Chapter 99: Preparations for the Fighting Tournament
Maimail hurriedly returned to his mansion. The butler, looking very flustered, greeted him, but Maimail ignored him and headed straight for the guest room.
"Will he really wait for me?" He thought anxiously as he entered the room. Inside, the pitiful girl (??) was resting on the inner sofa. Seeing Maimail, she smiled gently.
"It's you. You're early."
With a tone that didn't match her appearance, she raised one hand in greeting. It was undoubtedly Lady Rimuru. Maimail, certain of this, congratulated Rimuru on her safe return. Seeing their master's demeanor, the retainers, without any hesitation, treated Rimuru with great respect. Perhaps because she had stayed here before, they were now more familiar with her.
After reheating the cold tea, Maimail asked about the purpose of Rimuru's visit.
"Well, nothing much. I just thought of a job I'd like to entrust to you. For you, Maimail, it should be simple. I have a plan, and I want you to be the overall supervisor. How about it, will you take it on?"
Rimuru smiled with a mischievous look, her intentions unreadable, but it was clear that the task would be troublesome. Despite this,
"So, what is this plan, my lord?" Maimail asked, ready to hear the details. For some reason, he felt deeply drawn to this person. As a merchant, it was unwise to let emotions override business sense, but he couldn't help it. He might not be a good merchant, but if he wasn't, perhaps this was the perfect time to serve this person.
Thinking this, Maimail imagined himself serving Rimuru. The mere thought filled him with an indescribable excitement. Rimuru explained her plan, which was a surprising proposal. She wanted to host a fighting tournament in Tempest and asked Maimail to handle the preparations. She described it as a form of entertainment for the masses, where people could watch and cheer in an arena that could hold 10,000 people. Admission tickets would be sold to the general public, and even if they were free, it would be a good way to promote Tempest's cuisine, inns, and baths.
The movement of 10,000 people was significant. Even with the roads improved, the logistics of transporting and feeding such a large number of people would be challenging. Additionally, the infrastructure to accommodate the audience needed to be in place, including lodging. The money spent by the visitors alone would be a significant benefit. Tempest's accommodations were well-developed, so they could handle the influx. The key was to attract regular visitors to improve profitability. This tournament would serve as a means to do so.
"How exciting! You're entrusting me with this plan, which is already well-prepared and ready to go!"
"Such tasks are better left to professionals, right? Maimail, surely you're not lacking in confidence?"
"Hahaha! Indeed, you're quite the character, Lord Rimuru."
"Ha ha ha! That's right, that's right! Maimail, you have the skills for this!"
They laughed loudly, both with a somewhat sinister look on their faces.
"You know, this will involve a lot of money, right? I'm sure you understand."
"Haha, don't worry. I specialize in this... I will ensure a result that will satisfy you, Lord Rimuru!"
This tournament would indeed involve a lot of money, just as Rimuru said. Maimail thought, "She's truly a formidable person. How much does she read into things? It's almost frightening."
"This means that recovery potions will have a new use. No matter how badly injured, as long as it's not fatal, recovery is possible... They could even be sold to the participants for stamina regulation. And the true purpose is promotion, right? To encourage people to visit Tempest multiple times. That's my job, to think of such events..."
"Indeed, Maimail, indeed! You're the only one I can trust with this task! Even if the tournament itself doesn't yield a profit, the goal is to make people want to come back. I'll leave the selection of invitees to you. Please take care of it!"
They shook hands, both feeling a surge of excitement. Maimail's mind was racing with ideas, and he felt a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in a long time. As a merchant, he could see numerous possibilities. Just the idea of betting on the winner could bring in substantial profits. He thought about various plans and felt the weight of his responsibility.
Excitement welled up inside him, making his body tremble. He would make this tournament a success and prove his worth to Rimuru. As a demon lord, Rimuru's help would be invaluable.
Rimuru then added, "And, if you're willing, would you consider joining our side if this tournament is successful? You could take charge of the commercial or promotional departments. The title doesn't matter; I want you to be the head of one of them. We've grown, and we need to establish a solid system. What do you think?"
What do you think? What do you think? What do you think? ...?
Her words, like a gospel, echoed in Maimail's heart, stimulating his deepest desires. He nodded vigorously, accepting the offer.
Of course. She was recognizing his worth. Failure was not an option. He would make this tournament a resounding success and become one of her trusted subordinates!
