Well,
I accomplished everything I had to this year.
Primarily, I laid the groundwork in the Asura area.
Staying in the Asura Kingdom for a few months, we created a subdivision of our mercenary group, a Zanoba Shop branch office, and a factory for the production of goods.
All of which we achieved with Ariel's assistance.
Thanks to Ariel, we'll smoothly be able to gain associates.
When I asked her if she would be willing to cooperate with Orsted in the future I received some reassuring words, "That was my intention from the beginning."
With that in mind Ariel gathered men from her own faction together and threw a party.
It was set up under the premise that, with my backing, they would be able to forge a connection with the 'Dragon God' of the Seven Major Powers.
Although fundamentally we only gathered people under Ariel, it was just members of her faction.
In short, it was people who have the backing of Ariel. Ten or twenty years from now they will be in key positions within the kingdom.
The majority of them were Ariel's yes men.
However, there was also a slightly different type of person there.
That is Water Emperor Isolte.
I don't understand exactly what chain of events led her to be brought along, but the Sword King Nina was also at the venue for some reason.
I'm glad that the Sword God Style and Water God Style are cooperating with Orsted.
I told Eris that I would entrust persuading Nina to her, but, in the end, I wonder how that will turn out?
It sort of seems like the three of them were playing around for a while, but I haven't heard the results.
My expectations are low, but that I was able to make a connection to a talented person like Nina through Eris is helpful.
Honestly, about the revival of Laplace in 80 years, most people don't seem to get it.
So, I think some of the language in my solicitation might have been said carelessly.
However, Ariel holds their reins.
If that's the case it should be fine.
She's our dependable Asura Branch Manager.
When I reported to Ariel that, "Eris has given birth to a boy, he's my third child." she was extremely pleased.
Then she said with a mischievous face,
"That's right. In that case why don't we set up a betrothal between one of your children and a member of the Asura royal family?
If we do that wouldn't our relationship become even stronger.... ?"
From her, I think that was said seriously.
On reflex I thought, "Don't joke around." Although I was strongly repulsed, I'm producing a lot of children; it might be good to make a connection with powerful people through marriage.
To everyone else, excluding Ariel, I appear to be Orsted's mysterious supporter; it's probably a little scary.
However, it might be a relief if a member of my family were engaged to a relative of Ariel at this time.
Ties of blood are deep.
However, I don't intend to use my children that way.
No, I might consider it if one of the children seriously starts talking about wanting a royal wedding or wanting to become a princess.
Anyway, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I have things in the Asura area completely within my grasp.
The nobles led by Ariel, the Water God school, and if we're lucky we might get some people from the Holy Land of the Sword.
The manufacturing facilities and the store front for the Ruijerd figure sales are also doing well.
This, when combined with the Mercenary Troupe's transportation unit, should allow the Ruijerd figures to spread throughout the Central Continent.
It's perfect.
If I'm able to, using this method, meet up with Ruijerd sooner, I'll be really happy.
The next step is to advance into the King Dragon Kingdom, and make preparations to use the Death God Randolph as a go between to form that relationship.
There isn't an existence like Ariel this next time, so it's going to be difficult to deal with.
I expect it to take at least two or three years longer.
Asura Kingdom was the tutorial stage.
From here on out is the real game.