Rimuru the sin of love

The unique request and the Necklace of Fate

Sariel's POV

Walking beside Rimuru, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't a mere chance encounter. Everything about her—the measured steps, the subtle aura she projected—suggested that she was in complete control of the situation. It was as though she was walking through a well-rehearsed performance, and I had unwittingly become part of her audience.

Still, her confidence intrigued me. Most who entered the Goddess Realm, whether by accident or intent, were overwhelmed by its magnificence, fumbling to find their place in a world so deeply connected to divine energy. But Rimuru was different. She walked as if the realm belonged to her, her gaze sweeping over the landscape with curiosity rather than awe.

When we reached the grand stairway leading to the temple, she stopped suddenly, turning to face me. Her expression was calm, but her eyes held a spark of mischief that immediately put me on edge.

"Before we go any further," she began, her voice as light as a breeze, "I need to make one thing clear."

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms as I waited for her to elaborate. "And what would that be?"

She took a step closer, her glowing form radiating an almost tangible sense of authority. "You're going to help me establish my credibility here, Sariel. You look strong, dependable—a model celestial, if you will. So, I need you to play the part."

I blinked, caught off guard by her words. "Excuse me?"

Her lips curved into a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I need you to look like a strong ally—a celestial worthy of my trust. After all, appearances matter, don't they?"

There was a teasing edge to her tone, but I couldn't ignore the underlying command. I wasn't used to being spoken to this way—directly, almost casually—by someone I had just met. Yet there was something about her that made me hesitate to argue.

"You're asking me to be your... what, your bodyguard?" I said, my tone laced with skepticism.

"Not exactly," she replied smoothly. "Think of it as... an extension of my image. You're a celestial of high standing, aren't you? It only makes sense that someone of your caliber would be associated with someone like me."

I frowned, her logic both irritating and strangely compelling. She spoke as if her authority was unquestionable, as if this arrangement was inevitable. It was frustrating, yes, but also oddly... refreshing.

"And what do I get out of this?" I asked, folding my arms as I studied her.

Her smile widened, and there was a glint of amusement in her eyes. "I thought you'd never ask. Once this is all over, I'll humor you with something I'm sure you'll enjoy—a duel. Just you and me, two celestials testing their strength. Sound fair?"

I stared at her, trying to gauge whether she was serious. A duel? She had the audacity to suggest something so ridiculous in the middle of all this?

"You want me to fight you?" I asked incredulously.

"Only a mock duel," she replied with a shrug, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Call it a way to blow off some steam. I get the feeling you take your duties a little too seriously, Sariel. A duel might do you some good."

My frown deepened, though I couldn't deny the faint flicker of curiosity her offer sparked. A celestial duel wasn't something that happened often, and the thought of testing my strength against someone like her was... intriguing.

"You're awfully confident for someone who just arrived," I said, narrowing my eyes.

Her smile turned sly, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Confidence is the key to survival, isn't it? Besides, I have a feeling you'd enjoy the challenge."