Slime Who Turned into a Demon King
8.Things They Hide From Hinata Sakaguchi
“He's right, Hinata. How frightening the presence of the dragon was. True disaster.” Louis, lis,
who was there to rampage the dragon earlier, agreed with Luminus. “Dia
that strong? But didn't the Hero seal it?”
If humans did it once before, Hinata reasoned, it could always
happened again. Luminous and Louis immediately brushed it off.
“Listen, Hinata. The dragon was a form of natural energy. Maybe you could
using magic to quell a raging storm, yes, but the dragon
have his own free will. It cannot be cut with a sword or
influenced by magic. When he flew in anger, the shockwave would
destroying the earth, is much more than our little magic. ”
That thought seemed to really disappoint Luminus. Louis nodded
agreeing, his face was pale as if he had just recalled a bad memory.
“It was really a nightmare,” he said. “Ah, such a beautiful Nightrose Castle,
turned into an unrecognizable pile of ash.”.
“Don't remind me of that, Louis. The castle was the pinnacle of knowledge
and vampire science, and now it's only in our memories. There is no point in craving what we cannot have. ”
“Quite correct.”
The exchange taught Hinata how dangerous this Veldora was. But. if that.
happening, he secretly swore to himself, I will kill him.
Then he realized something else. The whole reason the Inner Monastery is in
this sacred mountain peak. That was to prepare for Veldora's potential attack, though,
wasn't he? So he could continue to observe the sky and stop it before he arrived.
Nightgarden, the main city in the Holy Empire, was also located underground because
the reason was also — to prevent the invasion of dragons, to keep the casualties to a minimum
maybe in a fight. That was how Luminous was wary of the Dragon
This storm.
“Hinata, please restrain yourself. I don't want to lose you either.”
However if Luminus were to convey it powerfully, he had no choice but to
to nod back. Now, the mishandling of the encounter with Rimuru was stuck in his throat like a sewing needle. Giving him a monster label and ignoring his attempts to converse was a mistake. Not in terms of what his faith taught him, or rather he wanted to think, but still,
his actions had led directly to the current situation. If that was what the Eastern merchants wanted, then Hinata had fallen on his bait, line, and ballast.
It's not very pleasant. Give me that information when they know exactly
how I'll react. Or maybe they have their own informant?
It was hard for him to believe, but Hinata could imagine someone in the Church
working with those merchants. They probably know all about preparation
they are for the angels now — and maybe that's why they are
point him towards Rimuru, to take him out for them. One
earth rats in the Church should be something to consider — but for
now, such thoughts should be allowed to burn. There's another problem
must face.
“Very good. But. what are we going to do about Rimuru now, as.
demon lord?”
“We have no choice but to let it. Fortunately, the church has not
he declared him a divine enemy. ”
“No but..”
“Is there a problem?”
“...There. I'm afraid cities and highways that monsters are building could cause
angels are attacking faster. ”
“Ah yes, there it is. Having those little insects roam around is enough
annoying, despite making demon lord Rimuru and Storm Dragon Veldora
our enemies will be much worse. But if they attract more attention
for us, they'll be the primary target of the angels, I guess. After all, there was not much point in thinking about it now. ”
To Luminus, the angels were completely worthless. Hinata, understand that, please,
voicing agreement. Beyond that, there is another problem:
“There is also the fact that their city... Converting monsters into enemies
with humanity, one of the core principles of Luminism, above his head.”
That question made Luminus seem pouted. He pondered it for a moment.
This is no longer an easy threat to extinguish, but if they let
their religious teachings are opposed like this, they will lose their validity —
and their attraction to the masses. Faith they have spent
building it in the last thousand years will be gone, and it cannot be left
elapsed.
“Maybe,” advice Louis, “dia could be a useful accomplice for us? As
evil demon lord? ”
It was a thought he shared with Hinata earlier — let Rimuru
it became the heel of propaganda, like how Roy acted as a demon lord.
But as Hinata expected, Luminus was less enthusiastic.
“That couldn't have happened. Rimuru, this new demon lord... He just wants to have fun
it's nice to live in his own people. That'sthat's all. He will face directly to face
we are and declare that he will give man all that protection
they want. Because he needs their help. He said it himself.
“Whoever gets in the way of it, whether a person or a demon lord or a Church
Sacred, is my enemy.””
