King Gazel-Dwargon of the Dwarves, after hearing a report from the shadow, became lost in thought.
The shadow, who had been ordered to observe the troublesome monster (slime), brought a report that could not be ignored.
The monster was building a village.
At first, he thought it was a joke, but the shadow never joked.
He reported the facts in fragments, and there was more to the report.
A group of orcs had gone on a rampage.
They had entered a combat state with the lizardmen.
The mysterious group of monsters intervened, bringing the conflict to an end.
These mysterious monsters are thought to be part of the same group as the aforementioned monster.
The king burned the report with the flame of a candle.
He closed his eyes and organized the situation.
Currently, the damage caused by the activation of the forest monsters is less than expected.
It is slightly less than when Veldora existed, but compared to many years, there is no difference.
At the very least, he had expected at least twice as much damage.
There is no doubt that there is a factor maintaining the security of the forest. It is likely that the aforementioned monster is involved.
And the rampage and cessation of the group of orcs.
If the orcs had continued their rampage and flooded into the village like an avalanche, the scale of the damage would be unimaginable.
There is no guarantee that their blades will not be turned against us. This is not a matter that can be resolved by good luck.
He needs to meet them as soon as possible. The king's judgment was swift.
He wants to avoid turning them into enemies. Fortunately, they have a dwarf collaborator.
The matter should not reach the point of exile, and negotiations must be conducted well.
Or... perhaps more decisive action is necessary.
The king made his decision and began to act.
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The four Demon Lords had agreed to prohibit any of them from acting alone in the forest.
That was fine.
But, who would do the monitoring? That was the point of contention.
The Demon Lord who looks like a girl, Mirim Nava, thought, "If I leave it to these idiots, it will surely end in chaos!"
No matter what, these guys seem to be filled with muscle even to their bones.
In any case, she thought, "I, the cool and smart one, must take the lead in the discussion!"
The incident where she threw a table at Gelmu is completely forgotten.
She, too, is a "muscle brain" in the truest sense.
More importantly...
She doesn't realize that the other Demon Lords see her as the most short-tempered and simple-minded.
The Queen of the Harpies, Frey, one of the Demon Lords, was amazed.
She also thought, "What if Mirim goes on a rampage again? It's impossible to proceed if I have to clean up after her."
Moreover, she can't refuse. Despite being a Demon Lord, there is a significant gap.
While they rule the sky, she is known as the "Sky Queen."
She boasts that there is no competition for those who cannot fly.
By combining the race's unique "Magic Interference," she can disrupt the opponent's "Flight Magic." Those who cannot fly on their own will fall to their death.
Even Demon Lords won't die from falling from a great height, but their means of attack are limited.
Those who cannot fly are no threat.
But, Mirim Nava is different.
She is a Draconid, and the nickname "Tyrant of Destruction" is not just for show.
She doesn't fly using magic but with her own wings. And her physical abilities, which don't rely on magic, are overwhelmingly superior.
She is the worst enemy.
This time, she was dragged along by Mirim against her will.
She hopes to wrap up the meeting by agreeing with Mirim.
It would be nice if nothing goes wrong...
Thinking this, she let out a small sigh.
The "Lion King" Carion of the Lycanthropes was in a good mood.
He joined the Demon Lord meeting for entertainment but saw something interesting.
He wants to make those Oni his subordinates at all costs.
Frey, the Queen of the Harpies, probably won't be interested.
Mirim was dragged along by force. Mirim is short-tempered and simple-minded, but she's not stupid.
Anticipating that the Demon Lords' opinions would be divided and a majority decision would be made, he brought a colleague who would vote for him.
A thorough guy! Carion thought and sneakily glanced at Mirim.
She has a confident expression.
To begin with, Gelmu doesn't have the power to move four Demon Lords.
This story was brought by the suspicious Demon Lord, Clayman.
Gelmu is a subordinate Clayman has raised since childhood and brought the story to the others at his request.
What is he thinking? A man who hides his true intentions behind a gentlemanly and polite demeanor.
Now, which is the enemy, Mirim or Clayman...
In terms of combat power, it's definitely Mirim.
Even he might not be able to win if he makes a mistake. This thought is frustrating, but accurate analysis is necessary to avoid losing the battle.
Based on this judgment, he and Mirim are almost evenly matched. Or, slightly in Mirim's favor.
Clayman is below them.
But!
This time, strategy is also important. If that's the case, the easily manipulated Mirim is not a problem.
Frey will follow Mirim, so no need to consider her!
The enemy is Clayman. That's the conclusion.
