Dominant Run! (Tensura/That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

Ciel: <>

Voice of the World: <<>>

******

Meanwhile, in the guest lounge of Rimuru's office, Drum Blumund, King of the Blumund Kingdom, sat uneasily, his gaze flicking around the elegantly furnished room. The refined decor, while tasteful, did little to calm his nerves. Beside him, his wife, Virelle Blumund, sat composed and graceful, quietly sipping her tea and savoring its delicate flavor. In stark contrast, Drum's own teacup sat untouched on the table before him, exactly as it had been placed.

Drum shifted in his seat, hands clenched tightly in his lap, one foot tapping a restless rhythm against the marble floor as Virelle set her teacup gently back onto its saucer, echoing the clink in the quiet room. Despite the warmth in the air and the subtle floral fragrance drifting from the vase nearby, the king's brow remained furrowed.

"I still can't believe we're here..." Drum murmured, his gaze fixed on the closed door as if it might suddenly swing open. "Monsters. I'm about to have a diplomatic meeting with the ruler of a nation of monsters."

Virelle offered a soft, knowing smile. "And yet, here we are, of our own volition. Seeking peaceful relations with those very monsters."

Drum huffed, his fingers beginning to drum nervously along the carved armrest of his chair. "Yes, well... maybe. Or maybe it's just good politics. This Rimuru, ruler of the monster nation, is... unpredictable. Too new to have a history, yet already strong enough to make someone like Gazel tremble. What if I say the wrong thing? What if we offend him without realizing it? One misstep and—"

"Drum," Virelle interjected gently, but carried the unmistakable authority of a queen and a wife. "Breathe. You are not walking into a dragon's den. You're walking into a conversation you requested. You sought this meeting. Remember that."

He looked at her, blinking as her words settled over him like a balm. Then, with a slow nod, he murmured, "You're right. You're right. It's just..." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let out a slow breath. His voice dropped, barely louder than a whisper. "Falmuth is circling us like a vulture. Every month, it's something new... some excuse to tighten the noose. A trade dispute. A sudden skirmish on the border against 'monsters' that claims our civilians' lives. Or one of their envoys arriving with another so-called 'friendly warning.'" His mouth curled bitterly. "They're testing the waters, Virelle. Waiting for the moment we're too weak to resist. They want to bleed us slowly until there's nothing left to call Blumund."

Virelle's expression darkened for just a moment, but she remained silent, giving him the space to speak.

Drum ran a hand down his face, sighing through his fingers. "And then there's the Council of the West," he said, his voice tinged with weariness. "I didn't oppose joining. On paper, it made sense... it was a chance to gain allies, support, and security. But the terms..." He trailed off, scoffing under his breath as he shook his head. "Terms that all but shut down our import and export routes. Resource taxes that hit us the hardest, while larger kingdoms like Falmuth and Ingracia get away with paying far less. It's not membership, they're kneecapping us and calling it cooperation."

"And the worst part is, we can't push back. We don't have the strength. Not militarily, not politically. We don't even have the numbers to walk out of the room without being shut out for good," his jaw clenched as silence fell again, broken only by the soft ticking of a gilded clock across the room, "If only we had the power to make them listen."

Virelle reached out and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "That's exactly why we're here, my love. We've seen with our own eyes how prosperous and welcoming this town is. And from what I've gathered, there's been a steady influx of adventurers and brave merchants over the past few weeks. It may be a nation of monsters, but it clearly isn't hostile to humans. In short, as King Gazel told Fuze, this monster nation has enough strength and resources that it doesn't need to devour a small kingdom like ours. On the contrary, allying with a power like this could benefit us greatly."

Drum gave a dry chuckle, though it lacked true humor. "You make it sound so sensible," he muttered, shaking his head. "And yet I still can't shake the feeling that we're placing our future on the edge of a blade."

He glanced toward the door again, then back at her. "You're right, though. You usually are." He exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Let's just hope that, when the histories are written, we're remembered as visionaries who were the first people to build a revolutionary alliance... and not as fools who handed over our kingdom's fate to a smiling monster in a mask."

Just then, a knock came at the door, and a moment later, a female hobgoblin stepped into the room, dressed in a pristine maid uniform that wouldn't have looked out of place in a noble's estate. "Thank you for waiting, esteemed guests. Lord Rimuru will be with you shortly," she said and bowed gracefully. Then, without waiting for a reply, she turned and exited as silently as she had entered.

Drum watched her go, his brows lifting slightly in quiet surprise. Beside him, Virelle let out a soft breath and smiled.

"Such manners and grace," she murmured, shaking her head with quiet amazement. "I wonder how the Priests and Holy Knights of Lubelius would react if they witnessed this. They're always preaching that monsters are irredeemable evils... and yet here we are, being treated with more courtesy than most humans ever bother to show."

Drum let out a dry scoff, his lips curling in faint disdain. "They'd probably try to wipe this nation off the map. After all, its very existence contradicts everything they preach." He shook his head, a bitter edge creeping into his voice. "And we both know those so-called servants of God are just as deeply entangled in the pursuit of power and control as any greedy noble."

