That Time I Got All The Ladies (Book 2)

Ch16: Movements in the East

Ahh, another beautiful day. As a King, one really cannot hope for a better life than this. I have everything every man could ever ask for. Money? Power? Women? I have it all. I a unchallen-

Souei: Lord Rimuru-

Me: I swear to...if you...what is it?

Souei: It's the Eastern Empire, milord. They've begun amassing troops in the border regions.

Me: Huh? Are they dumb or something? What could they possibly hope to achieve by attacking us?

Souei: It doesn't seem like we are their current target.

Me: The Kingdom of Raja?

Souei: Yes, milord.

Me: Well, that's none of our problem. They're allied to Gazel, not us...though as his ally I suppose the least I could do is provide him with this information.

Souei: Should I deliver it for you, milord?

Me: You know me so well.

Souei excuses himself before teleporting away. With him gone, I'm left to my thoughts which ultimately lead back to Veldora and Velzard. I recall them saying their sister was in the Eastern Empire. I wonder if they know anything about this invasion.

Deciding to pay the two a visit, I have Raphael locate them and to my surprise, the two are found together in one of the back gardens of my palace. Upon arrival, the reason becomes clear.

Me: I see Veldora has roped you into his addiction.

Veldora: Rimuru! I was just about to come find you. I need the next volume!

Me: At this rate we'll run out of them before-

Velzard: I need it too. Please...

She goes all puppy eyes but while I do give them the volume, it's not for that reason.

Me: So, tell me, have you been in contact with your sister since coming here?

Veldora: I'd made it a point not to so no.

Velzard: I last spoke to her while at the Ice Palace so I know she's, at least, doing well.

Me: In other words, neither of you knows why the Eastern Empire is suddenly attacking Raja.

Veldora remains oblivious to everything but Velzard's expressions shift upon my mention of the Eastern Empire, showing that she knows something. Rather than press her for it, however, I merely change the topic towards how they're getting along and after some initial bickering, both agree.

Raphael points out that this might be only because both want to remain in my good graces but hey, a win is a win.

Leaving them to their devices, I return to the front lawn where I find Benimaru. He greets me heartily as he falls into step beside me.

Me: Start preparing our forces for war. 

Benimaru: Milord?

Me: Start amassing troops along the border with the Eastern Empire.

Benimaru: Will we be invading them?

Me: That remains to be seen but for now just have the troops stationed within the region. We don't need everyone, just a small expeditionary force. Establish supply lines and begin preparations for mounting a defence should the need arise.

Benimaru: Understood.

He heads off at once, his eyes filled with determination. I consider travelling to the border myself to see what's happening first hand but...well, I suppose a father shouldn't up and leave his children and wife for too long.

Sylvi: Daddy!

I turn around in time to catch a glimpse of the blue hair of my daughter before she slams into me, tackling me to the ground.

Laughing, I ruffle her hair as I sit up and she giggles in return before throwing her arms around me and hugging me tightly.

Me: How are you?

Sylvi: I've been looking for you!

Me: Oh?

Sylvi: Look what I found!

She's so full of energy! I admit, it initially took me by surprise at how fast she grew into a child. At the moment, she has the body of a child approximately 12 years old. It's not been long since Velzard gave birth to her. I mean, it's hardly been more than a few months yet here we are...

Looking down as she opens her hands, reveals a heart-shaped rock.  

Me: Did you make it?

She giggles again before standing up and pulling me to my feet.

Sylvi: Take a guess!

Me: You found it in the lake.

Sylvi: Yes! How did you know?

You literally told me you found it earlier and from that it only took a short while to figure it out. After all, there's only one place nearby where something like that could potentially be found.

Me: Lucky guess?

Sylvi: Hehe. I'll win one day.

Me: I look forward to the day. Speaking of the lake, did you go alone?

Sylvi: No. Lady Shuna brought me.

While Velzard slacked off with Veldora. Thankfully there are others present to make up for her rather lackluster performance as a mother but still! Yet, she wants me to marry her. HAHAHAHA. Now that's a funny joke.

Souei: Milord!

I swear he keeps jumping in at the worst possible times. It's becoming a thing at this point.

Me: Yes?

Souei: King Gazel has requested an audience with you and as such will be arriving here-

Me: Go back and tell him I won't be helping Raja this time. We have our own issues to deal with.

Souei: M-milord?

Souei seems genuinely surprised by my response but if I keep bailing these people out for no gain then they will never learn to stand on their own two feet. I don't wish to become the person everyone depends on for survival. 

Me: Fine. I'll tell him myself but make no mistake. We won't be wasting our own resources fighting a war we have no business being a part of. Keep monitoring the situation but do not intervene unless the Eastern Empire directly threatens to invade Tempest itself.

Souei: Understood.

The minute he leaves, Sylvi turns to me, her face visibly concerned but not saddened.

Sylvi: Will we be fighting someone, Daddy?

Me: Unlikely but not entirely impossible. If that time comes though, I want you to do something for me.

Sylvi: How can I help?

She's so enthusiastic. It brings light to this cold world.

Me: Protect your sister, for me.

Sylvi: I promise!