Gazel Dwargo POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Dwarven Kingdom Dwargon - 2013 AMB
Upon reading the most recent report from the espionage division, I can't help but fall into deep consideration.
The division, whom I, in my authority as the Dwarft King, asked to monitor that peculiar Slime who visited my kingdom some time ago and was forcefully exiled by Minister Vesta with some Dwarft craftsmen, has reported facts I cannot ignore.
A city built for monsters.
For a second, I humored the thought that they were joking, but the truth is that the spies never told jokes; they frankly delivered their report.
After that brief moment of distraction, I focused back on the report where the unbelievable tale continued.
The Orc army had invaded.
The despondent state of the Lizardmen.
The war ended due to the appearance of a mysterious army.
The army is probably made up of the clansmen of the said Slime.
After I finish reading the report, I hold up the letter to a candle, burning it to make sure that no traces are left of my spies' report.
Then, I close my eyes, trying to sort all the new information, 'Currently, there are a few casualties in the forest despite the rise in monsters' activity. It has increased slightly since the Storm Dragon, Veldora, was there, but is still similar to last year's statistics. We've been expecting the number to double, at the very least. So, it's clear that someone is enforcing some form of order in the forest. Chances are, that this individual has something to do with that Slime.'
At this point, my thoughts move in a grim direction, 'Luckily, the Orcs stopped their invasion. Had they, for example, rushed into dwarfs cities, an insane number of people would have been killed. It would be foolish to expect that the orcs would not have attacked the dwarves. But I can't just praise good luck and forget about the whole incident. I must urgently meet the ones responsible.'
So, I quickly reach the conclusion that it is my duty as a King to definitely avoid making an enemy of them; rather, I should be happy if we could cooperate in the future.
Perhaps I should carefully start negotiating with them while ignoring the deportation incident, or... perhaps I should resort to a more reliable method.
Having made my decision, I don't waste any more time and begin to move.
Milim Nava POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Unknow Location - 2013 AMB
After the recent events, I convened with the other 3 Demon Lords whose territories border the Great Jura Forest to decide what our next moves are going to be.
I take a moment to look at the other 3 Demon Lords taking part in this conference.
There is the so-called Sky Queen Frey, the Queen of the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia.
She is a harpy who has wings on her back and talons as feet; however, she can hide her talons to have human-like legs in place.
She has white hair, a red gemstone on her head, and, as usual, she is wearing a red dress that resembles a leotard.
(Image Here - Frey)
Then there is Lion King Carrion, the King of the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania and the Lycanthropes.
In his Human Form, Carrion has short spiky blonde hair, a large build, is very tall, with black, sharp nails, and a beast paw print tattoo on his right chest.
He wears loose clothing and a 3-part pauldron on his right shoulder, and his main weapon is a halberd.
(Image Here - Carrion)
Lastly, there is that pathetic weakling, the one known as the Marionette Master, Clayman.
Clayman has the appearance that reminds me of those annoying, weak, wealthy nobles.
He has a slim, oblong head topped with pale lavender hair; a face with a sharp chin and defined jawlines, and a pair of pointed ears on either side and thin eyebrows.
He sports a slender figure, and his eyes with red irises exude intelligence even as they suggest that he is rather high-strung.
He wears expensive and elegant clothes, sharing an overall white motif.
A long white tailcoat, grey vest, white shirt, slim white trousers, and white shoes, alongside a black bow-tie.
In the inner pocket of his tailcoat, he keeps a gold-plated pocket watch with an engraving on its lid, the chain of which could be seen.
(Image Here - Clayman)
We four have already decided against independent action concerning the forest; there was no problem in this regard.
However, we immediately started bickering when it came to who would monitor the situation.
Looking at the three other foolish Demon Lords, I wisely realize, 'If I leave it to these blockheads, they are bound to mess it all up! After all, they are just little but muscle-for-brain idiots. Certainly, this is just the right time for the cool and wise Milim to take the stage!'
