Testa's office, Kumara's POV:
-"What do you need from me?" Testa asked with a smile, and offered me a cup of tea.
-"Can you teach me how administration works?"
-"Oh? I didn't expect this sort of request from you. Why me, exactly? I'm sure you could have asked Sir Rimuru before."
-"...That's embarrassing to say but, I want to surprise him." I'm looking away, playing with my hands. "I don't wanna be a deadweight, now the country is being established. If I can help him with his work, as a thanks for all the good he did…"
Raaaah, I'm dying from saying it out loud. That's so stupid of a reaction but I can't help it. I know him pretty well now, and I'm sure he'll pat my head while joking about me being a grown up… Not that I mind being patted, but that's also why I can't go ask him.
-"Hehe, that's cute. Worry not, I'll teach you what you need." She approached and gave me a pat, making me sink further into my discomfort.
At least I know she'll be a wonderful teacher. Even Mithra was dithyrambic about her talents, that says something. I'm aware Diablo was also available, but this guy is too much of a creep. I could feel the impending disaster if I turned to him first.
I feel Rimuru would never give me any special job if I don't take the initiative. I understand he's in the mindset of protecting me, but it will be plain awkward if it doesn't change soon.
Also, as long as I get busy focusing on something, I'll avoid thinking about her…
"Are you okay? I can see you're not beaming as usual." Testa bent to look me in the eyes. She's really perceptive.
-"Sorry. It's just that Rimuru revealed he couldn't find my mother's soul. I'm trying my best to not fall into my old habits again, but it's still painful."
I knew there was always a possibility she'd get bound by a curse even if she died. Rimuru warned me once that even a piece of godlike power is fallible, so I'm not surprised that he couldn't do anything.
If I want to free her, I can only find the origin of the curse. I must find the one who attacked us, and who enslaved her. Ahhhh… I wish I could go right now. But if I act rashly, I'll bring problems to the whole Tempest. Endangering all of my friends and betraying Rimuru and Mithra's trust is the last thing I want.
I began to lose myself in my thoughts, but Testa brought me back to reality with a hug. She's warm, so soothing. Being comforted by the fearsome Primordial Blanc, for anyone that would usually be a madman's delusion, and here I am.
-"I won't say that I fully understand what you've been through, I would be lying if I did. The concept of family isn't natural for me after all. However, I can share your pain of having lost someone you held dear." She said quietly, while stroking my hair. "I know a hug is a good way to ease your sorrows. One of the few useful tricks Mithra taught me."
-"...Blanche, was it? I heard about it. She must have been amazing."
Testa went silent after I said that name. I felt her tensing a little, and tightening her grip. She's trying to hide it, but the girl's death is still putting a weight on her heart. I feel sympathy for Testa. Keeping a majestic look to stay true to her reputation, while she's mourning, away from everyone's eyes.
I pulled her and reciprocated the hug. She too needs to be consoled. It was a curious moment, where the two of us created a friendship over our respective griefs. I hope we can continue to help each other move forward in the future.
After a moment, she let me go. I could see her smile, even if it was tainted by sadness. The silence was getting awkward, so we started my training, in an effort to forget for a while those memories.
Yeah, I can't keep living in the past. One day we'll be able to repair this unfairness, but let's concentrate on what we can do now.
The lake near Silberia, Mithra's POV:
-"Are you sure we won't be noticed while I'm working on it?" Rimuru asked while making his way inside the small island at the center of the lake.
-"It's safe, I told you. Since the incident, this land is considered cursed by the Empire. It will take some time before their watchdog gets any clue." I used a spell to dissipate some of the protections put on the land. "And if by any chance, he finds us, I'm here to confront him while you do your thing."
-'And I can also keep watch and stop him by force if it gets too dangerous. I don't think it will be necessary, but better be safe than sorry.' Ciel said in my mind, she prepared herself in his soul. She stopped her other activities in her lab to be completely ready to help us.
Today, Rimuru is running his second resurrection test. When he said he searched for a stronger candidate than the forest's dwellers, I didn't miss the opportunity to make a request. To try reviving Blanche.
