The news spread like wildfire through the countries near the Jura Great Forest.
Even if it was a secret invasion, it was impossible to deceive everyone's eyes.
Especially for countries with ties to Tempest, it was unthinkable to be negligent in gathering information.
Naturally, Rimuru was aware that each country had spies.
Therefore, he ordered to spare the Holy Knights as much as possible and secure victory.
The leaders of each country made this judgment.
Most importantly, the fact that there were no casualties at all supported this judgment.
In the Dwarf Kingdom, the armed state of Dwargon.
The Dwarf King, along with his ministers, was holding a meeting.
They analyzed the recorded images, read the detailed contents, and prepared the data, which was then distributed to each minister.
Based on this data, a report on the entire battle was made.
The results were astonishing.
The Holy Knights, known as the strongest of humanity, launched an assault with a force of 100.
However, this information was already known to the Demon Lord Rimuru, who had prepared a countermeasure, leading to the Holy Knights' defeat.
What was truly terrifying was the Demon Lord Rimuru's information-gathering ability.
Even more so, his strategic planning based on his keen insight.
The ministers unanimously praised this.
But, is it really so? The Dwarf King, Gazehal Dwargon, looked at the data, focusing on the unnatural movements in areas where ambushes were expected.
Was it not a retreat by force rather than a strategic annihilation?
This thought crossed his mind. More than that, he could think of nothing else.
If the battle had taken place at the location where some operation was being conducted, as reported, it would have been according to plan. However, the actual battle site was unrelated to the operation location.
Thus, it could be inferred that Hinata, wary of ambushes and traps, had moved the battlefield to a more advantageous position.
However, in all the battles, the Holy Knights were completely defeated.
The limitations of the magic used to preserve the recorded images made it difficult to understand the situation.
The sound was not recorded, and only the scenes of the constantly changing battlefield were preserved.
It was impossible to analyze the abilities of the monsters, and it was challenging to explain the outcome of the battle.
Nevertheless, this data was undoubtedly important information.
He reviewed the data again.
The Holy Knights' leaders were attempting some operation at various locations. As they moved towards these locations, Tempest's officers interfered, leading to battles.
The result was a complete victory for Tempest's officers at all locations.
Among them, there was a surprising report of one individual overwhelming eight Holy Knights.
Considering that this included a leader-class Holy Knight, it could be concluded that Tempest's total combat power surpassed even the armed state of Dwargon.
Ignoring the noisy ministers, Dwarf King Gazehal Dwargon sighed in relief.
It was fortunate that the Demon Lord Rimuru was a rational monster who desired friendly relations with human countries.
If this Demon Lord had wished for the destruction of humanity, it would have exposed humanity to an unprecedented threat.
(To begin with, the growth is too fast!)
This was a genuine sentiment from the heart.
Even when he first met him, he never imagined it would come to this.
Would it have been better to eliminate him at that time? There was no answer to this question.
Whether good or bad, the Demon Lord was interesting.
Currently, a cooperative system was established, and a friendly relationship was maintained.
Most importantly, his "isekai" mindset, leading to various developments, was fascinating.
What others might have given up on due to financial or labor constraints, the Demon Lord had the strength to push through.
The results of this action were highly intriguing.
If the village developed and new technologies were created, he was willing to cooperate as a recipient.
Thus, he resolved.
Even if the angels were to bring about destruction, he would ensure that the technology was not lost.
Certainly, it was growing into a formidable military state, but more importantly, his heart raced at the contributions to development and technological advancement.
(If it has come to this, there is no choice but to trust and move forward with the Demon Lord (Rimuru)!)
The treatment of the Holy Knights, all of whom were released unharmed, suggested that the Demon Lord Rimuru's goal was coexistence with humans.
If he had intended to be hostile, the Holy Knights would have been annihilated. For an attacking force, there would be no complaints about their complete destruction.
By deliberately sparing and releasing them unharmed, it showed his confidence that the Holy Knight class posed no threat.
The ministers' concerns about the danger were understandable, but the conclusion was clear.
He cleared his throat to draw attention.
Silence enveloped the meeting room, and the ministers' gazes focused on him.
"The Demon Lord, as long as he desires coexistence with humans, will cooperate as much as possible.
This is the policy of the armed state of Dwargon!"
Dwarf King Gazehal Dwargon declared solemnly, his voice echoing through the meeting room.
The ministers bowed their heads in unison, expressing their agreement.
With these words, the policy was decided. Subsequently, the excellent ones began to review the cooperative system.
Whether this judgment was right or wrong, it was unknown at the moment.
However, the Dwarf King had no regrets.
Another report was delivered to the Dwarf King.
