"Thank you."
The man's voice was low and timid, full of apprehension.
Once he entered the lobby, Rita followed closely behind with Shiina Mashiro. She watched the dejected man nervously explain something to the receptionist, gesturing wildly in a way that was almost amusing, while the receptionist maintained her professional smile throughout.
Before long, under the receptionist's directions, he bowed and took his leave. Only then did Rita step forward with Shiina Mashiro.
"Hello, ladies. How may I help you?"
The receptionist's voice was gentle, yet carried the mechanical quality of professionalism. She had seen too many so-called manga artists come here full of confidence and leave in despair. Such cruel professional competition could numb anyone.
Still, Rita and Shiro's appearance made her take an extra look, though she merely wondered whether they might be the daughters of some company executive.
"Hello, my name is Rita Rossweisse, and this is Shiina Mashiro. We have an appointment with Editor Iida Ayano."
Rita gave the receptionist a beautiful smile.
"Editor Iida?"
The receptionist froze slightly, then hurriedly flipped through the records on her desk. After comparing them with her finger, she quickly looked up and said respectfully, "Editor Iida is waiting for you in the leftmost meeting room. Would you like me to take you there?"
Completely unlike her attitude toward the previous man, the receptionist's smile became far more genuine, and even her voice turned warm and enthusiastic.
"That won't be necessary. We'll go by ourselves. Thank you!"
Rita glanced over. The room was visible at a glance, so there was no need for anyone to lead the way.
Knock, knock, knock!
After arriving at the meeting room, Rita knocked lightly on the door three times.
Almost immediately, footsteps sounded. The next moment, the door opened, and a young-looking woman