Is it wrong for slimes to be in dungeons? (revised)

Chapter 28: Talks

(Rimuru POV)

I watched Bell run back around the building to where Aiz and Tiona were waiting. Turning back toward Tione who was now turning her attention toward me, I saw a look of confusion and suspicion as she looked at me. "And what business do you have here?" she asked an edge to her voice.

"Oh I'm here to meet with Finn," I said nonchalantly. "There are th-" but before I was forced to stop.

The two guards began to shake in their armor as intense pressure began to bear down all around us.

Hmmm? I looked over at Tione. Her face had darkened and a sort of what I could only assume to be bloodlust rolled off her.

"Hmmm? Miss...Tione?" I called out confusion and concern lacing my voice.

"Just who the hell are you to the captain to address him so casually?" her voice was frigid.

Oh right...

I had almost forgotten I came here disguised. Of course, she wouldn't recognize me.

But more importantly...is she jealous?

I examined her.

...Finn that lucky bastard... I thought with spite in my heart.

Ah no, now's not the time for this. I reminded myself. I cleared my throat and opened my mouth to speak. "It's me, Rimuru, I'm disguising myself," I said to Tione. She pulled away and stared at me blankly. When what I said finally processed in her head her shock was evident. She pulled back further re-examining me. "N-no way..." she looked baffled.

I nodded. "It's true." I produced a tiny black flame at the tip of my finger. One I had used when down in the dungeon to fight monsters off after I first me the Loki familia. She flinched back at the dark flame. "Now then, if you could please allow me to talk with Finn, there's something I want to talk about," I said with a half bow.

The two guards looked at each other in confusion, but Tione's face merely darkened before she nodded.

"Come on in," she said as she turned her back and began walking towards the massive familia hall.

I silently followed after her.

As I entered the hall I was struck by the strange atmosphere. It was an adventurer's familia hall after all but there was a sort of refined aura about it that made you understand that they weren't just any old strong familia. Indigo and scarlet banners hung on the walls with the Loki familia emblem embroidered on them, smooth walls of stone and brick that were clearly cleaned regularly. I should clarify though it wasn't so grand to be intimidating or anything of the sort, but compared to Sophia and Amaterasu's guild hall which had a more homey atmosphere about it, this certainly felt different.

As we progressed slowly upwards I was taken to what I assumed to be a drawing room and Tione told me she'd inform Finn of my arrival. I silently waited until they arrived and after several minutes Finn, along with the Riveria and Gareth entered the room.

"Hello," I waved to them.

Finn examined me, "So you really can change your appearance," he muttered to himself.

I merely smiled as I reverted back to my normal form. His eyes shifted slightly as he watched me shift forms. My smile remains the same as I watch him sit down in the couch across from me with the elven mage and dwarven warrior standing on either side of him.

"How have you been, Rimuru?" he asked, he seemed to be gauging why I had come here for.

"Ah, well quite a bit has happened since I came back with you guys from Meren, but for the most part it's been fine," I responded.