Chapter 253 - Ready for Autumn
Passing through the staff entrance, we head down the corridor toward the underground. The underground is home to various facilities, and I decided to take a look at them. There are more rooms beneath the Arena than I ever imagined.
Since it's such a large facility, Zenobia and I quickly toured it together. We checked out the control room for operating and managing magic devices, the security post and break room, several meeting rooms of various sizes, and even accommodations for the staff.
There are also cages for holding captured monsters. These are used for monster battles, rather than just the gladiators. It makes the Arena feel more authentic. We can't just do the same thing all the time; as a showman, I need to keep the entertainment varied.
"These areas are dedicated to the gladiators. Let's start with the dressing rooms."
I need to pay special attention to these areas, even though there's no need to worry. I still want to do a final inspection, since I've only seen the progress up to this point.
The gladiator facilities include dressing rooms, a medical room, a lounge, and even a bath. There are also training centers and running tracks. The dressing rooms range from large communal areas to luxurious private rooms for special guests. There are quite a few private rooms.
"Hmm, there's a stark difference in the dressing rooms."
"That's unavoidable. We can't have famous gladiators mingling in a large room, and we can't put opponents in the same room."
"I see. Still, there are four large communal areas and over twenty private rooms."
"We even have four specially designed private rooms, so we've really gone all out for the gladiators."
We can't accommodate all five thousand gladiators at once, so we'll have them fight over several days. Still, the dressing rooms can hold a significant number of people.
The communal rooms aren't overly equipped, but they're well-built and don't feel shabby. The benches are standard, but the lockers have magical authentication locks, which is a nice touch.
The private rooms have beds and washstands, and the doors lock with magical authentication, making them very convenient. The special rooms are even more luxurious, with toilets, baths, and refrigerators. They're spacious enough for a gladiator and four or five attendants.
Since the audience comes to watch the gladiators, they are the main attraction. We need to make sure they're comfortable. If they decide they never want to come back, it's all over. Ideally, we want them to consider the Exembra Arena their home.
To that end, we've included everything from relaxation areas to warming-up facilities.
"The underground is mainly dedicated to the gladiators and staff. The upper floors have general facilities like lounges and shops, so let's check those out."
We ascend the stairs, peeking into rooms that catch our attention. The general floors are much simpler compared to the underground. There aren't many facilities, just a large corridor encircling the Arena with shops, restrooms, and lounges scattered along it.
Since it's a place that attracts many people, we have a general medical room staffed by healers from the Healer Guild. There was a bit of a dispute with the guild, but this is a city-wide project, so they're not being excluded. Once they're part of the profit-sharing, they won't complain as much. It's all about the money, after all.
The most crucial area is where the betting tickets are sold. These are located at multiple points on every floor.
To buy a ticket, you need a Record Card. The tickets and money are instantly tallied, and the betting odds adjust accordingly. It's all thanks to magic devices.
Think of it like horse racing or bicycle racing. I don't know much about those, but that's the idea. This system ensures that we, as the bookmakers, never lose money. We take a certain percentage of the total bets and distribute the rest to the winners. This way, we can't lose. The more bets there are, the more we earn.
We also charge an entrance fee. With fifty or sixty thousand people in the audience, the revenue from the shops is significant, and the amounts of money involved are astronomical. We're talking about billions.
Each floor, from the first to the fifth, has a similar layout. The third floor is the special one.
"It's the third floor that's the special one."
"This floor is separate and can only be accessed through a VIP entrance or a staff corridor. The facilities are luxurious."
When the security guard opens the door, we step onto the third floor, where the decor changes dramatically. The stone-paved corridor turns into a carpeted one, with wallpaper on the walls and ceilings and extravagant lighting. There are even chandeliers in some areas.
The shops here are more like high-end bars and restaurants, and there are lounges and private rooms available. The seating area is also lavish. The VIP seats are sectioned off like box seats, offering spacious and comfortable seating. They're all-weather and shielded from other spectators.
The Royal Box is the pinnacle. It's reserved for the royal family.
We don't have much connection to the royal family, but the Kingdom of Brenark does have a king. This box is for when he visits or when guests from other countries are invited. It's a political requirement.
Of course, the Arena is a significant source of income for the country. The opening event will be grand, and the Royal Capital will send many important figures, including the king.
We're also inviting VIPs from neighboring countries, which affects the security arrangements. I hope they don't make too much of a spectacle.
But with so much money involved, our pockets will be fuller. I have no complaints.
I heard Rosmerta is monitoring the political situation in the Royal Capital to decide whether to participate. It sounds like a lot of work.
"The delay gave us more time and a generous budget. The officials have really gone all out, but isn't it a bit excessive?"
"It shows how prosperous Exembra is."
"True, it's a wealthy city, so it's not out of place. Well, I think we've seen enough."
"I'll stay a bit longer to do some final checks. Do you want someone to take you back?"
"I'll make a quick stop, so I'll go alone. I'll take one of the vehicles."
"Feel free to use whichever one you like."
We left the Arena and headed to Sixth Avenue. We turned into a narrow alley and parked in front of a familiar workshop.
