Yuuki's POV:
Okay, here we are. Tonight, we'll dispatch off that sneaky slime and comfort Clayman's position as a Demon Lord. I can't believe Rimuru managed to fool me right from the start, he got good wits. But even he won't be able to survive from the Destroyer's might.
Still, it pains me to lose such a wonderful fella otaku because of our goal. On top of that, he was sincerely thoughtful about Shizu and the kids. If only I had met him elsewhere, we could have done many things for this world together.
-"Stop walking in circles, you're making me feel dizzy." Kagali looked stressed too, as she was massaging her temps. "Just sit already, time won't go faster, no matter what you're doing."
-"Sorry, but I can't stay put. This is unnerving."
Yes, I have an unpleasant feeling in my guts. I know we won't risk too much even if our plans strays a little, and Clayman tested the Orb enough to ascertain its power. The intel we gathered was proofread and certified, thanks to Dam, ensuring we know our opponents. So, why do I feel we missed something?
-"Sup, guys. Sorry for the mess, I'll clean that after I take a break."
-"Ah, Laplace. Tell me you found something." I turned toward him, seeing how full of mud his clothes were.
-"Not today, mate. The Sanctum's security was tighter than anticipated, I barely escaped with my life." He sat next to Tear, who moved out to not get dirty. "I don't know why, but that Hinata seemed ultra pissed about something and was dead set on using me as a training dummy."
Yeah, I can picture that. Since she failed to kill Rimuru and saw Veldora getting released from his seal, her pride must have taken a severe blow. Even I would avoid getting close to her when she's in a bad mood, it reminds me too much of Shizu's bad side…
What an unforeseen problem it was, hearing that a True Dragon got released. Thankfully, he's supposed to be the weakest of them all, so he won't be a menace against Demon Lord Milim. Now, we have to wait for the good news.
-"When Walpurgis will end, you can be sure Clayman will rush here to see Prez Kagali." Laplace stretched and made himself comfortable. "Last time I saw him, he was restless, being stuck in Jistav for the plan."
-"But you'll have to restrain him, so he won't hug her and feel her boobs."
-"True. He's such a perv, even if he's hidin- Wait, who said that?" Laplace froze at the unknown voice.
I turned toward the intruder, and felt my blood quit my brain. Before me stands Rimuru, who's not hiding his true form anymore. I instinctively launched a kick, but I fell head first on the floor, as he forced me down by stepping on me.
How could he be so strong? He suppressed me with physical might alone. That's bad, the others wouldn't be able to survive if they try anything. I see they took a combat stance but hesitated on what to do.
"Easy there, I don't want to kill anyone but I won't hesitate to use force if needed." He applied more pressure on me to threaten them. "It will be faster if I show you…"
He created a black vortex, which released a bloody mess of a dislocated body. I managed to recognize Clayman, and by the horrified screams behind me I'm not the only one.
"This guy is now my hostage, and I've put a curse onto his soul. So he can't betray me, no matter what." He grabbed Clayman by the collar, showing his battered-up face. "At least he's alive, I assume that's the most important for y'all."
Our poor friend tried to talk, and tears appeared. Only a guttural sound escaped from his mouth. I felt Kagali's aura becoming unstable from despair, I know how Clayman is precious to her, like the others.
-"What do you want from us?" Her voice broke, and I hate it. I promised to create a better world for all of us, and here we are.
-"...So that's how it is. Trying to create a better world, free from tyranny, where you could have fun all you want. That's kinda, how should I say? Childish?" Rimuru is looking at me, his eyes glowing. "And yet, a great ideal."
-"H-how did you?" I'm having the chills, this guy bypassed my Anti-Skill and saw my memories.
-"You can be at ease, Princess Kagali of the Ultra-Sorcery Kingdom. I don't plan to be your enemy." He ignored me to look at Kagali, scaring her in the process, before turning to the others. "I see. The girl was your personal maid, the bulky one was a guard, Clayman a steward…"
He stopped for a few seconds while staring at Laplace, before dropping a bomb.
