeply. "And I'm also very glad that I can be your friend, rather than just an investment partner."

"That's it..."

Chapter 29: Descending the Tower

Noah sensed a tinge of regret amidst Viviana's joy, but she didn't dwell on it. Perhaps she still had her own agenda. She still remembered the words she'd exchanged when they'd first met. Her desire to become a knight wasn't for fame or gain; it was simply because she'd read knight novels and yearned to be a true knight.

What she is actually doing now is to get closer to her ideal by becoming a knight.

By the way, she is also a fan of Margaret...

However, the knight competition she participated in was the one after Margaret was expelled, and the two did not meet on the field. The champion of that competition was the Blood Knight.

Noah had heard that this young knight had been abandoned by her original investors and had chosen to participate as an independent knight. Independent knights are rare in the entire knight competition; Margaret had won the championship as an independent knight. Noah had also happened to watch her competition and, noticing her exceptional Originium skills, had become interested in investing.

Noah had been a venture capitalist, and her returns were incredibly high. The current Candle Knight's Sanhua Knights were also entirely invested and established by Noah. The two chatted a lot on the day they signed the contract. When Noah mentioned Margaret, her attitude, which had been perfunctory at first, became more lively. Later, they became friends over their discussion of the Radiant Knight. Viviana also learned that Noah and Margaret were close friends, and her trust in Noah's character grew.

From then on, Noah felt that Viviana was a promising person, but on the other hand, he also felt that someone who was so attracted to Margaret was unlikely to be a bad person.

Indeed, during these few encounters, they gradually became close friends, to the point where they could go to the opera together and even share poetry collections.

"Speaking of which... Thunderstorm? What kind of opera is this? I've never seen a similar script."

"It seems to have been adapted from a play... I'm not sure, but the troupe came from Dayan and is touring. They say it's getting pretty good reviews..." Noah answered honestly, "I didn't pay much attention to the details at the time. I just thought it was interesting and bought a ticket."

"Is that so? So you bought it just to watch it with me?"

"Yeah," Noah said frankly, "There's no way I could go to the opera alone."

"...Ah." Viviana finally realized her words were wrong. She glanced at Noah uneasily, and only spoke after seeing that he wasn't angry. "I mean, I'm glad you bought a ticket just to go out with me..."

"Ah? Oh... I don't mind." Noah didn't actually realize this. "It's okay if you don't explain. There's no need for this between us."

"Yeah." Viviana's mood brightened up again. Noah smiled. With this ability to sense emotions, she could obviously pay more attention and notice when someone was upset. She could get along well with almost anyone. Thinking about it carefully, this ability of hers could be considered a kind of cheat, right?

The two chatted for a while, and occasionally Noah would pull Kuro to talk together, but Kuro has always been a quiet person, so Noah had to give up after trying a few times. It was not until the show started that the two reluctantly stopped the topic.

But this silence lasted until the end of the play——

How to say it... Viviana and Noah were both deeply shocked. Of course, it's not that the opera was bad. On the contrary, the characters were well portrayed, the performance was great, the sound effects were also very good, and it was probably some advanced mechanisms were used. The actors' performances were also very good.

But…it’s just…the relationship is just too messy.

The play depicts the grudges and hatred between two families in the Great Yan Kingdom. It features many characters, all of whom are well-drawn. The overall story has profound implications, and the plot is very refined. Even after being adapted into an opera, the emotional expression remains intact. I understand why it has received so many positive reviews.

The relationships between the characters are so complicated that Viviana finds it difficult to summarize them in words - it really takes too much brainpower.

After the opera was over, Viviana looked at Noah with an awkward expression. "I'm sorry, I don't know how to explain it... but it was pretty good."

"Just listening to the lines is already explosive... It's not your fault." Noah could fully understand why Viviana couldn't speak clearly. After all, these lines were also explosive in the explosive world.

Perhaps because their brains were filled with the amount of information from the opera, the two did not say much after leaving the theater. Noah also felt that Viviana's mood was a little confused, so he took the initiative to suggest finding a place to rest first. After getting Viviana's consent, Noah booked a private room in the cafe they often visited. After entering the box, Viviana relaxed and spoke.

"It's really memorable. I can understand why it has so many good reviews."

"Well, I rarely see such complex operas either—and I always think that tragedies are the most impressive," Noah said with a smile. "As a tragedy lover, I am completely satisfied."

"There's an awful lot of lines. The actors must have worked hard to remember them all," Viviana said with a smile, taking a sip of coffee. "The opera adaptation is also excellent. It makes me look forward to the original stage version."

"Me too." Noah agreed with Viviana. "I want to see the play version of the Thunderstorm story."

"Hmm..." Viviana nodded first, "But I can understand the feelings of those who don't want to repeat the same mistakes..."

"Ok?"

"Have I ever told you about my family before?" Viviana said, "Or about the things that happened before I came to Casimir."

"Yes, you did. You said you were in a high tower, reading a knight novel by candlelight?" Noah smiled and nodded. "I also said you were the princess in the tower."

