Nautilus Gladiator Arena
After poring over the contract for a long time, Suhyun and Daiyen couldn't find any toxic clauses. Besides, with the emperor's side making such concessions, refusing would only invite trouble. In the end, Suhyun agreed to the deal.
As he signed the snow-white parchment adorned with gold leaf, Aurelia smiled and said, "Then this contract takes effect immediately."
"Looking forward to working with you."
But signing the papers didn't mean everything was settled. They still had to meet all the conditions outlined for a proper territory. Nautilus had everything needed as a simple vessel, but as a territory, it was sorely lacking.
Aurelia began her territory consulting, drawing from her tour of Nautilus.
"First, you need to bolster your military strength."
Given Nautilus's size, it could bulldoze through walls or even mountains in a charge—but with all its residents aboard, that would be no different from dragging civilians straight into the heart of a battlefield. Moreover, military forces weren't just for defense; in emergencies, they had to support other territories, and lords were obligated to provide troops when the empire issued a mobilization order. A standing army was essential.
"As for military power, it seems you have no real territorial troops to speak of."
"Since Nautilus hasn't faced any attacks, we pushed it down the priority list," Daiyen replied.
Aurelia nodded but said firmly, "That's reasonable from a merchant's perspective, but territorial soldiers aren't mercenaries. You hire mercenaries right before a job, but territorial troops require advance preparation and constant training."
Well-trained guards with good equipment outperformed mercenaries and boasted higher loyalty. Individual prowess might lag behind elite sellswords, but a disciplined formation crushed wild solo fighters. Of course, maintenance costs were high, so most lords kept minimal forces—but Nautilus's earnings made it no great burden.
"Then let's start by recruiting soldiers from the residents inside Nautilus."
Surprisingly, in this medieval era, being a soldier was a pretty good gig. Conscription involved the state pulling the "nation's sons" card and patriotic brainwashing about military service being a citizen's privilege—and back then, it was actually true. Sure, wars meant risking death, but survivors could amass a lifetime's wealth in one raid. Even without big hauls, scavenging gear from the fallen fetched good coin. Plus, in peacetime, they had the lord's backing for thuggish protection rackets. Strong, able-bodied men clamored to enlist. Unlike some stingy states that paid zilch, soldiers earned more than common laborers, with side income, good social status, and popularity with the ladies. Recruitment always drew crowds beyond quotas.
"We'll hold applications after wrapping up affairs in Bostain territory."
Even after sorting military issues, problems abounded.
"Offering benefits to other territories and chaining them with those gains is smart, but nobles don't move on profit alone. Building personal ties is key."
Politics: Most upstart nobles struggled in high society, suffering unseen slights and failing to hold status long-term.
"The territory lacks entertainment. It's livable enough inside Nautilus—too much so, without distractions. Without it, expect gambling dens and drunken brawls."
Amusements: Beyond food, clothing, and shelter, addressing leisure was vital to avert trouble.
"You have skilled artisans churning out fine goods, but no buyers. Their motivation's waning—partly because nobles with purchasing power have no reason to visit. Give them one."
"While Nautilus moves, the internal economy stalls. That needs fixing too."
Aurelia didn't just point out flaws; she brainstormed solutions alongside economic hurdles yet unsolved. Suhyun and Daiyen excelled in their fields but lacked governance experience. Aurelia, schooled as imperial kin, filled those gaps, sparing them trial-and-error.
"How about inviting nobles to banquets with auctions upon each territory arrival?"
"Emphasize Nautilus as a trading partner, not rival. Local lords feud over scarce resources—we don't touch those; we expand them."
"Mentoring young nobles with hands-on experience? Nowhere safer or more varied than Nautilus—they'll love it."
"Then we need hooks for noble interest. Suggestions?"
"Hmm, how about showcasing convict squad spars? They train daily anyway. Or let young nobles spar with them?"
"Depends on the convicts' level. Worth checking."
"Curate a shop with artisans' best works for nobles. Boosts motivation and draws eyes."
"What if Nautilus runs regular passenger service? Fast, comfy travel with onboard shopping and leisure."
As Aurelia flagged issues, Suhyun and Daiyen devised fixes. They conjured a full holographic Nautilus model, hashing out facilities and placements.
"A dedicated noble district would simplify things."
"Civilian cabin classes limited to a few types..."
"Colosseum aside, what other entertainment spots and where..."
Until now, they'd patched facilities ad hoc as needed. Now, with Aurelia's blueprint, Nautilus could evolve systematically.
Nautilus's interior was extremely safe. External threats were near-perfectly warded, and with few residents—all acquaintances—everyone got along. But safety bred boredom. Work and booze were it; necessities-only construction left scant fun. Thus, Suhyun's top priority in the five-year plan: the arena.
Convicts sparred daily—why not charge for the show? Recalling Rome's Colosseum, Suhyun sketched basics, refining with Aurelia and Daiyen's expertise.
"Strictly separate noble and commoner paths. Mixing spells trouble."
Drawing from capital spectacles, Aurelia advised on noble-preferred designs: superiority complex demanded elevated treatment, isolated routes, and overlooking seats.
"Won't that obscure the view?"
"Nobles prefer height over clarity."
Suhyun added noble viewing lounges atop the Colosseum, fronted by scrying-glass for perfect sightlines, plus sound and climate spells.
"Isn't this overkill on cost?"
Aurelia, pushing premium magic for premium fees, grinned. "Nobles drop more on fun—they'll call this a bargain."
She left to train noble guides.
Daiyen handled commerce: "Free entry, paid seats."
Standing areas maximized capacity at arena level; mid-to-upper for middling folk got comforts for coin.
"Excitement whets appetites—aromas seal it. We'll sell heaps."
Contracts with eateries for arena snacks and brews; some cooked onsite. Soon, the first bout was set.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Nautilus's historic inaugural gladiator games!"
Waaaaah!
Daiyen hyped it internally; word spread beyond commons to outside nobles. The draw: fresh convict recruits Terramit vs. abandoned bastard Sisain.
"This'll be a riot!"
Aurelia, committed regardless, buzzed at the matchup. Her luxurious beast-pelt lounge boasted weapon displays; her trainee stood ramrod-straight. Rough to princess eyes, but solid for quick training.
"Who're you backing, Izolla?"
Bets were gladiator tradition—unblockable, so Daiyen ran official ones: max wager by seat (one silver standing, ten seated, unlimited noble).
Childhood betting pals Aurelia and Izolla (her maid-knight) limited to one gold tacitly. Aurelia pulled a coin: "Sisain, obviously. Not full knight, but quasi-level."
Izolla, ever rational, picked the stronger prospect.
"Terramit for me, then."
Servants took their golds; the board's odds flickered.
> Terramit: 5.0
> Sisain: 1.2
"Hmm, five-to-one if I win?"
"Underdogs always pay big."
Gong time: Gates opened; Terramit in old staff, robe, catalyst pouch from Daiyen; Sisain in plain leather and iron sword, originals lost in defeat.
"Half-baked mage daring to insult noble blood? You're done."
"Ha! Bastard with ego problems—in here, we're just convicts."
Their grudge? Terramit resented Sisain "stealing" his spot; Sisain hated the newbie's senior act. Suhyun had eyed veterans like Heukgu for debut but swapped at their death stares—stakes made for bloodier, funner fights. "Winner's senior. Kill each other."
Obey unless suicidal, per Suhyun's word. Knowing via report, Aurelia watched intrigued.
Clang~~!
The referee's gong rang. Nautilus's first gladiator bout began.