Letter of Invitation
Templars, defeated!
Every country bordering the Jura Forest soon heard these news.
It was preposterous to think that they could have secretly invaded without being seen.
Moreover, countries that had relations with Tempest could hardly believe that their intelligence gathering teams were negligent.
Of course, Rimuru was aware that these countries were sending spies.
Which is why he had ordered a victory that produced the fewest casualties.
And country executives realized this fact.
After all, the fact that none of the knights were killed only proved their hypotheses.
For example, in the Dwarf Kingdom–military nation Dwargon.
The ministers gathered upon the Dwarf King's request.
They were analyzing a recorded image, while scrutinizing every bit of data they could acquire. With every minister having access to the said information.
The data they had acquired disclosed the matters of the battle.
The results were rather surprising.
One hundred Knights Templar, believed to be the strongest among humans, planned an invasion of the country.
However, Demon Lord Rimuru had intercepted this plan, and his response left the knights completely defeated.
How truly terrifying the Demon Lord Rimuru's information gathering skills are!
Certainly no less terrifying than his ability to strategize!
So murmured the Ministers.
However, was it as they said? The Dwarf King looked over the data, and his sight fell upon a bizarre pattern of movements displayed by the combatants.
Was this not supposed to devolve into a haphazard encounter between the forces?
Such a thought came to his mind. Actually, that's the only possibility he could have imagined.
No matter how much anyone claimed that the altered terrain caused the knights to dance in the palm of Rimuru's hand, it should have had no bearing on the actual combat.
If so, he was actually constantly staying aware of Hinata's plans while modifying the strategy to sway the battle in his favor.
And as a result, by controlling every aspect of the battle, the knights were completely defeated.
Unfortunately, since the recording magic is rather limited, the dwarfs could only lament the lack of a comprehensive report.
That is, it could only produce a soundless spectacle of the battlefield.
Nor could it analyze the skills used; at most, it helped identify the winner.
Even so, the data they gathered is certainly of grave importance.
Thus he scrutinized it again.
Captain-class knights were seen moving in various directions with some plan in mind. The Tempest department heads intercepted resulting in combat.
The result was a total war across all fronts and a complete victory for Tempest.
Among these battles, it was noted that a single monster could overwhelm eight knights–much to the dwarfs' surprise.
Considering that these knights were at least of captain class, it is best to assume that Monster Country Tempest easily surpasses the military might of Dwargon.
The ministers noisily grumbled about this, while King Gazelle Dwargo sighed in relief.
He was truly glad that Demon Lord Rimuru was an idealistic monster who sought friendship with the humans.
Had he been a monster who sought to destroy humanity, humans would have faced an unprecedented calamity.
(Besides, he's growing too fast!)
Was Gazelle's true thoughts.
He had thought Rimuru to be full of potential when they had first met, but he had never considered that he could progress this far.
Should he have destroyed him then? He could not come up with an answer.
For better or worse, this demon lord was interesting.
And, they currently have a cooperation pact and will be proceeding on friendly terms in the future.
Moreover, thanks to his "World Traveler" ideals, he has been developing some interesting contraptions.
Sparing no time nor effort, and aligning himself with no other "World Traveler", perhaps such is the true strength of this demon lord.
His movements have thus produced some interesting results.
And the many skills and technologies developed thus the dwarfs are able to obtain without lifting a finger.
So Gazelle decided.
Even if the angels destroy him, the dwarfs will not allow the technology to be lost.
Of course, they will probably become more and more militaristic in the future… but Oh well!
How much joy the dwarfs felt from all the inventions that came from that country.
(At this point, we have no choice but to trust Demon Lord Rimuru!)
Besides, he had released all the knights unharmed this time.
This could be interpreted as seeking to coexist with the humans.
Had he intended to fight them, he could have massacred the knights. After all, who can complain that an invading force was destroyed?
And yet he had let them live. Completely unharmed.
This could also be interpreted to mean that he had the confidence that Knight Templar class soldiers are of no threat to him.
