
Hinata and Ruminas were in the chair waiting for our arrival.
From the look on their faces, something must have happened.
Well, I guess it's a good thing they don't know that I'm just messing around all the time. It wouldn't have gone well if they had known.
「Fuze-kun, come」
I said, ask Fuze to join us in the living room we prepared.
Without me saying anything, Shuna has already prepared tea.
She really is Ohime-sama who is very disciplined. It was completely different from a regrettable secretary, but the secretary became serious while training subordinates and guards.
But considering lately I have been lazy, I have no right to complain.
No, actually, I haven't played around! I'm studying!
I myself cannot get this distinction; or someone will know it.
Next to Fuse, I sat on the sofa while facing Ruminas and Hinata.
Pillows made of high-quality materials gently capture my body.
「Hei Hinata, it's been a long time. Ruminas-san, nice to meet you .. No, we've met before. Have not seen each other for a long time.
It's Fuse-kun. He is the head of the Freedom Association Branch in Burmund. 」
I introduced Fuse to both women.
「S-happy to meet you! I, in the Kingdom of Burmund, work as the head of its Freedom Association branch.
To be able to meet Hinata-sama today, the supreme tactician of the Western Church, I am truly honored.
And for this beautiful woman, this is the first time we have met, but you are definitely someone who has an illustrious prestige.
I am not educated on this matter so please forgive my ignorance! 」
Nervously, he greeted them.
However, completely ignoring it,
「Rimuru, what is it? “It's been a long time, since Walpurgis. It's good to see you're healthy. But, that guy can't stay here. The Freedom Association is the enemy. Or do you not realize it?
The identity of the person who manipulated Hinata.
Knowing this to the fullest, why would you still associate yourself with someone from the Freedom Association? 」
(Translator Note/Editor: the word Ruminas uses to refer to Rimuru is ⁇ kisama which in modern times is an insult, usually translated as “bajingan.” However, centuries ago, it was used to refer to a person politely, and this translation of Clown found it more in keeping with Ruminas' behavior)
One of the main Demon Lords of – Ruminas asked in an accusatory tone.
She was a beautiful silver-haired girl, and her heterochromatic eyes emitted a golden and silver luster.
Why is one of the Octograms here?
It is also strange that he is on Hinata's side; the worst thing I can do here is to act hostile and make him an enemy.
Moreover, forging an alliance with the Church of Western Saints would probably allow Tempest to fully integrate into human society.
And that's something I really want to achieve. The relationship between Hinata and Ruminas is still uncertain, but it may be best to talk openly rather than keep secrets.
But given that Ruminas might know everything Hinata knows, it might be better to hide a few things.
But first, make them trust Fuse.
Just when I needed her, Shuna entered the room with the tea that had been prepared.
Shuna handed out tea, and left the room after bending over.
I glanced to the side and made sure,
「Hmph-deep. Now, doubling down as an introduction to Fuse-kun earlier, I want you to see his report 」
After saying that, I called Fuse.
With that alone, the endlessly anxious Fuse seemed to have caught up to him.
「Understanding. Apparently, I seem to be suspected. To rid yourself of that suspicion.. 」.
Saying so, he began to explain the current internal situation of the Freedom Association.
Fuse report is simple and concise.
Yuuki had taken over 90% of the Ingrasia Headquarters.
The female Submaster Kagari was also under his direct command.
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In addition, high-ranking adventurers with abilities equivalent to Branch heads also sided with Yuuki.
And thus, with the current Organization, it would be difficult to denounce Yuuki. However, it seemed that those outside the headquarters were not affected.
Since I It seems that brainwashing and manipulation of his mind is not omnipotent — something that can make us happy.
Better yet, citizens do not seem to be under his influence.
The only thing they believed in was that monsters were the cause of most disasters and enemies.
If it has reached this degree, and given my current progress, establishing a trusting relationship is not impossible.
I mean, think of a satellite city built around a — maze where orcs, goblins, monsters, and adventurers can sit in pubs and share food.
We must have made progress in building trust between us; I have proven that humans and monsters can understand each other.
「However, further investigation is not possible. The one who went to investigate Submaster Kagari alone, his memory was erased.
