Rimuru's POV:
-"Yo Rimuru. I see you survived having Velzard come alone, yesterday." Guy greeted me as he appeared in our luxurious guest lobby, Diablo following him to keep him in check. "I would have arrived earlier, if not for Rain being Rain, and messing something again."
-"It was a wild surprise for sure. At least Mithra manages her, somehow, so the apocalypse won't start anytime soon."
I'm thankful that she's able to stay level headed around one of the most dangerous ticking bombs of the world, unlike me. Stupid Veldachihuahua. You contaminated me with your wariness toward your own sister, when you were in position to educate her instead. I swear we'll make you understand our distress one day, Guy and I.
'Count me in. I too know how to trample the original dumbass, thanks to your experience. With the three of us, it will be devastating.' Ciel cracked a mad grin as she started to plan how to maximize his future pain. The way she said it, I see she doesn't mind revealing herself once the whole Empire's ordeal would finish.
Anyways. I know Guy didn't come here only to do some sightseeing, that's not his style. In these times, there aren't many matters that would pique his interest. Even the tournament alone wouldn't be enough to make him move.
-"Say, are you aware about the Empire's deal?" I asked, crossing my arms. Guy sat deeply on the sofa, passing his hands behind his head and smiling.
-"Thanks to Dino spilling the beans, as he owed me a favor. I admit I'm impressed, Rimuru. You had balls of hihiirokane against Birdie." He exploded in a loud laugh, making Diablo nod, both at his praise toward me and at Feldway's moniker. Once he calmed down, Guy arbored a severe expression, showing his contained wrath. "That being said, if Rudra died, then you'll have to convince me to not storm in the Empire and take that Michael's head myself.
Velzard decided to let you try your best in defeating them beforehand, to my utmost surprise. She's exasperated about Velgrynd not having noticed her dear husband being something else. Yet, she still cares, in her own way. You did well in forcing Feldway to prove she won't be enslaved and to keep the manipulation to a minimum. Now, let's see what you have in reserve to bribe me."
I see. I didn't think this redhead would be so polite as to not blow everything up right on the go after hearing it. Now, I MUST find something of value to him. The problem is, what in the world can Guy even want that I'm the only one that could provide for him… Wait, I have an idea.
I walked next to him, and whispered in his ear, while struggling to keep a straight face. As I exposed to him my plan, Guy slowly became astonished. His jaw dropped, making him look like a goldfish. Then, he grabbed my shoulders, and let out a beaming smile.
"If you manage to keep your word, I would even call you my friend. How much time do you need?"
-"I'd say ten days to be large, accounting for the first travel time. And don't worry, he cannot refuse it." I used my best trade smile, while Diablo looked away to not let us see him struggle to keep a straight face. "Just prepare yourself and keep quiet around Velzard… Welp, I'm sure we could manage even if she learns about it."
-"Very well, I'll wait for your signal. You have my word I won't attack the Empire in the meantime. Don't disappoint me Rimuru, or I'll think of something else~." He began to act flirtatious, invoking Diablo's murderous intent.
I quickly turned him down and returned to my seat, as Shuna came with a trolley full of delicacies. She got way better than me at preparing sweets, it is indisputable. The old hag even half-joked about making us have a cooking contest, and many salivated at the thought. Even Dino seemed to have a pleasant dream when she said it.
As we began a razzia on the cakes, I heard an explosion on the central square. What the hell is it now? Milim is with Velzard and Veldora, and Carr went to train her troops in the Labyrinth, so the main troublemakers are already occupied.
-"Souei, report."
-"Yes, Sir Rimuru." He appeared immediately and kneeled to make his report. I abandoned the idea of stopping him from doing that, he's so stubborn about it. "It appears that three young men calling themselves Demon Lord Dagruel's sons started causing ruckus in the streets. Lady Ultima is putting them in custody, that explosion was her doing."
-"Heh, such bad luck. When they were free of her antics in their lands, they stumbled upon her here too." Guy laughed bitterly, still not over the breaking of his dear balance. "I suppose the big guy got enough of his brats being bratty, and sent them for you to shape them."