This is causing quite a division among the ministers: some calling him a danger, others rejecting that notion.
Both are probably correct.
But there's only one decision.
Gazelle cleared his throat and thus got everyone's attention.
The conference room was completely silent, with every gaze focused on the king.
「That demon lord seeks to coexist with humans, so, as much as possible, we will support him. That is the official position of military nation Dwargon!」
The dwarf king's declaration reverberated through the hall.
The ministers bowed their heads and accepted their lord's will.
Thus the policy was decided. The specific measures would now be drafted by excellent individuals.
Whether this was a right or wrong decision, he could not have known.
But, the Dwarf King had no regrets.
And then another report was brought to the king.
「Your Majesty, Rigurdo-dono has sent an announcement.
It seems that they are planning on holding an event to make known the ascension of a new demon lord and seek our presence.
Well, this might be a political farce, however. They are simply trying to appeal to countries they are friendly with.
Doesn't seem like they actually expect our presence, so how should we respond?」
「Oh, about that! Bester also mentioned something!
Tempest, it seems, is planning on holding a tournament…
Probably a show to go along with the announcement.」
「What will we do? If we plan to attend, they have requested that we notify them in advance.
Speaking of,
There is limited number of seats, and the city is bound to be crowded that day, so they have asked to promptly answer them.」
Bester's question was brought up along with this report.
The Dwarf King pondered for a second.
(Actually, what the hell is that stupid demon lord planning hosting a tournament now of all time…)
Completely unpredictable.
Hence amusing.
The Dwarf King struggled to keep a smile from surfacing.
He could not break his facade before the ministers.
(You bastard… making me suffer so… I like it!)
Stifling the joy with a hint of anger, he announced his decision.
「We will attend the ceremony and the tournament」
He said.
The Ministers had not at all expected such a response, but this was the decision of their king.
With the meeting decided, they quickly started to prepare for the journey.
* * *
Sorcerer Dynasty Sarion, the Emperor's Castle.
A beautiful garden full of rare life spread behind it.
Keeping up the garden provided numerous benefits for the dynasty to say nothing of income made from it.
In other words, it was the source of the dynasty's pocket money.
The entire garden was maintained without a penny from the taxes.
Two beings relaxed inside this garden.
One was Duke Elalude.
Father of Adventurer Ellen, and one of the three leaders of this country.
And a being who was sitting across from him.
This being is the only one with a higher standing than Duke Elalude in the entire kingdom.
Empress Elumeshia Elure Sarion herself.
With a beautiful feminine face–well, she is a woman, after all–she has elf blood flowing through her veins and thus doesn't age.
Asking the empress how old she is, is considered a taboo.
She has the body of a girl who has just reached adulthood. With skin as white as fresh snow.
Long pointed ears easily distinguish her from anyone else. The glance of her slanted, jade eyes pierce into the very soul of the person before her.
And, long pale blue silver hair falls gently over her cheeks.
Duke Elalude was once entranced by the beauty she embodied, but was able to regain his mind after considering his wife's and daughter's wrath.
And with a short prayer, he faced the Empress.
The one so gracefully sitting upon the cushion across from him,
「Your Majesty, regarding the monster country I have reported on previously, we have received an announcement.」
He said and taking out a letter from his breast pocket handed it to the Empress.
He checked that it was safe. As for its contents, he would rather not say them himself.
He knew all to well that the Empress hated to have people learn things before her.
But…
(Having become a demon lord is great and all, but why announce it?)
And here is the question.
The letter was addressed to Duke Elalude. Normally, there was no need to let the Empress know about it.
But… it read "Please let us know how many people will participate!"
And that means that any number of guests are invited.
So if he doesn't let the Empress know and goes by himself, she'll just get mad at him again. And he would rather that not happen.
After all…
When he left on a mission to free his daughter from the clutches of an evil demon lord, he received a stern scolding.
Here's what she said.
