Chapter Text
Well, at least it started like any normal day in Tempest.
There was a lot of paperwork to do that morning. Truly, the pinnacle of excitement in the capital. I couldn’t have been closer to sleep, and I can’t even get tired anymore. It’s times like these when I can’t help but wonder how I ended up in this position of power when all I did was offer protection to a small goblin village at first. I must have done something wrong in my previous life to be punished with this much boring work!
Still, I guess it could be worse.
“My lord!”
…I spoke too soon, didn’t I?
I sit down my pen and turn to face Souei, who has appeared next to me kneeling. Always so formal and reliable.
“Souei! What’s your report?”
“There is a party heading toward the capital city. Four carriages total. They don’t appear armed for battle, but there are a fair number of humans riding to our location. From what we can see, they appear to be royalty.”
Humans, hmm? And royalty on top of that. I wasn’t made aware of any guests to be visiting today, so this seems to be a spur of the moment trip. Why are human so spontaneous? I don’t remember being that way in the past.
“Thank you, Souei. Keep an eye on them and let me know of any further updates.”
“Yes, sir!”
Souei vanishes into thin air, and I can’t stop the sigh that escapes my lips. This certainly was not something I had time for today, but considering they’re coming straight here, it might be inevitable for me to meet with them.
This was slowly becoming the norm. Ever since becoming a Demon Lord, people have had one of two reactions. They’re either curious or fearful. Curiosity doesn’t bother me; it’s the fearful ones that are worrisome. After all, the massacre that happened here was due to fear. Though now I feel more confident that it won’t happen again, not with a Demon Lord in power, my concerns are of nations banding together to try and defeat me.
If these people are coming here instead of sending an army though, perhaps I should take that as a good sign.
I try to get as much done in my massive pile of work before Souei alerts me that they’re about to enter the city. As annoying as it is, I get up to go greet the newcomers. It’s a bit sketchy regardless, so naturally I call Shion and Diablo to my side. Should anything happen, the three of us would be able to defend the city without much trouble.
Despite the fact they should have been stopped at the entrance, I see the carriages Souei described to me coming down the street when I walk out of the building. How they got in so fast is beyond me. I can’t help but put my guard up as they stop before me.
The person who steps out of the carriage can only be described as what you’d think a stereotypical prince to look like. All looks, more than likely no brains. Golden blonde hair, sharp blue eyes and a million dollar smile, dressed in a white and gold suit with the red cape and everything. He had an air of cockiness about him as he stepped down from his ride, the pride very evident on his face. Just who does this guy think he is…?
He scans everyone in front of him before is eyes land on me. I notice his eyes widen before he forces his face back to what I assume is normal. Not the first time I’ve gotten a reaction like that.
“Hello!” He proudly declares. “I am Ellum, Prince of the esteemed Qazar Kingdom! I have come to speak with the new Demon Lord, Rimuru Tempest!”
Geez this guy was loud. Let’s get this over with quickly.
“What do you want to discuss?” I respond, but he tuts and waves a finger in my face.
“Ah-ah!” The Prince poses rather dramatically, hand covering half his face. “My duty is to speak only with Rimuru! Please, take me to him immediately!”
I try not to let my annoyance flare up. My face isn’t well known to people outside of Tempest or our established allies, so I can’t really blame him for not knowing who he’s talking to. Still, that doesn’t excuse this behavior. I’m surprised Shion and Diablo are restraining themselves as well as they are, I can see Shion start trembling in rage at his behavior. Surely, there has to be someone over seeing this guy, right? I’m sure he’ll have an ear full once this is done.
“I am Rimuru Tempest. Tell me why you’re here.”
Ellum stares at me before confidently laughing. I have to shoot my arm out before Shion lunged at the guy. She looks like she’s ready to murder.
“Surely you jest!” He says. “You do not match the description of the man I have heard! Rimuru Tempest is a fierce man not to be reckoned with. Are you not his secretary, who is said to be a beautiful maiden who remains at his side no matter what?”
“That’s Shion you’re talking about.” I gesture to the purple Kijin, who is exuding a dark and menacing aura that any man would tremble at. If I wasn’t used to it, I’d probably cower. I’m impressed the Prince before us has only shrunk instead of running for the hills.
“Rimuru-sama,” Shion says with a stressed smile. “Would you allow for me to punish this arrogant person for you?”
“No, Shion. You can relax.”
“But he’s mocking your greatness! I cannot stand for this!”
I don’t really blame her; my own annoyance towards this guy is reaching its peak. It won’t be healthy for this guy to keep talking.
“What was your name? Ellum?” The man nods. “Is there someone else we can talk to? I don’t have time to play around. If you’re here for a reason, I’m doing you a favor by giving you time to state your case when I could have turned you away for showing up with no prior notice.”
The Prince stares at me, seemingly baffled before he scrambles to regain his posture, smile slowly returning to his face. He brings his hand to his chin.
“A-ah, yes. I see, then! As expected, Sir Rimuru, your kind reputation precedes you. Very well; I have come to speak of forming ties with your nation.”
Finally, we’re getting somewhere. I can’t believe they sent this guy for negotiations. At least we can get this ball rolling.
“Then let’s—“
“Therefore, I have a question I must ask you…”
He made a show of kneeling before me, cape fluttering behind him as he extends a hand towards me.
“Won’t you become my bride and marry me?”
…
…This man was a dead man.