Conference
Every member of every department assembled in the large meeting hall.
He’s in sleep-mode–conscious but unable to move.
Well, he’ll probably come running out if I wind up in some perilous situation.
He’s rather uninterested in the conference but is nonetheless listening.
I guess it’s time to begin.
The moment I thought to declare that the meeting has begun,
「I apologize for the intrusion in the middle of the meeting!
Here on an urgent matter and requests immediate audience with you…」
A soldier on look-out ran in and so reported.
We haven’t begun yet, so it’s fine. However, it is troubling that people can so easily enter here.
「Rigurdo, we need to look into this later」
「Nah, we just got the idea and everyone’s working hard as is」
I replied, comforting him.
So it’s probably best to think of the long-term benefit.
I had that guest escorted here.
「It’s been a long time, Rimuru-dono.
We have come to aid you during your time of need. We hope it is not too late」
With these words, the Brumund Kingdom’s Freedom Association Guild Master Fuze came in.
Hmm? Hmmmmm?
And we had them deliver the information and request assistance, I think.
I am truly grateful, but are they okay associating with us?
「I apologize for disturbing you during your busy war preparations.
According to our intel, a total of 15 thousand troops are coming.
Though we may lack in ability, we will support you to the best of our ability」
Clearly prepared to die, he delivered this heated address.
And continuing,
「This is a good city.
The paved roads wouldn’t lose even to the Royal Capital.
Hardly would I want to turn it into a field off battle. I suggest we launch a surprise attack to quickly destroy the enemy’s head.
So, we have brought over 50 B rank and above adventurers.
But the fifty of us will cut deep into the enemy ranks and slaughter… 」
The department members are staring blankly at Fuze, who is continuing the passionate speech.
But I had expected Brumund to abandon us. To think they really sent reinforcements…
This makes me kind of happy.
But that being so.
「Yeah. I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s already over」
「How should I say this…
In other words. In a few words, I annihilated them!」
Although he was speechless, his face was clearly saying “Huuuh?”
Ellen and Gido were saying things like “Unbelievable, right!”
I mean, not even two weeks have passed since they declared war.
So when they arrive and saw us carefree, they seem to have convinced themselves that the army was running late.
Anyways, thanks to Ellen’s and Cabal’s explanation, they seemed to have understood the situation.
Since it came to this, I might as well have Fuze participate in the conference.
Though he can’t represent Brumund Kingdom’s official position, he can at least offer a human opinion.
Now then, let’s begin the conference! I wanted to say, but
「Umm, would you have a moment?」
Bester asked, raising his hand.
Did something happen?
「What? Is there a problem?」
I asked,
「Yes. The thing is, we finished developing the magic item long distance communication ball…
It is now possible to converse while seeing the other party」
Hmph.
I thought, but
「When I reported the event to the Dwarf King, he told me that he had some things he wanted to say…
So since we are all gathered here, I kind of figured this might be a good time」
I see.
If that’s it, I don’t see a problem.
「Bester. I don’t mind, but shouldn’t the conversation be held in secrecy?
If it’s a private conversation, shouldn’t we hold it later?」
When I told him about today’s conference, he said that he’ll assemble his Ministers as well」
「Yes. That’s how it is」
I see… we never did announce the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Dwarf Kingdom.
Though those would be meaningless if our country ceases to exist. However, we now have the advantage.
If anything, we proved to be a country that can destroy and army of 15 thousand men.
Will they officially declare diplomatic relations between us or perhaps seek to destroy us as humanity’s enemy?
「Bester, I have to ask, did you tell him that I have become a demon lord?」
「Ah, yes. I told him everything」
Ah, as expected.
Well, if you were told that demon lord class monster created a city and evolved into a demon lord, surely you’d sweat a bit.
So at this point, continuing the conversation as is will probably not cause any further problems.
I mean, while planning our next steps I did want to hear his opinion.
「Got it. Then bring the communication equipment and set it up.
We’ll wait for you and prepare for the emergency council」
I declared.
We’re deciding our future here, after all.
Thus, we decided to hold a global conference instead of meeting right now, scheduling it an hour away.
Right after relaxing, Fuze heard our conversation and with an amazing look on his face ran up to me.
And,
「Hey, didn’t you just say something really important right now?
I might be wrong, but did you just say that you became a demon lord?」
He said, trembling.