「You bastard, how dare you leave your lord's side! I can't believe that such an interesting slime exists until I see it personally. Moreover, to witness a birth of a demon lord, which even I have never seen? I'm so jeal… Ummm, it's ridiculous! To have missed such a wonderf… I mean, you don't even know the danger you were facing! What a fool!」
And she became depressed.
Oh, and only Elalude ever saw Empress act like this.
She appears as a cold hearted individual to the other ministers, and is even feared as the Doll Empress.
Like a sheep in wolf's clothing! Elalude always wants to retort.
So he perfectly understood how angry she would have been had he gone off by himself this time.
Moreover.
They even claimed to conduct a Tournament at this occasion.
If he left her behind, her anger would be unimaginable.
Currently, due to her sulking, he has yet to establish technological cooperation with that country.
So if her mood improves, maybe they'll finally be able to finalize those details.
There's another important point.
He had confirmed that Tempest had fought against the Templars recently.
He had worried about how they will fare against them, but, surprisingly, they didn't just completely defeat them all, they also released every knight.
Basically claiming to have overwhelming confidence in themselves.
They could perhaps be countries that try to appear weak with only the leaders aware of the true strength.
But even so, to hold a tournament now of all times can only be interpreted as an event to flaunt their strength.
Well, since this allows Sarion to measure their strength, it is crucial that they participate.
But to bring the Empress to such an event would create a myriad problems…
And he was certain that he himself would have to solve all of them.
Empress Elumeshia returned the letter.
Elalude gulped in anticipation.
「Your Majesty, how shall we respond?」
He hesitantly asked.
With a wide smile on her face,
「How indeed…」
She was just putting on airs.
He could easily predict her next words but still waited for them.
And hearing an expected response, Duke Elalude would spend the next days without any sleep, busy with preparations.
* * *
In the small country Brumund's trading house, Myormiles was getting tired of the person talking to him.
As a merchant, he could tell a person's personality with a single glance.
Those coming for money, those coming with a new business opportunity.
There's also fallen nobles who come proposing dubious deals.
Among all these fools there maybe someone with a legitimate proposal.
So he can't leave this job to anyone else.
While thinking this, he dismissed the swindler before him and called forth the new guest.
A handsome man entered.
But Myormiles would not be deceived.
This man too was a fallen noble who had once tried to sell some junk at high price using his name.
He probably came with another idea and is seeking money.
But, if anything, he is a noble. Myormiles verified this himself.
So rudeness towards a true noble could be fatal. Which makes this job all the harder.
"Another stupid idea is it," he thought, and inquired the guest.
And he was right.
It really was rubbish.
In short, I'll open a new store using my slaves, so give me money! He said.
Frankly, he can't see this idea succeeding. A store needs a lot more than cute girls to be successful.
Research the market and the buyers, consider the location, and pay for the girls' children.
Just because they are slaves does not mean they will work for free–they need food and shelter after all. There's also initial costs to consider.
Opening a brothel also requires one to consider the chance for disease to spread.
If it does, not only the noble, but Myormiles himself would be indicted.
So this is not something he could accept.
「My, what a discerning eye you have, Kazak-sama.
But, regarding these female slaves, that would prove impossible, wouldn't it.
Human slave trade has been forbidden and opening a store with illegal slaves would be…」
「Oh, about that… here's the thing. All is solved when a noble pays the right people some money.
So, you know? Oh and this is a secret… but those slaves are elves」
He said in a haughty manner.
Myormiles got a heartburn just listening to Count Kazak, but stifled his displeasure.
As a merchant, he can't show a customer displeasure. Even a novice merchant knows that.
So how should he refuse him…
And the moment he began to say something,
「Yo! How have you been, Myormiles-kun!」
The door burst open and in walked a person while greeting him.
A beautiful girl (boy?) with silver hair, golden eyes walked in.
Who can't possible be here…
「Eh? Could it be, Rimuru-danna?」
A profoundly surprised voice escaped his lips.
Huh? Didn't Rimuru-dana become a demon lord? So Fuze-sama had said…
And he is not wearing a mask? So he was this cute without it?!
