Slime Who Turned into a Demon King
14.Between You and Me

First, which one of us is strong enough to handle them? According to

my guess is that the group includes Veldora, Ranga, Benimaru, Shion, Soei, Geld, Geld,

Gabil, Diablo, and Myself. Hakuro has sword skills to compensate, though,

although his magic power was not enough to the level of others. Shunas... I didn't

be certain. Magical combat is one thing, but against a melee expert, I don't like the odds. Ten Great Saints reportedly had a level that

the same as someone who would become a demon lord or Orc Disaster; it would be

many questions from Shuna.

So counting Hakuro, ten people. I'm handling Hinata. Veldora is out of

question — I don't want him out of control on me, so he can focus

on the defense of the city. I mean, as far as we know, there may be power

another enemy in motion that we have not noticed. We need

our defense is as strong as possible. Geld, meanwhile, I wouldn't bother if I

could help.

I want Diablo, Ranga, Hakuro, and Gabil to focus on Farmus, not the

this fight. What remains:

“So the only people I freed were Benimaru, Shion, and Soei, huh?”

Ideally, I want one fighter per enemy, but I'm short of one more.

So, now how?

“I will join the battle, of course,” said Benimaru. Here's this

why did he let Hakuro lead Yohm's reinforcements. I can't

let him miss this one.

“I'll stay here,” Soei added. “My replicas can handle my intelligence duties

quite well, but Soka and the others proved quite useful on point

this.”

“I too!” Shouted Shion. “As your secretary, Sir Rimuru, I will be forever

being by your side—“

Report. If there were Enlightened level warriors among a hundred paladins, trying to buy time with them might prove impossible. It would be safer to

devote some of your war power to them as well.

Ohhh Yeah, there's always that worry too. Thanks for the real helpful feedback! I know I can count on Raphael.

“Wait, Shion. There is something I want to ask Soei first.

Do you know if there is any power of the enlightened Paladin, separate from

Hinata's? "

Soei closed her eyes for a while.

“I'm sorry,” he replied. “They are all at least A rank, but none stand out from the group in my perception.”

With monsters, it's pretty easy to figure out, what's their way

letting their auras be let go so casually. The stronger they are, the stronger they are,

the more you can feel it from them. But with (e.g.) Hinata, he

they do not feel different from other humans. I can't choose it at all, though,

which makes his strength very surprising. All right anyway, we're gonna

knowing fast enough in battle.

“In case, I want Shion to monitor the paladin group. We will

get his orders from both Reborn and Kurenai groups. Is that all right

just, Benimaru?”

“If it's your decision, it's not a problem at all, Sir Rimuru. Soei and I

each can face two best friends Hinata.”

Talk about confidence. To Soei, this all seemed very natural.

“One moment, Sir Rimuru,” says Rigurd. “Maybe this is a good opportunity for me to

joining it? I was satisfied with setting up our political system around the city, but

even I want to smash some heads sometimes!”

“Then, I also exist,” Shuna added with a smile. Look, you don't fit in

for a close combat, okay? It would be too dangerous for you.

“But I am too. I don't want Gobta to be the center of attention forever!”

Now Rigur threw his hat in the ring. He and Rigurd both passed by

rank A, but no one came close to the status of a demon lord. That would throw away

their lives.

“Wait, wait. I think this is a little too dangerous for all of you.”

“But we have no one else, right?”

“With us involved,” says Benimaru, “it will be more than enough.”

“Maybe,” reply Rigurd. “I know your team is strong, but it would be better not to

underestimating our enemies, right? Let Rigur and I take responsibility

this..”

The debate began to heat up. All these worries may be futile if

fights don't break out in the end, but I want to overcome this by

as much confidence as possible. If we're gonna stop all this, maybe

we have to call back Geld, just for that one day.

I was contemplating this when I came out of the endless debate

my staff when there's a loud noise on the other side of the door.

“I told you,” I can hear Gobwa say, “we are in the middle

meeting—“

“Ya, and we want to be a part of it!”

“Stop fighting, Sufia. Come on, lady, all we want is to retaliate

let's owe him one, okay?”

That's Sufia and Alvis, two of the Three Lycanthropeers. The door finally opened for

them.

“Hei. Sorry to barge in. I saw the skinny man running around

yes, but what's with that? We also want to join, Sir Rimuru. ”

“Demon Lord Rimuru, forgive our sudden visit. Sufia was being rude

as always, but we are really trying to support you. Please, please,

allow us the opportunity to return the favor you gave us.”

