Rimuru: A Second Chance that Won't Be Wasted

Cooking?

"What was I doing again?" wondered Rimuru. "Ah yes, using {Universal Perception} to see when the lizardmen would arrive. So why is it that I am being dragged in two different directions? In my human form?"

After praising Shuna's work in the clothing sector and adding Shion as his secretary once more, he had decided to determine if the lizardmen would be arriving sooner or later. It looked like they would arrive at the same time.

Still, he told Souei to be on the lookout, and expected him to notify him at a moment's notice.

This focus on future affairs led him to completely forget about the current issue. Shuna and Shion.

"Are you seriously telling me they had a cooking competition? When did Shuna even have the time?!" wondered Rimuru.

Rimuru was currently sitting at what would eventually be the meeting room, being dragged by Shion and Shuna in two separate directions. Both wanted him to eat what they had made.

Rimuru eyed the food that Shuna had made, on the left side of the table. It was quite simple, just a bit of stew with star-shaped carrots. He wasn't worried about that.

He then eyed the "food" that Shion had made, on the right side of the table. Black, purple and bluish gluey slush oozing out of a bowl. That was what he was worried about. And Shion's reaction to the results.

Benimaru had dipped the moment he was allowed to. Souei was currently scouting the area. That just left both Hakurou and Shizue, both of whom looking in a different direction.

Hakurou was casually sipping tea and hiding his presence, while Shizue was sweating bullets, unsure if she was supposed to interfere, given the nature of Rimuru's predicament.

Rimuru was at least glad that she decided to stay and watch him die, if Gobta didn't hurry up and show up.

"Lord Rimuru, if you may—"

"Lord Rimuru I insist that—"

"Please stop." thought Rimuru. "Where is Gobta when you need him?"

Stalling for time, he grabbed both dishes and placed them side by side, right as Ciel warned him that Gobta was arriving.

["Master, perhaps it would be better if you gave Gobta a larger portion this time. To both balance out the deliciousness that he will taste from Shuna's porridge, as well as develop his poison resistance further."]

"Perfect idea Ciel! I was too soft on him last time, and spoiled him a lot. This time around, I'm going to be harsher on my subordinates. After all, the harsher the training, the stronger the student."

Underneath Rimuiru's strained face was a True Dragon planning the near demise of one of his subordinates, convincing himself that it was all for that subordinate's sake.

"Rimuru, you are...you know what nevermind, you do this all the time with me."

Even Veldora felt the need to pity Gobta and say his two cents.

Needless to say, Gobta was given an extra portion, giving Rimuru the necessary excuse to dismiss Shion and Shuna, and get them to focus on other tasks besides cooking. He did, however, tell Shuna that she was not the one responsible for Gobta's reaction.

"Ah yes, before I forget..." thought Rimuru, before reaching out to Benimaru through {Thought Communication}.

"Hey Benimaru. You are officially responsible for restraining Shion and preventing her from cooking. Good luck."