Rare monsters, including captive Elves, arrived one after another, transported by carriage.
They were loaded onto fairly high-class carriages and seemed to be treated well.
They probably never had any hostile intent toward us to begin with.
Now that I thought about it, the Elven elders who had come to complain about their companions being abducted didn't have any visible injuries.
It was clear that they had taken extreme care not to kill or injure anyone, ensuring that the conflict could be avoided.
So then...
Though they were only around C to B rank in terms of magicule count, the Elves could wield a variety of magic.
They weren't simply as strong as their rank suggested — they were quite the troublesome race.
Even if they had been exhausted, to capture dozens of them without a scratch and completely outmatch them...
The Hunters' strength was immeasurable.
They had mentioned it was only a few people, but at minimum, I should consider them A-rank.
That was thorough of them.
Furthermore, I should never underestimate an organization that employed such people, even if their specialty was underground work.
Watching the monster slaves being brought in, I steeled myself once more.
Damurada, one of the three executives, had accompanied the convoy of carriages as the person responsible for transporting the monsters.
Sure enough, his objective had been to enter the Monster Nation openly.
With checkpoints at the entrance and illegal immigration being thoroughly dealt with, you couldn't enter without registration.
For adventurers, entry was possible just by reading their card information. For anyone else, you'd be turned away without a letter of introduction.
Since the nation's foundation hadn't been completed yet, we couldn't accept those whose identities were unknown.
The stragglers who had come to greet me were currently staying in the newly built inn district.
They had been put to work helping with construction and cleaning.
But that was beside the point.
Damurada came to greet me with a smile on his face.
Glancing at the state of the town, he nodded approvingly and said: "It has been too long, Lord Demon Lord Rimuru. I am Damurada.
Today, as promised, I have come to deliver the monsters we had captured.
We are most grateful for the entry permit."
He bowed respectfully.
As always, his attire was not flashy but luxurious.
"Hmm. It seems you treated my people with care. I thank you for that.
As you've kept your promise and released them, I'll let this matter pass.
But as I'm sure you understand — there won't be a next time?"
"Hahaha, of course. The opponent is far too formidable to risk one's life against."
In that brief exchange, Damurada hinted that there would be no future hostility.
From our side as well, we wanted to avoid a war of attrition against an underground organization. A head-on confrontation would be fine, but having them pull strings behind the scenes would be troublesome.
We had just sent the Holy Knights back unharmed, spreading the word that we were a harmless and beneficial Demon Lord — that could all be undone.
Their goal was clearly to get in my good graces.
There was no need to deliberately pick a fight. Well, if they ever caused trouble again, I'd crush them with everything I had.
"Oh, by the way, I happened to hear a rumor... Apparently, you're holding some kind of fighting tournament?
We would very much like to observe. Might we be granted permission?"
Damurada brought it up naturally with a smile.
It was obvious he wanted to analyze our combat strength.
That was fine by me. After all, this was also meant as a show of force. Though I wasn't about to grant permission without getting something in return.
"I have no objections to granting permission. You're welcome to stay until the tournament is over if you like."
"Oh, how generous! In that case..."
"On one condition, though — I'd like your strongest fighter to participate.
I want to see what you're capable of as well. After all, we'll be dealing with each other going forward, won't we?"
I grinned as I proposed this.
They, too, would want to make an impression on me. There was no way they'd refuse this offer.
Sure enough, without so much as a moment's hesitation, Damurada agreed.
"I see — it wouldn't do to show our hand for nothing, would it? Very well, then. This person here..."
Damurada was about to introduce a young man to me. I glanced briefly at the young man, then turned my gaze back to Damurada.
"The participant should be you, Damurada. You're the strongest one here, aren't you?"
Damurada and I locked eyes. Then— "Can't fool you. Very perceptive of you.
Very well, then, I shall participate myself.
Regarding the stay and observation permissions — I leave it in your hands."
"Yes. Our future relationship depends on your performance. Do your best."
Damurada bowed once more and took his leave.
Just as I'd thought, he was the strongest one here. His composure gave nothing away, but to anyone with eyes, it was plain as day.
But now...
We had gained one more powerful participant.
A tournament fought only among our own people lacked a certain thrill. A bit of excitement would be welcome.
Fighting friends wouldn't produce any real tension, and we'd get to see Damurada's true strength.
The fighting tournament.
I was starting to look forward to it.
--- The creation of the underground labyrinth was proceeding smoothly, with
On occasion, Milim would be spotted flying in carrying a captured dragon, but the residents of the Monster Nation were unfazed.
They had written it off as just another normal day.
