Chapter 154 How to Make Aarem Popular？
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The accumulated libido of the last couple of days had been spent entirely on Tatia, and now morning had broken. Yuuri honestly couldn’t recall how many times he had reached climax, only that it felt like he was compensating for the short span with sheer numbers. A cold dread settled in, forcing him to wonder what was wrong with him, seeing as he hadn’t even resorted to ‘Sex Sorcery.’
Tatia, utterly exhausted, slept soundly in his bed, her abdomen looking just a little swollen from the sheer volume of semen Yuuri had discharged. He knew he had overdone it in multiple ways. Since he hadn’t thought about contraception and had aimed for all internal releases, Tatia might very well end up pregnant. He didn’t know what kind of response the Knight school would have if a student got pregnant while enrolled, but he knew it wouldn’t be good. Tatia might lose her official knight rank, and her lifelong dream would be crushed.
If that happened, Yuuri would have to take full responsibility. He *knew* he had to, but the anxiety was crippling: what if Tatia rejected him? At the very least, he prayed she would allow him to keep paying child support.
* * *
I made sure not to wake the spent Tatia and went to the couple’s bath to wash everything off. I don’t know why, but after getting rid of all that built-up stuff, my body, my mood, and my balls all felt lighter.
When I finished washing up and headed to the kitchen, Mitsuha-san was already there, getting breakfast ready before me.
”Good morning, Mitsuha-san,”
”Oh, good morning, Tatara-sama,” she responded, giving me a generous, gentle smile since her hair was tied up for housework. Feeling pleasure at being smiled at by a beauty—that’s certainly a masculine reaction, I suppose.
”We have them at the mansion too, but this magical rice cooker is a truly wonderful thing. Wash the rice, add water, and it automatically cooks it deliciously… it’s the culmination of human wisdom,” she admired.
It’s pretty funny that her words perfectly describe it, since I only made it by applying knowledge from my previous life.
”You made this, too, didn’t you, Tatara-sama?”
”Yeah, well… I only gave it shape since I had a hint from elsewhere.”
I had the cheat sheet of past-life knowledge, so it felt wrong for me to take the praise. I have no intention of telling Mitsuha-san and the others that I’m a reincarnated person. I mean, I don’t think it’s good information to casually drop, and above all, the thought of how Ethelena and the others reacted makes me lose all desire to tell her.
I cut the conversation short and stood alongside her in the kitchen. Mitsuha-san seemed to have already made the miso soup, so I guess I’ll make the main dish. Since the Acting Head of Family arrived, our Japanese cuisine has increased, and the simple smell of white rice and miso soup really just makes me hungry. In that case, the classic grilled fish would be the best choice.
I took out the fish for everyone, cleaned and salted them, and then placed them on a footed net over the lava plate and lit the fire. The far-infrared rays ensure the insides cook thoroughly, trapping all the flavor inside the flesh. It achieves the same effect as charcoal grilling, which makes it delicious. The sound of the excess fat dripping onto the lava plate and evaporating only heightened my anticipation for the meal. It felt rude, but I almost couldn’t wait and wanted to sneak a bite.
As I finished grilling the fish for everyone, keeping an eye on the cooking, Ichika had come into the kitchen and was already making the rolled omelet (Tamagoyaki).
”Oh, good morning, Ichika.”
”Good morning-degozaru, Master,” Ichika returned with a delightful laugh when I greeted her. Her tail brushed lightly against my back, and then she concentrated on the omelet.
I quietly stepped away so as not to bother her, scooped some of Ichika’s ever-present braised burdock root into small bowls from the fridge, and started setting the table. Ichika finished her omelet, sliced it up, and brought it to the table, completing the breakfast preparations.
”Hmm, the fish has a good amount of fat on it… it was correct to catch it,” the Acting Head of Family commented, the kind of sentiment any Japanese person who just finished their morning training would agree with.
”Truly, it helps so much that you brought it from Hizuru. Grilled fish is a must with white rice and miso soup, you know.” I nodded in agreement and brought a flake of fish meat with white rice to my mouth. The firmly cooked white rice, when chewed, released a faint moisture and flavor trapped inside, which mixed with the savory fat of the fish—it was a sublime taste that elevated my mood first thing in the morning.