How will he start the conversation from here?
Carion licked his lips and thought of a plan.
Clayman wore a gentlemanly smile and observed the three Demon Lords.
This time, when Gelmu consulted him, he introduced the Demon Lords.
He had arranged for the story to be told behind the scenes.
Gelmu might have thought that the Demon Lords would move by offering the magical tools and treasures he possessed, but that's not the case.
It was all his doing.
And the two Demon Lords he chose are the most simple-minded.
He anticipated that Frey, the Queen of the Harpies, might also be brought along. Frey is cautious and cunning, but she won't be interested this time.
In that sense, it went according to plan.
Two Demon Lords specialized in combat.
No matter how hard they think, they won't come up with any good ideas.
He will take the lead.
By guiding the conversation using Gelmu's revenge as material, he can easily deceive the two who are weak for emotional appeals!
Thinking this, he was about to start the conversation when,
"Hey, I was thinking, what if each of you sent one of your subordinates?"
In a lazy manner, Frey spoke.
The three Demon Lords stiffened instantly.
They need a reason to refuse, but it's difficult to steer the conversation towards individual investigations after refusing.
That's what the three thought simultaneously.
In the end, they had no choice but to accept the proposal.
They confirmed each other's faces and agreed.
"Haha! I was just about to suggest the same thing!"
"What a coincidence. This one was thinking the same!"
"Well, I guess we have no choice. You beat us to it... Is it decided, then?"
Thus, the Demon Lords, despite their own thoughts, each selected one of their subordinates to send on reconnaissance.
Contrary to their thoughts...
And so... three monsters visited the village where Rimuru and his party lived.
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Three adventurers are walking through the forest.
Kabul, Eren, and Gid.
They are exploring the forest to take on extermination and collection requests.
After delivering a message to the guild master, they have visited Rimuru's village several times.
The village is the perfect base for their adventures. The grilled meat is delicious!
Each visit shows the village's development and changes.
Now, they even entrust the repair of weapons and armor, and they are considering building a true base there.
As gifts, they carry spices and salt for seasoning, mainly for their own use.
Over there, they patrol and guard the village, and the Hobgoblins and Wolf Set soldiers quickly secure the safety of the surroundings.
The forest's security is undoubtedly due to this village.
Most importantly! They can receive unnecessary parts for free!
This is profitable.
Horns of the Horn Rabbit, the poison claws of the Poison Frog, and sometimes even the horns of the Armored Saurus when they're lucky.
Bringing these parts to the guild can sometimes count as completing extermination requests.
It's completely underhanded, but as long as it doesn't get discovered, it's fine.
Recently, however, they have been suspected by Hughes, the guild master of the Brumund branch of the Free Guild.
A sudden improvement in performance is suspicious. To avoid getting caught, they decided to be a bit more cautious.
For that reason,
This time, they are heading to Rimuru's village with the stance of, "We're going to the forest to exterminate as usual!"
"Still, still! The food there is getting better and better!
Shuna-chan's cooking is like a master chef, isn't it?"
"Right? I'm a bit picky about taste, but the food there is top-notch!"
"Do you understand, guys? Our purpose for going there is not to eat. You know that, right?
This time, there is a proper purpose, don't forget?"
"What do you mean, a question?"
"Right! It's been two months since our last visit. It was a long time, wasn't it?"
"That's right! It was long. But, the 'bath' should be completed by now, right?
I'm looking forward to it, aren't you?"
"In the capital, there's an inn with a bath! I've always wanted to go!"
"Didn't some people in this world go crazy trying to build one?
It seems they've gotten used to it!"
"Right? I'm looking forward to it! Most importantly...
Do you know, Gid? There's a wonderful rule in this world called 'solo bathing.'
Rimuru-sama was enthusiastically talking about it before.
He was determined to apply this rule to the village.
Do you understand, Gid!
Our utopia (mainly, entering the bath with Shuna-sama or Sion-san) is there!"
"What, what did you say???!!!"
"...... I'm excited too, but I'm completely sober."
They continued on together, aiming for the utopia they had yet to see!
After a while, they encountered someone they didn't expect.
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The territory of the Palmas Kingdom's barony.
The border region belonging to the Jura Great Forest is under their jurisdiction.
The border patrol is touring the villages in this region.
The border patrol is an organization appointed by the baron Nidale Maken, and they patrol from village to village to respond quickly in emergencies.
The leader's name is Yowm.
He is a witty and handsome young man with a well-built, tanned body.
He is not particularly tall, but he is not short either.
He has a face that commands attention, not unattractive, but rather well-kept.
