The usually bustling streets of Tempest had grown eerily quiet. Despite Rimuru's assurances that the ice dragon was no longer a threat, the lingering frost and the overwhelming aura Velzard carried had everyone keeping their distance.
Velzard, now standing at the center of the city square, surveyed the surroundings with an expression of mild disinterest. The casual whispers of citizens hiding behind windows didn't escape her sharp senses.
"Is she really staying here?"
"She froze half the forest just by walking in!"
"She's beautiful...but terrifying."
Velzard exhaled softly, her icy breath swirling in the air. She was used to fear and reverence, yet somehow, this time, it felt...irritating.
Meanwhile, Rimuru observed from a short distance, arms crossed, with Shion, Benimaru, and Shuna standing beside him.
"So, what's the plan, Rimuru-sama?" Benimaru asked, his crimson eyes flickering with concern. "We can't just let her roam around unsupervised."
Rimuru tapped his chin thoughtfully. "True, but picking a fight with her won't get us anywhere either. She's not here to destroy us; she's here for answers."
"And what if she decides we're not worth keeping around?" Shion said, her hand resting on the hilt of her massive sword. "Shouldn't we prepare, just in case?"
Rimuru sighed, shaking his head. "Relax. If she wanted to destroy Tempest, she'd have done it already. She's clearly got other priorities."
"Still, you're taking a huge risk," Shuna said softly. "Why allow her to stay?"
Rimuru smirked. "Because I've got a feeling we can get along just fine. Besides, if she's going to stay here, we might as well make her feel welcome."
Later That Day
Rimuru approached Velzard in the square, his usual cheerful demeanor intact. She turned to face him, her icy eyes locking onto his.
"You're surprisingly bold for someone who fought me not long ago," Velzard said, her voice as frosty as ever.
"Well, I figured there's no point holding a grudge," Rimuru replied casually. "Besides, if you're going to stay in Tempest, I'd rather not have things be awkward between us."
"Awkward?" Velzard repeated, raising an elegant eyebrow.
"Yeah, you know—tense, uncomfortable, weird vibes. I'm not a fan," Rimuru said with a grin. "So how about we make a deal?"
Velzard's gaze narrowed slightly. "A deal?"
"Yep," Rimuru said, gesturing to the city around them. "I'll help you figure out the magicule distortion you're so worried about. In exchange, you tone down the whole 'freeze everything in sight' thing. Maybe even try to get along with the people here."
Velzard tilted her head, as if considering his words. "And what makes you think I need your help?"
"Well," Rimuru said, leaning against a nearby fountain, "you wouldn't have come all this way if you had all the answers, right? And let's face it—you've got a bit of a reputation for being...distant. You could use someone like me to help navigate the complexities of the modern world."
Velzard stared at him in silence for a long moment before a faint smirk appeared on her lips. "You're either brave or foolish, Rimuru Tempest."
"I prefer 'charmingly optimistic,'" Rimuru said with a wink.
Velzard rolled her eyes but gave a small nod. "Very well. I accept your terms—for now. But do not mistake this for submission. If you waste my time, I will leave, and the frost I bring will not be so kind."
"Fair enough," Rimuru said, extending a hand. "Deal?"
Velzard glanced at his hand briefly before clasping it with her own. The touch was cold, but Rimuru didn't flinch.
"Deal," she said.
A New Dynamic
By evening, word of Velzard's "agreement" had spread throughout Tempest. While most of the citizens were still wary, they couldn't deny their curiosity about the legendary Ice Dragon.
At the central plaza, Rimuru introduced Velzard to the other key leaders of Tempest. Benimaru remained on edge, while Shuna and Shion tried their best to be polite despite their wariness.
"Welcome to Tempest, Lady Velzard," Shuna said, bowing gracefully.
Velzard nodded in acknowledgment. "You may dispense with the formalities. I have no interest in such pleasantries."
Shion, ever direct, spoke up. "So, what exactly do you plan to do while you're here?"
Velzard glanced at her. "Observe. Investigate. Ensure that this so-called Demon Lord does not bring harm to the world with his...unusual methods."
Rimuru raised a hand defensively. "Hey, my methods are great! Everyone here loves them."
"That remains to be seen," Velzard said coolly.
Benimaru's expression hardened. "And if you decide you don't approve?"
Velzard smiled faintly, a chilling edge to her expression. "Then we'll have a very different conversation."
Rimuru quickly stepped in, raising his hands. "Alright, alright, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Velzard's here as a guest. Let's focus on making her feel at home, yeah?"
The group exchanged glances but ultimately nodded.
A Quiet Moment
Later that night, Rimuru found Velzard standing alone on a balcony overlooking the city. The frost that usually followed her was notably absent, though the air around her still felt crisp and cool.
"Enjoying the view?" Rimuru asked as he approached.
Velzard didn't turn to face him. "Your city is...unexpected. It's rare to see so many species coexist without conflict."
"That's kind of the whole point," Rimuru said, leaning against the railing beside her. "We're all stronger together, you know? You might find that out for yourself if you stick around long enough."
Velzard finally looked at him, her expression unreadable. "You are an unusual Demon Lord, Rimuru Tempest."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Rimuru said with a grin.
Velzard turned her gaze back to the city. For the first time, her icy demeanor seemed to thaw just slightly.
"Perhaps," she said softly.
