"Oh—OHOH! Is that the one? I heard there's a 'Masayuki the Chosen Hero' who's incredibly popular," Myourmiles exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Indeed. Masayuki-sama bears the title 'Shining' and has dominated countless martial tournaments. Despite my usual composure, I must admit, I am a devoted admirer," Atem replied calmly, his voice carrying the quiet authority that always commanded attention.
"Ehh!" Myourmiles blinked, astonished. Atem? A fan of heroes too?
Completely ignoring Atem's usually stoic and intimidating presence, Myourmiles launched into his enthusiastic rambling about the martial tournament.
"…So that's how it was. Since no one could predict the pattern of his sword swings, he earned the title 'Shining.' They would even fight to the death against captured monsters. Masayuki-sama's companions are also strong, but I was so nervous that my palms were sweating just watching. If there were a recreational program like that… Ah, I'm too passionate about it. Speaking of which, Atem's subordinates all seem incredibly powerful. I wonder—which one is the strongest—"
"STOP! I will not allow you to continue, Myourmiles-kun," Atem interrupted sharply, his piercing gaze making Myourmiles freeze.
Myourmiles's curiosity had shifted toward Atem's subordinates—Benimaru, Rigurd, and the other powerful majins he had observed before. He had always wondered who among them was the strongest, but Atem had already predicted the potential consequences of this line of questioning.
"Listen carefully," Atem said, lowering his voice while leaning close to Myourmiles. "I will only tell you this here. Should these words escape in front of my lieutenants, it will almost certainly trigger conflict. There was once a Holy Knight named Arnaud who asked the same question. My lieutenants nearly quarreled over rankings and trivial matters. Not everyone was present then, so we managed to avoid disaster—but the risk remains real. If the executives begin arguing seriously, all the work we've done to build this town could be undone. Exercise caution with your words."
"I—I understand. My apologies." Myourmiles bowed his head, chastened.
"It's acceptable, as long as you heed this advice. Your enthusiasm is appreciated, but this is a delicate matter," Atem added with calm authority.
Myourmiles silently acknowledged Atem's words. This man… his values are unlike any average person's, he thought.
Atem's attention shifted, his sharp eyes scanning the layout of the town. "There's an empty block in the town. It would be ideal to build an opera house there. It could inspire aspiring playwrights and complement our other recreational programs. And regarding a colosseum…"
Myourmiles's heart raced. Atem's sly grin hinted at another bold idea. He wisely chose to remain silent. Master Atem, your calm expression is terrifying…
"Myourmiles-kun," Atem's voice lowered into a tone both commanding and coaxing. Myourmiles's pulse quickened.
"W-What is it?"
"You seem intimately familiar with the martial tournament scene?" Atem inquired, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming yet precise, every word measured. He whispered just enough for Myourmiles to hear. "We intend to host a martial tournament ourselves. I need your assistance with the preparations."
"My lord! This is sudden… far too important to be dropped on me like this—"
"We will construct the colosseum. I require your expertise to determine the requirements for hosting such a tournament." Atem's words brooked no opposition, his authority absolute. Resistance was futile.
"Every single time, I cannot win against Master Atem. I understand. I, Myourmiles, will dedicate myself entirely to this task," Myourmiles said, his voice tinged with helpless admiration.
Yet beneath his words, a flicker of excitement shone through. Being entrusted with a monumental project of this scale was exhilarating. For the first time in his life, he was tasked with implementing a grand vision on such a scale.
I must do this flawlessly… this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Regarding people like Atem, from Myourmiles's past experience with him, he realized that minor things wouldn't provoke anger. Atem's authority was absolute, and more importantly, he always kept his word. To a merchant, trust was the foundation of everything—and Atem was the type whose presence alone commanded it.
Just as promised, he would oversee the colosseum's construction. Myourmiles still struggled to fully grasp it, yet he knew Atem held complete control over the forces under his command. Every monster, every subordinate, would act on his orders without question.