These thoughts filling his head, he had completely forgot about Count Kazak.
And then he heard,
「Please wait! Master is currently with a guest!」
A panicking attendant attempted to stop him.
Chances are, he had missed Rimuru coming in and was too late in stopping him.
What a failure. But chances are, he wouldn't have been able to stop him anyways.
So Myormiles could hardly get angry at the attendant.
「Ah, sorry. You were with a guest, huh. Well then, I'll wait in your store!」
And flashing an insincere smile, Rimuru added『Pardon my rudeness… nah, my bad!』
And leaving everyone dumbfounded he left.
Afterwards, Myormiles ended the discussion with Count Kazak, and cleared his schedule for the rest of the day.
A great wave was beginning to move the world.
What was more important?
Myormiles was not a fool who could not understand that much.
He was certainly a person who could find ore within a stone.
But! There was something he could create even if he were to abandon everything.
A short acquaintanceship but large profit? That didn't matter.
Most important was his obligation to consider the long term benefit of his business partners–fellow merchants.
He had intended to visit himself when things calmed down.
That is, he has heard that after becoming a demon lord Rimuru has gone off to attend Walpurgis Banquet.
So he could hardly take any action until he was sure of the changes.
And yet the person himself had visited as if nothing had changed.
So meeting with this person was by far the most important thing he had to do.
Remembering every strategy he knows, and hiding the pure joy that was filling his heart, Myormiles rushed to his store.
What wicked plan would he propose today?
And thus, Myormiles tedious days would come to an end.
Tournament Preparations
Myormiles hurried back to his shop.
He could have sent a butler ahead of him, but decided not to.
Would he really wait for me?
Slightly worried, he entered the shop.
When he did, he saw that adorable girl (?) reclining on a coach.
And, when (s)he saw Myormiles, (s)he smiled widely.
「Yo! That was quick」
A speech style that was completely at odds with his/her face, (s)he raised a hand in a greeting.
That was, without a doubt, master Rimuru.
Having confirmed that, Myormiles expressed his heartfelt happiness that Rimuru was still alive and well.
The other attendants, seeing their master thus, did not react with any surprise and have been treating Rimuru with respect.|
Certainly, that was the effect of having spent an hour here alone with him.
After setting down the iced tea he was drinking, Rimuru went straight to the point.
「Well, what. I've got a job request, you see? I'm ce~rtain that Myormiles will be able to handle it.
I've got an event coming up and I want a producer for it.
Can I leave it to you?」
With a wide smile that can only be described as representing all the wickedness of the entire human race, Rimuru asked.
Myormiles could not read what was on his mind, but was certain that it involved danger.
Even so,
「What kind of event would Danna be talking about?」
Myormiles, for some reason, wanted to hear more.
Somehow, he's been entranced by this person. Without any thought to loss and profit, these kind of unnatural feelings filled him.
Perhaps, he was now a failure as a merchant.
But now that he has become a failure, isn't it the perfect time to serve this being?
So he tried imagining what it would be like to serve Rimuru.
The very thought filled him with boundless joy.
Thus, he heard Rimuru's explanation.
He disclosed a shocking proposal.
Tempest will be holding a Tournament soon, and he wanted to leave it in Myormiles' hands.
He had described it as amusement, but, in short, it really is just a spectacle for the masses.
They will create a Colosseum to hold ten thousand people to watch and cheer for the contestants.
Average people also have the right to watch, perhaps with an entrance fee.
It's fine, however, if the entrance is free. As long Tempest's dining and lodging are properly advertised.
More importantly, moving the ten thousand guests around. Though the highways have been prepared, there's a need to manage the carriage transportation and provisions.
Moreover, managing the number of guests. Offering lodging.
Just thinking about the wealth that will move here made his mouth water.
Tempest dining and lodging is beyond excellent, so accepting the guests will prove simple.
The problem is the permanent stimulation of economy and maximizing the profit.
That's the whole point behind this tournament.
Too amusing!