He was paralyzed and wandered the city as if protecting it. He even forgot his own name.
There is no evidence that Kagari did it, but given the situation, it is quite clear.
Besides, he probably knew that we had investigated him; I had no reason, I failed there 」
It seemed like anything outside of this was in his hands.
But this is enough.
If that was the case, then it would make saving the children a problem.
If I make a move, there will be trouble for being pinned down as a kidnapping by the demon lord. But if I ask Masayuki then there might not be a problem. Fortunately, there was a proper reason for each of his actions, making him a good fit.
Since it was extremely impossible for Yuuki to control it, there was no need to back it up.
After saving the children, I will immediately eliminate the effects of any mind control. But I can't make them think that I've been playing around here all the time, so I've got to make it look like I've done a lot of things.
However, about erased memories. It's troublesome, but if it's me, then I might be able to recover it.
「Fuse, I'll try to cure those whose memories were erased.
If their souls and brains are intact, I might be able to somehow. 」
“What? Really it? Please, do it somehow! 」
In response to My offer, Fuse looked at Me with expectant eyes.
They have acted on My orders so that they are basically My subordinates. If there is a way to cure them, I have an obligation to do so.
He had a happy expression on his face and easily accepted the proposition.
But to think he trusts me so much to accept the deal with the demon lord! Makes me happy. 、
So, ignoring our exchange,
「Rimuru, do you really think that you can coexist with humans?
Man is a creature whose mind cannot be read by words alone.
‘Isn't it better they are controlled by us? 」
Ruminas looked at me coldly.
The girl seemed to have thought about this, but her opinion was against mine.
Considering all the risks, this is indeed an option, but――.
「” Oi oi, young lady. Apart from your pretty face, you said some bad things
Human control, who are you?
Even if you are a noble, isn't it bad to underestimate ordinary people? 」
Fuse angrily and yell at Ruminas.
Oh yeah, I still haven't introduced him to Fuse. Well, I guess his ignorance got him to step on a landmine.
「Now now, Fuse Kun, Quiet.
This guy is Ruminas.
One of the Octogram Demon Kings.
This was the second time I met him, and the first time we talked to each other.
First things first, let's abandon all abusive behavior and constructive talk.
And, this is Hinata.
But you should know more about him than I do. He is the Knight Leader of the Western Church. 」
Ruminas and Hinata, after listening to Fuse's report at my request, judged that he was not Yuuki's friend.
However, putting Hinata aside, Ruminas does not seem to believe in humans in general rather than Fuse himself.
「Eh, what? Demon King? WHO?”
Looking back and forth between Ruminas and me, Fuse was in a daze.
Recalling the previous hostile remark, his face immediately paled.
I felt a little sorry for him, and answered.
「Ruminas, this man is my friend.
First, I want to build trust.
I disagree with your opinion of man, and please do not force it upon Me.
If you do, you will be judged as the enemy. 」
“What was that? Are you trying to lecture us even though you are a newcomer?
If you seek war, you will get it. 」
Ruminas stood up, and took a position with both hands.
I had planned to defuse the situation but now I want to take this outside.
How should I say this, contrary to his appearance, he is rather short. Moments like this constantly remind me that all demon lords are selfish and weird.
But I'd rather not fight in this room…
「Stop this Ruminas, didn't we come here for the alliance?
Why are you adding to our enemies? 」
Hinata persuaded Ruminas with a slight annoyance.
「Hmph」
As if he had never been serious to begin with, Ruminas' anger disappeared.
And he sat back in his chair, he said,
「True, we don't want to add to our enemies.
Our goal to come today, was to propose an alliance between Tempest, the Holy Empire of Ruberius, and the Western Saint Church. 」
He declared with a faint smile on his lips.
Obviously he was trying to measure my reaction.
It was hard to imagine that he was a demon lord with such a poor personality from his appearance.
Putting that aside, we have introduced ourselves once again, and started checking the details of the alliance.
………
……
…
That means, Ruminas is the ruler of the Holy Empire of Ruberius?
The conversation continued after we calmed down, but it was a revelation!
It seemed like this was too shocking for Fuse, and he looked as if his soul had flown out of his mouth.
