Snowbound Flames

Chapter 12: The Storm's Spark & A Demon Lord's Arrival

The calm following the battle lingered only briefly. Tempest's usual atmosphere of lighthearted productivity had returned, but beneath it ran an undercurrent of something unusual. It wasn't unease, exactly—it was more like anticipation, as though everyone were waiting for something to happen.

And in Rimuru's experience, when Tempest's citizens started waiting for something, it rarely took long before that "something" came barreling into town in a whirlwind of chaos.

Rimuru stood outside the central building of Tempest's administrative district, arms crossed as she stared into the horizon. The evening breeze played with her azure hair, brushing it across her face, but she didn't move to push it aside. Her mind was too preoccupied with preparations—whether for Tempest's future, the upcoming duel with Hinata, or the sudden appearance of a visitor whose power was as unpredictable as her personality.

"You're frowning," Guy said from where he leaned lazily against a nearby pillar.

"I'm thinking," Rimuru shot back, rolling her eyes.

"Could've fooled me."

Rimuru turned toward him, an eyebrow raised. His smirk was as sharp as ever, the crimson hue of his eyes glinting mischievously. His demeanor didn't fool her, though; Guy didn't waste time on meaningless remarks. If he was poking at her, it was because he was paying attention.

"Fine," she sighed. "If you're so perceptive, why don't you tell me what's on my mind?"

Guy tilted his head slightly, studying her. For a moment, his expression softened, and Rimuru was almost taken aback by the sudden shift.

"You're wondering what kind of trouble Milim's going to bring this time," he said evenly.

Rimuru blinked. She didn't respond right away—not because he was wrong, but because she hadn't expected him to pinpoint her thoughts so precisely.

"You're not worried she'll cause trouble?" she asked after a moment.

"Milim? Always. But that's part of her charm, isn't it?"

Rimuru shook her head with a soft laugh. "I guess I can't argue with that."

Just as she said the words, a distant rumble echoed across the sky, growing louder with each passing second. Rimuru's shoulders tensed instinctively. She glanced at Guy, who was already looking toward the horizon, his expression a mix of amusement and resignation.

"Speak of the devil," Guy muttered.

A flash of pink and gold streaked across the sky, followed by a burst of wind that sent dust swirling around the plaza. Rimuru stepped back, shielding her face with her arm. When the air cleared, Milim Nava stood in the center of the square, one hand on her hip and a wide grin plastered across her face.

"RIMURU!" Milim's voice rang out, startling several nearby workers who had been going about their tasks.

"Milim," Rimuru said, her voice even. She stepped forward, offering the best smile she could muster. "Nice to see you again. What brings you here this time?"

Milim's grin widened—an impressive feat, considering how bright it already was. She spread her arms dramatically. "I came to visit, of course! It's been AGES since I last saw you! Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course I am," Rimuru said diplomatically.

Milim's eyes sparkled. "Great! Because I'm planning to stay for a while!"

Rimuru froze, her smile faltering slightly. She glanced at Guy, who was watching the exchange with poorly hidden amusement.

"That's... great news," Rimuru managed. "But you didn't bring trouble with you this time, did you?"

Milim gasped, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense. "How could you even think such a thing?! I'm here to relax and have fun!"

Rimuru wasn't convinced, but she decided not to press the matter. Instead, she gestured toward the administrative building. "Why don't we talk inside? I'm sure you're tired after your trip."

"Not at all!" Milim declared. "But okay! Let's go!"

As Milim bounded toward the entrance, Rimuru let out a quiet sigh. She glanced at Guy, who had yet to stop smirking.

"Say it," she muttered.

Guy shrugged. "Didn't need to. Your face said it all."

Rimuru shot him a halfhearted glare before following Milim inside.

The meeting room was lively—more so than Rimuru would have liked. Between Milim's boundless energy and Guy's dry commentary, it was difficult to keep the discussion focused. The two Demon Lords seemed to enjoy poking at each other as much as they enjoyed dragging Rimuru into their banter.

"So," Milim said, her tone unusually serious for once. "What's with all the tension in Tempest? It feels like you're all gearing up for something big."

Rimuru hesitated. She hadn't expected Milim to pick up on the atmosphere so quickly—or to address it so directly.

"We've had a lot going on," Rimuru admitted. "But things are under control for now. What about you? What made you decide to visit?"

Milim's grin returned in full force. "I missed you, obviously!"

"Obviously," Rimuru echoed, though she couldn't help but smile.

Guy raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Missed her? Or missed causing chaos in Tempest?"

Milim stuck her tongue out at him. "Both!"

The conversation continued, bouncing between lighthearted teasing and occasional serious moments. As the hours passed, Rimuru found herself relaxing, the weight of recent events lifting just slightly. Milim's presence, as chaotic as it was, reminded her of the connections she had built and the allies who stood by her.

Still, there was an underlying tension she couldn't ignore. The storm on the horizon wasn't just a metaphor—it was real, and it was coming.

Later that evening, as the group dispersed, Rimuru lingered outside the building, her gaze once again fixed on the horizon. Guy approached her, his footsteps quiet but deliberate.

"She's not wrong," Guy said.

Rimuru glanced at him. "About what?"

"The tension. It's everywhere, not just in Tempest."

Rimuru nodded slowly. "I know. I can feel it too. Something's coming, Guy. I don't know what it is yet, but it's big."

Guy didn't respond immediately. Instead, he watched her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, it felt as though the air between them shifted—subtle, but undeniable.

"You'll figure it out," he said finally. "You always do."

Rimuru met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat. There was something in his tone, something in the way he looked at her, that made her chest tighten. She wasn't sure what it was, but it left her feeling strangely... exposed.

"Thanks," she said quietly, looking away.

The silence between them stretched, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that spoke volumes, even without words.

"Get some rest," Guy said after a while. "You'll need it for whatever's coming."

Rimuru nodded, though she didn't move. She stayed there long after Guy left, the weight of the future pressing against her shoulders—but, for the first time in a while, it didn't feel so heavy.