บท 7: Hero King, Gazel Dwargo!
Ciel: <>
Voice of the World: <<>>
******
Gazel Dwargo, the renowned Hero King of the Armed Nation of Dwargon, was sitting in his office, contemplating the upcoming lunch with Rimuru Tempest, a man who had put him and his associates on high alert.
Rimuru Tempest was a man surrounded by many mysteries. Not only had he healed Kaijin's brothers' previously untreatable injuries, but Gazel was almost certain that Rimuru had also provided Kaijin with magic ore to complete the order of 20 magic swords. However, the enigma surrounding him didn't end there. According to the information gathered by his allies, Rimuru Tempest appeared to be a dangerous individual. Furthermore, if Gazel's arch-wizard was correct, the white-haired woman accompanying Rimuru was equally—if not more—dangerous.
In light of these observations, Gazel understood the significance of the upcoming lunch for Dwargon. A successful negotiation with Rimuru Tempest could bring significant advantages to his nation. In the best-case scenario, it might secure a powerful ally as well.
Just then, one of his guards informed him that his guests had arrived and were waiting for him in the dining room. Gazel nodded and proceeded toward the dining room, flanked by his elite guards both in front and behind him. A few moments later, he arrived at the dining hall and instructed his guards to wait outside. Stepping into the room, Gazel noticed six people were already seated around the table.
Upon Gazel's entrance, four of the six individuals in the room rose from their seats, offering respectful bows. Among them was Anrietta, a stunning blonde elf, known as the King's shadow and the leader of Dwargon's Dark Ministry. Seated next to her was Jaine, an elderly woman and the Arch-Wizard of Dwargon's Royal Court, renowned as King Gazel's trusted advisor.
On the opposite side of the table sat two men. The first was Dorf, a middle-aged man with blonde hair, serving as the Captain of the Pegasus Knights. Beside him was Vaughn, a dark-haired man recognized as the Admiral Paladin and the supreme commander of Dwargon's military. These four individuals were not only the closest confidants of King Gazel but also his most trusted subordinates, specially invited to this significant meeting to observe Rimuru as well as to ensure Gazel's safety.
The two people who did not stand upon his arrival were Rimuru, a man with long blue hair and golden eyes, sitting at the opposite end of the table, directly facing Gazel who sat at the head of the table. Looking closely, Gazel noticed that Rimuru was studying him with the same intensity with which mirroring how he was observing the blue-haired man. Seated next to Rimuru was a stunning woman with red and snow-white hair, exuding an air of superiority in her demeanor.
"You must be Rimuru Tempest," Gazel stated, scrutinizing Rimuru. "I've heard quite a bit about you."
"Likewise, King Gazel," Rimuru replied, casually sipping from his drink. "Pleasantries aside, let's move on to the important business, shall we?"
"Indeed, Rimuru," Gazel remarked with a nod. "I've heard that you wanted to talk with me."
"Well, I won't beat around the bush and waste your time, King Gazel," Rimuru said. "I am planning to build my own nation in the Great Jura Forest, and I want you to be our first ally when we finally establish ourselves."
Upon hearing Rimuru's words, everyone except Testarossa was taken aback. King Gazel himself was at a loss for words, yet his well-practiced stoic expression remained unchanged.
"You're planning to build a nation in the Great Jura Forest, you say. But what about Veldora? I doubt the Storm Dragon would take kindly to anyone claiming land under his protection," Gazel pointed out.
"Veldora won't be a problem. He's a good friend of mine; he won't mind," Rimuru said casually, once again putting Gazel's side on alert.
"Rimuru..." Gazel narrowed his eyes at Rimuru. "You know something about the Storm Dragon's disappearance, don't you?"
"I might know something, I might not," Rimuru responded nonchalantly, a sly smirk playing on his lips. Gazel sighed, realizing he wasn't going to extract anything from Rimuru, and moved on to the next question.
"Well, let's just say that you do manage to create a nation in the Great Jura Forest. Why should we join you as allies? What do we stand to gain from such a relationship?" Gazel asked.
"Before I answer your question, let me clarify something. I am planning to take the entire Jura Forest under my command, which includes all other races living there," Rimuru declared, "My nation will house not just humans but any intelligent race that can follow my orders and benefit my nation."
"I understand. But you do realize that the kind of nation you're trying to create will attract the ire of the Holy Empire Ruberios, right?" Gazel asked.
