Word count: 1530 words
----------------
The small mansion Hilma had provided was surprisingly luxurious, with high ceilings, polished wooden floors, and large windows that let in the afternoon sunlight. I didn't even tell her to give me one, she simply sent us a carriage that brought us here.
Also, the eight finger was renamed, it was known as the Obsidian Chains. I thought that this name would be cool, and Makima had nothing to say about it.
I took a day to rest, but now im back to work, making it my forth day in Re-Estize.
I sat at a grand oak table in the study, stacks of papers and maps spread out in front of me. Makima stood nearby, her crimson eyes scanning the documents, I'm too lazy to read all of that so I will probably give them to her.
Mahito, on the other hand, was sprawled on a nearby couch, tossing a handful of transfigurated humans into the air and catching them with a grin.
"Hilma's been more useful than I expected. She's already started sending profits from the businesses. That's a good start." I said.
Makima nodded, her voice calm and measured. "She's efficient. And loyal. The mind control has taken hold perfectly. She'll do whatever it takes to please you."
I smirked. "Good. Because we've got a lot of work to do, first, I want to start building legal casinos. Real games like poker, blackjack, roulette. We'll attract the nobles and the wealthy. They'll pour money into it."
Makima's lips curved into a faint smile. "A smart move my lord. It's a way to legitimize part of our operations while still generating significant income."
Mahito let out a loud laugh, tossing the poor transfigurated humans higher this time. "Casinos? Sounds boring. Why not just take their money directly? Or, better yet, let me play with their souls. That's way more fun."
I shot him a glare. "We're not here to cause chaos, Mahito. We're here to build something that lasts. Something that gives us power and influence."
Mahito pouted, his grin never fading. "Fine, fine. But if you change your mind, let me know. I've got some great ideas for 'entertainment.'"
I ignored him, turning back to Makima. "Next, we'll start a banking project. The Baharuth Empire has a bank, but Re-Estize doesn't. If we can establish one, it'll give us control over the kingdom's finances. But we'll need the people's trust and the nobles' too. That's the tricky part."
Makima tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "Trust can be earned… or manipulated. We'll need to create a facade of legitimacy. Perhaps a public figurehead to represent the bank. Someone the people admire."
"Your talking about the princess don't you?" Makima nodded her head confirming what I said. "I thought about her too, and it aligned with my goals, but it will come later since I'm going to have a long conversation with her soon either way. For now, we'll focus on the casinos and expanding our existing operations. The slave trade, smuggling, and information brokerage will continue as usual."
Mahito sat up suddenly, his grin widening. "Ooh, smuggling! Now that's more like it. Can I help with that? I promise I'll be good. Mostly."
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Mahito, you're not helping with anything unless I say so. Got it?"
He flopped back onto the couch, pretending to sulk. "You're no fun, Meliodas-sama."
Makima's gaze shifted to me, her tone calm but firm. "What about Kurogiri? He's been silent this whole time. Shouldn't we include him in the planning?"
I glanced at my shadow, where Kurogiri's glowing yellow eyes were barely visible. "Kurogiri's role is different. He's my escape plan and my transporter. He'll stay in my shadow for now."
Kurogiri's voice emerged from the darkness, low and steady. "As you wish, Meliodas-sama."
Mahito laughed again, his voice echoing through the room. "Man, you're like a creepy butler. Do you ever come out of the shadows? Or do you just live there?"
Kurogiri didn't respond. I shook my head, turning my attention back to the plans on the table. "Alright, enough distractions. Makima, I want you to oversee the casino project. Start scouting locations and recruiting staff. Mahito I will need you to come with me, we are going to recruit a mercenary."
Mahito grinned. "Born ready!" He simply replied.
Makima's golden eyes flicked up from the documents, her expression calm but her tone firm. "I don't think that's a good idea, Meliodas-sama. Taking only Mahito as protection is insufficient. I cannot allow you to be under-protected or harmed. Please, wait a few more days until I finish my work with the Obsidian Chains. Then I shall accompany you." She respectfully bowed at the end of her sentence.
