(A/N)
Song of the day: "Truckin'" by Grateful Dead.
/\\//\\//\
Now that Rimuru was busy doing all the paperwork, I was free. Well, from the paperwork. I need to set a few things in motion first, and then I will be free. Honestly, I kind of could just do a little takeover and make myself the one ruler, but it's already practically like that. I could just tell Rimuru to do something, and he'll do it. Anyway, my next stop is the cathedral, so I can talk to Adalmann. I'm also going to bring over Geld as well.
/\\//\\//\
(At the cathedral.)
"My goddess, what can I do for you?" There he is. My number 1 priest. I had to stop him from doing some excessive bowing or getting on his knees. I understand why he would do this, but it's really not necessary. He doesn't have to do all that, and I would prefer he doesn't, but no matter how many times I've tried to tell him, he keeps doing it. Well, who am I to stop him? Ok, maybe not the best thing to say since to him I'm the goddess he worships and it doesn't really apply in this situation, but you get the idea.
"Hold on a second, Adalmann, let's wait for Geld to arrive." As soon as I said that, Geld entered. Gotta love the perfect timing. This will be quick. "Hello, Geld, you arrived just in time. Come here, you and Adalmann have a big project to work on."
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, my lady." But I just told him he arrived here on time.
"Well, now that you're both here. Take a look at this." I showed them a blueprint and a drawing of a basilica. The architectural style is a fusion of Gothic and Art Nouveau. It had an organic and nature-inspired design. It had intricate and geometric details, it had multiple spires and facades. The interior would have vaults, columns, stained glass, and other things. This was something of beauty. It was going to be taller than the cathedral here in the capital once it's fully built, and it's going to be amazing.
"So, what do you think, you two?" I could feel the smile on my face as I imagined it.
"How wonderful, my goddess! When and where are you going to build this?" Adalmann sounds excited and enthusiastic. I don't think I've ever seen a skull be so expressive before.
"This is going to be built in Falmuth, or what was Falmuth. Every major city and town in our empire needs something like this." Am I being a bit biased toward church buildings from Europe during the 12th-19th centuries? Well, it's not my fault that the architecture and architects during those times seemed to be on a roll. In my opinion, those are like the coolest religious buildings. I think the only ones that put up competition are Hindu temples. I remember going to New Jersey to see a Hindu temple there. If I remember right, the one in New Jersey is in the top 5 of the largest Hindu temples in the world. That was the best part of New Jersey. That and the USS New Jersey. I don't remember much else.
"I assume you're going to assign me to build this?" Geld spoke up after looking at the blueprints and designs. I almost got caught up in my thoughts for a second.
"Yes. And you don't worry about how much time or money it's going to take. I still remember how fast you built the cathedral here. You and your orcs did what took humans hundreds of years into months. Granted, you did have help from magic and a lot more strength and stamina. But still, a wonderful job."
"I'll do it. I'll make plans, and then gather my workers and set off soon."
"Do you need help with any of the logistics?" It's probably a dumb question, but he'll most likely have to transport materials, temporary housing while they build, and other things. Money is no issue since the casino brought in obscene and filthy amounts of money from all the nobles and the rich people. Hah, a casino using the money it's made to fund infrastructure and special building projects for the public. Imagine. Anyway, as much as I like the casino, it's going to be retrofitted back into the restaurant, since the festival is basically over, which I personally prefer.
"Hmm, no. I am able to handle this." The way he says it makes it sound like it's no problem for him. Gotta love this guy's work ethic. Yeah, I'm making him a knight after he finishes building it. He's serving in other ways that make him deserve it. I don't know if Excalibur would count that, though. I'll see.
"Good. You'll be leading the construction effort for this. And you, Adalmann, you're going to help start it up when it's finished. I'm going to send you over there to spread the religion. Now, I don't want you forcing or threatening the people to convert. I want you to be friendly and present the religion as another option or alternative. You're going to be a salesman, and the product you're selling is our religion. Once you've gotten a foothold, you're going to appoint another priest you trust to run that place, after which you'll return."
"I understand, my goddess. I'll fulfill my role to the upmost! I'll show them your greatness!" He said out loud as he held his arms out wide as if seemingly getting a blessing or something.
I only nodded. Once again, very enthusiastic and pumped up. I know he's going to do a good job.
"Alright, that seems to be all. I'll be leaving then. I have to go talk to Soeui." I started leaving, and Geld immediately got to work. Well, not literally, but I could tell his mind was working and he was going to get the other orc workers. I saw Adalmann start gathering a bunch of books, scrolls, artifacts, and some of the art around here, mostly paintings.
I can leave it in their hands. On to the next thing. I took a small piece of paper that had a list of names. These are the people I'm going to have Souei investigate and spy on. This will probably be his most dangerous series of espionage missions, but he's the best we've got. Why do I say that? Well, he might have to go into the Eastern Empire to spy on some of these people if the worst comes to it. Not only were they marked for surveillance, but if the opportunity arose, which I doubt is possible for most of these people for Soeui alone, they were also marked for death and/or capture.