He breathed a sad breath.
“If only he didn't get along with humanity all the time, Louis, it would
being a good idea,” he said in frustration.
Then Hinata realizes, once and for all, that Rimuru is not lying. Him
truly someone transferred from another world. But it's too late to
he is fully aware that he has acted on false assumptions, driven by his lack of interest in listening to others. That was
it was a bad habit, and it had just exploded on his face. At least no one seemed to know that the god Luminus was the same person as the demon lord
Valentines. If worse were to be the worst, only his own life would be
will scorch.
“For now, all we can do is sit back and watch.”
“You're right. Just hold ourselves as usual. There is no insolent movement.
The more excuses we make, the more we can get involved. One-one
our only responsibility is to give truth to our followers
our loyal worldwide — Veldora, Storm Dragon, is back.
“So how about Rimuru?”
As Hinata pondered, Luminus and Louis had already decided on a future policy
them.
“Yes... Well, Rimuru seems to be the kind of leader that is open to exchange
politicth. We can fool the West quite easily. Do you agree with
that, Hinata?” That's the question, but Luminus uses it as a policy that's been
predetermined.
“...I.”
“Will he hold you in grudge?”
“...Slightly. I did try to kill him.”
“Ah yes, you did. But Rimuru wasn't stupid enough to assume that
to fight us until we become enemies. ”
Such is the will of Luminus — a leader who does not even mind if
Rimuru knows his true color. But Hinata was not sure.
“...I'll remember it,” said Hinata, trying to hide her deep thoughts
actually when he left. A little over a month passed. Hinata spends it tirelessly at work. His paladins were busy building a defensive line against Veldora, while the Imperial Guards were gathering intelligence for him.
Merchants from the East, which was once an important part of the network
this spy, could no longer be trusted, so he decided to just
relying on the info he could gather himself.
It is now time for the monthly conference of the empire between the two main groups
Papacy - Crusaders, paladins under the direct control of Hinata, and Master Rooks, Imperial Guards troops serving the Holy Emperor. The two of them
it is the pride of Lubelius, with Hinata Sakaguchi standing at the top.
He served as the conference speaker of — Hinata, the chief knight of Master Rooks
and the captain of the Crusaders, not to mention the strongest knight in the country. Chair height
prepared for him; All the other participant seats are located in a semicircle in the
to his right were six men representing the Crusaders. First was Vice-Captain Renard Jester, known as the Noble of Light, a paladin with a gentle and sorrowful expression. Next to him was Arnaud Bauman of Air, the man praised as the second strongest after Hinata. He stood as head and shoulders above the rest of the squad leaders, serving as a sort of assault team specialist for the Crusaders.Following Arnaud were the other four commanding officers: Bacchus of Earth, who was the commander of the army, a large man of great stature who is gifted in hitting with a Holy Mace who injected magic into his enemy; Litus of Water, a beautiful healer and Spirit Contractor who uses the holy spirit of Undine on the battlefield; Garde of Fire, a tall knight and sorcerer who holds his fiery Red Spear; then Fritz of Wind, a magical warrior gifted in wind magic as with his twin swords. He was a tactical impostor, rarely among the Crusaders he served alongside. Fritz never wore his uniform according to the prescribed code of perfection, but no one admired and respected Hinata as much as he did.
Each of these commanders led a team of twenty or more
paladins, while Arnaud served as their overall leader. The five seated here were the best among the hundred and ten paladins, and were not
some doubted their talent.
Contrasting with them, on the left side of Hinata, is Master Rooks, a collection of
things are much more in the assortment of uniforms and armor.
Their number was only thirty-three but still formed their own division,
because each is a large group in battle - a fortress, a,
as the Holy Emperor proudly called them. They're all ranked
at least an A on the chart ladder, and some of them are even champion level, he said,
Disasters on the threat scale.
Some are very prominent. There is “Blue Sky” Saare, who looks like an innocent boy but is older than anyone in the room. He was the chief knight of the Imperial Guards before Hinata took the role.
