Veldora and I decided to walk out of the cave, thought it was a nice change of pace as I always teleport everywhere. I made sure to give Veldora something to entertain him as he was left alone in this cave for three centuries. What that something was? It was manga, using Hosephil's memories, to which he shared to me, I recreated hundreds of books using materials I garnered all throughout these years.
It was quite useful as it made him happy and excited, but, two days in and that proved to be a very bad decision. He kept pestering me for new volumes with his usual boastful tone as he read through each manga very fast, not having the need to rest and all that.
I couldn't help but get annoyed, so I told him that if he didn't quiet up, I would spoil what would happen next in the volume he was asking for, that shut him up.
Peace and quiet... Though I couldn't help but release a small portion of my aura as we continued the hike for a few more days before finally reaching the exit. Veldora was oblivious the entire way.
I open the large rusted door, taking a deep breath as I feel the sun grace my skin.
"The Great Jura Forest." I blurted out as I looked onto the large expanse of trees.
Veldora had said that he took in Dryads long before his imprisonment, reminding me that the Jura Forest is his territory, quite a kind gesture... I'm gonna be honest, I never thought he would do that.
Moving on, these Dryads are supposedly the wardens of the Jura Forest. I'd like to meet them when the moment allows it.
Before I started on my trekk inside the forest, I suggested for Veldora to stay in my Imaginary Space, partly because it would be much more quiet that way, and because my identity as the Void Dragon was still to be kept hidden. To which I'm sure that with a single slip of a tongue from Veldora and it would reveal me in an instant. And because Ciel asked me to... For "Training" she told me
He agreed the second I told him there would be manga in there. He's still such a child, it's quite cute in a way.
To avoid any inconvenience in my journey, or 'small walk', I continued to release a fraction of my aura so nearby monsters will not attack me. I allowed this because there were no humans in the area.
Now, the journey begins... A relatively short one.
~~~
About half a day into the forest, I came across goblins.
'Goblins?' I thought to myself
Scrawny appearances... Beat up weapons... They had it quite rough.
"Strong one, do you have business here?" One of them spoke.
Covering half my face with a fan, I look at them with a slight glare, "Why do you ask? Do you intend to fight me?"
They shaked more violently, dropping their weapons and falling to their knees before me.
"G-goodness, no! We wouldn't stand a chance against someone like you, e-even the direwolves would not win!" The one, which I'm now assuming is the leader, spoke again.
"We sensed a powerful monster, so we only came here as a precaution." Another one added, to which they all nodded
"That's quite an speculation, I'm quite weak you see." A lie of course.
"Surely you jest, even if you look like a normal human, we won't be fooled!"
It seems low of me, but I am quite impressed. Perhaps those Mangas have been influencing me on my views of Goblins.
"Strong one, having felt your power, we wish to ask you a favor."
A favor? Well, perhaps I shall hear them out. So then they guided me to their village, it wasn't much, but it's honest work. From the looks of it, that is.
I met the village elder, who explained me the situation along with his son.
"I see... And you want me to defeat these direwolves?" I ask them
"Yes... I beg of you."
An easy task, but, "I would like for you to know that my protection will not be free, do you have anything in return?"
They both looked at each other, having come to a silent agreement as they nod at each other, before kneeling down and putting their head on the ground.
"Our eternal loyalty... We will pledge our lifetime of servitude to you, Lady...?"[Elder]
"Rimuru Tempest, Rimuru is my name."
"Lady Rimuru... If you are willing to accept us, we will serve under you for as long as we live."[Elder]
I was quite satisfied with the answer, I've always wondered, how it felt to lead a country, perhaps this was my chance to see how Hosephil felt about his empire.
A gentle smile crept up on my face.
"I accept your loyalty. From now on, you all will be under my protection."[Rimuru]
"We are forever greatful..."[Elder]
I hid my aura completely and ordered them to build a fence for defense. Why did I not just use a barrier? Because that would make them depend on me too much. I've also healed their wounded, after they lead me to them.
