Voice: See ya next month!
---
"Of course, Alicia. It wouldn't be called 'Bell' Conglomerate in another world if we aren't still the owner," Ronald said jovially, cutting up the discounted chicken meat on his plate. "Besides, we wouldn't want to think the managers own their branches. They're just that, 'managers,' after all."
"Um, how does that work exactly?" Alicia asked confusingly, her knife and fork froze in place. "Do people know who you are, father?"
"Correct," Ronald nodded, surprising her daughter who threw that question not seriously. "It is basic knowledge that the Bell Branches all answer to me, Ronald Bell. Soon enough, it'll be you, my daughter."
"Is that alright?" Alicia asked skeptically.
"Yeah! Ain't that breaking the secret!?"
"No worries, 'let none witness you' only applies to our secret as Court Wizards," Ronald explained. "So Ronald Bell, the owner of Bell Conglomerate can be known to other worlds so long as it does not trace back to the Court."
"That is true. Back then, it was Alan whom we knew was the owner of the Conglomerate in Spiri Raia," Alicia's mother remarked as she took a sip from her tea. "He was quite the enigma for those trying to dig into the Bell Branches."
"Grandfather?" Alicia tilted her head in curiosity.
"Yes," Ronald nodded. "When dad set about the Bell Branch concept, he decided to play as the elusive man behind the Conglomerate, maintaining a mysterious persona in the large scheme of things. He would be this person only the managers know personally and will never be in one place for long, always moving from one place to another while establishing more branches.
"That way, he could leave very little traces that could lead curious eyes to the Court while getting them interested in the Bell Branches at the same time. When it was time to put himself on the negotiating table and perhaps extend the circle of trust when necessary, he can just appear at the most opportune time and take over for the manager."
"Yes, none of the managers were ever known to divulge any information about the owner of the Conglomerate. It was to the point where some doubted he even existed!" Irene cupped her cheek. "Even father thought the Bells were all made up for marketing until you revealed yourself, Ronald. No one even knows where the 'main' branch was."
"And they will never know," Ronald chuckled.
---
"M-Miss Bell!?" the manager exclaimed in surprise as Alicia placed herself between him and the noble.
"How dare you interrupt us, woman!" Doug roared in anger being so close to corner the manager only to be stopped. "Who do you think you are!?"
While this was going on, Owen and William got down the stairs and hid behind the counter where Maria was. Jonathan took the initiative and stood behind Alicia to back her up just in case.
"I will be taking over, mister Davis," Alicia told the manager. "This has gotten personal."
"...Very well, miss Bell," the manager nodded before retreating.
"Wait, Bell?" the noble muttered in realization, having caught onto Alicia's surname.
Alicia then turned to the noble. "Yes, my name is Alicia Bell, daughter of Ronald Bell the owner of Bell Conglomerate. I am also the heiress of the company," she declared with her arms crossed.
YOU ARE READING
Wizards of the Otherworldly Court: Alicia Part 1
Fantasy"Why are my hands getting warmer?" As far as Alicia was concerned, she was the daughter of a rich businessman attending high school. Then, she feels off and at the same time, she's not. One week later, her best friend brought her to another world(s)...
