The kingdom of Mistral was a sight to behold, especially at night. The city was alive with vibrant colors and bustling streets, the lanterns casting a warm glow that contrasted beautifully against the cool evening sky.
Rimuru, with her azure hair flowing freely, took in the sights with wide, curious eyes.
Beside her, Adam walked with an air of calm confidence, his eyes subtly darting around to ensure they remained unbothered.
The silver-haired boy's caution wasn't particularly needed. He had previously set up a 'bother-me-not' aura around themselves
But perhaps he was doing this out of habit?
He didn't appreciate his dates being interrupted by meddlesome fellows….. Well, he is indeed too cautious, not many people would bother the two of them
But then again, with the slime's loli body…. It is probable that people will call the police on Adam the moment they notice the two acting affectionate
"Hey Adam!"
The voice of the slime girl interrupted his thoughts
"What's up?"
The silver-haired boy turned to her, a slight smile playing on his lips
…..
"Uh…." She hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly
"I am not really sure how dates are supposed to be….." She admitted, her head tilting in embarrassment "But I am sure that the man isn't supposed to be in a daze and ignore the woman!"
She pouted, looking at him with faux anger
Of course, after he messaged her and asked for a date, she accepted
Honestly, it was…. her first serious date- in both lives.
No. Actually, she did have a couple of dates in her previous live, but…. She never had a long-lasting relationship
After all, she was still an almost 40-year-old virgin woman-!
Rimuru didn't know what she did wrong to have such a pathetic love life
Was it because she was an Otaku?
Was it because she was a normal-salary woman with no special qualities?
Or maybe it was her weird browser history…. ? She wasn't sure…..
But still, the normal process of a date shouldn't be like this!
…..
"You're right." Adam chuckled softly, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair. "My bad, Rimuru."
She pouted, looking up at him with a mock frown. "Good thing I accepted your date invitation, or I wouldn't know you're such a scatterbrain."
His smile widened
"Indeed, but….." Adam looked at her, eyes narrowed "How do you know that I am not supposed to do that while on a date?"
"From rom-com anime, of course!"
He looked at her with a weird expression
"You…." His face scrunched, voice becoming stiff "-Do you watch Rom-com anime….?"
The slime girl looked away from him, not daring to look at him in the eye
Sighing, Adam softly slapped his forehead in a facepalm
This date wasn't off to a great start. After all, who the heck watches Rom-com anime these days?
…
..
.
"Isn't this amazing, Adam?" Rimuru exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement as she looked around her surroundings "The lights, the people... it's so lively!"
Adam couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
"It's definitely a change of pace" He agreed
They walked hand in hand, the crowds parting slightly to make way for them.
Rimuru's outfit, a blend of casual and elegant with a hint of her slime origins in the subtle patterns and textures- it didn't catch the eye of many passersby with the aura that Adam had set up
Adam, ever the stoic and casual person, wore a simple yet stylish attire that allowed him to blend in while still looking sharp.
"....."
Though….. Even if the city looked lively on the surface, Adam had a certain feeling
This city wasn't as peaceful as it looked. Chaos was budding underneath the curtains, and a certain sense of negativity was shrouding the place
He could feel the negativity of this city…. The boy was quite sensitive to negative emotions after devouring so many Grimm
"Hm…." Humming, the slime went thoughtful "I want to make Tempest…. as lively as this city"
A light of longing was evident in her eyes, and her voice contained a hidden undertone of determination
"Hmph" Adam snorted "Tempest can't compare to this mere city. It has the potential to be far better- technologically, culturally, and in terms of power"
Comparing a city of monsters that could exist in the Cardinal universe to a city of Remnant was…. quite foolish
"Thanks, Adam"
Rimuru smiled at him
"But a nation's worth isn't only power and technology" Her sight settled on the pedestrians around them "I want to make a nation where everyone- both monsters and humans- could live in harmony. And I don't want to do that with an iron fist like a tyrant- I want peace"
Her golden eyes seemed… dazed- clouded, as if imagining this ideal right this moment
"....."
Adam remained silent
Should the silver-haired boy say that the blue-haired slime was naive?
Perhaps her ideals and perception of the world were too idealistic and naive….. But that is what made Rimuru, Rimuru
Yes, without Ciel, Rimuru Tempest would have never achieved one-tenth of what he achieved in the original plot
However-
This wasn't fiction
The slime was a…. woman now. Besides her different gender, she also has vastly different experiences
"You can do it" Adam voiced out softly "I believe in you"
He tightened his hold on her, giving his silent support
The silver-haired boy won't try to change her…. But he will guide her in the right direction, and try to make her live to her fullest potential
Maybe it was a bit arrogant to say that…. But still-
Although [Great Sage] and [Raphael] are overpowered. One shouldn't rely entirely upon them
Instead, one should work in tandem with them- cooperating like partners
[.....]
