Rimuru and Iruma's Adventures in the Netherworld

Symphonic Mettle

Iruma POV

Rimuru was quiet all throughout dinner. Not broody, but she was acting so... formal.

Calm, quiet. Using her utensils properly for once, sitting up straighter. She also wasn't shoveling in food like she normally did, and only had one serving–which was fasting, by Rimuru's standards–and apparently, she was completely fine with it.

Something was clearly, terribly, wrong.

"Are you alright, Iruma?" Grandpa suddenly breaks my focus. "You've been very quiet today."

"O-oh! Yeah!" I beam, "just thinking about all the stuff we've got to get done for school!"

Whatever is going on with Rimuru, she'll probably get really mad at me if I bring it up around Grandpa.

"Well, you and your classmates have already gone above and beyond this year!" Grandpa smiles proudly, and I squirm a bit from embarrassment. "Kalego hasn't been pushing you too hard, has he? You need to tell me if he is!"

"No, no!" I wave my hands frantically. "It's been fine. Our preparations for the Music Festival are gonna really ramp up soon so I think we'll be great!"

"He might not've been pushing you that much, but..." I didn't catch the last half of Rimuru's grumbling, but it's pretty clear she's still mad at Kalego. I know why.

"Didn't you say you were planning to make him lift that cafeteria ban, at least? You said he'd do it if you stopped being his 'biggest headache', so are you thinking of doing something nice for him?"

"Goodness! Rimuru, if you used your innocent charm I believe even Kalego's frozen heart would thaw!" Grandpa exclaims.

"Innocent..." Rimuru mumbles while avoiding our gaze.

"Do you really believe Lord Rimuru would be so merciful with that man?" Diablo scoffs at us. Then he turns to Rimuru, eyes full of excitement. "My Lord, have you ruthlessly plotted to throw his life into such chaos that his concerns for you are secondary?"

Diablo! Come on now, I know you're very smart, but with Rimuru you're–

"Diablo's closer to the mark," Rimuru admits to my surprise.

"Oh! Well then, I suppose I can look forward to seeing the 'Chaos Creator' work her magic," Grandpa says with a smile.

Rimuru just snickers softly to herself.

Then, almost as if to play a part, she breaks out into a creepy smile. "Even I have no idea what'll happen, or when. All I know is that it'll be a lot of fun."

Grandpa chuckles. "I did warn him at the start of the year that you were too dangerous to antagonize. It's his fault, really."

That causes Rimuru's smile to falter. "Ah, yeah, you did tell him that..."

For a moment, it seems as though Grandpa wants to say something more, but Opera jumps in with an offer.

"If you seek revenge against Kalego, I believe I could help you with that. He fears me more than anyone."

"No need! I'm sure what I've already got in-store will be plenty!" Rimuru hastily replies, then quickly changes the subject. "Um, what's for dessert?"

Suddenly I'm reminded of something.

"Oh, right! I almost forgot!" I turn to Grandpa. "Can we have hot chocolate after dinner?" I ask eagerly.

"Of course!" Grandpa beams happily, and Opera bows behind him.

"I will begin preparing it right away," Opera says. "Is there anything else you'd like?"

"Snacks. Lots of 'em." Rimuru butts in before I can even open my mouth. "And... a movie!" Her eyes are shining greedily. "In a blanket fort! Full of pillows!"