On the fourth day of Rimuru's new life in Toashite, he found himself eagerly awaiting Shalsha's visit. The days had been peaceful, filled with simple joys, but today felt different. The thought of visiting her home sparked an unfamiliar excitement within him.
As the sun climbed high in the sky, casting warm rays across the tranquil landscape, Rimuru sensed her approach long before he saw her. The soft rustling of grass and the faint crunch of twigs underfoot heralded Shalsha's arrival.
"Rimuru!" Shalsha called, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "I'm here!"
Rimuru, who had been lounging near the stream, bobbed happily in response. "Hey there, Shalsha! What brings you today?"
With a wide grin, she bent down and scooped him up into her arms. "I thought you might like to come with me to my home today! Mom will be so excited to meet you!"
The warmth of her embrace was oddly comforting, and Rimuru found himself pleasantly surprised by how natural it felt to be carried like this. "That sounds great! I'd love to see your home," he replied, eager for the adventure.
Shalsha carefully cradled Rimuru in her arms, adjusting her grip so he wouldn't slip. "Hold on tight!" she giggled, starting off at a brisk pace.
As they walked, Rimuru enjoyed the gentle rhythm of her steps, feeling the subtle sway of her movements. He looked around at the scenery, the lush greenery contrasting beautifully with the vibrant colors of the flowers that dotted the landscape. This part of Toashite was even more beautiful than he had imagined.
"Tell me about your mom," Rimuru said, curious about the woman who would soon become part of his new life. "What's she like?"
Shalsha beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "She's amazing! Mom is a powerful witch, and she can do all sorts of magic! She's kind and really smart. She's taught me a lot about spells and herbs, and I want to be just like her when I grow up."
"That sounds wonderful!" Rimuru replied. "Does she ever get into trouble with her magic?"
Shalsha giggled. "Oh, definitely! Sometimes she tries new spells, and they don't work out quite like she expects. Once, she accidentally turned our cat, Mr. Whiskers, into a giant pumpkin! He was so confused!"
Rimuru laughed, picturing a bewildered cat with a pumpkin body.
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"That must have been quite a sight!"
As they continued along the winding path, Shalsha pointed out various plants and animals, sharing her knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Highlands. Rimuru listened attentively, impressed by her enthusiasm and the depth of her understanding.
"You really know a lot about this world, don't you?" he remarked.
"I try!" she replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "Mom says knowledge is the most powerful magic of all."
After a short hike, they reached the outskirts of Shalsha's home, a quaint cottage nestled among tall trees, adorned with vibrant flowers that seemed to bloom just for her. Smoke billowed gently from the chimney, and the sound of bubbling water drifted from a nearby cauldron, indicating that her mother was likely busy preparing something magical.
Shalsha set Rimuru down carefully as they approached the door, her excitement palpable. "Mom! I'm back!" she called, pushing the door open.
Inside, the cozy cottage was filled with the warm scent of herbs and spices. A large wooden table was strewn with various plants, vials, and magical artifacts. In the center, a woman with long silver hair and a gentle demeanor was stirring a bubbling pot.
"Welcome back, Shalsha!" her mother said, looking up with a smile. "And who do we have here?"
"This is Rimuru!" Shalsha announced proudly. "He's a talking slime, and he's from another world!"
Azusa's eyes widened in surprise as she turned her attention to Rimuru, her expression shifting to one of curiosity and delight. "A talking slime? How fascinating! Come in, Rimuru. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Rimuru felt a warm rush of welcome as he floated closer. "It's nice to meet you too, Azusa. Shalsha has told me so much about you."
"Oh, please, just call me Mom," she replied, a warm smile gracing her lips. "I've been hearing all about you from Shalsha. It's not every day that we have a legendary figure in our home."
"Legendary? I'm just a slime trying to enjoy a vacation," Rimuru said with a playful shrug, causing Azusa to chuckle.
"Then you're just the kind of guest we need around here! Come, sit with us. Would you like something to eat? I just made a new herbal tea that's supposed to be quite refreshing."
Rimuru nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Sure, I'd love to try it!"
Shalsha led Rimuru to the table, where Azusa prepared steaming cups of herbal tea infused with vibrant colors. The air was fragrant with the scent of various herbs, and the warmth from the cups filled Rimuru with a sense of comfort.
As they settled around the table, Azusa began to ask Rimuru about his life, his past adventures, and how he ended up in Toashite. Shalsha listened intently, her eyes wide with fascination, clearly hanging on every word.
Rimuru shared stories of Tempest, the great battles he had fought, and the friends he had made. He intentionally left out the more dangerous details, focusing instead on the lighter, fun moments, like the time he had transformed into various creatures or the silly antics of his friends.
As Rimuru spoke, he noticed how Azusa's eyes sparkled with interest, and Shalsha's face was lit up with joy. Their laughter filled the room, weaving a warm tapestry of connection and camaraderie.
"Mom, can I help with the next batch of tea?" Shalsha asked, her excitement bubbling over. "I want to learn how to make it just like you!"
"Of course, sweetheart! Just be careful with the herbs; some of them can be quite potent," Azusa replied, her tone gentle yet cautionary.
Rimuru watched as Shalsha sprang into action, her enthusiasm infectious. He felt a sense of warmth grow in his heart, a realization that, even though he had left his responsibilities behind, he had not lost the ability to connect with others.
As the afternoon wore on, the three of them chatted, laughed, and shared stories over cups of tea. Rimuru felt more at home here than he had in a long time. The simple joy of companionship, the laughter shared over stories, and the warmth of a welcoming family filled the void he hadn't realized he had.
Rimuru knew he had made the right decision to come with Shalsha. He had not only found a peaceful place to relax but had also discovered a budding friendship that was as comforting as it was unexpected.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the Highlands, Rimuru leaned back, letting the sounds of their laughter and the warmth of the moment wash over him. He was no longer just a leader or a powerful being, he was simply Rimuru, a friend, a guest, and, perhaps, something even more precious: a part of a family.
