(A/N: Sorry for not uploading in a while. I was busy with some tests and a project for school, so that took up almost all of my time and focus, but I got these three chapters written. Just know that I don't plan to drop this fic. I will finish this no matter how long it takes even if there's only one person reading it by the end of it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.)
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Things are sort of well. The main thing is finding out what to do with Falmuth. Other things have been sorted out. We still have to properly introduce ourselves to Dwargon. I would let Rimuru go on his own, but Gazel is definitely going to talk about what transpired, so I'll need to be there so he doesn't panic. Frey, Carrion, and by extension, Milim will also be coming over. More like their envoys, but it still counts. There will also no doubt be a Walpurgis after Clayman's death. If it isn't that, then we would be invited by either Milim or Ramiris. Point being, that a Walpurgis was going to happen any day and one of us would have to show up.
When I put it like that, it seems like we have a massive list of things to get done, but it's not that bad. It's all spread out over many days. We just have to take it a little at a time. If I had to prioritize something, it would be Gazel's thing. It would require us to be out of the country and I'd rather nothing unexpected happen while we were out.
Ultimately, it's all diplomatic stuff and whatnot, but I have to get through it, so I can move on to the other dangers. Things like those luminaries and the Rossos. Good thing I have a plan for that. Diablo's intervention will make this light work, but that's for later.
/\\//\\//\
I was in an office with Rimuru. He had handled basically all the paperwork stuff. I'm pretty sure Diablo helped. Probably. We were discussing Falmuth and Gazel's invitation thing.
"Listen, Rimuru, there's a couple of things we can do with Falmuth. One, we can take over their country or demand reparations in the form of money or portions of their territory. Two, if they won't do it willingly, we have a perfectly good king that gives us leverage. Or three, we do nothing, and let Falmuth destroy itself from the inside out and then we swoop in and do what we want without having to negotiate anything.", I told Rimuru my thoughts. It's pretty simple, we beat them, we get the spoils of war. Nothing fancy or complicated.
"What do you mean by that third option?"
"Come on, Rimuru. Just think for a bit. If we do nothing and keep their king, that will create a power vacuum, and there are quite a bit of people that want the spot of king. So you know, a bit of conspiracy here, a bit of 'mysterious disappearances' there and you get yourself massive infighting that will lead to civil war with a whole bunch of factions and stuff that will ultimately weaken them a lot and leave them very vulnerable. Stuff like this happens all the time. Just look at the Roman Empire during the crisis of the third century.", I just stopped talking before I would go on something giant rant about this whole thing. My point should've reached Rimuru anyway.
"Oh, I guess you are right. Say we took over their country and absorbed it into ours. How would that look to the other nations?", Rimuru asked me and I raised an eyebrow at that. Interesting, it seems like Rimuru's being more aggressive in his thinking.
"Well, I can't say it with 100% certainty, but they will freak out and that's only because we're a monster nation. If we were a human nation, they probably wouldn't care as much, but ignore that. We won a war against them where they were the aggressors. I could see them saying we're like the Eastern Empire, but we just have to say we fought a defensive war.", I told him, but what I said was mostly in dealing with other nations, nothing about the actual population of Falmuth and how they'll see us. It should be okay, the beginning of anything can be rough, but if we stick to it and have a clear goal, it'll get better.
"I think I understand. Alright, we'll do that. We'll take over Falmuth and take it into our territory. And to make sure the people accept us, we'll wait for them to start a civil war themselves and then we go in and stop the fighting, bringing back piece and a normal life for the common people. That way they'll see us as saviors. What do you think, Artoria?"
I was taken aback by what he just said. Where did that line of thought come from? That's kind of evil and manipulative, but man does that sound effective. I know I've told him that there's a separation between good and evil and that sometimes we need to do some unsavory things, and at this moment he seems to be on the fine line.
"Wow…not bad, Rimuru. Impressive. I like that idea. OK, we'll do it. We can talk more in-depth about it later, but you have to get ready for your speech. It shouldn't be too hard."
"Why do I have to give the speech? Why not you? You're much more suited for this kind of thing. You naturally attract people's attention and command their respect. You could probably talk nonsense and people would still clap and cheer for you as if you gave the greatest speech ever.", He's not entirely wrong about what he said, but I don't want to do it. The speech I gave during the knighting ceremony was completely freestyled. I was not prepared in any way whatsoever. I gave a speech so now it's his turn.
"I've already given a speech during the knighting ceremony. You got this one. Also, you have the advantage of actually being prepared for it. Just get ready for it when the time comes, it's not like it's happening right now. Anyway, that'll be all for me today. See ya.", I got up and left the place. I was left thinking that I could get things done at the same time. A two birds with one stone scenario. Yeah, I'll do that. Once we get back from Gazel's kingdom, I'll go out and have a little visit to the Holy Empire of Lubelius. Hmm…yeah, I have an idea, a plan. Later though. I need to go talk to Kaijin about something.
/\\//\\//\
I was here at Kaijin's workshop. His place has improved a lot from his little open-air shop when he first came over with us. Anyway, I entered and the sound of metal clashing against metal could be heard in a constant and rhythmic flow. I doubt this place is never not working. Kurobe no doubt is a happy kijin to be able to work here.
I looked around and saw Kaijin. He seemed to be finishing a sword. I waited patiently until he was finished and then he noticed me.
"Ah, Lady Pendragon! Did you wait long? What can I do for you? Do you want me to make more of those weapons you like?"
"Not this time Kaijin, but thank you for reminding me. I'll come back with another design later, but for now, I want something else made.", I told him while taking out a piece of paper. It was a drawing I made. Something of a rough sketch, but Kaijin can figure it out. He took the paper and examined it.
"This is something more suited for Myrd to make. His craftsmanship and artisan skills will make sure this is the best it can possibly be. But I do have to ask. Are you really going to do it?"
"Well, the day will eventually come when I have to. I want to start building up my courage and confidence and shake off any nerves. I trust you can keep quiet about this and not tell anyone. Be sure to tell Myrd that as well. If there are any questions, concerns, or comments, tell me personally. No one can know. Just you, me, and Myrd. No one else, got it?"
I was being serious about this. I don't want anyone to know. If things get ruined so early on, I don't know how I'd react. I don't ask for perfection in anything since it's impossible for anything to be literally 'perfect', but this one time I do ask for it.
"You have my word, Lady Pendragon. And my word is something I never back down from. You can rest assured, this will only be kept between us.", Kaijin was also serious about this. Good.
"Thank you, Kaijin. Also, take your time with it. It doesn't matter when it's done, just as long as it gets finished."
"Understood."
"I'll be leaving then. Have a good day and good luck in your work."