"Thank you"
Rimuru turned to face him, smiling brightly
"....."
Adam smiled back, no other words exchanged between them
They both had a tacit understanding of each other- made possible through a link in their souls
And so…. Many words were not needed
And that is why-
Both boy and girl continued on their walk in silence. It was not awkward, instead- it was a comforting type of silence
…
..
.
Their first stop on this date was a quaint café nestled between two larger buildings. It was known for its unique blend of traditional Mistralian and modern Vale cuisine.
They chose a table by the window, giving them a perfect view of the street outside.
As they settled in, a waiter approached with a friendly smile. "Good evening! What can I get for you two tonight?"
Rimuru glanced at the menu, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I'll have the spiced tea and... oh, the strawberry mille-feuille looks delicious!"
Adam chuckled softly. "I'll have the same tea, and the roasted duck, please."
The waiter nodded and left them to their conversation.
Human and Slime looked at each other in silence
"Now this feels awkward"
The silver-haired boy was the first one to speak up, trying to break the ice
"Eh?" The blue-haired girl tilted her head in confusion, looking puzzled "Why is that? I don't feel awkward at all..."
"Well…." He sighed, leaning back in his chair "I just feel that this date is too mundane, you know?"
…..
Indeed, he felt awkward on this date because it was just too mundane
The one he had with Mei was also mundane…. But Mei is currently a normal girl, and Adam also didn't have his power for long at that point in time
Not that this isn't the case for now. The amount of time the silver-haired boy spent with powers is still short… But not too short
He has experience now.
He won't claim to have been through a lot and experienced many things…. But he has traveled to 3 entirely different verses and seen many wonderful things
So it is no surprise that such common sights have lost their grandeur
….
"Huh….?" Golden eyes blinking in confusion, Rimuru looked at him quizically
Adam shook his head to clear away his thought
"Hm…." He put a hand on his chin, eyes narrowed as if trying to articulate his words "The ideal date with Rimuru Tempest that I have in mind would be….."
The silver-haired boy smiled at the slime girl
"-Riding on Veldora's back, and travelling around the world from above"
"...."
Eyes widening, mouth opening agape, Rimuru went speechless at his words
….
In her mind, this was already a great date thus far- already better than the dates she participated in her previous life
She actually liked him, so she did enjoy this date. And this city brought some nostalgia to her
Though certainly different, this city date did remind her of her previous life.
Although Rimuru liked her world and Tempest, there was no denying that she missed the modern world
And also….. Adam was a nice person.
…Maybe that was a bit of a lie.
Sure, he can't be considered a 'good' person. Sometimes he was a chuunibyo, and that was fine
But… He was also a gentle person.
The silver-haired boy rarely showed that side. In fact, Rimuru only experienced that first-hand in that lonely cave
And of course, the fact that Adam tried to train Rias further proved this point.
The slime learned that he was quite cruel with his worlds…. But that was for the devil princess' good
The method was cruel, yet gentle.
It allowed Rias to grow up and stop being lazy, without experiencing psychological trauma or much physical pain
The mental wounds were there… But they did heal afterward, and easily at that
This process would require a great understanding of Rias, and also the determination to proceed with this.
Because it was possible that Rias would dislike him.
It wouldn't be on the level of hatred, but she might not have a favorable impression of Adam afterward
And yet…. the boy still went through with that
So, Rimuru knew that Adam was quite gentle… to certain people
He wasn't that gentle to Kazuma....
…..But he was indeed gentle to Rias, Shiraori, herself, Jean, and even Monika who he called a 'Psychopath'-
'Huh, wait-!'
She suddenly froze as she realized something
'Is it…. a coincidence that Adam is currently gentle towards women only….?!'
Under the frozen world of the influence of [Though Acceleration], the slime looked weirdly at the silver-haired boy opposite of her
'It is indeed a coincidence'
She breathed a sigh of relief as she remembered something.
So she decided to forget her thoughts and focus more on the present- already disabling the skill that accelerated her thoughts
After all-
Shiraori is a spider, so what bad thoughts could Adam have towards her?
….
"I know it's a bit…." Adam's face scrunched ever so slightly "Extravagant…."
"Errr…."
The slime girl looked unsure of what to say.
