Snowbound Flames

Chapter 28: The LightSpeed Hero's Visit

Rimuru sighed, leaning back in her chair as she stretched her arms. Papers and reports were scattered across her desk, each demanding her attention. With the second day of the Audience Ceremony underway for the Founder's Festival, the workload had tripled.

"Why does this never end?" she muttered, rubbing her temples.

A sharp knock interrupted her thoughts. Before Rimuru could respond, the door creaked open, and Shion stepped inside, her expression unusually serious.

"Rimuru-sama," she began with a bow, "The LightSpeed Hero Masayuki and his party have arrived in Tempest. They've requested an audience with you."

Rimuru blinked in surprise. "Masayuki? Did they say why they're here?"

"No, but they've been escorted to the reception hall," Shion said, her tone betraying a hint of unease.

Rimuru frowned but nodded. "Alright, I'll meet them. Guy, you're coming with me."

From his spot near the window, Guy Crimson glanced up, a sly smile forming on his lips. "Oh, this should be fun."

Rimuru gave him a look. "Behave."

Guy chuckled but followed her out of the office.

The reception hall was eerily quiet when Rimuru and Guy stepped inside. Masayuki and his party stood in the center, their postures exuding confidence.

Masayuki greeted Rimuru with a charismatic smile. "Rimuru Tempest, the Great Demon Lord herself. It's an honor to finally meet you."

Rimuru returned the smile, nodding politely. "Welcome to Tempest, Masayuki. What brings you here today?"

Before Masayuki could answer, one of his party members, a tall swordsman with a sharp glare, stepped forward. "We've been hearing about your so-called 'greatness,' and the Hero Masayuki decided to see if you truly live up to the title of Demon Lord."

The statement was dripping with arrogance. Rimuru's polite smile faltered slightly, but before she could respond, another party member, a woman clad in ornate armor, added, "You've amassed a fair bit of fame, haven't you? But fame doesn't equal power."

Guy, standing silently beside Rimuru, tensed. His crimson eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as the air around him grew heavy.

"You dare speak that way to her?" he said, his voice low and menacing.

The room darkened as Guy released a fraction of his aura. It washed over Masayuki's group like a tidal wave, forcing them to their knees. Their earlier confidence vanished, replaced by sheer terror.

"Guy!" Rimuru snapped, stepping forward. "That's enough!"

Guy turned to her, his expression calm despite the overwhelming pressure he had just unleashed. "They were out of line," he said simply.

"I can handle this," Rimuru said firmly. "Stop scaring them."

With a shrug, Guy withdrew his aura. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, leaving Masayuki's group visibly shaken.

Masayuki, to his credit, managed to compose himself quickly. "I apologize for my companions," he said, bowing his head slightly. "They can be... protective."

Rimuru nodded, though her gaze remained sharp. "Understandable. But I suggest we keep things civil moving forward."

Once the tension eased, Masayuki shifted the conversation to lighter topics. His curiosity, however, soon got the better of him.

"So," he began, glancing between Rimuru and Guy, "I've been wondering... what's the nature of your relationship?"

Rimuru blinked, caught off guard. "Our relationship?"

"Yes," Masayuki said, leaning forward slightly. "You and Guy Crimson. It's not every day you see two Demon Lords working this closely together. Are you allies? Friends? Or... something more?"

The question hung in the air. Rimuru felt her cheeks heat up as she glanced at Guy, who was watching her with an amused smirk.

"W-we're just friends!" Rimuru stammered.

"Really close friends," Guy added, his tone teasing.

Rimuru groaned. "Don't make it sound weird!"

Masayuki raised an eyebrow. "Just friends, huh? You two seem... closer than that."

Guy, enjoying the opportunity to fluster Rimuru, leaned closer to her. "Maybe we are. What do you think, Rimuru?"

Rimuru glared at him, her face turning red. "You're impossible."

Masayuki chuckled, clearly entertained. "Whatever the case, it's clear you two have a unique dynamic. It's... intriguing."

By the time Masayuki and his group left, Rimuru felt utterly drained. She returned to her office, collapsing into her chair with a sigh.

"That was exhausting," she muttered.

Guy, who had followed her back, leaned against the wall with his usual smirk. "Exhausting for you, maybe. I found it entertaining."

Rimuru shot him a look. "You nearly gave them a heart attack."

"They deserved it," Guy said nonchalantly.

Rimuru shook her head, though she couldn't help but smile faintly. "Thanks, though. For having my back."

Guy shrugged. "Always."

As the room fell silent, Rimuru's thoughts drifted back to Masayuki's question. What is our relationship? she wondered, her heart fluttering unexpectedly.

She glanced at Guy, who was watching her with a curious expression. "What's on your mind, Rimuru?"

"Nothing," she said quickly, looking away.

Guy raised an eyebrow but didn't press. Instead, he crossed the room and sat on the edge of her desk. "Whatever you're overthinking, it's probably not that complicated."

Rimuru frowned. "How do you know I'm overthinking?"

"Because you always are," he said with a smirk.

Rimuru sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Maybe. But... what if it is complicated?"

Guy tilted his head, his expression softening. "Then take your time. No rush, no pressure. Whatever it is, I'll still be here."

Rimuru's chest tightened at his words. She smiled faintly, though her thoughts remained a tangled mess.

As the night wore on, Rimuru couldn't help but wonder: Is this really just friendship? Or is it something more?