CH 2

Goddess of the Ever-night Kingdom

My name is Ruminas. 13

Ruminas Valentine.

Ruler of the old world—Vampire.

I was the one at the top of the food chain, Queen of Nightmare.

— However, politics are truly troublesome and upsetting to me. I needed only to pose as though I’m being thoughtful and nod in agreement.

That being the case, it would be sufficient to have subordinates deal with it in my stead. In more ancient times, I acquired Gunther—the king of an opposing force—under my reign. It was definitely the right choice. Gunther has freed me from my duty and built up a system of ruling. Even though he would complain at times, all of our accomplishments have been dependent on him. And for that alone, my kingdom prospers.

Yet even so, I still get shit from that fucking lizard (Veldora).

If I hadn’t met Chloe at the time, there would have been hell to pay. Just thinking about it makes me feel appreciation for Chloe beyond words. And of course for Hinata as well, who was within Chloe. I’ve treated them both as true friends from that point onward. While I may act as though there’s nothing wrong with the two of them, it’s not actually the case. I have some complaints regarding both of them. For instance, their description of events is unspecific, to say the least.

“Yeah, there’s about to be a huge earthquake—”

So I was warned. But then, it only came in decades’ time.

“There’s gonna be an epidemic, please be prepared for it—”

Even though that may be the case, we can only deal with the specifics of the plague after the outbreak begins.

And so, so many other, countless examples; Chloe’s testimonies are simply too vague. At first, I thought it was unclear due to her memories being blurry. But then I realized—Chloe was doing it on purpose. She has no intention to prevent any disaster from happening.

Chloe is a kind person. Yet why would someone as kind as Chloe not try to prevent crises while knowing all about them?

My suspicion solidified with every following unnatural result that occurred. Assessing the aftermath of each disaster revealed that the number of casualties was reduced—she disclosed bits of information to me while deliberately hiding key details.

So why would Chloe do such things?

She claims to know the future and I believe her when she says this. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t question any of her words that I now find myself disgruntled… It should be a friend’s duty, my duty, to be considerate of what she thinks. And that’s when I reached a conclusion.

Chloe doesn’t wish to change the future. To be more precise, it’s to ensure she walks the path she was familiar with and wanted to happen.

Wouldn’t it be better to at least share her real thoughts with me…

That’s what bothers me about her. Despite this, we shared a very close relationship. We’ve gotten to know each other heart to heart, having spent more than a thousand years together. And above all it was a real joy for me when she gave that goddamn Veldora a fierce thrashing. Sadly such wonderful days I lived with her suddenly came to an end.

“As a matter of fact, Ruminas, I—I may be disappearing soon.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it may be a little exaggerated to say I’m disappearing. It’s more like falling asleep. However, Hinata would still remain for a while, so you could say it’s a personality swap.”

“Personality swap…”

I was plunged into turmoil when Chloe broke the news to me out of the blue. This was another one of Chloe’s bad habits. She knows too much herself and always fails to explain things properly because of it.

Afterwards, I got to know the details from her.

I reached some level of understanding from her after I inquired into future events. It would seem by the time Chloe visits this world, due to the existence of multiple Chloes 14 , the consciousness of the current version would thus disappear. Thereupon Hinata’s personality would take her place.

That’s about how it works. That would be fine, but a problem arose thereafter.

“So, in another three hundred years, wouldn’t it be time for Hinata’s consciousness to disappear?”

“Hmm, it would probably be the case.”

“I understand. When that time comes, I shall personally seal you up with my power.”

Rather than being sentimental about Chloe’s disappearance, what followed had to be carefully considered. It would be fine as long as Hinata stuck around, but it seems she will disappear eventually as well. Should that come to pass, I question what would happen to the remaining Chloe.

According to her speculation, she will undoubtedly lose control. Within Chloe, there seems to dwell a “broken consciousness” (Chronoa) that knows the future. If that consciousness awakes, it will likely take over as the third personality and rain destruction upon the world.

That was truly a troublesome issue I got informed of.

But I will do what I can for my friend’s sake.

I suspected that some important elements had deliberately been tweaked or left out by Chloe and Hinata. I would still choose to trust them nonetheless.