The miso soup was simple—white miso with only cabbage—but the broth was rich and had a clean flavor, with the sweetness of the cabbage and the umami of the dried sardines asserting themselves clearly.
”Delicious…”
”Fufu, thank you, Tatara-sama,” Mitsuha-san chuckled, pleased with my heartfelt compliment. As a fellow cooking enthusiast, not expressing how delicious it was would be rude. Mitsuha-san’s eyes also sparkled as she complimented my grilled fish, which made me happy.
The Kinpira Gobō was good, but the omelet Ichika took the trouble to make this morning was delicious too. Its fluffy texture and subtle salt seasoning brought out the egg’s flavor, conveying its rich umami. I couldn’t help but smile, and Ichika looked back at my expression with pure happiness.
Neither Dahlia, who was sleeping in, nor Tatia, whom I’d thoroughly crushed last night, were at the table yet. I really regret overdoing it. And I’m going to ignore any food critiques from Hinagiku-san.
”You can cook too, can’t you, Tatara?” Ibara-san asked as she picked at her grilled fish.
”I did live alone for a while. Besides, maybe due to the influence of my ‘Crafting’ skill, I was good at this sort of thing, so I actively helped my mom out.” I returned, addressing her comment.
I was doing the kitchen renovations, but I figured the most helpful thing I could do was take over the physical labor. My mother always praised me, but I could never beat her cooking in terms of flavor. The taste of memories remains an eternal, insurmountable wall, but I think that’s a happy thing.
”Acting Head of Family, please accompany me again today.”
”Indeed. We must proceed steadily with the preparations,” he confirmed.
He sounded reasonable, but I could tell by his eyes that his mind was completely focused on Aarem. Well, I can’t blame him, he’s a boy.
”Ichika, I plan to bring Dahlia along today. If we’re exploring, I’d like you to not dive too deep.”
”Hmm, in that case, we will finish by raising skill levels on a certain floor and gathering Ability-boosting items-degozaru, I suppose.” Ichika instantly decided on a plan based on my words. Since ‘Muumin’ monsters should spawn in large numbers when she dives with Tatia, we shouldn’t lack status-up items. After boosting Tatia’s and Ichika’s status, I might even consider trying ‘Sublimation of Existence’.
”Waf… G-good morningh…” Just as I was thinking that, Dahlia woke up. Still half-asleep and with her hair sticking up in bedhead, as always. Mitsuha-san beckoned Dahlia over, took a comb, and began tidying her hair.
It’s odd how attentive she is, considering she’s an Ojou-sama (noblewoman). I guess she’s just a fundamentally nurturing person, seeing as she lights up at the idea of doing housework. Dahlia looked quite comfortable having her hair combed.
”Dahlia, wake up.”
”Mmm… Yes, my Master,” she mumbled, her reply laced with a yawn, making me give a wry smile. No choice, I’ll have to give her the adrenaline shot.
”I was planning to test the Magic Devices from yesterday in a real flight scenario today, but it looks like you’re not up to it.”
”That is not the case! I can depart immediately!” The moment ‘Magic Device’ was mentioned, Dahlia was fully awake. She’s hardcore. Well, there’ll be plenty to entertain her, like letting her operate the Aarem.
”Eat first, alright?” I insisted.
* * *
After finishing breakfast, the Acting Head of Family, Dahlia, and I headed to the arena. Tatia couldn’t move right away and said she’d go exploring in the afternoon. Ichika agreed to supervise the training of the idiot until then, so I could leave with peace of mind.
The ‘Bastard’ gave a dirty look to Ibara-san, who was joining again today, but accepted her apology for insulting his Katana while keeping his gaze locked on me. Of course, they started provoking each other immediately afterward and clashed—honestly, y’all are friends, aren’t you, after going in a full circle?
Leaving that bit of daily life behind, we stood before the arena. I pulled the Golems from my Inventory and lined them up before me.