-"What is he thinking? It's not a nursery here." I sighed at the prospect of having to babysit the Titan's kids. I'll give the hot potato to someone, without shame. I have my hands full already.
At least it made me remember that I planned to open some sort of trade route with the Giants. Now that we're well established, we can afford to send help to Damargania about first necessity products. I know Dagruel won't accept pure charity in the name of his kin pride. So, I'll ask him to send a few workers here and to trade with a few exotic materials we could find in the Death Desert. Being polluted by Milim and Guy's auras for two millenia, I assume there might be valuable, powerful ore for any adventurous trespasser.
They have suffered enough from their isolation in these wastelands. And it's better than letting them on their own, until they have enough and launch an invasion against the Western Nations. Lulu told me about their bitter rivalry, and while she was reluctant at first, she agreed to at least think about it. I wonder why the sudden change.
Of course, the best would be to cure the land, but how? I may know quite a bit about Stardust and demonic powers, for sure. But between analyzing Guy and Milim's auras, and countering the latent destructive will these powerhouses released during their fight... Yeah, I'm not anywhere near finding a solution.
-"Well, I have told you what I needed, now I'll visit your country a little. It's been a while since I last stepped outside the Ice Continent." Guy rose from his seat and stretched his neck. "I assume I'll find a few amusing things to do here, knowing you."
-"Do as you wish, but, same as Velzard, don't go and reveal who you are out loud. Unlike Milim, your reputation isn't that good even among monsters. The executives are aware of your presence and that's enough, I want to avoid panic in the city."
-"Do not worry, Sir Rimuru. I will make sure this idiot won't go overboard during his tour." Diablo bowed with a smile, making Guy wince.
I'm glad to have in my command the greatest living weapon for annoying the hell out of the lobster. I'm sure I have nothing to be wary of, Diablo will meet my expectations in keeping Guy in check. I can work on my projects with peace of mind for the rest of the day.
Veldora's POV:
This is… awkward. It's been 15 minutes, and no one said a word. It's surprising to see even Milim kept silent, in contrast to her usual bubbliness. Big sis is alternating between looking away and staring right into my soul, it's so nerve wrecking. I would have preferred if Mihtra was here, but she said it's something that concerns only us.
-"Veldora."
-"Y-Yes?!" I froze by instinct, fearing she might 'educate' me again.
-"...Are you scared of me? Tell me the truth, no need to sugarcoat it. I want to hear what you truly think about me." She looked straight in my eyes, and I noticed a hint of uneasiness in them.
-"...Honestly, I do. Don't misunderstand, I still like you as my sister. But after getting killed over and over under the pretense of reeducation… Each time I see you, I fear you might lash at me without warning, and do it again. You don't know about this, but I can tell you that it isn't an enjoyable experience to die. I'm surprised I've not gotten nuts yet with this treatment."
Ack, why did I say that so bluntly? I DID turned crazy, that's pure suicide. Sorry Rimuru, Mithra. I'll see you in a few decades at best, good luck until then. Maybe I'll stumble upon one of big bro's soul shards during my journey in the limbo, that would be ironic.
I braced myself for the impact of her magic… And it never came. After a while, I dared to open my eyes, and I saw something that had never happened before. Velzard looked disgusted, but as surprising it may be, it wasn't directed at me.
-"I see. You even thought I would blast you after saying it, didn't you? Mithra was right, I acted like a scumbag toward you." Her voice lowered and she dropped her head. "She even caught me again last night, before I left the party. Why did it need a bold newcomer to say it straight to my face for me to take the hint?"
I almost fell off my chair in disbelief. She's recognizing she was going too harsh on me? HELL YEAH!!! Thanks the universe- no, thank you so much Mithra, you are a gift of fate. As expected of one of my sworn friends.
…That's what I would yell at first. But even after all that, I don't want to squash her ego right after she realized her wrongdoings. I may resent a little what she did to me, but I must admit I was acting like an idiot too, now I see it. And one of the main lessons I learned from the Sacred Texts is to be over petty grudges when the culprit deserves redemption. What a powerful insight on wisdom I found in these, they truly are Sacred Texts. Kua-ha-ha-ha!