To classify such a date idea as extravagant was…. Without a doubt, undermining its ridiculousness
Though-
"That is actually a great idea!"
Her golden eyes lit up
Yes, now that she repeatedly thought about it….
This idea seemed all the more appealing. It sounded so romantic!
"See, now you get it" The silver-haired boy nodded in acknowledgement "Though, maybe we shouldn't do that here. I feel like it would cause a worldwide panic if a massive dragon appeared"
Case closed. Veldora has the reputation of a 'Destructive Dragon'. Whenever he appears, he always causes destruction and chaos
Just his mere presence would send any modern world into panic…. So it would be best not to deploy him in Remnant
"Ohhh…." Rimuru deflated in disappointment "Ah! But if you come to my world, this could work!"
The blue-haired girl put a clenched fist over her open palm. She seemed quite pumped up
He wanted to voice that it would not… As many powerful people would probably target them….
But-
"Why are you so excited now?" Adam, with a puzzled expression, raised an eyebrow "Previously, you were gobsmacked…. Yet now, you seem even more excited than me?"
"Hehe…" She scratched the back of her head "It sounds like a really exciting and romantic date!"
She interlocked her fingers, positioning her chin over them and supporting her head
"Just imagine it:" She looked at him with eyes glowing "It's night, the moon is shining on the horizon. And upon a giant dragon, we are flying under the stars, the world beneath us... it sounds so dreamy!"
"....."
[.....]
"When did you become so romantic?"
Adam looked at her with a deadpan expression on his face
"H-hey!" Rimuru's face flushed in shame "I can be romantic too….!"
"....."
The silver-haired boy clearly expressed doubt on his face
"Come on, although I don't have any experience in this field…." She huffed, pouting "Don't forget that I am a Weeb who has watched countless Rom-con anime!"
She stood up, pointing at him provocatively, eyebrows scrunched as if declaring her determination and (non-existent) competence in this field
"I have plenty of experience, so I can generate romantic quotes that could make your heart skip a beat countless times!"
A smug expression rose on her face, her voice brimming with pride
"....."
The silver-haired boy looked at her, eyes dazed as he processed her words
"Where is my cute and innocent slime who would blush at any of my sexual innuendos?!"
Adam shouted suddenly, mimicking her gesture and pointing at her, as if accusing her
"Eh?"
The slime girl let out a sound of confusion at his outburst, freezing in place
"Pfff-"
The silver-haired boy put a hand over his mouth, interrupting the laugh that threatened to escape him after seeing her cute reaction
"Hmph" Seeing his gesture, Rimuru huffed "Don't tease me!"
She crossed her hands over her (non-existent) chest, pouting in faux anger(again)
"Then stop saying such absurd things" He smirked, putting his hands on his hip "Also, stop acting like you are experienced in this field"
"Ah…." The slime looked at him, eyebrows scrunched "But Adam, aren't you also the same?"
"Ahem!"
Adam coughed, more out of embarrassment than shame
What nonsense is this romantic(not) slime talking about?
He had plenty of experience in this field!
"My dear friend…"
He clenched a hand into a fist, hitting it lightly to his chest where his heart is located
"I had plenty of experience in my previous life" The boy said with a light smile, confidence oozing out of him "And in my current life, I have a childhood sweetheart…. And I also went on a date with a girl from my current school"
His voice wasn't sarcastic-
But he did come off as pretentious
"Really?" Rimuru raised an eyebrow "That childhood sweetheart thing is indeed a classic trope…. But did you really go on a date with a normal student from your school?"
There was pure curiosity in her voice, her eyes puzzled- perhaps she knew his character well, so she doubted whether he actually went on a date with a normal person without power
….
Thankfully, there was no hint of jealousy in her tone. Though it is expected as Rimuru is a relatively simple person
Of course, their relationship is in its early stages. So this might also be the reason
However, if he had to describe their current relationship, it would be-
'More than friends, less than lovers'
Her reaction made Adam inwardly breathe a sigh of relief, though.
He was sure that if it were Monika, she wouldn't have a good reaction.
Though it wouldn't matter, it would indeed ruin the atmosphere of the date
…. Then again, maybe he was too prejudiced against Monika.
She did show some… abnormal signs, but she remained mostly normal in the Chat
So maybe he was too cautious.
Yes, to be frank, Adam wants a harem.
