Chapter 66: The Midnight Dividend
Notice. Unauthorized magicule signature detected within the private domain perimeter. Analysis. Pattern matches Individual 'Diablo'. Notice. [AZATHOTH] has initiated local sensory dampening to prevent external eavesdropping.
The "Obsidian Vault"—my private residence—is a monument to high-tier risk management. Unlike the communal warmth of Rimuru's central plaza, my estate is a fortress of silent, enchanted marble and climate-controlled corridors. I sit in my study, the desk carved from a single block of Magisteel, reviewing the day's betting receipts from the dungeon.
The Dwarves are hooked, I think, my internal persona mentally sorting gold piles. They saw a 'Hero' survive a boss through sheer luck, backed by our tech. That's a 400% increase in bracelet demand by morning. My bank account is finally starting to match my ego.
"Lord Shinji," Vesper's voice cuts through the stillness. She stands by the heavy double doors, her posture perfect. "A representative of the 'management' has arrived without an appointment. He claims to have a curiosity that cannot wait for business hours."
"Kufufu... curiosity is the mother of all profitable ventures, is it not?"
Diablo glides into the room, his red-and-black eyes tracing the intricate security runes etched into the ceiling. He ignores Vesper's localized killing intent as if it were a light breeze.
"Diablo," I say, my voice porcelain-cold. I don't look up from my ledger. "You're trespassing on private equity. This estate is not part of the public Tempest administrative budget. What is the ROI of this intrusion?"
"I merely wished to observe the 'Shadow Partner' of my Master," Diablo purrs, leaning over my desk. His presence is a physical weight. "Master Rimuru builds a nation of smiles. You... you are building a machine of contracts. I find myself wondering which of you will truly own the soul of this forest in a hundred years."
"Rimuru owns the heart, Diablo. I own the infrastructure," I respond, finally closing the ledger. I manifest a bottle of vintage Sarion wine from [Inventory]. "Hearts are volatile assets. Infrastructure is permanent. Now, if you're here to spy for the Primordials, tell Guy Crimson that my current architecture is stable, but not sufficient for my long-term vision. If he wants a merger, he'll need to offer more than just a seat at the table."
"Fascinating," Diablo chuckles. "But it is not Guy Crimson who has sent an envoy to your gates tonight. A different flavor of greed is knocking. One with the scent of steam and gunpowder."
Notice. High-speed magicule transmission detected at the estate's outer perimeter. Assessment. Origin: Eastern Empire. Warning. Cryptic encryption logic identified.
"Gunpowder," I mutter. My internal persona sits up straight. The Empire. The 'Whales' of the East. They don't want bracelets; they want the whole ledger.
"A man in a white uniform is waiting by your fountain," Vesper interjects, her hand moving toward the shadow-blade at her hip. "He carries a seal of the Imperial Trade Commission. He refused to speak to anyone but the 'Audit Master'."
"Show him in, Vesper," I command, standing up. My obsidian suit catches the moonlight. "And Diablo? If you interfere with this negotiation, I will audit your magicule flow until you're nothing but a memory. This is a private transaction."
"Kufufu... I shall be as silent as a bankrupt merchant," Diablo says, vanishing into the shadows of the corner.
A man enters. He is sharp, crisp, and carries a suitcase made of materials even my [Analytical Appraisal] finds difficult to immediately classify. He places a small medallion on my desk.
"Shinji Satou," the man says, his voice like cold iron. "The Emperor has noted your... efficiency. We are prepared to offer you an exclusive contract. A position as the Chief Auditor of the Eastern Territories. You would have access to resources that make this little forest look like a backyard garden."
Notice. [Croesus] is reacting to the offer. Status: Stage 0 (Engine). Notice. Internal logic processing at 99.9%. Error. Profit-Safety conflict detected.
Chief Auditor of the Empire? my internal persona whistles. That's a big jump in tier. But the Empire is a hostile entity to Rimuru. Rimuru is my safety anchor. If I take this, I lose my stabilizer.
"The Empire's resources are impressive," I say, my eyes turning a cold, predatory sea-grey. "But your offer is fundamentally flawed. You're asking me to be an employee. I don't work for emperors. I partner with them. Tell your master that if he wants my services, he needs to offer equity, not a salary."
The man's eyes narrow. "You would refuse the Emperor?"
"I would refuse a bad deal," I retort. "Vesper, escort the 'Auditor' out. He's wasting my billable hours."
As the man is ushered out, Vesper stops at the door. "Lord Shinji... that was a dangerous refusal. The Empire does not take 'market corrections' lightly."
"Danger is just an uncalculated risk, Vesper," I say, sitting back down. "And I have a Manas-class AI to do the math for me."
Current Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Linked). Location: The Obsidian Vault. Status: Empire Overture: Rejected. Private Domain Security: High. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Azathoth, analyze the Imperial seal he left. I want every law fragment we can extract. If the East is coming, I want their blueprints on my desk by morning.
Chapter End.