Alliance of Three Kingdoms
From the looks on their faces, something must have happened.
Well, I guess it’s a good thing they don’t know I’ve been just playing around the whole time. It certainly wouldn’t go over well if they knew.
「Fuze-kun, come on in」
I said, having Fuze join us in the reception room we prepared.
She really is a well-disciplined Ohime-sama. Completely different from a certain regrettable secretary, but that secretary does get serious when training the subordinates and the guards.
No, actually, I haven’t been playing around! I was studying!
Alongside Fuse, I sat on the sofa whilst facing Ruminas and Hinata.
A cushion made with material of the highest quality gently caught my body.
「Hey Hinata, it’s been a long time. Ruminas-san, nice to meet you… no, we have met before. It’s been a while.
This is Fuse-kun. He’s the Freedom Association Branch head in Burmund.」
I introduced Fuse to the two ladies.
「N-nice to meet you! I, within the Burmund Kingdom, work as the head of its Freedom Association branch.
And to this beautiful lady, it’s the first time we’ve ever met, but you must be someone of illustrious prestige.
I am uneducated in these matters so please forgive my ignorance!」
Greatly nervous he greeted them.
Completely ignoring him, however,
「Rimuru, was it? ‘Tis been a while, since Walpurgis that is. Glad to see you healthy. But, that man must not remain here. Freedom Association is the enemy. Or have you not noticed?
Knowing this fully well, why do you still associate yourself with someone from the Freedom Association?」
(Translator’s/Editor’s note: the word Ruminas uses to address Rimuru is 貴様 kisama which in modern time is an insult, commonly translated as “bastard.” Centuries ago, however, it was used to address a person politely, and this translation Clown feels fits better with Ruminas’ mannerism)
One of the primary Demon Lords–Ruminas asked with an accusatory tone.
Why is one of the Octogram here?
Besides, forging an alliance with the Western Saint’s Church will probably allow Tempest to fully integrate into human society.
But considering that Ruminas probably knows everything Hinata knows, perhaps it’s better to keep certain things hidden.
But first, let’s get them to trust Fuse.
Right when I needed it, Shuna entered the room with the tea prepared.
I glanced to the side and confirmed,
「Hmph. Now then, doubling as an introduction to Fuse-kun earlier, I would like you to have a look at the report」
After saying so, I beckoned Fuse.
With that alone, the endlessly anxious Fuse seems to have caught on.
「Understood. Apparently, it would seem that I am under suspicion. So as to clear myself from that suspicion…」
Saying such, he begin explaining the current internal situations of the Freedom Association.
Yuuki has taken over 90% of the Ingrasia Headquarters.
In addition, High ranking adventurers with abilities on par with Branch heads has also sided with Yuuki.
Since it seems that his brainwashing and thought manipulation isn’t omnipotent—something we can be happy about.
The only thing they have been convinced of is that monsters are the cause of most calamities and are the enemy.
I mean, think of the satellite city built around the labyrinth—there orcs, goblins, monsters, and adventurers are able to sit in a pub and share a meal.
We’re certainly making progress towards building trust between us; I have proven that it is possible for humans and monsters to understand each other.
「However, any further investigation is impossible. The person who went to investigate the Submaster Kagari alone, had his memories erased.
There’s no proof that Kagari did it, but considering the situation it’s pretty obvious.
Besides, she probably knows that we’ve been investigating her; I have no excuses, I have failed there」
It seems anything outside of this is out of his hands.
If that’s the case, then that would make saving the children a problem.
Since it’s absolutely impossible for Yuuki to control him, there’s no need to be reserved.
However, about the erased memories. It’s troublesome… but if it’s me, then I might be able to restore it.
「Fuse, I’ll try to heal those who had their memories wiped.
「What? Is that true? Please, do it somehow!」
In response to my offer, Fuse looked at me with expectant eyes.
He had a happy look on his face and readily accepted the proposition.
