#378 The Great Demon King Rises

“An expo?”

I feel like I’ve heard that word somewhere.

Where was it... Osaka? Nagoya?

“An expo is an event to display the results of technology, show off the country’s technological prowess, and boost national prestige,” explains Mr. Shax. “In this case, we’re going to exhibit the farm’s cutting-edge technology, such as the elves’ crafts and Miss Batemy’s clothes.”

But that’s not all.

“It’s not just their finished products. We’ll also be displaying and explaining the process behind it. This way, we satisfy the craftsmen’s request. What they want to see are the farm’s advanced techniques, after all.”

Aw, flattering me like that makes me blush...

“And expos are only held for a limited period of time. Once the session is over, I doubt the craftsmen will continue hounding for information.”

In other words, we can stop them from endlessly asking questions if we teach them once through this limited-time event.

It’s a reasonable idea to disclose the technology and settle the matter without any aftermath.

As expected of a crafty merchant’s idea.

“Therefore, I’d like you to consider holding an expo, sir...!”

“Me?”

“Yes, sir! It’s a farm expo, and there’s no one better to take the lead than you, Lord Saint!”

Hmm, well, this is a pickle.

Normally, I wouldn’t want to do reveal myself to the public, but...

I’ve been involved in a lot of things that led up to this.

If the expo is a breakthrough solution, shouldn’t I take the initiative and responsibility in the process?

Another important factor is the timing.

It’s going to be winter soon.

And this is Junior’s first winter.

Our farm is going to be covered in snow, leaving us not much space to do farm work. 

So, in general, winter is an idle time for us.

Maybe we can use that time to prepare for the expo.

“Yeah, I have a feeling we can do that.”

***

However, it wasn’t a decision I could make on my own, so I decided to consult with everyone.

The main people I consulted were the elf team leaders, Batemy, Orkubo, and Gobukichi, as they are our farm’s artisans.

“An expo, huh...”

When I first approached them about the idea, they all looked a little confused.

It’s an understandable reaction. Not even I know what it means to hold an expo.

“In short, we’re going to show people what we do on the farm—sewing clothes, blasting dishes, shaving wood. These processes aren’t known to the rest of the world as of the moment.”

Only the results are shown in the form of commodities.

If the process behind making it is not disclosed, people will be suspicious.

Because of this commotion, I think it’d be nice to lay bare the manufacturing process through an expo to clear up any confusion.

“It sounds good to me,” says Batemy, our appointed tailor at the farm. 

In the first place, it was her idea to sell her tailored clothes, which started the connection between our farm and the outside world, so her opinion should be heard.

“The technology on this farm is transcendent in every way, so I can understand why people would be baffled by what they see.”

What Batemy means is that if we let it go on like this, some people might resort to immoral acts just to find out the secret.

That’s why disclosing some information should help us prevent that from happening.

“If we hold an expo, we can adjust the degree of information to be shared at our discretion, so I don’t see the harm in it,” says Batemy in a nonchalant tone. “What about you guys?”

“We don’t mind. Craftsmen show people what they want to see,” says Aileron on behalf of the elf team. “In such cases, the less skilled are wary that their skills will be stolen. But for us farm elves, this is no problem. If anything, I dare them to try imitating our superb technique!”

Aileron and the rest of the elves are enigmatically confident in their skills.

And wait, ‘farm elves’?

“What about you, Orkubo and Gobukichi?”

I turn to the two remaining farm leaders.

“We are willing to do whatever you wish, My Lord.”

“We will execute it solemnly.”

They’re as obedient as usual.

“But don’t you orcs have to prepare for Orkubo’s Castle?”

“The event will be held in late winter, so it will not be a conflict, My Lord. Even if it does, I have no intention of violating either order from you or my promise to Lord Dalkish.”

Orkubo’s so diligent.

After gaining their consent, the decision was made to hold a farm expo.

***

“That said, we need to start preparing.”

“I have a question, Lord Saint.” Batemy raises her hand, “Do we have anything in mind? Where will it be held, and how long will it last? Do we have a specific idea of what we’re going to exhibit?”

“Err, no...”

We just randomly decided to hold an expo on a whim.

Nothing concrete has been decided yet.

“That’s why we’re going to start discussing things. I’m looking forward to your novel ideas!”

“...”

There’s an air of disappointment around.

Come on, you guys!

I’ve never held nor seen an expo before! I’m starting from zero knowledge!

“But don’t worry, I’ve brought in a reliable advisor to help us!”

“Advisor?”

“Mr. Shax, the person who suggested this plan!”

Mr. Shax awkwardly bows from behind.

“And another person!”

“There’s one more?”

“The Great Demon King Baal!”

An old demon appears in a dignified manner.

It’s no wonder he’s so domineering. He’s the king who used to be at the top of the demon race.

“...Why is the Great Demon King here?”

However, the reaction to Lord Baal’s appearance is rather weak.

Even Batemy, a former member of their army, is not one bit surprised.

After all, he’s no more than a retired man.

“...I have informed the Great Demon King of this story,” says Mr. Shax.

“...But why?”

“If this goes big later on, it’ll inevitably reach his ears. I thought it’d be better to inform him now than hear endless reproaches...!”

“Ahh.”

Merchants sure have it tough sometimes.

And the Great Demon King is as lively as if he’s in his element.

“You can rest easy knowing I’m here. After all, I am an expert in expos!”

“Is that so, sir?”

“When I was the current Demon King, I used to take the lead in organizing expos myself. During my reign, I held about 500 of them!”

“That’s too many expos.”

Didn’t you have other pressing matters to attend?

“...You may have already heard of this, but there was one policy that Lord Baal put particular emphasis on as the previous Demon King—cultural advancement.”

“I think so, yes.”

“Lord Baal greatly encouraged craftsmanship and invested a large amount of the national budget to achieve this. The frequent expos were a part of that.”

At the same time, however, they were also in the middle of an all-out war with the Human Kingdom.

The people didn’t support Lord Baal’s recreational policies, and he was forced to abdicate in what could be called a coup d’état by Demon King Zedan.

“Since Lord Baal’s abdication, no exposition has been held. But it’s been a while since Lord Zedan took over, and no war stands in our way.”

“Things have calmed down now!” says the Great Demon King enthusiastically. “Now is the time to show the wisdom of culture to all demons! It’s only natural that they would be excited about an expo for that purpose! And when they know this farm will host the expo, success is as good as guaranteed!”

He’s on fire.

“I’ll give you my full support for the expo and make sure it’s perfect in every way! I’ll spare no expense in funding you!”

“But isn’t that the money from the national budget Lord Zedan gave you, sir?”

Before long, we got ourselves a powerful sponsor, and our expo plan was in full swing.

Not that any of it helped us understand what we’re supposed to do, though...