"Oh, I am counting on Ruberios to get their rear in gear," Rimuru said with a devilish grin. "I'd be disappointed if they didn't."
'Troublesome,' Gazel sighed inwardly, already feeling all kinds of headaches coming towards him in the future.
"Now, about your question, King Gazel, once we establish a proper contract, I am willing to offer quite favorable trade deals for our potions," Rimuru said, producing a barrel full of healing potions. "Furthermore, high-quality monster materials and assistance from my subordinates during crises will be at your disposal. Naturally, I expect you to do the same should trouble come knocking at our doors."
"That sounds remarkably generous... What do you seek in return?" Gazel inquired.
"Oh, nothing too demanding," Rimuru replied with a casual wave of his hand. "When my nation is ready, I simply want our nations to declare mutual alliance on a global scale."
'I see, you are more cunning than I thought Rimuru Tempest,' Gazel mused to himself. 'By making this a public announcement, he wants us to declare to the world that we stand with him, forcing us into a position where we have to stand with his nation in future conflicts.'
"Hmm... the offer is not bad, but I will still need time to think about it," Gazel remarked, prompting a nod of understanding from Rimuru. "By the way, Rimuru, you haven't introduced the lady," he added, motioning towards Testarossa, who had been quietly dining while following their conversation.
"Ah, my apologies," Rimuru said with a smile as if expecting the question. "Allow me to introduce Testarossa, one of my most trusted subordinates, currently serving as my secretary and bodyguard."
"An honor to make your acquaintance, King Gazel," Testarossa replied, her tone indicating a courtesy rather than a genuine greeting.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but I feel like I know you from somewhere," Jaine, the Arch-Wizard, asked, her voice trembling slightly. Gazel understood the reason behind her nervous tone. If their suspicions about the white-haired lady were true, being nervous or terrified would be the only logical response.
An amused smile played on Testarossa's face, her red eyes fixating on Jena, who felt a chill creeping up her spine. "Oh, that might be because I've gained quite a reputation in the East. although here in the West, very few people know about me," he remarked, feigning a mockingly sorrowful tone in her voice, much to Rimuru's amusement.
Meanwhile, on Gazel's side, a sense of unease had settled in as their suspicions about Testarossa had become crystal clear. Just to confirm, Gazel decided to ask, "Miss Testarossa, are you perhaps the White Primordial?"
"Indeed, King Gazel, I am the White Primordial. However, I would appreciate it if you refrained from using that name, as my Master Rimuru has bestowed upon me this beautiful body and an even more exquisite and esteemed name, Testarossa," she responded, her voice laced with a hint of joy and pride.
"Of course... I understand," Gazel said, observing the visible unease among his people. Their faces had drained of color, each avoiding direct eye contact with Testarossa. He couldn't blame them; hosting a being with the power to turn their entire country into a wasteland was an unnerving prospect.
However, at this very moment, only Gazel was composed enough to notice a grave detail of their current predicament. As per Gazel's knowledge, Primordial Demons were extremely powerful beings, shrouded in legends... legends that spoke about their might as well as the terrifying destruction that they brought along with themselves. Yet, there was another facet to these legends that spoke of the pride these Primordials have and justifiably so as they sit at the pinnacle of the demon race. So keeping all of those things in mind, he found it more terrifying that such a being was serving under Rimuru.
'Rimuru Tempest... what the hell are you?' Gazel pondered to himself. By now, he had deduced that Rimuru was by no means a human. This realization left him both curious and concerned about the true nature of Rimuru Tempest and, more importantly, whether Rimuru could be trusted enough to forge an alliance
Just then a sudden knock on the door shattered the tense atmosphere in the room. After getting permission from Gazel, the door opened, and immediately Anrietta's eyes turned ice cold as she laid eyes on her subordinate who had just entered the room.
"What are you doing here? Didn't I instruct you not to disturb me for the next few hours?" Anrietta demanded, her narrowed eyes causing her subordinate's face to pale.
"I apologize for the interruption, ma'am, but there's an urgent development that I felt you should be informed about," the subordinate explained, awaiting Anrietta's permission to continue. "Just moments ago, Minister Vesta ordered the arrest of Blacksmith Kaijin and is demanding a trial, citing his authority as a minister."
"Did he now?" Rimuru's sudden cold tone grabbed everyone's attention, sending chills down their spines.
"Rimuru, I'm aware that you assisted Kaijin and healed his brothers, but your reaction suggests there's more to this situation that neither I nor my people are aware of," Gazel speculated.
