Snowbound Flames

Chapter 29: The Gathering For Founder's Festival

The Founder's Festival had officially begun in Rimuru's realm, and the grand hall of the castle was abuzz with excitement. A gathering of important figures from across the land had been invited to celebrate the occasion, and Rimuru was eager to show her hospitality to the esteemed guests.

The first group to arrive was from Coleus: Princess Zenobia, Crown Prince Souther, Prince Aslan, and their companion, Paulo. Rimuru welcomed them warmly, offering drinks and seating.

"Your presence here is an honor," Rimuru greeted, giving a slight bow of respect. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."

Zenobia smiled graciously. "The honor is ours, Rimuru. We have heard so much about the progress your nation has made."

Crown Prince Souther nodded, his regal demeanor not missing a beat. "Indeed, it's a pleasure to finally witness it for ourselves. Your hospitality is most appreciated."

Prince Aslan, though quieter, offered a small smile. "It is an honor to be invited. I look forward to the festivities."

Paulo, the youngest of the group, was clearly excited. He practically bounced in his seat. "This is amazing! I can't wait to see everything!"

Rimuru laughed lightly, happy to see such enthusiasm. "I'm glad you're all enjoying it already. The festival is just getting started, and I'm sure it will be a day to remember."

As Rimuru and the group enjoyed the feast and conversation, the next guests began to arrive: Hinata and Lady Luminous of Lubelius, accompanied by The Holy Emperor, Louis.

Hinata, as always, was composed and quiet, but Lady Luminous, with her playful aura, greeted Rimuru warmly with a smile. "Rimuru, darling! It's so wonderful to see you again," she said, walking over with an air of elegance. "How have you been?"

"I've been well, thank you for asking, Luminous," Rimuru replied, smiling in return. "And you?"

"Oh, the usual," Luminous said, settling into a seat. "Busy as ever, but I wouldn't miss the Founder's Festival for anything."

Hinata nodded slightly but didn't say much. Her calm presence was always a contrast to Luminous' energy.

Alongside them were the figures from the OAD's: Ulamuth, her husband, and a few others from her faction. Ulamuth was elegant as ever, her husband with his usual quiet demeanor. They gave Rimuru respectful greetings as they took their seats.

"It's been too long, Rimuru," Ulamuth said warmly, her tone reflecting a deep respect. "Your land has grown quite beautifully."

"It has," Rimuru said, feeling a sense of pride. "I'm happy to show it to all of you."

Finally, the last of the main groups arrived: Queen Towa of the Kingdom of Raja, with Hiiro by her side, and Carrion and Milim, who had been making their way through the crowd. Milim's exuberant energy immediately lit up the room.

"Rimuru!" Milim called out, grinning as she rushed over to her. "This is going to be the best festival ever! I can't wait to see all the fun stuff!"

Rimuru laughed, feeling at ease despite the grand occasion. "I'm glad to have you here, Milim."

Carrion, ever dignified, nodded at Rimuru. "It's good to see you, Rimuru. I hope everything is going well."

"Of course, Carrion," Rimuru replied with a smile, grateful for his presence.

As everyone settled in and the meal continued, Rimuru ensured that everyone was enjoying themselves. The festival wasn't just a grand celebration, but an opportunity for her to strengthen her bonds with the other leaders and solidify alliances.

As the evening wore on and the feast continued, Rimuru found herself surrounded by a variety of lively conversations. But soon enough, the conversation shifted to a more personal topic—one that Rimuru had hoped to avoid for just a little longer.

"So," Luminous began, her voice dripping with playfulness, "Rimuru, I couldn't help but notice you and Guy seem awfully close these days." Her teasing smile was all too obvious.

Rimuru's eyes widened in surprise, her face flushing slightly. "W-What do you mean?"

"Oh, don't play coy with me," Luminous said with a laugh. "The way you two interact... It's impossible not to notice."

Hinata raised an eyebrow but remained quiet, watching the exchange with an unreadable expression.

Carrion, who had been quietly observing, couldn't help but chuckle. "I was wondering the same thing," he said with a grin. "Rimuru, you and Guy are practically inseparable. It's rather obvious."

Milim, always the one to speak her mind, grinned widely. "Rimuru, don't deny it! You and Guy make the perfect pair! I mean, look at you two!"

Rimuru felt a pang of anxiety in her chest. "It's nothing like that," she muttered, trying to steer the conversation away.

"You say that now, but..." Luminous trailed off, casting a knowing glance between Rimuru and Guy. "It's clear to anyone who's watching that there's something there."

"I'm just here to support Rimuru, nothing more," Guy replied with his usual calm, neutral tone, though there was a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Rimuru glanced at him in confusion, feeling a mix of warmth and uncertainty. "We're just... good friends. Really."

"Well, friends can be close too, you know," Luminous said with a wink, "especially the way you two are always together."

Zenobia, who had been quietly listening, spoke up thoughtfully. "It's clear that you two have a strong bond. Is it just friendship, or something else entirely?"

"Yeah, I was wondering the same thing," Souther added, tilting his head slightly. "It's not every day you see someone like Guy so attached to someone."

"I don't think it's about attachment," Lord Aslan said softly. "It's about mutual respect. And I can see that between you two."

Rimuru, feeling the weight of everyone's gazes, tried to push the subject aside. "It's really nothing, honestly. We've just been through a lot together."

"I think we can all see that," Ulamuth said with a small smile. "You two have been through quite the journey, I'm sure."

"Yeah, yeah!" Milim chimed in, her face alight with mischief. "Don't be so modest, Rimuru. Everyone can see you two are more than just friends. It's practically obvious!"

Rimuru sighed and buried her face in her hands. "Can we please stop?"

As the evening drew to a close, and the guests retired to their chambers or continued to enjoy the festivities, Rimuru found herself alone with Guy. The noise of the feast had settled into a quiet murmur, but Rimuru couldn't shake the thoughts racing through her mind.

"Guy," she began quietly, "What are we?"

Guy turned to her, his expression unreadable. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... what is this between us?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with uncertainty. "I don't know if it's just friendship or something more. But... when they tease us like that, I don't know what to think."

Guy regarded her for a moment, his gaze calm and steady. "Rimuru, whatever you decide, I'm here for you. I've always been here."

Rimuru stared at him, her heart beating a little faster. Could it really be more than friendship? Was she ready to acknowledge something she wasn't sure she understood?

"I... don't know what I want," Rimuru admitted, looking down. "But I'll figure it out, with time."

Guy stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take your time. I'll be here, no matter what you decide."

Rimuru nodded, grateful for his patience, though the confusion in her heart still lingered. As the night deepened, she couldn't help but wonder about the bond she shared with Guy, and what it might mean for the future.