I would build the stadium with everything I had, complete with a reservation system.
Events made it easy to secure a budget.
Under the cover of the festivities, I could even sneak infrastructure development for the surrounding areas into the project. It was the magic of accounting.
Now then, the Culture Festival, which had basically turned into a World Expo, had faced some cancellations, but it was a success overall.
Various companies had finalized their business deals.
If people wanted to say I was just scattering subsidies, they were right. But this was diplomacy—trade, even. Bundling them together actually made it quite cost-effective.
Plus, even with the terrorist attack, there were zero casualties.
If anything, I’d managed to advertise the high quality of the Grand Duchy of Chronos Army.
I was building a city equipped with air-raid shelters, after all.
The theory that those from the Galactic Empire were a warrior race was quickly becoming the common consensus.
As a gesture to the guests who had gone through the trouble of buying tickets for the Culture Festival, I distributed tickets for the Sports Festival for free.
The reception wasn't bad.
The ticketing system itself was Imperial-made; it seemed the Galactic Empire intended to export the technology.
Meanwhile, Chronos would handle the hardware—screws, parts, and general manufacturing.
If we produced goods to Imperial safety standards, they’d be accepted in almost any country.
Looking ten years into the future, I also sent people to study in Latarnia and the Taikyoku Nation at state expense.
It didn't matter if they didn't come back. If they did, they’d be elite engineers; if they didn't, they’d serve as figureheads to attract others.
It seemed like a ruthless approach, but the state funding wasn't just for show. Those of us who had been students at the military academy while receiving a salary understood that well.
Academy students literally put their lives on the line.
I wouldn't ask the new students to go that far, of course.
...The reason my peers had become such ‘irregular’ people was likely the Zork War.
Forcing that level of hardship on others was... well, it was wrong.
Without Zork, we probably would have spent our days diligently studying at the University Division.
Yes... and two years later, we likely would have transitioned into a life of being screamed at by non-commissioned officers.
Now, far from fearing NCOs, even the top brass didn't look down on us.
To the career soldiers, we were comrades who had improved the military's quality of life, and as for the leadership—well, we were the largest faction in power.
So, I decided to send military personnel abroad on the state's dime too.
You guys are the future executives.
If we ever go to war with Latarnia or the Taikyoku Nation, you’ll be our bridges! Build those connections!
(Cue my scummy face).
Even if they decided to stay and become citizens of Latarnia or the Taikyoku Nation, I wouldn't let them go (scummy face).
They could even come back as spies for all I cared.
I’d utilize them to the fullest!
And so, the Sports Festival approached.
I was still banned from helping with the physical preparations.
So, I stuck to my mundane duties. A head of state has a lot of plain work to do.
First, I wrote letters.
I explained the importance of the Sports Festival to the opposition in the Senate and my support base.
‘If we don't promote ourselves, we’ll be forgotten!’ I argued.
They countered with irrelevant points about orphans and widows.
Idiots!
We were going to raise money for them too!
To do that, we needed to attract attention and foreign capital!
I began my counter-maneuvers by producing a donation drive for the state broadcaster.
I visited a military welfare facility—a place designed to ensure the families of soldiers didn't struggle.
It was unacceptable for the families of those who fought for their country to starve to death.
I’d prevent it at all costs.
Besides, I was a soldier myself; I was allowed to show some favoritism!
‘Hey kids! What do you want to be when you grow up?’
Since they were only opposing me for no reason, I asked.
‘The King!’
One bratty boy, who reminded me of my younger self, shouted back.
‘Good! Try to take my place. I’m rooting for you with all my might!’
I’m counting on you!
Please, kick me out of this job!
The boy got scolded by the other kids. Don't scold him—he was just trying to get a laugh!
Next was a girl who looked quite sharp.
‘What about you?’ I asked.
‘A lawyer!’
Yeah... that was once my dream.
Tears actually started to well up...
‘Sniff... good luck! I’m behind you all the way!’
That exchange was broadcast with a caption: His Majesty aimed to be a lawyer during his time at the academy.
To be fair, I only wanted the job because the pay was good.
My realistic plan was that if I got kicked out of the military, I’d use the qualification to join some company!
I had a fighter pilot license... and since I had done ship-handling practical training, if I got fired, I figured I'd be a civilian pilot or a crew member on a cargo ship.
Regardless, my words seemed to resonate with everyone who had lost their career paths due to the Locusts.
For some reason, my approval rating soared, and even the opposition suddenly started acting sweet toward me. It made things easy.
I didn't understand why.
Anyway.
From scholars to the financial world, and even the Senators from both sides of the aisle—I met with everyone to bring it all together.
The scholars wanted subsidies.
The business leaders wanted subsidies.
The ruling and opposition Senators also wanted... You all only approached me for the subsidies!
Jokes aside, we had to make deals.
I wasn't asking for the impossible. I wasn't looking for a personal kickback.
I just needed their cooperation.
I handled the darkest aspects of the back-end logistics myself, clearing hurdles one after another.
A few dissenters remained, but I ignored them; they were just the ‘complain for the sake of complaining’ crowd.
Finally, the event was officially approved, and the day of the tournament arrived.
I didn't expect any interference this time. Probably.
The baseball tournament from the Culture Festival would return.
You guys are on the final day.
Soccer, basketball, and volleyball would take place near the beginning.
First was the opening ceremony.
We held thorough rehearsals for the ceremony.
My job was just to wave my hand.
Instead of me, the Prime Minister of Chronos would deliver the congratulatory address.
I would just wave.
Next came the opening performance.
The event company, which had gotten a taste for success during the Culture Festival, really went all out.
Athletes had also come from Latarnia and the Taikyoku Nation.
It was already like an international event.
And this was still just the rehearsal!
At the rehearsal event, they were also holding food fairs featuring dishes from various countries.
The number of visitors became something incredible.
As a side note, it was unfortunate, but those unusually sweet donuts intended for Ghouls weren't selling at all.
Even the Chronosians seemed to dislike that level of sweetness.
The rehearsal was not sabotaged.
Incidentally, when I tried to help out at a friend's stall during my downtime, I got scolded by the Imperial Guard. How sad.
And in the blink of an eye, the day of the Sports Festival was upon us.
Even the cats living in the palace had a role to play.
‘Alright, everyone! Time to earn some fish!’
‘Nyaaan!’
I held a morning assembly for the cats.
Everyone was watching me with exasperated expressions.
Heh heh heh, the cats are going to be the stars of the opening ceremony!
I celebrated by burying my face in a white cat's fur.