Mithra's POV:
According to Rimuru, today we'll get a new resident, as Demon Lord Ramiris is ready to move to Tempest. When she heard it, Treyni couldn't hide her joy... and her stress, as she hadn't seen her Queen in centuries, and fear she might have been forgotten by the fairy. As for me, I'm obligated to admit, he did well to befriend so fast another Demon Lord, especially someone seemingly so important. That's make it 3, at this rhythm he'll get the title of 'Demon Lord tamer' or something. Milim went back to her territory as she needed to tell her followers she's residing here too.
Not only that, but Lulu is coming back too. She asked me to monitor Shizu until her surprise is ready. Hoping it's not a sex-toy, I've heard and seen enough about that Vampire to know her tastes.
As for Shizu, she's currently giving hell to the trainees. I see she wasn't called the Demon instructor for naught, and Hakurou is vibing, seeing he got a colleague with similar ways. Still, there's a difference: Shizu is ready to give harsh training even to children, forcing the youngster Kijin to moderate her teaching... Was she the same with her class in Ingrassia?
-"Why do you call the old man 'Youngster'?" asked a certain big nosed Hobgoblin who immediately received a punch making him fly, and crash on a rock.
-"Because he's younger than me, and calling him 'old man' is calling me 'old hag' by extension. Got it you punk?"
-"I'm sorry for being alive..."
Meh, at least you'll be excused for the rest of the day with such concussion... How did he know what I was thinking? Anyways.
I'm waiting for Lulu to be here, as I've also something to ask her about the Western nations. Earlier this week, I answered a summon from a King who got one of my coins. Nothing out of the ordinary, except a weird guy who appeared to be some kind of emissary. What was strange about him was his aura, he was engulfed in a wicked, yet faint spell. It acted like a mind curse, and by the feeling I got, that's the work of a Unique Skill.
I couldn't immediately find a hint about his employer, so I used my connections with a few Demons who are willing to work for me for compensation. They could keep track of him, until he went to a small nation named Siltrosso, then, nothing. Unfortunately, this place is one of the few who are difficult to watch over, even for us. I hope that lascivious 'goddess' could help me understand what's happening out there.
Furthermore, according to Blanc who reviewed some of my previous summons, there were a few times when suspicious guys managed to get close to other royal inner circles. It was difficult to grasp, and she did it only thanks to her talents in diplomacy and conspiracy. If that's related, it means it started a long time ago, all across the Western Nations.
-"Hey, gorilla. I'm here." A voice could be heard in the shadows of a small passageway behind me.
-"Hmm, Lulu? You don't need to be so secretive, Shizu's too busy right now."
-"Just in case. Her surprise is a little far outside the city, bring her while I'm watching over it." She pointed westward, that's where Rimuru went to play with Kumara and a few wolves.
-"Heh, he'll surely stumble upon it. Let's ask him what kind of toy you've brought."
-"...What are- Oh, please. I'm not always thinking about girls, cretin," she said, pinching her nose and sighting. "I'm just trying to bring that girl some happiness, sincerely."
*Boooom*
This explosion came from the West, and I can feel Holy magic. What the hell is-
-"Oh no, what is she doing? I told her to stay calm. Mithra, follow me." Lulu ran at full speed, worry painted all over her face."
-"What the fuck did you bring? Shizu come with me, it concerns you."
She nodded and followed us. As we're approaching, we could clearly hear multiple spells exploding, and blades clashing. I feel Rimuru is fighting with someone quite strong, I hope the others are safe.
Rimuru's POV:
-"Stop acting like a brat and lemme explain." I'm evading this girl's blade and luring her far from the others.
-"There's nothing to explain. You killed her and usurped her appearance. That's all I need to know," she said, keeping a composed facade hiding a deep fury.
-"Dammit, what did Luminous think when she brought you here? She should keep you on a leash if you're such a stupid hot-heated girl."
-"Don't you dare taint the name of my Goddess. And die already."
She's so enraged she didn't even notice I knew her master's name. And I'm quite pissed off, as her first spell blasted away the wolves with the shockwave. Thankfully I can feel them, they're kinda safe. Kumara went into town to search for help, she felt that that girl was too dangerous for her.
I'm on the defensive, waiting for Luminous to return. I could subdue this girl, but I want to avoid hurting her and antagonize the Church and its goddess. That brat is quite talented with her rapier, and this blade seems dangerous. I got scratched once because of her surprise attack, and I felt it hit my soul. A weapon designed to break a spiritual body to pieces by several hits, that's powerful.
