The level-one elven potions sold like hotcakes.
Barely an hour after listing them, 3 million gold coins poured into my treasury.
"That's 3,750 mana crystals worth of gold," I mused, leaning back in my chair.
Honestly, this was more than my daily profit from talent alone. (Okay, maybe not really, but close!)
Not that I'm complaining!
After transferring 1 million gold coins to Barns for his alchemical research, I decided to visit Lucia. Ever since I delegated the kingdom's management to her, I rarely saw her these days.
"I bought you to admire your pretty face all day, you know," I thought, suppressing a grin. Naturally, I didn't say it aloud.
---
On my way, I crossed paths with Lucas, my one and only military advisor. He was so absorbed in his thoughts he nearly walked past me without noticing.
"Lucas, come here."
Startled, he turned, quickly kneeling. "Long live Your Majesty!"
"Lucas, I've decided. I'm hiring 40,000 troops. Prepare accommodations for them."
He blinked at me, utterly dumbfounded, as I walked away.
I couldn't help but chuckle. Lucas probably wore the same expression Barns had when I first started throwing absurd amounts of resources at him. Oh well.
---
I reached Lucia's office and knocked politely before entering.
Inside, I found Lucia in an animated discussion with Barns.
"Lucia-sama, have mercy!" Barns wailed. "My lord just sent me 1 million gold coins! My research costs barely reach 10% of that. How am I supposed to use it all?"
Lucia sighed deeply, clearly at her wit's end. "It's not just you. He keeps sending me piles of gold! Even if I paved the roads with coins, I'd still have more left over!"
"Please," she pleaded, "draft a plan, and I'll approve it. I can't handle this alone!"
I gave a light cough, and their heads snapped toward me.
Both of them froze the moment they saw me.
Awkward.
I strode in, beaming the biggest smile I could muster. I was here to deliver another 1.6 million gold coins, after all.
Their expressions, however, told a different story—they looked like they'd seen a ghost.
Oh, come on. I'm literally showering them with resources!
The more I smiled, the more their faces twisted in what I could only describe as abject terror.
---
"Ahem, Lucia," I said, keeping my voice steady.
"Y-yes, my l-lord?" she stammered.
I placed the hefty pouch of coins on her desk. "Here's 1.6 million gold coins—"
Bang!
Lucia collapsed, fainting on the spot. Her assistant—whose name I still hadn't bothered to learn—rushed to her aid.
"My lord," the assistant ventured nervously, "may I make a suggestion?"
Barns, ever-attentive, had already pulled a chair for me. I sat, gesturing for her to continue.
---
"Perhaps," she began hesitantly, "we could make bulk purchases of mana crystals. They're versatile and essential for nearly everything."
I smiled. If only she knew I'm practically printing mana crystals daily.
"Go on," I said, keeping my amusement in check.
"Maybe… we could also build training halls, offices, or monuments?" She hesitated, then added, "Or even a sightseeing arena made entirely of mana crystals. We could host fighting tournaments there."
I stood abruptly, clapping my hands.
"As expected of someone chosen by Lucia! This is a brilliant plan."
Turning to Barns and the assistant, I continued, "We'll build a Grand Colosseum of Mana Crystals. Make it vast and grand, with room for future upgrades. Pick a location within the second wall. Draft the plans and let me know how much gold and mana crystals you'll need."
"Oh, and make sure you build an office purely of mana crystals for Lucia. I've heard it boosts productivity."
Barns muttered something under his breath—"How lascivious!"—but I chose to ignore it.
I turned to the assistant. "And you, tell me your name."
"Rem, my lord. My name is Rem," she said, looking as though she might faint next.
Do I look scary? I know I'm not particularly handsome, but scary? Really?
"Very well, Rem. You'll oversee the Colosseum project. I'll transfer 1.9 million gold coins to you immediately."
Without waiting for a response, I did exactly that and walked out.
As I exited, I heard another thud behind me. Someone else must have fainted.
But I didn't look back. I'd already made my grand exit.
"Onward," I thought cheerfully. The day was just getting started.