I'd also received reports of the three of them laughing uproariously, but that was something best not to worry about.
As for the important figures from various nations who needed to be invited, Myormail had selected them and was sending out invitations.
Communication was crucial work.
I had introduced
The four subordinates under Souei —
Myormail was also skilled at dealing with people, so they had quickly hit it off and were working together as directed.
It was wonderful that he had no discriminatory attitudes whatsoever.
That front was safe to leave in his hands.
According to Myormail, nobles often employed adventurers or skilled mercenaries as bodyguards.
In other words, if he could make such people believe that clearing the labyrinth would yield enormous profits, they would pour in funding endlessly.
And as for the sponsoring nobles, they would get to enjoy the Monster Nation to their heart's content.
He also seemed to be thinking about reusing the arena, but that could be done at a leisurely pace.
Even sponsors wouldn't stay year-round, and if we could hold events about four times a year as originally planned, the rest of the time it could be used for training.
Sponsors, though...
Myormail sure was thinking ahead.
In my own thinking, once we had fleeced the adventurers for their money, it would be over — and we'd be stuck with a bunch of penniless people on our hands.
That was where the sponsors came in.
Which meant that, like a lottery, we should also prepare some big winners to draw in the crowds.
That was how you appealed to their gambling instincts.
Dropping rare items or setting up cash prizes would work well too.
Myormail had already drafted a plan to commission the Free Guild.
"You can ask the Guild to do that?"
"Of course. We're thinking of a prize of one thousand gold coins for clearing floor one hundred.
Clearing floor one hundred is practically impossible, isn't it?
If they knew that you, Lord Rimuru, are a Demon Lord, there might be fewer challengers...
Moreover, recently there have been reports of dragons being transported here and swallowed by the labyrinth.
...Where on earth are there adventurers capable of defeating dragons?
Even the Holy Knights would struggle to clear it, I would think.
This is bait for the nobles. So even a generous sum is no problem.
However, to make them believe we're serious about paying, we'll also offer prizes for each floor reached.
One gold coin for reaching floor ten. Three gold coins for reaching floor thirty. And so on.
How about paying out bonuses upon reaching each checkpoint?"
"Hahaha. And make sure to advertise that there are people who want to challenge it even knowing I'm a Demon Lord.
Impressive, as always — you've thought this through. So, is the prize for first place only? Or for everyone?"
"I was thinking of about five first-come recipients per month.
If they're in a party, they can split it among themselves.
And if we publish the monthly list of achievers, it should stir everyone's competitive spirit."
Hmm, I see.
First-come meant the cost wouldn't be too steep, while still appealing to both gambling and competitive instincts.
Brilliant strategy. Well, no one would actually clear it, but even if they did, it wouldn't be a problem.
A thousand gold coins was something we could earn back quickly.
It would only serve as good publicity.
Alright, let's go with it.
"Myormail, proceed with the plan in that direction!"
"Hehe, understood."
I approved Myormail's plan and had him show me the situation in each nation for the promotional campaign, as well as a list of well-known adventurers.
As for entry requirements: Those with an adventurer's card could use it for management purposes.
For unregistered individuals wanting to test their skills, a labyrinth card would be issued.
I was to consult with
This would also enable us to manage each person's status.
The entry fee for the labyrinth was three silver coins per visit.
Card creation was free on the first visit, then ten silver coins from the second time onward.
The "Resurrection Bracelet" would be given free of charge for the first visit only — the fee was already included in the admission price.
After all, you'd revive on the surface anyway.
From the second visit onward, it would be sold for two silver coins. Since it was a required item, it would surely sell.
If someone re-entered without wearing a "Resurrection Bracelet," an announcement would play.
That would be better. It was their own responsibility, but dying on us wasn't exactly pleasant.
There were also ideas like weapon and armor rentals.
This had been my idea, and Kurobei had put it into practice.
In truth, we wouldn't know how it would work until we tried, but I had a feeling it would be quite popular.
I was looking forward to opening the underground labyrinth.
--- Myormail was working hard on the tournament operations and promoting the underground labyrinth.
But the immediate priority was the tournament.
The labyrinth was nearly complete, and we planned to use the tournament as an opportunity to advertise it.
I was getting ahead of myself, but the main event was the tournament.
I hadn't forgotten that.
But it was only natural that my enthusiasm was gravitating toward the labyrinth, which could serve as a foundation for the future, rather than a one-time tournament.
Still, the tournament date was fast approaching, and it was time to seriously think about the matchups.
Myormail was busy with operations and couldn't possibly manage the participants.
In fact, while they were accepting applications to determine how many would participate, the headcount hadn't been tallied yet.
