Rimuru the sin of love

SS: The unspoken challenge.

Demon King's POV:

I will soon be meeting the demon Rimuru Tempest. If my sons' reports are accurate, she shows little regard for royal standing—an insolence that would normally warrant swift correction. Yet, she possesses a rare skill in concealing both her presence and power, and she wields the Ruler of Space-Time, a relic of immense significance. If her claims of mastery over this weapon are true, it suggests a royal lineage. (I must confirm this with my own eyes before deciding how to deal with her. But the very thought of treating her with anything less than the authority I command is... distasteful.)

When Zeldris returned alone, he relayed that she had threatened to teleport away if he accompanied her and Meliodas. (The audacity—to make such a threat to my son, and with such confidence. She clearly believes herself above our hierarchy. It irks me that she could be right, even in part.)

When she finally arrived with Meliodas, I couldn't sense her presence at all. (Unsettling. To completely evade my detection—this level of control over demon energy is not just rare, it's unnerving.) She paused her conversation with Meliodas as they neared, and instead of flying, she chose to walk towards me. A deliberate move, perhaps to show she does not fear me. She greeted Zeldris with a casual air, then addressed me with the expected formalities. But it was clear she was playing a part, a forced respect that only deepened my distaste. When she stared at me, I could feel her probing, analyzing. (She dares to size me up? I should crush this impudence here and now, but... no, not yet. Patience.)

To disrupt her insolent assessment and to gauge her true strength, I demanded a demonstration of her skills with the blade. She complied without hesitation, delivering a single slash that unleashed power on par with my sons'. (Impressive, but galling. To think I must humor this... upstart because of her power. Yet, if she can be harnessed, she could provide the advantage we need. But how I loathe the thought of having to coax her.)

I extended an offer to join the Ten Commandments, though the very act of asking rather than commanding felt like a bitter pill. As expected, she refused, stating she would only act if she had a personal reason to do so. (How infuriating. She essentially told me: Prove yourself worthy of my cooperation. I should have her kneel for such insolence. But no, I cannot afford to lose her—yet. I will endure this indignity, for now. But make no mistake, this challenge will be met, and she will learn her place.) Before leaving, she spoke casually to Meliodas, arranging another meeting as if she were the one in control. The gall of this demon.

It seems she holds Meliodas in some regard, which might be the key to bringing her into our fold. I later overheard Zeldris discussing the message she left for him, detailing their next meeting. (If Meliodas fails to attend, any chance of controlling her slips further from my grasp. He must go, and he must go alone. I despise that I must rely on such methods, but needs must.)

One thing is certain: gaining Rimuru's allegiance will not be straightforward. The very thought of having to lower myself to win her over grates on me, but it is a necessary evil. She will come to understand the true order of things, eventually. This challenge will be met, but it will not be on her terms—only mine.