”A decree from your Chief Crafter!” I addressed the Golems with as much rigor and dignity as I could muster.
”We shall now execute the task of completing this ‘Arena.’” Receiving the gazes of the Golems, who were standing in perfect formation, straightened my own back. I hate giving these morale-boosting speeches, but I have to do it properly.
”Though we find ourselves returning to yesterday’s work, this task is not carried out by the command of the City Mayor.”
It occurs to me that it’s quite something that the supposed next Chief Crafter and the highest authority on distribution and commerce (the merchant guild long) are working together without an official request from the city’s highest authority.
”This is a project we undertake independently to survive, to ensure the successful spread of ‘Aarem’ throughout the ‘World Wind’. The future sways between the traditions the ‘Nahazhuto Empire’ has built and the new possibilities that Hizuru brings. What will happen when the two merge, even I cannot say.”
It’s incredibly difficult for different cultures to intermingle. History from my past life taught me that lesson well enough.
”The ones who will live in that future are not us, but the young people living now…”
”You’re one of the young people!” the Acting Head of Family interjected, but I ignored him for the time being.
”…and the children yet unborn that will come after them.” The face that flashed through my mind was Ichika’s, and the child she carries in her belly, which is mine.
”To make their future bright, we must… return alive!”
”Are we going to die?!” I felt like I heard the same interjection as yesterday, but I ignored it again.
”Together with the completed ‘Arena,’ we must present Aarem to the world!” In this world where merely surviving is an arduous task, we must pose the question of Aarem’s viability as a comfort-bringing form of entertainment. To do that, we’ll start right here, in this ‘World Wind.’
”As a Crafter, and as an adult, I expect great things from your efforts!” The leader at the front stepped forward with a face of determination, and the Golems behind him followed suit, marching toward the arena.
”Hold on, Dahlia! Why are you trying to follow them?!”
”…Huh, I just did it?!” Apparently, it was unconscious. Dahlia doesn’t have the ‘Crafting’ skill, and if she joined them, her work efficiency would be incomparable, which is to say, terrible.
”Hearing Master’s speech, I felt compelled to follow them!”
”Could it be because you’re registered as my Master?”
”The possibility is very high.”
”Honestly, I made a quip, but I felt like joining in too!” the Acting Head of Family admitted.
The legendary speech from a certain mobile suit anime corner of the universe is terrifyingly effective at boosting morale.
We entered the arena and headed to the battlefield. The merchant guild long wasn’t there yet, maybe still running late. Time to let Dahlia get the feel for things. I pulled two Magic VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) machines from my Inventory and placed them on the field. I handed the Controllers to Dahlia and, while I was at it, created a temporary box for aerial transport and set it beside the VTOLs.
”Dahlia, let’s test both aircraft within this space first. Start with whichever one you want, and take it for a light flight.”
”Yes, my Master.” Following my command, Dahlia activated the helicopter. The tilt-rotor’s propellers began to spin, filling the space with that distinctive sound of air being beaten. I could feel my chest swell as the machine slowly lifted off the ground. No matter how many times I see it, that moment of liftoff gets my heart racing.
”Ooh… It flies, Tatara-dono!?”
”Yes, it flies.”
Did he not actually see it flying in the garden the other day?
The VTOL flew freely under Dahlia’s operation, the characteristic sound of the propellers slicing through the air echoing loudly. She landed the tilt-rotor after a brief time in the air and a few maneuvers, serving as a warm-up. Next, Dahlia activated the tilt-wing aircraft. The machine lifted off with a higher-pitched operating sound than the propeller with rotating fins.
”Tatara-dono, Tatara-dono!” The Acting Head of Family called my name, tapping my shoulder in excitement while watching the VTOL with shining eyes. It actually hurt a little.
”That! Is! So! Cool! I want one!” he stammered in broken English.
”I get the feeling, but don’t talk like a child. Also, why the simple words?” He was utterly captivated by the tilt-wing aircraft being propelled by the air blasting from its small jet engines. He really hasn’t forgotten the heart of a child… though I can’t really talk.
