Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 128

Hinata and Ruminas were in chairs awaiting our arrival.

From the looks on their faces, something must have happened.

Well, I guess it's a good thing they don't know I've been just playing around the whole time. It certainly wouldn't go over well if they knew.

ŒFuze-kun, come on in

I said, having Fuze join us in the reception room we prepared.

Without me needing to say anything, Shuna had already prepared tea.

She really is a well-disciplined Ohime-sama. Completely different from a certain regrettable secretary, but that secretary does get serious when training the subordinates and the guards.

But considering that I've been slacking off lately, I have no right to complain.

No, actually, I haven't been playing around! I was studying!

Can't be getting this distinction wrong myself; or else someone will find out.

Alongside Fuse, I sat on the sofa whilst facing Ruminas and Hinata.

A cushion made with material of the highest quality gently caught my body.

ŒHey Hinata, it's been a long time. Ruminas-san, nice to meet you... no, we have met before. It's been a while.

This is Fuse-kun. He's the Freedom Association Branch head in Burmund.

I introduced Fuse to the two ladies.

ŒN-nice to meet you! I, within the Burmund Kingdom, work as the head of its Freedom Association branch.

To be able to meet Hinata-sama today, the highest tactician of the Western Church, I am truly honored.

And to this beautiful lady, it's the first time we've ever met, but you must be someone of illustrious prestige.

I am uneducated in these matters so please forgive my ignorance!

Greatly nervous he greeted them.

Completely ignoring him, however,

ŒRimuru, was it? ˜Tis been a while, since Walpurgis that is. Glad to see you healthy. But, that man must not remain here. Freedom Association is the enemy. Or have you not noticed?

The identity of he who manipulated Hinata.

Knowing this fully well, why do you still associate yourself with someone from the Freedom Association?

(Translator's/Editor's note: the word Ruminas uses to address Rimuru is 貴様 kisama which in modern time is an insult, commonly translated as "bastard." Centuries ago, however, it was used to address a person politely, and this translation Clown feels fits better with Ruminas' mannerism)

One of the primary Demon Lords"Ruminas asked with an accusatory tone.

She is a cute young girl silver hair, and heterochromatic eyes giving off a gold and silver shine.

Why is one of the Octogram here?

It's also strange that she's by Hinata's side; the worst thing I could do here though is act hostile and make her an enemy.

Besides, forging an alliance with the Western Saint's Church will probably allow Tempest to fully integrate into human society.

And that's something I earnestly want to achieve. Hinata and Ruminas's relation is yet uncertain, but perhaps its best to speak openly rather than keep secrets.

But considering that Ruminas probably knows everything Hinata knows, perhaps it's better to keep certain things hidden.

But first, let's get them to trust Fuse.

Right when I needed it, Shuna entered the room with the tea prepared.

Shuna handed out the tea, and left the room after taking a bow.

I glanced to the side and confirmed,

ŒHmph. Now then, doubling as an introduction to Fuse-kun earlier, I would like you to have a look at the report

After saying so, I beckoned Fuse.

With that alone, the endlessly anxious Fuse seems to have caught on.

ŒUnderstood. Apparently, it would seem that I am under suspicion. So as to clear myself from that suspicion...

Saying such, he begin explaining the current internal situations of the Freedom Association.

Fuse's report was simple and concise.

Yuuki has taken over 90% of the Ingrasia Headquarters.

The female Submaster Kagari is also under his direct command.

In addition, High ranking adventurers with abilities on par with Branch heads has also sided with Yuuki.

And thus, with the Organisation currently so, it would prove difficult to denounce Yuuki. However, it would appear that those outside the headquarters are not affected.

Since it seems that his brainwashing and thought manipulation isn't omnipotent”something we can be happy about.

Better yet, the citizens do not appear to be under his influence.

The only thing they have been convinced of is that monsters are the cause of most calamities and are the enemy.

If it's to this degree, and considering my current progress, building a relation of mutual trust not impossible.

I mean, think of the satellite city built around the labyrinth”there orcs, goblins, monsters, and adventurers are able to sit in a pub and share a meal.

We're certainly making progress towards building trust between us; I have proven that it is possible for humans and monsters to understand each other.

ŒHowever, any further investigation is impossible. The person who went to investigate the Submaster Kagari alone, had his memories erased.

He was crippled and wandered the town as if protecting it. He even forgot his own name.

There's no proof that Kagari did it, but considering the situation it's pretty obvious.