I told him the story once, but it's not the same as witnessing it in the flesh. When Testa made contact with that girl, I watched from afar. I never stopped anyone from creating their own vessels if they had plans to incarnate, but this occasion was so special I wanted to see how it would go.
For 4 years, it went unexpectedly well. When I learned that Testa was teaching all she knew to that girl, and started to appreciate her company, I was honestly surprised. Managing to be acknowledged as someone worthy for a simple talk was already hard enough with Testa. But being considered as a friend, a human friend nonetheless…
Of course, it had to go wrong one day. The problem was that Silberia's royal lineage pact with a Primordial was public knowledge. For this land, she was a goddess, and for any outsider or non-believer, it was merely a fairytale. But from the start, the Empire was aware. And they knew her incarnation was near. So they destroyed everything methodically.
When it happened, I broke my promise of not intervening in anyone's buisness on those matters. I was here, when Testa liberated Blanche's soul, and when she sealed her body under the lake. And I returned with her to her castle, where she isolated herself. I had to leave for a while, but I made sure to be back as soon as I could.
When I came back after a month, her retainers told me they were still waiting for her to get out of her chamber. I forced the door, to see how she was doing. It was heartbreaking. Testa was a gloomy mess, not understanding why she felt so down.
I couldn't find any words to brighten her mood, so I did the only thing I could think of. I tried to give her a hug. It was clumsy and awkward at first, as I hadn't done this for a long time, and I almost never got so close with her.
Thankfully, it was a good idea, as she accepted it. And once she realized someone was here to share her burden, she started to cry. Testa cried.
Even after she emptied her reserves, I stayed with her for a few weeks. I wanted to take time, accompanying her until she started getting better. As she never felt this kind of emotions in her goddamn long life, I was the best pick to show her how to move forward.
It wasn't that easy all the time either. Once, she had a relapse, and began cursing me because I could have broken my promise sooner, to avoid this tragedy. She apologized right after calming down, but I didn't take outrage. You need culprits when something like this happens.
And yes, I could have tried something. Not for the vessel thing, but because I was happy for her, to have created a genuine friendship with someone. Well, now I can help in giving them a new chance.
We arrived where the coffin was buried. I knew what kind of magic Testa used to protect it, so I brought it back to the surface safely. The pure-glass casket showed through Blanche's peaceful expression. When I look at her after a few years I can't help but think-
-"They look like sisters, aren't they?" Rimuru stole my words. He bent, and delicately put his hand on the casket.
-"Yeah. Blanche even called Testa 'big sis', adding to the fun."
-"I see. Very well, time to call the sleeping beauty and see what her answer will be."
Rimuru activated his Skill, beginning the resurrection process. While he's searching for her soul, I'm putting my senses on alert. No intruder shall mess with his work.
After half an hour, I started to get uneasy. I didn't think it would take that long for him to find her. Our presence isn't easy to detect, but the longer we stay here, the higher the risk of getting caught by the Empire's watchdog. We don't know much about it, except that they're stupid strong, dealing with superior demons easily.
-"Ah, found it." Rimuru sighed from relief. He summoned an ethereal orb, composed of a few fragments brought back together. "Can you hear me, Blanche Nam Silberia?"
-"...Why am I here? I thought I handed my body to Big Sister." A spectral form, reminiscent of the body lying next to us, appeared. Rimuru seems to have a few convenient tricks with his Skill. She looked around, confused, before we made eye contact. "Wait, you. You remind me of something."
She seemed to rack her brain, before clapping her hands once she found what she needed. "The Demon of Honor from the West. Big sis talked about you a few times. She said you were a funny yet irritating woman she saw as an equal."
-"That's so like her." I hid a grin, knowing that Testa would get embarrassed if she heard that.
-"So, I've been brought back. Such an extraordinary feat." She turned to Rimuru, having felt he's the one who called her. She seemed a little weary, yet maintained a good composure. "May I ask what you want from me? And could you explain why my body is resting here?"
-"The explanations first, then. As your 'sis' friend, I'll do it."
I gave her a summary of the whole Lake dyed in Scarlet incident, Testa's difficulties in moving over her grief, and how she decided to serve under Rimuru. She listened without missing a single word, and didn't seem that suspicious toward us. It helps that she was told about me by Testa, and that Rimuru and I are linked as family.