"And you, you were the Elf Hero Sarion. I'll have to handle this carefully, it won't be easy to tell Elmesia her father hasn't really disappeared."
-"Stop it! How dare you? What is your goal, to mock us before crushing our hopes?" I never saw Kagali lose her composure that much. It's scary, in a way.
-"You misunderstood. I simply looked at who you truly are, so I can be sure you're trustworthy for a deal." He released me, allowing me to calm Kagali. "This time, Yuuki, no need to deceive each other. I saw it all: your karma, your past, your scars and goals. It's useless to try bullshitting your way with words, as I can always find what you think deep inside. After all, a soul cannot lie."
-"You talked about a deal. What are your conditions?"
-"Simple: become my unconditional ally."
…Wait, that's it? Is he trying to make me drop my guard?
"As I said, I support your ideal. The problem resides with your ways and a massive lack of strength. Did you seriously think a True Demon Lord was the same as the likes of Carrion and co?" He sighed, as if lecturing a kid who made a dumb mistake. "At your level, one bad move against someone of my caliber or higher could spell death."
He sat on the table, and finally let go of Clayman. He did something to him with a spell to reshape his body in a more bearable form and clean him, before continuing.
"I'm offering you Tempest's protection against the powerhouses of the world, so you can live in peace. My goal being similar to yours, I'll make sure you won't regret transmitting your ambitions to someone who holds the power to make it a reality. You'll also be allowed to visit Clayman however you want, as long as it won't impede his work.
Of course, I'm keeping him as an underling from now on, with Jistav becoming a puppet state under Tempest. Also, I'll need your cooperation to achieve world's peace. And I want you to create a branch of the Free Guild in Tempest, allowing Shizu and the kids to move there for their safety. Outside of those demands, you're free of your movements. Do we have a deal?"
He extended his hand, inviting me to shake it. Honestly, this isn't a bad deal, we couldn't have hoped for a better result after a crushing defeat. Since everyone is alive and included in the terms, I don't see any reasons to refuse.
-"*Sigh* I admit my defeat. I'm not foolish enough to refuse a helping hand out of pride."
-"Good. Now, I must talk about something urgent. Be weary of anyone who comes from the East. Your friend Clayman was subject to a brainwashing after a meeting with some merchants from the Empire."
Seriously? So that's why Laplace found him acting strange for a while. That was careless of me, I really have underestimated this world. I must be careful around Dam, he may be involved in this.
Rimuru stayed for a while to discuss our future tasks and miscellaneous things. Also, as a token of his good will, he offered me a new wave of manga and promised to prepare a few houses for us in his city. In the meantime, Kagali was giving headpats to Clayman, thanking him for all he did.
Weirdly, Rimuru warned me in secret to avoid encouraging Clayman's cultured side, or he'll be a goner. I didn't pry further. Something told me the girls would have tore Clayman apart if we went into this.
At the same time, in Tempest. Mithra's POV:
While Rimuru is away, I'm listening to everyone's reports. Jistav's army was subdued with ease, and their commander died. Seems he tried to escape when he faced Albis and Gobta, but a curse transformed him into a wicked puppet without a mind.
Clayman was true to his moniker, he made sure no betrayal could happen. His subordinate became an unpredictable killing machine, pushing back Albis even after she used her true form.
It ended well thanks to Gobta, to my utmost surprise. Apparently, he fused with his wolf by accident and they killed their opponent with Albis' help. This little gremlin really hides a great potential, if he can do that. I would have wanted to see the Beastmen's faces when they heard a mere Hobgoblin became so strong.
Benimaru had almost nothing to do, apart from intimidating the prisoners of war to keep them in line. He met Middray, and they'll come together in Tempest afterwards. According to Beni, that baldie wanted to see with his own eyes why Milim likes to stay with us.