Frey POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Unknow Location - 2013 AMB
I, the Harpy Queen and one of the Demon Lords, am very bored while watching the other three fellow Demon Lords while thinking, 'Milim will just go on a rampage again, so sending her is out of the question. Because the cleanup would be a pain. However, despite thinking that I cannot work against her.'
At this point, I focus my gaze on her, Milim Nava, one of the first-generation Demon Lords.
She normally looks like a youthful human girl around the age of fourteen to fifteen, making many people confuse her with a child at first.
She has glossy platinum pink hair tied in twin tails and blue eyes, and she usually wears a rather bold swimsuit-like outfit consisting of thigh-high socks, black panties, and a long-sleeve shirt that only covers her chest, with the occasional addition of a large cloak.
(Image Here - Milim Nava)
Even if we are both Demon Lords, there is a clear difference in power between us.
My kind, the Harpies, are called the rulers of the skies, and I'm indeed known as the Sky Queen, as it would be preposterous for me to lose against those who can't fly.
The special ability of the Harpies is "Magic Jamming," which can cancel out Flight Magic spells, so those who cannot fly normally would fall to their death.
And although Demon Lords would probably survive even if they fell from high in the sky, they would be unable to land a single hit on me.
Those who can't fly aren't a threat to me; however, Milim Nava doesn't fit in this category.
Milim Nava is a Dragonoid, the miraculous offspring between a True Dragon and a High human, and she is the only one to ever exist.
Dragonoids, similar to Dragonewts, are a visual mix between a human and a dragon.
They have a human-like appearance with scales, wings, horn(s), and a tail, but just like us, they are able to hide their draconic traits at will to appear as normal humans.
Dragonoids are an Irregular Species born from the union of a True Dragon, which are normally incapable of biological reproduction, and a High human.
They are a type of Divine Beings, and although they are merely imitations of True Dragons, they still possess immense power comparable to theirs, and as divine beings, they possess an immortal Material body that will never age.
She is regarded by many as the strongest queen in the world; her nickname "Destroyer" is not just for show.
She doesn't use magic when flying; rather, she uses her own wings, nor does she depend on magic during combat, so I would be at a complete disadvantage against her.
She is truly my natural enemy.
So I am basically forced to go along with Milim's wishes.
I merely hope to be able to continue this passiveness for the rest of the conference.
At this point, I let out a sigh and think, 'Hopefully all will end peacefully...'
Carrion POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Unknow Location - 2013 AMB
While taking part in this conference with my fellow Demon Lords, I am feeling pretty good at the moment.
I decided to attend the conference to kill some time, but thanks to that impromptu decision, I was able to see something interesting as a result.
Remembering what I saw a few moments ago, I can't help but think, 'I have to make those monsters into my subordinates.'
Coming to that conclusion, I then take a moment to glance at my fellow Demon Lords while thinking and analyzing the situation, 'Harpy Queen Frey is probably not interested. She probably just wants to go along with Milim's wishes. As for Milim, she might be a short-tempered simpleton, but she is by no means stupid. Expecting the disagreement to devolve into a vote, Milim brought friends who would support her.'
Focusing my gaze on Milim, I can't help but feel a little annoyed while thinking, 'What an impudent woman! What a narcissistic face she makes!'
In the first place, who would have expected someone like Gelmud to be able to stir four Demon Lords into motion?
Gelmud was brought up by the ghastly Demon Lord Clayman; he was his protege, and, upon receiving this request, immediately went to Clayman to seek advice.
Whatever you may think of him, Gelmud is the type of person who would hide his true intentions behind the language of a polite gentleman.
At this point, I start to analyze the current situation more objectively while thinking, 'Now, Clayman and Milim, which was a more formidable foe...? Battle strength-wise, Milim hands down. I probably couldn't defeat her by myself, and this very thought angered me, but fighting her without analyzing her battle abilities ahead of time would most likely lead to a defeat. On the other hand, if I were properly prepared, I would certainly be her equal. No, maybe a bit better. Clayman is probably weaker than the rest of us, after he is recognized as the weakest Demon Lord; however, this case is all about ingenuity. In other words, the easy-to-deceive Milim is out of the game. Frey, being Milim's follower, is also out. So I am completely sure that the real foe is only Clayman. So how should he proceed?'