"Your Majesty, an invitation has come from Duke Rigrd.
It seems they are holding a banquet to celebrate the Demon Lord's enthronement and wish to invite us.
It's just a pretext. The purpose is to showcase improved relations with other countries.
They don't seem to expect our participation, but how should we respond?"
"Ah, that matter! I also received a report from Vester!
It seems a martial arts tournament is being held in Tempest.
It's said to be part of the entertainment at the enthronement banquet.
What do you think? If we decide to attend, I will inform them to prepare a seat.
Additionally,
the number of seats is limited, and it is expected to be crowded on the day, so please respond as quickly as possible!"
The formal invitation was accompanied by a query from Vester.
The Dwarf King pondered for a moment.
(But, a martial arts tournament, what is that Demon Lord (idiot) thinking?)
He couldn't understand it at all.
This was what made him interesting.
The Dwarf King struggled to suppress the urge to laugh that rose from his belly.
Maintaining his dignity in front of the ministers was challenging.
(This guy... setting up such a trap to torment me... I can't look down on him!)
With this unreasonable anger, he suppressed the urge to laugh and thought of a response.
"I will attend the banquet. And I will also participate in the observation."
He replied succinctly.
For the ministers, this was an unexpected response, but it was the king's decision.
The room became noisy, and preparations for participation began hastily.
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In the imperial capital of the Magic Kingdom Sariom.
A beautiful and magnificent garden, where rare wild creatures live naturally.
The maintenance of this garden is paid for by a small portion of the vast profits from the various rights the emperor possesses.
In other words, it is the emperor's pocket money.
The garden is maintained without using any tax revenue.
In the garden, two figures were resting.
One was Duke Erhardt.
The father of adventurer Eren, a senior figure in the country, and one of the top three strongest individuals in the country.
The person sitting opposite him was the only one above Duke Erhardt in the country.
Emperor Elmesia Elion Sariom, that person.
With a beauty surpassing women, but not aging due to elven blood.
Asking about the emperor's age is taboo.
She appears to be a young adult woman with radiant skin, as white as freshly fallen snow.
Her distinctive long, pointed ears and sharp eyes. Her emerald eyes seem to see through everything.
Her long, light blue hair flows and hangs over her forehead.
Duke Erhardt, who was momentarily captivated by her beauty, quickly regained his senses due to the fear of his wife and daughter's anger.
He cleared his throat and turned to the emperor.
To the elegant emperor leaning on a cushioned chair,
"Your Majesty, I have received an invitation from the monster country I reported to you previously."
Duke Erhardt took out the letter he had just received and handed it to the emperor.
It had already been confirmed to be safe, and he had read the contents but did not mention them.
He was aware of the emperor's dislike of discussing matters before confirming them himself.
However...
(It's good that he became a Demon Lord safely, but what is he thinking by inviting us to the banquet?)
This was the problem.
This letter was sent to Duke Erhardt. Originally, there was no need to show it to the emperor.
But... it was written, "Please specify the number of participants and respond!"
He interpreted this as permission to invite anyone he chose.
If he attended without informing the emperor, it would be a serious offense. He was concerned about this.
Because...
Not long ago, he had been severely reprimanded for going to Tempest to rescue his daughter.
"YOU, why did you go without me? Such an interesting creature (slime), I cannot believe it until I see it with my own eyes.
Moreover, witnessing the birth of a Demon Lord is something even I, who have lived for a long time, have never experienced?
Envious... No, it's an outrageous story! How can you say there is no danger in such a situation!?
It's outrageous!"
He was incredibly upset.
The emperor rarely showed such a side, except to himself and one other person in private.
In front of his subjects, he was cold and ruthless, known as the "doll empress."
Even when wearing a sheep's mask, there are limits! He always thought to himself.
If he had attended alone this time, he couldn't imagine the reprimand he would receive.
Most importantly,
the martial arts tournament to be held.
If he didn't bring the emperor to such an event, the resulting anger would be unimaginable.
Due to the emperor's upset, the plan for a technological alliance with the Magic Science Bureau had been abandoned.
He wanted to resume preparations for a technological alliance with that country.
There were concerns.
He had already confirmed the recent conflict with the Holy Knights.
He was worried about their response, but they had achieved a complete victory and released all the Holy Knights unharmed.
Their response showed overwhelming confidence.
Some countries might adopt a low profile, but for those who knew the internal situation, the idea of taking action disappeared.
For such a strong power to deliberately showcase their strength at a martial arts tournament could only be a demonstration.
However, he wanted to participate in the observation to assess their strength.
Taking the emperor to such a place, however, seemed to be more than a minor issue...