In Jistav, Shuna was the MVP. She defeated a Lich King thanks to her Holy magic, and now that walking pack of bones begged her to allow him to meet us. Well, we won't say no in gaining more firepower, but I can smell headaches from here. If this guy is a second Diablo, it will be annoying real fast.
-"I have finished the invitations." Testarossa entered my office and gave me a few letters. "If it's all good, I'll go to Falmuth and state our demands."
-"No problem, go do what you're best at."
We just returned from Walpurgis and she's already on the move. That's Testa for you, so diligent as always. She wrote letters for Gazel, Drum and Elmesia, so we can officialize our countries' relationships with Rimuru and I as new Demon Lords. It will also serve as a rehearsal for the time we'll open dialogue with other nations.
-"There's a thing I don't understand. Why refuse to try controlling the Western Nations' council by integrating it?" Diablo looked at our documents over diplomacy, confused. "With your pawns who hold those coins, we shouldn't get too much opposition."
-"Please, no. Forget about it." I took a sip of liquor to calm my nerves. "We don't want to bury Testa under a shitton of paperwork and pleas from so many dumbasses."
Honestly, we could do it. But there's a few reasons why we discarded that option. First, Tempest and our close allies are enough to deal with. We don't need to bother expanding our control that far, and we never wanted to hold a hegemonic grasp onto this world.
Second, that council is way too similar to our old world's European Union for our tastes. A good idea on paper, which hides a literal administrative and diplomatic hell. And I'm not even accounting for the corruption and secret transactions under the table.
I'm not depreciating Testa's abilities, but I'm uncomfortable putting her under such a workload. And effectively trying to take control would require our spy network to focus way too much on them when we'll be busy dealing with real threats.
-"Okay, this isn't the time to think about work. Where are Carr and Ul?"
-"They made a stupid bet with Pico and Gracia, and went to the Labyrinth to not destroy anything." He showed his exasperation as loudly as he could. "As for Dino, he was dragged by Veldora, since the pixie couldn't do it herself."
-"Heh, what a lively bunch. Still, they should rest while they can. Because in a few days, we'll get trashed by a huge party, Tempest style."
Of course, we have to celebrate today's event. Milim and Lulu will be present, and probably Gazel too. Rimuru will pick Shizu, so nobody would be left out. Let's make it a memorable day, before we return to serious buisness.
Close to Shion's house, Kumara's POV:
Of course Shion would get wasted first. It would've been embarrassing to have her stick out like a sore thumb in public any longer, so I decided to carry her home. It's not hard, but I have a complaint about her 'cushions'.
Goddamn they're heavy. I can feel them on my back, trying to crush me. How the hell can she fight without getting punched by her own boobs each time she moves? It's a miracle she never suffered from wardrobe malfunction until now.
Nevermind, we arrived. I have her keys, so I won't need to do a Milim. I drop her on her sofa, careful enough to not let her fall head first. Not that she would get hurt, but to make sure her horn won't get stuck and create a hole.
-"Hehehe. No seconds thanks, I'm full." She was talking in her sleep, and rolled on the side.
-"Haaaaa… Some things won't change easily. Well, good night."
I was almost outside when I heard a loud thud. When I turned back, I saw she fell on the ground after squirming too much. What a bother. This time I'm carrying her to her bed, so she won't do it again.
Her bedroom is surprisingly normal, for such a loud and boasting girl. I can tell she's only using it for sleep, and nothing more. So out of place compared to her personality.
I released her, this time I'm sure she has enough space to move how she wants. I began to go down the stairs, when I heard her talk.
"It was quite a shock, don't you think? Learning that about their past. No one could have imagined it when we're seeing them everyday."
…She's talking about their deaths, without a doubt. I admit I didn't know what to say at the time. By looking at their expressions when Veldora messed up, it sure was something brutal.
-"At least they're doing good now. No matter how much it hurted them, they seem to have moved on. And I'm happy for them to still be reunited as a family."
-"Yeah, me too…" She took a pause, breathing heavily. "It must be nice, having someone you can call your family."
