Megumin POV

We are now back at our hotel suite after chatting for a bit with everyone in the training room and on the way back here. It was nice to see our classmates again from our previous world. I got to boast about how I casted dozens of explosions against the Demon King's castle in my world to the other wizards like Ainz, Emilia, and such. Of course, Kazuma had to point out I was supported by a pile of top grade Manatite. He is such a jerk sometimes. Why do I love him? Speaking of which,

"Ne, Kazuma. What are we doing for sleeping arrangements tonight? I know Aqua is shaken (Am not!) but the beds we have here comfortably fit two people."

"Right, Megumin. I was thinking we can all just sleep on the living room floor in futons tonight. It'll be like indoor camping."

"Yah. That's sounds good. Is that okay, Aqua?"

"I wanna sleep in a bed with Kazuma tonight…" We heard her mumbled something under her breath.

"What'd you say?!" x4

"Nothing! Nothing! Sleeping in the futons tonight sounds good! Ha-ha!" Aqua answers in a panic, waving her arms around with a blush on her face. Mmmmhh…

"Okay…Chris, you can still sleep in your own bed tonight."

"Thanks Kazuma. I think I'll join you guys tonight. I can 'camp out' with Darkness anyways." Darkness comes to Chris and gives her a hug from behind with a smile on her face.

Eehh? The silver-haired thief is spending more time with us? I always though she prefers a solitude life. Anyways, with the sleeping arrangements out of the way, something else is on my mind,

"Kazuma, I'm going over to the Crimson Demon's suite. I want to check if YunYun's still there."

"Okay, Megumin. See you back soon. We'll have crab for dinner at 5 so don't miss out!"

"Arigatō, Kazuma. See you soon too!"

"Bye!" x4

At least he can still be a sweetheart sometimes.

I make my way over to where my family is staying at. I open the door,

"Onee-chan!" and my little sister comes hugging me.

"Hey Komekko! Did you keep our family safe?"

"Yeap! Mommy and Daddy are happy and we are eating lots of food!"

"Megumin. We're glad to be here. There's so much food to go around! This world is rich with everything we need!" My dear mom says, although I think it's because Gulielmus is providing for everyone.

"Yes, Megumin. I've never seen so many wondrous machines! People moving around in these mini mobile fortress destroyers! There are these huge ships that go in and out of the harbor! And then there's so much water as far as the eye can see! The air may be a little dirty but this new world is great!" and my dear father says with excitement. Now that I think about it, I've already seen lots of familiar things before on that previous world with my classmates. I've also been too busy thinking about Kazuma and my friends to notice the things around me.

"Glad to hear you're having a good time, my beloved crimson family."

I then spot my former crimson classmates over at a dining table further in the room.

"Are you having a good time, Funifura, Dodonko, and Arue? Or are your feet still cold after coming to this world?"

"Why is it every time you address us, you have to gloat over us?! Yes, we are doing fine! W-We will not lose to you!" Funifura says in attempted defiance. Delicious.

"By the way, where's YunYun?"

"Hey! Don't change the subject so quickly! We still have our scores to settle with you!"

"I'm sure you do. Now where's YunYun?" the three girls glare angrily at me…but then they calm down and a small smirk grows on their faces. What's going on? They normally wrestle with me a bit longer.

"Fine. We'll tell you where she is. YunYun went to go meet Olivia-sama at that 'Tea Party'."

Nani? She's actually gone to her? And most people are scared by her because of her glowing eyes. But not this Olivia-sama. I gotta go check on her. Olivia better not try anything funny on my frie-, I mean self-proclaimed rival. I'll look into why my former classmates made those smirks later.

"Okay, bye!" I say to everyone and make my way to the officers' quarters. I follow the base map they gave everyone and asks some of the staff for directions.

xx

Unbeknownst to Megumin after she left the Crimson suite…

The three 'former classmates' giggle among themselves.

"What's so funny, onee-sans?" asks Komekko.

"Sorry. It's just that we have this inkling that Olivia-sama will somehow win against Megumin." Answers Arue.

"Aawwwee. Onee-chan is super cool but if Royal Navy O bāchan beats onee-chan, then she's even cooler! I wanna see them meet!"

"Komekko. Please stay with us. You'll have your chance to meet Olivia-sama later."