(TN Note:. I hope most of you have watched enough anime to know what it means. If you haven't, I recommend anime from the slice of life genre.)
Well, that's what's expected.
The Holy Empire of Ruberius a sacred residence, the residence of the Pope of the Western Church.
Then who's the pope?
「Parents, they seem to be wondering about paus」
In response to Ruminas words, the butler behind him bowed down respectively.
「If I'm not mistaken, the pope is currently 47 years old.」
I think he muttered, and the butler turned into a young figure.
「This is the first time we met. I am the current pope, Gilles Lila Ruberius. 」
In this young (. well, he was still middle-aged) appearance, he turned into a pure white-clothed butler, emitting a divine aura.
His figure had become a man in his prime. In terms of human years, he would be around his mid-40s.
So ... This butler pretended to be the pope in every generation before?
Looking at the fleeting fuse, he was stunned with his eyes wide open.
This guy's very skilled, I'm really impressed.
「Hey, isn't this weird! Why did the pope become a follower of the demon lord! What the fuck?! Are you a monster? Why do I feel the divine presence? 」
Uh oh, instead of fainting, Fuse acted as if the switch had been pressed as he started causing a commotion.
「Fu. Gilles, explain. 」
Ruminas instructed,
「As you command, madam」
Pope, no, Gilles the chief servant.
Since it feels so strange, I'd rather he stop this extravagant butler's behavior, but I'll keep my discomfort a secret.
It began thousands of years ago, before the creation of the Holy Empire of Ruberius.
When the evil dragon Veldora destroys the Vampire Kingdom, without killing anyone.
It was then, Ruminas and Chloe met, so it seemed like they had gone through a lot.
Even though she's protecting Chloe, even though she didn't, she probably won't get hurt.
For Ruminas, Chloe may be the idealized embodiment of beauty.
Oh, and though Veldora might have thought it was a friendly quarrel, in reality it was just a one-sided rampage.
However, if done would be unpleasant, so the survivors hid and lived in silence.
However, there was the Demon Lord Ruminas.
He had no interest in just hiding, and building an underground empire.
And above him created a kingdom to sustain his underground kingdom.
At that time, due to the poverty caused by the conflict between angels and demons, there were only a few powerful countries. The eastern empire had just been formed.
They could not even send an army to protect the people from the threat of monsters.
Naturally, almost everyone was a refugee or a bandit, and the world was getting confused and chaotic.
It was precisely because it was at that moment that he, with the power of the demon king, was able to control monsters and easily control humans.
Those who seek salvation come to him.
The Ruminas give mercy to those gathered under him. Using blood (Life) as bait, he gave them protection.
So, all in the calculation of Ruminas, a state is formed in this way.
And thus arose, the Holy Kingdom of Ruberius.
So, letting humans live free will lead to endless war — the reason behind Ruminas opinion is history itself.
I don't think I can argue with him. But that doesn't mean I agree with him.
If they want to fight, let them fight; if they want to go berserk let them.
Then they can make peace and try to create peace.
But results like this cannot happen through controlled experiments. And precisely because it's voluntary, it's interesting
And that's how it is.
Now that the country was born, the country will surely be controlled by an ambitious or greedy person — the cause of Ruminas's subsequent worries.
Therefore, the Great Demon Gilles acted as his right hand.
Butler Gilles is not only a vampire, but also a first-class holy witch making him a person who can walk under the sun.
It seemed like including Ruminas and Gilles, there were very few others who could walk under the sun even though he was a vampire.
At that moment, since Gilles was such an individual, it was inevitable for him to become a priest.
So he used clones and played many roles alone to manipulate the empire.
Well, and thus, Gilles who acts as the pope who is also said to be the incarnation of light, has acquired a unique ability.
This is a unique skill “Hierophant”.
―― Capabilities that allow a patron to dominate the desires of those seeking safety and protection ――
In a sense, this was a ridiculous ability that was nothing but a high-level fraud.
So that people can live peacefully without any suspicion thanks to his ability.
To be honest, for monsters living in the darkness to obtain light-based abilities was ridiculous.
While listening to all this from the side, it was very interesting how Hinata made a bitter face.
Creed is everything! I think it sounds cool, but then you learn the dark history behind it.