That's only for the best-case scenario. Realistically, I just want him to get information. I'll start off easy by sending him to…what was that place called again? Englassia? Ingrassia? Ah, whatever. I'll just go with Englssia. The place where Yuuki, his clown troupe, and the genderbent-because-of-being-in-a-homunculus-body former demon lord are. Or something like that. Oh yeah, I need to talk to Hinata to see if she killed Laplace or if he even went over during the Walpurgis after Clayman died. He had to have tried to steal Chroanoa. Yuuki needs that for some reason I can't remember, and the Walpurgis was his best chance to do so.
Hinata should still be here.
/\\//\\//\
"Hinata, the food here is delicious. And the portion sizes are generous. This place is much better than the boring and fancy places back in the kingdom. Look, that wall has the head of a bull with super long horns. That alone has more personality and charm than those snobby fancy restaurants." Luminous was eating at the restaurant that had been turned back from the casino. This was something new, so she had to be there, and of course Hinata followed her.
"Yeah. At first, I was surprised at all the Japanese food and how good it seemed to be replicated when coming over here, but this is something else. This has to be American." She was completely sure this was American. The entire restaurant just had a certain style to it.
"American? I assume that's something from your world? Is it another country besided the one your from?" Luminous asked, curious to learn more about the world Hinata is from.
"Ah, yes. This place is what I describe as American. It's all cowboy-like."
"'Cowboy-like'? What does that mean?" Luminous asked, but before Hinata could respond, another voice cut in. One that Lumionus knew well.
"She means that this place is all 'yeehaw'" It was Artoria who spoke. She went up to the table where Luminous and Hinata were and sat down. It wasn't hard for her to track them down. She was looking for Hinata, but when she noticed that Lumionus was next to her as well, it made things easier for her.
"'Yeehaw'? What is that?"
"Did you see the horse races, bull riding, shooting competition, livestock show, and other events, like tie-down roping, barrel racing, mounted shooting, and other things? That's the cowboy stuff she was talking about."
"Yeah, I saw those. It seemed very fun. It was different from many things I've seen. You need to hold more events like those in the future."
"Yeah, I plan on it. Anyway, I'm here to talk to Hinata, but you can listen in as well, since this also concerns you, and I would need your help to make things easier."
"You should eat with us." Luminous said. And for once, she didn't mean it in a way to be with Artoria or to invite her. It was just a genuine suggestion. A meal while she said what she needed to talk about.
"Alright, fine. I'll get something small and order a light drink." Artoria waved her hand to signal one of the waiters. "Yes, I want the group party meal, and uh, something light, uh, a Long Island Iced Tea." The waiter nodded before leaving to get Artoria's order.
"I'm sorry. What did you order?" Hinata said, curious about the items she ordered.
"Hmm? Oh, it's a group party meal. It's meant for a group of at least 6 people. And no, I'm not sharing."
"And your drink?"
"It's a Long Island Iced Tea. It has vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and orange liqueur. It has some cola in it as well."
Hinata only stared at Artoria as she described what she ordered as if it were just a normal thing anyone would drink. Luminous as well. She had tasted those drinks before, and she knew how strong they were or could be. And for all of them to be mixed together? That couldn't be good for someone, let alone if it actually tasted good.
"That's a light drink to you?" Hinata was slightly stunned. This isn't something that sounds like anyone should drink. When does a drink become "strong" for someone like Artoria?
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh, it's…nothing." Hinata decided it was best to leave it alone.
"You want one?" Artoria didn't see it that way.
"Uh, no. I-"
"There's a variation called a Tokyo Iced Tea. You want that one? It's the same, but the orange liqueur is replaced by a green liqueur and lemon-lime soda replaces cola." After telling Hinata what it was, she was interested.
"Maybe that one then." Artoria nodded and placed the order.
'Um, can I try one of the teas?" Luminous didn't want to be left out.
"Of course. Let me think." Artoria looked at Luminous. Vampire, fits the "undead" category of monsters from myth, folklore, and other tales. She knew what to get her. "I'll get you a Grateful Dead. It's the same thing, but a raspberry liqueur replaces the orange liqueur and lemon-lime soda replaces the cola." Once again, Artoria placed the order.
"Well then, now that is taken care of. Remember that thing I told you to do, Hinata? I left it to you on a piece of paper that was an invitation. About Laplace, and the attack on the coffin made by Luminous? The Holy Ark? Did anything actually come of that?"
Luminous immediately looked at Artoria with wide eyes full of surprise. How did she know? Why didn't Hinata tell her that Artoria knew? An attack? Too many questions were on her mind. Why did she not know anything? And the invitation? It was all on there? How did she not notice?
"Well, it seems Hinata hasn't told you, Luminous. And before you say anything, I already know. Don't concern yourself with how I know, because there's no point. The knowledge is already with me. Just concern yourself with the people that wanted to attack and the ones behind it."