It had been two weeks since Yoem and his party had settled in. The road was being repaired smoothly. Surprisingly, the members of the border guard were working diligently. In fact, they were getting along well with the hobgoblins, who were the village guards. The monsters in the village were adhering to the rules I had set, and were surprisingly friendly to humans. The border guard members didn't seem to look down on the monsters, and appeared to be interacting with them comfortably. Although they were originally problematic individuals, they seemed to have changed. Perhaps Yoem had a charisma that drew people to him. He definitely seemed to have a clear leadership quality. Perhaps because there was a mutual willingness to cooperate, the role distribution was surprisingly smooth. The goblin riders were patrolling and guarding the area around the village, but at this point, it could be said that there was an excess of manpower. Because of this, at the request of the villages, about ten goblin riders were dispatched as reinforcements to the border guard. It seemed that even they didn't expect this, and they honestly accepted the goodwill. From the border guard's perspective, it seemed they didn't want to just receive help, and they taught the goblin riders various skills, such as group combat tactics, swordsmanship, and individual combat techniques. Inside the village, their survival skills and meal menus were well-received. Although the menu wasn't particularly diverse, it was a welcome change. In this way, a mutual trust was gradually being established. When a certain level of trust was built, they received a request, or rather, a plea from them. They asked if we could repair their equipment. It seemed that the equipment of the monsters in this village was superior, which was bothering them. "Originally, it's cheating for monsters to wear high-quality equipment!" This was the response of one of their members, but it seemed to represent the feelings of the entire group. I also thought so. I had brought in a dwarf to provide technical guidance, and they were producing excellent equipment beyond my imagination. "Hehe! Well, our dwarves' weapons and armor are top-notch!" Kaijin responded cheerfully, but... "No, no... How did you even get Garum here in this village? That's strange!" Kabal seemed puzzled. Garum, a first-class armor craftsman among dwarves. Kaijin, the blacksmith, is also skilled, but now we have Kurobe, a master. The level of weapons and armor in this village is on par with the capital. Moreover, the materials are regularly transported from the cave by Gabill. There is an abundance of high-rank monster materials. It's easy to understand the quality of the weapons and armor in this village. If we advertise this, many people would want to buy them, but we can't sell them yet. The equipment for the hobgoblin unit hasn't been completed yet. It's a significant task because of the large number. Kurobe has the unique skill "Researcher" with a copy ability, but it takes time without using "Grand Sage." It's faster than making them by hand, but he can't do it alone. Therefore, he's overworking young apprentices to make everything in the workshop. One day, a master might be born among the young apprentices. Thinking about it, it's better to have multiple masters in the future rather than relying on one. "It's fine, no problem! I can specially set aside some time to look at it!" Kaijin took it lightly. He probably plans to use it as part of the training for his subordinates. He may look friendly, but he's a busy man. "Wooooo! As expected, Mr. Kaijin! We understand each other!" "Hey, hey, is that okay!?" "Of course, I'll also ask for your help!!!" They were enveloped in cheers. It felt like a sigh of relief that they were getting along so well. *Puk, kujik, kow, tobo! * We were all lying in a mess. Me, Benimaru, Soue, and Shion, the four of us. "Hahahahaha! Mudamudamudamudamudaaaaa!!!" The opponent was laughing loudly. Of course, it was the Demon King Mirim. Despite the four of us facing her, we couldn't win. She had dragon knuckles on her fists, standard equipment. She even wore them during meals, so when I got angry and tried to take them off, she pouted. Was I the bad guy? No, I think she had a right to be angry. This time, it was fortunate that she wore them. I definitely ask her to wear them during missions, but not during meals. We face Mirim in sparring every afternoon as part of our daily routine. Jokingly, facing Mirim, 1-on-1 is impossible. So, we fought 1-on-4 every time. Unbelievable power, cheat-like agility, endless stamina. It was fortunate that she wasn't our enemy. The only one who could spar with her normally was Hakuro. Unfortunately, Hakuro's attacks don't work on her, but the fact that he can dodge them is impressive. The oppressive aura I felt from the Dwarf King and the one I feel from Mirim are completely different. It's interesting how I learned this through being beaten one-sidedly and continuously. If I had activated the automatic interception of "Grand Sage" during the match with the Dwarf King, I might have won. However, it wouldn't have made a difference in a fight with Mirim. This is not something that can be resolved with a gimmick. There are various types of strength... Three sets every day. Thanks to this, we've become much stronger compared to two weeks ago. I appointed Hakuro as the referee. Technically, he's already complete and has little room for growth. We, on the other hand, had no technical skills, so we were able to grow in these two weeks. "You've improved quite a bit! If I were to say Rimuru is a Demon King now, I wouldn't object!" Mirim said happily. I have no intention of becoming a Demon King! In the first place, we couldn't even last 20 minutes with four of us today, which is pathetic. If someone claimed to be a Demon King based on this, it wouldn't work. Benimaru, Soue, and Shion resumed their training under Hakuro's guidance. They are healthy. While watching their training, I suddenly asked, "By the way, why did Mirim become a Demon King?" "Huh??? Yeah, that's true... Why? Maybe because something unpleasant happened and I felt stifled?" "No, if you ask me..." "Yeah, I don't think about it much. It's an old story, and I've forgotten it!" For some reason, Mirim seemed to recall a bad memory and looked a bit troubled. "Is that so? If you've forgotten, it's fine not to remember." She looks like a child, but she's a pure Demon King. According to what I've heard, even young Demon Kings were born 200 years ago. That includes my enemy, Leon Cromwell. He's my prey. There are a few other Demon Kings who are considered young, but the standard is whether they experienced the great war 500 