On the final night of the festival, we ensured the conclusion would be worthy of Eterna itself—a grand banquet befitting rulers and heroes alike.
Chefs such as Shuna and Yoshida-san had outdone themselves, preparing dishes that dazzled the eyes and thrilled the palate. Every detail was designed to leave an indelible impression on the nobles, adventurers, and townsfolk alike.
Over the past three days, some new alliances had begun to form. Nobles were conversing comfortably, exchanging laughter and stories. The atmosphere, unlike the tense opening night, was relaxed and full of life.
Veldora, Ramiris, and Milim remained within the labyrinth, tending to their own duties. But Karion, Frey, and Midley joined the festivities without hesitation, mingling with the crowd and enjoying the evening. Treyni and the elves busied themselves in the kitchens, preparing desserts and delicacies with the utmost enthusiasm. I made a mental note to offer my gratitude in kind later.
The townsfolk were no idle spectators either. Merchants, adventurers, farmers, and local citizens alike feasted, drank, and sang in unison. No establishment charged service fees tonight; it was a night of unbridled joy. Humans and monsters alike mingled freely, the tension of everyday life temporarily forgotten. Music filled the air, prompting spontaneous singing and dancing.
It was the kind of happiness that could be mistaken for fleeting, yet somehow felt eternal.
Even as my thoughts lingered on tomorrow—when the festival's magic would dissipate and everyone would return to their duties—I felt a peculiar mixture of sadness and exhilaration. Perhaps this, I realized, is what genuine happiness looks like.
The night passed swiftly, and with its conclusion, the festival drew to an end.
In Gobta's absence, Rigur oversaw security, managing the flow of returning visitors. The roads swarmed with people heading back to their homelands, yet everything remained orderly under his watch.
"Wouldn't you have wanted to sleep until noon after such a festival?" I asked quietly, observing his meticulous work.
"Hahaha, Atem-sama. Those foolish enough to drown themselves in wine cannot command the security force!" Rigur replied, disciplined and unflinching. True to his lineage, he executed his duties with precision.
Had Gobta been here, I imagined he would have grumbled about wanting to sleep the afternoon away. While I shared the sentiment, I refrained from indulging him. Rigur, unlike Gobta, moved his subordinates efficiently, ensuring smooth traffic and order. I left the logistics to him and turned my attention to the next task.
Today, I was to distribute gold coins as payment to the gathered merchants. Over a hundred awaited in the grand conference room.
Rigurd and Myourmiles were already explaining procedures when I arrived. Inside, heated voices carried from the room.
"As I said before, we will pay, so calm down!"
"Are you just saying that to deceive us?"
"We've waited long enough—pay us now!"
"Hold on! Please, just a moment. There is reason enough for patience!"
"Are you planning to tarnish our reputation after Myourmiles vouched for you?"
The tension in the room was thick, yet Myourmiles's calm and authoritative presence slowly began to soothe the merchants' anger. He had a keen eye for character—something I valued greatly.
I stepped forward, my presence immediately commanding attention. The room fell silent as my voice echoed with measured authority.
"Now, now. Let us all temper our tempers," I said, eyes scanning the crowd. "I am Atem, Pharaoh of Eterna. Even the people of the monster kingdom would not dare reject the obligations of these merchants. Correct, Myourmiles?"
"Yes, Atem-sama," he replied, bowing respectfully.
It was evident that one of the prominent figures in attendance was none other than Duke Muze, representative of the kingdom of Guston. Though Guston was not a large nation, the title of duke marked him as a man of influence and prestige.
"I trust you will reassure these people promptly. Let the payment be made according to the international charter established by the Western Nations," Duke Muze said, his tone calm yet commanding.
Myourmiles, despite lacking noble status, maintained his composure. He was a master of negotiation and subtle strategy. Rigur stood nearby, showing proper respect but allowing Myourmiles to speak as my representative. I noted the finesse in the exchange. For a noble to recognize the value in a commoner's word—especially one temporarily entrusted with authority—was no small thing.
"Please, hold for a moment, Duke Muze," Myourmiles began cautiously. "At the time of signing, we agreed to payments under customary methods—"
"Details matter little in this case," the duke interrupted, a faint smile on his lips. "Trust is the foundation of commerce between nations. If both sides follow through, trust is maintained. Is that not correct?"
"Indeed, Duke Muze, your wisdom is unparalleled," Myourmiles said.
"Excellent. These merchants trusted your word, Myourmiles. Is it your intent to betray that trust?"
"Of course not," Myourmiles replied firmly.
"Good. Then allow me to propose a solution. Let us speak in private. Rigur-san may accompany us," Duke Muze said, his demeanor calm, confident, and unyielding.
I could see it clearly now—this had unfolded exactly as Elmesia had anticipated. Relief coursed through me. Victory was within reach, not through force, but through strategy and diplomacy.
Myourmiles, meticulous as ever, maintained his composure. Though he had already understood the situation, he continued negotiations with precise timing, ensuring no misstep.
