Chapter 264 - Tedious Business Hours
The tournament matches were proceeding smoothly, and the preliminaries, which seemed long but were actually short, were nearly over. When you're busy, even a long event can pass in the blink of an eye.
Today, the number of participants, which initially numbered over five thousand, had been whittled down to less than one percent. The main tournament would begin with these remaining sixty-four contestants, including the seeded invitees.
It's no surprise that the top performers in a tournament with over five thousand participants are exceptionally skilled. From my perspective, the lineup is filled with formidable fighters. I'm confident that the upcoming main tournament will be a fitting event for the Exembra Arena.
From this point on, the prize money will increase with each victory, which will only intensify the fighters' determination. Even at the sixty-fourth-best stage, the prize money hasn't kicked in yet, but the fight money has increased to fifty thousand Gist. Up until this point, participants earned only three thousand Gist per match, which is essentially just a participation award. So, even those who made it this far haven't made much of a profit.
The tournament organizers cover the basic accommodations and meals, so participants shouldn't be at a loss for their stay, but in terms of earnings, the real game is just beginning.
Of course, the invited fighters receive a substantial reward separate from the fight money, setting them apart from the regular participants. However, these professionals have their pride. If they lose to a regular participant, they might find themselves competing as a regular next time. Their resolve is undoubtedly different.
Winning just one match in the main tournament will secure a place among the top thirty-two, with a prize of one million Gist. Making it to the top sixteen will earn three million, and reaching the top eight will net ten million. The top four will receive thirty million, the third-place winner will get fifty million, the runner-up will earn one hundred million, and the champion will take home five hundred million.
The top four also receive valuable trophies and, more importantly, the prestige that comes with it. Established fighters aside, those who place in the top four will likely be invited as seeds in future tournaments and may even receive invitations from other countries. Media coverage will flood in, and there will be offers from the government, guilds, and noble families or commercial enterprises. They will have the chance to lead a successful life.
That's why I hope an unknown local participant wins the tournament, rather than a foreign invitee. It might be a long shot, but it would make the tournament more exciting and engaging.
It's a dreamy scenario, but if it happens, many of them might squander their newfound success.
"Onee-sama, are you not going to watch the matches?"
"The preliminaries are over. I have a good idea of the results already."
Having seen the early rounds, I have a good sense of the remaining fighters' strength. I can usually predict the outcome just by looking at the matchups. Besides, I can't place bets, and there's no one I'm particularly rooting for.
"If you want to watch the matches, Valeria, you can go to the arena. I have a lot of meetings today, but they're all at our hotel, so there's no need for you to accompany me."
"In that case, I think I'll go to Ashley's place."
"Sure, that sounds good. You can train with her or just hang out. There are a lot of stalls, and it's enjoyable to explore the city. Have a good time."
"Yes, I will."
Ashley was the first girl I noticed at the tournament. She fought recklessly, advancing to the third round with a kamikaze strategy before losing to a professional fighter. She was an immigrant from old Retnark, participating mainly for the prize money. Her parents were still looking for work, and she was trying to earn enough to feed her younger siblings. Despite her fierce determination, which seemed to come from a more serious situation, it turned out to be less dire than I initially thought.
Usually, humans have a survival instinct that prevents them from engaging in reckless tactics. Even if they try, their bodies won't cooperate. Training is typically required to overcome this, but Ashley's mental makeup was different. As a fighter, this was a unique talent and a highlight.
On that day, Valeria barged into the medical room, took Ashley to a private room, and quickly realized she wasn't an ordinary girl. After introducing herself and chatting, Valeria scouted Ashley to join the Kikyo Society without any backroom deals. When she learned about Ashley's situation, she offered immediate job opportunities for her parents and a secured future for Ashley if she trained as a fighter. Ashley, being susceptible to financial offers, agreed without much negotiation.
Valeria liked Ashley's straightforwardness and often visited her.
The fighter training program is running smoothly. The participants I noticed during the preliminaries have all been eliminated, so they haven't attracted much attention. I managed to scout them as planned, and it would be exciting if one of them rises to prominence next year.
"President, Head of Operations, it's time to get the car ready."
"Thank you. Yukari, please get ready too."
"It's already that time?"
Today, I have a series of meetings at the Epic Junebel. After changing from my casual outfit to a more formal one, I selected a suitable ensemble for the occasion. Whether I wear anything, I never feel embarrassed, thanks to Torietta-san's custom-made clothes. For this event, I chose a glossy black blouse, slim gray pants, and burnt brown loafers, topped with a moon-white trench coat. The outfit is simple but exudes a high-quality feel, no matter who sees it.
I don't need much makeup, as I'm naturally beautiful. I use basic skincare products, which is mandatory for Kikyo Society members, and I always apply them after my morning training and shower. That's enough for me.
