Kousuke, who had been chatting with Schmidt as usual, suddenly recalled a conversation he had with Towa and Floria a few days prior.
“Speaking of which, the Heirokki tournament doesn’t involve the Crown, does it?”
“Yes. That’s a tournament organized by the country, so it was decided that the Crown should not interfere unduly.”
If the Crown were involved in everything Razek Amamiya did, there would inevitably be people complaining about collusion and such.
This was troublesome domestically, but even more so internationally.
Considering the Crown’s slow progress in expanding overseas, they concluded that it would be best not to get too involved in Razek Amamiya’s affairs.
Of course, there were other reasons why the Crown decided not to be involved.
“Since the country is providing an enjoyable time, we believe it’s best to foster our own ‘people’.”
“Oh?”
Schmidt’s words sparked Kousuke’s interest.
“From what I’ve heard, this might become a recurring event. So, we thought it would be interesting to cultivate strong individuals.”
“Specifically?”
“The initial suggestion was whether we could establish something like a training school.”
Apparently, the first idea arose during a casual conversation.
When the Crown’s staff were discussing the upcoming tournament during a break, someone remarked, “It would be fun if the Crown could train their own players.”
This remark was overheard by someone in a fairly high position within the Crown, who then explored the possibility of making it a reality.
However, the initial plan was rejected, as it was deemed too costly to support numerous players for a tournament that only occurred about once a year.
The next proposal was to create a place where people could learn the basics of Heirokki.
In essence, it would be similar to the academies run by Shogi and Go masters.
If they could hire skilled Heirokki players as instructors, they could dedicate more time specifically to Heirokki, even if teaching others took some of their time.
This would be a far more efficient use of their time than trying to juggle Heirokki with other part-time commitments.
This new proposal was considered practical and eventually reached Schmidt.
“I see,” Kousuke said, looking pleased after hearing Schmidt’s explanation.
He was happy that a concept similar to what he was familiar with from his previous world had emerged without him even mentioning it.
Sensing something from Kousuke’s expression, Schmidt continued discussing the “academy.”
“Given the current enthusiasm for Heirokki, we believe it will be sufficiently profitable, and we’ve received the go-ahead.”
In Razek Amamiya, people were now accustomed to taking at least one day off per week.
This all started when Kousuke, early on, insisted on giving even slaves proper rest days.
How people spent their leisure time had become a significant topic of gossip.
The popularity of Heirokki, to the extent that tournaments could be held, was also a result of this newfound free time.
“It’s all thanks to you, Kousuke, for creating regular holidays so that even ordinary citizens could enjoy Heirokki.”
Schmidt, having been involved with the Crown from its inception, knew that Kousuke had proposed the idea of holidays.
Kousuke wore a slightly troubled expression upon hearing Schmidt’s words.
From his perspective, it was a very natural suggestion, and he hadn’t expected it to lead to such significant developments.
“I… didn’t expect it to turn out this way.”
As Kousuke spoke honestly, Floria, who had been listening nearby, chimed in with a serious look.
“Isn’t that often the case with new discoveries and inventions?”
“That’s right. It’s common for newly invented magic tools to evolve significantly from their inventor’s original intention and become widely popular.”
Schmidt nodded enthusiastically in agreement with Floria’s statement.
“Indeed. In Kousuke’s case, he seems to believe humility is a virtue, but it can sometimes be perceived as sarcasm, so he should be careful. Though, no one here would likely interpret it that way.”
Floria’s advice surprised Kousuke for a moment, and he nodded slightly.
“…I didn’t mean it that way.”
Kousuke had simply stated what he thought, but he admitted that from the general perspective of this world, it could indeed be interpreted as humility.
Of course, Floria and Schmidt, understanding Kousuke’s character, had no intention of criticizing him.
However, they hoped Kousuke would realize that such behavior could potentially lead to disadvantages.
Those around Kousuke were accustomed to his remarks and often helped smooth things over when he ventured outside the tower. However, they couldn’t always be by his side.
Although, with Kouhi and Mitsuki usually accompanying him, it might be an unnecessary worry.
Floria smiled at Kousuke’s contrite expression, then turned a slightly skeptical gaze toward Schmidt.
“You claim it will be profitable, but is it truly sound?”
“Well, that remains to be seen?”
Floria blinked at Schmidt’s tilted head and reply.
“Wait…?”
“At the very least, I believe it will be difficult until we can secure a proper instructor?”
“I see. So that’s how it is.”
“Yes. That’s exactly it.”
Floria nodded in understanding at Schmidt’s explanation.
Ultimately, whether an “academy” would be successful depended on the instructor.
The instructor’s true skill could only be assessed by observing them in action.
And the perfect opportunity to showcase that skill was fast approaching.
The Crown, naturally, intended to take advantage of this opportunity.
In other words, they planned to use the upcoming tournament organized by Razek Amamiya to scout for instructors.
“I don’t mind using the tournament, but don’t be too forceful in your methods.”
“Of course not.”
In any field, it was common for top talent to be scouted.
However, if the recruitment methods were too aggressive, it could reflect poorly on the organization, not only for the individual being scouted but also from the surrounding community.
Moderation was key in all things.
“The tournament preparations are going smoothly, aren’t they?”
Schmidt, naturally, kept abreast of information, but he made sure to directly inquire with those involved when possible.
This was a habit he had developed from his days as a traveling merchant.
“Ah. Although, it’s already out of my hands, so I can’t say for sure.”
Floria had initially brought up the tournament, but it was now completely beyond her purview.
Given its scale, it had become impossible for her to manage everything personally.
Including the security guards mobilized for the current commotion, a considerable number of people were working towards this tournament.
Of course, many were involved in other capacities as well.
“Hearing that much is enough. After all, the tournament’s success is paramount.”
“That’s right.”
Kousuke joined Floria and Schmidt in nodding in agreement.
The organizers would spend their days busily until the historically first official Heirokki tournament.
The tournament would be a great success, concluding in a splendid fashion.
The discussion was about creating a place akin to a Shogi or Go academy.
I had considered establishing something like our own association, but decided against it for now.