"Awe, but Okaasan!"

Yuiyui comforted the protesting Komekko until she calms. Besides, Yuiyui wanted to protect her eldest daughter's pride from being shattered further if her youngest daughter witnesses Megumin's potentially humiliating defeat.

xx

Back to Megumin…

I find Admiral Olivia's room and knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Megumin. Is YunYun in there?"

"She is. You may come in. Someone please kindly open the door." I then hear footsteps coming close. The door opens,

"Hi, Megumin-sama!" and my underling comes and greet me.

"Iris, thanks for allowing your boss entry." I step into the room with a smug ready to give YunYun a hard time. But then I saw,

"Hi Megumin!"

18 other guests in the room for this Tea Party! They are all the royal families and royal candidates with their knights and guards of our worlds. Kind of makes sense for them to talk with the only Princess in this world available to us.

"Megumin! Please come sit with us for tea." And there's the crimson girl I came for.

"YunYun, has Olivia done anything to you?"

"That's very rude, Megumin. I'm not here to give anyone a soiled experience. Similar to Gulielmus-sensei's goals, I'm here to forge good relations with everyone here. YunYun is here on her own accord as she wishes to learn how to do the same." This Olivia is polite but assertive, isn't she?

"Sorry, Olivia-sama. Megumin is just very protective of me whenever it comes to new people."

"I'm just here to make sure YunYun doesn't stray from the destined path of Crimson Demons!"

"So you say. Do you wish to join us for tea or not?" asks Annabelle Olivia. YunYun doesn't look like she's in any kind of trouble so I guess,

"Okay. I'll stay for tea."

I take a seat across from YunYun and Olivia. To my surprise, the Princess Royal Navy Admiral serves me the tea.

"Arigatō, Olivia-sama." I then drink the nicely warm tea.

"Is it more than adequate?"

"Un." I politely answer.

"Now then, where were we? Oh yes, we were discussing the role and power of our respective monarchs in our worlds. Now my mother, Queen Summers II does not have the same absolute power as my ancestors did prior to 1931…"

While this topic is interesting to many in the Tea Party, I honestly could care less about it. I find a polite time to interrupt the conversation and raise my hand. Olivia-sama and YunYun turns my way. The real topic on my mind is,

"Ano…I honestly would like to know why YunYun seems to be so interested in you, Olivia-sama."

"That's a fair question, Megumin. Although, I think it is best if YunYun answers. YunYun?"

YunYun shyly looks down with a blush on her face. That's her alright. But then she takes a deep breath, composes herself, looks up with resolve, and face me. Is that still YunYun?

"Well, when I heard Olivia-sama introduced herself, I was captivated by her confidence and her title of 'Admiral and Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy'. I thought maybe she can help me make friends as a woman and teach me how to be a great leader for my clansmen. Then there's her comment of me being a reminder of her younger self. So maybe she's really the woman I want to look up to."

"Oh please, YunYun. You are making me blush."

YunYun is able to convey all that without stuttering and with a heartfelt smile on her face. I'm a little moved by this. Just a little. There's one detail I want to know about though,

"That twice now I heard about Olivia-sama's younger self. Olivia-sama, if it's okay with you, may you share about your past self?" I asks.

"Oh, I don't know. Especially with this many guest present."

"Oh come on, please?"

"Please, Olivia-sama. My sister here could learn how to be more sociable since she's Queen of Elkia."

"Nii-chan!" Shiro hits her brother for that.

"Olivia-sama, you can trust we will not treat your past dishonorably. Besides, if anyone in this room does, we – along with Gulielmus – will ensure a proper consequence." Says Crusch after the Gamer Siblings had their little quarrel.

"Oh very well then…YunYun's shy demeanor reminds me of how I use to struggle with social experiences in my early teen years. Of course, I was taught by the best tutors hired in the Royal Family. Yet, I would wrestle inwardly about how I appear to people and if I make the best impression to everyone. A natural consequence of being in a family with high expectations as well as all the Royal protocol and traditions to follow.

Then one day when I was about 14 years of age, I met this one tutor some considered to be borderline controversial named Ellen Gray. Her style in approach to life was rather interesting. She taught the importance of expressing your honest self to the point some might take offense to. At the same time, learn your social skills by interacting with as many people as possible. Thereby, you can learn which people can really be good friends with and which ones can only bring you down. You can also refine your own social skills as you meet people where they can give honest feedback on you with your best interest in mind.

