“Alright, let’s get them tucked away,” I said as the various level 4 monsters were moved into holding pens at the constructed arena. I had gotten back tonight with a whole range of monsters. I was giddy about showing them off in the tournament. It had been a hassle to get them all, but I was quite pleased with myself. It certainly would make things a lot more exciting and bring a lot of points with the auction planned.

“Emperor Michael,” Samantha came over. She looked prim and proper as always. Her afro was going strong. I would never have the patience to deal with that kind of hair.

“Samantha, good to see you. The arena is looking good. The holding pens are perfectly set up, and the soldiers were able to direct me to them,” I replied.

“Thank you, great care was taking to ensure there wouldn’t be disturbances,” she replied.

“Using the rods as part of the locking mechanism was clever. Also soldiers guarding the area to prevent anything from happening,” I replied, pleased to see she had thought ahead.

“Of course. Would you like to rest first, a meal, or a report?” she asked me. I considered that for a moment.

“Let’s eat. Any place good?” I asked thinking about the Gray Duck and if it had been rebuilt.

“The Imperial Place has the best chefs who can prepare anything you desire,” Samantha replied.

“Ah, I was thinking about eating out. I am sure my soldiers would appreciate it. My treat,” there were light cheers from my protection detail. “After all the headaches getting these monsters, we need to celebrate properly!” I declared.

“Of course. The Last Stand offers a wide selection of meat and alcohol, that is quite popular among high combat level grinders. That would be sixteen people, you and your soldiers?” Samantha asked me.

“Yes,” I replied. She quickly turned to a messenger that was with her and gave him instructions and he ran off.

“A table will be ready by the time we arrive. I am happy to lead the way and answer any questions you might have,” Samantha replied.

“The tournament, everything on track?” I asked.

“Yes. Teams are still being confirmed, but brackets are already filling up. There won’t be any seeding and the order will be randomized the day beforehand to prevent anyone from trying to gather intelligence.” I nodded at that. “It will give the bettors time to place bets. Each team has to submit a general information sheet on their members and about their preferred fighting style as well. It is generating interest in the tournament.”

“The buildings around the arena are four floors tall, with the third floor having balcony seating while the top floors are for the masses. Stands are being constructed, it took some doing but we were able to alter the roofs and floors of the buildings to be in a staircase pattern. So the balcony starts at around two and goes up to three floors high internally. The roof goes from three floors to four floors.”

“That is impressive, I will have to take a look tomorrow, at everything. I noticed flags and statues outside?” I asked.

“Each governor gets a statue, but yours is the biggest at the entrance and Clarissa has a slightly smaller statue next to yours, built into the building. Another thing that took a while to figure out. Flags are hung beneath the statues to show the cities of the governors.”

“All the cities are participating?” I asked.

“Yes. The prizes are quite valuable and the competition and rivalry is already heating up from what I have heard. We would need you to approve some more political bets like zone control and to match up those specific teams, but we can discuss that tomorrow,” Samantha explained.

“What about outside teams?” I asked.

“They will have until the day before we finalize the bracket to register. There aren’t that many, since most of the good teams are being snatched up by the governors, but some have strongly stuck to independence,” Samantha added.

“That is excellent to hear. Get some black sheep in the competition to spice it up. No sabotage or anything?” I asked.

“Not that I know of and people are aware not to cause trouble like that. The focus has been on the competition and soft information gathering for the most part. Lots of scouting and trying to get crystals of monsters that fit a team composition better and getting spares if they lose said monsters. There is already a trade set up for crystals inside the Capital and crystal dealers moving from city to city,” she added.

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“Really? There is that much trade?” I asked, surprised.

“They also trade other things. Since food is being specialized in various cities as well. Often they tag along with the tax shipments for safety which have become informal caravans. They pay a small fee to the guards to tag along and get protection as they travel.”

“Are there bandits on the road?” I asked.

“No, at least nothing has come up so far. But both Clarissa and the governors have been very heavy handed in cracking down on anyone thinking about causing trouble. There are rumors that soldiers in civilian clothing sweep areas to check for any issues and check with various grinding teams.” I nodded at this. That made sense.

“Well it seems everything is well in hand,” I said as we walked around the inner city towards the restaurant. “Not in the inner city?” I asked.

“The inner city is for the Imperial Government and visiting governors and key city buildings. Civilians and regular grinders are not allowed inside. While it has caused some difficulties, it has spread out traffic into the outer city districts that are starting to form.”

“Hmm, so Clarissa is zoning then?” I asked.