***

This is a disaster!

This isn’t just some slight adjustment, things went completely different from what I was told. No, if it was altogether completely different I would have just given up on trusting the narrative. But everything had been the same up until Hinata’s arrival. But after that, after the appearance of the slime named Rimuru, things went completely off the rails.

“Rimuru-san is a magnificent individual as well as my benefactor. But a lot will happen and the situation would develop to the point where Hinata and Rimuru-san confront each other, so Ruminas, you must not intervene.”

Keeping my promise, I decided to observe for the time being. Yet the chaos had no end. The one who took the initiative was Hinata. Nonetheless I was reassured. From what I heard from Chloe, the battle at Ingracia Kingdom could be avoided.

But…how did this develop to the point that Rimuru is deliberating waging battle against Hinata?

—Due to the conspiracy in Farmus, the surrounding council states will reach the consensus to have Hinata lead an army and confront Tempest Federation. At that time, Hinata and Rimuru will be able to reach an agreement and achieve peace—

Or so I was told, but as soon as Rimuru and Hinata finished their battle, I was able to confirm that nothing I’d heard held any credibility. In that moment, I had a bad feeling about the future.

And that premonition became a reality.

—Rimuru became a demon lord—

Farmus Kingdom waged war on its own and was eliminated without survivors. It is rumored that they were devastated as a result of Veldora’s resurrection, but that is also questionable.

Moreover, the issue at hand was Rimuru who had become a demon lord. In the following Walpurgis Banquet we were to discuss what to do with the self-proclaimed demon lord, Rimuru. In light of this entire situation I felt it necessary to attend, deciding to participate in disguise as a maid.

Even though it wasn’t foretold to happen in the future, I didn’t try to get on Rimuru’s bad side. I would’ve been fine with that outcome, but it would be bad if I hurt Chloe’s heart in that way. If anything, I could even take him under my protection—I observed the development of the banquet with that in mind.

Rimuru turned out to be an unexpectedly impressive individual. He didn’t cower in front of all of the demon lords and was able to state his opinions righteously. On that basis, he deliberately provoked Clayman and led things in favor of his side, dominating the situation. It was an admirable display, but I was also concerned for him, since I wasn’t sure how things would develop.

By the end, Rimuru was officially recognized as a demon lord and became a part of the ‘Eight Star Demon Lords (Octagram)’.

Then that other guy exposed my identity so casually, ruining my plan of passing the name of ‘Demon Lord’ to Roy. Now I had to be crowned the title again in such a graceless manner.

This is giving me a headache, so I thought—But it really couldn’t be helped.

Every, single, problem was CAUSED BY THAT EVIL DRAGON!

My suffering continued well after the unrest at the Walpurgis Banquet concluded. That same fateful night, Roy, whom I entrusted the title of ‘Demon Lord’, was murdered. And without leaving me time to marvel, Hinata set out to make peace with Rimuru. I agreed it would be bad to antagonize Rimuru, so I decided to keep an eye on how things would develop…

Too dangerous.

Hinata stepped right into a trap and almost got killed. Had I not intervened, things would've seriously gone south. A group that had slipped to the back of my mind returned to the fore, it was the Seven Celestial Saints, who’s conspiracy had just been unveiled. The head of the group, Gran, instigated their betrayal.

Then—

It resulted in another layer of dissatisfaction in regard to Chloe. Hinata and Rimuru fought and, at last, reconciled as companions—at least according to Chloe, who neither explained why there was a second battle, nor did she ever mentioned Gran’s betrayal. Current events diverged significantly from the future Chloe foretold—or is that simply what she wishes me to think? Perhaps there was a reason for it…

It is beyond me to draw a conclusion from everything that’s been going on. I wouldn’t be able to see my friends Chloe and Hinata now anyway.

Regardless.

Rimuru's misunderstanding involving Hinata was resolved and I was able to set things right with him. I had some qualms about getting personally involved at the battlefield, but things seemed to have worked out fine.

By the way, I got to exact revenge on Veldora. The sight of Veldora crying brought me tremendous joy. He’s also different from before—not causing havoc everywhere he goes. I’m downright surprised seeing it, and even more so, learning that he’s actually listening to other people. Now that’s a shocker.