Even with such absolute power, Atem was a demon lord. If this endeavor proved profitable, gathering materials would be effortless. And to have Myourmiles personally manage the plan… Myourmiles felt a deep surge of gratitude and excitement.
Atem's voice, calm yet commanding, echoed in his ear.
"Right. By the way, while our primary goal is to host leading figures from the surrounding nations, we are allowing the general public to attend as well. In the Kingdom of Ingracia, tournaments are exclusive, but without public engagement, where is the benefit?"
"The average public, you say?" Myourmiles's voice barely hid his astonishment.
"Yes. I intend to build a colosseum that can seat roughly fifty thousand spectators. Plenty of open land remains nearby, which we will use for the fast food stores we discussed. Human flow creates cash flow. A large audience means business potential. What do you think, Myourmiles-kun?"
In other words, Atem was thinking beyond elite spectators—this was about creating a spectacle everyone could enjoy, maximizing profits without compromising entertainment.
"That's… beyond my imagination," Myourmiles admitted. A fifty-thousand-seat colosseum could rival—or even surpass—Ingracia's. Atem was serious. Every aspect had been meticulously planned.
"We'll have standing areas for commonfolk at no charge. The wealthy will be guided to reserved seats, paying an appropriate fee. Generous nobles may access VIP seating, while special box seats will be offered to specific guests. I need you to calculate profit margins per seat to finalize pricing."
Atem's words carried a smile, but the weight of responsibility shifted entirely onto Myourmiles. Yet it made sense—allowing peasants and travelers from neighboring kingdoms to attend freely created exposure, which could later be monetized.
"I see… so that's why fifty thousand people is necessary…" Myourmiles murmured.
"Yes. An event only holds value if it draws attention. Reserved seats for the wealthy enhance prestige, while standing spectators witness the grandeur. Everyone benefits."
"Indeed… pre-booked seating prevents anyone from missing out. Clever."
The Ingracia colosseum catered to the elite alone. Atem's plan was fundamentally different—it was designed to attract attention and ensure a massive audience, ultimately guaranteeing profit across multiple sectors: inns, hot springs, food stalls, and more.
Myourmiles considered the logistics. Even peasants during off-peak periods could join, spreading word to nearby regions. If thousands poured in, accommodations and eateries would thrive. Combining leisure, tourism, and entertainment into one cohesive plan… Atem had thought of everything.
"As expected of you, Master. You accounted for everything from the start."
"Eh? I suppose so. It's all part of the design." Atem replied nonchalantly, his expression calm but sharp.
"Facilities are in place for overnight stays, but we must ensure consistent demand afterward. If achieved, our profit margins will skyrocket. First, we promote. Then, we tackle the fast food chain proposal you assigned me?"
"Yes. Precisely that."
"My task is to create entertainment that draws them back. Even if this tournament does not directly profit, attracting returning guests will define success."
"—Your foresight is remarkable. Myourmiles-kun, you are the only one suited for this."
The thought of orchestrating a tournament with such a massive audience sent shivers of excitement through Myourmiles. Atem had handed him the reins, and the weight of responsibility was thrilling rather than burdensome.
"Heh… Master Atem, you really are relentless…"
Myourmiles muttered.
"Is it not better to assign such matters to someone competent? Myourmiles-kun, are you doubting your ability?"
"HA! Hahaha! No, Master Atem, I will dedicate myself fully!"
Atem's smile deepened. "Excellent. Then you understand the stakes. Handle it with skill."
The two shared a knowing laugh, each enjoying the interplay of power and responsibility.
"You must manage considerable resources. Are you prepared?" Atem's gaze was sharp, yet approving.
"Hehehe… yes, I am confident. The results will honor you, Master."
"Good. I trust you to deliver."
They shook hands firmly. The festival, the colosseum, the fast food chains, the entertainment—all of it would proceed exactly as Atem envisioned.
Myourmiles thought, silently but fervently: This man is terrifying.
The thought of how far ahead Atem had already calculated everything was terrifying. Myourmiles tried to map out the ideal blueprint in his mind, yet the weight of Atem's foresight pressed heavily upon him.