This problem will be solved efficiently, as expected.
I took a deep breath. There was no reason to linger any longer in idle observation. It was time to move forward, to resolve this matter decisively.
Let us finish this properly.
Diablo pushed the door open with a force that made the hinges groan.
"There will be no need for theatrics," I announced, stepping into the room with measured authority. Benimaru and Shion followed closely behind. Diablo entered last, quietly closing the door behind him.
"Have we kept you all waiting for too long? The arguing just now sounded rather intense," Benimaru remarked sharply, shooting the merchants a glare.
At my sudden appearance, the room went silent. The merchants visibly paled. They had assumed this matter would remain in Rigurd and Myourmiles's capable hands. Now, with my presence and the presence of my top executives, they seemed uncertain how to respond.
"Demon Lord Atem has arrived. Salute immediately," Rigurd said, fixing the merchants with a hard glare.
Some scrambled to their feet, bowing hastily. Others remained seated, their expressions frozen in confusion. For common merchants unversed in proper decorum, this hesitation was understandable.
Even Duke Muze attempted to rise, but I raised a hand, halting the motion.
"No need for formality, Rigurd," I said, allowing a faint smile to play at my lips. My gaze swept over the room. Rigurd immediately fell silent, observing the room obediently.
Among the crowd were not only merchants, but also several disguised reporters. Any misstep, any hint of impropriety, and the story would travel back to their nations. Yet they had underestimated the reach of my own network. Diablo had already ensured that these reporters were well-informed of the true situation, leaving them little choice but to comply quietly.
Kufufufufu… Diablo's faint chuckle conveyed approval toward the trembling scribes. Their expressions betrayed the fear of past encounters—an unspoken understanding that challenging him would be unwise.
"I see it is Your Majesty Atem. A pleasure to meet you. I apologize for not greeting you earlier," Duke Muze said, bowing with grace. His composure wavered only momentarily before he regained his noble bearing, a gentle expression replacing his initial surprise.
"So, you are Duke Muze of the Kingdom of Guston. What brings you here? Surely this matter does not concern you directly," I asked, my tone calm yet carrying the weight of command.
A practiced smile formed on my face. There was no reason to be timid simply because he bore a noble title.
"Many of these merchants are trading with your nation for the first time," he explained smoothly. "They came to me, concerned that their rights were disregarded. It is the duty of a noble to protect his citizens. I intervened, despite knowing it may seem forward, to ensure a fair resolution."
How audacious—a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yet, if I was honest with myself, I was no less transparent, even as the sovereign of Eterna.
"I see. Tireless indeed. Yet, one point puzzles me. Myourmiles explained that our nation has sufficient funds to complete the payment, yet the transaction was delayed. How did this come to be?"
"Well… it is because these merchants insist on dwarven gold coins—" Myourmiles began, feigning panic, ready to provide an explanation.
"That is understandable," Duke Muze interjected, his voice calm and deliberate. "Myourmiles, as a licensed merchant of the Kingdom of Blumund, you should know the international charter. Unlike the informal methods of the Freedom Association, these merchants trust only dwarven gold coins."
He positioned himself as a neutral arbitrator, subtly guiding the merchants toward reason while giving us the upper hand. Every word he spoke lent credibility to our position while appearing impartial.
I cast a glance at Diablo. A slight nod confirmed he had understood the strategy. All preparations were in place.
"So this is the matter? Reporters from multiple nations gathered for such a trivial dispute?" I remarked, my tone icy but composed.
"My lord, please allow me to handle it," Myourmiles said, glancing at Benimaru for reassurance. The tension in the room began to build; the merchants were slowly recognizing the weight of my presence and the subtle pressure we applied.
"Do not become so tense, Benimaru. The merchants' concern is understandable," I said calmly, attempting to ease my subordinate's agitation. He appeared momentarily disarmed, unused to our strategy unfolding so smoothly under my gaze.
"But Atem-sama, I do not understand. Even if they reject dwarven gold coins, we possess ancient gold coins, or we could offer equivalent value in our nation's specialty goods. Why will they not accept these terms?"
"They have their reasons," I said simply, watching Duke Muze closely. His posture shifted subtly; he was preparing to intervene, seeking the opening to convince the merchants to cooperate without making it appear forced.
"Very well. Let us proceed as suggested. You may place your trust in our nation, and as Benimaru-san advised, complete the transaction with certificates or actual goods," Myourmiles said decisively, taking the first step.
If the merchants agreed, the matter could be resolved without further conflict. If not… then they would be compelled to face the authority of Eterna and the Demon Lord Atem in full.
"H-how can we place our trust so quickly?" one merchant stammered.
"T-that is correct. Our preference for dwarven gold coins ensured safety for such transactions…" another added, their voices tinged with fear and stubbornness.
Not all the merchants were inexperienced. Some understood diplomacy, others knew how to negotiate with nobles—but none could match the overwhelming presence of a sovereign who bore the weight of an entire kingdom behind him.
Ah… what a pity, I thought, observing their hesitation.