
This was one difference between them and the paladins. The last one enjoyed
unlimited access to foreign countries, but they
it was forbidden to give orders to the Temple Knights. The organization is two entities
that was different, although some of the Temple Knights later moved on to become paladins.
It was up to Hinata to take advantage of the plus and minus of both groups,
put them where they will be most helpful.
Saare's turn arrives at the very end.
“Listen to all these reports,” he said, “I think I'm starting to see what
Hinata try to find out. My turn is next, and I suspect my report should be
be decisive, yes?”
“Betul. I gave that job to you because that's the most important thing.
I'd appreciate it if you did.”
“Ah-he. Latest news from Farmus... King Edmaris has abdicated, and
on the surface, it seems that the transfer of power has taken place peacefully. But Edward, though,
the new king, was busy gathering an army of talented mercenaries, and
in response, the nobility also began to panic. To me it looks like
signs of civil war looming. ”
Despite reports that Rimuru's rise made headlines in the West, Blumund's trade with Tempest gave the
the whole country is to interfere. In the meantime, things couldn't be more chaotic
by Farmus. The nobles worked in a hundred different directions, many of them
who seek to shore up their military might in haste.
Some even made a breakthrough with the Western Holy Church and the elders who
presiding Board. It won't be long before the sword comes out. Impact on
society is already very large — prices go up, distribution is lagging. Lost two
tens of thousands of soldiers even led to government-mandated conscription.
Amateur soldiers would not help much in battle, but Farmus
so cornered that they had no other choice.
Everything points in the same direction: civil war. A small kingdom around him
there is no consensus on how to respond to this, but they
all were wary of Farmus, smelling tension in the air and strengthening their borders to ensure they were not involved. They're all
expect that fateful day to come soon.
“...That, of course, is not enough information to make a conclusion
about whether demon lord Rimuru is involved with this.”
“True. So?”
“So, I recorded everyone King Edward contacted. The Council leaders
the important thing; Free Guild Management; Some merchants from the East; even warriors
ourselves. She's busy.”
“Is he trying to shore up his army?”
“Bingo. That's exactly what, Hinata.”
“Yes, it's done, then. The new king was not interested in paying war damages
anything. No demon lord would let a slap in the face not
unrivaled, and I doubt Rimuru was stupid enough not to expect that
from her. ”
“Hmm. So, do you think this is all part of the new demon lord plan
we?”
“Ya.” Hinata nodded.
It's almost funny how all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Based on what
what we can conclude from this, everything seems to lead to some sort of
the conclusion that was determined... Someone must have pulled the rope from the shadows.
The more he heard, the more convinced he became. Who'sis that? Maybe there's just
one answer — Clayman, a con man who wanders around the West Nation during
all these years, it has gone, and the only one who can even begin to imitate it
rimuru is a new member of the cast.
I don't like this. You can't let your guard down around him.
He asked, Looking back, when he calmly reevaluated Rimuru, this
it was all because of him who trusted those Eastern merchants from the beginning.
They've been building a relationship of trust for a few years, and he
I really liked the lines given to him. It was a fatal mistake, and
he regretted it — and the worst part was the bulk of his intelligence
given the trader is accurate. Only when the topic turns to Rimuru will it be
the truth is starting to change a little. This little lie is impossible
it is confirmed independently, and Hinata lets him be fooled by her
them. If he trusted Rimuru, when the two of them were in the same location,
maybe things will evolve differently. But, he reasoned, he did not
I can think of the past.
Then he noticed something about Saare's report that made him
be interested.
“Saare, you said Edward also contacted the merchant? What they say
on her?”
“Mm? Why do you care about the merchants? Demon lord painted a picture for
we're in love, and that's it, right? I think what we need to talk about is
direction of our future. What steps should we take now?”
“We do need that, but I still want to know. Tell me.”
“Pfft. I think money is the only thing those traders talk about. ”
“Not so. They just have an instinctive habit to divert
talk in any direction that will make them money. One of
of them using me as well, so you all have to keep an eye on yourself
by oneself. So what did you learn from them?”
“Hahs. That's pretty impressive, if they manage to use a woman
who always counts like you. Hm... I can't think of anything
especially what they say. Oh, hold on a second... There is a commercial zone in the area
that's what you cover, isn't it, Glenda? Merchants from the East and West mingled there. Is
you hear anything interesting?”
Saare may not like Hinata very much, but she is still loyal to her mission. Him
know and acknowledge his talent — leadership that helped him create
Crusaders from a bunch of junk knights. He mercilessly fought monsters He put everything along the line to keep people safe.
Somewhere in his heart, he appreciated it. That's why he followed
all Hinata orders to the letter, never hiding anything she
learn from. He might have some ideas on how to seize
his position returned from the woman, but he had no intention of dragging her down. Him
believe in meritocracy, and for better or worse, he is earnest in everything he does. Hinata knows that too.
Glenda, meanwhile...
“Well, as far as I know, nothing suspicious happened.”
...no problem telling shameless lies. As one
mercenary, he is quite experienced in exploring the underworld, he,
experiencing countless mortal dangers. Something about tension in
the air smells like good money to him. Faith is one thing; it produces
profit is another thing. That's how Glenda works, and while people see her as a devout Luminist, it's not the truth that's
actually was. What Glenda really wanted was the power she possessed
Glenda needs everything. His current position gives him open access, and
he never wanted to lose her.
