Chapter Text
Even if I’d love to continue to watch over this whole “monsters and humans get along” project of ours, there’s still a lot of other work I need to do. Turns out that work doesn’t just disappear because you’re working on a different project. I wish it did, though.
Man, do I wish it did.
I spent the last two days catching up on paperwork after handing off most of the PR responsibility to Kerin. I’ve needed to make the rounds a lot more than I remember needing to.
“It’s because you shirked your other responsibilities; you need to keep up with everything else too!” Shuna told me as she read out my schedule to me. It was a bit overwhelming, but I always manage! So it’s no problem. Really!
It’s a good thing Shion and Diablo are always willing to help. Even if they don’t do everything perfectly, I can always rely on them to play catch up like this. Er… not that it happens often! Of course not, I’m usually very good at keeping on top of my responsibilities! Just ask anyone that isn’t Shuna!
That’s the reason I’m with Geld right now; he needs to show me his progress on a few buildings going up in town before he can progress. Something about worrying they won’t live up to my standards? It sounds silly to me; Geld always has good work. I trust it even without having to see it.
“It’s a rather large building, but I hope it is to your liking, Rimuru-sama.” Geld tells me.
Again, I don’t see why he’s so nervous. The place looks great! It’s a little tall, but I like that. They’ve already started adding the roof and walls, so I’ve got a better idea of how it’ll look based on the blueprints. I think it’s even supposed to have an impressive patio area. This building will be a work of art when it’s done, I’m sure of it!
So, of course, I tell this to Geld.
“It’ll be beautiful when it’s finished! I’m looking forward to seeing it.”
I can practically see the tension dissolve from his shoulders as he nods to me.
“Of course, Rimuru-sama. I hope I can live up to your expectations.”
Not that there’s any doubt he wouldn’t! The orc bows before turning back to his crew and giving them further instructions. I can feel a bit of pride light up in my chest as I watch him go; he’s acting more like a leader. That’s good for him! I can’t wait to see the awesome things he’ll make in the future.
“My, what an interesting structure!”
I suppress a start as my eyes slowly trail to the figure who’s appeared by my side. It’s futile in hoping it’s anyone else when his voice is a dead giveaway; still, a part of me hopes it’s just a sick joke Veldora’s playing.
But no, exhaustion creeps in as I turn my head and make eye contact with Ellum, blue eyes staring right at me with a smirk on his face.
“Ah, Prince Ellum.” Try as I might, I don’t think any enthusiasm made it into my voice. “What are you doing here?”
“Wow, no need to get so excited by my company, your majesty.” He huffs, a frown forming as he shrugs. “I slipped away from Kerin to take a look around your city; it’s awe-inspiring. I’m almost surprised I haven’t had the time to view it myself like this before!”
“I’m glad you are enjoying your extended stay. I’m actually making the rounds right now.”
“Ah, then don’t let me interfere! Please, continue.”
Sure, he says that, but am I surprised when I hear footsteps follow me when I turn to leave? Nope. Not at all. He’s following me around like a lost dog.
“You have some excellent sights to see, I must say. I even enjoyed the bakeries that line your streets! That’s quite the impressive feat if I do say so myself.”
I turn to look at him, keeping my pace. He’s been prattling on about the different things in Tempest that he’s enjoyed thus far. While I’m glad he’s enjoying himself, I don’t have the time to play babysitter today.
“As glad as I am that you’re enjoying your stay, I’m very busy today. I can’t entertain you.”
A laugh erupts from Ellum, and he flicks his hair out of his face before flashing me a smile.
“Please, it’s enough to be in your company while you make your rounds!” He throws in a wink, for flavor, I’m sure. All he gets in return is a hard stare before he sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “Besides, Kerin is doing everything herself, which leaves me to do whatever. It gets lonely on my own.”
“…Fine. I have one more stop to make before going back to the capitol building for a minute. You can tag along until then.” The Prince looks like he’s about to say something, but I raise a hand to cut him off. “ And , if we run into Kerin, I’m telling her you’re playing hooky.”
