The labyrinth was nearly complete. I returned to the town, leaving Veldora and Ramiris to oversee the underground levels. Milim, as expected, would continue assisting with the construction once she had captured a sufficient number of dragons. I allowed myself a brief moment of reflection: could it truly be acceptable for her to stay away from her own nation so long? Yet, these doubts were meaningless. Ultimately, it was Milim who would answer for her actions; she could act as she pleased.
Meanwhile, the three advisors under my command—Veldora, Ramiris, and Milim—had scrutinized every trap I had set. Floors below thirty could not be excessively harsh. There was a delicate balance to maintain: too lenient, and adventurers would find no challenge; too cruel, and they would lose interest before reaching the deeper levels. My calculations determined that the first fifty floors required my direct attention to ensure proper balance. Veldora and Ramiris were delegated the lower floors so they could experiment with their ingenuity, devising traps that would test the limits of any adventurer's skill.
"—Atem, it seems I misjudged," Veldora admitted, her voice carrying a mixture of awe and exasperation. "Traps aren't meant to be isolated measures. They must interact, respond… and dominate the intruder psychologically as well as physically."
Ramiris, perched gracefully atop my shoulder, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. A labyrinth without cohesion is merely a maze. Every step must reflect purpose, every challenge must echo the authority of the master."
Milim, unrestrained, clapped her hands. "I knew it! If traps are clever enough to frighten and test adventurers, they'll enjoy themselves more. Let me handle floors ninety-six through ninety-nine—they'll be unforgettable!"
I allowed a faint smile. Their enthusiasm was commendable, but I maintained strict control. Levels ninety-six through ninety-nine would host dragons—terrifying, intelligent beings whose terrain-altering abilities would magnify the difficulty beyond mortal comprehension. The adventurers would not even approach these floors without careful preparation. Level ninety-five, meanwhile, was designated a shelter for beastmen. It would serve as both a resting place and a luxury inn, a strategic waypoint before they faced the upper floors.
The floors from seventy-one to ninety-four remained in a holding pattern. Magicule concentrations were high, and monster spawns would naturally occur. Beyond that, the remaining responsibilities were left to the trio, whose delight in overseeing these tasks was clear.
Several days passed. Observing the city from a high vantage, I noticed Myourmiles's party approaching Eterna. They moved with urgency, their preparations meticulous, arriving earlier than I had anticipated.
"Myourmiles," I greeted with authority, my presence commanding attention, "I see you have arrived. Follow me; I will show you your estate."
He bowed deeply, his voice filled with both respect and excitement. "Atem-sama, I pledge myself to your service. I will not fail you."
"Good," I said, my tone calm but resolute. "The house has been constructed per my instructions. Rigurd has overseen its completion. You will find it ready for immediate occupancy. Your duties, however, will extend beyond mere residence."
As we walked, I explained the structure of our nation's developing infrastructure—the labyrinth, the colosseum, and the placement of stores in proximity to key attractions. Each detail was precise, planned to cultivate the maximum strategic advantage while enticing adventurers to explore and participate.
In Rigurd's office, Myourmiles's dedication became evident. He immediately began outlining strategies for both festival operations and economic management. I listened intently, interjecting only to assert key decisions:
"You will oversee the Financial Department," I commanded. "Commercial and advertising operations will also be under your jurisdiction. Ensure efficiency, loyalty, and measurable results."
Myourmiles's eyes widened slightly, but his posture remained composed. "Atem-sama… I will dedicate myself fully. I will earn the results required to justify your trust."
"Results are paramount," I said firmly, my gaze sharp, radiating authority. "Titles and privileges mean nothing without competence. Your achievements will validate your position."
Rigurd nodded in agreement. "With Myourmiles-san assuming these duties, the nation's growth will be assured. Your selection is judicious, Atem-sama."
I inclined my head, acknowledging the counsel. "Correct. Talented individuals such as Myourmiles are essential. Even those who have excelled in theory must demonstrate tangible results. Competence, loyalty, and insight—these define an effective official in Eterna."
Myourmiles lowered his head respectfully. "I understand, Atem-sama. I will prove my worth."
"See that you do," I replied, my voice steady, filled with both command and expectation. "Success is not optional. The Founding Festival will be the measure of your ability, and the labyrinth will serve as the crucible."
Veldora and Ramiris remained in the labyrinth, their tasks critical. Milim, however, would soon return with the dragons, the apex predators whose presence would transform the labyrinth into a living entity of challenge and terror. Every trap, every encounter, every monster was designed to reflect the absolute authority of its master—me, Atem, sovereign over Eterna, unrivaled in both intellect and power.
As preparations advanced, I felt the weight of responsibility and the thrill of anticipation. The labyrinth was not merely a test; it was a statement—a declaration that in Eterna, under my command, order, danger, and opportunity were absolute, and only those worthy could endure.
The prelude to the Founding Festival was imminent, and with it, the nation would witness the full extent of my authority, my power, and the brilliance of the strategies I had set in motion.