”Master, it’s difficult to maintain balance indoors due to the air currents the machine generates,” Dahlia reported after her test flight.
”I see. Which is more difficult, indoor or outdoor?”
”The test maneuvers we performed in the garden yesterday were almost windless, so outdoor flight would be more difficult in that specific case. However, since the outdoors usually involves some wind, I anticipate that indoor flight is generally easier.”
True, strong crosswinds would make the outdoors tougher. Should I make some changes?
”Alright, no choice then. I’ll use the ‘Floating Stone’ to remove the propellers and fins.”
”Rejected.”
Just as I was about to stop the turbulence-generating structure, I was shut down not only by Dahlia but also by the Acting Head of Family. The time between my thought and their rejection was perhaps 0.001 seconds… faster than a certain space sheriff’s transformation.
”The difficulty of operation is a trifle. Nothing takes precedence over how cool it looks,” Dahlia stated.
”Exactly. Without this sound, no one would notice its arrival. It’s only by questioning the sound and following it to its discovery that the unknown sight sparks greater interest!” the Acting Head of Family declared.
Yeah, these two are serious. I guess I’ll have to postpone the VTOL modifications.
”I see, so that’s your hidden card for aerial transport, Tatara, ya?” A voice belonging to a previously absent person cut into the conversation. I turned my gaze to find the merchant guild long, wearing the same jumpsuit as yesterday, alongside the Foreign Affairs Chief, who was dressed in noble attire.
Both of their gazes were glued to the flying VTOLs.
”Good morning, merchant guild long and Foreign Affairs Chief.”
”Mornin’, Tatara, an’ Torakuma. And I reckon we haven’t met, have we?” the merchant guild long drawled.
”It is a pleasure to meet you. Please excuse my lack of manners while operating the machine. I am Dahlia Julon, Automaton Maiden and younger sister-in-law to Tatara Julon,” Dahlia stated, dedicating most of her attention to the VTOL controls. The merchant guild long frowned at the ‘Automaton Maiden’ claim but seemed to understand that her concentration on the VTOL meant the machine was difficult to handle.
”Good morning to you too, Foreign Affairs Chief.”
”Hmph, Tatara Julon, the next Chief Crafter, seems quite neglectful of his manners,” the Foreign Affairs Chief scoffed.
”…Hard to take that seriously from a person who’s still staring at the VTOL,” I muttered under my breath.
What emotion was I supposed to feel towards the Foreign Affairs Chief, whose gaze never wavered from the tilt-wing aircraft soaring through the air?
”Yeah, I agree, me. Tatara, the Head of Judiciary and his son are comin’ too. We’ll have a rehearsal for the announcement ceremony sometime today, ya?” the merchant guild long said before directing his gaze back to the VTOL. Things that fly in the sky just grab a man’s heart, I guess.
Dahlia finished her test flights, which totaled over ten minutes, switching between the VTOL models. She checked the condition of the aircraft she had just operated, specifically the moving parts, to gauge the impact of her operation.
”Master, I will submit a report tonight and request improvements.”
”Got it. I look forward to it.” Dahlia was absolutely serious when facing a Magic Device, which is why I could trust her with this kind of work.
”Now then, Foreign Affairs Chief. I will now explain the reason I called you here.”
”No need. The merchant guild long already sent me a summary via letter. To announce the establishment of diplomatic relations with Hizuru to the citizens via an event held in this building—it is infuriating that I, the Foreign Affairs Chief, was not consulted. However, I concede that it’s an effective way to spread awareness. Nonetheless, I need clarification on how you plan to inform the citizens who cannot enter this building.”
”Hmm, may I also listen in?” asked a new voice. I looked in the direction of the sound to see the Head of Judiciary and Narikin-san standing side-by-side, dressed in noble attire. And then…
”Perhaps I should be given a detailed explanation as well?” The City Mayor, the highest authority in this city, entered the scene.
”Please make it as quick as possible. I’m about to die from stress,” she pleaded, being pushed in a wheelchair by Calmys-san. Wait, the City Mayor is that worn out?
”Do you understand how I feel, getting news of this event through the Foreign Affairs Chief?”