Besides, she probably knows that we've been investigating her; I have no excuses, I have failed there

It seems anything outside of this is out of his hands.

However this is enough.

If that's the case, then that would make saving the children a problem.

If I make a move, there would be the problem of it being pinned as a kidnapping by the demon lord. However if I ask Masayuki then there's probably no problem. Fortunately, there's a convenient reason to every one of his actions, making him suitable.

Since it's absolutely impossible for Yuuki to control him, there's no need to be reserved.

After rescuing the children, I'll immediately dissipate the effects of any mind control. But I can't have them think that I've been playing around here the whole time, so I should make it look like I've done a lot.

However, about the erased memories. It's troublesome... but if it's me, then I might be able to restore it.

ŒFuse, I'll try to heal those who had their memories wiped.

If their soul and their brain is intact, I might be able to somehow.

ŒWhat? Is that true? Please, do it somehow!

In response to my offer, Fuse looked at me with expectant eyes.

They have been acting by my order so they are essentially my subordinates. If there's a way to cure them I have an obligation to do it.

He had a happy look on his face and readily accepted the proposition.

But to think he trusts me so much to accept a deal with a demon lord! Makes me kind of happy.

And so, overlooking our exchange,

ŒRimuru, do you really think that you can coexist with humans?

Human are creatures whose thoughts cannot be read simply though their words.

˜Tis it not better for them to be controlled by us?

Ruminas gives me a cold look.

That girl seems to have thought over this, however her opinions conflict with my own.

Considering all the risks, it's certainly an option, but.

Œ"Oi oi, young lady. In spite of your beautiful face, you say some terrible things

Control humans, who do you you are?

Even if you are a noble, isn't it bad to look down on ordinary people?

Fuse got angry and snapped at Ruminas.

Oh right, I still haven't introduced her to Fuse. Well, I guess his ignorance led him to step on a landmine.

ŒNow now, Fuse Kun, Calm down.

This person is Ruminas.

One of the Octogram Demon Lords.

This is my second time meeting her, and the first time we've spoken to each other.

First thing first, lets leave behind all truculent behavior and have a constructive talk.

And, this is Hinata.

But you should know more about her than I. She's the Knight Leader of the Western church.

I've briefly introduced the two.

Ruminas and Hinata, after listening to Fuse's report as per my request, had judged that he was no friend of Yuuki's.

However, putting Hinata aside, Ruminas didn't seem trust in humans in general rather than Fuse himself.

ŒEh, what? Demon Lord? Who?

Looking back and forth between Ruminas and I, Fuse was in a state of confusion.

Remembering his earlier belligerent remarks, his face instantly paled.

I feel slightly sorry for him, and responded.

ŒRuminas, this man is my companion.

Firstly I want to establish some trust.

I don't agree with your opinion on humans, and please don't force it onto me.

If you do, you will be judged an enemy.

ŒWhat was that? Are you trying to lecture us despite being a newcomer?

If you seek a war then shall get it.

Ruminas stood up, and took up a stance with both hands.

I had planned to diffuse the situation but now I feel like taking this outside.

How should I put this, contrary to her appearance, she's rather short-fused. Times like this constantly remind me that all demon lords are selfish and whimsical.

But I'd rather not fight in this room, though...

ŒStop this Ruminas, didn't we came here for an alliance?

Why are you adding to our enemies?

Hinata coaxed Ruminas with a hint of irritation.

ŒHmph

As if she was never serious to begin with, Ruminas's anger dissipated.

And she sat back in her chair,

ŒTrue, we do not wish to increase our enemies.

Our aim for coming today, is to propose an alliance between Tempest, Holy Empire of Ruberius, and Western Saint's Church.

She declared with a thin smile on her lips.

Clearly she was trying to gauge my reaction.

It's hard to imagine that she was a demon lord with a bad personality from her appearance.

Putting that aside, we have introduced ourselves once more, and began examining the details of the alliance.

.........

......

...

That means, Ruminas was the ruler of the Holy Empire Ruberius?

The conversation continued after we calmed down, but was a revelation!

It seems this was too much of a surprise for Fuse, and he looked as if his soul had flown out of his mouth.

(TN Note:...I hope most of you seen enough anime to know what that means. If you haven't I recommend those from the slice of life genre.)

Well, that's to be expected.

The Holy Empire Ruberius where the sacred ones reside, where the Pope of the Western Church lives.

Who would have imagined that it was all under control of a demon lord!

In that case, who is the pope?