To have prepared such a detailed plan only to leave it in Myormiles hands!
「This should be left to a pro, no? Don't tell me, Myormiles, you lack confidence?」
「Ha, hahahaha! How cruel. Rimuru-sama is an evil person」
「Ha ha ha ha. I am, I am! But not as evil as you!」
The two laughed loudly.
With a wicked smile on their faces.
「You do understand that enormous capital will be moving around here, right?」
「Fu fu fu fu. Fret not, this is this Myormiles' field of expertise…
I will produce results Rimuru-sama will be completely satisfied with!」
Enormous capital will flow at this event.
Just as Rimuru says.
What a… terrifying being.
Just how far can he see…
「On that note, I may see another way to use the restorative medicine.
It is possible to be restored as long as one is not dead I believe…
So perhaps we could sell it to the participants
And, the true goal is advertising, right?
So that people visit Tempest many more times from now on, right?
Based on that goal, my job would be…」
「… As expected. I'm glad I decided to leave this to you, Myormiles!
I don't mind if the tournament does not produce any profit.
"I want to come again!" If people leave with that feeling, then we have succeeded. I'll leave the invitees to you. Alright?」
They thus shook hands.
A terrifying chill assaulted Myormiles as ideas poured into his head.
There are countless ways to manage an event as a country.
Just by allowing people to bet on the winner can produce enormous income.
He finally realized the many ideas and the weight of responsibility that this request entailed.
And when he did, a boundless excitement filled his body.
He could finally do it. He could finally show him! He could finally be of use to Tempest!
And then, Rimuru added
「Oh, and later, if this goes over well, would you like to join us?
Commerce Division Chief or Merchant Division Chief. Well, the name doesn't matter, but I want to have you assume that post.
We're growing pretty big recently, so we need to take control of that sector. How about it?」
How about it? How about it? How about it? …?
These words, as if playing the strings of his heart, reverberated again and again.
With a big nod, he accepted.
Of course he would.
Rimuru was willing to invest in him to this extent.
There was no room for failure.
If he did well, he could join his most trusted circle!
In all of Myormiles days, more than any dream or hope he has had, he now felt like he has never felt before.
This feeling was like sweet nectar that he swore to never let go of.
Even after Rimuru left scheduling the next meeting, the excitement did not lessen.
Things will get busy.
First, declaring the intent to gather his estate.
Should this event conclude successfully, no, he will make it successful, he has no plans to return to Brumund.
So he thus declared.
And asked,
「What will you do? If you like this mansion, I don't particularly care?」
And upon hearing these words, all of his attendants replied,
『Please permit us to journey with you』
They said.
At this point, nothing held him back.
Even though he had received license from the country, Myormiles was a guild member.
He has the freedom to move between countries.
One should always be prepared to move!
But letting go of this shop might prove disadvantageous in the future.
So he decided to have a few people stay back in case Brumund were to flourish.
Ordering his servants to pack, he returned to his store.
And he called the head clerk into the office.
Before the clerk could even take a seat,
「Yo, you've gotten pretty good recently, how about taking over the store?」
Straight to the point.
Blinking a few times, the clerk tried to understand what he just heard.
He is, in fact, a son of one of Myormiles relatives, and was sent here to study.
He is a bright kid that Myormiles took a liking to.
But, in reality, he lost his original 'home' due to failing horrible, and only became a clerk to have a place to stay.
Yet there's no qualms about his work ethic. He's someone Myormiles could easily depend on.
「But, master… What could you possible mean by that?」
Unable to believe what he had heard, he timidly asked.
With a big nod,
「The thing is, I've… been tasked with an important job.
I'll be leaving the country, so I decided to leave the shop to you.
Make the store a success and call your parents to visit one day」
Myormiles said, patting the clerk on the back with an affectionate smile.
In reality, he had only intended to loan the store to him. That is, he fully expected to be able to recover the price of the store.
Myormiles the merchant was not a sweet individual.
Moreover…
(If he can't make the payment, that just shows that he was a failure to begin with)
He was motivated by his duty as a teacher.
