"Gluewald-san."
"Fuka-san? What’s the matter?"
"Is this place a land of myth?"
"Eh?"
"I'm asking if this was actually a land of myth all along."
"Wait, wait... calm down. Just take a deep breath."
"I am perfectly calm."
"Then what brought this on so suddenly?"
"The dragons... there were so many of them."
"There certainly were."
"They were arm wrestling and doing... was it tug-of-war? They were actually doing things like that."
"It was fun, wasn't it?"
"Yes. It was wonderful. And the food is beyond delicious. Therefore, this must be a land of myth!"
"Ahaha... it might be incredibly close to one, but I assure you, it’s different."
"Gluewald-san, I’ve decided. When I grow up, I want to participate in the martial arts tournament too. First, I’ll enter the General Division and win."
"Ahaha. Well, you'll have to work hard and grow up big and strong if you want to manage that."
"Yes. I’ll give it my all."
Gulf of the Beastman Race and Daga the Lizardman were going through their morning calisthenics while reflecting on yesterday's matches.
"I really thought I’d put up a better fight against Kierbit-san," Gulf lamented.
"We simply hadn't studied the Angel Race's combat style enough," Daga replied.
"Hmph. We never get a chance to spar with them. If only we could have had a few practice matches beforehand..."
"You could say the same for her. Wouldn't she have just seen through your habits and finished you even faster?"
"By habits, do you mean my attack patterns? I thought I’d added enough variations to handle that."
"Even with more variations, your foundation remains the same. She crushed you before you could even transition into them. That’s why you lost to Kierbit-dono, isn't it?"
"That’s because I didn't expect her to use her spear as a feint and transition into kicking techniques..."
"I warned you beforehand. Kierbit-dono is a rarity among the Angel Race—she’s exceptionally skilled in hand-to-hand combat."
"I know, but... sigh. I guess it just comes down to my own lack of skill."
"Now, now. All right, our bodies are warmed up. Shall we get to it?"
"Yeah. First, let's head over to Kierbit-san's place."
"Umu, I've already cleared it with her. Prepare to be thrashed."
"I’m going to land at least one hit today."
"It was incredible again this year."
"Indeed. You... were so close as well."
Randan and Beezel, two of the Demon Kingdom's Four Heavenly Kings, sat muttering to each other over a meal at the inn.
"The matchups were just... well, honestly, it’s not as if the brackets would have made much difference."
"I don't think that's entirely true."
"No, it is. Everyone else was conserving their stamina for the long haul. I had to use everything I had just to win once. Winning a second time was simply impossible. That’s just how it shook out."
"In a one-on-one duel, you're still among the finest in the Demon Kingdom."
"That kind of pride and confidence has been shattered to pieces. More importantly, that Gulf fellow—is there any way we can recruit him to the Demon Kingdom's service?"
"Impossible. He officially migrated to the Village of the Great Tree a while ago."
"I was too late... I should have pulled him in, even if I had to be forceful, when I met him in Shashato City."
"From what I've seen, he possesses the temperament of a true martial artist. I doubt he would have any interest in being a General or an instructor for the military."
"Mmm... then what about the Lamia Race or the Giant Race?"
"There’s a possibility, but... do you honestly believe a Lamia or a Giant could lead a battalion or teach standardized techniques?"
"We won't know until we try, right?"
"I’ll put out some feelers just in case, but please, do not get your hopes up."
"The fact that you can even put out feelers is impressive enough."
"My daughter seems to be on quite friendly terms with the Lamias. By the way, I heard the matter regarding your younger sister turned out well."
"Oh, you want to hear about that? Sit back, it’s a long story."
"Sovereign. The prayers of tranquility have been concluded."
"Thank you for your hard work, Fouche. Things certainly got lively yesterday."
"Yes. I never dreamed I would witness a match to decide the world's strongest."
"Hahaha. If that were truly the case, Dos-kun and Giral-kun would have insisted on participating properly. I wonder about the Demon King? I suppose he’d want to show a bit of backbone."
"Even without those individuals in the main bracket... the contestants were staggering. It was a humbling experience."
"Does it make your blood boil?"
"A little. However, as I am now, I might manage in the General Division, but... I wouldn't stand a chance in the Warrior Division."
"I imagine not."
"For now, I intend to push my subordinates. And eventually, I want to raise my son to that level."
"Hahaha. Your subordinates are one thing, but it’s a bit cruel to decide your son's life for him."