As I looked at Hinata with a grin, our eyes met.
I was seen with a cold gaze that made me think I'd be killed. Scary.I don't think I should tease her about it.I guess I'll just pretend I don't know anything about it at all.
And so, ending Butler Gilles' description with such a feeling.
And it was Hinata's turn to follow, explaining why she was looking for an alliance.
About his daring plan to save the children, and his fight with Yuuki.
His death, and the resurrection of the hero.
And the resurrection of Hinata by Ruminas, and the encounter between the heroes Chloe and Ruminas.
As well as the need of the alliance due to the current situation of the hero as well as the countermeasures against Yuuki.
I'm seeing.
Looks like Hinata went to save those kids in my place.
It's a fun story.
「So, what happened to the kids?」
「They wander around Tempest for a look around. Kenya, though eager to pursue Chloe's powers.
They're all a little upset that Chloe left without saying anything. 」
I was satisfied with Hinata's explanation.
However, I can sympathize with Chloe.
It must be painful, not just forgotten, but to be the only adult.
As a hero, when past experiences awaken in his body, he will become an unrecognizable existence that will be swallowed up by the shadow of the hero.
Only those who have reached the peak of strength — highest skills — can recognize its existence.
He must have felt really lost.
With the power of Hinata's soul, travel to the past. How hard the struggle and the weight of the journey was.
「Rimuru, a copy of the Holy Armament given by you.
It was given to Chloe. It comes with us into the past, protecting us.
The armor was very helpful. Thank you.”
Hinata looked straight at me, and thanked me.
I feel ashamed so please stop.
But, that's ……
「So you too, have traveled to the past with Chloe.
Thank you for looking after him. 」
「Please stop, no need to thank me. It's natural for me to do it. 」
Hinata ignored my gratitude.
After giving up the hero's soul energy, all that's left now is ―― residue even so, I think Hinata is also still a hero.
Hinata lost the battle, which I must say is a little sad, yet I do not believe Hinata's heart is weak.
Unlike before, he had gained true strength; he had also grown.
I can't even imagine a trip so far away.
Hinata's explanation has also ended.
But the story sounds very dangerous.
With Hinata going through such an ordeal, I can't possibly say I've been fooling around.
I am glad I covered it well.
I mean, I don't think it's going to be a big deal even if I seem to be playing as long as I'm really serious when I need it, but given that I seem serious about doing the work when they come, I'm really, I think I can fool them.
Fortunately, I decided not to reveal everything.
Well, we started thinking about the contents of Hinata's explanation.
And the most unbelievable part of the explanation is, Chloe seems to have become a hero.
However, he is manipulated by Yuuki, and his freedom is restricted until three orders are given.
According to his explanation, his ability was arguably the strongest. He might not be able to manipulate time, yet he could almost stop it.
In order for the strongest hero to be born, he travels through time, yes.
Besides, the world is heading towards destruction, and I die in that timeline.
But, I'm surprised?
For sure, if it was the initial fight with Hinata, defeat was guaranteed. No doubt about it.
However, I can survive.
If that's the case .... no, let's stop.
Allegedly on this topic will not help the current situation.
Anyway, Chloe's safe. Our priority should be to save him.
Ruminas' goal is also to save Chloe; I will not hesitate to form an alliance for that purpose.
The other children were also brought here, so there was no need to worry anymore about the Ingrasia kingdom.
Now there's nothing stopping us from having an open war against Yuuki.
「Yosh, now I understand the situation.
We also want to form an alliance 」
In response to my world, Hinata and Ruminas nodded.
Fuse looks very disheveled, though,
「Ya Lord .... This is going crazy.
Besides, why is it that every time I come, there are always serious talks that have an impact like this.
Every time, this isn't funny.
I'm just a regular branch head ……
This is not something I should do with such a low salary!
What heavy burden is now weighing on my mind. 」.
He grumbled as his face continued to pale.
Come to think of it, he did take on this role at all times.
I can understand how you feel, but let's just say we just didn't hear it.
There's still a lot to do in the future.
Thus, ignoring the lamentation of Fuse, a tripartite alliance of the sacred kingdom of Ruberius, the Western church, and the Monster Country Tempest had formed.