The transactions proceeded without issue. Under the watchful eyes of the reporters, every payment was delivered with meticulous precision.
"Looks like you were the last one," I remarked, my voice carrying the weight of authority that left no room for hesitation.
With that, all payments for the festival were concluded. The merchants looked stunned, unable to process the sheer scale of what had just occurred.
"Ha… hahahaha. As expected of Your Majesty Atem. How… how did you manage to gather so many dwarven gold coins…" Duke Muze stammered, his face tight with disbelief.
Before him lay mountains of gleaming coins, an almost uncountable fortune. Even the merchants seemed unsure where to begin; their plans had unraveled so completely that their original strategy seemed irrelevant.
Then, one of Muze's supposed henchmen spoke, voice wavering.
"Well… since your nation has complied with the international charter, we have no further complaints. We will place ourselves under your care…"
"Oh, that won't be necessary," I said, voice calm but resolute.
Shock rippled through the merchants and even my executives. Only Diablo, standing silently at the edge of the room, allowed a small, knowing smile to escape. He alone could read my intentions fully.
"Wh-what do you mean by that?" the henchman stammered.
"Isn't it enough that you've earned our trust by receiving payment?" another merchant demanded.
"Are you looking down on us? Merchants are not insignificant—we facilitate trade between nations!"
"Silence," Shion interjected, her aura radiating lethal restraint. The merchants fell silent immediately, recognizing that their insolence was unwelcome.
I stepped forward, voice deliberate and commanding, leaving no doubt of my sovereignty.
"Let me clarify. Your complaints about our nation's 'credibility' are misguided. Credibility is not established by forcing one side to accept terms arbitrarily. Trust must be mutual, not coerced. Myourmiles has already extended countless offers for you to place trust in us."
"T-that's…" one merchant stammered.
"But…" another began, only to be cut short.
"Yes, you are merchants. And yes, our nation is… unusual. Even when we offered to communicate with the Western Nations, you doubted our intentions. That hesitation was natural," I continued, my tone steady, unwavering. "Yet, we also made compromises. We offered ancient coins, alternative goods—but none of you even considered these options. Your rejection was absolute."
"…!!"
"Ugh…"
Myourmiles had pleaded, negotiated, and even humbled himself to secure resolution. Each attempt was met with obstinate refusal. I could not forgive such arrogance.
"Just as you seek trustworthy partners, we seek trustworthy counterparts. Therefore, from this moment onward, none of you are permitted to trade within our nation. You will not enter Eterna, nor will you receive trade licenses."
The merchants' faces fell. They understood the gravity of their situation—on this land, brimming with potential, they were no longer welcome.
Duke Muze's face turned pale as he grasped the collapse of his scheme.
"T-this is outrageous! These people merely defended their rights under the international
charter!" he protested, voice rising in desperation.
I remained unmoved.
"Rights? You misunderstand. Our nation has yet to join the Western State Council. While we intend to do so, it is irrelevant. Eterna's growth will not be dictated by outside demands."
"What—? By what authority do you—?"
"By the authority of reality itself," I said, my voice calm, measured, but carrying the weight of inevitability. "This land will become a hub of immense economic power. That is not a matter of arrogance—it is fact, and we are shaping that reality with deliberate intent."
"What nonsense! Your own will? How dare you—"
"Not arrogance," I interrupted smoothly, my tone carrying an inescapable finality. "We act in accordance with our goals. All who are present here are participants in that trajectory. I am merely the catalyst."
I allowed the statement to sink in, letting the full scope of my authority resonate through the room.
"I intended to establish equal relations with the Western State Council, but should they seek to suppress Eterna, the deal is void. We will not bow to coercion; trade through the Freedom Association is sufficient. Understand?"
Even if we desired other options, we could form exclusive agreements with trusted nations like Blumund or Dwargon. Our influence and strategic reserves ensured that panic was unnecessary. This truth had crystallized in my mind.
"Uh… I understand. I will act as a bridge to the council. Though a misunderstanding has occurred, I hope I may still be of service, Your Majesty Atem," Duke Muze said cautiously.
His attempt at diplomacy was futile.
"Hmph. No intermediary is required now that you have lost the authority to act," I said, voice cutting through his hesitation.
"What—?" Muze froze, unable to respond.
The ordeal had concluded, yet I chose to ensure he fully grasped the outcome.
"Every reporter in this room will carry this account to their nations. The story will note a secret power struggle during the Founding Festival of Eterna, involving the merchants' demand for payment. The facts will be reported accurately, and your schemes will be laid bare."
"…." Duke Muze paled, realization dawning.
"The merchants refused all compromise, demanding only dwarven gold coins. Yet, a prominent noble—unrelated to the dispute—intervened and restored order. Consider how this will appear in print."
Diablo's strategy had worked flawlessly. By ensuring reporters observed every detail, our nation's integrity was highlighted, while the merchants' misdeeds were exposed. Facts, properly presented, had greater impact than any rumor or false narrative.
"I have no further need of your assistance. I place complete trust in Myourmiles, who you have looked down upon. I am entrusting him with Eterna's financial affairs entirely. He is far more competent than any of you."
"Uhhh—" Duke Muze's expression twisted in humiliation.
The merchants appeared desperate, their arrogance evaporated. The reporters, by contrast, were energized, documenting every detail meticulously. Magic recording items were in use, ensuring the story would spread rapidly. The merchants' attempt to use the press as insurance had backfired spectacularly.
"I will leave the remainder to you," I said, turning toward Myourmiles.
"I will manage everything, Your Majesty Atem," he replied, bowing with utmost respect.
I placed a hand on his shoulder, whispering, "I am counting on you, Myourmiles."