"Indeed, King Gazel. Kaijin and I had a deal in exchange for the healing of his brothers. However, it appears I'll be encountering some trouble in that regard," Rimuru remarked feigning a dramatic sigh.
Meanwhile, Gazel pondered for a moment, before he summoned one of his officers into the room and directed her to expedite Kaijin's trial, scheduling it within the next half-hour.
"King Gazel, if it's acceptable, I would like to attend this trial as well," Rimuru interjected. "I believe I can provide substantial evidence in support of Kaijin, if necessary."
"I have no objections, but our recent conversation won't singularly influence my decision in Kaijin's favor," Gazel cautioned him.
"Of course, that is given I suppose," Rimuru acknowledged before being escorted by a servant, along with Testarossa, to guest chambers until the trial commenced.
******
Thirty minutes later, King Gazel entered the court, accompanied by Dorf, the Captain of the Pegasus Knights, and Vaughn, the Admiral Paladin. However, before entering the room he looked around and observed the people present in the court.
On the right wing, he noticed Vesta sitting surrounded by his guards, wearing a smug smile on his face.
On the left wing, Rimuru and Testatrossa waited quietly for the trial to commence, their expressions betraying no emotions.
Lastly, in the center were Kaijin and his brothers in handcuffs, surrounded by guards. Their eyes kept alternating between the ground and the left wing, where Rimuru was sitting, showing no hint of concern on his face.
Once he believed he had observed enough, Gazel entered the court, prompting everyone to stand up in a show of respect—everyone except Rimuru and Testatrossa. This action didn't go unnoticed by Vesta and his guards, who glared at Rimuru and Testatrossa. However, before Vesta could make any rude remarks, Gazel initiated the trial proceedings. After all the formalities were completed, Gazel spoke, "Minister Vesta, you may present your case to the court."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Vesta bowed and continued. "As you are aware, approximately six weeks ago, Kaijin and a few other blacksmiths were tasked with creating and delivering 20 longswords made of Magisteel to the castle by today. However, when I sent my guards to Kaijin's shop today, they witnessed a truly shameful sight," Vesta said with exaggerated mock sorrow. "My guards observed Kaijin and his brothers packing their belongings, seemingly preparing to flee the country as they realized they couldn't fulfill the order. Therefore, Your Majesty, I believe Kaijin deserves punishment for not honoring his commitment and attempting to flee instead of facing his failure."
After hearing Vesta's case, Gazel turned towards Kaijin, "Kaijin, what do you have to say in your defense?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Kaijin bowed to Gazel. "With all due respect, Minister Vesta's claims are false and baseless accusations. I have already submitted 20 longswords yesterday," he stated, causing surprise to flicker across Vesta's widened eyes.
"No way! That has to be a lie!" Vesta exclaimed in disbelief.
"No, it is not," this time it was Gazel who replied, prompting Vesta's shock-filled eyes to turn towards him. "I have already received the report stating that Kaijin had completed the order."
"But how!? It shouldn't be possible for him to complete that order..." Vesta's voice conveyed shock and despair. "There was hardly any supply of Magisteel in the market, and none of the traveling merchants who entered the city recently had any on them either. So how did he even get his hands on enough Magisteel to complete the order?"
"Kaijin, would you like to answer that question for us?" Gazel inquired, noticing Kaijin's glance toward Rimuru, who nodded in response before Kaijin spoke.
"It was Rimuru-sama who provided me with the material to complete the order," Kaijin replied, concealing the fact that Rimuru not only supplied the Magisteel but also replicated the swords instantly.
"Rimuru? Who is that?" Vesta questioned. "I've never heard of that bastard before," he stated, suddenly feeling a surge of killing intent that filled the court, causing them to tremble in fear.
Gazel sensed the intensity and turned his head toward the left wing, observing Testatrossa's glare directed at Vesta, while Rimuru gestured to calm her down.
With a deep sigh, Gazel addressed Minister Vesta, "Watch your words and refrain from disparaging my guests."
"A-apologies, Your Majesty," Vesta stammered, his voice trembling with a hint of fear.
Gazel nodded and refocused his attention on Kaijin, who was now free of his handcuffs. "Kaijin, I relieve you and your brother of the charges that Minister Vesta had pressed against you," Gazel declared. Kaijin was about to express his gratitude, but Gazel halted him and continued, "However, I believe there is something else you wish to inform me about, isn't there?"
