There was also Gabil. He had been working with Vesta on a presentation about the history and development of our healing potions. They weren't going to reveal core technologies — that was off limits — but they wanted to attract people who'd volunteer for real research. They already had enough recruits, but they were looking for those who were truly passionate.
Kurobee and Garm, the eldest of the three dwarven brothers, were preparing their exhibits too. Gabil and Vesta, Kurobee and Garm — the pairs planned to stand next to each other and compete to see who could draw a bigger crowd. I liked that friendly rivalry; it gave the festival life.
Kaijin would return around the festival. I told Geld to take a vacation, so some construction would pause. I also told him to give the captives a break — they'd likely throw their own feast. We arranged rotating shifts so everyone could enjoy part of the week; the celebration would last around a week and I wanted people to rest.
Shion wasn't slacking either.
"Hehehe, please look forward to it, Lord Atem!" she said, grinning too confidently.
I raised an eyebrow. "Don't blow anything up this time," I told her. She just laughed.
Veldora had made another loud declaration too — something dramatic, probably dangerous. I'd have to manage him before he turned the plaza into a crater.
With everyone busy, I realized I should do something myself. Myourmiles came to mind.
A servant brought black tea and the desserts I liked. He'd learned my tastes from past visits; the tea was brewed perfectly. I took a sip, the flavor settling my mood, and turned to business.
"Myourmiles," I said, "I came to ask a favor. It's not heavy — just something you handle better than anyone."
He grinned. "Hehe — Lord Atem, your 'small favors' always turn my schedule upside down. What is it this time?"
I smiled faintly. "This one should be simple, but I need your precision and your contacts. I want Eterna's founding festival to be unlike anything the world has seen. I need you to help weave the details."
He straightened, eyes sharpening. "Understood, Lord Atem. Whatever you need, I'll make it happen."
"Good," I said. "Then let the preparations begin."
Myourmiles responded with a confident smile. Though he claimed my request was exhausting, his eyes betrayed genuine interest. After all, we were working on the "Fast Food Chain Expansion Plan," aiming to sell items like hamburgers across Eterna. I had entrusted him with the execution — a responsibility he handled with skill.
Earlier, the movements of Hinata's party had forced me to put the plan on hold temporarily, but I still kept a close watch. Now, with the festival approaching, it was the perfect time to push forward.
"Hehehe, don't put it that way, Myourmiles-kun. Regarding the plan I gave you previously, before opening shops in Blumund and Ingracia, I want to experiment with a store in my own kingdom first."
"Oh? I was just wondering where to implement the plan, so your timing is perfect. By the way, since you're bringing this proposal, does it mean the conflict with the Holy Knight Order has been resolved?" Myourmiles asked cautiously.
I nodded slightly. "It's resolved. I've already negotiated peace with Hinata and Rules. Everyone is on the same page."
"Oh? I see! I thought the Western Holy Church would be more of a headache. Looks like I've been worrying unnecessarily." He smiled reassuringly.
I forced a small smile back, secretly wiping away an imaginary sweat. That was close — almost slipped and mentioned Luminas. If I had, it could have caused trouble, even for Myourmiles. The Festival wasn't only about Hinata and the Holy Knights; Luminas might attend, and I had to be careful with my words.
"Why should I attend such a tasteless festival?" I thought. True to form, that was exactly the sort of thing she would say. Perhaps it would be easier if she didn't come at all.
I shook off the thought. "Then let me show you the progress of our training before officially opening the stores," Myourmiles said cheerfully, cutting in before I could dwell on Luminas.
I nodded. "Has the training gone smoothly?"
"Of course. The staff are ready to handle anything professionally," he replied confidently.
"You're quite capable, Myourmiles-kun," I said, locking eyes with him. We shared a brief, private chuckle. The plan was moving perfectly — there shouldn't be any issue with a grand opening during the festival.
"Regarding the menu, should we sell hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, and juices?" I asked.
"Good idea. The barbecue kabob alone will attract many customers. Pair it with rice balls, and sales will definitely increase," Myourmiles confirmed.
"Has the kabob been well-received?"
"It's quietly popular among employees already," he said, nodding. The combination of cow-deer and chicken-duck had earned good reviews.
"All right, include that on the menu. But do we have enough skilled people?"
"About that, I estimate enough for twenty shops. Costs are high, but reasonable considering employee rotation. Training fees are necessary. We'll have enough to open five locations."
As expected of Myourmiles, he understood immediately and spared no expense in preparing talent.
"If that's the case… could you prepare five of your best chefs?" I asked, a sly smile on my face.
"Five people? For what purpose?"
"I have a friend, Veldora…"
"V-Veldora!" Myourmiles' face shifted slightly.
"He wants to run a takoyaki booth during the festival." I continued calmly, noticing his reaction.
"I-I see…" he muttered, beginning to sweat slightly. I pressed on.
"Wouldn't it be unsettling to leave him in charge alone?"
"P-probably…"
"That's why, Myourmiles-kun, I need five of your best chefs to assist Veldora," I said with a firm smile.
Myourmiles tilted his head and spoke to Veldanava above, checking the safety of those assigned.
