The tension in the air of Rimuru was palpable, thick with the scent of fear and the ironclad determination that came with the knowledge of imminent war. Padrino, standing before the vast map in the war room, knew that they couldn't delay any longer. Galdros would strike, and when they did, it would not just be a test of Rimuru's strength but a battle for survival.
While the kingdom had strengthened its defenses and trained its soldiers, Padrino understood that sheer force wouldn't be enough. Rimuru needed allies—more than the scattered minor factions they had been relying on so far. They needed strong kingdoms with resources, armies, and influence, willing to commit to their cause. The first step was diplomacy, but diplomacy was a delicate game, especially with Galdros' shadow looming over the entire region.
The Diplomatic Mission
Padrino called for an emergency council meeting, his advisors assembled in the war room once again. Their faces reflected the growing pressure on them, yet each held the resolve of a warrior ready for battle.
"We need to solidify alliances," Padrino began, his voice cutting through the low murmurs of conversation. "Galdros won't hesitate to bring overwhelming force. Rimuru has always stood strong, but now we face a threat that could consume us if we stand alone."
Vincent nodded, already anticipating Padrino's next move. "I'll contact the Kingdom of Veridian and the Duchy of Halvar. Both have expressed their distaste for Galdros' expansion. They may be willing to offer support."
Asuna leaned forward, her arms crossed. "And what about the Free Cities to the north? They've been neutral, but they're fiercely independent. They won't want Galdros encroaching on their trade routes."
"Exactly," Padrino replied. "They value their independence and their commerce. If we present Galdros as a threat to that freedom, they may join our cause."
Hinata, who had been quiet up until this point, finally spoke. "But diplomacy takes time. Time we may not have. While we wait for answers from potential allies, we must be prepared to face Galdros on our own."
Padrino nodded, appreciating the urgency in Hinata's voice. "You're right. We can't rely solely on promises. That's why I need you to lead a group to Veridian personally, Vincent. If they're willing to commit, we need to secure that agreement now. Asuna, you'll take a detachment and head north to negotiate with the Free Cities."
Both advisors gave their acknowledgments, knowing the gravity of their missions. If either one failed, Rimuru would be left dangerously exposed.
A Whisper of Treachery
As the council disbanded, Padrino was left with his thoughts. Though they had made preparations, something gnawed at him. Galdros wasn't just a military power; they were known for their political manipulation, sowing discord among their enemies before striking. He could feel the subtle currents of conspiracy around him, but he couldn't yet see the full picture.
Later that night, as Padrino walked through the halls of the castle, a shadow detached itself from the darkness. It was Loras, one of his most trusted spies, a man who operated in the shadows to protect Rimuru from unseen threats.
"My lord," Loras said in a low voice, bowing slightly. "There are whispers of betrayal. Not all within the kingdom are loyal to you."
Padrino's gaze hardened. "What have you found?"
"Rumors that some of the nobility, particularly those who had ties to Earlshide's old regime, are considering defecting to Galdros. They believe Galdros' victory is inevitable and would rather preserve their titles under the new regime."
Padrino clenched his fists. Betrayal from within his own ranks was something he could not tolerate, especially not now, with everything at stake.
"Find out who they are," he ordered. "But keep this quiet. I don't want panic spreading through the court."
Loras nodded and disappeared back into the shadows, leaving Padrino to wrestle with the growing sense of paranoia that had begun to settle in.
Vincent's Journey
Vincent's departure to Veridian was swift. Accompanied by a small contingent of guards, he moved through Rimuru's lands and beyond, making his way to the southern kingdom. Veridian had been a powerful ally in the past, but their relationship with Rimuru had cooled in recent years. It was up to Vincent to rekindle that fire.
As he approached the capital, the towering walls of Veridian's great city loomed before him, their gray stone casting long shadows over the approaching diplomats. He knew this would be no easy task. Veridian's King, Alphonse, was known for his shrewdness and unwillingness to commit to conflicts that didn't directly threaten his borders.
Upon entering the grand hall of the palace, Vincent felt the weight of expectation. Alphonse, a man with graying hair but sharp eyes, sat upon his throne, surrounded by advisors who whispered in his ear like serpents.
"Ah, Vincent of Rimuru," Alphonse said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"
Vincent bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I come on behalf of King Padrino, ruler of Rimuru. We face a common threat—Galdros. Their ambitions are not limited to Rimuru alone. Should they succeed in conquering us, they will turn their eyes toward Veridian."
Alphonse chuckled softly. "And you believe that my kingdom is at risk? Galdros has shown no interest in Veridian."
"Not yet," Vincent replied evenly. "But Galdros is patient. They will wait until you are isolated, weakened. By then, it will be too late."
Alphonse's expression grew more serious as he leaned forward. "And what do you offer in return for Veridian's support?"
Vincent took a calculated breath. "An alliance. Military support from Rimuru when the time comes, trade agreements that favor Veridian, and a lasting peace between our kingdoms. Together, we can stop Galdros before they gain more power."
The king's eyes flickered with interest, but he did not answer immediately. Instead, he waved his hand dismissively. "You've given me much to consider. You will have your answer soon, Vincent."
Asuna's Dilemma
While Vincent dealt with the formalities of Veridian, Asuna had her own challenges. The Free Cities, a loose coalition of independent city-states, were notoriously difficult to deal with. Each city had its own interests, its own priorities. Convincing them to unite against Galdros was a monumental task.
Asuna knew her mission was as much about persuasion as it was about survival. She had to appeal to their greed, their sense of independence, and the threat Galdros posed to all of them. But she also knew that not everyone would be easily swayed.
She arrived in the largest of the Free Cities, Vantir, where the Council of Elders presided over all major decisions. Unlike the grand halls of Veridian, Vantir's council chamber was a more humble affair, reflecting the pragmatic nature of its rulers.
"The Free Cities have thrived because of their independence," Asuna began. "But Galdros is a threat to that very freedom. If Rimuru falls, Galdros will turn its sights on your cities next."
One of the elders, an older woman named Elara, leaned back in her chair, her eyes sharp with suspicion. "And what does Rimuru offer in exchange for our involvement in your war?"
"A guarantee of trade stability, mutual defense agreements, and a shared prosperity once Galdros is dealt with," Asuna replied.
The council murmured among themselves, and Asuna felt the weight of their decision pressing down on her. She couldn't afford to fail.