“What?! Rimuru-san, you’re so cold!”
“And you need to be learning, not flirting.”
Prince Ellum pouts, crossing his arms.
“…For the record, I haven’t just been ‘playing hooky’. I’ve been productive, too!”
“Hmm?”
“I’ve been talking to a lot of the humans and monsters here about how they’re getting along. Even heard something big is supposed to happen at the plaza later.”
“Big as in something good, I would hope.”
“Of course! I’ve been telling those I find to stop by and see for themselves. Even reporters! I’m positive this will be great for headlines from what I’ve heard.”
My eyes narrow. “… What’s supposed to be happening there?”
Though the Prince merely shrugs. “I guess we’ll have to find out. Perhaps we can find time to swing by later?”
I’m not happy about this nebulous thing that’s supposed to happen, but as long as it won’t hurt the long-term goal, I guess it’s no big deal. Of course, if he weren’t so secretive, I’d probably be more thrilled he’s actually trying to help for once. For now, I’ll let it slide. Maybe I’ll even ask around myself to see what rumor he supposedly heard. He tails me like my shadow as I make my way across town to check on the other construction sites, namely the road. That was the next big thing on my to-do list today.
When push comes to shove, the Prince ends up not being much of a talker today. Though he keeps getting distracted by every storefront, we pass by. Oh, how tempting it is to just leave him and be on my merry way, though I’d rather not leave him alone. I’m pretty sure if Shion or Diablo found free time on their hands today and learned the Prince was alone, things would not end up pretty.
The road check was routine; they’re even closer to finishing and are progressing faster than expected. Which, of course, is excellent news! Our roads are essential for our trade routes with other nations, increasing as time moves forward. At least, I’m hoping they will.
Our visit ends reasonably fast, and already we’re on our way back to the capitol building. Now, there’s just one more thing I need to take care of…
“Where is Kerin?” I turn and ask Ellum. “She’s probably looking for you by now. I can take you back to her.”
“Oh, I haven’t a clue. She was moving around a lot today. But before that… why don’t we swing by the plaza?”
…Oh, yeah. I was kind of hoping he’d forgotten, though I suppose if things go south, we’ll have a mess to clean up on our hands.
“…Alright, I’ll take you there. I will be leaving after whatever’s supposed to happen there happens, got it?”
“Yes!”
He’s beaming with that stupid smirk again, and I sigh.
We walk through town, giving the occasional hello to those we pass, though the Prince’s silence is almost deafening. It’s making me weary, and I don’t know who I should worry for, the Prince or myself. He catches my gaze when I look over at him, and he smiles before quickly looking away. Ok, something is definitely up.
“You’ve been quiet.” A statement, though hopefully, it doesn’t sound too harsh.
“Have I? My apologies, Rimuru-san. There is a lot on my mind today.” He hums, putting his hands behind his head and looking towards the sky. “…The walk has helped clear my head, so I must thank you for your company, brief it may have been.”
“That so? What’s on your mind?”
The fountain is in sight, and Ellum’s gaze is locked on it. He opens his mouth before closing it, contemplative. The next thing I know, he’s gently grabbing my arm and leading me over to the fountain, where he makes to sit on the edge. The Prince gestures to the space beside him, but I shake my head, remaining standing.
“Sorry, there are a lot of people around. Though…” he glances around, and when he’s satisfied knowing people aren’t close enough to overhear, he looks back to me. “Truthfully, I am worried about my father.”
Briefly, my mind flashes back to the Prince telling me about all the people he directed here. I’m not entirely sure why he would start this conversation in such a place, but I roll with it. “Ah, you mentioned he wasn’t doing great. Is everything ok?”
Ellum shakes his head. “No, he’s getting worse. I’m truly worried for his sake. I’m… afraid, a bit. It drives me crazy not being able to tell the future and know what is to come.”
