Giving a gentle curtsy, Testarossa let out a soft smile. Testarossa's soft smile carried the refinement of a noble. She was looking as refined as ever as she glanced to the side, where a young Kijin girl dressed in an identical, pristine white gown mirrored her movements with near-perfect precision.
"Lord Rimuru, our mission is complete." Testarossa said with a smile. "Falmuth has been fully stabilized and will no longer be a problem."
Rimuru glanced at the small girl, who was nodding along, with slight confusion before turning back to Testarossa.
"Why is Blanchette with you?" He asked, there were many reports he had to go through, but without asking this first, he would not be able to focus.
"I took her in as my apprentice. I have gone through the proper procedures, and her parents agreed. I have been ensuring that she gets the proper amount of rest and learns as much as she would in a school." Testarossa answered, causing the small girl to let out a nod with a determined expression.
Rimuru stared at Blancette's face for a few more moments before letting out a sigh.
"Alright, well… if they are fine with it." He muttered before looking at Testarossa again. "Falmuth's done?"
"Yes, the royal mage, Razen, was a sufficient choice to act as a King. He is looked up to by most of the citizens for all of his services over the centuries, so he was able to stabilize the unrest. Even after countless nobles suffered a series of "unfortunate accidents," not much unrest was felt." Testarossa reported.
"Unfortunate accidents, huh?" Rimuru asked with a slight smile. "Crazy how things happen."
He approached and ruffled Blanchette's hair gently.
"Testarossa and I are going to visit Falmuth, and it will take us some time. How about you take the rest of the day off? Go tell Goober to make you some good food as a reward." Rimuru said with a soft voice, causing the albino girl to nod.
"Yes, Lord Rimuru." She said with a soft curtsy before hurrying out of the office.
Standing up, he used Spatial Domination to teleport all of them to Falmuth, barely feeling the drain as his magicules, which were quickly replenished with the ones he kept inside of his Stomach skill. He was practically running at 80% capacity at all times, storing the rest inside of his Stomach for later use.
They appeared on top of Falmuth's highest building, the palace.
Looking down, he could see the countless citizens moving around from place to place.
"I'm guessing we no longer need all of the Shadows we had stationed here, do we?" Rimuru asked.
"No, the majority of them are on standby. Now that the threats have been dealt with, only the necessary personnel are on watch." Testarossa answered before clearing her throat and beginning her explanation.
Ever since the forceful takeover, a silent war had occurred. A few brave soldiers and citizens rose up to try to unite Falmuth to revolutionize and go to war against Tempest. However, all of the Shadows had stifled any attempt before it could take root.
Without a leader, the citizens wouldn't unite. They were left to simply wait to see the changes in their lives. But surprisingly, things hadn't turned for the worst. If anything, things had improved.
Testarossa wasn't the type to waste time; she wanted to get things done. So overnight, the high taxes that the previous king had enforced to make up for the sudden stop of trade with Dwargon had vanished.
Even with the somewhat obvious assassinations of nobles, the citizens simply accepted it. They had been assassinated for a reason. They sucked, and even if they had Dominated their minds, they would be more trouble than they were worth because of their reputation.
The lowered taxes were then quickly followed by a report of government assistance and a focus on improving the infrastructure. Falmuth and its nobles had so much wealth locked up in vaults that would be spread out back to strengthen the kingdom itself.
Using that, they would be able to implement most of the quality-of-life enhancements Tempest had developed.
"Oh…. Money…" Rimuru muttered as he tilted his head slightly. "I just realized that we never properly set up a monetary system for Tempest."
Testarossa chuckled slightly as she heard him. Smiling brightly.
"Money… If I am being fairly honest, I am amazed every day when I see Tempest. I have seen countless kingdoms. Yet none have ever made it so far as Tempest without establishing a monetary system. It should be impossible, but Tempest has achieved it."
Tempest's society functioned through communal effort. Everyone worked hard at their jobs and shared what they produced with the rest. There was no need to buy food. If someone needed it, they could simply ask for it. Clothes were freely given, houses were built for those who needed them, and all necessities were provided without cost.
It was a well-oiled machine with countless workers focusing on their own work with one single goal: to improve Tempest.
Since, at the end of the day, anything needed would be provided, he had simply forgotten about it. Even for luxuries such as paintings or jewelry, a simple trade would be offered between the two parties.