The organization consists of 30 members, divided into three units to patrol each village.
They are careful to distribute their strength evenly and rest at the region's key points. This means they can respond immediately upon receiving an emergency call.
The location of the key villages is important, but there are no suitable villages.
Each village is built on the outskirts of the forest, and the distance between them is a problem.
From the nearest village, it would take a day to reach by horse without supplies, but for villages in more remote areas, supplies are necessary.
The village where the baron lives is too far to serve as a key point and is not suitable.
Moreover, the villages are not particularly prosperous, the meals are simple, and the sleeping arrangements are not comfortable.
The dissatisfaction of the members is also accumulating.
The military funds are not abundant, so they can't spend money freely.
Money is also needed for the maintenance of weapons and armor.
Despite these complaints, they can manage somehow because the villagers are genuinely grateful.
They welcome and treat them with all their might, despite being disliked before.
They know that the patrol protects them from monster attacks and maintains the area's safety, and their gratitude is genuine.
This sincere gratitude is honestly heartwarming and gives them the motivation to keep going.
Additionally, the monster attacks are not as severe as expected, and there are almost no casualties among the members.
There are no deaths, and so far, no serious injuries.
Today, while thinking about the bitter herb soup... Yowm led his unit through the forest.
They were returning from an extermination mission after receiving a report of a giant bear.
They rode horses through the narrow paths between the trees.
Small branches could be deflected by the magical barrier spread in front of them.
Carriages could only pass through the mountain roads. If they had to go to the road, it would take too much time to go around.
If the destination was close, supplies were not necessary, but for remote areas, a carriage for supplies was needed.
This would take time to go around.
The essence of the problem was here.
Then, he noticed the presence of people walking ahead.
They seemed to be adventurers. Did they come to take on an extermination request? He thought.
Since reports from the border villages are not always relayed, there are sometimes duplicate requests.
With the development of communication technology through spirit engineering, such incidents have decreased, but emergency extermination requests are sometimes issued before confirming with each village.
Thus, duplicate requests are a persistent issue.
The giant bear was already taken care of by them. If the purpose was the giant bear, it would be a wasted trip.
Judging from their appearance, the three are skilled adventurers.
Having connections with such people is not bad. With that in mind, he approached them.
"Hey! You guys. What brings you here?
If you're here for the giant bear extermination request, it's a wasted trip."
He called out.
Then,
"No, no. We're not here for extermination, but it could be one of the reasons?"
"Lord, what are you saying? Our purpose is to exterminate, isn't it?"
"Right, right! On the surface, that's true! Ah!"
It was too suspicious.
Yowm signaled silently to surround the three.
Are they spies from another country? He doesn't have to capture them, but it would be troublesome if they cause chaos.
What business could they have in such a remote place? Thinking this,
"What's your business here? Speak!
Otherwise, I can't guarantee your safety!"
He threatened, though he didn't intend to kill them.
The three fumbled for words but eventually gave up,
"Actually, we have business in the village ahead..."
The well-built man, presumably the leader, spoke.
There is no village ahead.
This is indeed suspicious... Should I report to the lord? But, I don't want to give them to that weasel. What should I do?
"No, really! It's a kind and friendly monster village..."
"Hey! It's dangerous to tell you, you know!"
"Don't you know? If you say 'never come back again,' they'll only beat up the lady and leave!"
It's suspicious, but it can't be ignored.
While the three resumed their argument, Yowm thought.
It needs to be verified!
"Who are you and what's your purpose? Don't hide anything.
I am Yowm, the leader of the border patrol of the Palmas Kingdom's barony."
The three looked at each other and nodded as if giving up.
Spy surveillance is not part of his duties, but it's not impossible.
It cannot be ignored.
Originally, it was agreed that no country would send spies to each other, but there is an unspoken understanding that this is not always followed.
He doesn't know which country they belong to, but if they are adventurers disguised as spies, they are amateurs.
If they were spies, they would kill themselves before being captured, but these guys don't seem to have that intention.
Are they really adventurers? Just as he started to think,
"No, really! It's just, there's a monster village there...
You won't believe me if I say it, right?"
"Moreover, it's dangerous to cause trouble for Mr. Rimuru..."
"Don't you know? They said two people would be banned from entering if they mentioned it?
What will I do if they ban me too?"
They began to argue even more.
Yowm was amazed and wondered if they were lying.
If so, he would verify it!
Thus, he tied the three separately and had them ride horses, leading them back the way they came.
In the direction of the village they had yet to see.
And he would meet the monsters with whom he would have a deep relationship in the future.