★1o6
ASTERI'S POV
I arrived at the building after locating Rimuru's signature and walked over.
"I'm sorry, sir. Lord Rimuru is in a meeting with someone."
The guard blocked the way, spouting nonsense. This was the first time I'd been stopped like this. If it weren't for Rimuru, I'd burn his soul out.
"Which someone?"
"A—a ruler of another nation. Apologies, I don't know his name."
"How long has he been there?"
"A while. The duration doesn't matter. Sometimes he comes out too early or too late. The time is unknown."
"Well, I'm more important than whoever is in there."
I pushed him aside and was about to open the door when it opened on its own. Behold—Rimuru.
"S-sensei? What are you doing here?"
"Something private. Can we talk?"
"Look, I um—"
"It won't take long."
I said, entering the room. Surprisingly, I didn't see anyone. No one left on my watch either.
Unbothered, I took a seat. Now he couldn't leave.
"You need to tell that person who I am. I spared his life thanks to you. Not to mention, he lied to me."
"N-no. That's the exit door for guests."
He pointed at the second door on the other side.
"He didn't lie."
"Whatever. Take a seat, will you?"
He sighed, frustrated, but he obeyed.
"So what is it, Sensei?"
"You've grown remarkably fine, Rimuru."
"W-what?"
"Jeez, that didn't come out right. I meant you've developed—both as a person and as a nation."
"What can I say? Part of me was inspired by you."
"You took my formula and rewrote it with yours. What a masterpiece."
"I can't really see much of a difference between us."
"You're kidding. Years of hard work built this nation. It took me three seconds to bring that palace into existence—schools, buildings, all of it. Multi-species, identical to mine. Yet I feel kind of inferior despite creating a peaceful haven for them."
"W-well—"
"You merged different cultures and traditions and, boom, it worked. You treat your people as family and friends. I've been onto that since day one, but they don't listen.
They keep addressing me with 'My Lord', 'Your Highness', 'Great One', and so on. I'm not happy about that, but I can't force them to change. They treat me the way they see me, not knowing I'm two different people on the outside and the inside."
"Maybe they're calling you that as a joke. You won't know what they're thinking."
"A joke, huh? Perhaps it is."
I began to reprocess our previous conversation before snapping back to the topic at hand.
"Then came your nation's magnetic pull. You make peace with others rather easily, even after becoming a Demon Lord. Yet when my name is spoken, it represents pure dread.
I did want to spread my name, and the Demon Lord Council did a wonderful job. Yet you're different. Demon Lords are supposed to be feared, yet you're loved. I want to change—that's one of the reasons I quit the council. Maybe if I'm not a Demon Lord, I may bring some change."
"I get where you're coming from, but I truly doubt that. No offence, but the Bloody Alley spoiled your image."
"If the Lord of Wisdom says so, then I guess I have no hope."
(He's not talking about Raphael.)
"T-that's not what I meant."
"You created a place where anyone can call home. I created a controlled sanctuary for the saved. It's noble, but where's the freedom?"
"I—"
"Where people once saw a threat, they now see an opportunity. I kept thinking we were lacking in numbers because of Tempest."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. These are just major differences between us. I did unlock envy thanks to you, but there are no bad intentions behind it. You've surpassed me, Rimuru. I think it's time I become the student."
"You think so?"
"I know so. But that's beside the point. My therapist told me not to try to become something I'm not. That's true, and I personally agree—but there are things I need to change, don't you think?"
"Of course. I've been analysing that for a moment. Did someone slap you?"
"What? Is it still red?" I asked, a mirror materialising so I could check.
"Yes."
"It's a long story, but my lover slapped me. It's my fault, and I can deal with that. So what do you say, Rimuru?"
"About you being my student?"
"No. I already told you—I won't try to be something I'm not. I just need advice, or help. If you want to hear me beg, there you have it. How can I open up to the people around me?"
"What do you mostly do during your free time?"
"I don't know. I just sit on my throne until something comes up."
"And you don't see the problem?"
"Where? I told you what I do and it turned out to be the problem?"
"No. You being holed up is the problem. Try roaming around the island, interacting with people. Buying their goods, giving presents, playing with the kids—there's so much to do."
"You got that?"
"Of course I did." Shinn answered, taking notes.
"You don't need notes. Look, I know it's hard for you since you're not human, but after years of observing how your people move around, didn't you pick up one or two things from them?"
"That would be stalking, and I might stumble into private matters."
"That's how humans think. You're learning without even knowing it."
Suddenly, Shuna entered the room and bowed.
"Pardon my intrusion, but Great Rimuru, the King and Queen of the Farmenas Kingdom are ready."
"Thank you, Shuna. I'm on my way." She bowed and left.
"See? Like that. I never once told her anything about bowing. It's just manners, I guess."
He stood up, straightening his suit.
"You stole the only break I have today. If I die before the festival, it's on you."
"Don't worry, you won't."
"Remember, it's five days from today. I don't want to see you coming alone."
"I won't. I may end up bringing everyone. I trust you have enough space?"
"More than you can imagine."
"Well then, be expecting citizens from Star Island."
Just then, a quick reminder flashed through my mind.
"Oops, I almost forgot. Hey, say hello to your biological mother—or father. I don't know." I instructed, and the translucent slime hidden on my shoulder slowly peeked out—shy, hesitant, almost trembling.
A soft starlight glow pulsed from its body, washing the air in a pale shimmer. Its tiny, round form lifted towards Rimuru with a gentle, innocent expression—
A cute little smile, almost identical to his own.
"Looks like Lady Athena is being a bad teacher."
As usual, she pulled my hair as punishment.
"You created a slime from my body. Wait—does this mean—does this mean this is our—"
He paused, flustered.
"I'll leave that to your imagination. I'll see you later, Rimuru."
I waved before teleporting back to the island.
"Now to deal with Hinata."
Easier said than done.
To be continued...