Once again, Kaijin glanced at Rimuru, who smiled and nodded in affirmation. "Forgive me for my offense, Your Majesty, but I have found a new master to serve and have decided to leave Dwargon to assist Rimuru-sama in developing his village."
"I see..." Gazel said, glancing at Rimuru, who just smiled in return. 'So, this was the deal he had worked out with Kaijin,' Gazel thought before redirecting his attention to Kaijin. "And what if I denied you permission to leave the nation?"
"I am sorry my King, but I have given my word to Rimuru sama, and even if it is King sama's orders I won't go back on my words," Kaijin said with a steeled resolve in his voice.
"Very well... in that case, I won't oppose your decision to leave Dwargon with Rimuru. However, before your departure, you and your brothers will need to renounce your citizenship of Dwargon," Gazel declared.
"Understood, King-sama. It shall be done," Kaijin replied without a hint of hesitation, while his brother nodded in agreement.
Gazel nodded and delivered his verdict, "As the King of Dwargon, I hereby revoke the citizenship of Kaijin and his brother effective from the stroke of midnight tonight," Gazel announced. "After this date, they shall no longer be recognized as citizens of our nation. With this decision, my judgment concludes," Gazel stated before exiting the courtroom.
Exiting the courtroom, Gazel was immediately approached by two individuals clad in white lab coats.
"Gazel-sama! Where did you acquire these potions?" one of them exclaimed, holding a vial of blue-colored potion. "This potion is—"
"Calm down," Gazel raised his hand, halting the man's fervent speech. "Whatever you need to report, do it in my office," he instructed, turning to a nearby guard. "Inform Vesta that I wish to see him in my office."
As he walked towards his office, Gazel contemplated, 'It's about time I have a serious talk with that boy.'
******
Later that night Rimuru and Testatrossa were standing outside the gates of Dwargon waiting for Kaijin and his brothers to arrive. Fortunately for them, they could wait for the blacksmith brothers in peaceful silence as unlike in the mornings, the area in front of the front gate was pretty bare since hardly anyone traveled at night.
While waiting for Kaijin and his brothers, Rimuru took a moment to reflect on the past two days, contemplating how different his interactions had been compared to his previous experiences in Dwargon. He realized that this time around, his relationships and dynamics with the people here would likely take a different course, unlike his previous timeline.
A notable example was his connection with Gazel. In the past, Rimuru had been cautious around the Dwarven King for a considerable amount of time but then both of them became friends as well as Gazel saw Rimuru as his junior since both of them were the students of Hakurou. However, Rimuru doubted if this would unfold similarly now, sensing Gazel's wariness towards him. Well... not that Rimuru could fault the man after bringing Testarossa, a primordial demon in his nation which was equivalent to an act of bringing a nuclear weapon into someone's territory.
Just then, Rimuru's train of thought was interrupted as Kaijin and his brothers arrived, carrying a substantial amount of belongings. After ensuring they had everything they intended to bring, they set off and halted in a forest a short distance from Dwargon's gates.
"What's happening? Are we camping here for the night?" Kaijin inquired.
"No, we're going home," Rimuru replied. Suddenly, a magic circle materialized beneath their feet, and in the blink of an eye, they found themselves on a hill overlooking Rimuru's village.
As Kaijin and his brothers attempted to comprehend what had just occurred, Rimuru used telepathy to summon Rigurd and ten other Hobgoblins to his location.
A few minutes later, Rigurd and the Hobgoblins arrived, bowing respectfully. "Welcome back, Rimuru-sama," they chimed in unison.
Rimuru nodded and motioned towards Kaijin and his brothers. "These are Kaijin and his brothers. They are joining our village as new members from today," he introduced the blacksmiths. "Rigurd, accompany them to the guest house and assist them in settling into the village."
"As you command, Rimuru-sama," Rigurd acknowledged, leading Kaijin and his brothers who still looked in daze away while the remaining Hobgoblins carried their luggage.
"So..." Once Rigurd and the others had moved a fair distance away, Rimuru turned towards Testarossa. "did you enjoy our little vacation?" he asked.
Testarossa reminisced about the two days spent in Dwargon with her master... the moments they shared together flooded her mind, and a smile immediately brightened her face. "Yes, Rimuru-sama, it was truly delightful!"
"I'm glad you enjoyed it because things are about to get a lot more exciting from here on," he announced, setting off toward the village. Testarossa followed closely behind, wearing a contented smile.
To be continued...
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