★104
ASTERI'S POV
A week after Walpurgis I visited Tempest along with Shinn and Elfaria. I took Elfaria just for fun.
We appeared at the gateway surprisingly to find Rimuru was there, talking with his companions.
"Good, you've saved us the trouble of looking for you."
"S—sensei."
He turned, not expecting my arrival. The demon, Noir materialises next to him.
"Noir"
Shinn addressed it.
"I'm afraid that's an old name, for my Lord has provided me with a new name."
He said, bowing slightly.
'Ah, I'm getting Scarlet's vibe from this guy.'
"You named a Primordial? Does Red know about this?"
I asked. I've never been careless to do such a thing.
"Probably, who knows. Is there a problem?"
He asked, shrugging, unaware of the dangers.
"Not much."
I dismissed, not ready to tell him some boring Guy's role as a mediator.
"So, what's your new name?"
"Diablo."
"Not that I care."
I waved him off, turning to my pupil.
"Rimuru, we need to discuss something. Mind getting us a place?"
Not wanting to keep a lady waiting, Rimuru took us to a building where I suppose he held meetings. It wasn't fancy like mine but conformable on it's own.
We sat down and Shuna provided us with something to drink. Shion and Diablo stood by his side. We didn't complain though, because now we're equal in terms of numbers.
"What is it, sensei?"
"Sorry for the late introductions, this is Elfaria, the Queen of the Land."
"Your girlfriend?"
He popped up out of nowhere. I shook my head not wanting to reject it but I had to, because Hinata and Towa are the only ones for me. Now.
"She's not the one. However, she offered me something I could not find to repay her with. The island."
"Oh—then don't keep her waiting and find something else."
"I was thinking, why not go into a relationship with my island? Be the second."
"I knew you'd ask for something like this one day. By the way, who's the first? After knowing you're an evil demon lord, I doubt any sane man or monster will form a contract with you. Guy or Milim?"
"Neither. It's the Kingdom of Raja. A multi-race Kingdom ruled by a human. Long story short, Shinn and Eto saved her kingdom from demons some time ago."
"Oh, I see? And they still accepted you knowing you're a demon lord?"
"Nah, that happened when I was yet to climb the podium."
"I see. What relationship are you in with Raja?"
"Um—let's see—"
"Trade agreement, protectorate & non-aggression pact are the two on the ground. We're working on—"
Shinn, who took on explaining paused, his gaze on Elafria as if asking for her permission. She nodded and he continued.
"As I was saying, we're secretly working on forming an embassy between ourselves. A suggestion from the Queen of the Land which I think it's a great idea in creating further relationships such as cultural, social, alliance and educational as well as tourism agreements.
This will further increase our bonds and with time, we'll have a child who's from both nations. The latter came directly from her mouth."
He explained before shutting up. Rimuru as well as Asteri were surprised after hearing this.
"You're really working this much behind my back. With this much, you guys might overthrow me."
I sighed, not expecting them to be progressing this much behind my back.
But for some reason, it feels comfortable knowing someone's out there doing something without my help.
"T—that's really great. I was going to approve of it anyway"
"But, Great Rimuru, what type of relationship are you willing to get into with us?"
"Great?"
I repeated, glancing over to Elfaria as she posed her question.
"Well, umm—"
"First of all, on our end, we want a non-aggression pact and trade agreement. Well, hold onto this for now."
Shinn presented.
"Those two are a must, you know, so no worries."
"Why not add the protectorate pact, Shinn?"
"That won't be necessary as he's a Demon Lord now. It'll make him look weak if we establish that."
"Basically, yes."
"So, Great Rimuru, what are you saying?"
Shion asked.
"I don't want to make hasty decisions, can you give me a little time?"
"No problem."
"Thank you. In the meantime, I'll accept your three treaties and I'll add a mutual defence agreement. How about that?"
"Fine with us."
Shinn summoned a briefcase and removed the contracts for each agreement.
Rimuru and Asteri both signed in their respective spaces and the treaty was formed.
Since both are of the same gender (ironically:) the two shook hands.
"For starters, I'd like to create a portal that links Tempest to Star Island. I've been constructing bridges but you guys are way deep into the land as we are on the sea. I suggest the portal should be in a safe location though."
"I know a place. Follow me."
Rimuru took us to his ideal location and Shinn created the gates. He practiced it by testing and explained how it works. A bracelet was given to Rimuru just like Towa's.
"Tomorrow in the afternoon at the very least, Annie along with a few merchants will visit Tempest."
"Shinn, you'll accompany them."
"Done, my lord."
"We don't have much right now—"
"Don't worry, we have a lot to offer, see you later then."
Elafria bowed and went for the portal after Shinn.
"I'm looking forward to working with you, Rimuru."
I extended my arm.
"Me too, sensei."
Rimuru did the same and they shook hands.
"Drop the sensei please. We're equal now."
"That doesn't change the fact that you have taught me a lot."
He smiles broadly showing his true nature, the slime he was not the Demon Lord he is now.
"Can you switch to your slime form?"
"Sure."
He jumped, his body moulding into a squashy round slime ball.
"What now."
With my unmatched speed, I tore off a bit of his slimy form.
"Ouch, what was that for?"
He'll regenerate in no time so I didn't either.
"I'll be in touch."
I waved before exiting through the portal. Leaving him without an answer.
To be continued...