The World's Ego

Steps toward the future

Rimuru POV

After getting thoroughly reprimanded by Mobius in the realm while I had taken a dip in the hot springs, it was time for the meeting with Lubelius to discuss our plans for the future and to exchange information about the situation leading up until now.

"Thank you for gathering here today. We now begin the meeting between the Holy Empire of Lubelius and the Jura Tempest Federation. The objective of this meeting is the exchange of information between both countries, as well as settling conditions or stipulations for a reconciliation. Before you, you should find papers outlining each country's position, as was described this morning. You are likely already aware of all this, so we will proceed with our basis. That is all." Shion announces to the room before giving a bow

Wow, Shion-chan! She's really grown up now! Although she's not moderating the conference, she already did a good job as a Secretary! I'm so proud of her! I'll have to thank Shuna-chan for helping her as well!

I took a glance at Mei, predictably struggling to read a single word written on the paper since it was in this world's language. I giggled inwardly, using my powers to translate everything for her. She took a surprised glance at me before giving me a small nod in thanks and became relaxed enough to read. I skimmed the paper as well. Most of the descriptions lined up with the events we know up until now, but one description caught my attention.

"Demon Lord Roy is dead?" I asked in surprise, looking up from the paper, "He's strong, that much I know, so who would be strong enough to kill him?"

"I'm not sure. He was like a twin brother to me but he was murdered by someone after Walpurgis." Louis nods, though he seemed to not look bothered by Roy's death despite his words

"The assassin looked like a clown wearing a mask." Hinata adds

A clown wearing a mask... Oh no...

"That masked clown..." I started, making light appear on my finger, and drew a mask Treyni had shown us before, "... Did the mask look like this?"

"Yes, it looks the same." Hinata confirms with a nod

It's someone from Keith's family... Laplace, I believe, was his name. Did Demon Lord Roy tell him about Keith's 'death' and in retaliation...?

"... I apologize. It's probably because we asked to announce Clayman's 'death' that he died. The assassin was someone close to him." I sighed heavily

"It's okay. I figured that to be the case too. Roy, on the other hand, must have been overconfident and let his guard down. The assassin must have gotten the better of him this way. Lately, we have been using him to train the new recruits on actual fieldwork and he was once careless enough to be defeated by Saare, meaning he was indeed slacking. Nevertheless, we will still keep a lookout for this assassin that murdered Roy. But be assured, that is not your concern." Louis explains with a shake of his head

That's harsh...

"No, but still..."

"Is it because you are concerned about Clayman? You wrote here that you have already released the domination over his mind and overwrote his name. You're trying to take responsibility." Luminas says, setting the paper down on the table beside her couch

"Yes. I am technically his master now, so I should be partially responsible for this, especially since I asked for the announcement of his 'death'."

Luminas flashes me an amused grin, leaning her head on the armrest, "Your personality really has little flaws. It's hard to try to exploit your goodwill. Don't worry, it was partially on Roy for dying because he was overconfident. We'll deal with the assassin ourselves. Besides, if you're talking about responsibilities, he should be the one dealing with his own problems. So just leave it."