Night came, and they managed to make a fence. But if I'm being honest, this wouldn't keep even a single small boar out, they need better building capabilities, I'll look into that later on.
We waited, until howling was heard nearby. The goblins were visibly shaken, but I am not, of course that one was already obvious.
Direwolves began to appear, they numbered in the hundreds, just as the Elder had said. Remembering back, I ate some direwolve's meat a few centuries ago, after some attacked Hosephil and I during our little hike on the Jihram Mountains northeast in the Ga Haman territory, set up a fire in our camp and cooked them, they were quite tasty if I remembered it correctly.
A smile began to creep up again as the memory emerged.
"Huh, the goblins are so desperate, they actually asked a human to help them! Rejoice my pack! We will have human flesh for dinner tonight, alongside the blood of those measly goblins!"
A howl was heard once more, before the Direwolves began their charge towards us, led by their Alpha.
I continued to conceal my aura as I watched them close the distance between us. When the Alpha was close enough, he jumped to launch himself towards me, mouth wide open as if prepared to swallow me whole.
Unfortunately for him, I wasn't the human he thought I was. Reaching out my left arm, his neck landed on my palm, grasping it tightly as I looked him dead in the eyes.
It was then he knew just how wrong he was about me as he struggled to breath under my tight grip.
He attempted to reach for my head for a bite, tried attacking me with the claws of his paws but to no avail, they wouldn't even scratch me. He couldn't escape me.
Seeing this shameful display, the rest of the direwolves stopped their charge, confused as to why their Alpha couldn't silence me.
To prevent any from escaping, I created a wall of fire sorrounding the pack, the heat enough to cook them the moment they try to go through it. Their only way out was to charge through the Goblin Village, which they couldn't with me at the front.
Wouldn't the flame burn a part the forest down? No, I made sure to cast a barrier to prevent any damage to the nearby trees.
Seeing no way out, I took this opportunity to break their will to fight once more, releasing a heavy dosage of my aura aimed at them, though not enough to actually kill them.
Ears down, with their tails tucked between their legs, they cowered underneath the amount of Magicules that were directed at them. The Alpha passed out as he was the closest to me, still within my arm's reach.
I wanted them alive, as I thought of creating a nation of monsters, with the inhabitants of this forest as its residence.
"It seems you all know the difference in strength now. Surrender, and I shall spare you, take you in even."[Rimuru]
Morning arose as last night's mess was cleaned, I had already told them to go in pairs, one direwolf and goblin each. I decided to name them, because a nation with nameless residents seemed quite bland, and because they're too weak as they are now.
I had Ciel limit the amount of Magicule I would use for each of them named, to avoid them being too powerful all too early.
The first few I named personally, like the Goblin Elder and his son, Rigurd and Rigur, taking in the name of their named family member that died fighting the direwolves. Next were the Alpha and his son, naming them Ragnar and Ranga. Ranga being my personal guard as his fur was quite soft and comfortable.
The rest I named via Ciel, she seemed to be happy I was relying on her after a while.
< < Leave it to me! >>
She eagerly said, then I was curious.
< Hey Ciel, what exactly are you doing with Veldora in my imaginary space? I noticed that he's been extremely quiet ever since he entered. >
< < Nothing of concern, Master. I am simply keeping watch over him so he will not disturb you, and simply teaching him to control himself. His past rampages is not exactly ideal, training him will lessen the burden you'll have to bare as you build the nation you desire. > >
< I see, well thought out. Thank you, Ciel. But please don't be too harsh on him, he already has enough trauma from both Velgrynd-nee and Velzard-nee. >
< < As you wish. > >
Hmm, she sounded dejected judging by that last remark.
< < It was simply your imagination. > >
Or perhaps not. Back to the goblins and direwolves, after the naming I told them the main needs for us to thrive: Food, Shelter and Clothing. As well as three simple rules.
1. Do not attack humans, unless provoked of course.
2. No fighting amongst yourselves.
3. No belittling of other races.
Rigur questioned why they were not allowed to attack humans, I reasoned that it was because of the very nature of humans themselves; they live in groups, attacking one would bring the entirety of that said group baring its fangs onto us. Though, they do not pose a problem to me.