With that, I departed the room, my executives flanking me, leaving the merchants and Muze to grapple with the full weight of Eterna's authority.
I thought I saw Myourmiles giving off a wry smile. Well, it wasn't a physical grin, not quite. Then, as if switching personas, he adopted that refined, commanding aura unique to an elite merchant. His eyes swept across Duke Muze and the remaining merchants, the silent authority in his posture leaving no room for doubt.
Surely, even my executives had observed Myourmiles's skill and presence. There should be no complaints now, not even if I formally appointed him as Eterna's Minister of Finance.
"Then the transaction has been completed successfully, and our festival is officially concluded. Please follow me to another venue," Myourmiles said, voice deep, stately, and commanding.
At last, we could acknowledge the end of the chaos. Duke Muze and his lackeys had been driven away, but the work was not yet over. We had unresolved matters to reflect upon.
Tonight, we were not returning to the guest lobby but to the large conference room, our usual space for deliberation. It was the night after the Founding Festival of Eterna.
Gazel, Elmesia, Youm's party, Fuze, and even Yuuki, Hinata, and Masayuki had seats as invited observers. A few rare guests, invited personally by me, added to the crowded room. Every one of my executives was present as well, their eyes alert, their posture attentive.
I had deliberately not invited Milim or the other Demon Lords. Too many people, and a routine conference could drag on endlessly, especially given the cascade of incidents that had occurred during the festival. The motions and points for discussion were already extensive.
Veldora, as expected, was sulking in a corner, muttering complaints about "No challengers appeared to fight me," and other trivial grievances. Such complaints were irrelevant to our priorities. Best not to give him space to complicate things further.
I called the conference to order.
"First, let me express my gratitude to everyone for their exceptional work during this festival," I began, my voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. "Your efforts ensured Eterna's interests were protected, and the nation's standing reinforced."
Benimaru was the first to respond, voice low but sincere. "I was genuinely shocked just now. I didn't expect Your Majesty Atem to deliver such a decisive punishment to those merchants."
The executives nodded in agreement. Many had assumed the matter would conclude after the payment was made. Witnessing my calculated severity, they were taken aback—but also impressed.
"Right. I didn't anticipate such firm action," Rigurd added.
Gazel, listening intently, asked, intrigued, "So… Your Majesty, what was your ultimate verdict?"
I recounted the events in detail—the manipulation of Duke Muze, the merchants' obstinacy, and the resolution through strategic leverage and authority.
"To sever ties decisively while demonstrating absolute resolve…" Gazel murmured, almost in disbelief. Yet he wasn't angry; in fact, he agreed.
"Heh. An eye for an eye, as it should be. But have you considered what comes next?"
Elmesia's insight was remarkable, precise as always. She seemed to perceive the broader ramifications of every move I made.
"What did she mean, Your Majesty?" Benimaru asked, genuinely curious.
"It is simple. We will not play by the Council's score. Eterna will maintain sovereignty and dignity, negotiating on our terms whenever possible," I explained.
"I understand, but some compromise will be necessary, yes?" Rigurd interjected.
I nodded. "Listen carefully. As Elmesia noted, Duke Muze was merely a subordinate, a pawn. We followed their design in rejecting him. Next time, the real authority will intervene personally. That is inevitable."
"That seems likely," Rigurd agreed.
"In other words… will we negotiate again with them?" Benimaru asked cautiously.
"Indeed. Since they failed initially, we hold the advantage in any subsequent negotiation," I replied. "They underestimated us and sought to restrain Eterna covertly. Now, they must recognize us as formidable opponents. Our position is stronger than before."
Gazel continued, his tone analytical. "If they attempt economic confrontation again, both sides can operate self-sufficiently. Neither must rely on the other. The balance of power has shifted."
I allowed the implication to settle. "Correct. Our dealings will not be dictated by the international charter of the Western State Council. We will expand Eterna's influence through economic means—strategic dominance, not militaristic conquest."
Kufufufufu, Diablo interjected with a grin. "Leave it to me, Your Majesty! I shall place all of the Western Nations on a silver platter for Eterna!"
"Diablo," I said, voice firm, piercing through his jest, "such actions will only complicate matters further. Leave them be for now."
"Apologies for my offense," Diablo muttered, though the reluctant smile remained.
"Errand boy," Shion snapped, sharp as ever, "go fetch more tea for Your Majesty!" She shot Diablo a glance that could strip skin from bone, and he slumped obediently.
I addressed the assembly, guiding them back to reason. "Diablo's suggestion, while ambitious, is unnecessary at present. Our priority is strengthening relationships and establishing Eterna's self-sufficient economic circle. Conflict is unnecessary if we act prudently."
Heads nodded in agreement. Our focus was clear: enhance Eterna's prosperity, consolidate economic stability, and wield influence carefully.
"Yes. Negotiation is necessary, but our opponents cannot restrain us through sanctions or force. Their options are limited, and their influence is waning," Elmesia observed, her words cutting but precise.
"Yes. I am aware of these dynamics," I acknowledged. "But consider this: why did I treat the merchants so severely?"
Geld spoke carefully, concern evident. "Your Majesty, might it have been too harsh? Not all merchants were Muze's lackeys. Some were coerced, forced into compliance. Punishing them indiscriminately seems… extreme."
I regarded him steadily. "Extreme? Perhaps. But necessity is often harsh. Our message must be absolute. Eterna's authority is not negotiable.
Those who seek advantage through deceit or coercion will find no quarter."
The room fell silent, the weight of my words lingering in the air. Authority, when wielded with clarity and precision, demands recognition. And tonight, Eterna had spoken unequivocally.