I’ve honestly begun to question my eyes seeing him follow Rimuru’s orders like a puppy. Could this be part of the future Chloe foresaw?

For every time I grumbled about Veldora, she unfailingly wore a look that expressed a desire to reveal something. It would seem that Hinata within Chloe held a bitter grudge towards him. In spite of this, she didn’t deem Veldora to be evil incarnate requiring extermination. And that austere Hinata with her strong sense of justice has probably forgiven Veldora by now.

Even so, they did give him a solid beat-down when sealing him, presumably allowing her to vent that anger. Either way, the current version of Veldora wasn’t that annoying after all, or so I thought.

***

Since history unfolded differently from the predictions, it allowed me to become acquainted with Rimuru. Though considering it in a different light, it was a stroke of luck. Not only are we both members of the ‘Eight Star Demon Lords (Octagram)’, we also got a chance to talk directly. I was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

Rimuru declared he would be hosting a feast celebrating the reconciliation, and before that he brought us to the bath house. A bathhouse—it’s where maids fill the tub with water and help me scrub my body, right? Metabolism is unnecessary for my body, so there’s no need to bathe. Still, I enjoy it as a symbol of luxury.

At least that was my impression, but what awaited me when we reached the bathhouse defied my expectations entirely. There was a spacious pool, large enough for dozens of people. In fact, there is even hot water pouring into the pool from polished stone tubs. I also saw tubs fashioned from aromatic wood and heated rooms where you could warm up in the hot air.

“Wh-what is this…”

“This, hot spring…? And there are sauna and everything. That man really does whatever comes to his mind…”

I was shocked by the unfamiliar facilities; Hinata, who came along, was surprised in a different sense. The variety of infrastructures all seemed familiar to her, explaining them to me as we bathed.

“I see. So Rimuru has recreated the facilities familiar to him in this world, right?”

“That is the case. I’m quite surprised by the facilities on the streets, but they are nothing compared to this. I wonder how much labor and funds were invested to build something this amazing.”

“At the end of the day, Rimuru is a newly risen demon lord. If he chooses to command all of his monsters, such feats are probably a piece of cake.”

“That may be the case…but I still can’t really accept it.”

Hinata seemed frustrated by it. That’s to be expected.

For the longest time, Hinata has fought vigorously in an effort to improve the standard of living for our people. Although the seeds of her hard work have started to sprout, it will take many more years before any of its fruits will be borne. On the other hand, these achievements are so casually displayed in Rimuru’s country. So it can’t be helped that Hinata was unable to enjoy it.

However.

This bathhouse was really nice. I have to admit that. After all, I got to savor Hinata’s beautiful nude.

It was a feast for my eyes—her body without a single piece of clothing on it. Her tight waist and alluring, curved hips drew me in. Her luscious pair of fruits proudly presented themselves, giving me the scenery of my life. A beauty worthy of being a piece of art, mesmerizing whoever even catches a glimpse. Her pale white skin, smooth as newly fallen snow, with a pinch of cherry red. It’s all thanks to Rimuru’s recreation of a hot spring bath, that I am now able to justifiably appreciate Hinata's dazzling form. If I get to spend joyful hours like this, I should build a bathhouse in my country as well—I made up my mind in secret.

“Ah, this is heaven.”

“Hmm, indeed.”

“I mean, you don’t have to be so alerted. Rimuru won’t do annoying things like spying on us.”

“So, there’s no need to enable ‘Magic Perception’ everywhere,” Hinata laughed at me.

That was close, that was close…

I was solely focused on appreciating her naked body, but instead that got mistaken for something else. “Hmm-ummm, yeah,” I responded, reluctantly deactivating ‘Magic Perception’.

***

After the bath, it was time for a feast.

Before my eyes lay dishes I’d never seen before. Also, a new challenge awaited me among them. There were two cylindrical sticks placed near my hands—the utensils known as “chopsticks”. I heard they were used in the east and the Eastern Empire, but it’s my first time seeing a pair. In other words, I’ve got no idea how to use them. Actually, I do know how they’re used, but I’m not confident in my ability to wield them properly.