-'[The data I've collected allows me to say a normal being would be dead in 7 hits. Even with your expertise in souls, I don't recommend testing it's efficiency, especially knowing your current condition.]'
-'Thanks for the advice, genius. You seriously thought I would try it?'
-'[Everything is possible with you.]'
Our fight continued without much change. That girl remains blinded by rage, and doesn't plan to let go of me. It could've remain as it is for a while, until she said:
-"Raarrgh! Just good at fleeing, like the wicked monster you are. Is that why my lady came to fetch me? To grant me the opportunity to kill you myself? And once you're done, we'll do the same to your city."
-"...Excuse me?"
-"A country of monsters? How preposterous. We can't let you threaten the peace of commonsfolk. For the sake of humanity, and in the name of Luminous, I'll destroy it."
...So that's how it is. You deranged brat, acting like the true heir of Inquisition. Sorry Luminous, but I have to remind your subordinate of her place, as a fellow Earth-dweller. And I promise it will hurt.
-"Hinata, you idiot. Stop it at once, that's an order."
-"Lady Luminous?" The appearance of her master distracted Hinata, giving me a perfect opening for maximum pain.
-"Where are you looking in a battle? Vengeful Spirit."
She took the full impact of my spell, a conjured spirit who goes through the body and burns the soul at contact. I remembered to keep its output low enough to not damage her too badly, just enough for her to cry in pain. I'll make you lose the will to threaten my people again.
It was effective. That brat is still standing, but convulsing. Her weapon fell miserably, she's defenseless and ready for a good scolding. But before that, let's engrave fear in her mind. I created needle-like crystals, and launched them before she could recover, while Lulu tried to stop me with an anguish look, fearing for her subordinate.
The brat closed her eyes, not wanting to see her approaching demise. But nothing happened. She looked behind her to see the needles stuck in a tree, perfectly reproducing her silhouette. Her legs gave up, knowing she can't do anything against me anymore. In the meantime, Lulu walked toward me, her pale skin slowly turning red. She grabbed my shoulder, waiting for a good explanation.
-"What the hell were you thinking? Using such dangerous magic, that's going too far for a misunderstanding. What if you screwed up?"
-"Sorry Lulu, but I won't apologize for that one. She crossed a line, and as a fellow otherworlder, I had to teach her, even using the hard way."
-"Wait... Hinata?" Shizu looked at her former student, baffled to meet her again in such circumstances. "Why are you here? Lady Lulu, how do you know her?"
So, Lulu really wanted to do a heartwarming surprise for Shizu. Too bad it went sour because of a certain numbskull who brawled before brain. And now, explaining that whole mess will be a headache.
-"...Not here. I'll tell you in a quiet place, far from eavesdropping." Lulu went to Hinata, helping her to stand up. "Easy there, I told you to stay calm and wait for me."
-"Okay, follow me," said Mithra, opening the path toward the sealed cave, where no one will disrupt our talk.
*Some time later, in the Cave*
We're in a room I've cleaned a long time ago just in case. Are present: Mithra, me, Lulu, Shizu, Hinata and Kumara who returned with the others after stumbling upon them in the city gate. Hinata recovered some colors, and is looking in confusion, alternating between Shizu and I. Kumara is with me, looking defiantly at Hinata, and Lulu who brought her.
-"Shizu, little fox, I'll need you two to never tell anyone what I'll say, unless I give you permission. Rimuru and the gorilla accepted the same terms." Seeing those two acquiescing, she continued. "I'm the true Demon Lord Luminous Valentine, and goddess of the Church of Ruberios. Hinata is my right-hand, and I brought her to do a surprise for Shizu, as I've heard she's your former student."
-"Lady Luminous, are you sure it's safe to reveal it so casually?" Hinata is fidgeting on her chair, weary of us. "Can we really expect those monsters to stay silent?"
-"Monsters? You get a lotta nerves, brat, when you're serving under the queen of Vampires, and willingly from what I see." My tone may seem venomous, but my patience with her is running low.
-"Don't worsen it Rimuru. Listen Hinata, this doctrine of 'monsters are evil' is just a stupid byproduct of our will of protecting Humanity. In ancient times, when Humans were frail and easy prey, we simply wanted them to avoid stupidly confronting monsters and remain on safe lands. But as time went on, and because of the occasional mindless beast attacks, it evolved into something new. Unfortunately, all Demi-Humans and sentient monsters started to suffer from prejudice, and I must admit I never took responsibility because it would be bothersome to change it."