Depending on the emperor's response, the trouble would fall on him.
After finishing reading the letter, Emperor Elmesia returned it to Duke Erhardt.
Duke Erhardt swallowed hard,
"So, Your Majesty, what response?"
He asked the emperor hesitantly.
Emperor Elmesia smiled and said,
"Indeed..."
and put on an air of importance.
Duke Erhardt, expecting this response, waited for the rest of the words.
The emperor's response was as expected, and Duke Erhardt was kept busy with preparations, unable to sleep for days.
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In a shop in the small country of Brumund, Maimail was completely exhausted from dealing with endless visitors.
As a merchant, he could immediately see the human nature of those he dealt with.
Those who came to beg for money or propose new business deals.
Among them, there were fallen nobles with suspicious consultations.
He was tired of dealing with such people, but sometimes truly profitable deals flew in.
Therefore, he couldn't delegate this task to others.
Thinking about this, he ended the conversation with a man who resembled a swindler and called in the next customer.
A well-mannered man entered.
But Maimail's eyes could not be deceived.
This man was also a fallen noble, and he remembered bringing in a collection of antiques to sell at a high price.
He was probably thinking of some suspicious scheme to beg for money.
However, even a fallen noble was still a noble. This had been confirmed through investigation.
If a real noble was treated carelessly, it could be a matter of life and death. Thus, this was a difficult task.
Another round of mutual deception began, and he started listening to the man's story.
He was exhausted by the story.
As expected, it was a nonsensical proposal.
The gist was, "Buy slaves to open a new shop, and lend me the money!"
Honestly, it was a story with no promising future. He was only buying cute young female slaves, and the business would not succeed.
Thorough market research, customer analysis, and the location for the shop were all necessary. There was also the matter of salaries for the young girls.
Even if slaves worked for free, there would be costs for meals and a place to live. Most importantly, the initial purchase cost would be significant.
If it was a sexual business, it would require more thorough preparation to prevent the spread of disease.
If that happened, not only the noble but also Maimail would become criminals.
He completely refused to participate in such a dangerous venture.
"You have keen insight, Lord Kazak.
However, such important young female slaves are not available anywhere now.
Human trafficking is not recognized, and if they are criminal slaves, they are not of good quality, right?"
"Ah, about that... I have connections. If you give me money, I can tell you.
But understand, this is a secret... The only thing I can say is that the slave is an elf."
He put on an air of importance.
Maimail found this Lord Kazak extremely unpleasant but suppressed it with willpower.
As a merchant, showing disgust on his face was unacceptable. Such an immature person would be below third-rate.
He thought of a good excuse to refuse the man's request.
Just as he was about to speak,
"Hey! How are you? Mr. Maimail!"
Someone opened the door and entered.
A beautiful silver-haired, gold-eyed girl. Or was it a boy?
A figure very similar to someone who shouldn't be here...
"Could it be... Lord Rimuru?"
His voice, asking in surprise, felt distant.
Eh? But, Lord Rimuru became a Demon Lord, as Mr. Hughes said...
More importantly, why isn't he wearing a mask? His face is so cute!
These thoughts raced through his mind, and he no longer cared about Lord Kazak.
To his ears,
"Wait! Lord is currently receiving a guest!"
The flustered employee's attempt to stop him was heard.
He must have been so captivated by Lord Rimuru's appearance that he was too late to stop him.
It was a big mistake. A big mistake, but perhaps it couldn't be helped.
Maimail had no intention of scolding the employee.
"Ah, sorry. I see you have a guest. I'll wait at your residence, see you later!"
Rimuru said to Maimail, then turned to Lord Kazak with a fake smile, "Excuse me, I'm so sorry!" and left.
Maimail stared blankly at his back.
After that, he quickly ended the conversation and dismissed all the other visitors.
There are waves in life that must not be missed.
What is truly important?
Maimail was not a foolish person who made such mistakes.
For a capable man like Maimail, finding a diamond in a pile of stones was important.
However, there were things that had to be done, even if it meant abandoning everything else.
A short relationship had brought him great profit? That was fine.
Most importantly, when he was in trouble, this person, concerned about his trading partners, ignored his own profit and provided all the materials, helping him to escape.
He thought he would visit when things calmed down.
But according to Maimail's information, after becoming a Demon Lord, Rimuru had gone to Falphurgis and then disappeared.
He was worried about approaching without knowing the situation.
Now, the person himself had come to see him, looking exactly the same as before.
There was nothing more important than dealing with this person.
With unusual agility, he delegated all his tasks to others, suppressing his rising joy, and hurried to his residence.
Is he planning some scheme?
On this day, Maimail's days of exhaustion came to an end.