"Before coming to Casimir, my entire world was that tower's attic. I'd read, occasionally looking down from the window..." Viviana said, observing Noah's expression. "I think, Noah, you can understand what that feels like, right?"

"Well... maybe." Noah didn't respond directly, "But you don't feel bored, do you?"

"Not really. I'm also curious about what the outside world is like. But after I actually got out, I kind of... didn't know what to do."

Viviana smiled bitterly. It was as if she had spent most of her life on a ferry. When she finally had the chance to get off, she realized that the outside world was not as good as she had thought.

Compared to that small attic, the world outside was indeed vast... but it was too vast, leaving Viviana feeling somewhat overwhelmed...

But everything has changed. She can't go back to that little attic, and she is forced to come to this world. From the princess of the tower to the princess who walks down the tower, she has no choice.

But fortunately... at least she had a friend by her side who made her feel good about getting down from the tower.

She looked at Noah with a gentle expression, as if a drowning person in the sea saw a ship coming towards her.

Noah felt a warm and sour emotional fluctuation... She was somewhat unfamiliar and familiar with this emotional fluctuation, but she did not express this feeling, she just said this.

"But I'm glad you came down from the tower, my princess."

Chapter 30: Silver Gray

"I never thought we would meet again so soon."

This time, the person who came into the office wasn't a stranger. During his trip to Rhodes Island, Noah hadn't been idle, actively cultivating relationships with the island's operators. Some of them were potential partners for future collaboration. The white-haired man in front of him, who looked remarkably like a CEO, rested his chin on his hand, observing the wheelchair-bound, blind young woman with great interest.

"As you can see, I am deeply honored to have Mr. Silver Gray, Chairman of Kalan Trading, here with us today."

Noya was courteous, with a sweet smile, and there was hardly a flaw in her. Even the picky Yinhui couldn't immediately distinguish her from the sincere and sociable young lady on the island. Admittedly, he was somewhat surprised when Noya contacted him. In fact, although Kalan Trade seemed to be flourishing, it had never received a single request for business cooperation from a major country other than Colombia.

This time, he was invited by Noah not only because his sister Yaxin and Noah had a close relationship, but also because the cooperation intention proposed by Noah himself, who had now become the spokesperson for the Commercial Federation of the Grand Knights of Casimir, was itself extremely valuable.

However, SilverAsh was also curious about why Kalan Trade was chosen. Casimir had a developed business, and Noah, as the spokesperson, should also be familiar with Kalan Trade. In fact, judging from the current situation of Kalan Trade, wouldn't Rhodes Island and Rhine Life seem more suitable to be partners?

"Mr. SilverAsh, are you wondering why I chose Kalan Trading?" Noah did not feel superior. Although it was true that she was in an absolute advantage in terms of the current supply and demand relationship, and Kalan Trading had no reason to refuse such a large order as long as she nodded, she also did not think that she was worthy of gratitude for doing so.

After all, it's a business. The reason for choosing Kalan Trade is actually very simple -

"Actually, I've wanted to work with Mr. SilverAsh for a long time. When I was talking to the doctor, she recommended it to me – if I'm worried about money after returning to Casimir, I might consider using Mr. SilverAsh's Kalan Trade." Noah stated his reasons bluntly. "I trust Miss Doctor's judgment, so I chose you. That's it."

"Exploiting?" SilverAsh wasn't angry at the other party's frankness. "It seems that Miss Noah is certain that she can control the Kalan Trade?"

"No, in fact, I think Kalan Trade is a very good partner." Noah shook his head. "I have no intention of interfering with Kalan Trade, nor do I mean to threaten Mr. SilverAsh. It's just... would Mr. SilverAsh refuse a win-win situation?"

"Indeed, I have no reason to refuse." Silver Gray raised his eyes and said to Noah in front of him, "I don't see any traps in the contract, and the treatment is even very generous. That's why I'm very curious about what you're after. The price you offered... doesn't seem like you're trying to lower it."

"That's a difference in perception." Noah shook his head. "I actually think I got a great deal."

"Oh?"

"Melted water from the snow mountains of Kjerag, medicinal herbs, Originium that doesn't melt ice, the fur of snow mountain pack animals—these things may seem commonplace to you, but in Casimir, they're things money can't buy. Take, for example, the melted water from the snow mountains, which is so pure it's drinkable. In Casimir, it must be filtered through numerous stages and extracted from the drinking water supply. The processing price is not cheap—some things you take for granted are, in fact, highly valuable in Casimir, where resources are scarce."

The essence of so-called trade is actually this: buying something that can be found everywhere at a low price, and then selling it at a high price in a place where this thing is very precious, making a profit from the difference.

To Casimir, everything about Kjerag, that pure land virtually untouched by Originium and natural disasters, was truly precious. That was why Noya was interested in the Kalan trade.