「Thank you, truly, thank you…
Definitely… I will definitely repay your benevolence!」
Finally comprehending what was said, the clerk thanked Myormiles.
Ignoring his gratitude,
「Work hard!」
Myormiles said, nodding.
Just in case, they set up a contract for exchange of commodities.
There was no oversight on this end.
And after again being thanked by the clerk, he announced the change in leadership to the rest of the store.
And, compounding to their surprise, he added,
「On a one in a million chance that something happens, you are free to consult me.
But, I'm sure you guys will be able to get settled with the new order right away.
Just remember to steer clear of dubious deals with the nobles!」
Everyone nodded to his words.
They have all taken Myormiles' teachings to heart, so no one would engage in dubious deals here.
And then,
「Umm… would it be impermissible for us to follow you, master?」
Some among them said.
These five individuals Myormiles saw great potential in.
So he was greatly surprised.
He never expected them to be willing to abandon their livelihood to follow him.
Thus, he was troubled as to how to respond.
But those who asked did not waver in the slightest.
The ex-clerk smiled and said,
「Myormiles-sama, everyone here is your disciple.
Please take these persons with you」
「However… without them, would you not be troubled?」
「Hahaha, so You were worried about that! I, too, have taken to your teachings, you know!」
Myormiles nodded once to these reassuring words.
Thinking about it, trusted people with whom he had worked on important duties are truly precious.
So he decided to accept the proposal.
Thus, after overseeing the preparations for the move, Myormiles set off towards Tempest.
* * *
After parting with Myormiles, I sighed in relief.
Thank goodness he accepted.
Having a tournament is fine and all, but how should we take advantage of it?
That was the thought that started this all.
Even falling is not free.
I ordered an urgent creation of the Colosseum. The plain on which we faced the knights is where we decided to build this grand structure. It's easy to access and otherwise convenient.
We declared that the tournament will be held along with the Demon Lord proclamation ceremony.
We also decided to allow any powerful being from the Jura Forest to participate.
In short, we're also scouting for new recruits. Since we're becoming a legitimate state, it's probably a good idea to add more powerful beings to our ranks.
Other demon lords scout for devil subordinates to increase their influence, but it's unclear whether said devils are truly strong.
How~ever! Since they'll be fighting this time, we'll be able to tell their strength right away.
On that note, there's a problem of too few participants and too many spectators.
If we only display the power of my Cabinet, the vagrant devils will probably be dissuaded from rampaging at will.
Those fools who decide to cause mischief regardless will be erased. If possible, I'd rather we add them to our ranks before that happens.
After all, they say the angels will come invading.
Though that was my first time hearing that, I hardly see a reason to stop our progress.
I desire a pleasant and comfortable life!
Which is why it might be a good idea to further increase our fighting strength.
So rather than targeting the famous clans, I would much rather gather strong individuals and confer a reward upon the winner.
Monsters are hardly interested in coin, so I proclaimed that I will grant any reasonable wish.
So hopefully a large number of participants will show.
Otherwise, this would hardly be a show.
To someone who enjoyed those end of the year fighting shows on TV, this is ideal entertainment.
But, there's the problem of managing capital.
Viewing fee can be free as long as Tempest is properly advertised.
When I thought so, I noticed that we were lacking in personnel.
There's no monster who specializes in finances.
While I could do it alone, it's just too damn troublesome.
And then I remembered Myormiles-kun.
What a wonderful resource he is.
I don't know why he got so excited, but he is even more eager than I am to put this plan into motion.
Perhaps even holding it as an annual event.
Moreover, he even thought of a plan to sell the medicine at the event.
What a terrifying individual.
In that case, rather than a quickly built arena, we should probably build something more grand.
Slightly panicking, I contacted Gerudo.
It seems that they were in the middle of laying the foundation so they didn't mind having to expand the size of the building.
Though I initially held against box seats, I guess those would be important.
By the way, the Cabinet unanimously declared secret training time and vanished.