years ago. Mirim seems to be one of the senior Demon Kings. That means she has lived for an incredibly long time. She might not have had any friends due to her long lifespan, as it would have taken away those close to her... "What about you? Do you have any family or someone you're worried about? You've been here for a while, is it okay not to contact anyone?" I suddenly asked out of concern. "Ah!!! I forgot. Yeah... I'll be back in a bit! It might take a while, but I'll definitely come back in 2-3 years!" She suddenly said. "What? Suddenly? Hey, right now?" "Yeah, it's not like we won't meet again! I'm going now!" She said and instantly changed into a Gothic dress. It's a convenient magic called "Dress Change." I learned it too, but since it comes naturally, I don't consider it important. It's a magic recommended for those with a lot of equipment, but it's quite difficult because you need to learn "Storage Magic" first. After changing, Mirim smiled at us and said, "I'll be back!" and flew away. She left at supersonic speed without making a sound, just like when she arrived. "Huh? Did Lady Mirim go somewhere?" Shion asked. "Yeah, it seems she remembered something. She said she'll be back in 2-3 years." "2-3 years? She left quite lightly, but it's quite a long time." "Still, with a long lifespan, 2-3 years might feel like 2-3 days." "That's true!" "Maybe she's going to show off her clothes or dragon knuckles to a friend..." Shion muttered, and the others agreed. It's possible. If she's visiting friends around the world, it might take 2-3 years. Imagining the scene, it might be true, though we can't be sure. A solemn or calm demeanor doesn't suit Mirim. When she's gone, it suddenly feels lonely. In just two weeks, we became quite familiar with her. She was a strange Demon King. We can't just be down. Without Mirim, this is also a chance. Let's take this opportunity to visit the human village. I want to see it and, if it's good, bring Mirim along. Prior investigation is important. The trio (idiots) are planning to stay for about two weeks and are secretly collecting monster parts. It seems to be proof of extermination. But is it okay to use such a cheat? Well, it's not my problem, but instead of staying silent, I'll have them guide the village. "So, can you guide us?" When I said that, they responded with strained faces, "We know, young master!" "Of course, I'll guide you! By the way, do you want to visit the capital too?" "There are quite a few connections in the back alleys?" They accepted it. I entrusted it to them. We plan to leave in two days. When I told the Righls, the well-prepared Righl had already packed. As expected. I was guided to the storage of the medium recovery potions made by Gabill, which was protected by a magic barrier. "Oh, Lord Rimuru! I've been waiting for you!" "My, my, Lord Rimuru! This place has an excellent environment!" Bester was immersed in his research. Unlike Kaijin, who had to oversee everything, Bester was focused on his research. This place must be a paradise for Bester. "Are you eating well? Originally, do you take care of yourself?" I asked out of concern. "I'm fine. The food here is simple, but it's quite delicious once you get used to it. I'm eating regularly. I'm also saving on sleep, but I've set up a simple bed here. It's good to endure and sleep when it gets critical!" It's not good... I thought, but it's something he enjoys. I just warned him to be careful. "Which is more efficient, Kurobe's copying or mass production here?" I asked. "The mass production speed here will be faster. Currently, the equipment is limited, but if we increase the workforce and equipment, we won't need to rely on Lord Kurobe." That was his response. The production of hipocteche itself takes time, so we don't need to expect mass production speed. "Then, how about having five researchers?" "That's right... Initially, we need 10 for training. I want to train successors here." The current production speed is one medium recovery potion every three hours. With Kurobe's copying, it's one per hour. I could do it immediately, but I want to make it possible even without me. I leave this to everyone except in emergencies. The completed recovery potions are diluted into 20 medium recovery potions. This is done through a magic "Skin Creation" by Bester. It's a big job, so he's getting help from Gabill and his colleagues. As a dragon, he can use simple magic. If three people can do one Bester's work, it will be three times faster. One recovery potion per hour, which is 20 medium recovery potions. If they work 8 hours a day, 160 will be in stock. It's a sufficient production system. If young workers are trained, they can handle the miscellaneous tasks, and Bester can focus on research. It makes sense. I agreed and asked Rild to take care of it. Currently, Bester is working day and night, producing 80 medium recovery potions per day. The village needs reserves, so I took 500 from the storage and put them in my stomach. We plan to sell these in the village to buy magic stones and other items. I need to consult with Kaijin to set the selling price. The lower-grade recovery potion, commonly known as a potion, costs 3 silver coins in the market. It's surprisingly expensive. If you're not careful, your daily income might be spent on recovery potions. However, a 20% recovery of wounds means even significant injuries can heal. A beginner's magic "Heal" can only recover 10% at best, and it's not practical in emergencies. The medium recovery potion, which is twice as effective, recovers 50% of wounds. But what about the price? "Understand, young master. Twice the price is too cheap. The minimum should be 15 silver coins. This isn't for beginners. We're targeting B-rank adventurers and above. It's better to sell it a bit more expensive! If possible, aim for 20 silver coins." Kaijin argued passionately. Indeed. This potion is very convenient, and if it's too cheap, we might get too many orders. If we don't make a profit, we can't buy magic stones, so 20 silver coins might be fine. I might take out a few of the recovery potions I made. I agreed and ended the meeting. The preparations are complete. The next morning, I joined the trio (idiots). The three, who had finished their preparations, were waiting for me. We will pass through the road to reach the Palamus Kingdom, Yoem's country, and enter the baron's territory. The baron is said to be greedy, so we'll skip it. Therefore, we'll head through the forest. Our first goal is the small country of Brumund. I want to meet the guild master of the Free Guild to discuss future plans. It's been over a year since I was reincarnated in this world. Finally, it's possible to visit a human village. ---