”No, well…” My throat constricted at the sight of the City Mayor staring at me with fully dilated pupils. Whatever I said would probably get me killed. How was I supposed to answer?
”Shouldn’t you have informed me, the highest authority of the city’s affairs, before telling the Foreign Affairs Chief, the highest authority of foreign relations?”
”Yes, but…”
”You were probably just shackled by my previous instruction to postpone all reports until after the city festival… sigh. Honestly, you are a tone-deaf disaster when it comes to consideration!”
The Torakuma family actually holds the patent on being tone-deaf, though, I thought, but didn’t dare say it, shrinking back as the City Mayor sighed. The City Mayor sighed again at my reaction, but then pulled herself together and adopted a serious expression.
”So, I have approved the proposal from the merchant guild long to construct a new public facility on that land. The proposal named it a ‘Competition Facility,’ but… what is this stage for?”
Right, now I had to explain Aarem, a project that was supposed to be reported after the city festival. I internally apologized profusely to Narikin-san, as I’d need his help, and asked the Head of Judiciary, the merchant guild long, Narikin-san, and the Acting Head of Family to each take their respective Aarems onto the stage.
After they demonstrated the Aarems, the City Mayor let out a massive sigh.
”Remote-controlled, ultra-compact Golems that can be transferred to others… What on earth did you do to create that? To break through a technically impossible phenomenon just when I need to focus on the city festival!”
”Uh… do you remember the Magic Condenser?” I asked, needing a reference point.
To explain something that was technically impossible, I had to use a concept that would resonate with a fellow Crafter.
”The Condenser… I think you mentioned it before, a household Mana storage device, right? Don’t tell me…” With just that one item I mentioned, this person, who was once the top Crafter in the city (though she transferred that title to me), understood everything.
”You’re saying you intentionally made the core output insufficient for a regular Golem by using a chargeable core, thereby allowing the command authority to be transferred elsewhere?”
”As expected of the City Mayor, you grasp things quickly!”
It was no joke; her ability to understand the principle of Aarem in such a short time was astounding. Even the Cat-girl (Ichika) hadn’t fully grasped the theory after my explanation. She truly was a genius.
Receiving my praise, the City Mayor put a hand to her forehead and sighed dramatically.
”Calmys!” she ordered.
”Yes!” Calmys-san responded, approaching at ultra-high speed. He took something out of his Inventory and swung it down forcefully.
SLAP! A loud, sharp sound echoed as it struck my head. It didn’t hurt much, but I reflexively cried out in pain. I looked up and saw a thin, leather slipper in Calmys-san’s hand.
”You… IDIOT!!” The City Mayor took a huge breath and then scolded me with an incredibly loud voice.
”Why are you constantly inventing things that destroy all previous common sense?! And looking around, just how many Golems have you built?!”
”Uh, counting the ones I built before, a total of 201.”
”That’s too many! And they’re Mithril?!”
”T-the overall leader is based on Mithril, but I also used Adamantite and Orichalcum!”
”That’s even MORE outrageous!!”
Every time the City Mayor screamed, Calmys-san swung the slipper, making a satisfying thwack. I felt too apologetic about everything to even resist.
”How does restraining a report for one month turn into a bomb hundreds of times bigger?!”
”I-I didn’t make that many!”
”Then tell me, did you pass any other weird stuff to the royalty from the Land of Eternal Night?!”
”I only made custom-made ‘Elingium’ parts and a sword built like Dalma-san’s axe!”
Well, I did practically rebuild the ‘Immortal King’s’ gun under the guise of maintenance, but I didn’t create it, and I even removed the self-destruct system.
The merchant guild long and the other onlookers watched us bicker and squabble with dumbfounded expressions. It couldn’t be helped; the City Mayor only ever reacted like this when she was involved with me.
After taking a deep breath and composing herself, the City Mayor made her face serious again.
”…So, what are you trying to accomplish by building this magnificent facility?”
At her question, I straightened my posture and began my explanation. It wasn’t that deep of a philosophical talk, really. The gist was just spreading a new form of entertainment to bring some joy into people’s lives, even if this Aarem could easily be converted into a military weapon.