Does he need to pee? No need to hold back man, we have bathrooms around.
「Hmm? Ah, demon lord, right?
But more importantly, before you piss yourself, shouldn’t you use a restroom? 」
Became a demon lord, yo! What’s up with that?」
Eh~. What a pain.
Well, I did tell him I annihilated an army but I guess I can’t expect him to guess the rest.
And so, I explained it all to Fuze.
「Pardon the intrusion! Another guest seeks audience with Rimuru-sama.
How should we proceed?」
The same soldier as last time asked.
Leaving Fuze, who was saying something (grumbling) at the sky, I decided to meet this guest.
I headed for the room where the guest was waiting for me.
The gentleman was sitting on the sofa with the five officers standing behind him.
The gentleman sitting on the sofa had a good face and could easily had been a model in his younger days.
His narrow eyes would be his distinguishing feature.
「Ah, good day. Sorry for the wait.
I hope we get along!」
I greeted them in a way I thought appropriate.
Nor does anyone around here know much about it…
Upon hearing my greeting, the narrow eyed man stood up.
And opening his eye wide with a Kuwa!,
「So thou art the demon who hath bewitched my daughter?
Hast thou said thy prayers!」
He said, beginning to chant an extremely high combustion spell.
From what I see, that’s the highest tier spell he got going there.
Clearly a spell used against armies.
I tricked his daughter? What’s that about?
Right as I was completely at a loss,
「Wait, Papa! Why did you come here?!!!」
Ellen came flying in.
A beautiful “Suppaaaa!” sound resounded through the room, and the gentleman regained his sanity.
And after hearing Ellen’s explanation, he finally calmed down.
What an annoying guy he is.
「My~, A ha ha ha. My bad.
I had heard that my daughter was captured by some demon lord so I was quite panicked!」
He said with a bright smile.
Even so, what point was there in preparing the highest tier combustion spell? What a ridiculous father.
「No, Your Excellency. The received report was correct but you jumped to a wrong conclusion」
「I knew it, Papa’s at fault here!」
A secretary-like person and Ellen ganged up on him.
After things calmed down, he introduced himself again.
He’s related to the emperor, his uncle to be precise.
I can’t hide my surprise.
She can even be called a princess. To become an adventurer at that social status; she’s too free-willed.
I mean, she herself doesn’t seem to care. There’s probably people protecting her from the shadows as well.
Though that’s probably the result of Cabal’s and Gido’s hard work. Let’s thank them for it later.
But, now.
「So is the purpose of your visit limited to Ellen only?」
That wouldn’t be funny.
I glance at Duke Elalude,
「Fufufu. Of course, that’s not the case.
No need to worry believing I was careless. This body is only a homunculus.」
I noticed upon his words.
Though the officers seem to be real, the gentleman’s body is not.
But more importantly.
And that brings us to the next point.
An hour has passed by now.
It’s time to start the conference.
Returning to the large conference room I found everyone waiting for me.
It’s probably best to start with a self introduction. That is, there are many people here who have connections to large countries.
First, we’ll have everyone not from Tempest introduce themselves.
Dwarf Kingdom, military nation Dwargon.
Representing them: their king himself. Gazelle Dwargo. Though only projected as in image, his dignity is impossible to hide.
Small country Brumund.
However, we do have Fuze, the Freedom Association’s Branch Guild Master.
Though he doesn’t have decisive say, his opinion should have some weight.
A sudden addition to our table, a high noble from Sorcerer’s Dynasty Sarion.
And, via his position in the council, he holds sway over the whole country.
So no disrespecting him.
So looking over the guests, it’s clear that many distinguished individuals have shown up.
Next, we introduced all the members from Tempest.
And, it was finally my turn.
「Ah, right.
Though you have probably have heard his name already.
Now then, come forth!」
I thus began the introduction.
The air in the room changed, and everyone turned silent.
And,
「Kuahahahaha! I have been called and here I am!!!」
I called Veldora out via “Storm Dragon Release”.
Giving everyone a sidelong glance,
「This is my best friend, Veldora. Please be kind to him!」
I introduced him,
「Veldora’s the name, though I’m called “Storm Dragon”. Pleased to meet you!」
Veldora greeted everyone.
No one moved.
It all turned very chaotic.
…We hadn’t started yet, had we… I couldn’t help but think.