Ironically enough, the Monster country was following the way of the Monsters.
That wasn't to say Tempest didn't have wealth. In fact, the nation was rich from its trades with Dwargon and Blummund, but most of that wealth sat in storage, as Tempest primarily exchanged goods and labor with other nations instead of gold. Even the road between Tempest and Dwargon was starting to provide a steady source of gold.
[Notice. If you wish to establish a monetary system within Tempest without disrupting the current balance, you could create a paper-based economy. This could easily be integrated, allowing citizens to acquire benefits beyond basic necessities. Additionally, this paper currency could be exchanged for gold in storage when a citizen wants to trade with other nations.]
'Build more Hotsprings and luxuries and have them use the money to buy access to it?' Rimuru asked.
[Correct. A prototype of this system has already been created. While it may face resistance in Falmuth due to cultural differences, partial integration is achievable. Once fully accepted by Tempest and its territories, it will heavily influence the rest of the West.] Raphael said with a trace of excitement in her voice.
[Implementing the paper-based economy could, in time, rival the influence of the gold-based economy. However, it would remain entirely under Tempest's manufacturing and control.]
'Hm?' Rimuru thought before bursting into laughter, causing Testarossa to smile. 'You're too dangerous, Raphael. I suggest introducing money, and you devise a plan to control the world's economy. You know I don't want to deal with all that mess.'
At this point, Tempest already made up half of the entire Western nations, meaning its influence would only grow over the coming months and years. And with allies like Milim and other Demon Lords likely to participate in Tempest's economy, its reach would expand even further.
Raphael's prediction wasn't far off. Given enough time, Tempest could very well have the world under its thumb, whether Rimuru wanted it or not. Even with minimal effort, every major decision they made would only increase their influence.
'I trust you. Just remember to be careful and not push things too far. At least not until we have settled our "war" with Luminous.'
[...]
[Thank you. I won't disappoint you.] Raphael answered, sounding surprisingly genuine.
'What was that?' Rimuru asked, a little surprised by the unexpected sincerity in Raphael's voice.
[Understood. Sending prototype to Shuna, Frey, and Tempest's representatives for discussion.]
Shaking his head slightly at Raphael's response, Rimuru turned his attention back to Testarossa, who was sitting beside him, her smile as serene as ever.
"Could you continue?"
"There isn't much left to report, Lord Rimuru." Testarossa began, her voice as refined as always. "Falmuth has a massive supply of fertile land that has been underused due to its focus on trading. I have already arranged for someone to begin developing the land to farm more produce for Tempest. Other than that, trade with the Eastern Empire has cooled off for now, likely due to their wariness of the changes happening here."
Testarossa paused briefly, remembering something before continuing.
"However, there is one merchant who stood out, a man named Damrada. He seems interested in expanding his trading relationship with Tempest. I haven't met him personally yet, but from the reports I've received, he appears promising."
Nodding as he heard her words, Rimuru looked down at the Kingdom.
"You've done good, Testarossa. We'll send some more representatives from Tempest to Falmuth. But your job here is done. You can return to Temptest now." Rimuru praised her, causing her smile to become warmer.
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Lord Rimuru. I have longed for the day I can return and serve by your side permanently." Though her tone should have been dramatic, it came across as oddly refined.
"Do you want anything as a reward?" Rimuru asked.
"I need no reward, Lord Rimuru. Serving you is a reward in itself," she responded, causing Rimuru to roll his eyes with a smile.
"I'm serious. Even if you don't want anything now, just remember I want to give you something as a reward." Rimuru answered as he stood up on the palace roof, enjoying the slight breeze.
Testarossa went silent, thinking for a few moments before finally speaking up.
"There are… two things. However, I would not want to impose." She answered, yet after seeing Rimuru's expression, she continued. "After spending so much time in Falmuth, I realized I would benefit from having some servants of my own. If you would allow me, I would like to return to the Daemon realm to recruit my subordinates. However, they would require bodies of their own."
"Ah, bodies? That won't be a problem. They are currently in development in the Labyrinth. If you wait a few months before heading out, we should have enough for however many you want to bring. I was already going to ask you and Diablo to go down when the bodies were ready so that one won't count as a reward." Rimuru answered. "What's the other one?"