Reaching this point, I fall deep in thought, carefully planning my next steps.
Clayman POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Unknow Location - 2013 AMB
I wear the usual gentleman's smile on my face while calmly observing the other three Demon Lords.
The one who introduced Gelmud to the other Demon Lords was none other than me.
I also pulled some strings to get this all arranged.
Gelmud had planned to get the Demon Lord's attention by presenting his magic items and armor, but that was bound to fail.
So I had to arrange the meeting, and I specifically called those two Demon Lord simpletons here, fully expecting that the Harpy Queen Frey would also be brought along.
Though Frey is careful and cunning, she seems to be uninterested in this incident, so everything went according to plan.
Two Demon Lords who specialize in combat, no matter how hard they think, they are simply not that bright. I can easily stall them.
Guiding the conversation the whole time, I even tried to get them on the topic of avenging Gelmud.
With that thought, I have already planned what to say next; however, suddenly Frey declares with a somber expression on her face, "Hey, just a thought, but how about we send our subordinates? One each. That way, I can also send one of my daughters?"
Hearing that surprising suggestion, I immediately stiffen and with a glance I see that the other two also have my same reaction as they too stiffen for a brief moment.
In an instant, I quickly think, 'While I could reject the offer, I would not be able to substantiate the refusal.'
Then, checking the other's expression, I realize that they are thinking the same thing, then we all slightly nod to show our mutual agreement before Milim laughs and exclaims, "Fufuhaha! I had just been planning to say the same myself!"
Hearing that, I also chuckle and say, "Huhuhu. How strange, I as well!" This is followed by Carrion, who concludes, "What to do if you took the words right out of my mouth... so it's decided?"
And thus, although each of us Demon Lords had intended differently, we all decided to send a subordinate to that strange village in the end.
Jayr POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest- 2013 AMB
Rimuru successfully established the Jura Forest Alliance between Tempest and the Lizardmen to repel the Orc Army led by the Orc Lord, and after the Orcs' defeat, the alliance was not disbanded, as Rimuru saw a need to prevent the orc species from starving.
Hence, the Goblins and Orcs joined the alliance, and during the first meeting to discuss the war reparations and how to prevent the Orcs from starving, the Dryad Treyni offered to provide them with the necessary supplies.
The condition being that the Treants, the Dryad's beneficiaries, be allowed to join the Jura Forest Alliance.
The Lizardmen offered fertile fishing grounds and fish, Tempest can provide processed goods, the Goblins across the forest provided living spaces, and the Orcs, who excel at manual labor, offered that.
Just like that, the Jura Forest Alliance slowly merged with Rimuru's Town, which was renamed Tempest a few months after the battle against the Orc Disaster, mostly thanks to our input, as we reminded Rimuru that his city couldn't remain nameless now that it has reached the current size.
Soon after that, the Jura Forest Alliance evolved into what is now known as the Jura-Tempest Federation.
Obviously, such massive change immediately grabbed the attention of the surrounding powers, and just to satisfy my curiosity, I used my Cosmic Awareness to check their reactions.
At the moment, the most interesting ones are from the Gazel Dwargo, the Dwarven King, is surprised at the reports of the monster town and wishes to ascertain their nature, and the four Demon Lords, Milim, Frey, Carrion, and Clayman, who plan to send their subordinates to them to scout them out.
After some time, I percievie the presence of the three familiar adventurers that are members of the Kaval's Party and a scouting party sent out by a noble of the Falmuth Kingdom who are walking in the woods of the Great Jura Forest heading toward Tempest and are about to meet, so, I focus my attention on them for a moment to see how will the situation develop.