This was why he hid many things from Hinata, including meetings
with traders from the East in the Saare commercial zone. He also made a breakthrough
secrets with one of the Council's elders. He paid them money, and as
instead, they would spread false rumors for him. Not now, not now,
but when the time is right for him.
For now, he was unable to ask Hinata to question her motives. Hinata
cold, unforgiving, and merciless toward his enemies. She didn't
never allow himself to be open to attack at any time. But in the moment
the same, he is open-minded, almost soft on his allies — or, more
actually, Luminis. To him, fellow followers in his chosen faith are like family.
That was very clear to Glenda. That tenderness made Hinata forgive the way she spoke
Saare; the gentleness made him fail to notice those who
trying to betray him. Then immediately, Glenda thought, that gentleness will
it caused him to lose the position he had worked so hard for.
“However, if you are interested, I can check it more deeply, Captain.”“If so..? Thank ye. Don't let the merchant fool you, okay? Don't let your guard down.”
“Sure. I've got some connections, so I should be able to get some
detail.”
Glenda has a bad habit of making promises to Hinata without giving them
lots of real thinking. He didn't know his ready consent to let Hinata
read deep enough into his mind.
Taking a moment to carefully observe Glenda, Hinata
breathe out to himself.
He must really think I'm that stupid. Maybe he's under a false impression
that I'm gentle with my people?
If that's true, he thought, then it's very unfortunate.
Glenda has one thing wrong — Hinata is not a person who thinks her friends are important. He considers them pawns to play for the sake of Luminus,
and that's why he treated them so precious. They
all of them belonged to Luminus, and he was not allowed to waste them.
The Crusader he raised to serve because of his arms and legs
had absolute confidence in him; they were basically private militias
Hinata, and she believed in that belief. The Imperial Guard Knights, on the other hand, were,
often engaged in unbearable selfish activities. He let her
glide only because they also believe in Luminus.
Saare is the epitome of it, commenting on Hinata and trying to
rebelling as much as possible. But neither he nor Saare knew this was just
a front. He whines, but he always follows —'s orders, in one
hal, make it easy to handle. Plus the fact that Saare doesn't know who
Luminal. Not just him either. No one but Hinata realized that
the god Luminus was a real person.
...I almost feel bad for them. They just don't have any ideas, same
like I didn't either...Glenda has real ambitions. He has the looks, the talent and the confidence
which abounds. He must really believe he has what it takes
to bring me down, thought Hinata. He might even try licking Louis, though,
Holy Emperor, for that reason. He didn't know he was a vampire, so it was only natural
if he tried buttering her to push Hinata away.
Well, he's free to do what he wants...
But if he intended to betray, it was another matter.
Hinata never voiced complaints about what the divisions were doing
which he did — as long as they never quarreled his way or
Luminal. But with the suspected traitor in their midst, behavior
Glenda is in trouble. Hinata has no intention of holding current cleaning —
because of what he knows, someone might take advantage of it — but
he must be vigilant.
...I started to see a breakdown in discipline. Maybe it's time to give
they teach and reorganize.
The thought suppressed Hinata. But there is a more pressing issue. She as
mentally change gears and talk.
“Good. Everyone has given their report. I believe that all
people understand the current situation now.”
“Ya,” says his assistant, Renard. “The Resurrection Storm Dragon has had an impact
less than expected, the only casualty so far was the Farmus military
was deployed. However, because this is likely the cover story that was spread
by Rimuru, the actual number can be zero. ”
“If that is so,” added Saare, “I want to hear from the Archbishop
Reyhiem, the survivor. We know Veldora's back, and I'm very curious about
what happened on the battlefield.”
“I think so too. I called him. He should be here soon.”.
Hinata had contacted Cardinal Nicolaus, directing him to bring
Reyhiem. He was there for the defeat and probably saw Rimuru
with his own eyes. Moreover, given the few days worth of clear time between the appearance of Veldora and the defeat of Farmus, the rumors circulating in the neighboring country about Veldora destroying all those powers were very unlikely
in all probability. As a survivor, Reyhiem's testimony should have been very useful.
He was supposed to arrive this morning but it didn't seem to be on schedule.
“I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to hear what he said.”
“Maybe she knows something about Veldora too.”
“There were rumors about demon lord Rimuru negotiating with Veldora and
calming his anger,” Arnaud added, “But I'm also not sure what
what to do with it. He's revived, yes, and so far he's been
lying, yeah. With that in mind, it makes sense. ”
Everyone nodded at this. Secretly, they all concluded that
The Storm Dragon and the demon lord were involved with each other. Hinata is not
looking at the reason for hiding what Luminous had already said to her.
“...Yes. Thas right. I can tell you now that in between
the revelation I received from our master Luminus, there was one about how Rimuru
controlling the Storm Dragon. As a result,” He said, “we can not put
hands on the current demon lord Rimuru. Please remember that. ”
“M-you mean..?”
Hinata stands. “I'll be frank,” he said with the most voice
commanding. “In this case, we have to stay undercover. None of the transactions
we with this demon lord should be revealed to the public.”
This, in essence, was an order for everyone to release their hands from
Rimuru's. It surprised them all.
“What?! You want us to just ignore the charade he finished in
Farmus?!”
“Demon lord can not be touched as a rule, yes, but only in the public eye, if
you recall. They were no match for the Ten Great Saints!”
Saare's right. Humanity was not entirely helpless against the S-class threat of the demon lords. They have built enough strength to