#1164 School Festival Magic

I am Kimeri, proud governor of the Demon Kingdom.

And here I am, somehow ending up touring the trade fair with a human male.

It’s not like I asked for this arrangement, but it’s not as if there’s nothing in it for me, either.

He, after all, governs the Human Kingdom’s city closest to this new land of settlers.
It’s ssentially the “human version” of my own city, Rondmelt.

He could turn out to be a powerful rival, so there’s no harm in gathering intel.
All right then, human ruler, let’s see what you’ve got.
Even something like an escort through the fair can reveal how capable a leader someone is.

He’d better prepare to be laid bare!

“Ugh, what a pain. The President stuck me with this job...”

…
Excuse me?!

“Still, I can’t exactly say no to the big boss. And just look at her; she’s clearly some high-society princess. I’m the last guy on earth who should be babysitting someone like that. This is gonna be a headache.”

Why is he acting like I need a chaperone?!
Honestly! This is why ignorant men are insufferable!
Treating women like they’re property, I swear!

“Ahem, well then, Kimeri. I’m Ariaros, your guide for the day. And if I do say so, you’re looking especially radiant.”

Flattery this late in the game won’t save you, you knowwwww!
I heard every word of that loud monologue you just spouted!

Still, stirring up trouble here wouldn’t be good diplomacy.
I’ll just play along.

“…Hey, Ironaros, was it?”
“It’s Ariaros.”
“So, what do you think of this land? I’m curious to hear the perspective of someone in a similar position.”

For starters, I’ll start prying information out of him.
His answer will tell me plenty about his vision and insight.

“Hahaha, could you be any more obvious? Go ahead and fish for info if you want, but you might try being a bit smoother about it.”

Grr…!
Acting like he’s one step ahead...!

“Oh my, whatever do you mean? I’m just asking what’s on my mind, that’s all.
“My apologies. …Well, given our mutual interest in this, it’s only natural you’d want to probe a little. Let’s leave it at that.”

What a grating way of putting it!!!

“All right, I’ll answer... The new nation that’s going to spring up here is bound to become a vital hub for the entire world.”

Ugh, so he’s fully aware.
Which means his opinion lines up with mine.

“All right, here’s a pop quiz: Once the world is at peace, what’s the first thing that really takes off?”
“T-Trade?”
“Correct. After the Human–Demon War ended, nations started strengthening ties, selling and buying each other’s goods to earn foreign currency. It’s the easiest, surest way to grow wealthy. That’s why all the top leaders are so keen on it.”

He must mean folks like our Demon King and the Human President on his side.

“Once the higher-ups agree on something, the whole world tends to follow suit. And since they decided that the Farm Kingdom was the most efficient place for a trade center, this nation’s bound to flourish whether it wants to or not.”
“...”
“So us small fry in the trenches might as well follow their lead, right? Turns out that by dumb luck, we each run the city poised to profit most. We’d be fools not to make the most of it.”

He’s nailed the core issues…!
A smart rival is both annoying and—if you can turn him into an ally—reassuring.

We both occupy “the spot closest to the center,” but technically, we’re on opposite sides of it.
We won’t really be competing over the same things.

It might be wise, then, to avoid clashing and consider cooperation.

“Oh, look, that’s your booth over there.”

Huh? My booth…?

…The Demon Kingdom booth?!
That’s where our Demon King is still trying to push those weird little toys so enthusiastically!

“Make way! Make way, everyone! The limited editions are sold out!!!”

Eek!
Normally, I revere and respect our king, but I’d rather not be associated with him for now!

“Wow, the Demon Kingdom sure knows how to whip up cool stuff. That’s what happens in a wealthy kingdom, huh? Culture just flourishes.”

He’s being very nice about it, but come on, watching adults go crazy over dolls is just embarrassing!!!

“The Battle Demo's also being held today! Anyone who’s bought a God Figure can assemble it here on the spot and join the fight! If you’ve got a fighting spirit, we won’t turn you away!”
“Hmhmhm! Sounds right up my alley. Count me in! My old thug blood is starting to pump!”

Wait, you’re really doing this?
I was hoping you’d just ignore it and move on…

“Splendid! A human challenger perfectly suits our plan to spread the God Figure craze overseas! You’re quite welcome here.”
“I’ve never touched these things before, but I can pick from whatever’s left on the shelf, right? Then I’ll take this!”
“Th-That’s…Figure #06, Zeus?! The one that never sells, no matter what we do?! Are you sure that’s what you want?!”
“Hardly any choice, I mean, that’s all that’s left. Besides, it’s technically our god, so I might as well show some respect, yeah?”

The humans lived through a time when neither kings nor gods were any help, relying on their own strength to survive.

And yet they still respect those figures who abandoned them. Where does that attitude come from?

“Okay, let’s build this baby! …No way, no glue required?! That’s insane!!!”
“Hahahahaha! Indeed! God Figures are designed so that even young children can snap them together with ease! We recommend it for ages five and up!”
“Raaaargh! I’m 34!!!”

In a flash, he snaps his figure together with the skill of a pro.

Then the match began.
I’ve heard rumors that these God Figures move thanks to magic stones embedded in their parts.

Magic stones respond to magical power, which would normally mean only demons can use them. But for some reason, humans and even merfolk can use them now, especially for something as simple as controlling a doll.

But just because they can operate it, doesn’t mean they can match a true demon in magic prowess.
This match is obviously going to end in his defeat.
He’ll just embarrass himself.

“Watch me, Miss Kimeri! I’m dedicating this victory to you!”

Uh, did you not hear me say you’re definitely gonna lose?! And don’t drag me into it!
What’s with this sudden burst of smooth talk?
You think that’s gonna make my heart flutter? Not a chance!

“Kukuku…! Dedicating your triumph to a lady, are you? Well then, in honor of your gallantry, I, Demon King Zedan, shall be your opponent!!!”

Huh?! The Demon King himself?!
I can’t believe we’re making him stoop to a children’s toy battle!

“Feast your eyes on my strongest masterpiece: Super Hell-Metal Hades! Behold my ultimate Slipstream Attack!!!”
“Gwahhh!”

So unfair!

He’s going all out with his custom modded figure against a total novice. Everyone can see how lopsided this is!!!

“Such is the sting of competition! Only by overcoming defeat can one master the way of God Figures!”

Sure, it sounds all profound, but really, he’s just picking on a beginner!
Poor Ariaros!
He should just forfeit this nonsense right now…!

Oh?
Ariaros’ hastily built Zeus figure is battered, but it’s still moving?!

“Hurts, doesn’t it, Zeus…? But hey, I didn’t build you just to stick you on a shelf! You were born to fight and winnnnnnnnnnn!!!”
“Wh-What?! Urghwaaah!!!”

The Demon King, overly confident in his victory, let his guard down—and Ariaros’ blind-spot attack sent his figure flying?!

“It’s a ring-out for both sides! That’s a draw! A draw!!!”

No way!
A total novice just tied with the Demon King's heavily modified, super-advanced God Figure?
That’s basically a win!

“Kyaaah! That’s amazing! So cool! You did it!!!”

…Huh?!
I’m the governor, so that little cheer was slightly undignified.
I guess there’s just something about a fairground atmosphere that gets you carried away…