Snowbound Flames

Chapter 24: Velzard's Sudden Visit

Tempest's main conference room was abuzz with activity. Rimuru sat at the head of the long table, reviewing reports on the progress of the Founder's Festival preparations. Guy sat casually to her right, leaning back in his chair with an air of indifference, although he occasionally chimed in with sharp insights that Rimuru couldn't deny were helpful.

Benimaru, Shuna, Diablo, and several other subordinates were gathered, each reporting their respective areas of responsibility. The discussion flowed smoothly, with laughter and the occasional joke keeping the atmosphere light despite the busy schedule.

"So," Rimuru said, leaning forward, "how long do you think it'll take for the arena and the rest of the festival structures to be fully ready?"

"Everything should be complete within three days," Benimaru said confidently.

"And how long are we holding the festival for?" Guy asked, his tone almost too casual.

"Probably five to seven days," Rimuru replied, turning to face him. "That's enough time for everyone to enjoy the events and for visitors to participate in the tournaments."

Just as Rimuru was about to continue, the doors to the conference room were thrown open with a resounding bang.

"GUY CRIMSON!" a powerful, feminine voice echoed through the room.

Everyone froze, turning their heads toward the door. A strikingly beautiful woman with long silver hair and piercing blue eyes stormed in. Her aura was frigid yet regal, and the room seemed to drop several degrees as she entered.

"Velzard?!" Rimuru exclaimed in shock.

Guy sighed but remained seated, lazily resting his chin on one hand. "And here I thought I could get away without this."

Velzard marched up to Guy, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. "What are you doing here, Guy? You've been gone for far too long, and you didn't even bother to tell me!"

"I've been busy," Guy said nonchalantly. "Tempest is... interesting."

Velzard's icy glare softened as her gaze shifted past Guy to Rimuru. Her expression turned from irritation to amusement in an instant. "Oh? So that's why you've been staying here so long. You got yourself a girlfriend?"

The room fell into stunned silence. Rimuru's face turned a deep shade of red as she waved her hands frantically. "W-Wait! That's not— We're not— I mean, it's not like that!"

Guy smirked but remained unfazed, watching Rimuru's flustered state with mild amusement.

Velzard raised an elegant eyebrow. "Oh? You're not? That's a shame. You two would look good together."

The subordinates around the table exchanged curious glances. Shion was the first to break the silence. "Wait... does that mean you're not dating him, Rimuru-sama?"

"No, I'm not!" Rimuru said quickly, still flustered.

"Are you sure?" Diablo asked, tilting his head with a mischievous grin.

"Yes, I'm sure!"

Velzard chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos she had caused. "Well, if you're not dating, then you won't mind if I call you his girlfriend anyway. It suits you."

Rimuru groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Why me..."

Eventually, the room settled back into relative calm, though Velzard's unexpected visit had left everyone a little on edge. Rimuru cleared her throat, trying to regain control of the meeting.

"Right," she began, still slightly flushed. "So, Velzard, what brings you here other than scolding Guy?"

Velzard took a seat with surprising grace, her icy demeanor now replaced with a teasing smile. "I heard about  Founder's Festival from Luminus and decided to drop by. And since my dear brother has apparently forgotten how to send updates, I thought I'd check on him too." (Velzard considers Guy as her brother.)

Guy rolled his eyes. "You're acting like I've been gone for years."

"You might as well have been," Velzard shot back, though her tone was more playful than angry. "Anyway, Rimuru, tell me more about this festival of yours."

Rimuru brightened at the chance to steer the conversation back to business. "It's a celebration to showcase Tempest's growth and welcome visitors from all over. We're holding tournaments, setting up food stalls, and even building a battle arena for future events."

Velzard nodded thoughtfully. "Impressive. I might have to join in."

"Actually," Rimuru said, her tone hopeful, "I was going to ask if you'd like to attend. You're more than welcome to join us for the festivities."

Velzard's eyes sparkled with amusement. "How could I say no to his girlfriend?"

Rimuru's face flushed again as she slammed her hands on the table. "For the last time, we're not dating!"

"I know, I know," Velzard said with a smirk. "But I can still ship you two."

The subordinates around the table chuckled, and even Guy's lips twitched into a small smile.

Once the laughter died down, the group continued discussing the festival preparations, Velzard chiming in occasionally with ideas and questions. By the time the meeting ended, Rimuru was both relieved and exhausted.

Later that evening, Rimuru and Guy stood on the balcony of her castle, watching the bustling city below. The preparations for the festival were in full swing, and the streets were alive with activity.

"You really didn't seem fazed by Velzard's arrival," Rimuru said, breaking the comfortable silence.

Guy shrugged. "She's always dramatic. I figured she'd show up eventually."

Rimuru sighed. "She made such a big deal out of us. Now everyone's going to start assuming things."

"Does it bother you that much?" Guy asked, glancing at her.

"Well... yes and no," Rimuru admitted, crossing her arms. "It's just... embarrassing, you know?"

Guy chuckled. "Relax. Let them think what they want. It doesn't change anything."

"I guess," Rimuru said softly. "Still... thanks for not making it worse."

"You're welcome," Guy said with a rare smile.

They stood in silence for a while longer, the cool night air brushing past them as the lights of Tempest twinkled like stars.