Testarossa's smile softened as she stood, her movements deliberate and graceful. Her crimson eyes locked with Rimuru's, glowing faintly.
"I want to understand you." Testarossa answered, her crimson eyes glowing slightly. "You are an anomaly, Lord Rimuru, in a way even I cannot comprehend. However, even when I am by your side, I still cannot see the real you. I wish to know you the way you share yourself with Lady Shuna. Even if it is only for a few minutes."
Rimuru raised an eyebrow at her comment. But in a way, she wasn't entirely wrong. Shuna and Frey were the only ones with whom he had opened up completely. Shion and, strangely enough, Veldora and Shizue came in at a close second when it came to how comfortable he felt with them.
"I can do it on one condition." Rimuru answered, pausing for a moment to build suspense. "I want to know the real Testarossa, too."
Testarossa's eyes widened as she heard his answer. Then, she burst into a refined chuckle, which quickly turned into harmonious laughter. Covering her mouth as she laughed, her eyes lit up with excitement.
"You wish to know me?" She asked with a playful yet eager tone of voice. "In that case, feel free to ask me anything. I will be entirely honest, Lord Rimuru."
Chuckling, Rimuru made his usual Oni horns vanish to blend in as a human, hiding all of his aura in his stomach and making himself appear like a normal human. With a snap of his fingers, he brought both of them down to the streets.
"I've never explored Falmuth, so how about we wander as we talk?" Rimuru asked, using Uriel to ensure their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
"I guess my first question is… what's the deal with Blanchette? I didn't take you for someone to take an apprentice. Let alone someone her age." Rimuru asked as they began to walk through the busy streets.
"Blanchette… She reminds me of someone I once knew. Someone very dear." Testarossa answered, her gaze growing distant for a moment as a hint of nostalgia crept onto her smile.
"A friend?" Rimuru asked. "I'll have to meet them someday. If they caught your attention, they must be someone special. You could invite them to Tempest if you want."
Testarossa nodded, her smile tinged with a sadness Rimuru hadn't seen before.
"Yes, a friend. Her name was Blanche Nam Silberia. She was the princess of the Silberia Kingdom, a small nation within the Eastern Empire. Back then, she was meant to be my physical incarnation in this world. I had made a deal with the Silberia family, and in exchange for my protection, they would one day birth a vessel for me. Blanche was that vessel."
To give Testarossa some credit, Rimuru could tell that she was keeping her word. She was being as honest as she could be.
"What happened to her?" Rimuru asked, sensing there was more to the story.
"The day I was supposed to take over her, I was going to grant her a wish. One final request before her death. But her wish was for me to be her friend." Testarossa's lips curled into a faint, bittersweet smile. "It was the most peculiar request I had ever received. A wish so simple, I decided to indulge her. I possessed her body, but I allowed her to retain control."
Her steps slowed as she came to a stop, turning to face Rimuru fully. Stopping in her tracks, Testarossa looked at Rimuru.
"I guided her as she grew, teaching her how to survive and thrive in the treacherous environment of the palace. She had been abandoned by her father after he took a new concubine. His favor shifted to the daughter that concubine bore, leaving Blanche to fend for herself. I became her protector, her guide, and her only true ally. Eventually, she was set to become the next ruler of Silberia."
Rimuru nodded in understanding, recognizing the dynamic Testarossa described. It was not unlike his own relationship with Raphael, the way the voice in his mind guided him through difficult decisions. Testarossa, in a sense, had been Blanche's Raphael, her protector and advisor.
[...]
As they continued walking through the long stone streets, Rimuru couldn't help but ask more about Blanche. Her life seemed to have been filled with hardship, yet Testarossa had stood by her side. Blanche had transformed from a frightened, isolated child into someone formidable, someone who could impress even the coldest of hearts.
"That's when she fell in love. The worst mistake a being can make." Testarossa's voice broke the rhythm of their conversation, her frown deepening. "That's when I failed her." She paused, her gaze becoming distant. "The Human she fell in love betrayed her from the start. He approached her with the intent to use her, to kill her, and to sever any ties Silberia had to me. I saw the signs, but I couldn't stop her. I couldn't guide her in the right direction."
Testarossa stopped for a moment, letting out a sigh.
"And then she died. She gave me her body as a vessel to protect her kingdom… to fulfill the pact. But it wasn't supposed to end like that."