Ruminas, who is perfect in whatever she does, is clueless when using chopsticks—I can’t let such rumors spread.

Moreover, Veldora is here as well. If I were to mess up in front of him, god knows what type of shenanigans he would pull on me. If he dares to pull a smirking “pu-hehe” at me, I’ll blow my lid and start a brawl. In order to prevent such an outburst, I’ll have to overcome the challenge at hand.

I was racking my brain for a solution while trying to maintain composure. And then—

“Well, let us raise our cups for the courageous battles fought by everyone here, cheers!”

Rimuru’s word set the feast in motion.

There were a variety of steamy, delicious-looking dishes, and a golden drink was poured into my crystal clear glass. I’m something of a gourmet myself, so at a glance, I could tell each dish possessed top-notch quality. In this type of circumstance, proper etiquette is of utmost importance.

My social awareness engaged and I reflexively lifted my glass.

Down it went.

Observe the others around me while taking a drink. That should give me time to come up with some great plan—I took a sip and thought it over.

“This is really tasty.”

Somehow that slipped out of my mouth, but it’s undoubtedly my honest opinion. The cooling sensation glided down my throat elegantly. It was a refreshing experience unknown to me, someone who possesses extensive knowledge about wines. The Holy Knights attending alongside me shared my surprise about this fine wine.

“ Huu, it’s cold. Could this be beer? ”

“ It’s alright I guess. It took me some effort to recreate it and it’s on-par with what I drank in Japan. It’s quite similar you know. ”

“ Is that so? This may be the first time I’m drinking this, but I don’t find it particularly tasty. Though compared to the beer in this world, I’d definitely drink this over that stuff. ”

Hinata expressed her thoughts to Rimuru.

This reminds me, It’s what she said back when Hinata, an underage student at the time, arrived in this world. I taught her how to drink when she claimed she’d never tried any alcohol.

How would a drunk Hinata lose her style? I was hoping to see that… But then she dropped the line “It doesn’t even taste that nice” and showed no signs of getting drunk. Rather than having a tough body, she probably just gained Poison Resistance.

“ You say that because you are not used to it. I also thought that beer wasn’t all that nice in the beginning. But then I started frequenting a small pub after work… One ought to get a glass of beer after work—I just gradually fell into that mindset. ”

“ Hmm, is that so? I’ve only drunken warm beer around here, and wine tastes sour so I really find them both pretty average. ”

“ That’s because you’ve got a kid's sense of taste. Okay, I concede that warm beer is bland, but good wines are out there. Like the ones served during the Walpurgis Banquet, it was surprisingly tasty— ”

Of course they were; whatever gets served there had to be approved by Guy. Hence it would be unthinkable for something not to be exquisite.

“ Is that so? But how would I know if it’s true without tasting it myself? ”

“ I suppose that’s how it works. However, that luxurious stuff won’t come so easily. Or rather, for Hinata-chan who’s got a kid’s tongue, here’s probably a drink better suited for you. ”

“ You’ve been going on and on about the whole “kid’s tongue” thing from just now, are you looking down on me? ”

“ NO, MOST CERTAINLY NOT, LADY. ”

Hinata glared at Rimuru, who’d prepared a fragrant fruit liqueur. Something resembling juice—or so I thought; on second glance I discovered that it actually had a remarkably high alcohol content.

“ How dare you give me drinks for kids—eh? This is pretty good. ”

And with clever phrasing Rimuru was able to recommend another drink to Hinata. Hinata, who’d been kept in a loop, got tricked by the sweet flavor and started to get drunk soon enough. Hinata, unlike her usual strict self, showed signs of crapulence (intoxication) on her reddening face.

ARE YOU A GENIUS?!!— I was deeply shocked by Rimuru’s strategizing side. He cleverly got Hinata to dance in the palm of his hand.

Perhaps it was because I had lowered my guard out of respect for Rimuru, that I reached out to the dishes in front of me with my bare hands. I completely forgot about the chopstick business and simply grabbed the food with my fingers. I was astonished, immediately turning my attention from Rimuru and Hinata to the dishes. The crispy taste, accompanied by a thick and lasting scrumptious taste that spread throughout my mouth after one bite.Is this what they call Tempura? It was truly tasty for a first try. And they’ve prepared napkins, so I need not mind dirtying my fingers.

