"Stella, over here."
A seemingly ordinary woman invited her. Although the people in this banquet hall were of similar age, they appeared rather ordinary because what mattered here wasn't looks, but family background.
They were either wives of high-ranking officials or daughters from prestigious families, all of whom had received a good education.
The presence of snobs who looked down on others was extremely rare here. Being able to enter this place meant none of them were fools. On the surface, this was an ordinary salon, but in reality, it was a private social gathering.
Today's brief encounter might prove to be very useful in the future. Even if they didn't like each other, they had long since learned to put on a show.
The women gathered in small groups of threes and fours represented the factions behind them. Stella naturally represented Tesoro, the general manager of the giant Hundred Beasts Fruit, which had suddenly appeared in recent years. He had attracted a lot of attention.
Especially since he also worked part-time as a singer, frequently appearing in public.
With professional vocal training and his innate talent, he had gained some fame. This was also the unique point of his entertainment company, as the ones he promoted were himself and Stella.
Many wanted to climb into his bed, but they all failed. No one could shake Stella's position in his heart; she was the epitome of hope during his darkest times.
A glimmer of light gave his life new motivation, so those wanting to do business often took the wife's route, hoping to indirectly influence Tesoro through Stella.
Some even had dangerous thoughts, which is why Stella now had the special bodyguard Tanaka by her side, along with the cat Persian. Its seemingly ordinary claws had tasted blood.
They all had different kinds of cats around them. Before Stella's arrival, the cats' interactions were far from pleasant. Some unfamiliar cats stared each other down.
Some were even kept in cages, showing their owners clearly didn't keep cats usually and had just bought one temporarily to participate in the salon.
However, with Persian's appearance, all the cats, whether in cages or outside, stopped their actions. A few that had been disciplined by it already huddled into a ball.
"Your Persian is still so obedient; I could never find its breed, it's so rare."
"Tesoro said it's a rare breed from some Exotic Beast Island, so it's normal that it's rare."
This was the facade of the cat boss's identity. A gold chain on Persian's head was connected to a ruby, and this luxurious adornment was very popular in this circle.
"It's too rare. My little Mew is reaching that time. Do you think they should give it a try?"
"Let them decide for themselves. Persian is quite independent."
This wasn't the first time a cat wanted to breed with Persian, but as the cat boss, it looked down on these ordinary cats, quietly curling up on the sofa licking its paws, occasionally eyeing those who approached Stella.
"Let's talk about it later. It seems like today's guests have come up with some new tricks. It's actually a product from your company."
Unlike Cake Island, which focused more on taste, whether the food here tasted good was unknown, but their appearance made them seem unaffordable.
What followed was familiar conversation among women, mostly commercial flattery and gossip about people who had fallen from grace, and Stella found her opportunity.
Platinum Lead had a use as a sweetener. Ground into fine powder, it sparkled brightly and was considered a very precious spice among the upper class, much like edible gold leaf. If one couldn't present Platinum Lead at a banquet, they would be looked down upon.
In terms of consumption, it was indeed harmless. It wouldn't remain in the body like during smelting but would instead be excreted normally. This was what perplexed researchers; the nature of Platinum Lead was just too strange.
"I heard there's been a big event in Freyvans, and the market price of Platinum Lead has skyrocketed."
"I heard it was some infectious disease and many people died, Stella, what are you doing?"
While some sprinkled sugar powder mixed with Platinum Lead above, Stella took out a small spray bottle and sprayed it.
"Huh? You didn't know? I heard it wasn't an infectious disease there at all, but Platinum Lead poisoning. This stuff is poisonous. And those who fell ill had white spots all over, their whole face looked like it shattered."
She deliberately exaggerated some facts to instill fear in them. Although no evidence was presented yet, they all stopped their activities and hesitated at the Platinum Lead cutlery.
Eating it might not cause problems, but not eating it would certainly be safe. Everyone cared about their own face.
At this moment, Stella continued to use Platinum Lead as if nothing had happened.
"Didn't you say... this thing is poisonous?"
"Yes, but this is a special medicine for handling Platinum Lead issues. With this, there's nothing to fear."
The plan proceeded as usual, and someone was cooperating with her—none other than the wife of the person Tesoro had bribed recently. The issue of Platinum Lead left seeds from this ordinary salon; with the right opportunity, these seeds would fully bloom.
The one holding that opportunity was currently having people work overtime printing newspapers.
"Everyone, give it your all. Although it's a last-minute article, I believe in your abilities!"
Morgans stood on the table, holding the recently received information to inspire his employees. He didn't investigate the truth because the photos and intelligence were too comprehensive.
Even if it were fake, it was enough to convince most people.
There was no such thing as censoring here. Burnt corpses, bloodied soldiers in chemical protective suits, and photographs of fallen doctors and patients appeared as if taken by an invisible person, matching the technical level of Wanted Poster photographers.
If it weren't for this unimaginable level of technology by photographers, this would be enough for a science show to fill a year's worth of specials.
"Boss, isn't this news too sensational...?"
"Hahaha, what's the nonsense you're spouting? It's sensational; that's why we have to publish it! This is headline news! The fall of an entire country due to human greed is what grabs people's attention!"
Although it didn't mention the World Government's investigation of mineral resources, the remaining news was enough to cause alarm among neighboring citizens.
"But boss, what about the other news? Look at this person; he was promised a front-page for his new song, and you agreed last time..."