At Night.
Ariel’s Boudoir in the Royal Palace.
I was accompanied by Sylphy; I wanted to avoid being suspected of cheating on my wives as much as possible, so I decided to visit Ariel with her.
I wasn’t asked to come alone.
Ariel’s boudoir was ultra-luxurious.
Of course, it’s part of the Royal Palace, but it’s as big as a house.
The furniture’s fluffiness is the highest grade. The sofa feels like it will melt.
Everything was shining brightly even though it wasn't metallic, probably because it's top class in this world.
Usually a room like this would be filled with maids.
But it seems that Ariel dismissed them for our meeting.
In a cold and empty room lined with luxurious furniture, Ariel poured wine for me.
"Please."
"Thank you."
Purple liquid was poured into a set of golden cups.
Wine.
I wonder if it’s high quality.
"So Sylphy also came."
"Yeah, because if Rudi is meeting alone with a beauty in the middle of night, a strange rumor might spread."
"Well. Certainly, I don’t know what will happen in a private meeting."
Ariel laughed, but Sylphy was not laughing.
I wonder if she didn't think that was a joke.
"If it's Rudi, it will somehow really happen."
There's no trust in my lower body.
Well, there is no way there would be.
But, I have confidence in Sylphy.
That time she said that she was prepared to pick me over Ariel...
Honestly, my heart skipped a beat then.
But it seems that to Sylphy, Ariel is a praying mantis that wants to eat me.
"Now then."
After having finished pouring the wine, Ariel also sat on her seat.
"Rudeus-sama. I would like to say my thanks again. Thanks, for what you’ve done so far."
"No, it is the result of your efforts Ariel-sama."
Ariel’s personal connections in Ranoa kingdom have proved useful.
She's filled the hole left behind by the deceased Darius.
She's promoted talented people to replace the important posts held by the Grabell faction.
If she keeps up her current pace, Ariel will have complete control of Asura Kingdom.
"Giving me advice to convince Perugius-sama, advice for the trip, advises for other cases... If I didn’t get your advice at that time, Rudeus-sama, I would still be frustrated even now."
"I’m feeling embarrassed now."
"Really, like Sylphy said. It might be good to spend one night together."
While saying that, Ariel sent a bewitching glance to me.
My eyes quickly wandered to certain places, like Ariel’s nape, but after being glared at by Sylphy, I hurriedly hung down my head...
Ariel returned with a smile.
"Well, though that part was a joke, the part about my thanks is true."
"Your gratitude is, well..."
Because of this incident, I got a house.
That house would probably be good to use as my vacation home in the future...
"Is there anything you want? You promised in front of Luke that you wanted neither a title nor land but, is there anything unusual that I may freely provide?"
I have considered this.
What I can obtain from Ariel…
Basically anything.
Asura Kingdom has just about everything.
Maybe magic manuals?
Oh, no.
There was one.
One thing to ask.
"There is one thing, at first this will take some time, but I have already planned it out. Please set up and put up for sale my figurine and book set. It is in the image of the Supard Race, but if I have Royal authorization it will be easier to do business."
"Oh, is that what you were talking about with Perugius-sama?"
"Yeah, is that difficult?"
In Asura kingdom, the Millis religion is popular.
Even with permission from the royal family, selling the likeness of a Magic Race...
It’s possible to cause some friction.
"It is not that difficult. It's important to prepare workshops as well for mass-producing."
"What about the Millis doctrine, will they be all right with it?"
"It's all right. That sort of thing can be solved with money."
O~h, the power of money!
That's good.
Becoming the Asura Kingdom's King was the same as becoming the richest man in the world.
"So, if there is progress after I return..."
"Yes, I will wait."
I got a studio and sponsors.
After that the plan's growth depends on Julie.
It certainly was written in the diary, that I successfully make a picture book and sell it.
...Also, I must find a painter.
To interest as many people as possible, the best option is still a picture book.
There are many people who can’t read, but picture books can be viewed by anyone.
While I was starting to see dollar signs, Ariel straightened her posture, and turned to Sylphy.
"Sylphy, thanks for the hard work."
"... Yeah. Ariel-sama, also cheers for your good work."