Snowbound Flames

Chapter 6: Unlikely Allies

The sun was setting over Tempest, casting an orange hue across the land. It had been another long day for Rimuru, but she felt a quiet satisfaction in the way her kingdom was growing. Every day, Tempest seemed to become more prosperous, more stable, and more powerful—thanks in no small part to the various alliances she had made.

Despite the growing strength of her kingdom, Rimuru's thoughts often drifted back to the conversations she'd had with Guy over the past few weeks. They hadn't yet kissed, though every glance shared between them seemed to carry an unspoken promise, a quiet understanding that something more was slowly building between them. But even with the chemistry between them, there was still much to be done, much to consider, before anything could truly come to fruition.

Rimuru sat alone in her office, reviewing reports about the various developments within her nation. The thought of Guy's next visit lingered in the back of her mind, but she didn't let it distract her from the task at hand. Tempest was her top priority, and she couldn't afford to be sidetracked by emotions, no matter how strong they were.

The sudden knock at her door snapped her back to reality.

"Rimuru-sama," a voice called from the other side. "It's about the diplomatic meeting with the Jura Tempest Federation."

Rimuru sighed softly, pushing aside her thoughts for the moment. She knew her work would never truly be finished. "Come in," she called out.

The door opened, and one of her trusted aides stepped inside. "The leaders of the Federation are here to discuss the terms of our continued alliance. They are waiting for you in the meeting room."

"Understood," Rimuru said, standing up from her desk. "Let's not keep them waiting."

The meeting room was a large, open space adorned with banners from the various nations that had allied with Tempest. Rimuru entered the room with her usual poise, her mind focused on the discussions ahead. She had learned over the years that diplomacy was an art, one that required patience, understanding, and—most importantly—trust.

As she took her seat at the head of the table, her eyes scanned the room. The leaders of the Jura Tempest Federation had already arrived, including the ever-enthusiastic Benimaru, the stoic Shion, and the composed and calculating Hakurou. But there was someone else in the room as well—Guy Crimson.

"Ah, Guy," Rimuru greeted, her voice calm but with an edge of curiosity. It was rare for Guy to be present at these meetings. His role as a Demon Lord often kept him preoccupied with matters far beyond the reach of Tempest's day-to-day affairs, and yet, here he was, standing near the window, his crimson cloak swirling slightly as the breeze from outside blew through.

"Rimuru," Guy's voice rang out smoothly, carrying that familiar warmth. He turned his head just slightly, his red eyes meeting hers. "It seems our meeting has drawn some unexpected attention today."

Rimuru didn't respond immediately, but her thoughts drifted. She was well aware of Guy's status as a powerful and influential figure in the world. His presence in Tempest wasn't just a matter of friendship; it was a matter of strategic importance as well. Though Tempest had forged numerous alliances with powerful beings, Guy was an ally that no one could afford to ignore.

"We were just discussing the upcoming peace negotiations," Rimuru said, focusing back on the room. "It's important that we maintain strong relationships with the Federation, especially with everything that's happening in the region."

Benimaru nodded, looking serious. "It's clear that the Tempest Kingdom has become a beacon of strength and prosperity. But we mustn't forget the challenges ahead. Rumors of external threats have started to surface. We must prepare for what may come."

The mention of external threats caused a ripple of tension to sweep through the room. Rimuru had heard whispers of growing unrest in the neighboring nations. While Tempest had been thriving, the surrounding powers were beginning to take notice. It wasn't just the Federation that was interested in the kingdom anymore; it was the world at large.

Guy, ever perceptive, caught Rimuru's eyes again. "You're right to be cautious," he said, his voice low but firm. "The world is full of dangers, and Tempest has grown too powerful to remain unnoticed. But I think it's time we take a more proactive approach."

Rimuru met Guy's gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone cautious.

"There are forces beyond the Federation and the nearby nations that are stirring," Guy continued. "There are those who would see your kingdom undone, Rimuru. Some of them believe that your rise to power threatens the natural order."

Rimuru's thoughts turned quickly to the recent changes in the world. The existence of other Demon Lords, the shifting allegiances between nations, and the growing tension between various factions had all made her position much more precarious than it had ever been before. She'd worked hard to build Tempest into a haven of peace, but there were always those who wanted to take that peace away.

"I won't let Tempest fall," Rimuru said, her voice sharp and unwavering.

Benimaru's eyes gleamed with pride. "We'll stand with you, Rimuru."

"We all will," Hakurou added, his voice firm. "But what's our next move? If there are external threats, we need to be ready."

Guy remained quiet for a moment, his gaze steady as he surveyed the room. "There is a way," he said finally, "but it will require us to act quickly. The enemy may be closer than we realize."

Rimuru felt a pang of unease at his words, but she masked it with a nod. "Tell me more."

As the discussions continued into the evening, Rimuru felt the weight of the situation settling heavily on her shoulders. There was so much at stake. Tempest was her responsibility, and with that responsibility came a fierce desire to protect it—not just for her own sake, but for the sake of all her citizens, her friends, and her allies.

She couldn't afford to fail.

But as the night wore on, and the conversations deepened, her thoughts continued to wander back to Guy. He had been a constant presence in her life recently, offering advice, support, and even something more—a connection that felt more profound than just friendship.

Rimuru's heart raced slightly as she glanced over at him once again, his sharp gaze fixed on the map laid out on the table. His posture was relaxed, but there was an undeniable intensity to the way he held himself. He wasn't just a powerful Demon Lord; he was someone she admired, someone who made her feel safe even as the world around them grew ever more dangerous.

As the meeting finally drew to a close, Rimuru stood up, a sigh escaping her lips. "Thank you all for your input," she said, her voice carrying the weight of her gratitude. "We'll need to discuss the next steps in more detail tomorrow. For now, I think we could all use a bit of rest."

The others filed out of the room, each of them lost in their own thoughts about the looming threats they had discussed. But Guy remained behind, his crimson cloak trailing as he moved toward Rimuru.

"You're troubled," he said quietly, his voice gentle. "I can see it in your eyes."

Rimuru paused, turning to face him. "It's nothing," she replied, her tone betraying the lie. "Just... everything happening at once."

Guy tilted his head, his expression softening. "You don't have to carry it all alone. I'm here, Rimuru. And I always will be."

Rimuru's breath caught in her throat. She knew what he meant. Guy wasn't just offering his support as an ally; he was offering it as someone who genuinely cared about her. She could feel the sincerity in his words, in the depth of his gaze.

"I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Thank you, Guy."

For a moment, they simply stood there, an unspoken understanding passing between them. The weight of the world was heavy on both of their shoulders, but in that moment, with Guy standing beside her, Rimuru knew that together, they could face whatever came next.