The second question was from Gobta, asking about the third rule. I answered that once they finish evolving, they would be stronger than before, I didn't want that to get into their heads and gain the wrath of someone far stronger than them. And that's that.
Food and Clothing didn't seem like it'll be difficult to acquire, with the goblinas taking care of the clothing and a dedicated group assigned for hunting. the shelter is a problem however, seeing the huts the goblins had made so far as well as the fence last night, it wasn't exactly promising.
I already had a solution though, and that's where I set out to go to.
"You're going to the Armed Nation of Dwargon, Mistress Rimuru?" One of the goblins, I assume it was Gobta, asked me.
"Yes, they have great Artisans, I could hire some from there."[Rimuru]
"Would you be alright, Mistress?" A goblina asked me.
"Yes. No need to worry! Ranga is in my shadow for additional protection, so my security is guaranteed."
That seemed to reassure them, so I went on my mary way, deciding to walk instead of teleport to enjoy the lovely forest. I also promised to ride on Ranga's back on the way back, as to feel his soft and fluffy fur.
With me walking though, it took me until the day after tomorrow to reach Dwargon. The line to enter was long, but waiting was easy for me.
A few people were staring at me, muttering things like 'Pretty' and 'Beautiful', compliments perhaps? Some men tried to approach me, but a single glare chased them away. I'm not exactly fond of humans trying to court me.
After some time, it was finally my turn to enter, the interview was nothing fancy. With them questioning me why I was planning on entering Dwargon, as well as how long I planned on staying. I answered honestly of course.
The questioning was nearly finished, when one of the guards came in a panic. Something about an armorsaurus in the mine, and there were people heavily wounded, there were also no potions available. Talk about bad luck for them, but also good luck that I'm here.
"Seems you're in a pinch, you can use these, free of charge." I said as I brought out an entire barrel of full potion from my imaginary space, opening it for them to inspect.
The Captain seemed convinced, put the lid back on and proceeded to carry it on his shoulder.
"Are you sure we can trust this woman, captain? We're not sure if that is even for healing!" The guard questioned.
"We don't have much time and much of a choice, you stay here miss."
The Captain ordered me to, I only nodded in response. I'm sure I could ask a favour once he comes back to thank me.
Once alone, I activated [Parallel Existence] yet again, leaving that one to occupy the chair I was on earlier, then I teleported. Where to, you ask? To the Throne Room of Dwargon, of course.
~~~
Henrietta's POV
"Hello again, Gazel."
The woman addressed the king casually, she appeared out of thin air, landing in the middle of the Throne Room. I was reporting to the king when I heard the voice of the woman behind me. Having a closer look at her face, I instantly recognised who she was, she was the one at the gate entrance! At first I thought she was just a normal human, insignificant to my eyes and was not a threat, I realised how wrong I was.
'Dangerous, this one is extremely dangerous, I couldn't even sense her presence!' I thought to myself.
The Royal Guards were alerted and were prepared to intercept this intruder, but, the king had stopped them.
"Leave us at once, that is an order." He told the guards, reluctant as they were, they had no choice but to obey the king.
This surprised me and Dorf, Miss Jane only wore a neutral expression.
Once the guards had left, he addressed her like you would address an old acquaintance.
"It has been a long time, Miss Rimuru. I had wondered when you would finally visit again."[Gazel]
"Sorry, I've decided to lay low over the past three centuries."[Rimuru]
"I see, that's understandable."[Gazel]
"How have you been, Gazel? Healthy I hope."[Rimuru]
"I have been well... And as you can see, I had now taken the mantle that father has passed down onto me."[Gazel]
The silvery-blue haired woman smiled, "That is good to hear."
Not wanting to be out of the loop any longer, I wanted to speak, but dorf was faster than me.
"Your Majesty... If I may request to speak?"
His Majesty replied with a nod.
