At the City Lord's Mansion Lounge, Annan leaned back into the Sofa.
These past few days, the Lounge had practically become his Office.
"I think we're spending too much, too."
Idelia sat in the Wheelchair that had been returned to her and did a quick calculation of the total prize money and expenses. Next January's finances probably wouldn't look pretty...
"Eldest Sister, you're only looking at the costs, not the benefits."
"You mean recognition and authority?"
"More than that. Once the contest starts, we can record it on Magic Stones and broadcast it on Commercial Street."
"As a Magic Film?"
"No. We'll broadcast it for free in Commercial Street Square so everyone can watch."
"Most people lead dull lives with almost nothing to entertain them. They won't miss a free spectacle like this. And the contest will run for over ten days, several hours each day. If they watch long enough, they'll get thirsty and hungry and need something to eat. Even if only a few dozen people eat on Commercial Street each day, multiply that by two hundred streets and you've got ten thousand people."
"Remember the audience votes I mentioned? Everyone gets a vote for the contestant they like."
The more Annan spoke, the more excited he became. His eyes shone like Black Gemstones.
"By then, the Art Capital's champion will be someone chosen through backroom deals by a bunch of musty, decaying nobles. Ours will be a champion who fought through round after round and earned the approval of millions!"
Idelia quietly watched Annan give free rein to his ambitions. He was like the rising sun, casting light that drove away the darkness and filled people with hope.
"On top of that, we can sell merchandise for popular contestants, send them on Touring Concerts, make documentaries, and