"Doc! How's everything going?"
"Finally, you're here! I've got them all ready, this way!"
The owner of the Dominic Cruel Workshop, known for his motorcycle designs, proudly led us to the back.
"Wow, this is quite a sight."
"They're mass-produced, but they look great, right?"
"They're like miniature versions of the Bloomstar Galaxy. They're stylish, even if they don't have the same presence."
Compared to the original, they have a good balance of weight and design. My second model is more stylish, though.
"Don't compare them to that monster. The smaller size has significantly improved the magical efficiency."
"Of course. With this many, we can expect a good promotional effect."
"I had my hands full with the initial production, but—"
The black and silver cruiser motorcycles are the result of my secret plan. During the Arena's event, Exembra will be even more crowded than usual.
Many gladiators are famous, and this is a golden opportunity to promote the motorcycles.
The gladiators will be staying for several days, and they'll likely go out into the city. If we offer them a choice, they might choose these cool vehicles.
Gladiators love to stand out, and this will definitely make them noticeable.
Here's the plan: famous gladiators will ride these cool motorcycles around the city. People of all ages will be inspired by the sight!
This will attract more enthusiasts and help the industry grow. If more manufacturers and riders join in, we might even have motorcycle races someday.
The Arena and gladiators are the perfect platform for this promotion, even if it's a bit of a personal agenda.
If the gladiators enjoy it, it's a win-win. I can offer them at a discount and have them continue promoting the motorcycles after the event.
In the long run, this will benefit me in many ways. I'm in the red now, but this is a hobby. Making a profit would be nice, but as a wealthy person, I don't mind spending money on my hobbies.
"Keep them here for a bit longer. I'll send someone to pick them up later."
I ignored Doc's complaints and got on one of the motorcycles to check the seat and handlebars. I trust him, so a test ride isn't necessary.
Back inside, we briefly discussed the business and I provided some research funding. I left the workshop in high spirits.
Everything is going smoothly, and it feels great.
Since I spent a lot of time at the workshop, the sun had already set. Since I'm alone, I thought I'd enjoy a drink before heading home.
I left the vehicle at the Branch and strolled down Sixth Avenue.
"Where should I go today?"
The Branch's first floor is a bit too noisy for a drink, and the Epic Junebel is a bit too upscale.
I considered a place run by the Bruno Gang but decided to go to my own place since it seemed busy.
I arrived at the Kikyo Society's first store, the Princess's Shelter Inn, with its elegant white walls, green ivy, and red flowers.
It's usually bustling, but we have a staff area, so I can always find a seat.
"Ah, Yukari-san! Please, come this way."
The part-time workers welcomed me warmly.
Oops, I forgot to bring a treat today. I should have bought a cake from a sweet shop. Usually, the regular sister would push me to buy something, but she must be off today. No worries, I'll bring something next time.
"President, welcome back!"
When I reached the bodyguard section, the combat team greeted me in a sports-like manner.
"I'm just here for a drink, so you don't need to fuss over me."
Sitting in a secluded area, the usual snacks and my preferred drink were automatically served.
"Are you here alone today?"
"Sometimes. By the way, the city feels a bit lively. Any trouble?"
"Nothing to speak of."
I see. The bodyguards are doing a good job.
This place has many long-time regulars, so there's not much to worry about.
"By the way, Sophie-san stopped by the other day."
"Sarah-chan comes in occasionally, but Sophie-san is a senior member. She must be busy."
"Sophie-san changes the atmosphere a bit."
Sophie, who used to run the Princess's Shelter Inn, is now busy as the Secretary-General, but she still checks in when she can. I occasionally run into her here, and it seems she prefers running the inn to doing paperwork.
Putting Sophie aside, the staff were chatting and enjoying themselves.
"Hey, the tournament is coming up soon. I'm excited!"
"Me too! Are you entering, Yukari-san?"
"What would I do as an organizer? None of the Kikyo Society members are entering."
"Aww, we could have made a fortune betting on you."
We're the behind-the-scenes staff. While there are no restrictions, it's best to stay out of it. As the bookmakers, we'd be suspected of fixing the matches.
"By the way, have you heard about the new clothing store? It's pretty good—"
As I chatted with the part-timers, time flew by in a pleasant atmosphere.
The delicious food and drinks, along with the calm evening, were perfect. Despite the approaching Arena opening, I wasn't feeling too stressed thanks to the ample preparation time.
All that's left is to wait for the day.
With my personal hobby also thriving, I couldn't help but feel elated.
...Oh, it's already late.
One more glass will finish the bottle, so I should head home. I might have overindulged today.
Pouring the last glass, I savored it.
"Hey, that crest... Are you from the Kikyo Society?"
The sudden question seemed directed at me.
Rude and tasteless.
A young man who must have just entered the inn was eyeing the Kikyo crest on my back.
Despite the other members present, he singled me out.
"Good timing. Tell me what you know!"
He was bold and forceful, pushing his way over.
Our bodyguards were giving him a menacing look, but he didn't seem to notice. He was incredibly oblivious.
Even the regulars were giving him a cold stare, and the pleasant atmosphere was ruined.