"I can't believe it… Big Sister did that for me." She pressed her hands on her heart, and would have shed tears if she got a body. "I'm elated to hear she didn't forget me, even if I'm saddened by her pain. I thank you for the support you gave her.
So. Now that I know the full picture… I must ask again what do you want from me, since I'm in this in-between state. I'm surprised you didn't finish the procedure. Anyone would have done it immediately."
-"That's simple. Before completing a resurrection, I have decided to ask the souls for their opinion. Do they want to return, or do they want to pass away for good, undisturbed in their next lives. I wish to not force my will on you, for this is a grave matter."
Rimuru's earnest answer took aback the girl. Like anyone else, she'd never expect for someone who got this kind of power to politely ask before reviving them.
-"You're a strange fella. Nevermind that. Since you're giving me the choice, let's make a proper deal." She landed with grace on top of the casket, having an allure resembling Testa. "My choice will depend on your goals. I'm sure Big Sister serves you by her own will, but if there's a risk for my revival to be used as a means to do her own favors…"
-"You really care for her, I see. Very well, I'll be clear about the conditions, and what each one of us will gain from it. For me, I seek to bring back specific individuals. As one of them will be incredibly difficult to revive, your resurrection will allow me to gain experience and gather knowledge."
-"For me, I wish to give you and Testa a new chance to live happily and deepen your friendship. Your tragic story left a mark on me, and I wanted to make a gift for her, as another friend." At another time, I would have cringed by saying something so sugary in public. But this is my honest wish for them.
-"For Testa, I can swear on my name that I don't plan to use this to make her owe me a favor. She may be a subordinate in name, but as for any other of our followers, I wish to be like a friend for her.
And lastly, for you. Once I've revived you, you'll use your second chance in this world in any way you deem fitting. I won't ask you anything. If you want to explore the world or to stay with us, it will be your choice."
Once Rimuru finished his plea, Blanche took a few seconds to ponder, before replying with a satisfied smile.
-"I'm thankful for your honesty. Now I see why she decided to follow you, you're an honorable soul yourself. With those conditions, I would be a fool to reject your proposal."
-"Wonderful. Then, before we proceed," Rimuru glanced at me with a suspicious grin. "Could you go back to Tempest and bring Testa here? I have an additional surprise for both of them."
I'm skeptical about his 'surprise', but I agree to bring Testa here. Now Blanche accepted, I want to see how the majestic queen will react when she sees that. It will be glorious.
Rimuru's POV:
It won't take long for the old hag to return, but while I'm waiting, I'm precalculating the process. Better make it quick and efficient. Ciel fully activated her senses, now the main course is near.
A minute later, Mithra came back with the other star of the day. Testa looked confused for being called out of nowhere, as we weren't supposed to do anything special today.
Her eyes became real saucers when she recognized the landscape. Her gaze switched rapidly between me and Mithra. It appears she got the picture, and didn't know how to react. Until she noticed her.
-"B-Blanche? It's you? Is that truly you?"
-"Hello, Big Sis. You're as beautiful as I recall." Blanche waved at her, and got down the casket. "Fate works in strange ways, don't you think?"
-"..." Testa was speechless. She stopped moving, letting the information get to her. Then, she turned to me again, and I could see tears starting to flow on her cheeks. "How… Thank you. Thank-"
-"Don't thank me. Thank her instead." I pointed at the old hag. "She's the one who made the request."
Mithra got flustered somehow. She whistled and looked away, making Testa laugh. She wiped her tears, and waited for me to continue.
-"You have realized, but I will bring Blanche back. But before that," I made the two 'sisters' approach, and focused on the ghost. "I have one last choice for you. Do you wish to return as a human, or do you wish to be reborn?"
-"Excuse me?"
-"You heard me. You can stay as a human, but it appears I can also change your race. Thanks to the perfect affinity you got with Testa's power, you could be reborn as a special demon from her lineage."
This news shocked both of them, but Testa more. She seemed conflicted. I bet she's fearing it might alter their relationship if Blanche becomes part of her lineage.