She took a break, waiting for Hinata to swallow the pill, now she knows her belief is an unwanted evolution of the Church foundations. The others too (excluding Mithra) were quite shaken when they heard the truth, and Shizu sighed in relief, knowing coexistence between Humans and monsters isn't supposed to be going in opposition to the Church. When Hinata appeared to have digested the truth, Lulu continued.
"In fact, I assume the Luminaries were responsible for this deviance, as some of them were from the start hostile to monsters. I'll have to think of a way to remedy this matter. About Rimuru and the gorilla, they found my identity themselves, and I guarantee they can be trusted. As for your teacher, I took a liking to her and wanted to give her peace of mind about your situation. And the fox... is the fox. You won't be stupid enough to awaken my wrath now you know about me, I suppose."
-"Tch... Don't assume I'll lick your feet because you're stronger than me." Kumara is sulking, irritated to see she isn't on the same level as her 'rival'... I don't even know why she's acting like that with Lulu.
-"Hinata, it's good to see you," Shizu stood up and walked toward her former student, patting her haid. "I understand why you thought Rimuru may have done something to me, because of his look, but that's nothing of the sort. He saved me from certain death, and in the process of healing me, gained the ability of using a body similar to mine. That's all."
-"... I'm sorry... For my outburst earlier, and for leaving you so suddenly years ago." Hinata is looking down, ashamed of facing Shizu and finding the floor interesting. "I don't know how I could apologize for acting like an idiot."
-"As long as you understand your wrongdoing, we'll be satisfied." I turned to her, now I regained my composure and a neutral tone. "I may have been harsh on you earlier, but your peremptory ways and your position reminded me of some of the darkest hours of Earth's history."
She looked away and shook a little, remembering the pain she went through. No one said anything for a while, until the old hag felt it was time to change focus.
-"Now that we're good about it, I have something to ask you, Luminous. Do you know about Siltrosso?"
-"Y-yes I do, it's the kingdom ruled by Granbell, the leader of the Luminaries." Lulu was somehow taken aback by Mithra saying her whole name for the first time, and understood it might be serious.
-"...Keep an eye on him. I don't have any real proof, but something's fishy about this country, and it may concern the whole Western Nations. And if this guy is one of your top-"
Mmh? Why did she stop in the middle of her sentence?
"-Ah, several Pegasus spotted northward, the Dwarven King is coming. Must be because of the Orc Lord, and he may want to see our progress in building our nation."
-"If he's coming, I'll stay in a private room with Hinata. It's better if we keep the Church out of your buisness for now." Lulu grabbed her paladin and they teleported in her chamber in our guest house.
The rest of us went to encounter the Dwarven delegation who landed outside the North gate. A few of our executives were already there, plus Kaijin and Vesta. They were talking passionately with Gazel, but stopped and stepped aside when they saw us. Shion took her place at Mithra's side, and Gazel approached with a dignified posture.
-"We met sooner than I expected, Rimuru. Good job dealing with a crisis that fast, you're as promising as I thought." After greeting me, he turned toward the old hag, certainly trying to inquire about her with his Skill. "Mmh, you're strong too. Not many Demons possess such a presence... And this aura, are you the one they call the Demon of Honor?"
-"Bingo. I'm Mithra, the second guardian of this forest. It's a pleasure to finally meet the last possessor of my coins I've never encountered."
-"Heh, a gift for 'worthy rulers', as I was told. Thank you for your consideration. And since you're here..." Gazel unsheathed his sword, challenging Mithra. "I want to see for myself what your worth is."
-"Fine by me, step aside Shion." She replied before her right-hand could throw a fit about the king's 'disrespectful act'.
She summoned her ultra greatsword, and readied herself for a showdown. Gazel raised an eyebrow at the sight of the comically large weapon, but I assure you, this one isn't at the level of the one she usually wielded in her past life. It was bigger than her.
Treyni appeared, and said she'll act as a referee. Gazel obviously flinched, seeing a caretaker of the forest, her presence acknowledging Mithra's status.
When she gave the signal, Gazel made the first move. He's fast, and skilled, but Mithra won't bulge and repel all his assaults with ease. Using such a large sword isn't really a handicap for her, and it always surprises her opponents.
He used several moves I already know, as his style is the same as Hakurou. Another one who uses it after Jaune. Seemingly wanting to end it with a single strike, he disappeared. But Mithra too knew this sword style, and she countered him. The clash of swords disarmed Gazel, as the old hag's strength is worthy of a gorilla. Acknowledging the result, he laughed wholeheartedly.