Oh, yeah. She grew up without parents, and only survived thanks to Akamaru's benevolence. She may know Shuna, Benimaru and the others closely, but there's still a gap between them since she was raised as Shuna's guard.
At least, I had someone I could call a family… Everyone has their share of burden I see.
The Free Academy, Chloe's POV:
-"Teacher, you're awake? I have something to tell you."
-"Huh, Chloe? Why aren't you sleeping at this hour?" She opened the door, dozing. I see she was still working so late. "Well, come inside."
I got a message from Rimuru, saying it all ended well in Walpurgis and he dealt with Yuuki. So this is it. I'll be telling her the truth now, about who I am. No need to delay it further, or I won't be able to do it.
Yet, I'm afraid. For days I simulated how it could end, what I could say. But I couldn't find a satisfying result. For so long, for so many timelines, I wanted to tell her I'm sorry. And now I'm here, I can't help but think… What if she never forgives me?
"What's the problem?" She's inviting me to sit, giving me a sincere smile which won't last.
-"Teacher, I-" Be brave, Chloe. You can do it. "I must apologize for something. For something I did to you long ago, without actually wanting it."
-"...What are you saying? I don't recall you doing anything actually bad." Of course she's looking confused.
-"Well, not in that form anyways." I changed to my true form, with the clothes I had when I roamed the land as Chronoa.
-"..." Shizu remained stunned for a while, before realizing who she's facing. "...Huh?"
-"That's… Quite difficult to explain, but I'll take all the time you need-"
-"I'm sorry." She stormed out the room, before running in the hallway.
Here I am. Standing alone like an idiot, as Shizu fled to not see me.
Hehehehe… What did I expect? Her reaction was understandable toward one of her biggest traumas. Seeing so suddenly the one who abandoned you decades ago, reappearing without a care…
I'm such a shithead. Why did I act so bluntly? I should have stayed quiet, forgetting about seeking pardon from her. Now, I ruined everything, while I could have settled for our current situation. Hah… The hardest things aren't always what people think of.
Rozzo's castle, Granbell's POV:
-"You sure found the best timing to annoy me, Damrada."
-"C'mon, old man. We don't need to bicker every time we see each other, right?" That fool tried to wrap his arm around me, acting like a friend. I slapped it, and he let out a fake saddened groan. "So, your little nemesis finally wrecked your plans?"
-"Tch. Why did she react so suddenly, after leaving me doing what I wanted for so long? I was almost here. Now, how am I supposed to wake up Chronoa?" I looked at the window, the lights of the city dazzling in the pure night. "And you? You don't seem to be working as the Empire's spy right now. I know you well enough to notice there's something shady taking place there."
-"Hahaha, I see only your face aged that much. You kept your wits intact." He turned to a more serious tone. "I fear his Majesty Rudra isn't the one we knew anymore."
-"Mmh? You mean this whole thing about having his Skill taking control? Here I thought it was merely a joke for kids."
-"I wish it was a joke. Now I'm seeking how to counter it, before another invasion is launched. Thankfully, this Grandmaster kid may be a key for that."
Yuuki, heh? I admit this brat hides something that even I can't grasp. It's so unfortunate some external force prevented me from using him as a pawn.
"So, you will really do it?"
-"I will. Now my cover and plans are ruined, it's a matter of time before Luminous tries to finish the job." I unsheathed my blade, thinking how I would plunge it down her heart. "It's the best solution for everyone. Even if I were to fail and die, it would at least give an opening for my dear granddaughter."
-"...As you wish. I won't try to stop you. Well then," he opened the door, ready to take his leave. "I wish you to find Maria in your next life. Farewell."
Maria… It's been so long. I know that Luminous can't do anything for her, but my resolve won't falter. This will be my last stand as the Hero of Light. I'll let Razul with Mariabell, his strength will be helpful.
I don't know what your goals are, my dear Mariabell, but I know you can achieve them. With your keen intellect, and all the knowledge I taught you, you can bring a new era upon this world.