Various racial representatives who had visited me had shown intent to participate, so I expected a fairly large number of entrants.
I should shift my focus and begin deliberating on the tournament.
First, let me confirm the participants.
The Monster Nation's executives who would be participating:
That was nine people.
They had declared their participation during the banquet that started it all.
Who was actually the strongest? I was leaning toward Diablo, but with a tournament bracket, anything could happen.
You might think recovery negated fatigue, but it wasn't quite that simple.
Even if physical stamina was restored, the magicules spent didn't recover. Without careful allocation, consecutive fights would be brutal.
We'd just have to see how it turned out.
They had been talking about rankings and such, so ideally it would be a round-robin, but that would be far too troublesome.
The top four should suffice.
The problem was that a tournament bracket needed even numbers.
Eight would have been perfect, but we had one too many.
So we were opening general participation, and I thought we might as well split it into blocks for a sixteen-person knockout tournament.
That meant we needed seven more participants.
As the organizer's special picks, I had extended invitations to each of the Demon Lords as well.
"Present and accounted for! My
That was one.
Just as planned.
"Hmph hmph hmph. I've been waiting for those words! I'll force my underling to participate too!"
Lion Mask — that's how the mysterious masked figure would compete!
Those were the words Milim left behind as she flew off at high speed.
I had a vague idea of who she intended to bring.
Was this okay? The tournament was going to end up being at a pretty high level, wasn't it?
I wasn't that close with the other Demon Lords, so that was probably the extent of it.
Then there was Damurada, whom I had negotiated with the other day.
Those people were clearly planning to enjoy the town to the fullest — they had booked the finest inn and occupied the entire place.
They were undoubtedly wealthy.
I'd been right to reserve rooms in anticipation of royalty.
That man was unquestionably strong. Rather than treating him as a general participant and wearing him down, it would be more interesting to see what he could do at full strength.
So I put him in the special bracket as well.
That left four more spots.
I had been thinking of having them duke it out in a battle royale east, west, south, and north— When suddenly, "Hey Rimuru, did you call for me?"
Someone approached me and spoke.
No, I hadn't actually called for anyone.
I looked, and there stood
"What do you want, Arnaud?"
"Heh heh, I was hoping to participate in the upcoming tournament myself.
I've been training with Hakuro lately.
Please, allow me to participate."
Was that really a good idea? Slacking off here...
I briefly thought that, but Hinata had already returned to her homeland and wasn't here.
The remaining Holy Knights numbered about eight.
I had wanted to ask for their help setting up the barriers, but losing one shouldn't be a problem.
We were short on participants anyway, and filling slots with weak fighters would accomplish nothing.
The general division could work with three.
"Alright, then. I'll let you participate.
But if you embarrass yourself, it'll reflect poorly on your respective nations, you know."
"Don't worry. I won't lose this time!"
He said it with surprising confidence.
The reason for that confidence might have been the sword Kurobei had forged for him and his completely overhauled equipment.
It was a prototype with significantly improved performance compared to the Spirit
If he was that confident, it was fine.
If he humiliated himself, that was his problem, and I wasn't taking any responsibility.
"Fine, but wear a mask or something. If you stand out too much, it really will look bad."
After all, a gimmick character like "Lion Mask" was going to participate too, so competing as a Holy Knight would be even worse.
"Understood. I'll wear a mask as insurance. Thank you for allowing me to participate."
He left with something like "just make sure you don't lose" hanging in the air — which would only be a good story if he didn't.
He must have been very confident.
That guy — after being mentally broken by Diablo, he was surprisingly tough.
Maybe he was just an idiot.
I secretly hoped he wouldn't run into Diablo in the first round.
Alright, that left three more spots.
I'd decide the rest after seeing the general applicants.
The wise magical beasts and monsters dwelling in the Great Forest of Jura.
Not those who traveled in packs, but those who competed individually for supremacy had expressed interest in participating.
I'd have them compete and select the remaining three.
Well, who would win?
Rankings aside, it was also time to start assigning positions.
Whether they won or lost, keeping them indefinitely as "executives" was awkward.
These were people entrusted with the heavy responsibilities of a nation, and they should be given command authority accordingly.
With those thoughts, I turned my mind to the structure of the nation.
--- The day before the tournament.
Delegations from various nations were arriving one after another in the Monster Nation.
The early arrivals had been staying for as long as a week.
Not only those who had received my letter of introduction, but also wealthy merchants who arrived with invitations from Myormail had filled the town with a lively atmosphere.
Those who had visited before were proudly guiding newcomers around.
