Snowbound Flames

Chapter 34: A Tempest Christmas Transformation (Special)

The town of Tempest was alive with color and light, the air filled with a festive energy that Rimuru couldn't help but admire. It had been a few days since she had announced that they would be celebrating a holiday called Christmas, and though it was a foreign concept to most of her citizens, they had embraced it wholeheartedly. Decorations adorned the streets, lanterns and magical crystals glowing in reds, greens, and golds. Snow blanketed the ground in soft layers, making everything sparkle under the light of the stars.

Walking beside her was Guy, his usual crimson cloak standing out against the wintry landscape. Though his expression was as composed as ever, Rimuru noticed the occasional glance he cast toward the glowing decorations, his curiosity betrayed by the faintest quirk of his lips.

"So," Guy began, breaking the comfortable silence, "this 'Christmas' of yours... what exactly is the purpose of it?"

Rimuru chuckled, her breath visible in the frosty air. "It's a holiday that celebrates togetherness and giving. People exchange gifts, spend time with loved ones, and just enjoy the warmth of the season. It's not really tied to religion here—it's more of a cultural thing I brought over from my old world."

"Hmph." Guy looked thoughtful. "A festival of giving, huh? Sounds like an excuse to waste time."

"Oh, come on!" Rimuru nudged him playfully. "Even you have to admit it's nice to see everyone so happy. Look at the kids playing over there—they're building snowmen."

Guy followed her gaze to a group of goblin children rolling large balls of snow. One of the children turned to him, waving excitedly. Guy raised a hand in return, his expression softening for a moment before returning to his usual neutral demeanor.

"Maybe it's not so bad," he admitted.

Rimuru grinned. "See? Even the great Guy Crimson can't resist a little holiday cheer."

They continued their stroll, taking in the various sights. Vendors sold warm drinks and sweet treats, their stalls decorated with garlands and ribbons. A large Christmas tree stood in the town square, its branches adorned with glowing ornaments and a star at the very top. The entire scene felt magical, even to someone like Rimuru who had experienced countless fantastical sights before.

Back at the castle, breakfast was a hearty affair with dishes ranging from warm rice porridge to grilled fish and tamagoyaki. Rimuru barely had time to finish her tea before Shuna appeared with a stack of paperwork.

"I guess Christmas doesn't mean a break from work," Rimuru sighed, reluctantly settling into her chair.

Guy leaned against the wall, watching her with mild amusement. "You're always so eager to bury yourself in those papers. You should learn to delegate more."

"Hey, running a nation isn't all fun and games," Rimuru replied, already scanning the documents.

Despite her protests, Rimuru found herself working through the easier documents first, tackling requests for additional holiday supplies and approving small changes to festival arrangements. She was so focused that she didn't notice Guy approaching until he plucked a particularly daunting report from the pile.

"Hey!" she protested.

"That's enough for now," Guy said, setting the report aside. "You can finish the rest later. Come on, there's a festival outside, and you're not going to miss it."

"But—"

"No buts." He grabbed her arm, pulling her away from the desk. "You're the one who introduced this holiday. The least you can do is enjoy it."

By lunchtime, Rimuru found herself back in the heart of the festivities. Vendors offered warm bowls of ramen, steaming plates of takoyaki, and grilled skewers of yakitori. Rimuru tried a little of everything, marveling at how the food seemed even better outdoors in the crisp winter air.

Dinner was an even grander affair. Tables were set up in the courtyard, laden with an assortment of dishes: roasted chicken, a rare delicacy; sushi platters with intricate designs; hot pots brimming with vegetables and meat; and bowls of soba noodles for good fortune. For dessert, there were sweet treats like yule logs, strawberry shortcake, and mochi filled with red bean paste.

Rimuru and Guy found themselves seated beneath a pair of twisted trees that had grown intertwined over the years. Unbeknownst to either of them, the trees were considered a symbol of love among the townsfolk. The atmosphere was cozy, and Rimuru couldn't help but feel a sense of peace as she savored the food.

"This is nice," she said, glancing at Guy.

He nodded, his expression unusually relaxed. "It's... pleasant. Though I still think you work too hard for this."

"Someone has to," Rimuru replied with a smirk. "Besides, it's worth it if everyone's happy."

Guy didn't respond immediately, but the way he looked at her made Rimuru's cheeks heat slightly. She quickly turned her attention back to her food, pretending not to notice.

As midnight approached, the excitement in the air grew palpable. Citizens gathered in the square, their faces lit with anticipation. The fireworks display began with a brilliant burst of gold and silver, the night sky illuminated in a kaleidoscope of colors. Cheers erupted from the crowd, the joy infectious.

Rimuru found herself smiling, her worries momentarily forgotten. She leaned against the railing of the balcony overlooking the square, Guy standing beside her.

"It's officially Christmas Day," she said, her voice soft.

"Merry Christmas, then," Guy replied, his tone unusually warm.

The celebration continued for a while longer, but the day's activities had taken their toll on Rimuru. Before she realized it, she had fallen asleep where she sat.

Guy sighed, a rare smile tugging at his lips as he carefully picked her up. "You really don't know how to take care of yourself, do you?"

As he carried her through the castle halls, a few of Rimuru's subordinates peeked from around corners, their curiosity evident. Whispers followed them, speculating about the nature of their relationship. Guy ignored them, his focus solely on getting Rimuru to her room.

Halfway there, Rimuru stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Huh? Guy?"

"You fell asleep outside," he explained. "I'm taking you to your room."

Rimuru blinked groggily, her cheeks tinged pink as she realized their proximity. "Oh... thanks."

Guy's smirk returned. "Don't mention it."

As he set her down on her bed, Rimuru mumbled something about paperwork and festivals before drifting back to sleep. Guy chuckled softly, pulling a blanket over her.

"Goodnight, Rimuru," he murmured before leaving the room.

Outside, the castle was quiet, the last remnants of the celebration fading into the stillness of Christmas morning. For Guy, however, the warmth of the evening lingered, a reminder of how much Rimuru had come to mean to him.