"And you're still going through with today's negotiations, even knowing Lubelius might target us for it in the future?" Virelle asked quietly, though the answer was already clear in her heart.

"Yes," Drum replied without a moment's hesitation. "I don't want our nation dragged into an unnecessary conflict... but staying small and silent won't protect us forever. If all we have to offer the world is our intelligence network, then we'll always be at the mercy of stronger powers. That's not a future I'm willing to accept."

He leaned back slightly, folding his arms as his gaze drifted toward the door where the maid had exited.

"Besides," he continued, "I trust King Gazel's judgment. There's a reason Dwargon has held its ground for so long, even while walking the tightrope of neutrality. King Gazel isn't just a mighty warrior; he commands a powerful army, manages a prosperous economy, and governs with a sharp mind. And yet..." Drum paused, his voice lowering with emphasis, "even he is cautious around a nation that didn't exist a year ago." He looked at Virelle, his eyes steady. "That alone should tell you what kind of force we're dealing with."

Roughly ten minutes passed in silence before the door finally opened again. This time, it was Rimuru who entered, followed closely by Testarossa. With an air of casual confidence, he approached the table and took a seat across from the royal couple of Blumund.

"King Drum, Queen Virelle, it's a pleasure to meet you," Rimuru said warmly, offering a slight nod of thanks as a maid placed a cup of tea before him. "Apologies for the wait, I was caught up with some important stuff."

'Shut up. You know I'm not ready to reveal Shizu's existence yet,' Rimuru sighed internally, rolling his eyes at Ciel's teasing.

"It's quite all right, Lord Rimuru," Virelle said with a polite smile. "If anyone understands how much time and energy it takes to run a nation, it's us. Besides, we arrived without prior notice, we hardly have the right to complain about a brief delay."

"Well then, let's not waste time on empty pleasantries," Rimuru said, his tone shifting slightly as a faint wave of pressure radiated from him, subtly asserting control over the room. "Given that the King and Queen of a nation have come personally to my doorstep, I can only assume the matter is of some significance. So then, shall we get straight to the point?"

Drum and Virelle immediately straightened in their seats, the subtle shift in atmosphere sharpening their focus as they adopted a more serious demeanor.

"Yes, that would be for the best," Drum said. "Lord Rimuru, as you've correctly surmised, we've chosen to visit in person because we wish to propose a formal alliance between Blumund and Tempest."

"An alliance, is it..." Rimuru leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied the couple across from him, who involuntarily shrank under his gaze. "As the monarch of a long-standing nation, you understand, of course, that any alliance must be built on mutual benefit, a fair exchange that strengthens both parties. So then... tell me. What exactly does Blumund bring to the table?"

"To begin with, we're prepared to offer tax-free trade routes through Blumund territory, which would ease access to western human nations," Drum responded promptly, laying out his offer. "We also have a world-renowned intelligence network at our disposal. Additionally, we possess a world-renowned intelligence network, one of the finest in the region. Our agents have eyes and ears in almost every major city. More importantly, we're willing to officially recognize Tempest as a sovereign nation."

He paused for effect, then added, "Fuze, the Assistant Supervisor of Blumund's Intelligence Department, is a highly respected figure within the adventurer community. His endorsement could go a long way in promoting Tempest as a human-friendly nation, and his connections could help introduce your goods into human markets as trusted and reputable products."

There was a brief silence, and then...

"You truly believe such paltry offerings are worthy of an alliance with Tempest?" Testarossa's voice cut through the air like a blade, smooth but laced with menace, as the temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees as a chill crawled down the royal couple's spines.

Under ordinary circumstances, they would have taken grave offense at being addressed in such a manner, especially by someone other than the ruler of the nation. But their survival instincts warned them to hold their tongues. Somehow, they instinctively knew this woman was dangerous and after years of navigating political minefields, they had learned when to swallow their pride for the sake of survival.

"Testa, calm down. There's no need for hostility," Rimuru said with a casual wave of his hand, and instantly, the oppressive aura that had settled over the room vanished, as if it had never been there. The shift was so sudden that Drum and Virelle instinctively exhaled, releasing the tension they hadn't even realized they were holding.

"That said," Rimuru continued smoothly, redirecting his focus to the royal couple, "she's not wrong. What you've offered so far feels... underwhelming, especially when compared to what Tempest would be putting on the table." 

He gestured toward Testarossa, who responded without a word as she produced a document from the folder she carried and placed it gently in front of the King and Queen of Blumund.

As they scanned the document, their eyes widened in disbelief. The proposed alliance was filled with generous terms. Among them: a low-cost, co-funded road construction initiative aimed at establishing a secure and efficient trade route between their two nations, one that would significantly reduce travel time for merchants and travelers alike. One clause guaranteed full protection for any caravans or citizens passing through the monster-infested Jura Forest. Another promised military support from Tempest in the event of foreign aggression against Blumund. Additional provisions offered favorable trade agreements, technical and financial assistance for infrastructure and military development, and cooperation in fields such as magical research, agriculture, and more.

