Chapter 55: The Logistics of Sovereignty
"The exit is free of charge this time. Don't let the door hit you on the way out of the ledger," I say, my voice trailing off as the [Spatial Transfer Gate] snaps shut, swallowing the terrified Holy Knights and their scent of incense.
I stand alone on the ridge for a moment, my silver-white hair catching the dying light of the sunset. I adjust my obsidian gloves, feeling the smooth, high-fidelity feedback of the spirit vessel. It's a vast improvement over being a sphere, but the diplomatic overhead is already starting to pile up.
Notice. [Analytical Appraisal] suggests that the Paladin leader's psychological state was 'Fractured'. Probability of immediate Lubelius retaliation: 12%. Probability of Hinata Sakaguchi initiating a formal audit: 88%.
Let her come, I think, my internal persona mentally filing a new folder under 'Hostile Acquisitions'. If she wants to play the 'Holy Saint', she'll find my current interest rates on interference are higher than she can bargain for. Survival was the goal for the first year. Now, we're in the market for dominance.
[Shadow Step]
I emerge in the center of Tempest. The city is a riot of color and noise. Rimuru is currently being hoisted onto the shoulders of several High Orcs, laughing as Shuna tries to fix his crown and Shion "protects" him from a particularly enthusiastic group of Goblins with her massive blade.
"Shinji! There you are!" Rimuru shouts, spotting me. He hops down, his new Demon Lord aura shimmering with a relaxed, golden warmth. "You missed the first five rounds of drinks. Rigurd said you went to 'check the books' at the border?"
"I conducted a preliminary audit on some uninvited guests from Lubelius," I respond, my external composure a sharp contrast to the chaotic joy surrounding us. I reach into [Inventory] and hand him the data-crystal Azathoth prepared. "They're nervous, Rimuru. They've realized our existence is a non-performing loan for their religion."
Rimuru takes the crystal, his expression softening into something more serious. "Yeah, I figured. But hey, let's worry about the Paladins tomorrow. Tonight, we've got guests that actually know how to trade."
He points toward the main gates. A massive caravan is approaching, led by creatures that look like a fusion of high-fashion and heavy-duty engineering.
"The Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion," I say, my [Universal Perception] immediately locking onto the high-quality magic-essence radiating from their carriages. "Now that is a high-value asset. If we can secure a trade agreement with Elmesia El-Ru Sarion, our economic standing will be bulletproof."
"Kufufu," Diablo's voice purrs from the shadows behind my left shoulder. I don't flinch; [Market Transparency] has had a lock on him since I entered the square. "Master Satou is always so focused on the margins. Master Rimuru, I have ensured the Sarion envoys are treated with the 'utmost' hospitality. Their primary merchant is currently being... educated on the benefits of our partnership."
"Education? I hope that doesn't involve your claws, Diablo," I say, casting a sea-grey glance at the demon.
"Merely a contract of fear, Master Satou. It is the most efficient form of loyalty," Diablo bows, his red-and-black eyes glowing with amusement.
I turn back to Rimuru. "I'll handle the Sarion delegation. They appreciate luxury and clinical logic—two things I manifest better than anyone else here. You go back to your festival. You're the face of the company; I'm the one who ensures the ink is dry."
"Deal!" Rimuru grins, turning back to the cheering crowd.
I walk toward the approaching caravan, my [Dragon Spirit Haki] retracted into a tight, intimidatingly elegant presence. My obsidian suit fits perfectly. My spirit vessel is primed. It's time to move from "Defense" to "Expansion."
Current Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Linked). Location: Tempest Gates. Status: Diplomatic Negotiation: Initiated. Target: Sarion Trade Envoy. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Azathoth, manifest a case of the 200-year-old Brandy from the inventory. We're going to show these elves what 'Quality of Life' really looks like in the Jura-Tempest Federation.