What she said is 100% true, there are beings out there who can kill Mahito just by looking at him but still, I cant allow Ainz to have even and single day's worth of progress on me if I want to even stand a chance of facing him in case. Of course, this is assuming he is in this world. This is yet to be confirmed.
I turned to face her. "I appreciate your concern, Makima, but time isn't on our side. Every day we delay is a day our enemies could gain ground. I can't afford to fall behind."
Makima's gaze didn't waver and I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Look, I understand your concerns. But I've been holding onto something for a while now. Something that might ease your worries."
Makima tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"
I reached my hands into my pockets, adopting a relaxed position, proudly announcing. "An A-rank summon. I've had it for a while now but I didn't want to use it until I absolutely needed to. And right now, I think I do."
Mahito sat up, his grin widening. "Ooh, a new summon? This should be fun. Who do you think it'll be? Someone strong, I hope."
I ignored him, focusing on Makima. "This will give me the protection I need. And it'll help us recruit the mercenary I'm after. Trust me, Makima. I know what I'm doing."
Makima's lips curved into a faint smile, but her eyes remained guarded. 'He seems confident, but without a contract to guarantee his safety, I can't help but worry. Still, there is nothing I can do. He really wants to go out there.'
"Very well, Meliodas-sama," She said, her voice calm but laced with unspoken concern. "But please, be careful. If anything were to happen to you…"
I nodded, cutting her off. "I will. Don't worry."
With that, I opened the summon after an order to the system. The room glowed brightly filling it with a warm, golden light.
When it faded, a man stood before us, tall, with long black hair streaked with red, and a calm, almost serene expression. His presence was commanding, yet there was a quiet humility in his demeanor. A sort of burn mark was on his forehead...
[Congratulations on successfully creating your organization]
[Character: Yoriichi Tsugikuni]
[Rank: A-rank]
[Anime: Demon Slayer]
"Yoriichi," I said, a smile spreading across my face. "Welcome."
Yoriichi knelt immediately, his head bowed. "Master," he said, his voice steady and respectful. "I am at your service."
I stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Stand, Yoriichi. No need for formalities. We've got work to do."
He rose to his feet, his piercing eyes meeting mine. "As you wish, Master."
Mahito whistled, his grin widening. "Well, well. Looks like we've got a serious one here. Humph, not so fun."
I ignored Mahito, turning back to Makima. "See? With Yoriichi by my side, I'll be more than protected. You don't need to worry. He is stronger than Mahito."
Mahito couldn't believe the words that came out of my mouth, and as he was about to start arguing and trying to prove that he was stronger, I simply lifted my arm, signaling him to stay quiet.
Makima's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, Meliodas-sama. I trust your judgment."
She decided to push those thoughts aside, her expression softer this time. "When will you depart?"
"Right now," I replied. "Yoriichi, Mahito, and I will head out. We'll be back as soon as we've secured the guy, I already have an idea of his location."
Yoriichi nodded, his expression serene. "Fret not Makima, I will ensure Master's safety."
Mahito who managed to break free out of my grasp, had to add. "Yeah, yeah. But don't forget, I'm the fun one. Right, Meliodas-sama?"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Sure, Mahito. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
As the conversation continued, Makima's mind was elsewhere. 'I need to find a way to ensure his safety, perhaps I can send one of my controlled animals to watch over him from the shadows. If he is in danger I will immediately teleport there.'
As the four guys left, Meliodas, Mahito, Yoriichi, and Kurogiri. Makima was left behind, her expression unchanged. "I guess I will head to the Obsidian Chains Head Quarter..."
TO BE CONTINUED --->
Hey everyone! Author here.
If you've got an anime character you'd love to see summoned into the story, feel free to drop your suggestions, including which character you'd like to see and what rank you think they deserve. Your input might just shape the next events in the story!