Virelle's brows rose slightly as she skimmed the fine print while Drum's eyes flicked back to Rimuru, disbelief flickering across his face. This wasn't just fair... it was extraordinary. A lifeline. A blessing. A partnership that could raise their small kingdom to a level of influence and security they had only ever dreamed of. And yet, it was that very generosity that gave them pause because no offer, no matter how kind, ever came without expectations.

"You were right, Lord Rimuru," Virelle said, lifting her gaze to meet his. Her expression was composed on the surface, but a trace of visible apprehension flickered in her eyes. "These terms are... exceedingly generous, especially compared to what we have to offer. There must be more to it, though. You wouldn't provide so many benefits simply for the sake of forming an alliance."

Rimuru gave a faint smile, leaning forward slightly as he reached across the table. "You're right. That was our mistake," he said calmly, retrieving the document with practiced ease. Drum and Virelle exchanged a glance, both feeling a subtle but undeniable sense of unease as the paper was pulled away, almost like watching an opportunity slip through their fingers.

"Those were the terms we had prepared if you'd agreed to become a vassal state," Rimuru continued, holding the document between two fingers, and the royal couple's eyes widened, as if they had just heard something utterly unthinkable.

"As for a standard alliance," he went on, "only two of those benefits remain guaranteed: the co-funded road construction and military assistance in the event of an invasion. As for protection from the monsters of the Jura Forest... we're willing to shoulder that burden, but it would come at the cost of a yearly tax, which could be negotiated separately."

He placed the document back on the table, face down this time, a subtle but clear signal that the more generous offer was no longer on the table. Still, after reading its contents, both Virelle and Drum couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about the idea of becoming a vassal state.

"Lord Rimuru, if I may ask... where is this idea of making us a vassal state coming from?" Drum asked, doing his best to keep his voice steady. Despite his composed exterior, a flicker of unease crept into his eyes. He was well aware that the man sitting across from him could easily force him into signing whatever he wanted if he willed it.

"Nothing too serious," Rimuru replied casually. "I just figured a nation like yours might benefit more by becoming a vassal of Tempest. But don't worry, I won't force you into anything. Still, if I were you, I'd keep an eye on the Kingdom of Raja. As of two months ago, they formally became a vassal state of Tempest."

"What!?" Virelle and Drum exclaimed in unison, shocked. An ancient kingdom like Raja, reduced to a vassal, especially under a nation that hadn't even been formally recognized on the international stage? It was something they hadn't even considered.

Rimuru leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Naturally," he added, his tone cooling just a touch, "I'd appreciate it if you kept that information to yourselves for now. It's not public knowledge yet, and I'd prefer it stayed that way." He let that sink in before continuing, his tone returning to its usual calm. "As for the alliance between Tempest and Blumund, you're under no pressure to decide immediately. Whether you choose to pursue a formal alliance, agree to vassalage, or walk away from the table altogether, that's your choice. But I will need your final answer within one week. That's when King Gazel and the Dwarven Kingdom of Dwargon will formally recognize Tempest as a sovereign nation. You're invited to attend the ceremony, of course. But when you come, bring your answer."

"Yes, thank you," Drum replied, nodding as Virelle mirrored the gesture. "That works for us as well."

"Well then, I'd say this has been a productive meeting," Rimuru said as he rose from his seat. "Unfortunately, I'll have to excuse myself now, since other matters require my attention. But please, feel free to stay and enjoy Tempest's hospitality for as long as you'd like."

"Thank you for your generous offer," Virelle replied graciously as she and Drum stood as well. "But we'll be taking our leave for now. That said, we certainly won't pass up the opportunity next time."

"A shame," Rimuru said with a soft chuckle. "But I'll hold you to that."

He turned slightly, as if preparing to leave, then paused and glanced back at them over his shoulder. "Oh, and one more thing," he added casually. "For a nation that prides itself on being the intelligence capital of the world... you sure have a lot of blind spots in your own backyard."

Drum's brow immediately furrowed. "What do you mean by that, Lord Rimuru?"

"What I mean," Rimuru said with a chuckle, "is that out of the twenty noble families in your kingdom, five are cozying up to outsiders. Three of them have been feeding internal information to Falmuth, hoping they'll be rewarded with more territory if Falmuth ever manages to annex your kingdom. The other two have been leaking details to certain members of the Western Council, trying to curry favor in hopes their houses might be chosen to wear the crown... once yours is removed."

"This..." Drum and Virelle stared at him, stunned into silence. Horror flickered across their faces, not solely because of the betrayal, but because all of it had happened right under their noses.

"Now," Rimuru continued with a smile, turning slightly toward the door, "I could give you the names of those families... but that's not really my job, is it? You'll have to root them out yourselves."

He took a step toward the threshold, then paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "And if you're wondering why I warned you, the answer's simple: I prefer your family on the throne. You're intelligent, reasonable, and actually care about your nation and its people. That makes you a hell of a lot easier to work with than a bunch of self-serving puppets." 

A small, knowing grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "Oh, and one more thing..." he added, tilting his head slightly. "I just wanted to show you that my intelligence division is just a tiny bit better than yours."

With a playful wink, Rimuru turned and exited the room, Testarossa gliding silently at his side. The heavy doors closed behind them with a quiet thud, leaving the stunned King and Queen behind.

To be continued...