And it wasn't just a contract for materials, there was also a plan to invest in developing a resort in Kjerag. Unfortunately, SilverAsh didn't agree to this opportunity. Considering that this matter had to be approved by the villagers in Kjerag, Noah didn't say much.

However, the atmosphere of the business negotiations actually ended there - to be honest, Noah really didn't like to be so serious with acquaintances all the time, so after the two sides reached a consensus, Noah's attitude softened visibly.

"...Um...how's Miss Yaxin doing lately?"

Noya asked rather embarrassedly, "Back when I was still able to walk, I promised Miss Yaxin that I would go hiking with her after I recovered... I'm sorry, but I don't think that's possible now."

"It's nothing, she knows your situation." SilverAsh shook his head. Indeed, Noah's situation was special. Her eyes and legs were disabled due to complications of oripathy. When she first entered Rhodes Island, she could still see some things and walk, but as her condition progressed, when she was last seen in the ICU ward in Rhodes Island, she had completely changed. Her eyes had lost their luster, and she was completely unable to walk.

Although her life was saved, the price she paid was too tragic for her.

Yaxin was quite heartbroken at the time, visiting Nuoya's bedside every day to check on her well-being. However, Nuoya herself had been mentally prepared. Before the surgery and medication, the doctor had fully informed her of the possibility of such a situation, and she even comforted Yaxin in return.

"I feel the same way, but I still feel a little sorry." Noah said embarrassedly, "When I'm free, I'll go see her, or she can come see me."

"Yes, I'll let her know." Silver Gray nodded. "As a partner, I must ensure our interests are not harmed, but as a friend, I admire your ability and determination. Happy working together."

"Well, it's a pleasure to work with you."

After finishing the business negotiations, Noah originally wanted to invite SilverAsh to dinner, but was rejected this time. Instead, he chatted with Kuro for a while before leaving.

Back in Rhodes Island, Kuro and SilverAsh seemed to have a good relationship, with the latter even hinting at whether Kuro could be loaned out or even hired. However, Noya really needed Kuro's care, so she had no choice but to refuse.

Noah checked the time—today's business meeting was almost over, but according to Maina, there was supposed to be a new employee joining today...

Chapter 31: Front Desk Girl Xinteleya

Logically speaking, it is not your turn to worry about things like new employees joining the company.

But today ended unexpectedly quickly, so Noah thought he could stop by the Human Resources Department to see this new colleague before going to dinner.

Seeing that Kuro seemed to be still chatting with SilverAsh, Noah simply pushed the small wheelchair and moved away slowly.

Honestly, although Noya was blind, her memory and sense of direction were excellent. The company's layout was meticulously planned, perfectly square, and with her memory, she could navigate the office without any obstacles. Furthermore, with her sixth sense for people, she wasn't worried about bumping into anyone. Instead, she was somewhat pleased to be able to travel alone. Usually, Kuro helped push her wheelchair, and she had almost forgotten how it felt to sneak out on her own.

Soon, Noah arrived at the door of the Human Resources Department. Although there was still a door between them, Noah could already hear his Human Resources Director talking about rules and regulations.

Noya's company doesn't have many rules. She doesn't want to restrict her employees. They work for her, so she needs to provide commensurate compensation and benefits for those willing to contribute their time and energy. This includes vacation time, overtime pay, year-end bonuses, and regular trips. Most importantly, she doesn't impose any requirements on employees' off-duty hours, not even notifying them.

If you are required to work overtime, you will be notified when you start work, and overtime pay will be paid on the same day!

Others include not organizing any team-building activities after get off work, employee canteens, meal allowances for those who don't want to eat in the canteen, employee dormitories, and various subsidies.

Everything was basically done to the employees' benefit. Noya had been tinkering with the company since day one, and there was even a mentoring system for new employees. In short, from what I could tell, this company was by far the most humane in Casimir.

"Thank you for your hard work. It's lunchtime soon. I'll take care of the onboarding matters." Noah opened the sliding door of the HR department and said to the HR director, "...Also, are we really meeting soon, Ms. Cintrea? What are you doing...?"

That's right. From the moment he spoke, Noah recognized the employee inside as Miss Cintela, the Unarmed Assassin he'd met before. Seeing Noah's arrival, the HR director perked up. "No, I can do it myself. And... Chairman, please stop taking my work so easily. It makes me feel like I'm just slacking off."

"How could that be? My employees are all very capable." Noah said with a smile, "It's just that I have nothing to do right now. I can take the new employees to the cafeteria for lunch later. You go first. The chef made braised lion's head today."

“… Braised Lion’s Head…”

"Yeah, if you're late, there won't be any left. I came here in advance to tell you." Noya just smiled, but the HR director swallowed his saliva, looked at the confused new employee Miss Xinteleya, then looked at Noya, and finally couldn't resist the temptation. "Then... then I'll go first. Miss Xinteleya, you will follow our chairman to handle the onboarding procedures now, and then go to the employee cafeteria for lunch. During the probation period, you can try out all the company facilities for free. Excuse me for now!"