Then there's “Giant Boulder” Grigori, Saare's right hand, the Impervious Skill
gives him amazing physical endurance. His muscles are his weapons, and
it was harder than most types of metal, making it a male fortress that was
last but not least is “Raging Sea” Glenda, which is newer than Hinata but has made a serious name for itself in recent years. Famous for her spiky red hair, she is a wild woman, a former mercenary whose skills
his battle is still shrouded in mystery. Only Rama, the man who
handing over his post to Glenda after he defeated her, finds out about
full power. This trio was known as the Three Battlesages, and they sat down
together with six paladins.
All nine are super literal humans, far beyond the limits of the
you can think of the human body. They were all certified Saints,
a kind of complement to the demon lord, and with Hinata, they collectively
known simply as the Ten Great Saints.
Every time someone engages in a very grueling training in one
subjects or otherwise, they will sometimes evolve into forms
a higher life after completing such a trial. Achieving
this makes them enlightened, greatly extending their life span and transforming their physical body into something like a half life form
spiritual. In other words, they are released from blood and flesh, so with
thus the amount of energy that can be used by an enlightened individual is immense
large. Their brutal and magical powers are supported to an unparalleled degree
unrivaled, allowing them to be on par with potential creatures
becoming a demon lord.
They are the guardians of humanity, servants of divinity who evolved in ways
correct — even if this is only based on the standards of certain people.
They all sat there quietly, waiting for Hinata's arrival. Some
paladins were placed behind each commander, the rest of the two divisions being
left with their feet in a wide variety of their gear.
Immediately, the heavy door creaked open.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's start.”
With that, the meeting began.
Behind Hinata, shaded by some bamboo blinds, Holy Emperor Louis
attend a conference together in his chair. But just as the process is about to begin,
Saare immediately threw them into chaos.
“Whoa, whoa, where did you come late from? You have not only failed to prevent
Veldora wakes up, you even let a new demon lord be born. Are You
the fool who represents us? If this was a joke, I wouldn't laugh.”
Although Hinata was a recognized leader, not all of his soldiers were very strong
enthusiastic about the orders they make. Saare, who lost his position
as their leader, was the head of the anti-Hinata faction.
Over the past month, both divisions have been sent around the world by Hinata because
many missions, bringing back a wide variety of intelligence and confirming that
the rash of recent catastrophic events are all connected. The rise of Rimuru, the rise of Storm Storm, the Walpurgis Council, and the recent turbulence in the Kingdom
Farmus — all of these events started from Hinata reaching Rimuru, and
Saare is not ashamed to imply the same thing.
“You are being rude, Sir Saare,” said Renard who was confused by the cold.
Arnaud nodded at his companion Paladin. “He's right, Son. If you have
problem with our captain, I'd love to solve it with
You.”
“Oh,” Grigori replied from her seat next to Saare, “you costumed knights
fancy wanting to start a fight with us? Very majestic of you, considering
You just act that way around the opponent polite enough to lose by
intentionally!”
“What?”
“You seem interested in a quick death.”
The meeting grew quickly and intensely. Hinata took the opportunity to
cooled it.
“Sufficient folly. Now is not the time for allies to clash one
my seat anytime. However, I need to test you first, need
remembered.”
It was enough to bring the silence back into the room. His words
beyond frustration and deep into the realm of — killing intent if it continues,
he was fully prepared to start slashing. The audience is smart enough to understand
that thing. It was rare for him to show much emotion, forcing even Saare
he admits that if he gives a push again it will be dangerous.
Instead, he simply glared at her in frustration. “Pfft! I'll remember it.”
He had already lost to him once — battles that should never have failed.
In his eyes, Hinata is the clear underdog, but the results prove
the contrary. The memories of that day kept him from making any movements that he did not
judicious. Until he can investigate and reveal the secret of Hinata's power,
he knew victory would never be his. So he did his request for now, not interested in waging a war that he could not
win. With Saare quiet, the joint mission finally begins.
“Report,” said Litus, just returned from field work around Jura Forest. “Hutan is a picture of perfect peace. Apart from the resurrection
Veldora, I saw a group of traders entering and exiting the area.”
Caravans from Blumund flowed into the Tempest capital of Rimuru almost immediately
constant. Healing potions with the nation's trademark are bestsellers, though,
but merchants were also lining up for rare items such as silk cloths and weapons
which is made of monster-derived components.
“How can it be like that? Are they involved in trading with
demon lord?”
“We have to think about Veldora first. The record says he really likes to fight, though,
cause a swath of destruction wherever he goes, but I haven't seen
those signs.”