-"You're worrying too much, idiot." Mithra noticed it, and went to cheer Testa up in a Mithra style. By chopping her head. "You should know that it wouldn't change anything to the bond you two share. She's your friend, that's the only thing that should matter."
-"Pfft. She's right, you know. You're overcomplicating it." Blanche was amused to see Testa get scolded by someone. She closed her eyes for an instant, before answering my question. "Please, rebirth me. I want to be closer to Big Sis."
-"Blanche? You…" The dam started to crack, but Testa managed to not concede to her emotions, yet.
-"Alright, let's do this. Testa, I'll need to borrow some of your energy to make sure it will work perfectly." I extended a hand, and she held it without hesitation.
It's finally time to launch the process. Blanche's ghost vanished for the duration. I transferred some of Testa's power to her soul and established the race's change from human to demon.
I introduced the soul back into her body. Testa decided to help me by confirming Blanche's link to the white lineage. When she did it, I felt Blanche's soul evolving in an interesting way, while the Voice of the World spoke.
'[[ Conditions fulfilled. The individual Blanche will be reborn as a special Demon of the white lineage. Nullification of any master-servant bond between the individuals Blanche and Testarossa, modifying it to an equal bond instead.]]'
Since the system confirmed it, I can safely say it worked. The light faded, and Blanche opened her eyes. I had enough time to see she had horns and wings before she woke up, but she managed to hide them on the spot. She instinctively understood how her evolved body worked.
Blanche stood up, and stretched her limbs. I could sense her aura starting to flow, there's no problem with her signals. Task completed without a hunch.
Now it's over, Testa couldn't hold back anymore. She rammed into Blanche, throwing her elegant demeanor by the window. She gave her a bear hug, and cried all she could let out. Blanche stumbled, and they both fell on the ground. The newly born demon reciprocated the hug, laughing and crying herself.
-'*Sneeze*'
-'Ciel, are you crying too?'
-'What? It's so touching. You're a demon for not crying at their reunion.'
-'Well, I am a Demon Lord. And someone must stay level-headed as we're in enemy territory.'
-'...Good point.'
I suppose I can let them express their joy for another minute or two. After that, we must go back home. I don't wanna deal with Rudra's team that soon.
***
We teleported to Testa's office, so we can stay in privacy. Kumara and Shion were waiting. While Shion was brewing coffee, I saw that our favorite fox girl was focused on reading some documents. When she realized we were here, she jumped in panic, trying to hide the papers. Too bad, I saw what they were.
-"What an unusual read. Can you explain what's so interesting about reading some boring administrative folders?"
-"Ack! Shit, I wanted to wait before telling you… Nevermind. I've decided to learn how to work as an official, with Testa's help. Since you'd prolly never give me this sort of job yourself…"
I see, I have underestimated her. What kind of idiot am I? Kumara isn't less capable than anyone. It's time I stop seeing her as the girl we protected because she couldn't control her power.
-"I'm sorry. I should have realized sooner. But you know, I'm proud of you." I raised my hand to give her a pat. She tried to resist at first, but let go pretty fast.
"Well, before I forgot… Let me introduce you." I stepped on the side, and Blanche bowed. "This is Blanche, Testa's friend."
-"I see. You resurrected someone. I'm happy for you, Testa." She gave Testa a sympathetic smile, tainted in melancholy.
-"I'm ashamed. You comforted me earlier, but now-" She passed a hand in her air, playing nervously with a strand.
-"Nu-huh. Don't worry about me, I know you don't want to hurt me." Kumara shook her head. "I'm really happy you were reunited."
She may say that, but I know that deep down, it's painful. I made her sit down, and rubbed her back. Kumara let me pamper her, and rested her head on my shoulder. That's better. I hate to see her down.
-"...When you're with the right person, love is wonderful."
-"Whaaaa?!" We both got startled by Blanche's statement. The girl had an innocent face, as if she didn't notice what she said was embarrassing. The old hag didn't try to hide a grin, even Testa barely restrained herself.
-'*Siiiip*'
-'...Ciel?'
-'*Siiiiiiiip*'
-'Hey Ciel, why are you sipping?'