-"Wonderful, It's been ages since I was last defeated so easily. I was dubious at first, but your sword told me all I wanted to know. I recognize you as someone trustable."
-"Hohoho, it was magnificent, your majesty. Unfortunately, you faced someone far out of our league this time." Hakurou walked in front of Gazel, stroking his small beard with contempt. "The little boy who got lost centuries ago has grown into a fine man."
-"Wait, are you the Sword saint?"
-"Indeed, I am. I was bestowed the name Hakurou by our guardians, and is now teaching to a new generation."
-"What a pleasant surprise, I never thought I would see you ever again." Gazel noticed Shizu's presence on the side, and apparently recognized her. "This mask remind me... Are you the Champion of Flame?"
When Shizu nodded, Gazel laughed again, impressed to see another legend here. She got embarrassed by his remark, while Gazel went to Kumara and gave her a headpat.
-"I hope you're doing well, little one. It seems you have many things to tell me Rimuru, and I think I could use a drink while we talk."
-"You're quite the easy going guy, outside of your mountain I see." I opened the way, and gave an order to prepare something to eat, while we'll discuss our future plans. Shizu excused herself, and went to the guest house, I suppose to see Hinata.
I guided Gazel toward the future Central Office, who's in its advanced construction phase. The garden behind it is already finished, thanks to the Dryads. A table was installed under a massive kiosk, the scenery is a little feast for the eyes and fitting for such talk.
For a good hour, I told Gazel our advancements, the ordeal with the Orc Lord and the Demon Lords implication, and we discussed our alliance. Seeing how fast we're progressing, he agreed to sign a treaty right now, with the terms we already discussed back in Dwargon. It's now official, Dwargon and Tempest are allies. Now, it's time for a break and a good drink.
-"Heh, I was right to give you a coin even without meeting you in the flesh. You're a sharp king, in all senses of the word," said Mithra, already a little drunk as she started faster than us... While I'm still unable to get drunk myself.
-'[Don't complain about being immune to poison.]'
-'You really don't know the wonders of alcohol. I miss this sensation, when you party too hard you regret it afterwards.'
-'[And if by miracle you find a way to get drunk again, I'll make sure you regret acting like an idiot. Poison is bad.]'
-'Oh? I take that as a challenge...' While I'm arguing with my Skill, I also find what the old hag said bugging. What does she mean, 'in all senses'- Oh...
'Psst, old hag.' I whispered to her mind, and don't know why I whisper in a telepathic conversation. 'With what you said, are you interested in Gazel?'
-'Oh, you understood? Yeah, he's a smart guy, seems kind, and did you see dat ass?'
*Pffft* Nono, I must refrain from laughing, and I won't say anything, as it will be glorious. Good luck Gazel, you'll need it.
-"You know how to entertain guests, don't you? As expected of my junior." Gazel is enjoying himself and his drink, unaware of what awaits him.
-"Your junior? Why would I be your junior? I'm older than you." I asked him, not seeing what the hell he was thinking.
-"In this world, I'm your senior. I can still give you some advice about the Western Nations and a few other things. So?"
-"...Okay, if you insist that much, I'll be your 'junior' here."
Gazel clenched his fist as if he was victorious, looking satisfied with himself. He must really want a junior of his own. This guy is really a funny pal, outside of his job.
Our little party continued well, until someone intruded in a way who'll give me a headache.
-"Yo Rimuru! I'm finally here, ready to start a new life. The great Ramiris will bring prosperity to Tempest."
The pixie introduced herself out loud to everyone, and Gazel obviously turned toward me, with eyeballs so big they're threatening to fall off. He put his glass on the table before it slide of his hand, and asked:
-"Rimuru, why is the Spirit Queen here? Before that, is she really the Spirit Queen?"
-"...It's a long story... Good to see you too, Ramiris."
-"Oh... I came at a bad time I see. Well, I don't think I can do worse than Milim. I see she's not here today thankfully, or she would have crashed your party long ago. I thought she lived here now, so where is that brat?"
...Is she serious? She DID worse, just telling outsiders that the Destroyer already came here. A deep silence fell, until Gazel put a trembling hand on my shoulder, and tried to talk while keeping his composure.
-"You have a few more things to explain, Rimuru. I wait for it."
Thanks a lot Ramiris. You just put me in a difficult position. I think we'll remember this day for a long time.