Both of them in front of me, kneeling. Well, not directly in front of me, because Gobwa

still trying to drag them out by holding the ears. Benimaru

raised a hand to stop him, finally letting them

approaching — but now Diablo is standing between them and me. Benimaru

it seems to believe them as well, but after all, some people are here

a little uneasy about those close to me. Diablo, in particular, stared

they are suspicious. If I order him, I'm sure he'll behead

their heads in an instant.

Sufia and Alvis were in stark contrast to each other, but at this point, they were two beastmen with the same thoughts. They pushed their way in here, knew it would offend, and asked me to let them help. Treatments

the coldness of some of my staff was something they seemed to expect.

“News, Diablo, you two, back off.”

“Understanding.”

“Yes, Sir Rimuru"

When they returned to their seats, I had a chair for Sufia and

Alvis. After a while to make sure everyone was calm, I continued.

“So, you want to help us?”

“Yes, Sir Rimuru. We are dealing with some of the Ten Great Saints here,

don't you? Looks like you need someone to stop them, and

we want to be the one to do that for you.”

“Iya! Fighting the only thing I can do, you know. We won't be

you can pay your debt otherwise. Please, use us

freely!”

I'm thinking about this. In terms of strength, this is not a problem. But if one

of those wounded, how can I explain it to (former) demons

lord Carillon?

“Are you sure you can volunteer for it without Carillon's approval?”

“Of course! Lord Carillon has always been quite tolerant of such things. ”

“Then our master seems worried about paying his debt also to you, Sir Rimuru. If we don't step in here, I'm sure he'll tell us

about it.”

Hm... Frankly, I really appreciate this offer. Having these two people will make my mind a little calm for the battle.

“I agree,” added Benimaru. “I'm sure we can trust them.”

“When I go,” Shion asks, “Are you able to eliminate anyone

who blocked Sir Rimuru's path?”

“Of course,” replied Sufia casually. The two seem to get along well with each other — and I don't hear no sound.

“Can you do it?”

“You can count on us!”

“Thank you for your kind words!”

I hate the rain at the Rigurd parade when he's all excited like this, but I need someone to lead the people in the city. When it comes to

battle, I don't have full confidence in him either. But with

Sufia and Alvis are on our side, we couldn't be much better prepared for Hinata and

his army.

It's hard to call what we've made together a 'strategy,’ but

anyway, we have something to work on. Now my staff is

discuss details with each other, checking to make sure there are no holes

in our plan.

I closed my eyes and tried to guess Hinata's behavior again. The Raphael Calculation

let me know that this approach is the most likely way to

avoiding victims. You can say that I don't need to worry, but

I'm still fixated on some problems.

One, all of this would be much more in the bag if I gave up conquering

Farmus or call Geld back here. Anyway, I've sorted this out on the grounds I think you can call it purely selfish. That is why

I must aim for a perfect and flawless victory.

If Hinata agrees to speak, then fine. If not, we will do

duel, one on one. We are fully prepared for that scenario, albeit with

one big enough trap: What if I lose? Then everything will be

being meaningless. Raphael seemed to have little doubt about

my victory, but if I fail, it will withstand this entire operation.

Can I really trust Raphael's calculations? I suspect Raphael

tend to err on account of being overconfident, and that's not the first either. It's too trusting me — it's not too overriding my chances,

wasn't he?

I can't get rid of that thought, but I have to do this. That's how it always is, and that's what will always happen. Do I fully believe

to myself or not, all my friends of course believe. I just have to

stop worrying and pressuring.

“I'll say this one more time. If, at any point in the battle

here, it looks like we're gonna have a hard time keeping ourselves afloat, I want you guys

immediately focus on the destruction of the enemy. The lives of our allies must be prioritized.

You need to understand that none of this matters if any of you get killed. I wish everyone could get through this alive, like the

we always do. Disbanded!”

“““Yes sir!!”””

If we are too reluctant to choose a paladin, and it gets one of our friends killed, it will make us all look ridiculous. I want to make sure everyone is aware of that. Seeing all of them voice their agreement, I replied with a satisfied nod.

Now to wait and see what Hinata tries.

The trip to Tempest goes well for Hinata.

A short trip through the transportation gate is all that is needed to

going from Lubelius to Englesia, but from there, he had to do it in the normal way — and without a replacement horse, then frequent breaks were a must. He was used to long marches like this, so he kept his gear

at least as much as possible. One horse and one sleeping bag, which he kept full

with emergency rations, pots, and so on.