It was time to consider promoting Vesta to an executive position as well, yet Myourmiles still needed to demonstrate tangible results. Ideally, I intended to recruit both as ministers in the national organizations tasked with modernizing and strengthening the structure of our kingdom.
Myourmiles, however, seemed undeterred by the expectations I set before him. A confident, almost mischievous smile played across his face as he leaned back in his chair, exuding a rare, self-assured energy.
"Hehehe… Atem-sama, do not underestimate me," Myourmiles said, his tone brimming with conviction. "I, Myourmiles, pledge that I will meet your expectations and execute the task flawlessly."
His composure was remarkable. A man with such experience as a former black-market boss, yet he wore his confidence lightly. I allowed a faint, approving smile.
"Hehehe… Myourmiles-kun, I place my faith in you. You will not fail me," I said, my voice calm yet commanding.
Rigurd, sitting beside us, could not resist interjecting with his usual bluntness. "Though there may be failures along the way, remember this: betray Atem-sama's expectations, and my iron fists will not show mercy."
"Hold on, Rigurd-san! That's not exactly encouraging!" Myourmiles exclaimed, eyes wide.
"I assure you," Rigurd replied with a sly grin, "I will leave no evidence behind."
"Gah… Rigurd-san, you're terrifying." Myourmiles muttered, but there was amusement in his tone.
I nodded firmly. "I will also be watching. Consider this my silent oversight. Succeed, or fail—and your efforts will be measured accordingly."
Even as we exchanged these words, a subtle current of camaraderie ran between us, shared in the understanding of mutual respect and trust. Rigurd was familiar with Myourmiles, and that alone was reassuring. If the others could accept him, the kingdom could as well.
And so our discussions concluded amicably, and attention returned to the preparations for the Founding Festival.
---
Preparations proceeded steadily.
By nightfall, Myourmiles entered his new estate, and his reaction was immediate.
"How is this possible… How can this be?!" he exclaimed, eyes wide. "This house is far more luxurious than the upper-class inns in the capital of Ingracia!"
I allowed myself a small nod of approval. The man's satisfaction pleased me.
"There is tap water, a magic-powered stove, a bathing area… even a fully functioning toilet. Every facility from a premium inn is present here," he continued, barely able to contain his awe.
A subordinate whispered nervously, "Y-Young master… Atem-sama, is it truly acceptable to be this extravagant?"
I gave a calm, unwavering glance. "This is the standard in our nation. As for executive housing, it is naturally more spacious. Myourmiles-kun's estate references the best residences in Blumund. It includes ten rooms, some with mini kitchens and private facilities, as well as communal baths and dining areas. It is built to accommodate many without sacrificing comfort."
Myourmiles blinked, impressed. "So this is the standard issue? Even inns in the southwest area are built with this care?"
"They are. While not every room has a private bath, all include a toilet, and the region provides communal bathhouses. Comfort and efficiency are paramount," I explained with authority.
Myourmiles's eyes brightened as understanding dawned. "…Now I understand, Atem-sama. This is why you constructed the dungeon!"
I raised a brow. "Explain yourself."
"Adventurers will flock to hunt the monsters within the labyrinth. I initially thought this was intended simply to provide relief after the Jura Great Forest became safe, but… your foresight surpasses expectations."
I allowed a slight nod. "It is more than mere relief. The labyrinth is a crucible, a challenge, and a resource combined. Those who succeed will find reward, and their success serves our nation's prosperity."
Myourmiles's grin widened. "Exactly! The decline in monsters means adventurers will need new means to earn a living. The labyrinth provides them that opportunity. Equipment, healing items, recreation, and even settlement—this will turn the dungeon into a center of both commerce and livelihood."
I let him continue, observing closely. "…I see. You intend to integrate adventurer activity directly into the kingdom's economy. An ingenious strategy."
He nodded eagerly. "Yes! They will spend their earnings in town, supporting inns, services, and shops. We can procure items from them, process and export materials, and even leverage magic ores for trade. If the Freedom Association establishes a branch, careful coordination can prevent competition and ensure mutual benefit."
I remained composed, radiating authority as I considered the plan. "Your reasoning is sound. The adventurers will stabilize our economy while maintaining ecological balance. With Veldora ensuring the replenishment of magicules, monster populations will remain sustainable. The labyrinth becomes both a challenge and a controlled resource. This… is promising indeed."
Myourmiles's energy was palpable, his strategic mind aligning with my own vision for Eterna. The project he proposed—integrating recreation, commerce, and settlement—was ambitious, but with proper management, it could reshape our nation's future.
"Yes," I concluded, voice steady and commanding. "We will proceed. This labyrinth will not merely entertain; it will forge a foundation for Eterna's prosperity. Ensure that all efforts align with this objective, Myourmiles-kun. Nothing less will suffice."
"Understood, Atem-sama!" Myourmiles's voice rang with enthusiasm and determination, ready to execute the vision we had crafted together.
In that moment, I felt the full weight of authority and potential settle upon Eterna. The labyrinth, the adventurers, the town—all were components of a grand design. And as its sovereign, I would ensure that every element conformed to the order, challenge, and prosperity I envisioned.