At this age, Maimail felt a surge of excitement, hope, and dreams that he hadn't felt in a long time. This emotion was like a sweet nectar, something he never wanted to lose again. Even after the meeting, his excitement didn't wane. He had a lot to do.
First, he gathered his retainers and declared his intentions. If the tournament went well, he had no plans to return to the Brumund Kingdom. He announced this to everyone and asked, "What will you do? You can do as you please with this mansion."
The retainers, in unison, replied, "Please take us with you!"
There was no hesitation or reluctance. Maimail, who held a public position in this country but was also a member of the Free Guild, had the freedom to leave and go to another country. He decided to act quickly. He left the mansion in the hands of a few retainers to serve as a base for his activities in the Brumund Kingdom.
He instructed the retainers to prepare for the move and returned to his business. He called the manager and led him to a private room.
"You've grown quite a bit. I think you're ready to take over this shop."
He got straight to the point. The manager, a relative's child, had been entrusted with the shop. He was a clever and capable man whom Maimail had nurtured. However, after his family's business failed, he had no place to go, so Maimail hired him as the shop manager. He was a hard worker and a suitable person to run the shop.
"Sir... What do you mean by that?"
The manager, unable to believe what he heard, asked cautiously. Maimail nodded and explained, "Actually, I've been given a big task. I have to leave the country, so I want to transfer the shop to you. Make it a success and, if possible, bring your parents here."
Maimail smiled warmly and patted the manager's shoulder. He was genuinely transferring the shop but would still hold a debt. He would receive a document and, if necessary, collect the payment later. Maimail, as a merchant, wasn't that soft-hearted.
Most importantly, if the manager couldn't pay the debt, it would mean he lacked the ability to succeed. Maimail, as a strict but caring mentor, held this belief.
"Thank you, thank you... I will make it a success and repay your kindness!"
The manager, finally understanding, expressed his gratitude. Maimail, listening to his words, nodded and said, "Good luck!"
He then smoothly completed the formalities. As a precaution, he instructed the manager to prioritize the safety of the goods in case of any issues. He was thorough in his planning.
Accepting the manager's resolve and gratitude, Maimail gathered the shop employees and announced the change in ownership. To the surprised employees, he said, "If you have any problems, feel free to consult me. But I believe you can handle the new system. Just don't deal carelessly with nobles!"
The employees, understanding his words, nodded. Maimail's thinking was thorough, and none of them were inexperienced. However, a few employees asked, "Can we go with you, sir?"
These five or so employees were ones Maimail had particularly cared for. He was surprised by their willingness to leave their livelihoods to follow him. It was a commitment he hadn't expected.
Maimail, finding it difficult to answer, was hesitant. But the employees who spoke up showed no signs of backing down. The former manager, smiling, nodded and said, "Sir, they are all your disciples. Please take them with you."
"But... won't it be hard for you if they leave?"
"Haha, don't worry! I've also learned from you!"
Moved by their resolve, Maimail nodded. In a big project, trusted subordinates were invaluable. He decided to accept their request.
Thus, Maimail, having settled his affairs, set off for Tempest.
??????????????????????????
Leaving Maimail's mansion, I sighed in relief. Fortunately, he accepted the task. Hosting a fighting tournament was a good idea, but could it be used for something more?
This thought was the starting point. Things don't just happen on their own. I quickly ordered the construction of the arena. The site, which had been a mess after the battle with the Holy Knights, was now a flat area. It was a suitable location with good transportation.
I also announced the tournament alongside the news of my coronation as Demon Lord. I planned to invite powerful monsters from the Jura Great Forest to participate. This would serve as a scouting mission. As a nation, adding powerful monster subordinates was a priority, and this was a good opportunity.
While some Demon Lords recruit mindflayers as subordinates to expand their power, it's unclear how strong they really are. But this time, the real battles would reveal their strength. Even if few participated, a large number of spectators would be fine. Showing the strength of our officers would discourage other powerful monsters from causing trouble. If they did, we would eliminate them. Ideally, we would add them to our ranks.
Especially since angels might attack, I had no intention of stopping development. Living comfortably and peacefully was my goal. Thinking this, I decided to expand our power a bit.
I invited powerful figures from various clans, offering rewards to the winners. Since monsters aren't interested in money, I promised to fulfill their desires. Many were interested in participating.