“I see…”
“That’s why I need to thank you, Rimuru-san.” He smiles up at me, probably the most genuine smile I’ve seen from him before. “I am delighted to have met you; you’ve helped me today by giving me a distraction. I enjoyed watching you work.”
…I think I get it now. His thoughts were probably filled with worry over his father today, so he snuck away from Kerin to find something to distract him, which led him to me. A part of me can’t help but wonder if his father’s illness has played a role in any of his other behavior… though I shrug that thought off. It doesn’t matter in the long run. I may not like him much, but just now, he was hurting and decided to open up to me about it. I guess I don’t mind being a distraction if it’s for that reason.
“You’re… a good son, Ellum.” I begin rather slowly. How do I say this without him taking it the wrong way? “You may be rough around the edges, but I think if you were to work harder, you could become someone worthy of ruling like your father. I haven’t met him, but I’m sure he’s proud of you.”
His smile grows, and he nods, eyes growing soft. “…Thank you, Rimuru. You should come to Qazar soon; I would love to introduce you to him. He’ll adore you, I’m sure of it.”
I think this is the first time Ellum’s actually made me smile, as small as it may be. Just a pity smile, sure, yet it’s still some kind of record.
“I look forward to meeting him.”
The plaza is getting more crowded now, with people walking to and fro, so I figure that should be the end of the conversation. After all, wouldn’t want anyone overhearing about the state of Qazar’s king. I look around to see if that something Ellum heard rumored was starting; the crowds have to be an indication of something—
“Rimuru.”
…Though as I go to leave, I hear the Prince say my name again. I look back at him, and he’s standing up once again, a hand placed delicately on his chest.
“Do tell me, is there anything I can do to repay you for what you’ve done for me?”
He’s asking so earnestly, and yet I don’t feel like I’ve done much for him since he’s gotten here. Maybe he’s being dramatic like he usually is, though perhaps it’s just his way of showing his gratitude? It’s difficult to tell with him.
“Ah… well, there’s nothing right now… and you don’t need to do anything to repay me.”
“Nonsense, I must show you how much you mean to me.”
The smile he’s showing me and the way he words his sentence start to put me on edge again. Is he seriously trying to hit on me again in the middle of all this?!
“Ellum…” I say dangerously. I hate to threaten him right after comforting him, but I won’t hesitate to put him in his place. His face twitches slightly but remains smiling as he takes a step closer.
“Rimuru, I am simply saying I enjoy our time together. A lot. When we work together, we click in a way that is clearly special.”
As much as I’d like to tell him off right here and now, my ears pick up the faint murmur of whispers. I can feel every pair of eyes that are beginning to turn to us, and it’s sending a chill down my spine. Ok, relax, Rimuru. Just tell him to return to the capital building with you. He can be scolded there without the worry of what the public thinks.
I open my mouth to tell him to follow me, but he beats me to it by making a show of getting down on one knee, cape fluttering behind him, eyes locked on mine.
If I had a stomach, it would have dropped to the floor. This asshole better not be—!!
“Truly, it is impossible to describe my love for you!” He declares, and if people weren’t already looking, they certainly were now.
Time slows down around me as the gravity of what’s happening begins to dawn on me. Humans, monsters, and merchants all stop in the crowd, turning to watch the Prince’s spectacle kneeling before me. Though, it’s not just them. Reporters. Using Magic Sense, I can see the reporters in the crowd. The reporters Ellum sent here directly. My thoughts remind me of what I told Ellum the other night.
“I don’t want any bad press circulating about monsters and humans.”
Even as he pulls out the tiny velvet box he was hiding in his pocket, the words I said ring in my head like a slap to the face. Clenching my fists to the point they tremble, I hear everyone around us whisper in excitement as I see Ellum’s mouth move. I barely register what he’s saying; I’m too focused on the cheers starting to emerge from the crowd as I silently curse them and the dumbass Prince in front of me.
The worst part is that I can’t even hate the crowd for their excitement.
They’re watching their leader get engaged, after all.