Chapter 278: From Now On

Three days have passed since the mock battle tournament ended in great success.

Everyone who had remained here has all gone home, and it feels like everyday life has returned.

Honestly, since the scale had grown by about two levels compared to before, my honest impression was that I couldn’t believe I had planned this event.

In reality, Sam-san and the others had prepared and managed about 90% of it, so there’s no doubt it wasn’t really my event.

It was greatly exciting, and I’m fully prepared to leave all future large events to Sam-san, but if I had to name one sad point, it would be that my interactions with participants became shallower.

It’s natural since the number of people simply increased, but it’s sad that I couldn’t thoroughly discuss the matches with them.

While thinking that small-scale had its good points as small-scale, I was able to talk with people I wouldn’t meet outside of events.

I can hear stories later from people who often come here to play, and there’s no doubt I’m happier when things are exciting.

“Sato-san, are you alright? You were spacing out—aren’t you a bit tired?”

As I sat at the table, reflecting on the mock battle tournament again, Sheila-san spoke to me with a worried look.

I’m sorry for making her worry, but I’m not tired at all.

“No, I’m not tired at all, so I’m fine. I was just reflecting on the mock battle tournament and spacing out.”

“Is that so. …The mock battle tournament was frustrating.”

“You lost narrowly to Margis-san. I thought you might win the championship since you defeated Donnie-san… but ultimately, facing Donnie-san in the first round was painful.”

“No, Margis-san was simply strong. I trained diligently in between, but I was still inexperienced.”

Sheila-san says this, but it’s undoubtedly tough that she fought a death match with Donnie-san in the first round.

If the Donnie-san match was 100%, the Margis-san match felt like about 80%.

I had predicted Lime, Mika-san, and Sheila-san as champions, but when Yato-san asked me, I answered Ren-san because I considered the opponents.

I think who you face is that important, and actually Sheila-san and Ashros-san seemed quite tough.

“I think we’ll definitely hold it again next year, so please do your best. I think Sheila-san can surely win.”

“Thank you. Hearing that from Sato-san gives me strength! …Rather, sorry for derailing the conversation. The mock battle tournament itself was a great success, which was good. That Lime won has also become quite a topic of conversation.”

That’s right.

Velvet-san told me that it’s become quite a topic in various places that a slime won the martial arts tournament where not only Sword Saints and Heroes but also renowned powerhouses had gathered.

She said people might come specifically for Lime, and even suggested we might start a regular carriage service depending on the number.

Apparently, people with expectations for this place had been increasing, and combined with Lime’s victory this time.

I’m excited thinking this might be a business opportunity.

“I heard from Velvet-san too. I regret not having built lodgings, but if customers will come for Lime, I’d like to build lodgings right away.”

“I also think we should build lodgings. There are many visitors, and while I really want to run the otherworld inn that Sato-san first mentioned, I think starting with a normal inn would be wise.”

Like Sheila-san, I had been aiming for an otherworld inn, so I couldn’t commit to building lodgings.

An otherworld inn where guests enjoy Earth’s cuisine and entertainment is still difficult, but I should be able to manage a normal inn.

“That’s right. I’ll consult with Sid-san right away and have him build lodgings.”

“The mock battle tournament just ended, but it seems you won’t be able to relax at all until summer… You’re also expanding the fields, right?”

“Yes. Rose-san and Isabella-san asked if we could have several dozen Dark Elves immigrate, so I’m thinking of expanding the fields.”

What I’m considering is making part of the back mountain into an orchard.

Then, I want to make rice paddies near the stream.

The orchard will be where the Dark Elf-sans work.

As for the rice paddies, I don’t really understand, but rice prices have risen, making it hard to buy with NP.

At this price, I thought it would be better to grow it ourselves, so I decided to make rice paddies on short notice.

Rice seems quite difficult, but it’s also essential, and I would have had to make it someday anyway.

Sooner or later, so I think the timing is good.

“I’m happy to have new companions, but this seems like it will become difficult.”

“It will surely be busy until summer at least.”

“I’ll support you with all my strength, so let’s do our best.”

“I’m truly encouraged. Sheila-san, please take care of me.”

After bowing our heads, the two of us encouraged each other.

Busy as it is, it’s a busyness that’s never suffering.

I can see it’s steadily becoming more lively, so I think this is an important time and will do my best with full effort.