Chapter 56: The Sarion Transaction
"I'll handle the Sarion delegation," I say, my voice steady and porcelain-cold as it leaves my physical throat. "They appreciate luxury and clinical logic—two things I manifest better than anyone else here."
I walk toward the approaching caravan, my polished obsidian shoes clicking rhythmically against the stone pavement of the new gateway. The Sarion merchants are a high-tier asset class; they don't just trade goods, they trade in ancient sorcerous knowledge and elemental engineering. To them, the Jura Forest has always been a "risky venture." It's my job to prove we're the only blue-chip stock in the region.
The lead carriage, a masterpiece of lacquered wood and enchanted silver filigree, comes to a halt. A tall elf with ears as sharp as a fiscal needle steps out. He's dressed in silk that costs more than a small village's annual tax revenue. He looks at me—not as a monster, but as a peer.
"Master Shinji Satou Tempest, I presume?" the elf asks, bowing with a practiced, shallow elegance. "I am Elen's... representative. We heard there was a new management structure in the forest. We came to see if the rumors of 'quality' were exaggerated."
"In Tempest, we don't exaggerate. We deliver," I respond, my sea-grey eyes locking onto his.
[Luxury Manifestation]
I snap my fingers. Instantly, a table of dark Jura oak manifests between us, draped in a cloth of pure, magicule-spun velvet. On it appears a set of crystal decanters filled with a 200-year-old brandy, the aroma of oak and refined spirits filling the air.
"The Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion is known for its high baseline for excellence," I say, gesturing to the seats. "I've manifested this specifically to match your palate. Let's discuss how we can turn your 'risk' into a permanent 'ROI'."
Notice. [Analytical Appraisal] suggests the Sarion merchants are at 85% psychological saturation. They are overwhelmed by the sudden manifestation of high-tier luxury. Their bargaining power is dropping.
Perfect. Hit them with the hospitality while their defenses are down. It's the oldest trick in the conglomerate handbook.
"This... this quality is impossible for a monster nation," the elf stammers, tasting the brandy. His eyes widen. "The magicule purity in this drink... it's better than the Emperor's private stock."
"That's because we don't have the overhead of tradition holding us back," I retort calmly. "We optimize. Now, regarding the trade of magisteel for Sarion's elemental cores—"
I'm interrupted by the sound of rapid hoofbeats. A single rider on a panicked horse bursts through the gate, scattering the Goblins. It's a human—dressed in the colors of the Kingdom of Blumund. He looks like he's ridden through a war zone.
"Lord Rimuru! Lord Shinji!" the rider gasps, falling from his horse. "A message from King Blumund! The Western Nations... they've officially mobilized! It's not just Lubelius! They're calling for a 'Crusade' against the Octagram!"
The festive atmosphere of the city drops ten degrees. I don't move, my expression remaining a mask of absolute risk mitigation. I take a slow sip of my own manifested brandy.
Notice. [Universal Perception] detects a high-tier magicule signature approaching from the shadows of the rider. It's not a threat, but a known variable.
"Fuze?" I ask, turning my head slightly.
The Guildmaster of Blumund, Fuze, steps out from behind the rider, his face pale and sweating. "Shinji. It's bad. Hinata Sakaguchi isn't just sending scouts anymore. She's coming herself. And she's bringing the 'Seven Luminaries'."
I adjust my obsidian gloves. "The Seven Luminaries? I was hoping for a more intellectual audit, but a total liquidation of the Holy Church's vanguard works too."
I turn back to the Sarion merchants, who are now looking at the Blumund rider with concern. "Gentlemen, please ignore the interruption. It's just a minor market correction. Shall we continue with the magisteel contract?"
Current Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Linked). Location: Tempest Gates. Status: Crusade Declared. Diplomacy: High Pressure. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Azathoth, calculate the tactical feasibility of using [God's Wrath] to intercept the Luminaries before they cross our borders. If we're going to be audited by a Saint, I want to make sure the cost of her 'Miracle' is higher than her soul can pay.
Chapter End.