While Kaito was enjoying himself with his fellow Earthlings, those connected to the territory of the Rich Baron House—now the center of the storm—had already begun taking decisive action.
Deep within the headquarters of the Lord Trading Company in the Arclesia Empire, the firm's leader, Satania Darklord, sat across from a fellow member of the Ten Demons, Gluttony, in her private office.
"And that is why I would like your cooperation with this."
"If it benefits Miyama Kaito-sama, I have no reason to refuse. I'm ready to move immediately."
"No, that's moving a bit too fast. We need to present the plan to the Rich Baron House first, get their approval, and then apply to the Arclesia Empire before purchasing the land. Since matters like the Teleportation Permit Application fall under the jurisdiction of us Phantasm King's Subordinates, that part should go smoothly. However, considering the Large-scale Construction Permit Application and the necessary notifications to the surrounding areas, the preparations will take at least a month. We won't be able to break ground until after that."
"I shall leave the legalities to you. As for the construction, if I use my Dimensional Beasts, I can have it finished in two days without any issues."
Gluttony was a Master of Space-Time Magic, but beyond that, she commanded a unique military force called Dimensional Beasts, created from her own flesh and blood. From her masterpiece, the High-ranking Count-class Natasha, to a legion of other beasts with specialized abilities, she could mobilize them to construct a massive teleportation gate from scratch in just two days, including the complex adjustment of its Magic Formula.
However, Satania shook her head at Gluttony’s proposal.
"No, that won't work. If our only goal was to establish the gate, that would be fine, but we also need to adjust the logistics and financial flow in the Western Arclesia Empire—specifically the Rich Baron House’s domain. By hiring and dispatching workers and increasing local spending, we can increase the total volume of currency circulating within the territory."
"I see."
"Furthermore, a situation where the Lord Trading Company is the sole victor would only create unnecessary enemies. We need to give other firms a grace period to prepare, including market competition. Considering the time required for other companies to establish sales hubs and storefronts in the region, I had thought three months would be ideal... but Shaltier-sama just issued instructions to ensure the gate isn't finished for six months."
"From Shaltier-sama?"
In Satania's estimation, three months was the optimal time to finish the project while balancing economic improvement and giving other merchants enough of a window to profit so as not to provoke resentment. However, Alice had specified the timing herself.
"Yes. Apparently, she said, 'The response was quite likable, so I intend to let them profit as they planned.' It seems Shaltier-sama is giving a merchant who caught her eye a chance to earn."
"I see. In any case, if it is Shaltier-sama's instruction, it is absolute. The teleportation gate shall be completed in six months."
"Very well. I will call upon you again when the time comes."
"Understood."
Gluttony gave her Guaranteed Commitment of cooperation, and Satania nodded with satisfaction, concluding their discussion. Both were fanatically loyal to Alice; they held not a single shred of doubt or objection toward her instructions. The completion of the teleportation gate was now fixed for six months from now.
At the same time, in the office of the Arclesia Imperial Palace, Empress Chris stared into the distance with far-off eyes as she sifted through stacks of documents. Her movements were erratic, frequently clutching her brow and shaking her head.
Seeing this, an aide called out to her with a pitying expression.
"Your Majesty, no amount of lamenting will change the contents of these reports."
"I feel like punching my past self for ever wishing Miyama-sama would increase his involvement with the Empire. All this in just a few days? To think so many moving parts could shift this far... And in the West, of all places. A total re-evaluation of the national budget is mandatory, and the state cannot afford to sit idly by. However, the Lord Trading Company's intervention makes things difficult."
"It was a surprise that they gathered intelligence faster than we did—though perhaps one should expect as much. Ideally, the teleportation gate would have been a state-led project, but they’ve already sent a letter of Prior Inquiry for a Construction Permit Application—a clear warning for us to back off."
"We have no choice but to concede that point. Their initial move was overwhelmingly faster; trying to force our way in now would only lead to a conflict with the Lord Trading Company."
Chris, naturally, kept a close watch on the merchants within her borders. She had also monitored the tea party held by Eris and kept a sharp eye on the attendees.
She had obtained the information that Marie of the Rich Baron House had gifted Riples to Kaito, but she could never have predicted that Kaito would promote them while distributing them to his influential circle. She hadn't expected that the Rich Baron House's Riples would attract such massive attention in mere days, causing trading companies to scramble and creating an incident that affected the entire Western Region of the Empire.
Among them all, the Lord Trading Company had moved with terrifying speed. While the state wanted a hand in the construction of the gate, which promised immense profits, that path had effectively been blocked.
"For the time being, improving the infrastructure around the Rich Baron territory is essential. We must allocate a larger budget to ensure the roads are maintained well enough for large cargo wagons to pass through."
"Understood. I have already issued instructions to the Minister of Finance and the Chief Financial Officers, so we can hold a meeting immediately. What really concerns me, though, is the movement of the Goddess of Fertility."
"Inviting Baron Rich and the young lady Marie to the Temple... I do not think the Gods would jump into a trade war, so what on earth is their objective?"
According to the reports, Baron Rich and Marie were scheduled to visit the Temple of Fertility today in response to the Goddess's request for an urgent meeting. Imagining what kind of conversation might unfold there, Chris unconsciously began to rub her stomach.
Serious-senpai: "It's only natural, I suppose. Since this is happening within the Empire, this Stomach Pain Warrior is obviously going to get hit."