“To an extent. It is a bit complicated, but since people have to walk everywhere, there are various districts being established and anyone outside of them, inside the city that isn’t a soldier is killed. No vagrants,” Samantha explained and I nodded at that.

“Good, we already have enough problems. I am glad she has a handle on things and keeping the city organized.” I hated the randomness of the streets. It is probably a bit of my desire to have neat grids, but the haphazard way the city was laid out when I first arrived, grated on my nerves.

I liked straight wide streets, with clear areas for different businesses. “What about airships?” I asked.

“That is being held off on for now. Since we are aiming to purchase other buildings and get the economy going at the moment. Airships would be a huge expense when we have roads. The fact is, only you or Clarissa would be able to afford one.” That was unfortunately true. While I didn’t have an understanding of their cost, since I had never built one or flown one, the lack of airships from the Dragon Empire clearly indicated there were issues.

“And the city upgrade. When is that scheduled for?” I asked.

“After the celebration. That is when the upgrade is planned. Everyone will clear out from the surrounding area and the city shield will be activated,” Samantha explained. It was being rushed a bit, but the upgrade would open up another skill slot. I wanted that for when I sorted out my skills.

I also felt I could handle it. While it was a big risk, with the City Shield up for a couple of days, it wasn’t that bad. Unless the super slimes could break through, then there would be issues. But Clarissa had plans to deal with such things. I had no doubt that she had upgraded the City Shield in some way to be stronger or the walls.

There was a bit of curiosity, but Samantha pointed out the restaurant up ahead. I entered with my entourage and we were shown immediately to a large combined table. Several people eating nearby all looked excited. I sat at the head of the table, while my protection detail sat down on either side. Captain Francis took the seat to my right while Samantha sat to my left.

“Welcome Emperor Michael, I am the owner, Rafteal. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“Of course. Now we specialize in cooking meat here at The Last Stand. Our steaks are most impressive, served with mashed potatoes or fries and assorted vegetables. As for drinks. We have the best selection of alcohol in Purgatory. I would suggest the White Melon Wine.”

“Let’s go with that and appetizers as well. We could use a good meal,” I said.

“Of course. I will have everything prepared for you. And how would you like your steak?” he asked me.

“Medium,” I replied. I knew that was the proper way to ask for a steak. Anything else was just asking the cook or chef to screw it up. Bost places aimed to prepare meat at medium as well.

“Excellent,” Raftel snapped his fingers and servers quickly came over and began pouring wine for everyone. “I will be a short distance away if you need anything, and will make sure your food arrives promptly Emperor Michael,” he said. I waved my hand and he left.

“Everything seems to be running smoothly and building up quickly,” I said while thinking of my early days in Purgatory struggling to get by with almost no businesses.

“Supreme Governor Clarissa has been managing everything very well to ensure the foundation of the Capital is strong,” Samantha added.

“What do you think Francis?” I asked as I sipped some of the wine. It was sweet, I liked that.

“Good, a bit sweet,” he said.

“I like sweet. My secret weakness,” I said with a smile.

“No cake monster though,” he added. It was a running joke we had. When would I find the legendary cake monster that would defeat me.

“No, it isn’t a cake monster. Sugar is a pain to get right?” I asked.

“Only level 5 cities have sugar. So it is all coming from the Forbidden City,” Samantha added. I nodded at that.

“Better to get the upgrade done sooner rather than later. Sugar, the crystal everyone truly wants,” I joked and there were chuckles at that.

“Emperor Michael,” a woman began approaching, but Captain Francis immediately stood up and intercepted her.

“I will have to ask you to leave,” he said harshly.

“I just was hoping to ask a few questions,” she replied. Rafteal hurried over.

“Is there a problem?” he asked.

“This woman is to leave immediately,” Captain Francis said and I nodded when Rafteal looked over at me.

“Of course, I will have to ask you to leave madame for disturbing our other guests,” he replied.

“The truth will come out! Death to ty-“ she died as Captain Francis thrust a knife through her head, killing her instantly. Two more soldiers quickly came over and then grabbed her body, carrying it out of the restaurant.

“I apologize Emperor Michael,” Rafteal said while bowing deeply.

“It is not your fault. There are idiots everywhere. No matter, I look forward to trying your steaks. A little death just livens up the atmosphere,” I said with a smile and he forced a smile in return.

“Yes, of course. I will make sure everything is perfect,” he replied. There was a round of clapping from the neighboring tables. I gave a short wave and a smile at the other patrons. I guess they were amused as well. Dinner and entertainment. I truly was back in Purgatory it felt like.