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

Chapter 54: Shizu Izawa's Pursuit II - The World that Began to Lose Control

On this day, my office and all our other facilities are being relocated to Tempest's multi-purpose castle. Every executive was bustling with activity, orchestrating the transition.

Amidst the chaos, a personal letter arrived for me.

It read:

"Demon Lord Rimuru,
I would like to discuss some matters with you that I didn't give you a chance to address during our first encounter.
-- Hinata Sakaguchi"

The letter caught me off guard, but as I read it, I realized this might be a favorable opportunity. I would need to approach this carefully.

⟡⟡⟡

The night was cold, the kind that seeps through your clothes and makes you shiver even by a bonfire.

"So, as I was saying, Lady Shizu, we were traveling toward the capital of the Blumund Kingdom to investigate the matter. However, unexpected things happened," Fuze explained, his voice steady despite the chill.

Shizu, sitting close to the fire, responded thoughtfully, "That's to be expected. Rimuru-san must be very curious about the perpetrators behind these events. After all, they attacked Tempest."

She spoke with a quiet confidence, as though she already knew the outcome. For those who followed Rimuru, his presence was a shield against all odds. But if one of his family members went missing... that would reveal the dual nature of his kindness and cruelty—a dangerous combination.

"Well, yes," Fuze admitted with a sigh. "However, we cannot move carelessly. Things have been truly unfavorable for us."

Shizu slightly tilted her head. "What exactly are these unfavorable things?"

Fuze's tone grew heavier. "During the Human Nations vs. Tempest war, we uncovered that Farmus and the Blumund Kingdom were the real perpetrators. But the strange part is... our enemies seem to predict our every move."

At this, the fire seemed to flicker ominously.

The answer became obvious. The most logical conclusion was that Tempest would investigate these two nations. Their proximity to Tempest only heightened suspicion.

Testarossa, who had been silent until now, intervened with a sharp edge in her voice.

"Don't misunderstand, Lady Shizu. Even if they anticipate our actions, they cannot possibly survive if we act seriously. But it is our Lord's wish not to harm civilians unnecessarily. The real challenge lies in avoiding a misstep—because even a single error could lead these filthy humans to annihilate each other. That doesn't serve Lord Rimuru's best interests."

Masayuki chimed in next. "If you're wondering why human nations are so fragile right now, it's because of two key events: the Free Guild Association has disbanded, and the Holy Empire of Ruberios' Western Saints Church has declared they won't engage in one-sided warfare anymore, especially against Tempest."

"Wait—the Free Guild disbanded?" Shizu asked, her eyes narrowing.

Masayuki nodded. "Grandmaster Yuuki Kagurazaka dissolved it himself. I feel betrayed. Yuuki-san was the one who endorsed me to Farmus, and now he's abandoning everything after it failed."

Testarossa added in a low voice, "Something doesn't add up with that Grandmaster." Her crimson eyes gleamed, but she paused, unable to articulate what exactly felt off.

Fuze broke the silence. "Well, we can ponder that later. For now, there is good news. As we speak, Diablo and Youm's team are conquering Farmus, and reports indicate they're succeeding. Additionally, the Council of the West is holding a meeting near the capital of Blumund."