Rimuru: A Second Chance that Won't Be Wasted

Development and reflection

"So Shizu...do you really plan on staying here?" asked Eren.

Shizue, now changed into her regular clothing, nodded.

"Yes... I promised Rimuru-san that I would stay here. Besides, I am technically retired, I just went with you guys to have one last journey. But...I lost my power, and I won't be much help on the way back...in fact I will probably be a burden..."

"Shizu-san. You will not be a burden... also, is it even safe here? No offense Rimuru."

Rimuru smirked. "Don't worry about it. I know that it seems dangerous here, but I will protect her. And if not me then my subordinates."

Eren and company thought that Rimuru was thinking about something else, all of a sudden. But that distant look in his eyes disappeared, as he turned to address the trio of adventurers.

"You three won't report that to the guild master, will you?"

The three looked at one another, then looked at Rimuru.

"Why not?" asked Kaval.

"Shizue is supposed to be retired. Her suddenly joining your party, then arriving here, only for her to stay in this village, would probably draw a lot of attention. Shizue is an A-rank adventurer, after all. This may draw unwanted attention from other nations. I don't mind if you guys spread rumors about a friendly monster town, but try to keep a lid on Shizue being here."

Shizue nodded. "Yes... Sorry to burden you all with this, but I prefer if this was kept quiet."

"So I can ask Rimuru-san about the method to protect the children without others meddling. Especially the higher ups of the Western Nations. If they learned how, they would be incentivised to summon more children to use as weapons."

Meanwhile, Rimuru thought that it would be best if the trio kept their mouths shut just like the previous timeline, so as to limit the amount of change caused by Shizue. His mind then started to wander off, comparing his manipulation of his friends to others he knew in his previous life... the thoughts were not pleasing.

Ignorant of Rimuru's internal conflicts, the conversation continued.

"Alright, no problem." said Kaval.

"Yup." answered Gido.

"Alright, no issues with it. We will respect your wishes. And we'll just report about Rimuru's kind village to the guildmaster. It's not like that cranky bastard will find out about it anytime soon."

"You guys sure like to complain about him." said Rimuru.

"""Of course!"""

"That being said...your gear is really crappy."

"""RUDE!!!"""

"Guess it's time for their little upgrade." thought Rimuru.

The trio of adventurers were introduced to the trio of dwarves, just like the last timeline, and they had the same reactions. They left soon after, leaving Shizue and Rimuru to discuss future plans regarding the children.

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Rimuru was watching his subordinates slowly fix the damage done by Irfrit's rampage. While the goblins were fixing the village, Kaijin and his brothers were slowly and surely getting tools and clothing for everyone. Construction of the new homes soon began as well.

The system for ruling the village was also being developed, with Rigurd at its head. All in all, it was simply a repeat of the same system as the last timeline.