Rimuru could hear the pain in her voice, the lingering heartache over a decision that couldn't be undone.
"The Lakeshore Dyed Red…." Rimuru whispered, remembering the incident he had read in one of the books in Englassia, earning a somber nod from Testarossa.
"After killing everyone, I left her body behind. I placed some protective spells on her and then buried her. That is the story of her life." Testarossa finished, turning to look at the stars that were starting to become visible as the sun began to set.
After a few moments, Testarossa spoke up again, her voice softer.
"Blanchette is a Silberian too. I sensed it in her blood the moment we first crossed paths. A pure vessel at that, she has pale skin, white hair, and crimson eyes. Her Magicule capacity is going to be gigantic in the future."
"A Silberian?" Rimuru asked with some surprise. She appeared to be a regular albino child, but as he thought more about it, she did have fairly strong magicules for someone her age. However, he had originally attributed it to her Kijin race.
"Long before Blanche was born, a Silberian princess fled the country after an attempted assassination. I didn't care much for her back then since her sister was a stronger vessel. But that princess survived and must have found her way to the West. Eventually, her descendants must have led to Blanchette."
Letting out one final sigh, Testarossa looked at Rimuru, her eyes no longer giving her usual crimson glow.
"That is why I took Blanchette in. So I can finally make up for my mistake." Testarossa admitted, being as honest as she could.
Rimuru gave her a soft smile.
"Thank you for telling me." He said, looking at the thinning crowds as night began to fall. "You know, when I first met both you and Diablo, I wasn't sure what to think. Primordials who have lived longer than everything else. But I think I understand you better now. A taste of the real Testarossa."
"The real me, huh?" Testarossa repeated with a faint smile. "I must thank you, Lord Rimuru. You're only the second person who has ever tried to get to know me. I had forgotten what it felt like." She paused, tilting her head slightly with her playful smile. "Though, if I'm being honest, I'm not quite sure what it is you've learned."
Rimuru chuckled lightly at her words, watching as her expression returned to that familiar, unreadable smile she often wore.
"When was the last time you visited Blanche?" Rimuru asked, causing Testarossa to raise an eyebrow.
"Visit her?" She asked, somewhat confused. "She is gone. Her soul disappeared the moment she gave up her body to me."
Rimuru shook his head before offering his hand.
"It's a human tradition. You visit someone's grave to pay respects or maybe to say a final goodbye. Her soul might not be there, but her memory is. Would you like to go?"
A soft laugh escaped Testarossa's lips as she looked at Rimuru, clearly surprised by his offer. Her crimson eyes softened even more, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of warmth.
"A human tradition? I didn't take you for someone who followed such customs." She smiled, the lightness in her tone returning. "But for your sake, Lord Rimuru, I am willing to give it a try. However…" She glanced around, her expression becoming more serious. "Teleporting there directly would certainly get us noticed by the Empire."
Gently holding onto his hand, her crimson eyes regained their glow as she concentrated.
"Would you allow me to guide you through the Daemon realm? If we exit through a Hell Gate, we should avoid detection."
"Lead the way." Rimuru answered, and in an instant, the two of them vanished from the streets of Falmuth, unnoticed by the few people still wandering the streets.
— — —
Special Thanks to my Beta Readers/Editors: The one, the only, the amazing @Basilisk, and @Kiyan Tribe (FF.net/AO3/QQ/WN) | kiyan_tribe( Discord)
Go Check out Basilisk's great story "I'm a Daemon, so what?"
https://discord.gg/WTgN9J3YgK
(Also, as I said before on the announcement chap, it's probably going to take me a bit to write all of the 7k chaps to be ahead on the Patreon for compressing the regular chaps. If I just compressed all of the chaps, I would only be two to three chaps ahead on Patreon instead of the five they would be owed.
From chap 75 on, it will be the 7k+ chaps, and depending on how far I am able to get ahead, I might not be able to do the joined chaps for regular upload. However, if I am able to get a few extra chaps written, I will join chap 73/74 into a 6k chap for y'all. No promises, though, since it hinges on me being able to write a few extra 7k chaps for the backlog.
Also, speaking of it, I am pausing the billing on the Patreon until January, lol. I am going to be going on vacation for the majority of late November and early December. And I don't want to fall behind on the chaps I owe them. But for regular updates, you should all be fine since I will have my stockpile. See ya!)