-"Good for you, Veldora. After all this time, 'you' will be able to move on." Milim cheered me with a tap on the back, not hiding the underlying reproach she let out by emphasizing on 'you'. She may have kept it cordial with big sis, but that child too has a few things to resent. Well, not only toward Velzard, but she's the only one present now.
-"Urgh… Right, I must apologize to you too, Milim. But I know mere words won't be enough, I did leave you alone after all."
-"At least you're aware. I won't ask for too much, it is already an achievement for you to apologize." Milim huffed and looked away, letting big sis get interested about the floor.
-"...Welp, that's good enough, I'd say." I tried to divert the discussion before we got stuck again in another crushing silence. "What's surprising me the most is that you let Mithra yell at you and bash your head without retaliating."
-"I don't even know why I backed down against her. I was probably too taken aback, witnessing a newcomer treating me like I was a brat that needed to be educated." She replied in sheepish way, a flush of red painting her face from embarrassment.
-"Well, she is creepy when she wants, and I almost never found anyone creepy. That says something. Even if Rimuru can be more terrifying himself, or so I heard. It's funny to see he's doing his best to not piss you off instead." Milim spoke too, I see she wants to get over it and continue on a better basis.
-"Heh, I wonder why… Say, if that's good with both of you, can I stay another day or two? I want to repair the wrong I did and get to know you more. Y'know, acting like a proper family member for once…" She asked with such timidity that doesn't suit the image of the ruthless woman I know, poking her forefingers. "Of course, I'll understand if you prefer to not have me stick around for now-"
-"I'm okay with that." I don't need to wait for her to finish, and I see it's the same for Milim. I waited for so long to finally have a normal relationship with my sisters, now that Velzard has become more accepting, I won't push her away. Better strike the iron when it's hot.
-"Thank you so much. I promise I'll do my best to get better. I'm relieved, it has been haunting me since your friends opened my eyes." She smiled honestly, a sight I seldom witnessed. It's a sign it will go better from now. "Do you mind showing me the project you're working on? I heard it's supposed to be one of the main attractions of Tempest. And your hobbies too."
-"Kuahaha, I don't know about my hobbies, I'm sure you'll find some too childish. But I'll gladly show you what we're working on with the Labyrinth."
-"Heh, show me anyway. I'm sure I could act a little childish myself for once if you prefer."
-"Auntie acting childish… I'm sure Guy would be scared as hell if you do. Now I want to see that." Milim laughed at the thought, and big sis did the same.
Milim jumped from her seat and ran at full speed to go fetch Ramiris. As I opened the way to the command room, Velzard tugged on my cape. I turned toward her, surprised as she looked anxious.
-"I know about the Empire, and Velgrynd. Please, when the time comes, stay cautious."
-"Heh. Don't worry, I'm not alone in this mess. Have faith in my sworn friends. With the three of us, we'll surpass everything they'll throw at our country." I boasted a little before taking a serious tone. "And we'll wake up Velgrynd from her dream, no matter what. I swear on my name we'll save her."
-"...You've grown so much. I know our big brother would be proud too."
Yeah, I'm he would, but not only about me. It's already some sort of miracle, but thanks to Rimuru and Mithra, it won't stop here. If all act as expected, then our whole family will be reunited again.
Rudra (Michael)'s office, Feldway's POV:
-"So, this is the pact created by that Rimuru… Very well. I'll sign it, there's no problems about its content." Michael didn't take long to ponder and applied his signature. "Now it's official, the Empire and Tempest are bound by it for the upcoming war."
-"It feels almost unreal, I'm trembling with anticipation. I can't wait to test them myself." I pressed a hand onto my chest, feeling a burning wave engulfing me. "How peculiar, this sensation is quite new to me, and refreshing I'd say."
Since I met Rimuru a few days ago, I couldn't stay composed. Seeing for myself his blessing, our Lord's blessing, it may become an obsession… He didn't abandon us. He didn't abandon us! If I listened to the voices in my head, I would declare this event as a true holiday, but I must stay level headed. Well, as much as needed anyway.