The trail is not blocked by snow or anything, but seasonal weather is still

preventing him from making this trip in a hurry.

He had met with his four paladin subordinates immediately after leaving.

At first it was shocking, hearing the horse tread from behind and seeing four

familiar faces — Arnaud, Bacchus, Litus, and Fritz, his paladin commanders.

Renard, the vice-captain, takes care of the fort while Hinata leaves, and because

choice, they deliberated long enough and chose Garde to stay.

“...What are you doing?” Ask them.

“We will ask you the same question, Lady Hinata. Attempt to

starting from us?”

“Start from me for what? I just went there to talk.”

“Oh, come on now. You know, you sound less convincing because of how

obviously you are equipped to fight.”

“Iya! Yet we are not interested in standing on your sacrifice. Our glory

come only when we serve under you.”

“Indeed. So besides, the message does not urge you to travel alone, does it?”

Hinata rolled her eyes and sighed. “I know I know. But this is

demon lord, okay? I'm the one who makes him riled up. My problem. You guys don't

have any responsibility or involvement in it. Return to our homeland immediately. ”

But Arnaud and the others ignored the order. He was eventually forced to

say 'Close' and let them join him.

The path chosen by this five-member horde was maintained, but

the road is better. Lodges are rare along the way, and at this time of year, the,

signs of no vacancies are often seen. They will be forced to

campers, and although they do not meet monsters, camp in the winter

with nothing but emergency rations with his victims Hinata and his friends.

By the time they reached Blumund ten days later, they had run out

a worrying force. They decided the time was ready

for overnight in the room, for a change.

“This city has changed,” Arnaud said after the five of them rented a room

each one and gathered in the dining room.

Hinata felt the same way. Litus has spoken extensively in his report, but seeing it with his own eyes makes that distinction very clear.

After changing and resting a bit, they decided to leave

exploring city. The market is crowded with people, despite the winter weather,

and all sorts of strange and foreign merchandise were readily available. Atmospheres

the backward countryside, Hinata felt the last time a mission brought her here was now much weaker.

“But did you see the people? There is much more variety for clothing

around here now. Some of them have a kind of fancy dress that

usually only you see in Englesia.”

“Yes, and those weapons and armor... I think some of it came from monsters.

High quality goods that actually circulate.”

Arnaud and Bacchus had trouble believing their eyes. Hinata can see

the reason. It was not up to the standards they enjoyed as paladins, either,

but everything they saw was almost too luxurious for a small country like this.

To all the merchant kiosks!

In a world where many shops are closed for the winter,

the small amount they saw was very rare. If they stay open, it definitely means customers are — and it should mean that, even in winter, the city

this secluded little entertains many traders and adventurers.

“Is the influence of this Tempest near?” Fritz asked, measuring the response

Hinata as she did. All of these developments must have happened after

trade relations opened with Tempest. That's the only reason he can

think over. It also means that a large number of people in this city are not only

disregarding the teachings of Luminism, but also actively ridiculing them.

“All this prosperity,” whispered Litus, clearly surprised, “by doing business with

demon lord?”

Hinata, deep down, had to agree with him. This isn't normal. But

for him; for someone like Rimuru who came from the same land

with him, maybe this is not at all strange.

For example, the menu on the wall of this dining room.

“Have you decided?” Ask an attractive waiter.

Hinata is ready for him.

“Please, I'll order ramen.”

“Ramen! That's been a lot of messages lately. It comes in a sense of miso, shoyu, and

tonkotsu, each available in a lighter or thicker broth.

Do you have any preferences?”

Six of a kind in all. This is not a misunderstanding. Ramen, here, obviously means

food he knew.

“Tonkotsu, please, on the Thick side. With one side the gyoza and rice go well with

that's. ”

“Excellent! You must know your food, Madam, is this your first time here. Then for all of you? ”

His friends watched in awe as he ordered without hesitation.

“U... Same thing.”

“A-me also..”

“Ya.”

“For me too.”

None of them knew what it was, so they just followed the lead

their captain.

“Mrs Hinata, can you tell us what....this ramen?”

“You know, right?”

“Yes. That's... Well, it might be a bit difficult for you guys to eat.”

“““What?!”””

Tension sped across the table.

“Do not worry. I just thought it would take practice before you guys could

eat it properly.” Hinata was only worried about the chopsticks. Is Arnaud

and his other compatriots know how to use it?