Hinata raised her hand to wave a question. “Let's hear
report to the end.”
“Good. I talked to the merchants, and they said kingdom
Blumund has expressed a full and open relationship with Tempest. This
including security guarantees, and Blumund residents were allowed to come and go
as they please. The highway connecting them to Tempest was also guarded
neat and clean; even animal waste is disposed of quickly. There are no signs
monsters are nearby, so overall, I trust this security agreement
legitimate and active.”
“Do you travel down this highway?”
“Iya. I wanted to see it for myself, so I disguised myself as a traveler. Exists
peacekeeping posts periodically along the way. When I get to town,
I found it far more advanced than I expected. Concentrations
the magicules in the air were understandable if it was higher than normal, but it was still
below the level that will affect most people. It gave me the impression that Rimuru, loyal to his words, was really looking for a relationship
friendship with mankind. ”
“...I understand. What about Veldora? ”
“Yeah, yes, about that..”.
“What's with it?”
“...I can't confirm his presence. Go to the cave where he was sealed
forbidden, and I failed to find any other place that might be the dragon's place
hiding in it. ”
“Hmm. ”
Hinata nodded calmly to Litus as she finished her report.
“If we can not confirm the existence of Veldora,” Fritz asked, “can
news of his resurrection to an error—?”
Hinata shot with a sharp look to silence him. “Revelation prophecy
luminus is never wrong. At least we are more confident about Rimuru's activities
now it's. Let's move on. ”
He continued to run meetings, asking each participant to report what they were doing
see and hear, making sure everyone has all the information available
before they start arguing.
“So everything was quiet from start to finish during my time in Englesia. If the rival
those in Farmus fell, I believe they'll take the opportunity to
expand their current strength.”
Brifing continues. Master Rooks members have the freedom to visit
Western nations, as well as the right to give orders to the Temple Knights who
placed within their borders. They even exceeded the Temple captain
local, and although they usually only act on orders from
Lubelius (to maintain a simple chain of command), Master Rooks
can order them directly in case of emergency. This
allow them to operate practically above the law in the west,
even getting some confidential information is easy.
This was one difference between them and the paladins. The last one enjoyed
unlimited access to foreign countries, but they
it was forbidden to give orders to the Temple Knights. The organization is two entities
that was different, although some of the Temple Knights later moved on to become paladins.
It was up to Hinata to take advantage of the plus and minus of both groups,
put them where they will be most helpful.
Saare's turn arrives at the very end.
“Listen to all these reports,” he said, “I think I'm starting to see what
Hinata try to find out. My turn is next, and I suspect my report should be
be decisive, yes?”
“Betul. I gave that job to you because that's the most important thing.
I'd appreciate it if you did.”
“Ah-he. Latest news from Farmus... King Edmaris has abdicated, and
on the surface, it seems that the transfer of power has taken place peacefully. But Edward, the new king, was busy gathering an army of talented mercenaries, and
in response, the nobility also began to panic. To me it looks like
signs of civil war looming. ”
Despite reports that the rise of Rimuru made headlines in the Nations
In the West, Blumund's trade with Tempest gave
the whole country is to interfere. Meanwhile, things couldn't be more chaotic at Farmus. The nobles worked in a hundred different directions, many of them
who seek to shore up their military might in haste.
Some even made a breakthrough with the Western Holy Church and the elders who
presiding Board. It won't be long before the sword comes out. Impact on
society is already very large — prices go up, distribution is lagging. Lost two
tens of thousands of soldiers even led to government-mandated conscription.
Amateur soldiers would not help much in battle, but Farmus
so cornered that they had no other choice.
Everything points in the same direction: civil war. The surrounding small kingdoms did not have a consensus on how to respond to this, but they did
all were wary of Farmus, smelling tension in the air and strengthening their borders to ensure they were not involved. They're all
expect that fateful day to come soon.
“...That, of course, is not enough information to make a conclusion
about whether demon lord Rimuru is involved with this.”
“True. So?”
“So, I recorded everyone King Edward contacted. The Council leaders
the important thing; Free Guild Management; Some merchants from the East; even warriors
ourselves. She's busy.”
“Is he trying to shore up his army?”
“Bingo. That's exactly what, Hinata.”