"It will be fine. He’s my son. If I show him that tournament, he’ll seek that height of his own accord."
"I won't interfere in family matters, but don't come crying to me if he runs away from home."
"Understood. However, if my son does say he wants to become strong, I ask for your assistance."
"I won't be stingy in that regard."
"Thank you, Sovereign. Now... it is almost time."
"Right. We have seven locations to visit, so steel yourself."
"Yes. I’m looking forward to it. Ah, one question before we depart?"
"What is it?"
"In the itinerary I received, there are hot spring breaks scheduled after every stop..."
"We have towels, so you needn't worry."
"It's not that. Is it truly necessary to visit the hot spring after every single location?"
"What are you saying, Fouche-kun? It is only natural to purify one's body before offering prayers."
"I see. My deepest apologies for the foolish question."
"As long as you understand. Did you get the lunches ready?"
"Yes. Right here."
"Then let's head out. Ah, we have to drop the Death Knight back at the springs first anyway, so that’ll be our first stop."
Dos and Giral had been soaking in the bath since noon.
"What are your plans for Gral?"
"I’m thinking of leaving her here," Giral replied.
"I don't mind that, provided the Village Head gives his permission... but you can't be hanging around here constantly."
"Actually, I was thinking of moving in myself."
"Like hell I’ll permit that. What about your own territory?"
"I’ll leave it to you."
"Leave it to me? I thought we were at each other's throats for centuries because you were so obsessed with that land?"
"I was, but... honestly, I don't even know why anymore."
"Did something happen?"
"I can't say. It was like a fog suddenly lifted from my mind. Since then, I haven't felt irritable at all. I’m the picture of health. I used to hate even looking at the sun, but now my daily routine includes sunbathing."
"Did your elemental attribute change?"
"No, I’m still a dragon of darkness."
"I see. Well, regardless, I won't allow you to just move here and dump your territory on me."
"So you're saying you won't let me be the only one enjoying a peaceful retirement?"
"Exactly."
"Then why don't you retire too?"
"I suggested that to Raimeiren once. She was beyond furious."
"Hahaha!"
"It’s not a joke. She told me that if I had the breath to spare for retirement, I clearly had no need for my life. I genuinely thought I was going to die right then and there."
"Honestly, Raimeiren seems more suited to be the Dragon King than you are."
"I agree... but the title of Dragon King is traditionally reserved for males."
"That’s just a rule you lot made up yourselves, isn't it?"
"It is, but once a tradition has been kept for this long, it’s hard to break. It carries weight."
"True. In that case, why not just pass the title of Dragon King to the Village Head? As Hakuren's husband, he’s certainly qualified."
"All joking aside... that might actually be an inspired idea."
"Oh?"
"I’ll try consulting Raimeiren about it. I’ll make sure to mention it was your idea."
"Wait, don't you dare! She'll make me her next target!"
"No, no, think about it. If the Village Head succeeds the title, then Hiichiro would be next in line. Raimeiren would find that very easy to accept."
"Hiichiro as the Dragon King? I’d rather not think about it, but if Gral marries him and they have a child... then the bloodlines and titles of the Dragon King and the Dark Dragon would be united."
"We can't call him the Dark Dragon King, though. That sounds a bit tacky."
"How about the Dragon Dark King?"
"Don't put 'Dark' in the middle."
"Isn't 'Dragon King Dark Dragon' a bit of a mouthful?"
"Since it would be the first of its kind, we should consider it carefully."
"Umu. But wait, what about the others? Like Draim or Domaim?"
"They tell me they want absolutely nothing to do with it on a daily basis. I even tried suggesting it to Suiren's husband once, but he just laughed and turned me down."
"...Let’s just drink once we’re out of the tub. Yeah, let’s just drink."
"Demon King-sama... that was a terrifying conversation just now."
"Gratz. We heard nothing. Absolutely nothing."
"...Hahaha. You're right. It was a mere hallucination. Now then, let's get ourselves clean. I'll scrub your back for you."
"Oh, much appreciated."
Michael-san and the Civil Official Girls were looking quite distressed as they pored over their ledgers.
"If trade continues at this rate, every single gold coin in the Demon Kingdom will eventually end up in this village," Michael warned.
"We feel like we're spending a fair amount, but..."
"It isn't nearly enough. To put it bluntly, the village is currently acting like a noble who does nothing but hoard wealth. Normally, if expenditures don't balance out against income, the economy withers and dies."
"Normally?"
