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Chapter 11: A Diplomatic Overture

The days that followed the great naming ceremony were a whirlwind of construction and collaboration. The humble goblin village was rapidly transforming into something more. Under Kurobe's focused guidance, the immense strength of the Orcs was put to use clearing land and leveling the ground, their once-hated bodies now a force for creation. In the newly-designated kitchen, Shuna worked tirelessly, not just on daily meals, but on perfecting recipes and developing new culinary techniques, her magic enhancing the flavor and nutritional value of their food. The air was a symphony of creation—the rhythm of hammers, the scrape of stone, and the delicious aroma of a feast being prepared.

From his vantage point, floating above the bustle, Rimuru absorbed it all. His inner monologue was a constant stream of assessment, a conversation with the ever-present consciousness of Ciel.

Analysis complete, Ciel's voice hummed in his mind. The current rate of construction is 17.3% more efficient than projected due to the Orcs' cooperative nature and the Lizardmen's hydrological expertise. Overall morale is high, and the nascent bonds between the different races are strengthening. Shuna's culinary contributions are also boosting morale and energy reserves.

Good, Ciel, Rimuru thought, a pleased ripple passing through his gelatinous body. The foundation is more than just stone and wood. It's built on trust and a full stomach.

It was at that moment that a new group appeared on the horizon. A column of Lizardmen, their scales a vibrant green under the morning sun, approached the village. Rimuru's perception skills identified their leader immediately: the chieftain and his son, Gabiru. The way they marched—not in a battle formation, but with a formal and respectful bearing—signaled a diplomatic visit.

Benimaru and Hakuro met them at the edge of the clearing, their new forms radiating an aura of confident authority. Benimaru's hand rested on the hilt of his katana, a silent message that while they were welcome, this was no longer a place to be taken lightly.

Upon seeing Rimuru, Gabiru's previous arrogance was entirely gone, replaced with an almost-nervous reverence. He immediately dropped to one knee, a gesture of deference that stunned his own troops.

"Great Rimuru-sama," Gabiru's voice was a humbled, low rumble, devoid of its usual boastfulness. "My father, the chieftain, and I have come to formally pledge our fealty. We have witnessed your power and your compassion. My people wish to become a part of your glorious nation."

Rimuru descended gently, hovering just above eye level with Gabiru. A moment of truth, he thought. This is an opportunity to not only secure a valuable alliance but to show them the depth of my commitment. He could simply accept their fealty, but that was what a typical demon lord would do. A true leader would share their power.

Ciel, calculate the magicule cost for naming Gabiru and the chieftain. And assess the potential benefits.

Calculation complete. The cost would be approximately 2.1% of your total magicule reserves, including Gabiru's followers and his sister. The benefit: a significant increase in their overall power, a permanent bond of loyalty, and the strengthening of a key strategic alliance. Recommendation: Proceed with naming.

Rimuru accepted the verdict. He looked down at the chieftain, who was bowing his head in silent respect. "Chieftain," Rimuru said, his voice echoing with a surprising weight, "you are no longer a chieftain of a single tribe, but a foundation of a new nation. From this day forward, I name you Gaburu." The chieftain's body was immediately enveloped in a soft, white glow. His scales shifted, hardening and becoming more resilient. His body grew slightly taller, and the crest on his head became more defined, a crown of bone signifying his new status as the elder statesman of his people.

Then, Rimuru's gaze fell upon a female Lizardman who stood proudly beside Gabiru. She had a calm, intelligent demeanor, and her eyes held a similar reverence to her brother's. "And you, Gabiru's sister. Your wisdom and skill will be a great asset. I name you Souka." A soft, radiant glow enveloped her. Her body became more lithe, her features more refined, and a pair of delicate, translucent wings formed on her back, signifying a rapid evolution. Souka's eyes widened in silent awe, and a gasp of surprise escaped her lips.

"And now, you," Rimuru said, his gaze sweeping over the small group of elite Lizardmen who had followed Gabiru so loyally. "Your bravery and dedication are worthy of a purpose greater than your own. I name you all the Gabiru's Guard, a special unit dedicated to upholding peace in the marshlands and safeguarding our nation." As he spoke, a flash of light enveloped each of them, and their bodies began to change, their scales hardening and their forms becoming more powerful.

Rimuru then turned to Gabiru, who had watched the entire process with a mix of shock and profound awe. He was no longer just a leader; he was a leader of an evolved and powerful force. "And Gabiru," Rimuru continued, turning his gaze to the kneeling Lizardman. "You have shown your humility and your dedication to your people. You are no longer merely Gabiru, son of the chieftain. I name you Gabiru, and I task you with a purpose far greater than your own. You will be the Commander of the Lizardmen forces, responsible for the defense of the riverways and the marshlands. But beyond that, you will be the Chief of our Water Resources Division. You will oversee the construction of canals, bridges, and all water-based infrastructure, ensuring our city has a constant, reliable source of water and a means of travel."

The effect was instantaneous and profound. A dazzling light erupted from Gabiru, brighter than the one that had consumed his father. His body underwent a rapid and magnificent transformation. His scales took on a jade-like luster, his limbs elongated, and two small, nascent wings unfurled from his back. He stood up not as a Lizardman, but as a Dragonewt, an evolved and powerful race. The change in his aura was palpable, radiating a strength and confidence that was truly earned. Gabiru, stunned speechless, felt a power surge through his veins unlike anything he had ever known. His mind, once clouded by pride, was now clear, and the responsibility of his new purpose settled upon him. He looked at his new form, then at the chieftain, and finally at Rimuru, his eyes welling up with emotion. "Rimuru-sama... I... I am unworthy of this honor. But I will live to prove myself worthy!"

"There is no need for such thoughts," Rimuru replied calmly. "Your loyalty is your worth. Now, rise, Gabiru. You and your father will lead your people, but you will also become the guardians of our riverways and the chief architects of our water-based infrastructure. We will build a path connecting our peoples, and you will ensure its safety and efficiency."

The surrounding Lizardmen, witnessing the miraculous transformation of their leaders, fell to their knees in unison. The sounds of construction now had a new harmony—a symphony of a shared future, built on the foundations of mutual respect and a leader's willingness to share his power. The first diplomatic meeting was a resounding success, not just for its pledges of fealty, but for the profound and visible change it brought to the allies of the Jura Tempest Federation. The Lizardmen, with their innate understanding of water and earth, were invaluable in channeling the nearby river and preparing the soil for future agriculture.

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