The City Mayor listened to my entire talk and then locked eyes with me, her gaze intense. It was an unvoiced question, asking if I realized that my Aarem could become a weapon that took many lives. I met her gaze straight on and replied without words: I’ve known that from the beginning.
It might have been a minute, or maybe just a dozen seconds. The intense, time-distorting exchange of wills ended with the City Mayor’s sigh.
”Haah… no help for it, I suppose. I approve the use of this venue to promote the establishment of diplomatic ties, too.”
A collective sigh of relief filled the air. I was extremely nervous, but the City Mayor had seen the benefit in our plan. It would be impossible not to feel relieved.
”Now, how do you plan to communicate this to the people who can’t come here on the day?”
”Ah, I’ll explain that using this facility’s equipment.”
I answered the City Mayor and began my explanation by projecting the camera image onto the large monitor hanging from the ceiling.
”This is a Spell Formula originally intended for long-distance communication, but I rearranged it for short distances, reducing Mana consumption to one-fifth of the original. In exchange, the output is lower, and it’s extremely vulnerable to shielding, but it can still easily cover the city from here.”
”…You just casually performed another technical impossibility, but fine for now. Even if you use this communication, or rather, ‘telepathy’ Spell Formula within the city, there aren’t many places to set up screens like the one above us.”
As expected of the City Mayor, she instantly understood what I was trying to do.
”Also, the installation within public facilities in the city requires the permission of the Internal Affairs Chief, does it not?” the Head of Judiciary added, giving me a crucial piece of procedural advice. It was really helpful to know who to get permission from to implement my plan officially.
”I intend to limit this to temporary installation, not permanent. For that, I will prepare mobile monitors, about one-fourth the size of the one overhead.”
”Hmm.”
”I see.”
The Head of Judiciary and the City Mayor understood my words. Looking around, the merchant guild long and the Foreign Affairs Chief also seemed to grasp the idea.
”I’ll design them so that a Mana Stone can be set inside the monitor, cutting off the need for external supply to maximize portability and allow installation anywhere. The installation sites will be several locations where people will gather for the city festival, increasing the number of potential viewers.”
The Acting Head of Family listened with a look of deep interest, while the commoner Narikin-san seemed anxious about the crazy things he was hearing. Calmys-san had thrown in the towel on understanding anything from the start and seemed focused only on protecting his own stomach.
”I would appreciate advice on the most effective locations for increasing viewership.”
”Fine. I’ll send you the required numbers later, so prepare that many for me.”
”I must object! If this city-wide communication system can only be used for this obscure competition, it is a useless white elephant!” the Foreign Affairs Chief interjected. Was he deliberately bringing up potential complaints to test its utility?
”No, if we prepare Magic Devices to transmit images at other locations, we can use it to transmit notices from Central Administration across the entire city.”
”Of course. If Tatara makes it, that level of versatility is expected. If anything, you’ve already thought of other uses, haven’t you?”
”Don’t put expectations on me! The most I’ve thought of is setting up communication equipment in the offices or homes to enable meetings!” The so-called online meeting—it felt out of place in a sword-and-magic fantasy world. I want to spread it, though, since it would allow people to participate even while raising children.
”I see. I will allocate the budget, so prepare the equipment. I want to test it out with the people here before it officially launches after your appointment as Chief Crafter.”
”Why don’t we install it in municipal facilities like the Metropolitan Research Institute? It would allow for rapid responses to research facility accidents or theft of results.”
”In that case, let’s put it in the vigilante corps headquarters, too, ya. To send information on serious crimes quickly, ya,” the merchant guild long offered, reverting to his regional dialect in his eagerness.
”Then can we place it in the Immigration Office? If diplomatic dignitaries visit without using the teleportation gate, we must inform officials quickly or risk a diplomatic incident,” the Foreign Affairs Chief chimed in.