-'*SIIIIIIIIIP*'
-'Cieeeeeel…'
Oh gosh. She won't let me off the hook for a while. I'm pleased she's developing her personality, but I have enough of one teasing smartass at home. As for Blanche, this girl is dangerous.
-"Mmh? Wait, where did Shion go?" The old hag asked. Her expression changed, now she showed concern. "I'm going after her, don't mind me."
Outside the city, in the forest. Third POV:
Another tree fell. They're not durable enough to serve as punching-balls for Shion. The girl left in a hurry when she heard that Rimuru revived someone. She didn't want them to see her as she is currently.
She got overwhelmed by dark thoughts. A few days ago, Mithra told her that Rimuru asked her parents if they wanted to come back, but they refused.
At first, Shion seemed to have digested the news quite well. She never knew them, so why would she care about it? She did well without them until now.
But when she saw Blanche, it came back haunting her. The girl looked so similar to Testarossa, it's like they're siblings. Then, Shion wondered: what's it like to be loved?
Her old fears resurfaced, when she thought she had conquered them. She feared being alone, rejected. Even when Akamaru raised her alongside Benimaru and Shuna, she didn't really feel at her right place. After all, she was here to be Shuna's bodyguard. That was her role, nothing more.
Her parents' rejection sunk in her mind like poison. If she wasn't wanted from the start, what's the point?
When she was launching another punch, someone grabbed her hand, stopping her. Mithra found her, after feeling her unstable aura.
-"Y'know, Treyni will get mad if you continue."
-"Leave me alone, please. I don't want you to see me like this." Shion looked in the opposite direction.
-"Shion, you can talk to me. I'm sure I can understand what you're going through-"
-"Oh really? Can you understand what it is to not have any family?" She snapped and turned to Mithra, her face swollen from crying. "To be at the mercy of everyone's pity? To never know if or when they'll have enough of you? Tell me."
Her outburst stunned Mithra. She knew how insecure Shion was when they met the first time, but she didn't think it could grow that far.
When she realized that she raised her voice at her boss, Shion paled. She began to tremble, and was on all fours on the ground. She was mumbling some apologies, and feared that even Mithra would discard her. But that wasn't Mithra's mindset.
-"Ssssh. It's alright." She went on her knees, and hugged Shion. "I won't get mad because you're in distress. That would be cruel."
She took some time to calm Shion. When she felt that the Oni was better, she decided to reveal one of her secrets.
"I grew up in an unloving family. My childhood wasn't enjoyable at all."
-"...Wha?"
-"I had enough of these bastards. So when I became an adult, I fled. I wandered a few months before trying my luck in the army. There, it suddenly went better. Because I had found a place where people respected me, where they befriended me."
Mithra took a pause, as recalling her youth brought back some bad memories.
"It's there that I understood. One may or may not have bonds of blood, it doesn't matter. What's important is that ultimately, only you can decide what your family is. So, Shion. Don't let the past define you. Choose for yourself who you consider as your own family."
It left Shion gobsmacked. For the jolly, powerful and brave Mithra to have such a past… And she revealed that to a simple hotheated girl like her.
"If you want to know, the first time we met… I have seen my younger self in you. That's probably why I decided so fast to take you under my wing."
-"I-I don't know what to say. Thank you, for believing in me. And again, I'm sorry for earlier."
Mithra helped Shion to get up, and they returned to the city. Shion had a better mood, and they got a better understanding of each other. But near the place Shion stampeded, someone heard something he shouldn't have.
"Sir Rimuru can revive the dead? Damn, he's a real big shot."
Gabiru was supposed to search for herbs, and got entangled in vines on the way. When he heard someone coming close, he was going to ask for help. But he couldn't say a thing when the first tree got blown away.
Until the end, he didn't dare to speak. He knew he would have a bad time for having overheard something so delicate, and for having managed to get stuck.
When Shion destroyed the vicinity, she cried and yelled. In her frenzy, she let out a few sentences about the unfairness of her parents having refused the revival. And Gabiru didn't miss a single word.
"Those are shitty parents she had. But I wonder. Why is Sir Rimuru bothering himself by asking the souls if they want to come back? Isn't it better to simply make them return? He could repair so many families by doing that."