I eventually decided to challenge myself to talk to many people – my family member, peers my age, my attendants, and even the general public when I get a chance. In the process, I learned of the shortcomings of being a woman and hear from many other women how society sometimes treat them less than men. I resolved to better myself even further so I can help other women have a louder voice – a better life. I was able to move away from paying too much attention on myself and focus on wanting to uplift and lead people.

Sadly, Ellen died when I was 35 years of age. At that time, I was serving aboard HMS Portland as a Lieutenant when the news came to me. I remember the heavy heart I felt and the decision I made to carry out my duties despite obvious tears on my eyes. My superiors would offer me leave of absence but I refused as I wanted to honor my tutor in setting the example that women can recover quickly from emotionally hard times – even though I let the tears roll. The sailors were naturally perplexed by the sight but I performed my duties flawlessly."

"That's actually pretty inspiring, Olivia-sama. Thanks for sharing this." I just couldn't hold those words back.

"It was my pleasure, Megumin."

There is even some clapping in the room. This Princess Royal Navy Admiral just has this way of commanding respect. But if I'm going to accept her as YunYun's new friend,

"Fu-fu! So now that I see you are a strong woman, I hereby challenge you to a duel! This is such as the traditions of the Crimson Demons!"

"No it's not, Megumin! What are you doing?!"

"Quiet YunYun! This shall come to pass!"

"Oh, okay. What kind of duel are you proposing?"

"Fu-fu! How about we play a game of chess?"

"Come on Megumin! Olivia-sama doesn't know the rules of our chess game."

"Perhaps you can fill me in, YunYun?"

"Ano…yah sure."

"Thank you. Alright, I accept your challenge. Once the rules are explained we will start."

"Oh, this will be good." I think that was Sora. Anyways,

YES! This will be easy! "You're on!"

…..

About 10 turns into the match,

"How are you this good at chess even with the new rules?!"

"If you must know, I participated in chess tournaments during my late teen years. I still play against some of my peers. I must say, your new rules gives a lovely new spice to the game."

Arrgghh!…I guess I'll have to use my one trump card,

"Explosion!"

"Magic Cancellation!" Huh?! The moment I tried to flip the board, the Royal Navy O bāchan slams her right hand on the board in time!

"Oi! What's the deal?!"

"You rules allow the use of any magic and technologies we know of between our two nations. I happen to know of Magic Cancellation from my conversations with YunYun."

I glare daggers at YunYun! She flinches a little. Traitor!

"Now to end this game. This is Admiral Olivia issuing the following order upon Her Majety's Isekai Expedition Fleet: Fire every available Tomahawk missile onto the following coordinates – (she quickly lists all the grid squares my pieces occupy!)."

I can only watch in horror as Admiral Olivia knocks over every single piece of mine until,

"The king has been eliminated. Checkmate."

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" x23

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

In my anger, I did what any Crimson Demon does when it seeks justice!

"Darkness blacker than black and darker than dark!—KGGKKKGGK!"

What just happened?! Did-did she just hit my throat?! I barely saw her move!

"Megumin! Megumin! Are you okay?! Please! Someone come heal her!"

COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!

"Got it YunYun! I'm coming over!" Was that Kazuma just now?! Oh no, that means,

"Heal…Megumin, can you breathe now?"

"HAAHH—AAHH—HAAA. Yah, I can now. Thanks…Kazuma, when did you get here?"

"Oh just a few minutes ago. We were wondering what you're up to so we came here. Did I just see you lose twice to the Royal Navy O bāchan?"

"Mm-mm-mm-mm! Yes Kazuma-san. She did. Hehehehe." Oh YunYun had the nerve to answer Kazuma's question! On top of that, Kazuma is here to witness my defeats! Seconds after YunYun's answer,

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The whole Tea Party burst out in laughter! I never felt such humiliation!

After everyone calmed down enough, I ask as politely as I could,

"What exactly did you do to me, Admiral Olivia?"