And so, overlooking our exchange,
「Rimuru, do you really think that you can coexist with humans?
‘Tis it not better for them to be controlled by us?」
Ruminas gives me a cold look.
Considering all the risks, it’s certainly an option, but――.
「“Oi oi, young lady. In spite of your beautiful face, you say some terrible things
Even if you are a noble, isn’t it bad to look down on ordinary people?」
Fuse got angry and snapped at Ruminas.
Oh right, I still haven’t introduced her to Fuse. Well, I guess his ignorance led him to step on a landmine.
「Now now, Fuse Kun, Calm down.
One of the Octogram Demon Lords.
First thing first, lets leave behind all truculent behavior and have a constructive talk.
But you should know more about her than I. She’s the Knight Leader of the Western church.」
I’ve briefly introduced the two.
However, putting Hinata aside, Ruminas didn’t seem trust in humans in general rather than Fuse himself.
「Eh, what? Demon Lord? Who?」
Looking back and forth between Ruminas and I, Fuse was in a state of confusion.
I feel slightly sorry for him, and responded.
「Ruminas, this man is my companion.
I don’t agree with your opinion on humans, and please don’t force it onto me.
If you do, you will be judged an enemy.」
「What was that? Are you trying to lecture us despite being a newcomer?
If you seek a war then shall get it.」
Ruminas stood up, and took up a stance with both hands.
How should I put this, contrary to her appearance, she’s rather short-fused. Times like this constantly remind me that all demon lords are selfish and whimsical.
But I’d rather not fight in this room, though…
「Stop this Ruminas, didn’t we came here for an alliance?
Why are you adding to our enemies?」
Hinata coaxed Ruminas with a hint of irritation.
「Hmph」
As if she was never serious to begin with, Ruminas’s anger dissipated.
And she sat back in her chair,
「True, we do not wish to increase our enemies.
Our aim for coming today, is to propose an alliance between Tempest, Holy Empire of Ruberius, and Western Saint’s Church.」
She declared with a thin smile on her lips.
It’s hard to imagine that she was a demon lord with a bad personality from her appearance.
………
…
The conversation continued after we calmed down, but was a revelation!
(TN Note:…I hope most of you seen enough anime to know what that means. If you haven’t I recommend those from the slice of life genre.)
Well, that’s to be expected.
Who would have imagined that it was all under control of a demon lord!
In that case, who is the pope?
「Old man, they seem to be wondering about the pope」
In response to Ruminas’s words, the butler behind her bowed respectively.
「If I’m not mistake, the current pope is currently 47 years old.」
I thought he muttered, and the butler transformed into a youthful figure.
「This is the first time we’ve met. I am the current pope, Gilles Lila Ruberius.」
In this youthful (… nah, he’s still middle aged) appearance, he turned into a butler clad in pure white, radiating a divine aura.
So… this butler has pretended to be the pope of every past generation?
This guy’s a skillful one, I’m actually impressed.
「Hey, isn’t this weird! Why’s the pope a follower of the demon lord! What the hell is this?! Are you a monster? Why do I feel a divine presence?」
Uh oh, instead of fainting, Fuse acted as if a switch has been pressed as he started causing a ruckus.
「Fu. Gilles, explain.」
Ruminas instructed,
「As you command, milady」
The pope, no, Gilles the butler nodded respectively.
Since it feels really weird I’d much rather he stop these extravagant butler behavior, but I’ll keep my discomfort a secret.
It began thousands of years ago, before the creation of the Holy Empire of Ruberius.
It was then, that Ruminas and Chloe met, so it seems they’ve been through a lot.
To Ruminas, Chloe was probably the embodiment of idealized beauty.
However, being done in would be unpleasant, so the survivors hid and lived on in silence.
She wasn’t interested in simply hiding, and built an underground empire.
And on the top she created an empire to sustain her underground empire.