“Yes, it's done, then. The new king had no interest in paying any war damages. No demon lord would let the slap in the face be unmatched, and I doubt Rimuru was foolish enough not to expect that
from her. ”
“Hmm. So, do you think this is all part of the new demon lord plan
we?”
“Ya.” Hinata nodded.
It's almost funny how all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Based on what
what we can conclude from this, everything seems to lead to some sort of
the conclusion that was determined... Someone must have pulled the rope from the shadows.
The more he heard, the more convinced he became. Who'sis that? Maybe there's just
one answer — Clayman, a con man who wanders around the West Nation during
all these years, it has gone, and the only one who can even begin to imitate it
rimuru is a new member of the cast.
I don't like this. You can't let your guard down around him. He was smart enough to describe this thoroughly prepared strategy.
Maybe he was really Japanese before...Looking back, when he calmly reevaluated Rimuru, this was all due to him trusting those Eastern merchants from the very beginning.
They've been building a relationship of trust for a few years, and he
I really liked the lines given to him. It was a fatal mistake, and
he regretted it — and the worst part was the bulk of his intelligence
given the trader is accurate. Only when the topic turns to Rimuru will it be
the truth is starting to change a little. This little lie is impossible
it is confirmed independently, and Hinata lets him be fooled by her
them. If he trusted Rimuru, when the two of them were in the same location, perhaps things would develop differently. But, he reasoned, he did not
then he noticed something about Saare's report that interested him.
“Saare, you said Edward also contacted the merchant? What they say
on her?”
“Mm? Why do you care about the merchants? Demon lord painted a picture for
we're in love, and that's it, right? I think what we need to talk about is
direction of our future. What steps should we take now?”
“We do need that, but I still want to know. Tell me.”
“Pfft. I think money is the only thing those traders talk about. ”
“Not so. They just have an instinctive habit to divert
talk in any direction that will make them money. One of
of them using me as well, so you all have to keep an eye on yourself
by oneself. So what did you learn from them?”
“Hahs. That's pretty impressive, if they manage to use a woman
who always counts like you. Hm... I can't think of anything
especially what they say. Oh, hold on a second... There is a commercial zone in the area
that's what you cover, isn't it, Glenda? Merchants from the East and West mingled there. Did you hear anything interesting?”
Saare may not like Hinata very much, but she is still loyal to her mission. He knows and recognizes his talent — leadership that helped him create
Crusaders from a bunch of junk knights. He mercilessly fought the monsters;
He put everything along the line to keep people safe.
Somewhere in his heart, he appreciated it. That's why he followed
all Hinata orders to the letter, never hiding anything she
learn from. He might have some ideas on how to seize
his position returned from the woman, but he had no intention of dragging her down. Him
believe in meritocracy, and for better or worse, he really does
really in everything he does. Hinata knows that too.
Glenda, meanwhile...
“Well, as far as I know, nothing suspicious happened.”
...no problem telling shameless lies. As one
mercenary, he is quite experienced in exploring the underworld, he,
experiencing countless mortal dangers. Something about the tension in the air smelled like good money to him. Faith is one thing; it produces
profit is another thing. That's how Glenda works, and while people
people see him as a devout Luminist, it is not the truth that
actually was. What Glenda really wanted was the power she possessed
Luminism around the world. Sometimes money, intelligence, war power; but
Glenda needs everything. His current position gives him open access, and
he never wanted to lose her.
This was why he hid many things from Hinata, including meetings
with traders from the East in the Saare commercial zone. He also made a breakthrough
secrets with one of the Council's elders. He paid them money, and as
instead, they would spread false rumors for him. Not now, not now,
but when the time is right for him.
For now, he was unable to ask Hinata to question her motives. Hinata
cold, unforgiving, and merciless toward his enemies. She didn't
never allow himself to be open to attack at any time. But in the moment
the same, he is open-minded, almost soft on his allies — or, more
actually, Luminis. To him, fellow followers in his chosen faith are like family.
That was very clear to Glenda. That tenderness made Hinata forgive the way she spoke
Saare; the gentleness made him fail to notice those who
trying to betray him. Then immediately, Glenda thought, that gentleness will
it caused him to lose the position he had worked so hard for.
“However, if you are interested, I can check it more deeply, Captain.”