"Apologies for the discomfort, Megumin. I did a karate chop right to your throat to stop you from casting your real explosion magic – and I will not hesitate to stop you every time you do this foolish act! If you want my respect as a woman, you must act better than on your anger where actual lives can be endangered unnecessarily. Do we understand each other?"

"Hhhhhh…yes ma'am."

"Thank you, Megumin."

"But…I have to say, no one has defeated me in such a way as this. Therefore, I declare you as my worthy rival!"

Everyone, especially YunYun, gawked on hearing my declaration. Except, of course, the Royal Navy O bāchan.

"Interesting. And what does this rivalry entail?"

"I will work hard to best you as the strongest woman and to earn your undivided respect!"

"Very well then. Gulielmus-sensei did encourage sparring partners to form in this program. You shall be mine. May you join our Tea Times and allow me to educate you on what it means to be a strong woman?"

I give her a "yes" nod with resolve in my eyes.

"Excellent! I look forward to our times together, strongest Mage of Kazuma's world."

She reached out her hand. Then I reached mine out. We shake hands. We are now officially sparring partners and rivals. Even in my defeat, she still respected my accomplishments. I now see why YunYun looks up to her. Then I thought, so that's why my three 'former' classmates smirked at me!

Meanwhile, unknown to Megumin, everyone else in the room is thinking:

BEST TEA PARTY – EVER!


Kazuma POV – 5:00 PM at the suite

We are now eating our promised crab dinner. Normally we'd be really excited and happy about crab but the mood is just different and quiet, maybe awkward, probably because of Megumin's duel with Olivia-sama. She was very quiet on the way back too. As her boyfriend, I should try to cheer her up.

"Megumin? Are you okay? You haven't said a word since we left the officers' quarters."

After a moment of pause,

"You dare ask me? You and everyone eating here laughed at my defeat!"

"What? We were surprised and caught up in moment. It's not often we see someone outplay you."

"Gee, thanks Kazuma. You are a great boyfriend."

Darkness then says her piece, "Megumin, if it makes you feel any better, I would gladly swap places with you so the humiliation is directed at me. Oh! It must have felt sooo baaaad!"

"Thanks Darkness, but I know you too well." Yes…I agree with Megumin on that.

"AH!" and Darkness hugs herself…

"Okay, look. I'm sorry for laughing at you. Right? Is everyone here sorry for laughing at Megumin?"

Everyone nodded yes out of a good heart. But I can tell they are also working really hard holding back a laugh. Can't blame them. They all lost to Megumin many times in chess. So seeing her in such a defeated state after chess is undeniably refreshing.

"See?"

(Sigh) "Okay. I accept all your apologies – every if you all think it's still funny."

I then offer, "Is there anything else I can do to help you feel better?"

"Well…we haven't done our daily explosion ritual for a few days now."

Under most circumstances, I would flat out say no. But Megumin is hurting a little so I gave myself a few seconds to think of a solution. Luckily, there is one,

"We can't do Explosion Magic in real life. We'll get into A LOT of trouble doing that. However, we can go into the Senzo VR world and do it there."

"Aawwee, but it may not feel the same way. Since it's a dream world and all."

"Well, the Senzo tech synchronizes our bodies anyways so maybe it won't be so different."

"Okay, let's give it a try."

She didn't look too happy, but she accepted my proposal at least.

Later that evening, Megumin ended up being surprised and satisfied with her new VR dive Explosion routine. The VR machine allows Megumin to keep her mana drained even after logging off so that worked out well. Plus, I get to carry her on my back. Didn't realize how much I miss that.


Beloukas POV – 7:10 PM

"So this "Internet" is how most, if not all, businesses can sell to customers around this world?!"

"Yeap. You can even argue the information industry is the backbone of nearly all other industries in my world. Some of the biggest industries by amount of money going in and out are finance (like banking and housing) and transport. But they depend on the Internet for a lot of reasons."

I'm now at this "Chili's" restaurant on base sitting with all the merchants that agreed to meet with me. Agil is telling me about the wonders of the "Internet", something that would turn my world on its head if it is brought there.

"So Beloukas-san, have you ever considered doing other kinds of business?"

"I don't know, Agil-san. Slave trading has always been my forte. I honestly can't help but think of how I can sell my 'product' to customers without them having to show up in person."

"Well…that is the mindset of a merchant after all. But there are other more legal ways to make a lot of money if you work at it."