"If that is the case," Myourmiles said cautiously, "we can introduce a new use for healing potions. No matter how severe the injuries, as long as they don't die instantly, they could be fully restored. That means the matches can get intense without worry. Moreover, claiming that the injured would be ready for the next bout could become a massive promotional point."
Atem's piercing gaze met him. "Explain."
"You mean… it would enhance publicity? Showing the audience that the contestants recover fully?"
Atem inclined his head slightly. "Precisely. It is not merely spectacle. It is efficiency and reassurance. Participants can fight to their limits without concern. The message alone draws more attention than a simple fight ever could."
Myourmiles nodded quickly. "Ah… I see. I had considered something similar, but I wanted to confirm whether your perspective aligned—or exceeded—mine."
A faint smile appeared on Atem's lips. "Minor considerations such as this… are already accounted for. Strategy must encompass all variables. Your attention to detail pleases me, Myourmiles-kun, yet you must strive to anticipate what has not yet been revealed."
He continued, his voice calm yet laden with authority. "Even in something as mundane as a colosseum, one must think beyond the event itself. Every action should serve multiple purposes—entertainment, security, promotion, revenue. Anything less is insufficient."
"Myourmiles understood instantly. He swallowed hard, excitement and awe colliding within him. 'Yes, Master Atem. I will follow your lead.'"
Atem leaned back, hands steepled in thought. "Then let us discuss specifics. Seating arrangements, promotional strategies, the integration of fast food outlets and accommodations. Every detail must be considered and executed flawlessly. A single mistake would compromise the entire plan."
Myourmiles's mind raced. "Right! We could structure seating tiers for nobles, VIPs, and commoners, while ensuring flow for fast food and inns. Healing potions will be stocked for emergency use. Matches should be timed to maximize both attention and profit. Security and supervision must be seamless."
Atem's eyes narrowed, scanning the plans already forming in Myourmiles's head. "Do not forget: the competitors themselves are part of the message. Their skill, their endurance, their recovery… all must be orchestrated to reinforce the colosseum's prestige."
"Yes! Of course, Master! I—" Myourmiles paused, awed by the gravity of Atem's expectations.
"Do not hesitate. Precision and anticipation are paramount. Every decision has consequences." Atem's tone was calm, yet unyielding. "Now, continue. Share your ideas. Do not hold back, for I will scrutinize each one for flaws and improvement."
With renewed focus, Myourmiles began to list every consideration aloud: "Matches staged to build excitement… healing potion logistics… audience engagement… integration with food stalls and inns… merchandising… promotion of Eterna as a cultural hub…"
Atem listened, occasionally nodding. "Good.
Adjust timing to prevent overlap, ensure fair distribution of spectators, and maintain visibility for all tiers. The flow of people must enhance, not hinder, revenue. Every element must complement the others."
"Yes! Yes, right!" Myourmiles's excitement grew. For the first time, he felt the thrill of being entrusted with a monumental plan, under the guidance of a master strategist who could foresee every outcome.
Atem's smile was subtle, his presence commanding yet encouraging. "We are building more than a colosseum. We are building a symbol. Make it efficient. Make it grand. Make it unforgettable. And ensure that every individual—participant, guest, or spectator—leaves aware of Eterna's greatness."
"Yes, Master Atem! Understood!" Myourmiles replied with determination.
The discussion continued, the two minds interlocking—one with the authority and vision of a demon lord, the other with the ingenuity and dedication of a capable aide. Ideas flowed like a controlled storm, each one sharpened by Atem's relentless scrutiny.
Every "Right! Yes!" and every proposal was met with a steady, intense gaze from Atem. Together, they shaped the foundation of what would become an event unlike any other—a festival and colosseum designed to enthrall, impress, and dominate both hearts and minds.
Even amidst the planning, Myourmiles could feel it—the presence of Atem's strategy was overwhelming. Every step, every detail, every conceivable variable had already been anticipated. And yet, it was exhilarating.
This is what it means to serve Atem, Myourmiles thought. To follow him is to witness perfection in motion.