[SHUNA] Lord Rimuru, I think you've earned a break!
[RIMURU] This is nice.
I mean, cut it out, Shuna!
Hang on. Where is Hakurou?
Oh, he went back to make sure everything was settled.
[RIMURU] Hm?
Hm.
[RIMURU] Ah, I see.
Dude got stuck with clean up duty.
He's working with Geld to inspect Clayman's castle
and organize all the spoils we collected.
Also, dealing with the prisoners.
[RIMURU] Gotcha.
By the way, why are you here, Benimaru?
Shouldn't a general be leading his troops?
[chuckles]
Now that the war is over,
I figured things had settled down enough for me
to return to your side!
But there's no need to worry,
I made sure to hand over the reins to a trusted aid
before rushing back here.
[RIMURU] In other words,
he left the Beastketeers in charge
to handle the rest.
I can't complain,
but I wish they'd take things more seriously.
After all, I tried my best
to impart my sense of responsi...
[RAPHAEL] Answer, I would surmise
that they learned this behavior from their master.
[RIMURU] Hey, don't surmise that!
I'm a dependable guy, dang it!
You know, ever since you evolved into Raphael,
I think your calculations have been a bit off!
[RAPHAEL] Incorrect.
No such phenomenon has occurred.
[RIMURU] She straight-up denied it!
Anyway, I heard Gabiru went back out
to the battlefield again?
Yes. It seems he's befriended a subordinate
of Lady Milim's named Middray,
and pledged his assistance in cleaning up
after the aftermath of the battle.
[RIMURU] Welp.
Guess war's hard work, even when you win.
It'll be difficult to round up
and transport the prisoners, too.
We don't want them rebelling on us the second
our backs are turned.
You needn't worry.
I made sure to give them all a thorough explanation.
[RIMURU] Sounds more like the dude
threatened them to me.
When's Gabiru getting back?
[BENIMARU] He should be returning with
the Beasketeers soon, my lord.
[RIMURU] Huh? The Beastketeers are coming, too?
[BENIMARU] Well, Lady Milim did sort of destroy
the capital of Eurazania, remember?
Since there's no suitable place
for all the refugees and prisoners,
we decided to bring everyone to Tempest for now.
[RIMURU] Can we even care for that many people?
We can if we spread them out as much as possible.
Not only that, but those who have villages
to return to were sent back to them.
The Lycanthropes who wish to stay in Tempest
want to learn about our technology.
Furthermore, we've assigned those with able bodies
to Geld's command,
who will lead the redevelopment of Eurazania.
[RIMURU] Right, that makes sense.
I forgot Eurazania became part of Milim's territory now.
During Walpurgis, I pitched her the idea
of potentially building a new capital to relocate to.
You wanna build a new capital?
Great idea, bestie!
[BENIMARU] But it won't just be the beastfolk
coming here, my lord,
there are majin among the prisoners, too.
We'll need to keep them under close watch,
just in case they try anything.
Yes, that's right.
I'll make sure everybody stays on their guard.
[RIMURU] Sounds good! Can't be too careful.
They're all making their own decisions,
and don't need me to order them around anymore.
I'm so glad I can rely on them!
Hold on a minute.
Does this mean if I disappeared one day,
they'd be fine without me?
Oh!
Just the thought of not being needed makes me kinda sad.
Trust me!
[DIABLO] Lord Rimuru.
The situation in Falmuth is going as planned.
Here is the non-aggression pact they signed
as part of the peace treaty.
As well as their first payment
in the sum of 1500 stellar gold coins.
[RIMURU] That's more than I expected.
But Falmuth is a major trading hub.
That's true.
Though, as I understand it, the majority of this
comes from King Edmaris's personal treasury.
But now that he no longer has any royal knights,
he can't risk stirring up trouble with the nobility,
or else they might steal everything from him.
[RIMURU] Makes sense.
So, does it look like war is going to break out
like you planned?
Yes, most certainly!
The nobles forced him to take out
the rest of the reparations as a loan,
and their new king won't be able to endure that for long.
Which is precisely why the former king decided
to name his brother Edward as successor
rather than his son.
[RAPHAEL] Notice. The factions within the Kingdom of Falmuth
who do not wish to pay reparations
will likely attempt to force
all responsibility onto Edmaris.
[RIMURU] I see.
[DIABLO] Now that Edmaris has stepped down
and become a viscount, he will be moved away
from the capital to a small territory
near that of Count Nidol Migam.