If so, it would be a waste not to use this as entertainment. Having enjoyed year-end fighting channels, I thought this would be perfect for entertainment. However, setting admission fees was a hassle. Free admission was fine, but it wouldn't promote Tempest.
After some thought, I realized we lacked the personnel to manage the event. There were no monsters skilled in financial management. Doing it myself was impractical and tedious. That's when I thought of Maimail. He was indeed a capable person. I didn't know how he accepted the task, but he started planning more enthusiastically than I expected. He seemed to be thinking of hosting multiple tournaments.
He even planned to sell recovery potions. He was a formidable man. If so, a temporary arena might not be enough. Thinking this, I quickly contacted Geld. The foundation work was still ongoing, so expanding and improving the structure wasn't a problem.
At a drinking party, I had mentioned something unnecessary, which led to this. Additionally, all the officers had gone into hiding, claiming secret training. Only Ranga was resting as usual in my shadow.
Since I was already in the Brumund Kingdom, I decided to visit Hughes. I entered the Free Guild's Brumund branch, and curious eyes followed me. They probably didn't recognize me since I had worn a mask on my previous visit. It didn't matter. If Hughes didn't guide me, I could leave.
Thinking this, I headed to the reception desk.
"Hello. My name is Rimuru. Can you guide me to Hughes? Here's my guild card."
I showed the card from my disguise. Someone whispered, "Is this girl an adventurer?" but I ignored it. The receptionist, a lady, recognized me.
"Oh! It's been a while! How have you been?"
"Ah, yes, it has! I'm glad to see you're well. Can you guide me to Hughes?"
"Of course! Right this way!"
I passed through easily. Someone behind me whispered, "Is that real? Who is that girl?" but I ignored them. I entered the same magic circle as before and went to the room.
Inside, Hughes was holding his head.
"Surprised? What's wrong? You look troubled."
"Ah, it was peaceful just a moment ago, but then a Demon Lord appeared..."
"Eh? Really? That's dangerous. Isn't it too relaxed?"
"No, no, the Demon Lord is right in front of me. What should I do?"
"Eh? In that case, wouldn't it be better to offer tea? And maybe some cake?"
"Cake? What are you talking about! Such luxurious food isn't easily available! Seriously, can you be so carefree even as a Demon Lord?"
While complaining, Hughes prepared tea. Despite his appearance, he was a diligent man. I thanked him and took the tea, then briefly explained the events in Falugris. The Demon Lords had increased to eight, now called the "Octagram Demon Lords." More importantly, I mentioned the possibility that the Free Guild's Grand Master, Yuki Kagurazaka, might be connected to the "Cursed King" Kazahim.
Hughes, after hearing my story, muttered that it was unbelievable. However, he started thinking of countermeasures, even while doubting. If it was wrong, it was fine, but if it was right, they needed a plan. They couldn't be complacent. He was truly reliable.
"Given this, it's best to prepare magical tools that can resist mental control. We are all preparing them. And only tell this story to those you believe are not under Yuki's influence."
"I understand... Of course. I'll look for someone who can remove brainwashing or mental manipulation!"
Indeed, he understood quickly. He would take care of the internal matters without me needing to say more.
"If you have any problems, contact me."
I handed him a long-distance communication device and 100 gold coins.
"Hey, young master... What is this...?"
"A means of communication and necessary expenses. You'll need them, right?"
"Thank you. But, if you're giving this much, it must be serious, right?"
"Indeed. Inguracia is now so unbelievable. With Yuki's skills, where do you think his influence will reach in ten years?"
Hughes, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded several times and muttered.
"It was so peaceful until you came..."
"Doesn't matter, right? More work means more opportunities. A big job has come our way!"
I raised my hands in a surrender pose and said, "Tell me your request."
He nodded, determined. Asking him to suspect the headquarters' top official must be complicated. Feeling guilty, I explained the situation seriously. My goal was the children at the school. If Yuki was suspicious, the children needed to be rescued. But if I acted rashly, my suspicions would be revealed. I needed to be cautious. Ideally, a third party, unrelated to me, should stage a kidnapping.
Hughes nodded and started planning. Haste was dangerous. Since we hadn't been discovered yet, there was no need for drastic measures. We needed to proceed carefully, even if it took time.
"I've accepted the request. Leave it to me!"
Hughes nodded and promised. We would check the progress of the incident manipulation by a trusted person. If possible, we would secure the children. For now, we had to trust him.