Snowbound Flames

Chapter 23: Unlikely Meetings And Unexpected Conversations

Rimuru and Guy soared through the skies on their way to a scheduled meeting with Mjollmile. The morning air was crisp, and the view of the expanding Tempest below was breathtaking.

"Do you really need me for this?" Guy asked, his crimson hair shimmering in the sunlight as they flew.

"It's not about need," Rimuru replied with a shrug. "You're already sticking around, so I figured you might as well see how we handle things here. Besides, I could use a second opinion if things get complicated."

"Hmm, fair enough. Let's see what this Mjollmile guy has to offer."

Upon arriving at the merchant's establishment, Rimuru and Guy entered to find Mjollmile seated across from a man neither of them expected—Cazac. Rimuru immediately noticed the tension in the room. Mjollmile's usual cheerful demeanor was subdued, and Cazac's arrogant smirk was a stark contrast.

"Rimuru-sama!" Mjollmile exclaimed, relief flooding his expression.

Cazac, however, scowled. "Who dares interrupt a noble's meeting?" he barked, standing up. His gaze shifted to Rimuru, and his expression softened in an unsettling way. "Well, well. What do we have here? Such beauty... You should be honored to stand before me. Perhaps I can find a place for you among my... attendants."

Rimuru tilted her head in confusion, not fully grasping the implication of his words. Before she could respond, Guy stepped forward, his aura shifting to something far more menacing.

"Watch your tongue," Guy growled, his crimson eyes narrowing.

Cazac, unfazed, sneered. "And who are you to interfere with my business? A mere escort?"

Before anyone could react, Guy delivered a powerful punch, sending Cazac sprawling to the floor.

"How dare you!" Cazac sputtered, clutching his face. "Who are you to lay a hand on me? Do you know who I am?"

"Oh, I know exactly who you are," Guy said, his voice dripping with disdain. "The question is, do you know who I am?"

Mjollmile jumped in before things escalated further. "Serves you right, Cazac! Kidnapping elf girls and treating them as slaves—disgusting. And then you had the audacity to try the same nonsense on Rimuru-sama?!"

Rimuru stepped forward, raising a hand to calm the situation. "That's enough, Guy. I think he gets the point."

At this, Cazac's face paled. "Wait... Guy? As in Guy Crimson? The head of the Octagram?!"

"The one and only," Guy said with a cold smile.

Guy then sighed and released some of the pressure in the air. "Fine. But if I see him again..." He didn't finish the sentence, but the threat was clear.

Cazac scrambled to his feet and bolted, not daring to look back. Rimuru, Guy, and Mjollmile watched as he disappeared.

"Well, that was entertaining," Guy muttered, brushing off his hands.

With Cazac gone, the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably. Mjollmile quickly offered Rimuru and Guy seats, pouring drinks for them.

"Thank you for stepping in, Rimuru-sama, Guy-sama," Mjollmile said, bowing. "That man has been a thorn in my side all day. I was trying to think of a way to get out of this mess when you arrived."

"No problem," Rimuru said, waving a hand dismissively. "But let's move on to business. Veldora wants to open a food stall for the Founder's Festival."

"Veldora-sama? A food stall?" Mjollmile blinked, caught off guard.

"Yes, but the problem is... he doesn't know how to cook," Rimuru continued, scratching her head. "So, I was wondering if you could send over your top ten chefs to help him out. Just for the festival."

Mjollmile nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Anything for Tempest—and especially for Veldora-sama."

As the conversation continued, Mjollmile couldn't resist asking, "By the way, Rimuru-sama, you and Guy-sama seem to be spending a lot of time together. Is there something I should know?"

Rimuru froze, momentarily caught off guard. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing," Mjollmile said with a sly grin. "Just an observation."

Guy smirked but said nothing, letting the moment pass.

After wrapping up their meeting, Rimuru and Guy flew to their next destination: Fuze's office in Blumund. Fuze greeted them warmly, and the discussion focused on trade routes, security for the festival, and the influx of visitors to Tempest.

The day ended back in Tempest. Rimuru and Guy stood on the balcony of the castle, looking out over the glowing city.

"Sorry if I made you mad earlier," Guy said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Rimuru glanced at him. "You didn't. If anything, I was getting uncomfortable with Cazac's attitude. So... thanks."

Guy nodded, satisfied with her response.

They stood in silence for a while longer, enjoying the cool evening breeze, before retreating inside to rest for another busy day ahead.