The dignitaries and royals from each nation were fascinated by the unfamiliar sights of a foreign land.
It seemed everything was going smoothly, just as intended.
That said, the Monster Nation could only accommodate about three thousand people.
The facilities could hold up to ten thousand ordinary guests, but when it came to hosting the upper class, three thousand was the limit.
I had been concerned about this, but that was where Myormail came in.
He had everything covered, down to the lodging arrangements.
Naturally, the efforts of
The fact that the tournament's eve had arrived without any major complaints was thanks to everyone's hard work.
And that night.
In the usual grand hall used for banquets, the dignitaries of various nations had gathered together.
The eve festival.
Although bewildered by the unfamiliar floor cushions, they settled in comfortably.
The large bath was apparently a hit — some people even went in multiple times a day.
Wearing the provided yukata, they remarked on each other's appearances.
Up to this point, we could call it a success.
The guards were taking turns standing watch, with some stationed outside the hall.
Being professionals, they had offered to provide a snack but politely declined.
They were probably wary of poison.
Well, if it came to that, we wouldn't need poison — brute force would suffice. But it was best left unsaid.
"Yes, thank you all so much for coming. I am Rimuru, who has recently become a Demon Lord.
Today I'll keep this brief — I'd like everyone to enjoy the cuisine of the Monster Nation.
I'm not great at long speeches, so let's get started right away!"
I had already met one-on-one with those who requested it, but only after accepting meeting requests.
So many were seeing me for the first time, and I was subjected to curious stares.
Some paled when I announced myself as a Demon Lord, while others studied me with intense observation.
I wasn't comfortable with those stares, so I gave a brief greeting and the banquet began.
Dishes were carried before the assembled guests.
Now then, how would they react?
This time: sushi. And sashimi, tempura, and miso soup.
The fish was fresh from the catch — after all, I had gone out and caught it myself.
I had scooped up everything in sight, swallowed them, analyzed the poison, and decomposed it.
My underwater capabilities had improved too — it had been a good experience.
But next time, I should leave it to someone else.
The one who had filleted the fish was Hakuro.
With a knife forged by Kurobei, he had prepared the sashimi display in an instant.
An unexpected talent.
Apparently he had learned it from his predecessor, but did that person come from the Edo period? The timeline didn't quite match, but...
Well, whatever. It didn't matter.
Shion had wanted to help out holding the knife I had gifted her, but I had made her sit this one out.
Naturally.
When hosting national dignitaries, you couldn't serve anything less than the best. This was no time for jokes.
The problem was soy sauce.
Fortunately, a soy sauce substitute had been created, so we used that as a stand-in.
The color was a bit light, but the flavor was similar enough that it shouldn't be a problem.
Wasabi was available. But that was a matter of preference, and it would probably be too strong for first-timers.
So I had them make the sushi without it.
Preparations were complete.
Cuisine was hospitality.
I just hoped our sincerity came through.
And so, the eve festival began.
The first sign was the cheers that rose when the chilled beer was served.
For people who had only ever drunk carbonated beverages of limited quality, the Monster Nation's beer must have been a revelation.
Above all, it was ice-cold.
I had instructed them to prepare chilled glass mugs — thoroughly Japanese-style service.
This was something I could not compromise on, for my own sake as well.
The Elven waitresses went around pouring drinks.
It wasn't mandatory, of course — they were volunteers who had offered to help.
This was also a great success.
The three-fingered bow they performed was, in its own way, a universal gesture that tugged at the heartstrings.
Some of them even blushed without being drunk at all.
Well, it was the yukata's neckline, after all.
Heh heh. Just as calculated.
The banquet proceeded.
It seemed fair to say it was a resounding success.
We even had guests watch a fish being filleted right in front of them — quite an elaborate touch.
Naturally, it was served as sashimi immediately after, so it couldn't possibly taste bad.
Some perceptive guests noticed that this fish was A-rank, and so on, but that had nothing to do with the flavor.
I had mages on standby for poison identification, so everyone ate without hesitation.
Or rather, for people who lived inland, the opportunity to eat fresh fish was almost nonexistent.
Transportation was the issue, after all.
If a carriage could only carry small amounts, you'd have to be exceptionally wealthy to eat fresh fish.
In that sense as well, the banquet was a great success.
Well, that was all part of the plan.
I made sure to remind them that if they maintained ties with us, such ingredients could also be circulated!
That was my job — publicity.
It wasn't just about luxury — it wasn't that I was being selfish, but rather that I had prepared for precisely this kind of opportunity!
Let's go with that explanation.
And so, the eve festival, which doubled as a promotional event for the dignitaries of various nations, came to a successful close.