The marble courtyard of Tempest gleamed under the afternoon sun. Its vast stone tiles carried the footsteps of merchants, knights and citizens alike, yet now all sound seemed to hush as Rimuru walked between his two unexpected guests. His ceremonial king's robe trailed behind him, trimmed with dragonic patterns that glowed faintly like molten gold.
Wherever Rimuru passed, the people stopped to bow. Some clasped their hands reverently, and others lowered their heads in silent respect. He returned each gesture with a gentle smile, his presence carrying the warmth of a sovereign who ruled not with fear but with trust.
Luminous Valentine's mismatched eyes glimmered faintly, one scarlet, one icy blue, studying every detail. "Fascinating," she murmured, her voice soft, almost teasing. "For one so young in reign, you are treated as though you've ruled for centuries."
Hinata's violet gaze swept over the crowd, colder, sharper, analytical. "Respect is one thing. Obedience another. A kingdom built on admiration may falter in war." Her tone was not cruel, but it struck like a rapier - direct, without room for misinterpretation.
Rimuru chuckled softly. "You both see different sides of the same coin. But... my people don't serve me because they wish to. That's what makes Tempest strong."
The words lingered between them, drawing two very different reactions: Luminous's faint smile of amusement, and Hinata's skeptical silence.
The Council Chamber
The three entered Tempest's grand council hall, its ceiling arching high with dragon-etched pillars. At the long obsidian table, Rimuru invited them to sit.
"Our world is changing," Rimuru began, his voice steady. "Nations rise, alliances fracture, and hidden threats stir. If Tempest, the Church, and the Vampire Dominion stood together-"
Hinata cut in sharply. "You speak of unity, but alliances are not forged with words. They are built with blood, sacrifice, and shared enemies. Tell me, Rimuru-would you risk your people for the sake of others?"
Luminous leaned back gracefully, folding her hands. "Ara, Hinata. Such harshness. I, for one, find his dream quite... charming." Her heterochromatic gaze locked on Rimuru. "But charming alone does not survive the battlefield. Show me, King of Monsters, how deep your conviction truly runs."
The tension hung heavy. Rimuru opened his mouth to answer-when the ground trembled.
The Sudden Trial
A guard burst into the chamber, breathless. "Your Majesty! A band of mercenaries has breached the southern gates! They demand tribute-or blood!"
Rimuru rose instantly, his robe fading in a shimmer of light, replaced by his Royal Dragon Armor-midnight steel adorned with dragon motifs, flexible yet formidable. At his side materialized a katana, its blade humming faintly with restrained power.
"Diplomacy can wait," Rimuru said calmly. "Time to prove conviction through action."
Hinata's hand gripped her Moonlight rapier, her eyes narrowing with soldier's precision. "I'll test whether your kingdom bleeds as easily as others."
Luminous's lips curved into a dangerous smile, black flame sparking at her fingertips. "How delightful. A battlefield speaks louder than words."
Together, they strode from the chamber.
The Clash at the Southern Gate
Smoke rose beyond the stone walls as mercenaries clad in scavenged armor roared their defiance. But their bravado faltered when they saw what awaited them-Rimuru at the center, armored like a dragon-emperor, Hinata beside him with her cold gleaming rapier, and Luminous hovering slightly above the earth, her aura radiant with vampire majesty.
The first strike came from Hinata, a silver arc of her blade piercing through three men before they blinked. Rimuru followed, his katana sweeping in fluid, devastating motions-each strike guided by Future Attack Prediction, cutting down threats before they could move.
Luminous's voice sang softly, her gothic dress flowing as she unleashed a torrent of black flame and silver light, engulfing entire ranks in silence.
The mercenaries lasted mere minutes. The battle was less a struggle and more a revelation-Tempest was not a kingdom to be trifled with.
Aftermath
The courtyard was quiet again, save for the crackle of dying fires. The citizens watched from the walls, their faith in Rimuru burning brighter than ever.
Back in the council hall, the air had shifted. Hinata sheathed her rapier, her sharp gaze softening just slightly. "You fought not like a king, but like a soldier who would bleed with his people. Perhaps... your words hold weight after all."
Luminous leaned closer to Rimuru, her crimson and blue eyes glittering with amusement. "Ara, how troublesome. I think I'm beginning to like you more than I should."
Rimuru exhaled, removing his gauntlets, a wry smile on his lips. "So... does that mean we can actually sit down and negotiate now?"
The two women shared a look-one skeptical, one amused-before both nodded.
For the first time that day, Rimuru felt the spark of something rare: the beginning of trust.