"Yes. Since this village is entirely self-sufficient, the village itself won't suffer... but the Demon Kingdom will bear the brunt of the collapse."
"That is certainly not what we want. What sort of countermeasures do you suggest?"
"The most helpful thing would be for you to purchase goods in massive quantities, but you’re already doing that, and a village has its limits. My proposal is this: I recommend you construct facilities for the express purpose of spending money outside the village."
"Facilities for spending money?"
"Yes. For example, building a food factory or entertainment facilities in Shashato City, where my guild is based."
"A food factory... you mean for the seasonings and such that Flora-sama has been working on? Wouldn't that make us a rival to your own business?"
"I make plenty of profit elsewhere, so I'm not worried. In fact, I’ll provide the distribution channels myself if you need them."
"If you're okay with it, then we won't worry. But what do you mean by entertainment facilities?"
"A stadium, a theater, a show tent, a storytelling house—things of that nature. I hesitate to mention this to ladies, but I think adult entertainment establishments would be an option as well. Or, if you want to keep it simple, just regular restaurants."
"Wait, aren't those the kind of facilities that make money rather than spend it? And if we keep the prices too low, we'll bankrupt the local businesses."
"You’d have to be mindful of your pricing, of course. But restaurants aside, those other businesses aren't the kind where low prices alone guarantee success."
"Hmm... so since we’re amateurs, we’ll likely lose money, but because we have the capital, the businesses won't fold. That’s how they become 'facilities for spending money' in your eyes."
"Exactly."
"But then the village is just losing money for nothing. Is there any actual benefit for us?"
"Beyond introducing the village's crops and products? The biggest benefit is reputation."
"Reputation?"
"Yes. Currently, the Village of the Great Tree has zero public reputation. Only those in the know are aware of its existence."
"The Village Head doesn't particularly desire fame, after all."
"That’s fine for now, but eventually, the village will become known. When that happens, you won't be able to defend yourselves if someone spreads malicious rumors."
"Malicious rumors?"
"It’s just a hypothetical for now, but people are often resented simply for having a vast amount of money."
"So we earn public favor in advance to counteract any future slander."
"No. Think of it more like creating an organization to act as a front, hiding the existence of the Village of the Great Tree so it's never truly discovered."
"...I see. A method that minimizes the burden on the village itself."
"Yes. Furthermore, it can serve as an information gathering base. Currently, you’re getting information from myself, the Demon King, the Dragon King, Draim-sama, the Sovereign of the Korin Religion... it's a staggering lineup. However, if I may be so bold, I believe your current information network has a significant problem regarding speed."
"And if we set up in Shashato City, we could rely on your cooperation?"
"I will cooperate wholeheartedly."
"Understood. We’ll summarize this and present it to the Village Head. May we tell him this was a request from you?"
"I don't mind. Please do."
"Then it’s settled. Now, about our immediate spending..."
"The seafood I brought this time should last you through the winter, correct?"
"Yes. Oh, and the Village Head said he wanted a large quantity of shrimp."
"Shrimp?"
"Yes, shrimp. Not the small ones, the big ones. He said something about them being good luck for the new year."
"Understood. I’ll source them and have them delivered before the snow sets in. Anything else?"
"Hmm..."
"Please, do your best. If I don't bring some gold coins back with me this time, Shashato City is in serious trouble. I’m begging you."
"At worst, we could just lend it to you interest-free and without collateral."
"I appreciate the trust, but as a Guild Master, I can't possibly accept that. Please. Buy something. I’ll find whatever you need."
"Hmm..."
Kuro's offspring were engaged in a rare display of collective behavior. They were running around the perimeter of the village at full speed. They’d been at it since morning, and the sun was already starting to set. I hope they’re okay.
"Village Head. We’re about ready on this side too."
"Right, got it."
I was currently holed up in a hut with Flora. Since I’d put her through so much trouble during the tournament by having her cast healing magic over and over, I wanted to do something to reward her. I’d thought about giving her a massage or cooking her favorite food, but instead, I ended up using the Universal Farming Tool in its rice scoop form to continuously encourage fermentation.
"With this, that 'natto' you mentioned before will finally... fufufu."
"I’m actually not a fan of natto myself, you know."
"But people who like it really love it, right?"
"That’s true... but let’s focus on the cheese too."
"We already have cheese. I want to see a food I’ve never seen before... fufufu."
"Don't blame me if you don't actually like it, Flora."
Even as I said it, I had a feeling the natto was almost finished.
Now, how did those recipes for suppressing the smell go again?