With the Federation secured and the immediate external threats neutralized, the nascent city of Tempest settled into a period of calm and rapid construction.
Arthur, having earned his downtime, adopted the role of an official Patron and Chief Advisor, though his primary focus remained on Rimuru and their growing bond.
Arthur's power, particularly the subtle emanation from the Ultimate Skill: Magicule Breeder Reactor, provided a constant, stabilizing presence that permeated the entire city.
Rimuru, now fully realized in her female form, found their relationship deepening in the new peace.
Their time was spent not on war strategy, but on the political and cultural construction of their nation—always side-by-side.
Their bond was now one of inseparable partnership.
Rimuru sought Arthur's counsel on every major decision, trusting his knowledge of history and his ability to see hidden plots (like those of Yuuki Kagurazaka).
In the evenings, away from the demanding Oni and the clamoring population, they shared easy companionship.
Rimuru often leaned on him, discussing her newfound emotions and the strange reality of being a powerful monster with a human heart.
Arthur, in turn, allowed himself to relax, his protective barriers lowering only when he was certain of her absolute safety.
The most chaotic element of their newfound peace was the presence of Demon Lord Milim Nava.
Having forged a fierce "bestie" friendship with Rimuru, Milim frequently teleported into the city, usually demanding food and entertainment.
However, Milim's interest often veered toward Arthur.
As a True Dragon with boundless energy and strength, she recognized his sheer power and lineage.
Milim saw Arthur as the strongest individual she had met since her mentor, Veldanava.
Milim would constantly challenge Arthur.
"Arthur! Let's spar! Your scales feel stronger now! I want to try my Drago Buster on that Magi-Cool Breeder power you have!"
"Hmph. You smell like the real thing, Dragon. Why do you spend so much time building houses? Come teach me how to fight that nasty Church. They're much better entertainment than those silly goblins."
Arthur, always maintaining his composure, gently deflected her challenges, often using his Reality Blending abilities in subtle ways to create fascinating distractions—unique magical food, minor architectural marvels, or even intricate illusionary worlds—to keep the powerful Demon Lord occupied and away from destroying the capital.
Milim, recognizing the immense, untapped power and cool reserve in Arthur, developed a unique and powerful respect for him.
She treated him as a favored, if frustratingly calm, older brother figure, constantly vying for his attention and acknowledgment of her strength.
Shion and Shuna continued to orbit Arthur, their devotion to Rimuru overlapping with their admiration for her protector.
Shion, still the zealous enforcer, often used her security duties as an excuse to be near Arthur, making her intentions known in her typically blunt manner.
"Arthur-sama, the city perimeter is secure. Perhaps you would like Shion to personally demonstrate the latest advancements in the Orc Swordsmanship we learned from Geld II? It requires a partner of immense strength to properly test the movements..."
Shuna, the chief advisor, was more subtle, often bringing him tea or engaging him in high-level magical theory, trying to glean more secrets about his Magicule Breeder skill.
"Arthur-sama, the complexities of the new trade routes are simply overwhelming for Rimuru-sama. Could you spare a few moments to review this map with me? Your perspective as a Cosmic Dragon is so crucial to our long-term planning..."
Arthur handled their devotion with firm, professional distance, always redirecting their energy toward the tasks at hand, but the intensity of their loyalty—and attraction—was a constant, powerful undercurrent in the newly established capital.
The stage was set.
The Federation had strong allies, powerful defenders, and a leader ready to take on the world.
The only question was where the world would strike next.