"Who is she? You seem to know her, yet I've never seen her before, even at the time when your father was the king."
Instead of King Gazel, it was Miss Jaine who replied.
"That is because you are not supposed to know her. Miss Rimuru, would it be alright to tell them?"
"Hoh, Jaine. Sorry to be rude, but it doesn't seem that you got any younger." The woman joked.
To which Miss Jaine could only chuckle to, "It appears so."
"Well, feel free to tell them anything, so long as it's not that, it's... Still too early afterall."
"Thank you." Miss Jaine said as she turned to us.
"Miss Rimuru here, she is from the Ga Haman Empire, royalty to be exact. She came here on an agreement when the previous king was still on the throne."[Jaine]
'The Ga Haman Empire?! And royalty at that!' I thought to myself, I've never heard of her before...
"It is as she says, I came as part of the agreement between our two countries. A non-aggression pact and sharing of technology. Well, it was mostly us who shared, but Hosephil did not complain so I was fine with it as well." Rimuru explained with a giggles.
This was... Surprising to say the least.
"Well how about we have tea? Not quite ideal to have a chat here, no? To also relieve the tension." Miss Rimuru suggested, it was a saver.
And so our venue changed to the palace balcony...
~~~
Gazel's POV
I did not know whether to be happy or terrified that she had turned up at my doorstep. Happy that a close friend of father had finally come to visit, yet terrified that it was a Catastrophe-class being, a True Dragon.
She did not show any hostilities, even with weapons pointed at her, which was quite a relief.
We engaged in idle chatter for a little bit, with Jaine enlightening the other two to Rimuru's identity as part of the Ga Haman Empire. Then she suggested we have tea, a suggestion we jumped on of course, bringing us to where we are now, at the Palace Balcony. Half an hour later, maids has started serving us tea.
Rimuru took a sip of her tea, "This place hasn't changed one bit, quite nostalgic in a way."
"I'm not sure if there's even any need to redecorate, Miss Rimuru." Jaine then replied.
Rimuru only chuckled.
"Miss Rimuru, uh, if I may ask. How long did you serve under the previous king?" Henrietta fidgeted.
She took a sip of her tea, before replying, "I did not serve under him, just to be clear. I didn't take orders from him. I assisted him in his endeavours, for that I stayed here for nearly two entire centuries."
Looking at Henrietta now, I could see sweat drip from her forehead, nervousness audible from her voice as she stammers
"I-I see... I apologise for the misunderstanding."[Henrietta]
She must've noticed it already, the monstrous being right in front of her, while I do not think Rimuru would... Ravage my country in the slightest inconvenience, it's still best to thread lightly.
Dorf looked at me, then back at Rimuru, "And what was your purpose of visiting here today, Miss Rimuru?"
"It's quite simple I suppose, I was looking for highly skilled artisans, as the Goblins in the village did not know how to build sturdy houses."
'Goblins?' I raise an eyebrow, that certainly caught my attention.
"Why would you be in a Goblin Village, Miss Rimuru?" Dorf asked what was in my mind.
"I am planning on raising a country."
Silence, a painful one.
"B-but are you not Royalty? Wouldn't that anger the Emperor?"[Henrietta]
"Oh, Hosephil wouldn't mind. If it's in my best interest, he would encourage it." Rimuru replied, taking another sip of her tea.
"I-I see... What type of Nation are you planning to raise, Miss Rimuru?"[Dorf]
"Hmm, a Nation of Monsters, the entirety of the Jura Forest will be its residents. My goal? Perhaps have good ties with the western countries."[Rimuru]
"A monster nation... That will catch the attention of the Western Holy Church for sure."
Jaine finally spoke again, she has been quiet for a while now. What she said indeed makes sense.
"We will tackle that problem when it arrives. I've only just started afterall."[Rimuru]
It got quiet again, with only the sound of wind filling our ears, the aroma of tea trickling my nose. It went like this for a good couple of minutes, until...