Only Ranga remains as always within my shadow.
Now then, since I am in Brumund, I might as well greet Fuze.
Opening the door to the Brumund's Freedom Association Branch, I entered.
And was met with a "Who's that?" gaze.
Right, every time I came I would wear a mask, so they don't know it's me.
Whatever. If he's not here, I'll just leave.
With such a carefree attitude, I approached the receptionist.
「Yo. I'm Rimuru; would Fuze be around?
Oh, here's my guild card」
I said and pulled a card from my pocket (stomach).
I could hear people ask "That girl is an adventurer?!" but I paid them no mind.
The receptionist lady seemed to have remembered me.
「Ah! My, oh my, it has been a while! How have you been?」
「Hmm? Oh, quite fine! You also seem to be doing well.
So, could I meet with him?」
「Ah, yes. Please follow me!」
I was immediately let through.
Behind me, I could hear: "Seriously?! Who is that girl!" and the like, but I should probably ignore those word.
And as always, I was guided towards the same room via magic circles.
Inside, Fuze was holding his head.
「Yo! I came to play. What's wrong? Something on your mind?」
「Well, it's been peaceful, but then suddenly a demon lord appeared…」
「Eh? Seriously? What a menace. Why are you so relaxed?!」
「No, no, the demon lord is right before me. So what should I do?」
「Oh? Is that so? Then how about serving some tea?
Cake might also be a good idea?」
「Cake, huh… what the hell! Do you think I could acquire such a delicacy so easily?!
Seriously, is it alright for you to be so carefree even as a demon lord?」
While complaining, he poured some tea.
Unlike how he seems, he's a really pleasant guy.
Thanking him, I sipped the tea. And let him know the short version of the Walpurgis Banquet incident.
That there are Eight Demon Lords now called "Octogram".
And, most importantly.
That Freedom Association Guild Master Kagurazaka Yuuki is somehow connected with Chaos Lord Kazarim.
Fuze muttered in disbelief.
But without doubting my story, he started considering countermeasures.
Rather, while doubting my words, I should say.
If I'm wrong–great, if I'm right–then a plan of action is absolutely necessary.
It's best to stay prudent. What a reliable fellow he is.
「On that note, I think it would be best to use this magic item that prevents mind control.
We're also all using it.
And, do not disclose this to anyone you don't trust and that has nothing to do with Yuuki.」
「Understood… That's only to be expected. I'll try to look for people who can dispel brainwashing and mind control skills.」
He's quick on the uptake.
He's already way ahead of me.
「Call me if anything happens」
I said, taking out a Communication Ball and a hundred gold coins.
「Hey, Danna… what is this…?」
「Communication device and necessary expenses. Enough?」
「It will help. But to bring this much out, is it that serious?」
「That it is. I don't think Ingracia can be trusted at all by this point.
Yuuki has had 10 years to extend his network, you see?」
Fuze's expression got even more serious when I said so.
And he began grumbling to himself.
「Seriously… things were much more peaceful before you showed up…」
「Isn't it great, you got a job. And a big one at that!」
Fuze held his hands up as if giving up,
「Make it a request」
He said. With a face full of determination.
It's tough to request of him to question his superiors.
I do feel bad for him, so I decided to explain in greater detail.
My real objective is the children.
So I told him. If Yuuki is suspicious, there's a need to save the kids.
But if I handle this poorly, he'll learn that I am suspicious of him. So this must be done in complete secrecy.
Preferably with a third party that has no relation whatsoever with me.
Fuze nodded and began to think up the strategy.
Anyways, we cannot rush this.
Since he hasn't noticed yet, there's no need to take any serious action.
We can take this slow, so I believe we should carefully proceed here.
「I have accepted the request. Leave it to me!」
Fuze nodded and made the promise.
For the time being, he'll use trusted people to search for those afflicted by mind control.
If possible, he'll secure the children.
There's no choice but to trust him for now.
「I leave it to you!」
And nodding, we concluded by discussing the finer details.
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GOT IT