"All assured. Just inform me if anything happens. I'll scold him myself if he acts up."
"I believe you would. But this Veldora — he's the Storm Dragon, yes?"
"Indeed. Even you've heard of him, Myourmiles."
He nodded cautiously. "I imagine the staff might be terrified before even starting…"
I acknowledged. "That's exactly why we'll use an alias. No one needs to know who he truly is."
"That's it!" I said. "Let's assign him an alias to protect everyone. Five of your best chefs will work with him, and I'll personally ensure they're rewarded. Relay the message carefully."
Myourmiles gave a firm nod. "Understood.
Consider it done, Lord Atem."
With that, all preparations for the festival were set into motion, and the groundwork for the fast food expansion in Eterna was firmly laid.
I felt a sense of satisfaction at how smoothly the issue had been resolved and didn't spare a thought for Myourmiles's shocked expression.
Veldora's stubborn tantrums were hardly surprising by now, but the upcoming festival would host important figures from various nations. It would be humiliating if even one of them fell ill because of food mismanagement. I needed verifiable supervision — trusted eyes to oversee Veldora and the preparation process to ensure everything went perfectly. It was too harsh to outright reject him, yet leaving him completely unsupervised would be nerve-wracking.
All things considered, I was fortunate. The staff Myourmiles had selected were already well-trained, reliable enough that I could focus on other matters without constant concern.
Myourmiles appeared as if he had something to say, his expression hesitant. I didn't press him — chances were it wasn't critical. For now, it was best to let him manage these tasks whenever they came my way.
Atem appeared remarkably composed, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he observed Myourmiles. Meanwhile, Myourmiles felt as though a massive weight had been thrust upon him, his mind in turmoil.
C-can't believe it… Veldora-sama. I've heard his seal was broken, but I never imagined I'd have to deal with him directly…
The thought alone made Myourmiles's head ache. At first, discussing the festival plans had seemed manageable—a simple practice opportunity with a stall here and there. But assigning people to supervise Veldora? That was a completely different matter.
Yet seeing Atem stand before him, calm and assured, exuding the authority of someone who could command forces beyond imagination, Myourmiles felt he had no choice but to comply. Atem's presence demanded compliance, not out of fear alone, but out of respect for his unmatched power and judgment.
"Speaking of which, if you're hosting a festival on such a scale, there will be countless participants. From a business perspective, this could also be an excellent opportunity to turn a profit," Myourmiles muttered, almost unconsciously.
Traveling merchants, adventurers, nobles—all would converge upon Eterna for the festival. Neighboring towns and villages would surely send representatives to partake in the pageantry.
This is… a tremendous opportunity, Myourmiles thought, his mind racing with the possibilities.
Atem's gaze flicked to him, sharp but not unkind. "Interested, Myourmiles-kun?" he asked. "I can understand your mindset. You've handled merchandise for this project, but I intend for our nation to have featured attractions as well."
Myourmiles's eyes widened slightly. Atem's ability to read intentions—and his quiet, commanding tone—was unnerving.
"A main feature, you say?"
"Yes. We're transforming Eterna into a full-scale health resort," Atem explained, his voice calm yet charged with authority. "Hot springs, inns, accommodations for visiting nobles. But there's a glaring lack of recreational facilities."
"I see," Myourmiles replied, inclined to listen.
Atem's plans were meticulous; every step carefully considered.
Atem's voice carried a subtle excitement now, his rare smile accentuating the intensity behind his words. "We can do more than just provide food and lodging. I want programs to entertain our guests fully. For example, guided tours of the Jura Great Forest, accompanied by guards to ensure safety. Fishing competitions, hunting conventions—experiences that immerse visitors in nature. All equipment will be available for rent to maximize participation."
"That… that's impressive. Nobles with too much free time will love this, and even the busiest participants will appreciate a chance to breathe," Myourmiles acknowledged, astonished. Atem's vision was precise, practical, yet also ambitious.
"They should. The Founding Festival must be memorable enough to encourage repeat visits. Every program is designed to ensure no guest grows bored." Atem's expression remained calm, but his eyes burned with a calculated intensity, the mind of a tactician always thinking several steps ahead.
Myourmiles, apart from being astounded, could not help but feel admiration. Atem's foresight was extraordinary.
"How about incorporating entertainment ideas from Ingracia? Their capital's theater is popular, with daily operas and plays. The martial tournaments in their colosseum also attract crowds," Myourmiles offered, tentative but hopeful.
Atem's eyes gleamed, a subtle nod affirming the suggestion. "Exactly. We shall integrate cultural performances, competitions, and spectacles. Every aspect will appeal to different tastes. The goal is not only to host a festival but to elevate Eterna as a destination of influence, prestige, and enjoyment."
Myourmiles exhaled slowly, realizing the sheer scale of what Atem envisioned. Atem's plan was precise, bold, and exhilarating. With him leading, even the most chaotic elements—Veldora's unpredictable behavior included—could be harnessed effectively.
This is… no ordinary festival. Atem has already considered everything… Myourmiles thought, both impressed and slightly overwhelmed.