Kaval POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest - 2013 AMB
Lady Elyun, Gido, and I came to the Great Jura Forest on a subjugation request, and, by the request of the Guild Master, we are also going to visit Rimuru-danna's town again.
To us, that town was already some kind of heaven before, but by the time we returned, we noticed that the town had greatly changed and expanded into a massive city.
Now, we can even have our equipment services and have a guest house prepared for us.
Patrolling the city is a hobgoblin-wolf combo who, thanks to their speed they has been ensuring the safety of the area, and it's also thanks to this city that the forest has gotten so much safer.
Moreover, we can get various rare ingredients from them for free.
Get this, parts of Poisonous Snake and Horned Deer, and on a good day, you can even get the horn of an Armorsaurus.
We could even use these to claim to have finished the guild's subjugation requests.
It is, of course, cheating, but that's only if you get caught.
Well, unfortunately, the Kingdom of Blumund's Free Guild's master Fuze, with whom we are affiliated, is already suspecting us.
So we can't just suddenly bring back such trophies; greed would only lead to our demise, so we decided to act with prudence.
And so, we are once again going on a subjugation request in the forest, merrily walking to Rimuru-danna's city while casually chatting.
I hear Gido suddenly exclaim, "But damn! The food is getting better and better! Isn't Shuna-chan as good as the cooks in the royal capital?" which makes me agree, "Yeah! I'm usually a bit picky about food, but everything's great there! I heard that Jayr-sama is the one who taught them most of the recipes..."
At this point, Lady Elyum, who is walking in front of us, reminds us, "Listen up, guys. We aren't going there to eat, you know! We actually have a legitimate reason to go there this time, remember?"
This makes Gido reply, "That's a stupid question!" I agree with Gido by saying, "Yeah!" before commenting, "It's been two months since we last visited... plenty of time has passed!"
At this point, Lady Elyun says, "Yes. It's been a while. But... have they finished the 'Baths'? I can't wait!" Which makes Gido exclaim, "The Royal Capital also has those! I'd love to go to them someday!"
Hearing that, Lady Elyun casually comments as she picks up her pace a little, "The 'Otherworlders' have been demanding them for a long time, right? I can see it becoming a habit though..."
Seeing that, I maintain my speed while saying, "Right? So looking forward to it!" then noticing that there is now some distance between Lady Elyun and us, I move closer to Gido and whisper, "But anyways... Do you know, Gido? There is a wonderful system called 'mix bathing' in this world."
Then I continue, "Last time, Rimuru-danna passionately spoke about it. 'I'll make sure this city has it!' Rimiru-danna exclaimed that the last time we visited. Do you get it, Gido! We have finally reached the promised land, where we can possibly enter the baths together with Shuna-sama and Shion-san!"
Hearing that, Gido's eyes open wide as he exclaims out loud, "Wh-what did you say...!!!"
Something that catches Lady Elyun's attention as she turns around to look at us and says, "... Hey, I don't mind you guys having fun by yourselves over there, but you're getting left behind."
Thus, we continued on, aiming towards a yet unseen paradise.
Youm - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest - 2013 AMB
The Kingdom of Falmuth is a nation located west of the Armed Nation of Dwargon, known as the "gateway to the western nations" until the founding of the Jura-Tempest Federation.
Falmuth is an immensely powerful and wealthy nation, with its status as a national superpower only being matched by the Kingdom of Englassia in the entirety of the Western Nations.
As one of, if not the biggest, sponsors of the Council of the West, it holds as many as 5 seats inside the organization at a given time.
The population of the country was 40 million, with a quarter of that figure being members of the Free Guild.
Bordering the Great Jura Forest, it considers the forest in its sphere of influence.
Patrolling the nearby villages is the Migam Earldom, a frontier province to the south comprised of all the land that bordered on the Great Jura Forest and managed by Earl Nidol Migam.
The Migam Earldom serves as the nation's first line of defense against wild Magic beasts and other Monsters that would occasionally come out of the forest.