At the time, due to poverty caused by the conflict between angels and demons, there were few mighty nations. And the eastern empire had barely taken form.
Naturally, almost everyone was a refugee or a bandit, and the world was even more confused and in turmoil.
Those who sought salvation came to her.
And so, all within Ruminas’s calculations, a country was formed this way.
Thus, allowing humans to live freely would lead to endless war—the reason behind Ruminas’ opinions was history itself.
If they want to fight, let them fight; if they want to rampage let them.
But this kind of outcome could not come about through a controlled experiment. And precisely because this was voluntarily, it was interesting
And that’s how it is.
Now that country was born it would inevitably be controlled by some ambitious or greedy man—the cause of Ruminas’ next worry.
Therefore, the Greater devil Gilles acted as her right hand.
Butler Gilles is not only a vampire, but also a first-class holy sorcerer thus making him someone who can walk under the sun.
At the time, since Gilles was such an individual, it was inevitable for him to become the priest.
Well, and thus, Gilles who acted as the pope that was also said to be the incarnation of light, had obtained a unique ability
―― An ability that allows a patron to dominate the will of those who seeks salvation and protection ――
And so the people were able to live peacefully without any suspicion thanks to his ability.
Whilst listening to all this from the side, it was interesting how Hinata made a bitter face.
When I looked at Hinata while grinning, our eyes met.
I guess I’ll just pretend I know nothing about it at all.
And so, ended Butler Gilles’s description with such feelings.
And Hinata’s turn followed, explaining why she sought an alliance.
Her death, and the awakening of the hero.
As well as the need for the alliance due to the hero’s current situation as well as a countermeasure against Yuuki.
It seems Hinata had went to rescue the children in my stead.
It is a welcoming story.
「So, what happened to the children?」
「They are wandering around Tempest sight-seeing. Kenya, though desperately wants to catch up to Chloe’s strength.
They are all rather upset that Chloe left without saying anything.」
I am satisfied with Hinata’s explanation.
It must have been painful, not only being forgotten, but being the only one who’s an adult.
Only those who have reached the pinnacle of power—an ultimate skill—could recognize her existence.
With the power from Hinata’s soul, the journey to the past. How much struggle and how harsh the journey must have been.
「Rimuru, the copy of the Sacred armament that was given by you.
The armor has helped greatly. Thank you.」
Hinata looked straight at me, and thanked me.
But, is that so……
「So you too, had traveled to the past alongside Chloe.
「Please stop, there’s no need to thank me. It was natural for me to do so.」
Hinata sidestepped my thanks.
Hinata lost in the battle, which I must say was a little sad, however I do not believe Hinata’s heart is weak.
I could not even imagine such a long journey.
Hinata’s explanation has also ended.
But damn her story sounds real dangerous.
I’m glad I was able to cover it up well.
Good thing I decided not to disclose everything.
Now then, we began thinking about the contents of Hinata’s explanation.
However, she was being manipulate by Yuuki, and had her freedom bounded until three commands are given.
In order for the strongest hero to be born, she traveled through time, huh.
But, I wonder?
However, I could have survived.
Conjectures on this topic would not help the current situation.
Ruminas’s purpose was also to rescue Chloe; I will not hesitate to form an alliance to that end.
There’s now nothing stopping us from waging open war against Yuuki.
「Yosh, I now understand the situation.
We too would like to form an alliance」
In response to my worlds, Hinata and Ruminas nodded.
Fuse appearing quite disheveled,
「Oh my god……this just became insane.
Each and every time, this isn’t funny.
This isn’t something I should be taking on with such low pay!
What terrible burden now weighs on my mind…」
He grumbled as his face kept turning paler.
I can understand your feeling, but lets pretend we didn’t hear it just now.
He still has a lot to do in the future.
Thus, ignoring Fuse’s wailing, the tripartite alliance of the holy kingdom Ruberius, the Western church, and the Monster Country Tempest has been formed.