Does anyone in Lubelius know about this? His friends, meanwhile, now fear Hinata makes them order something at the monkey brain level.

After waiting for a while, the bowl came out.

Undoubtedly, it is a ramen —nostalgic view for Hinata, a completely foreign sight to the rest of the table.

Brush her hair backwards with one hand so as not to dunk it into

in the soup, Hinata picked up a pair of disposable chopsticks, separating them.

They're even kind of if you take a break... Is this their focus?

Can Tempest really popularize chopsticks so quickly that they

has it spread to their neighbors? It scared her a little, but

the ramen billowing in front of him distracted him.

He put his hands together in a small prayer before taking the spoon

ramen renge from the pile and taste the soup. That must be tonkotsu pork broth, on the side

the more viscous. He didn't know where they got the dashi soup broth from,

but it actually re-created the heavy, flavorful taste he remembered.

Then he took some noodles, brought them to his mouth.

spit it back.

“Are you okay?!”

Arnaud. “Is poisoned, Lady Hinata?!”

“Silence. Just relax and eat.”

Hinata took another noodle — this time, put it on a spoon and blew it

a little bit earlier. He was not used to the food being served at this temperature.

It was almost cute for him, especially giving his usual cold demeanor, but he

too focused on the noodles in her mouth to care.

A nice body. A good taste. Savory broth has seeped into the noodles. That was amazing.

He never thought he would feel this again, but it was

the perfect re-creation.

Secretly, Hinata concentrated on her food, Arnaud and the others

carefully watch his every move. Soon, they tried to imitate

hers.

“...Aghs! Hot!”

“Mmm! Wow, what is this?!”

“Sup is also good!”

“Excellent! I've never eaten anything like this before.”.

They fought desperately with their chopsticks as they challenged themselves

they were alone for ramen, but their reaction was as Hinata had not expected.

For those, whose diet revolves around the staple diet of hard bread, salted soup, and,

and fresh salads, this ramen opens up a whole world of new flavors. It was a revolution

for their taste.

Look at this rice! This rice they ordered just because Hinata did it.

It is the perfect accompaniment to ramen, growing sweeter in the mouth the more you chew and fill your stomach in the most satisfying way. For gyoza...

Oh, gyoza! The contents spread in your mouth when you bit it, the smell drifted

up to your sinuses. It was a symphony of flavors, played by a wide variety of materials

and it comes in beautiful harmony with rice.

“This is so good!” Arnaud was half screaming. “I can't believe this!”

Compared to the portable rations over the past ten days, this was heaven.

It wasn't long before one gyoza dumpling remained. Fritz's chopsticks began to float off into

the direction...just to be deflected by Hinata with a dry tssh!

The voice.

“That's my prey, Fritz. I want to keep it for last. Don't steal.”

Fritz felt a shiver on his back. He plays to joke.

“M-sorry, Mrs Hinata. It was so delicious, I couldn't help myself.”.

“You can always order another plate,” replied the surprised Hinata — and soon

after that, the four friends started shouting for the waiter. And yet later,

tragedy befalls.

“Oh, forgive me, friends, but it's our last supplies for the day.”

The servant delivered a devastating news. “You know, this ramen

it was actually a new show from us. We just started presenting it

last week, and just between you and me, I heard it started as.

a strong request from the demon lord for his dinner. There was a merchant

named Sir Mjo llmile who is one of the big names in this city, you know, and he bought this ramen directly from the demon lord himself. Can you

believe it? It hasn't sold well — is expensive, and there's sort of

learning curve — but once you try it, you won't get yourself

feel enough!”

Considering this is “only between you and me,” the waiter is hard enough to

it was clear throughout the dining room. The action fascinated Hinata;

No doubt he was ordered to advertise it to visitors

it stays that way. Building a loyal customer base will

allows them to make more in bulk, as well,

make it a full product. He could see some people in the hall

curiously looking at his desk. Saw him consume that bowl with

very expert might make them want to try it for themselves.

He picked up the last of the soup as they chatted.

“Thank you. That's very Delicious.”

Hinata paid for the food and stood up. His friends, seeing this, rushed over

to sip the rest of their soup.

“No need to rush. I was just about to go back to my room. Also, here are the words of advice: If you drink all the soup too, you will gain weight.”

Litus was the only one who stopped eating.

“Hah? But... You did it..?”

“I am of course skinny.”

With that warning, he left. He could feel a hateful look

Litus pointed at him, but he was too happy and sleepy to turn around.

*B*connected.....