Demands started coming in from the City Mayor, Head of Judiciary, merchant guild long, and Foreign Affairs Chief. These people really get down to business quickly, which is a massive help. I calculated the number of monitors and materials needed. Dahlia, the Magic Device enthusiast, listened, her excitement still simmering. If she had a tail, it would be splitting into duplicates from how fast she’d be wagging it.
”Once the issues with city-wide operation have been ironed out, we will provide the technology to the royal family and the military of the homeland. Write a report on it, understand?”
”I’m not exactly keen on that…”
”It can be converted into military technology, but the homeland won’t necessarily rush to use it. It’s too useful for holding early political meetings, so it will probably be used for that first.”
Well, since I already sent a simplified teleportation gate that could be used for military surprise attacks, my technology being weaponized is nothing new.
”So, can we hear the reason you gathered this particular group of people?”
”The City Mayor was the unexpected exception, though…”
”I can’t help it! I’m a Crafter too, and I’m interested in new technology!” she declared.
It felt unfair for her to pull the ‘Crafter’ card without making excuses; I couldn’t deny her action since I would do the same thing.
I explained the event I had planned to promote Aarem, involving the merchant guild long and the Acting Head of Family. When I explained the competition utilizing Aarem, the three non-owners—the City Mayor, the Head of Judiciary, and the Foreign Affairs Chief—all became interested.
”I do think it’s interesting to promote this… Aarem, was it, as a competition,” Calmys-san spoke up first. As the Saint of the War God, who governs fairness and justice in battle, he was naturally positive about the creation of a competition. However, there was a catch in his words.
”But what about its accessibility?”
”Exactly. For this new product to spread, it must be affordable for anyone to buy. How much did you trade this for?” the City Mayor pressed.
She hit a painful spot. I knew I’d get scolded again if I told her the price.
”Well… the Head of Judiciary’s was part of a service included in a bulk order…”
”Oh, really…”
”Um…”
”What did they order, and for how much?” she prompted.
I bit back my words. The Head of Judiciary didn’t seem to have any intention of interfering and subtly moved away from us. That kind of natural avoidance must be the wisdom of age.
”That would be two sets of Demonsteel Armor and a Hanger, along with equipment…”
”And how much did you accept for that?”
”A total of 3 million, I think…”
”I see…” The City Mayor sighed, and Calmys-san approached. Yup, I was going to get it now.
”That’s TOO CHEAP, you idiot!!” Calmys-san’s slipper swung down, making a loud sound. The Head of Judiciary and Narikin-san nodded profusely at the City Mayor’s words.
”Considering the technology used, a single Aarem unit is worth that much alone! It’s not the kind of thing you toss in as a freebie!” Again, Calmys-san’s slipper descended, matching the City Mayor’s words, and hit my head squarely… It didn’t hurt, but it wounded my pride.
”Furthermore, how much did you intend to sell one of these for in the general market?!”
”Uh… a core and Controller set for around 1,000 to 1,500.”
”I said that’s TOO CHEAP!!”
Calmys-san’s slipper swung again, for the nth time. I could see Dahlia’s face growing stern. She couldn’t tolerate her Master being unilaterally struck. I was genuinely worried she might draw ‘Fohr Julon’ (her weapon) soon.
”City Mayor, could you calm down and listen to Tatara’s idea?” the merchant guild long interceded, suppressing his regional dialect for the moment.
”Merchant guild long, are you in on this as well?”
”If you call it an accomplice, I cannot deny it. However, I collaborated because I saw that Tatara’s idea could be fully monetized through distribution,” the merchant guild long stated, deflecting the City Mayor’s shifted hostility.
”Tatara intended for the cores and Controllers to be exclusively sold by the merchant guild. If they aren’t sold elsewhere, all the revenue goes straight to Tatara.”
”Are you trying to pick a fight with the concept of a free market?”
”Regrettably, no other Crafter can create these cores and Controllers. To allow a free market, we’d need to release the technology. Even if we did, no one could imitate it, so no one could participate. It would be a complete monopoly market,” the merchant guild long explained.
The idea that no one could imitate the technology even if it were disclosed felt harsh—it made me feel like I was all alone in the world.