I was satisfied with such a long overdue dinning of fine food and reached out for my glass. I want to try the fruit drink Hinata just tasted. Now I see why it’s so tasty. Its aroma is uncanny, a sweetness that spreads in your mouth as you take a sip. It’s obvious to me they have not spared the use of honey and sugar in making it.

“ Ruminas-sama, I also recommend this one, ” said the kijin named Shuna, as she handed me a clear glass.

“ Hmm, then I shall taste it. ”

“ Very well, ” she poured some mouthwatering, colorless fluid into it. A fragrance reminiscent of the gifts of the forest filled the air around me. What a unique scent… I swallowed my saliva and carefully maintained my elegant behavior, then passed the glass to my mouth.

“This is delicious!”

It’s neither sweet or bitter. A pure and elegant taste.

“ Your kind words are greatly appreciated. There is an abundant supply of it, please help yourself to any amount you desire. ”

“ Hmm, I shall do just that, ” I responded with glee.

I had not expected that a newly appointed demon lord could have provided such a comprehensive reception. And somehow without prior contact, they’ve managed to prepare such a feast…

In other words, they’ve always been leading such a comfortable life.

I thought about it as I devoured the last of the delicious food and drink.

“ Are our meals to your taste? ”

“ Hmm, very much so. The dishes and drinks are all spectacular. ”

Rimuru came to make small talk with me.

“That would be great. However, you should probably know your limit, or it would be harmful for your health.”

“Stop being silly. No poison can affect me so how would I ever lose to alcohol. Or rather, I have to weaken my poison resistance in order to get intoxicated.”

I was rather delighted having been able to speak my mind without the need for courtesy. That may be why I wasn’t stingy about teaching Rimuru the secret of controlling his skills. 15

***

Just like that, I was able to build an alliance with Rimuru as well as having a friendly relationship.

But that’s just where the problem begins. The future I’ve heard of has been drastically different from the situation as of now.

Rimuru shouldn’t have become a demon lord and Farmus Kingdom should have survived. The Holy Kingdom of Ruberios should not have an alliance with the Jura-Tempest Federation, only to the extent that Hinata was an acquaintance of Rimuru.

And then, in many years, when the Eastern Empire begins its invasion, Rimuru would be murdered. As a result, the sealed Veldora would be resurrected, and I along with whoever remained, would risk our lives to challenge the unleashed, berserk Veldora—Or so it should have been.

Right now, everything is different. So whatever happens next becomes more difficult to predict.

However, however.

There is one thing I am sure of. Hinata is still around and she got to know Rimuru. It wouldn’t take long before I get to meet Chloe again this way.

My prediction was right.

Chloe has already visited this world, and I was able to meet her again during the opening festival. Though Chloe doesn’t remember me—or I should say, pretended to not know me. Although I can’t bear to wait, it can not be helped.

I really want to hug Chloe tight as soon as possible, but right now I must endure. But Compared to that, a more pressing matter would be the impending judgement day. This is a future that has derailed from its original course.

Seeing Veldora being tamed by Rimuru, I couldn’t imagine him going berserk the way he is now. If that’s the case, there will probably be disaster of a different kind befalling us. Then I’ll have to be cautious with my every move.

I made up my mind on that closing thought. I will keep my promise. And then—truly reunite with Chloe and Hinata. I’ll call Rimuru as well on that occasion. Thinking about it, I’m also looking forward to the promised musical exchange with Rimuru.

I’ll defy my fate no matter what happens in the near future. Then, I’ll put an end to the lonesome days. By that time, it will be my world to reign over. For instance, how about I invite Hinata and Chloe to get bathed together?

I dream of such day’s arrival. I’ll put mirrors all over the bathhouse to surround Hinata and Chloe from every conceivable angle — Muhuhuhuhu, I can barely contain myself.

Since I’ve made a commitment, it’s time to rid myself of all the annoying burdens. Wipe out anyone and anything in my way.

With such resolve, I look forward to my future paradise.