"What happens if I conduct my current line of business in your world?" I had to ask. I needed to know the consequences.

"I'll be honest with you: It saddens me to admit that people still practice that kind of business even in this world. Ignoring the legalities for the moment, you would still make much money but only with other people who are willing to break the rules and through ethics out the window. Many people and businesses want to stay away from such conducts as their own reputation will plummet and thereby lose their customers. For most of the world, slavery is publicly frowned upon but a few countries still practice it extensively.

Now that I think about it, if your country were to try to establish a long-term trading agreement with this world, the topic of slavery will get brought up in the negotiations and Japan will definitely exercise respect of basic human rights."

"I see. Thank you for your answers and maintaining respect. I know I'm probably not the most respectable character around here due to my work."

"Well. I appreciate you following Lielmus-sensei's advice. Would you be open to other lines of work?"

"Sure. I'll hear out ideas. You mentioned earlier there are legal ways to make money. What are some examples?"

"There's Day Trading, running a tourist business, and running an online business selling legitimate service or products."

"Day Trading?" x4

"Well, I only do a little of it online and on my spare time. But there's plenty who do it for a living. Basically, it's the business of trading stocks of companies. You try to buy when the stocks are cheap then sell when they are as expensive as you think they can get. May be we can have ourselves a tour of the Tokyo Stock Exchange when you are all allowed off base. But America's Stock Exchange in Wall Street, New York is where you can really feel the energy of day trading."

"Fascinating!" Just as I was going to accept the proposal of the tour. Three people approaches our table. Two them I know, but the third…

"Vanir-san! What are doing without me?! You know we run a shop together, right?!"

"You mean Moi runs the shop! Be gone, debt-ridden shopkeeper! Don't interfere with Moi financial research!"

"AH! You're so mean!"

"Vanir-san. This is Wiz-san, correct? The one who declared she wants to marry you?" I ask.

"Yes, unfortunately. (!) This is the owner of the shop I run. She may be a powerful lich but has a terrible sense in business. (Ah!)"

"Vanir-san! No need to be so harsh. Why not let Wiz-san hang with us so she can learn to be a better businesswoman?" Agil protests.

"HAH! The shopkeeper? A better businesswoman? It'll be a cold day in Hell before that ever happens!" Vanir's demeanor towards Wiz tells me she may really be what he says.

"Vanir-san. Please give an example of her bad sense in business."

"One time, she purchased a whole stock of this useless portable toilet accessory that has the flaw of making a sound loud enough to attract monsters when you are doing your 'business'."

Oh boy. Vanir is right.

"Really? I may have bad luck but even I make better business decisions as a travel merchant." Says Otto with a blank face.

"See?! Even the unfortunate travel merchant gets it! But Moi will entertain you all in allowing this Shopkeeper to be with us. Since she now knows, she will not stay away…By the way, what brings the Shopkeeper and the two other guests here?"

"We overheard Beloukas-san's conversations with you all when we were in the training room. Wiz-san might be the same case. I thought to come to make sure Beloukas-san isn't causing any problems for you guys."

"Oh no, he isn't, Iwatani-san. Thanks for your concern. I'm teaching him the ways of this world and showing the path of legitimate business. Isn't that right, Beloukas-san?"

"Uhh…yeah. That's right, Agil-san."

Naofumi and Raphtalia gives me this quick subtle look of "are you really, Beloukas?"

"What? I'm being on my best behavior."

"Okay." x2

"Anyways, Agil-san. I do wish to tour the Tokyo Stock Exchange and since we will eventually go to America, we can visit Wall Street."

The three add-ons eventually join us as we continue exchanging stories, experiences, and adventures that we could share for the rest of the evening. This is going alright I suppose. I wonder if I can be a 'Day Trader'.


xxxxxxx


Author's Note: And that's Chapter 8! This one was especially funny! Finally bringing a new experience of non-lethal defeat to Megumin was by far the most fun I've had to date! Building Admiral Olivia was great too! Also, The Rising of the Shield Hero's character, Beloukas is underrated I feel. This fanfic gives me the chance to build him a bit more. Plus, now the Isekai Merchant Guild is gaining steam! If you guys feel there's other potential match-ups, please tell me in the comments.

Until next time, take care all!