Since Michael was occupied until now, I bided my time by telling the others what happened and putting a halt to all the world's invasions ongoing. Those may not be required anymore. Even if Tempest fails to surpass the Empire, we can always use Rimuru as the key to our Lord's resurrection in one way or another.
Well, 'if' they fail. We're not here yet, and that Slime was cunning enough to limit the battlefield as much as he could possibly have. I cannot use my true body, nor can we call outside forces to our side. Nevermind, I admit it would have been too much if we had access to it, it wouldn't be a trial anymore, but a funeral.
-"The great Feldway getting excited like a kid, what a sight to behold." Michael laughed.
-"As you say, Rudra. I want to know what in the world made that divine poultry act more sympathetically." That oven meathead responding by the name of Velgrynd entered the office, giving me a snarky look. "You said you had something to tell me?"
-"Heh, a pleasure as always. You wouldn't fare better if you learned what I heard." I brushed aside her pique, making her raise an eyebrow. Usually I would have responded with venom myself. "Do you know about the newest Demon Lords announced by the Voice of the World?"
-"What about them? It isn't your style, worrying about something of this magnitude."
-"One of them hold the blessing of your beloved big brother, our Lord."
I said casually, enjoying her amazement as her legs faltered and almost surrendered. Now she's going quiet for a moment. Stunned by this news, Velgrynd dazed, unable to process it. Before long, she slowly turned her head toward 'Rudra', waiting for confirmation.
I let him explain to her what our plan was, while she went for a seat, her legs having finally given up under the shock. Once he finished, she took a few minutes to digest it, tears flowing as she gained a new hope. She recomposed herself after a while, then asked 'Rudra' with worry painted in her face.
-"Now I understand why this guy began working with us, but still. Rudra, be honest, are you continuing your game under this pretense? You don't have to finish it, now we have this Rimuru. What if something goes wrong?"
-"Haaa… You know I'm too deep to stop now." Michael faked resignation, having perfected his impersonation of that sorry excuse of a Hero. Both of us won't mind living the day where his reputation would go down. "I must see the end of it, even if it means defeat. But don't worry, we'll keep it to a reasonable extent. It wouldn't do good to celebrate Veldanava's return with a world in ruins."
…A world in ruins, heh? I was dead set on destroying it if needed to bring back our Lord. I don't regret it, I would have done what was necessary to send a beacon to him. But yeah, since he wants to return, let's avoid making too much of a mess here.
"Tempest will be our adversary, but not our enemy. That doesn't mean I mind the lives of the soldiers, though. If it's their fate to die, then so be it. Anyways, do you want to go visit Tempest, and meet with Veldora at the same occasion?"
-"Wait, what?" It took her by surprise, and I'm not talking about his violent switching of subject.
-"As I said, they're not enemies. So there's no problem in paying your little brother a visit, and it will be a show of good will on our side. Also, I want you to see for yourself who these Demon Lords are. I want you to know how Rimuru happened to meet with Veldanava, who is this Demon of Honor I often heard about, what kind of country they managed to create. I can't go myself, but I'll wait here, to listen to what you'll have learned. Well, no need to search for intel about their military or anything, we won't use this as an underhanded way to spy on them. Consider this as a vacation of sorts."
-"I see. Okay, I'll do it in a few days. I also really want to visit my little goofy brother after all this time. Thanks, Rudra." She left, humming a joyful air as she returned to her job.
-"With that, our first part of the contract will be fulfilled. Now, we'll just have to wait for the big day." Michael opened a drawer of his desk, and picked a bottle of brandy with two glasses. "Want some? I'm in the mood for an early celebration."
-"I will join you then."
We cheered at the near return of our Lord, and I drank my glass in one go. I'm elated at this turn of events, but I also know I must expect a punishment. After all, Lord Veldanava will surely realize what I planned until now. I would have forsaken everything, destroyed it all, even killed his own family with the hope it would force him to come back to us. Well, I'll gladly take any condemnation he would deem fit. Until that day, we still have a few things to do.