Snowbound Flames

Chapter 14: Shadows And Whispers Of Doubt

The lively hum of activity in Tempest was a comforting constant, but Rimuru found herself pulled from her thoughts by a familiar presence. Diablo had returned. His entrance into the council chamber was as grandiose as ever, the dramatic sweep of his coat matching the confident glint in his crimson eyes.

"My lord," Diablo greeted, bowing deeply. His voice was as smooth and reverent as always, yet there was a sharp edge to it. "I have returned. I trust all has gone well in my absence?"

"Welcome back, Diablo," Rimuru said with a grin, leaning back in her chair. "Things have been... eventful, to say the least. How did things go in Falmuth?"

"Everything proceeded as anticipated," Diablo replied, his tone brimming with satisfaction. "Youm has begun consolidating his authority, with Myulan at his side to ensure no... unnecessary disruptions."

"Good to hear," Rimuru said, nodding approvingly. "Youm's got a lot on his plate, but if anyone can handle it, it's him."

Diablo's gaze sharpened slightly. "Indeed. Though it seems I've missed quite a bit here in Tempest. For instance..." His tone became lighter, though it carried an undercurrent of scrutiny. "The presence of a certain someone."

Rimuru sighed, already sensing where this conversation was headed. "You're talking about Guy, aren't you?"

"Correct, my lord," Diablo replied, his expression carefully neutral. "Forgive my curiosity, but it is rather unusual for him to extend his stay in one place. Particularly when that place happens to be your domain."

"Guy's just... hanging out," Rimuru said with a shrug. "He hasn't caused any trouble, so I don't see the problem."

"Perhaps not," Diablo conceded. "But his lingering presence may lead others to... draw conclusions."

Rimuru frowned, confused. "What kind of conclusions?"

"Speculative ones," Diablo said smoothly. "It's not uncommon for such misunderstandings to arise when two powerful individuals spend so much time together."

The implication hit Rimuru like a ton of bricks. "Wait, are you saying people think Guy and I are... No way!"

Diablo's lips twitched in amusement. "I merely felt it prudent to inform you of the potential for such rumors, my lord. How you choose to address—or ignore—them is entirely up to you."

Rimuru groaned, massaging her temples. "Great. That's just what I need. Anything else you want to warn me about?"

"Actually, yes." Diablo straightened, his demeanor becoming more formal. "Given all that has transpired, I propose we host a ballroom dance. It would serve as both a celebration and an opportunity to strengthen alliances."

"A ballroom dance?" Rimuru repeated, raising an eyebrow. "That's... surprisingly fancy coming from you."

"Elegance is never wasted, my lord," Diablo said with a slight bow. "And such an event would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression."

Rimuru leaned back, considering the suggestion. "I'll think about it. For now, let's focus on getting everyone caught up on what they've missed."

As the day progressed, the unexpected arrival of Frey and Carrion brought an entirely new wave of concerns. The two stood at the gates of Tempest, their expressions a mixture of annoyance and urgency.

"Rimuru!" Frey called, her sharp voice carrying over the bustling noise. "We need to speak with you immediately."

Rimuru hurried to greet them, already bracing for bad news. "Frey, Carrion, what's going on?"

"It's Milim," Carrion said bluntly, his arms crossed. "She's gone missing."

"Missing?" Rimuru repeated, alarmed. "How? When?"

"She vanished a few days ago," Frey explained, her tone clipped. "We've searched high and low, but there's been no sign of her. This isn't like her."

Rimuru frowned, her mind racing. While Milim was impulsive, outright disappearing without a word was unusual.

"Do you think she's in danger?" Rimuru asked.

"She's strong enough to handle herself," Carrion said with a sigh. "But this whole situation feels... off. She's been acting strange lately."

Before Rimuru could respond, Guy Crimson strolled into the room, his usual air of nonchalance tinged with curiosity. "What's this about Milim?"

Frey shot him a sharp glance but answered nonetheless. "She's missing. Or so we thought."

"What do you mean, 'thought'?" Rimuru asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Because I've found her," Guy said, his smirk widening. "She's been here in Tempest the whole time."

"What?!" Frey and Carrion exclaimed simultaneously.

Rimuru's jaw dropped. "Where is she?"

"Relax," Guy said with a wave of his hand. "She's just been sneaking around, probably having the time of her life. You should've seen her trying to blend in with the townsfolk. Adorable, really."

Frey pinched the bridge of her nose. "That girl is going to give me a headache."

"Well, at least she's safe," Rimuru said, relief washing over her. "But you could've told us sooner, Guy!"

"I figured it wasn't urgent," Guy replied, completely unapologetic.

With that revelation out of the way, the group reconvened in the council chamber. As discussions turned toward future plans, Carrion couldn't resist throwing a curveball.

"So, Guy," he began casually, leaning back in his chair. "You've been spending a lot of time here with Rimuru. Anything you want to share with the class?"

Guy raised an eyebrow, his smirk unfaltering. "And what exactly are you implying?"

"Oh, nothing," Carrion said, his tone teasing. "It's just... curious, that's all."

"Carrion!" Rimuru snapped, her face flushing.

"Hey, I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking," Carrion said with a grin. "You can't blame us for wondering if there's something going on between you two."

"Absolutely not!" Rimuru exclaimed, waving her hands frantically.

"Sure, sure," Carrion said, clearly unconvinced.

"You're not helping," Rimuru muttered, glaring at Guy, who seemed entirely unfazed by the accusation.

Frey, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "You should address this sooner rather than later, Rimuru. Rumors like this have a way of spiraling out of control."

"I'll keep that in mind," Rimuru said through gritted teeth, wishing desperately for the conversation to end.

As the group finally turned their attention back to planning the Founder's Festival, Rimuru couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be the last time the topic came up.