Snowbound Flames

Chapter 5: Moments In Time

It had been several weeks since Rimuru had last spoken with Guy. Tempest was busy with preparations for the coming seasons, new allies seeking to strengthen the kingdom, and the growing duties that came with being the leader of a flourishing nation. Still, the days hadn't felt as overwhelming. In the back of her mind, Rimuru knew that her thoughts often wandered back to the time she spent with him, the quiet moments shared between them that felt like a rare reprieve from the world outside.

Life in Tempest had a rhythm to it now, one that felt comforting yet busy. Rimuru's days were filled with council meetings, overseeing the construction of new facilities, and making decisions on behalf of her citizens. However, amid the swirl of activity, the rarest of moments came when she found herself stealing a glance out the window, letting the wind tug at her hair and the soft glow of dusk settle over the land. Those moments were brief but precious. A part of her, she realized, was waiting for Guy's return. There was something about his presence that calmed her, like the steady pull of gravity keeping her from drifting too far from her center.

This particular evening, Rimuru was in the middle of an inspection of the inner defenses of the kingdom when one of her aides approached her.

"Rimuru-sama," the aide called, bowing slightly. "Lord Guy Crimson has arrived."

Rimuru's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected him today, but the idea of his presence was enough to make the evening feel a little brighter.

"Thank you," she said with a soft smile. "Please show him to the meeting room."

As the aid left to fetch Guy, Rimuru couldn't help but smile to herself. It was an odd sensation, one she hadn't quite been able to pinpoint—this pull that Guy had on her. It wasn't something she had experienced often, certainly not with anyone else. And yet, in some strange way, she found herself looking forward to every visit, every conversation.

The soft sound of footsteps echoed through the corridors as Guy approached the meeting room. Rimuru was sitting at the head of the table, going over reports from her advisors. The flickering lanterns cast long shadows against the walls, and the room seemed quieter than usual, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

When the door opened, Rimuru's gaze lifted, her heart rate picking up ever so slightly at the sight of him. Guy stood in the doorway, looking every bit as imposing and regal as he always did. His crimson cloak billowed around him like flames dancing in the wind, and his piercing red eyes glinted with a quiet intensity.

"Rimuru," Guy greeted her softly, his voice deep and rich with the warmth she had come to associate with him. "I trust the day has treated you well?"

Rimuru smiled, standing up from her chair to greet him. "It has," she said, her voice light. "Though, it's been rather busy as usual."

"I can imagine," Guy replied, his tone both understanding and amused. He closed the door behind him, stepping further into the room. "You've been working hard. But I'd like to offer you something more... relaxing today."

"Relaxing?" Rimuru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How exactly?"

Guy's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I've brought something with me. Something that I think will give you a break from the chaos of the day."

Rimuru's curiosity piqued, and she motioned for him to continue. "And what might that be?"

"Something from my personal collection," he said, his voice tinged with mystery. "Something that might remind you of simpler times."

With that, Guy stepped forward, his hands unfolding a bundle from within his cloak. To Rimuru's surprise, it was a small, intricately carved wooden box. He placed it gently on the table in front of her.