I combed my navy hair, left it loose, and wore my usual teardrop sunglasses. With that, I was ready to go. I joined Frederica, who had a similar look, and we got into the vehicle prepared by the Combat Support Unit.
The main reason for moving to the Epic Junebel was to meet with the tournament committee members and a major figure afterward. I also wanted to take care of various other matters, so I gathered everyone who wanted to speak with me.
First, I met with Jallens, the board member of the Commerce Guild, to discuss future business opportunities and requests. Next were acquaintances from the Buladesh Company and their associates, followed by conversations with nobles like Baron Icetoy. Continuous meetings can be quite demanding.
The Kikyo Society, known for its power and wealth, has a vast network and is always expanding. Many people want to speak with me, the president. Normally, I don't have time for everyone, but during events like these, I can address them all at once, giving them some face.
I maintain a stern demeanor, often glaring through my sunglasses, and respond briefly without making significant promises. Frederica handles most of the actual negotiations, and despite her calm and polite demeanor, her words are often harsh.
This is part of our image strategy. Exembra is a city controlled by the underworld, with the Clad Family being the largest organization. While the Anastasia Union is smaller in Exembra, it is a major force based in the kingdom of Berliza, overshadowing the Clad Family on a global scale.
The Kikyo Society is one of the three major forces in Exembra, but it is perceived as the weakest. While I don't think we would lose in a fight, our organization is indeed smaller. Balgar Clad is known to be intimidating but approachable, and the Leader of the Anastasia Union is seen as a martial figure but also approachable.
I consider myself approachable, but being on the same level as them can be problematic. Being a woman and leading a smaller organization, I can be easily underestimated.
To counter this, the Kikyo Society needs to be perceived as more dangerous. We must maintain an untouchable image and avoid showing any weaknesses. My true goal is to make it clear that the Kikyo Society and its president are the most dangerous entities in Exembra.
I maintain a constant air of intimidation, especially towards my guards. If they see me as formidable, it will naturally influence their employers. Driving home this point helps prevent idle speculation.
After these meetings, it was time for the tournament committee gathering. The board members, primarily nobles, heads of major commercial enterprises, and leaders of the Adventurer Guild and Mercenary Guild, convened. I listened to the reports and discussions, particularly the financial updates. Despite the tournament not being over, the revenue was exceeding expectations, and everyone was smiling. The profit distribution, as agreed upon beforehand, was fair, and the promise of future discussions was left open.
A one percent difference in profit share can mean a significant amount of money. While the negotiations can be intense, once a deal is made, changing it requires serious consideration. Currently, we have a twenty-five percent share, and I have no intention of giving it up. In fact, I plan to increase it, using the tournament's success as leverage.
Some board members have contributed significantly, while others have not. I plan to reduce the shares of the latter. I sent a few subtle glances through my sunglasses, and I believe some members understood my intentions.
The most crucial point was the next tournament. Everyone present was eager for it.
"We would like to hold the next tournament while the excitement is still high."
"No objections. Everyone here agrees, I believe."
We all nodded. This was a matter of mutual understanding.
"Here is a proposed schedule. Please take a look."
There had been some pre-discussions, so the conversation progressed smoothly. Winter travel can be challenging due to snow, so the main attendees are from Exembra, the Royal Capital, and nearby towns. However, many tourists who visited during the fall might stay longer, which is part of the strategy.
"Many invited fighters will return home, and the initial excitement will wane. We need to consider the number of participants and sponsors for the next tournament."
We can't hold the same event year-round, so this is a known challenge. We will take the feedback and consider it for future planning.
"From the field's perspective, does the Kikyo Society have any input?"
The board members here are not just any representatives; they are my peers. I responded myself, rather than delegating to Frederica.
"I would like to hire more people from retired guild members and soldiers."
"The arena is known for its demanding work but offers excellent benefits. Many have inquired about potential opportunities."
"That's true. Expanding these opportunities would be very beneficial."
For the guilds, providing jobs for retired members is part of their role. Introducing them to good opportunities can also increase their influence within the guild. For me, it's about reducing the burden on Kikyo Society members. I want them to focus on key roles, and outsourcing can free them up for more important tasks, ultimately leading to greater profits.
"We can gradually expand these opportunities. We will work with the interested parties to finalize the details after the tournament."
I kept my intentions hidden, offering a favor. They should appreciate it.
The rest of the meeting passed with pleasant conversation. With the tournament running smoothly, everyone was in good spirits, and the meeting concluded without issues.
Next came the secret meeting with a major figure, about which I had no information, making me somewhat anxious. I wondered what I would hear.
The narrative took a detour into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the tournament. The preliminaries are assumed to have concluded during this time.
In the next chapter, we will explore future developments, which will lead into a larger-scale episode, and then return to the main tournament.