"Oh? Seems something came up."[Rimuru]
"Something? Miss Rimuru?"[Henrietta]
"Yes. It's quite interesting." She said with a smile
I had tried using my Unique Skill [Tyrant] on her earlier but to no avail. Curious as to what she was thinking, I tried to use it again and surprisingly... It worked, my eyes widening to what I just witnessed. Rimuru noticed my shock, as she looked at me as she put her tea down.
"This 'Vesta' guy is someone that should not be in his current position of power, I'm sure you already know that by now, Gazel. He seems to be fond of flaunting the fact that he is a minister. That needs to be changed, of course I'm sure you already knew that."
The rest had puzzled looks.
"Yes... Indeed I do, I apologise for his rudeness, Miss Rimuru."[Gazel]
"Good, I'm sure your father would've punished him regardless of Vesta's family position."[Rimuru]
"Indeed he would."[Gazel]
With a gentle smile this time, she finally stood up.
"Well then, you already know what happened, I will be taking Kaijin and the others with me, though that would mean handing them over to me to be citizens of my soon to be nation."[Rimuru]
"I do not mind... This is a small price to pay for your guidance, and for my minister's rudeness."
I could not help but bow to her, thankful that she had guided me even for a bit, and thankful that her patience was great.
What Vesta did, was nearly cause the destruction of Dwargon had Rimuru not been so kind...
~~~
I left Gazel to do his own, left him to explain what exactly had happened to the puzzled other three. Returning back to outside the gates of Dwargon where my [Parallel Existence] was waiting for Kaijin and the rest, merging it with my own.
This may take a while so I simply sat down on a nearby rock and called in several direwolves from the village for my new guests to ride on. You must be wondering what Gazel had seen as he read my mind, he couldn't do it on the first try because I easily blocked it, but I let him read my mind on his second try.
What he saw was Vesta trying to grab me by groping my... Breasts. As me, Kaijin and the others were walking to a bar to celebrate the finish of the 20 magisteel swords that same guy ordered Kaijin to do. I was the one that provided the magisteel swords, it was quite an easy task for me.
Ciel nearly lost her temper, but calmed down once Kaijin punched him. Vesta threatened him but that didn't deter Kaijin and eventually Vesta left.
That leads us to the current situation, Kaijin and the other three are currently packing up, most likely summoned by Gazel to discuss their stay with me. To which I'm all fine about as I just sit down and stare at the lovely sky, wind blowing my hair as I close my eyes, feeling the breeze.
I stayed like this for two hours, until the gate opened again to reveal the five dwarves, I opened my eyes with a deep breath before standing up to meet them.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Rimuru. His Highness had summoned us... Exiling us from Dwargon."
Exiled? Hmm... I did not think Gazel would actually do that.
"I'm sorry to hear that."[Rimuru]
"No need to feel bad, Miss Rimuru. We've already decided that we'll serve you from now on! Hopefully our relations only strengthens."
I gave a smile, it certainly would, from now on.
Riding Ranga and the other wolves back, I noticed that the wolves had evolved, taking on the name of Rangar as Tempest Wolves upon finishing his Evolution. I'm quite looking forward to what the others looked after their evolution.
"Miss Rimuru, who exactly are you?" Kaijin asked me.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"These wolves... They looked like an evolved version of them direwolves, and that one you're riding is named!"[Kaijin]
'Ah, I did forget to tell them that everyone in the village were named.' I thought to myself.
< < Clumsy, Master. > >
< Ciel, please don't. >
< < Heh, understood. > >
Sometimes Ciel can become a bit of a tease. And so I explained to them about the residents of the village, and who I am, leaving out the fact that I was a True Dragon. They were surprised but not as much because of Ranga and the fact that I easily made 20 magisteel swords.
With the village still far away, I've decided to enjoy the scenery for now. Now then, I wonder how things will grow from here on out.
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Hello again, hope y'all liked this chapter.
I feel like some parts had felt rushed, so I may or may not change it depending on if I find better words to describe the scenes.
Also, I apologise for the late update, kinda hard to uhh describe a certain scene sometimes.