Chapter 67: The Liquidity Crisis
Notice. Strategic refusal of 'Eastern Empire' contract recorded. Analysis. Current decision deviates from 94% of high-ROI projections. Notice. [Gourmet Capitalist, Croesus] has initiated internal efficiency query. Stage 1: Active.
I stand by the enchanted glass window of my study, watching the Imperial envoy's carriage vanish into the pre-dawn mist of the forest. The room is silent, save for the faint hum of the estate's mana-regulators. My internal persona is currently screaming into a metaphorical pillow.
That was the Empire, Shinji, I think, my silver-white hair reflecting in the dark glass. The industrial powerhouse of the east. They offered us a seat on the board of the world, and we told them to check their credit score. My heart says 'good riddance,' but my balance sheet is currently weeping.
"Lord Shinji," Vesper says, her voice breaking the silence. She is polishing a set of silver decanters with a clinical rhythm. "The Kijin are patrolling the perimeter. Benimaru has requested an audit of our 'private security' protocols. He believes a True Demon Lord's territory should be managed by the state, not an estate."
"Benimaru is a general, Vesper. He sees lines on a map; I see lines in a ledger," I respond, my voice porcelain-cold. "Tell him that my private domain is a necessary buffer for Tempest's diplomatic exposure. If the state manages everything, there is no room for... creative accounting."
"He will not be satisfied with that answer, my Lord," Vesper observes, her red eyes meeting mine in the reflection. "He views your autonomy as a risk to Lord Rimuru's harmony."
Warning. Political friction with Individual 'Benimaru' increased by 12%. Notice. Strategic dissatisfaction detected. Current architecture is stable, but not sufficient for long-term vision.
Before I can formulate a rebuttal, the air in the center of the study begins to vibrate with a chaotic, high-frequency magicule signature. It's not the measured elegance of an Imperial portal; it's a localized space-time tantrum.
[Universal Perception]
"Shinji! Shinjiiii! Emergency! Total bankruptcy!"
A small, buzzing blur of pink and gold erupts from a tear in the air. Ramiris, the Labyrinth Fairy, tumbles onto my Magisteel desk, knocking over a manifested vase of black roses. She looks disheveled, her tiny wings fluttering at a rate that suggests a complete system crash.
"Ramiris," I say, not moving an inch. I manifest a tiny, crystal-glass thimble of honey-mead and set it before her. "You're leaking magicules all over my polished surface. Explain the deficit."
"It's Veldora!" she wails, diving into the mead. "He decided to 'remodel' Floor 95 into a manga cafe! He used up the entire magicule budget for the next three floors! We're dry! The Dungeon core is at 5% capacity! If we don't get a mana-infusion, the resurrection field will collapse during the next tour!"
"A manga cafe is a non-performing asset," I state, my sea-grey eyes narrowing.
"I know! But he's a dragon! You try telling him no!" Ramiris flies up to my face, her tiny hands grabbing my tie. "I need an emergency loan, Shinji! You're the only one with enough magicule-liquidity to fill the core without Rimuru finding out we blew the budget!"
Notice. [Croesus] Stage 1: Query. Assessment. Individual 'Ramiris' is a high-risk, high-reward partner. Notice. Providing a loan creates a permanent leverage point over the Labyrinth Core. ROI: Exceptional.
"A loan requires collateral, Ramiris," I say, my external persona projecting an aura of cold, silent intimidation. "If I fill your core, I want 15% ownership of the Floor 100 loot drops and a permanent executive bypass for the resurrection fees."
"15%?! You're a shark! A silver-haired shark!" Ramiris shrieks, circling my head.
"I am a Capitalist," I correct her. "Vesper, bring the contract. Let's see if the Fairy Queen's signature is still legally binding."
"Wait!" Ramiris stops, looking toward the door. "Is that... Diablo? Why is he standing in the corner looking like he's auditing my soul?"
"Ignore him," I say, as Vesper presents the scroll. "He's just an unauthorized observer. Now, sign. Or watch your dungeon hit a liquidity crisis."
Current Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Linked). Location: The Obsidian Vault. Status: Dungeon Loan: Negotiating. [Croesus] Ego: Stage 1. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Chapter End.