Due to this, it holds a very large adventurer population and even housed the country's local headquarters of the Free Guild, managed by Guildmaster Franz.
Though monsters over the Rank of C almost never entered the territory, that was still only an almost never, with a "significant portion" of the nation's taxes being given to the Earl to help with defending the border.
After the disappearance of Storm Dragon Veldora, the Minister of Finance ignored the pleas of Earl Migam and decided to axe the territory's funding entirely.
It is due to this crisis that Earl Migam was forced to employ local prisoners and form the Frontier Expedition Force to respond to the perceived Orc Lord threat.
We were appointed by Earl Nidol Migam himself and established plenty of routes to quickly get to villages during an emergency.
I am one of the captains and overall leader of this Frontier Expedition Force, a group of thirty individuals conscripted by Earl Migam to investigate the rumors of an Orc Lord appearing.
There are thirty people in our organization, but it has three captains.
Our fighting force is always separated into three groups, with one that should be resting at base so that in case of an emergency, we can move as soon as we hear of it.
Thus, although we have searched for an appropriate location for our base, none of the villages fit our needs.
Every one of them was built near the forest, creating a large distance between them.
Thus, even the closest village, on horseback with provisions, is a day's worth away; for the further ones, you'd need to prepare a carriage.
The Earl's city is by far the most separated and is a poor place for our base.
Moreover, the lifestyle in the villages could hardly be called pleasant, so the garrison didn't get the treatment they had wanted.
That led to growing discontent among my subordinates. On top of that, we have not received a large sum of war funds, and even if we had, we wouldn't be able to buy anything worth noting with it.
After all, we had to spend most of it just purchasing weapons and armor.
What had kept the soldiers away from mutiny was the fact that the villagers were truly thankful.
To the ruffians and drunkards that the soldiers were, the villagers offered heartfelt hospitality.
The villagers understood that we were there to protect them against monsters, which was true, and considering how honestly we were thanked every time, the soldiers decided to work hard for the villagers' sake.
Also, because the monsters hadn't attacked as often as the Earl had thought, there were no casualties among the garrison.
Not just deaths, there were no heavily injured among my men either.
'More bitter grass soup today...' While thinking that, I bring my troops into the forest whose trails are not wide enough for a carriage, but a horse can still traverse through it.
The small twigs coming at us can easily be deflected with magic.
If we had to take a carriage along, we would have to go down the mountain highway route, and that detour would cost us many days.
Hence, the problem previously described.
Suddenly, we run into a group of people walking in the forest, clearly they are Adventurers from head to toe, making me wonder, 'Did they come on a subjugation request?'
News from here sometimes reaches the cities, and requests are not uncommon. And while some adventurers are sent on behalf of the Elemental Engineers, who are attempting to learn Thought Transmission, if there was an actual subjugation request, it would have been announced at every nearby city.
That is, to prevent multiple groups from fulfilling the same request.
If they are aiming for a Giant Bear, then unfortunately, the soldiers have already killed it.
Then I take a closer look at them and realize, 'From how they look, they seem rather capable. Perhaps it would be smart to make an acquaintance.'
With that thought, I call them out, "Hey! You guys. What are you doing out here? If you came for a giant bear, you've wasted your time, you know?"
Immediately, their representative, a tall, young man, casually replies, "Ah, no. Well, I guess subjugating a monster is one of the reasons?"
This immediately makes one of his companions say, "Danna, what are you saying? Our objective is subjugation, isn't it?" Which makes the tall young man exclaim, "Right! The official story! ... crap!"
Listening to their exchange while surrounding them with troops, I can't help but think, 'They are too careless. Are they foreign spies?'
While I have no duty to capture them, I'd be troubled if they caused trouble.
At this point, I wonder, 'Why would they be here if not on a request?' before I warn them, "I repeat, what are you doing here? Answer me! If you don't, you might lose your lives!"
I don't plan to kill them, but I need to intimidate them a bit, and it works as their exchange abruptly ends, and their representative answers, "The thing is, we are heading to a city..."