(Attendances… plz…)
….
The trio was, to put it mildly, shocked. They stared at the small, naked figure with Shizue's face, their minds struggling to comprehend the impossible scene. But even more shocking was the realization of how this had happened.
Rimuru, now wearing a shirt that was far too large for his small, childlike body, sat on the edge of the bed where Shizue had been just moments before. He had already explained what had happened, talked with her, and that Shizue had asked him to devour her.
Of course, he didn't really go into full detail to explain everything they talked about, like Shizue telling him about her students and asking him to help them if possible and all that.
There was no need to include that part since it wasn't relevant to this conversation in anyway.
But everything else he told them was the truth, and there was no way to go around it at all.
"So you… ate her?" Ellen asked, her voice a mixture of horror and disbelief. "Just like you did with Ifrit?"
"Yes,"Rimuru said, his voice somber. "It was the only burial I could give her. It was her final wish. I'm sorry that I didn't consult you all first. You were her party members."
"There wasn't anything to discuss," Kaval said, his voice rough with emotion. "Shizue made her choice. It's alright."
"Yes," Ellen agreed, wiping a tear from her eye.
"But we do have to explain all of this to the Guild Master," Gido added, the practical one as always.
Rimuru hesitated. He didn't know anything about this Guild Master, and the idea of a powerful human organization learning about a monster that could "eat" people was terrifying.
"Will that be alright?" he asked, his concern genuine. He didn't want the guild to see him as a threat, to send adventurers after him or his village at all.
"There's no need to worry," Kaval assured him. "We only have good things to say about you. And you helped us with our investigation too."
"Yes," Ellen added. "You helped us way more than you can imagine."
"The guild doesn't really care what happens in the forest, as long as it isn't a threat to Kingdom of Blumund or something else," Reinhard said, his voice calm and reassuring. "You don't have to worry."
Rimuru let out a mental sigh of relief. "That's a good thing, I guess. I really don't want any problems."
"Don't worry," Kaval said. "We'll put in a good word for you."
"Thanks. I'm counting on you guys."
In Rimuru's mind, it was the best possible thing he could have done, forming a good relationship with the adventurers. Not to mention, it was thanks to them that he got to meet Shizue and everything that followed.
…
They were supposed to part ways then, but as the trio prepared to depart for Blumund, Reinhard announced that he wasn't going with them.
After a brief, confusing discussion, they agreed to go on without him, promising to come back after they delivered their report. Rimuru suggested they take goblin riders to make their journey faster and safer, an offer they gratefully accepted.
"Rimuru… take care of Reinhard until we get back!" Ellen called out over her shoulder as they left, waving goodbye to both Rimuru and Reinhard.
Rimuru didn't know what to make of that or even think.
They want me to take care of him? The guy who is way stronger and more dangerous than I am? Thank you but your worries aren't needed in this.
After they were gone, he turned to Reinhard. "So, what are you going to do?"
"I have to investigate something else in the forest," Reinhard replied. "To see if everything is normal."
"But isn't it? You all searched for a week and a half and found nothing."
"We didn't go that deep," Reinhard said. "I'm going to go much deeper, possibly to the other side of the forest, to make sure it's safe."
"What?! But that could take weeks, or even longer!" Rimuru exclaimed. "So you won't be staying in the village?"
Reinhard smiled. "Yup. I'll probably be outside for a while. And you don't have to worry about the travel. Even though I might not look it… I'm very fast."
Sorry, Reinhard, Rimuru thought. I've learned my lesson about you. I will never judge you by your looks again. I believe you.
"Do you need any help?" Rimuru offered. "I could send some goblin riders with you. Or I could come with you."
Reinhard shook his head. "I'm grateful for all your help, but you don't have to go that far. I'll be fine on my own."
Hmm… somehow, I don't doubt that at all, Rimuru thought.
And with that, Reinhard left, disappearing into the forest without another word. He didn't rest. He just went straight back to his mission.
His knowledge of this world was limited, but he knew enough. He knew there was an impending doom, a tragedy about to befall the Ogre village.
And he was just hoping he wouldn't be too late to stop it.
…
Reinhard moved through the forest at an incredible speed, a silent blur leaping from tree to tree. He wasn't going at his absolute top speed, but he was still covering ground at a pace that would have been impossible for anyone else.
As he passed through a particularly dark and twisted section of the woods, he sensed a presence. A single individual, talking to themself, their voice a strange, high-pitched cackle.
"It won't be long now! Hahaha! It won't be long!"
Reinhard changed course, silently dropping to the ground a few feet away from the source of the voice.
He saw a small, strange figure in a cream-white magician's hat and coat. A mask with two round lenses and a duck-like mouth covered its face, and pointed, pale purple ears stuck out from the sides. It was holding a cane with a golden handle.
The moment Reinhard landed, the figure spun around, its strange mask fixed on him.
"Huh? A human?!" it squeaked, its voice filled with surprise and suspicion. "How did you get here? No, a bigger question: how did you even get behind me without me sensing you?! Who are you?!"
….
A/N: So, How was it?! Hmmm hmmmm
Someone luck is pretty bad guys. Like real bad.
Next two chapters are already on my discord.
Melatonin, spawn and many more on my discord … thanks for beta reading this fic and not to mention suggestions too.
Hoped you all liked the chapter and all.
And if you want to read ahead you can do it by just joining my discord server.
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