”…A monopoly sale through the merchant guild, even if Tatara names the price, will generate resentment if no one else can enter the market.”
”Tatara has provided a way out. While the core is an exclusive sale, the frames can be created by other Crafters. I have personally contacted several Crafters through my own connections and had them test it, and I’ve confirmed that there’s a definite positive response.” The merchant guild long, how did he manage to get that done so fast?
”…What will you do if other Crafters eventually make a core and sell it cheaper?”
”We will deal with that when the time comes. However, Tatara has already thought of a few countermeasures. For example, to participate in the Aarem competition, only cores sold by the merchant guild and linked to a numbering system would be eligible, which would restrict sales to the merchant guild.”
Well, I did suggest limiting competition eligibility to cores sold by the merchant guild, but I hadn’t gone into the management method itself.
”In that case, Tatara, how many of these cores can you deliver?” she asked abruptly, making me flinch, but I answered immediately.
”About 100 at once.”
”In a week?”
”In a day.”
”You’re still being a ‘Tatara,’ aren’t you?” she said with a hint of exasperation.
”Furthermore, if I run the Golems at full capacity, I can probably make several thousand a day.”
At my words, the City Mayor let out a dramatic sigh and adopted a look of total surrender.
”The manufacturing limit is 1,500 per week… No, the sales limit will be that number. Tatara, you will deliver the units and increase the inventory.”
”…You’re throwing away the concept of scarcity?” the Head of Judiciary questioned the City Mayor’s sales directive.
”A high volume is what matters for these Aarem cores. If we don’t keep them readily available for anyone to buy at any time, we can’t sell them for a price like 1,000 to 1,500. Crafters might inflate the price of the frames, too. If Tatara’s goal is to make this something a child can buy with their allowance, at the very least, the core must always be available to buy,” the City Mayor explained.
”What about the pricing for using this facility?”
”I’m considering 1,500 for adults and 500 for children for the entry fee. The food and drink prices will be slightly marked up.”
”That seems reasonable, considering the operating costs. Tatara, have you done a trial calculation of the Mana consumption for this facility?”
”There’s no need to consider it; it’s self-sufficient with a household Mana Reactor.”
”You did it again…” How many times had the City Mayor sighed today? She shook her head to regain focus and continued.
”The management of this ‘Tatara Aarem Arena’ is fine as is.”
”Huh? What’s with that name…”
”It’s the arena built by you, the Aarem developer, so what else would I name it? Whose name would I use?”
”Uh, the current Emperor’s name or something…”
”That would be more disrespectful! This is a regional city, not the Imperial Capital right under his nose! And he’d complain if he was put on the same level as you!”
”Am I really treated that badly?”
Notes:
• Mitsuha – Second daughter of the Torakuma family (Yohira’s sister). She is quiet, awkward, surprisingly deadpan, and possesses a gentle, nurturing side (shown with Cornremu). Hair so long it trailed across the floor like Tomie Kawakami (Junji Ito), face half-hidden by hair, single dark horn (above brow), loose violet robes.
• Ichika – The fox girl. Kunoichi. Virgincest⚠️, becomes pregnant immediately.
• Dahlia – The automaton.
• Hinagiku – A tengu woman as Ranka’s potential companion. She stays with Tatara’s group after travels. Joins household scenes only. Linked to Ranka by shared gluttony jokes. No direct tie to Tatara beyond cohabitation. Cheerful eater.
• Ibara – Eldest daughter of the Torakuma family (Yohira’s sister). She is sharp, formal, and possesses a predatory confidence and dry humor. Relative of the Narrator’s ex-companion (Yohira) and a new house guest/guard. Short black hair (neatly at the shoulder), crimson horn (from forehead), eyes of molten gold, red and black kimono like Shuten-dōji (Fate).
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
• Dalma – A massive, rugged Explorer with a burly frame and a presence that overshadows others, long considered a battle comrade of Rogas, Calmys, and the mayor. Straightforward and loyal, his trademark is entrusting everything to his allies—“makaseru otoko,” the kind who leaves even the forging of his great axe entirely to Tatara’s hands.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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