The Only Blossoming Flower

Chapter 15: The Dungeon and Dreams-part 1

Ten days have passed since the Founder’s Festival. Many things have happened since…

    “Sir Rimuru, be sure to invite me whenever you hold another fantastic event like this one. It's sure to be quite the entertainment.” Elmesia kindly held Rimuru’s hand over hers, a truly joyous and whimsical expression on her face.

   “Will do, Elmesia. I could allow myself to never forget you of all people anyways.” I replied leaving a small generous note. Taking my hand back as I gave a handshake to the Empress.

   After a few more exchanges, Elmesia and her fellow guards along with Duke Erald finally set foot on her Dragon Airship. Leaving swiftly without a single speck or trace of smoke or engine machinery.

   That's what magic does after all.

   It's always impressive to see the functions of Thallion’s airships. The mere outlook of its elegant vessel soaring high resembling a dragon, with a streamlined body, sweeping wing-like structures that glow with magic, and a hull adorned in gold accents and intricate, regal designs that give it a divine, almost living presence; instead of engines or propellers. It operates through advanced magical systems—likely powered by concentrated magicules or a central core—allowing it to glide silently through the air with perfect stability. While protective barriers and enchantments both sustain its flight and shield it, making the craft function as a luxurious, self-sustaining flying palace befitting a ruler.

   It's good that we made an alliance with the Thallion Dynasty, perhaps I could include these interests as a part of the exchange we'll form in the future to trade knowledge in technology. She recommended it herself after all so I'm quite positive it wouldn't be asking too much. Not even I would want an intention of offending the Empress in any way there is accidentally or not, she's like a book one couldn't even comprehend despite already reading it openly. Uncalculated.

   After a while, I used my leftover free time to go ahead and find Hinata for a little chat or so she'd call it “business” instead. Though “chat” sounds a lot less menacing so I prefer that term better.
   On my way there, I caught a glimpse of Diablo and Shion in the Easy Kitchen near my office where tea was usually prepared. But I didn't pay any attention to it and continued to the Hotel where Hinata would usually be.
   I found her sitting peacefully outside the hotel’s backyard where a small café was located. I went ahead and approached her with both caution and a welcoming tone to evade picturing myself as a stalker or pervert in her eyes.

   “Hello, Hinata.” I spoke, using my voice as an invitation to talk with her in an attempt to break the silence other than the squelching sound of desert crushing in the Lady Knight’s mouth.

   Gulping it down, she elegantly gestured over to a napkin conveniently near her, wiping her mouth with such proper etiquette I felt a tad bit ashamed with my own casual mannerisms. “What is it?” Coldly, she stared at me with that piercing glare speaking indirectly with “can't you see I'm eating?”

   “Erm Could I ask you—a favor?” I said, keeping my composure as it falls pitifully.

   With a second of a flicker in her eyes, her stoned face returned, replying as she took another bite of her crêpe. “Hm, depends what you're asking for.”

   Internally bracing myself, I spoke with the slightest confidence. “Miss Tiss is a bit exhausted from teaching and took a break for a while. Since they really like you so I was planning to ask you if—”

   “If I could play teacher with your children in her place?” Hinata continued my sentence with what seemed to be a tease. Having the hint that she may be in a good mood today, I shot back with a lighter tone.