Chapter 208.1. Karen’s New Workplace

-Karen’s POV-
Katou Karen was heading towards a building on the outskirts of the rapidly developing town of Kamakura at an astonishing speed.
“Um… Is this the place?” 
Karen muttered as she looked at the location she had finally arrived at, following the map in her hand.
It was a research institute, as indicated by the marble inscription on the building’s front that read Ulhara Second Research Institute. 
The institute was a newly constructed building with an impressive design.
It had multiple stacked dome-like structures, and the front of the building was made of glass. 
It exuded cleanliness and harmony with the surrounding tree-lined paths and gardens. 
Holographic signboards floated in the air, and people in white lab coats walked around, giving the impression of an elite research institute.
“A research institute… I hope I won’t get treated as an experimental subject.”
Karen was relieved that the institute appeared decent. 
She had feared that she might have been hired as a subject, considering the amount of money she gets paid.
Feeling relieved, she was about to step forward when she heard an annoyed voice from behind.
“Hey, you’re in the way. What are you standing in front of the gate for?”
“Ouch!”
Karen was lightly kicked from behind as she turned around, surprised. 
“W-What’s the matter?”
Turning around, she saw a petite girl standing there. 
The girl had a messy nest-like hairstyle, a defiant look in her eyes, and was chewing bubble gum, which she blew into a balloon.
She was short, resembling an elementary school student in stature. 
Her chest was flat, making her look like a boy, but she was wearing a skirt, so she was likely a girl. 
She wore a hoodie, had her hands in her pockets, and gave off a delinquent-like vibe.
“You’re blocking Lug-chan’s way. You’ve got some nerve, huh? Hey, are you a newcomer?”
And she had a foul mouth. 
Karen wondered what kind of education she had received. 
Despite Karen having a sharp tongue, she kept her bad language to herself.
“Then, go buy me some food. Lug-chan forgot to buy lunch. Get me a yakisoba bread, a cream-filled bread, and a concentrated orange juice.”
“What?! That’s… troubling.”
“Well, I’ll give you money now, and you can give me the change.”
“That’s not the issue here!”
Karen was not only surprised but also exasperated by this girl she had just met and who suddenly wanted to use her as a gofer in a place like this.
“What’s the matter? Do you want to eat some bread too? Fine, as your senpai, cute little Lug-chan’ll treat you. Would a sweet bun be okay?”
As the girl took out her wallet and recommended the cheapest-looking bread, it seemed like she wanted to play the role of a senior.
As the girl continued talking, Karen planned to complain or shout at her, but before she could do it, a man appeared behind the girl.
“Cut it out, Lug Dovel.”
The man smiled cheerfully, and mercilessly punched Lug on the head.
“Ow! That hurt!”
Lug’s head, which was struck by the punch, made a loud thud, and she crouched down in pain.
“What the hell, Polini-san! There’s no other time for me to act like a senpai!”
“Isn’t it too early for someone who joined 3 days ago to act all senior-like?”
With teary eyes, Lug confronted the man and complained. 
The man raised an eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders.
[This brat only joined 3 days ago!]
Karen was inwardly surprised. It was way too soon to be acting like a senior. She was not only bold but also audacious. 
Karen was not just surprised but dumbfounded and speechless.
Moreover, she had heard this way of speaking somewhere before. 
And it was very recent.
“I’m sorry… um, you came today?”
“Ah, yes. I’m Katou Karen.”
She hurriedly bowed her head and introduced herself. 
The man appeared to be a middle-aged boss of this research institute.
She decided to play along and put on a meek and submissive act.
“Hello, Katou-san. I’m Polini. I’m the director of this institute and the executive of Ulhara.”
Polini returned the greeting with polite manners, which surprised Karen internally.
She had researched that Ulhara was a recently established venture company. 
However, despite being a venture company, it had rapidly expanded its scale and achieved remarkable success.
The exact capital was unknown as it didn’t go public, but its prospects were extremely promising. 
It was also believed to have the support of Takano County.
[Activate Karen Eye!]
Karen’s eyes glowed as she unleashed the power of her exceptional ninja skills. 
It was the secret technique of the Katou ninja clan, the ability to discern the opponent’s power.
[A complete suit… magically enhanced and of the highest quality… The wristwatch is a famous brand, and his posture is good! Good-looking face! The personality seems a bit strict but also calm. Age… around 30? He gives off an older vibe, but his skin condition and hair suggest he’s in his 20s! Final information: no wedding ring on the ring finger!]
After analyzing her opponent, Karen, the exceptional ninja, with teary eyes, leans toward Polini as if clinging to him.
“So, you’re the director. I’ll do my best, so please take care of me and provide your guidance.”
She locked onto Polini, acting obedient and innocent. Of course, she saw him as a potential marriage partner.
[Age difference doesn’t matter! I’ve been waiting for a rich person from a venture company like this!]
Ordinary rich people are usually nobles. 
Even commoners are busy with political marriages with nobles, so marrying into wealth is just a dream, a fairy tale level.
However, it’s different with venture companies. 
They are busy with work, and even if they are nobles, they are at the baron level. 
He doesn’t seem to have an engagement, and there is a high chance he might awaken to me as a rare opportunity.