Dominant Run!

Scorch Dragon, Velgrynd!

Ciel: <>

Voice of the World: <<>>

******

"I see," Rimuru murmured thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on Ultima as she finished recounting her centuries-old history with Raja and the enchanted tiara she had once gifted to the kingdom's queen. The tiara, which was capable of performing miracles, however, came at a steep cost. Each use drained the wielder's life force, leaving their skin stained with Ultima's signature violet hue.

According to Ultima, she had made a contract with the queen: Violet would win the game if the queen or any of her descendants became completely stained in her color. However, should the queen's lineage resist and remain untainted, the queen and her lineage would be able to keep using the tiara. Violet's plan had been to claim the fully stained body as her vessel. But now, having received both a name and a body from Rimuru, she no longer cared about the deal or the kingdom.

Just as the silence settled between them, Souei materialized in the room, kneeling with practiced grace before Rimuru. "Lord Rimuru," he announced, "the neighboring nation of Raja has decided to advance their plans. They aim to strike within two weeks."

Rimuru nodded, "I see..." He paused, then conjured a letter with a flick of his wrist, the parchment glowing faintly with magic. "Take this to Shizu. Read its contents to her, and once she understands, destroy it completely. Leave no trace behind."

Souei accepted the letter with a deep bow. "As you command," he said before vanishing into the shadows as swiftly as he had appeared.

Turning his attention to Testarossa, Rimuru gestured toward Ultima. "Testa, take Ultima and show her around. Ensure she is familiar with our nation's rules and the people in important positions. Also, introduce her to Geld and his team, and have them construct a house according to Ultima's preferences."

"Understood, my lord," Testarossa replied with a poised smile. She turned to Ultima, her crimson eyes gleaming with pride. "Come with me. You'll see just how much we've accomplished here," she said, her voice warm yet tinged with the satisfaction of someone who had helped build something extraordinary as she led Ultima away.

As their footsteps faded, Rimuru sighed softly and stretched his arms. "Now, all that's left is to wait for her reply," he muttered to himself. Deciding to make good use of his downtime, he left his house and strolled toward Veldora's house.

The Storm Dragon greeted him with a boisterous laugh, already holding out a stack of freshly acquired manga (courtesy of Rimuru, of course). With a grin, Rimuru joined him in their sacred ritual of idly passing time—one manga volume at a time.

******

The Ice Continent, Demon Lord Guy Crimson's Castle.

Inside Demon Lord Guy's castle, Velzard sat alone in her room, her expression unreadable but tinged with an air of quiet intensity. She was waiting, her thoughts swirling as she anticipated the arrival of a particular visitor.

"Rain," Velzard called out, and within moments, a blue-haired woman clad in a pristine maid outfit appeared, bowing gracefully before her.

"Lady Velzard, you summoned me?" Rain asked politely.

"Where is Guy?" Velzard inquired.

"Lord Guy has gone to El Dorado to meet Leon-sama," Rain informed her.

"I see," Velzard said with a small, dismissive gesture, prompting Rain to take her leave. As the sound of her retreating footsteps faded, silence reclaimed the room and Velzard's thoughts wandered to the blue-haired man she had encountered months ago. Her gaze drifted to the crystal ball Rimuru had given her.