After testing the machines without Physical Enhancement Magic, Kaito and Elis moved on to the High-load Equipment, utilizing Physical Enhancement Magic to put the gear through its paces. Once the session concluded and they had shared their various impressions and suggestions for improvement, the Gym Experience came to an end. Kaito and Elis then headed to their respective Gym Shower Rooms to wash up.
This is an exceptionally sophisticated facility, Elis mused as she rinsed off. It caters to everything from light exercise to serious training; I can truly feel that it was designed by someone with profound insight into the subject. I have heard that Lady Nizbel is a woman of intense passion when it comes to training, and this facility proves it. Based on what Lady Namyl said, it seems they gathered data on the Average Physical Ability Values of the Human Race and utilized multiple Magic Crystals in each machine to allow for a broad range of calibration. They’ve likely made it possible to adjust the equipment to match the Base Physical Ability of any given race.
When Elis had first heard Kaito describe the concept of a Gym, she had recognized its utility but expected the execution to be difficult. While Humankind was comprised of fewer sub-races than Demons, there were still many—humans, dwarves, and various half-breeds—residing within the Arclesia Empire Capital.
Machines calibrated solely for humans, the most populous race in the capital, would not be suitable for dwarves, the second-largest group. Conversely, installing separate machines for every race would be prohibitively expensive and a nightmare for space management. Since Kaito had been the one invited to the trial, she had assumed the business would target only the Human Race. However, having experienced it herself, she realized they had employed various clever tricks to make the facility compatible with multiple races.
Since this is an unfamiliar concept to the general public, they might face some initial resistance, Elis thought. But they can use the novelty and Lady Nizbel’s fame to build momentum, eventually establishing a steady clientele among those who value physical conditioning, such as adventurers. In terms of improving Base Physical Ability, the equipment here actually surpasses what is available to the Order of Knights. I imagine many knights will be eager to visit. It wouldn't be even surprising to see a second or third gym open in short order.
The Gym focused strictly on Base Physical Ability; it was not intended for practicing martial arts or Magic. However, by stripping away those secondary elements and narrowing its purpose, it had created an environment for physical development that was far superior to the training grounds used by the Order of Knights.
How does Lady Nizbel plan to expand? The idea of her personally leading a massive chain of gyms doesn't seem to fit her character. It's more likely that once the concept is established, she’ll release the know-how to the public, creating a foundation for other merchant guilds to enter the market and fostering healthy competition. If that's the case, the Hamilton Marquis House could secure a tidy profit if we start preparing now.
Elis’s intuition was spot on. Nizbel had taken an interest in gyms after hearing about them from Kaito. Her goal was to build a foundation where anyone with the drive to improve themselves could train in an ideal environment; she wanted to see gyms spread throughout Trinia. She had no intention of monopolizing the know-how or the data she had gathered. Just as Elis suspected, once she felt the model was proven, she intended to release the information to lower the barrier to entry for other merchant guilds.
In fact, Nizbel was perfectly fine with her own gym running at a loss, provided the concept took off and other guilds joined the fray. Since the idea had come from Kaito—her Comrade—she felt it would go against her principles to keep it all to herself for the sake of profit. Nevertheless, Elis’s assessment of the business potential was accurate; with the right approach, there was a significant amount of money to be made.
...But there’s really no need for that, Elis reminded herself. The Hamilton Marquis House doesn't need to bloat its profits any further; overextending ourselves would only create more vulnerabilities. If I were to pursue this, perhaps a Beauty-oriented Exercise Facility for women rather than a hardcore training gym? Given the target demographic, we’d need to be meticulous with the interior design, but the profit potential is there. Well, it's all just an amateur’s idle speculation for now.
Caught in her professional habits, she had accidentally started drafting a business plan. Elis let out a Bitter Smile as she dried herself with a towel. She used a Magic Tool to dry her hair, applied a touch of natural makeup with tools from her Magic Box, and finally stepped out of the Changing Room.
At any rate, I have a Pleasant Feeling of Fatigue; this was a wonderful change of pace. I truly am grateful to Kaito-sama.
As she walked toward their meeting spot, however, she noticed the Members of the Dragon King's Subordinates scurrying about in a frenzy.
...What is it? Are they panicking? No, they seem... restless. It's the kind of energy you see when people are preparing to welcome someone of incredibly high status. Wait... what is this? This bad feeling...
A sharp sting of Stomach Pain hit her like a warning siren. Just then, Namyl happened to walk past.
"...Ah, Lady Namyl. My apologies for intruding, but things seem a bit hectic. Has something happened?"
"Ah, Lady Elis. Sorry about the mess... It's just that 'His Majesty' is scheduled to arrive soon. Most of the crew here right now are young ones, and they're all worked up. I'll head over and give them a stern talking-to so they don't bother our guests."
Namyl offered a Bitter Smile and an apology, but the color was already draining from Elis’s face.
His Majesty? ...She isn't talking about Her Majesty Chris, is she? The person Lady Namyl refers to as His Majesty... Th-That can only mean... the D-Dragon King-sama... isn't it?
She wanted to scream. She wanted to yell at the top of her lungs that she had never heard a word about this, but she managed to suppress the urge. Instead, Elis simply pressed a trembling hand against her stomach.
Serious-senpai: "I didn't think Elis would get home without some Stomach Pain, but... to think that instead of one of the Four Great Magic Dragons, the Dragon King himself would show up..."