Rimuru's Restart: That Time I Travelled Back in Time

Chapter 47: Actions Needed For The Bright Future

The story picks up right after several parties approached our capital, Rimuru. I swiftly arranged a garden-themed meeting room in the most exquisite garden facility of the executive estate. However, as I was managing the arrangements, King Gazel signaled for a private conversation between us.

"I'm sorry, Rimuru. Dwargon was unable to provide any assistance in Tempest during the previous battle," he said, bowing his head apologetically.

"It's alright, I fully understand the situation," I replied. Despite Dwargon's might, the allied forces from the Western Council were formidable. Additionally, with at least 20,000 men deployed on the borders of Dwargon and the Forest of Jura, access through Tempest had been restricted for Dwargon, even if they had wished to help us. However, this exchange was merely a formality between us leaders, and King Gazel wanted to discuss something more.

"Furthermore, I would like to know more," he stated.

"Know more?" I asked, understanding his intent. He meant the details and outcome of the war. Although King Gazel had originally come to assist us, it seemed that news of the warfare had already reached him, given his knowledge of Veldora's awakening on the battlefield.

"You already knew that Veldora the Storm Dragon has awakened in the battlefield, King Gazel," I stated.

He closed his eyes briefly, as if he had already contemplated this conversation with his officials, weighing the truth of the news. What he sought were the specifics about Veldora and how Tempest had maintained peace. He wanted to understand Veldora's affiliation with us at present.

"Veldora is a friend of Tempest. No more, no less," I stated firmly.

"This is truly worrisome. Not only are you a True Demon Lord, but now you're building a kingdom with a True Dragon residing within it," King Gazel commented, his expression reflecting concern. However, he gave a shrug, indicating that there was nothing to be done about it.

"The war you won may have been an honor, but it could also be detrimental for someone like you who seeks coexistence with humankind," King Gazel remarked thoughtfully.

"But there's no other way. I can't abandon you. After all, you are my junior," he added with a sense of duty.

"Ehehehehe..." I awkwardly laughed, finding it amusing how he continued to emphasize that senior-junior crap.

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"Now then, I welcome everyone," I announced once the preparations were complete. "I am Demon Lord Rimuru, the ruler of the kingdom of Tempest."

Each representative settled into their respective cozy spaces, attended by their subordinates. I delegated the formal discussion to Shuna, as she excelled in formalities being a princess.

"I am Alvis from the Three Beastkeeters, a direct subordinate of Lord Carion," she introduced herself, kneeling politely. "We apologize for trespassing into your domain, Demon Lord Rimuru."

She seemed ready to offer her life for such a sin. Perhaps other Demon Lords like Guy or Milim would view trespassing as grounds for immediate punishment. However, I assured Alvis that this wasn't the case and urged her to explain what had happened to Eurazania.

As Alvis recounted the events, it became clear that Demon Lord Clayman may have been behind the plot. Despite being overshadowed by other factors such as Blumund and the Western Council, Clayman remained an enemy who had schemed against us during the war. Thus, he was still a common enemy of Eurazania and Tempest. I explained this, gaining their immediate trust.

However, I couldn't help but think that if I were just a slime and not a Demon Lord, the Beastkeeters might have belittled me. Not because they were bad people, but because they measured allies' worthiness differently. Especially Phobio seemed skeptical. Yet, in this critical moment, they couldn't afford to challenge anyone right now.