He had access to multiple worlds, so it would be obvious that he, a man of culture(pervert), would make such a choice
He had too many favorite characters in countless worlds, and limiting himself to only one would be the height of stupidity
Not only that… But in that case, that one romantic partner would eventually just be extra baggage. Adam would eventually surpass her- if he already hadn't
It might not be normal, but….. Adam doesn't like weak women
So if he was truly limited to only one choice-
Well, it might be cruel and extreme, but unless he was truly, utterly, and deeply in love with the other party….Then he would most likely abandon her for someone else
Was it hypocritical? Was it extreme? Was it something that only a scumbag would do?
Perhaps so
But then again, he would never choose to have only one romantic partner in his second life
….Unless he had reincarnated in a normal world without anything supernatural or extraordinary- like a Rom-com anime, for example
So yeah, for Adam…. The only choices he would accept were having a harem, or not having a romantic partner at all
After all, in the second case, women will only affect the speed at which he gets stronger!
…..
"Well…" He spoke up after all these thoughts flashed in his mind for in the split of a second "She is a girl that will destroy a city…. So I am just using love to calm her down"
"Huh….?"
The slime girl was once again silenced.
"Was it that girl that you had mentioned in the Chat Room?" She pursed her lips "I thought you were joking"
Her voice contained complicated emotions
Though-
"What can I say?" He grinned at her "It would have been suicidal to try that without experience…. And without good enough rizzing skills"
"Ah? But can she still kill you if she goes berserk?"
"Now she can't…" Adam sighed, grin fading from his face "Before I got powers, she could easily kill me…. In fact, just staying in the city would be enough to make me die"
He closed his eyes, ruffling his hair as he answered with a depressive mood
….The silver-haired boy was in that city out of choice….. But it was still a huge relief that he wasn't bound to die by staying there
Mei was… a gentle girl. Even her Herrscher/Stigmata personality would be no different- at least to the people who treated her well
But the problem is, that even if she didn't want to…. He would still die as he was just an ordinary person without any honkai resistance
….Honkai is just too sexist
"Is that so?" Rimuru muttered, deep in thought
"...."
"Hey…" She spoke up once again "If staying in the city meant death for you… Then wouldn't that be the case for everyone in that city?"
"That's right!"
He put his hands on his hips again, the depressive air around him dissipating
"And that is exactly why….." Adam looked at her with a serious light in his eyes
"-I have to sacrifice my body to make her so shy that she doesn't go berserk and kill hundreds of thousands of people!"
The silver-haired boy raised one hand, pointing dramatically at her once again. His voice was without ups and downs, and his face entirely serious
The slime girl opposite of him looked at his serious face, processed his words, and-
"Pffff-!"
After a few seconds of silence, she burst out laughing
"So Kazuma-san was right!" She smiled, eyes lightin up once again in realization(?) "You are sacrificing your body and your health for the wellbeing of other humans, right?"
Looking at her silly look, Adam inwardly gave a thumbs up to Kazuma who was not present here
What a great comrade…. Instilling the idea(even if it was a joke) that the silver-haired boy would sacrifice his body for the people he cares about
"That is exactly right, my dear Rimuru!" His grin came back full force on his face as he spread his arms "I am sacrificing my body, my dignity, and my purity so hundreds of thousands of people would survive the catastrophe that is called a Honkai Eruption!"
He said in an earnest voice, like a saint who truly sacrifices himself for other people.
Adam went along with Rimuru's assumption(?). He didn't inquire if she was joking or if she actually thought that
….Because he already knew the answer
"Ahem" The silver-haired boy faked a cough "It is definitely not because I am greedy for the girl's- Mei Raiden's- body, that I am building a good relationship with her!"
His eyes were wondering, not making eye contact with the slime's own as he clarified his intentions
….He suddenly found the wall to be very fascinating
"Souka….Naruhodo"
The blue-haired girl nodded with a solemn expression on her face. She spoke two words in Japanese, saying that she understood everything and comprehended his intentions
"....."
Human and Slime looked at each other….
And then-
"Pffff…..Hahahahahahaha"
Adam was the first one to break, bursting out in a peal of undignified laughter that was a huge contrast to his previous staid and grave appearance
"Pfff…Hehehehehehaha"
Rimuru didn't do better than him. She also couldn't contain herself- bursting out in a fit of laughter right after seeing him break his stern facade
After all, both knew that his words were pure bullshit. But instead, the way he articulated his intentions was humorous
.....
....
...
..
.
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A/N:
This chapter was a pain to write
I have little to no experience in romance..... And Rimuru Tempest was a guy in the original source, so it is very difficult to write him as a woman and get her personality accurately
If the slime's way of acting is too OOC... Then point it out, and suggest how I should write her differently