[RIMURU] Youm's party made their headquarters
in Nidol's domain.
So if anything were to happen,
they can come to his aid right away.
[DIABLO] Quite astute, my lord.
[RIMURU] Even if this new king tried to ditch Edmaris,
Youm wouldn't just sit back and do nothing.
[DIABLO] Not only that, but if he were to denounce
the new king for going back on his word,
it would lead to a revolt.
[RIMURU] It's kinda scary how easily he's driven a wedge
within Falmuth just by having Youm throw his lot in
with Edmaris.
Glad he's on our side.
Keep doing your thing, but try to make sure
ordinary citizens don't get caught up in it.
You can count on me.
Will do. And if you start running low on funds,
you can use these fancy new coins!
[DIABLO] I'm most grateful for your consideration,
my Lord, but that won't be necessary.
Though, if you would allow me to fight personally.
Sorry, no can do.
I'll assign you some forces, but you should try to avoid
drawing attention to yourself.
If that is what you wish.
I shall operate from the shadows.
Mm-hmm.
You could learn a thing or two from him, Shion.
[gasps] Come on!
All I've ever done is carry out your orders
to the best of my ability!
Incidentally, the Western Holy Church
has contacted Reyhiem and desires to speak with him.
Rey-who?
Oh, you mean that old archbishop guy.
From what I can surmise, they aim to get
a first-hand account of exactly what happened
during the battle between Falmuth's troops and Tempest.
How would you like us to respond?
[RIMURU] Hmm. If we do nothing,
the situation could get messier.
[DIABLO] Considering the Church's approach,
it may be within our best interest to allow the meeting.
Yeah, you're right.
Since those three were the only survivors,
it makes sense the church would want to hear from one of them.
It looks like the Western Holy Church
was monitoring Veldora's movements,
so they'd probably know right away if we lied to them.
[DIABLO] In that case,
should we have him tell the truth?
Hmm.
Let's put a message in this crystal.
Then we'll have Reyhiem bring it over to the Church
and see how they react to it.
Understood.
[door opens] [Gobta grunts] Lord Rimuru!
What is it?
The prisoners and refugees have entered Tempest, sir!
♪
[RIMURU] They got here pretty quick, huh?
[ALBIS] Lord Rimuru.
[RIMURU] Oh, Albis! Suphia!
I wanted to personally thank you
for allowing our people to stay in your city.
[RIMURU] Ain't no thang.
Wait, Phobio didn't come with you?
Nah, he's keeping an eye on the prisoners
we had to leave at the battlefield.
As a Beastketeer, he has the strength and authority
to keep the majin from rebelling.
[RIMURU] In other words, they stuck him
with the grunt work while they came here.
Man, I almost feel bad for the guy.
Well, we're ready on our end.
We've prepared temporary housing for everybody.
And we're working out how to distribute jobs
among the refugees.
We can go over the details later.
- Sure. - If you'll excuse us, then.
♪
[GABIRU] Lord Rimuru! I have finally returned.
[RIMURU] Oh hey, welcome back!
Heard you played a big role in the war.
Oh, no! I didn't really accomplish all that much.
Truth be told, Middray beat me to a pulp
when we faced each other.
[RIMURU] Yeah, Benimaru told me about that.
Don't feel bad though,
he's a crazy strong Dragon newt.
He's exactly what I imagined
one of Milim's worshipers would be like.
And it's not like I'm saying you're weak or anything.
You'll get there one day.
Right! I, Gabiru, hereby swear
that I'll do my best to live up to your great expectations!
Also, here.
[RIMURU] What's that?
[GABIRU] Lady Milim instructed me
to deliver it to you.
[RIMURU] It's from Milim?
Hmm.
[laughs] What's up, my bestie for restie!
The next time I visit you,
I'm bringing some people along, okay?
Could you teach them all about cooking?
I want you to show them how good food can be!
I'm coming to you on my hands and knees here!
As my friend, you've gotta help me out, right?
Please? Pretty please? Super-duper pretty please?
[RIMURU] So, uh, do you know what the deal is
with this letter?
Yes, sir. I believe I do.
During the war, I became acquainted
with one of the Dragon Faithful named Hermes.
He is a free spirit who has visited the Dwarven Kingdom,
as well as the Western Nations.
He's surprisingly open-minded.
And according to what Hermes told me,
The Dragon Faithful live extremely simple
and modest lives.
The food they serve to Lady Milim
is not prepared or cooked in any way.
[RIMURU] I think I get it now.
[GABIRU] I suspect that they see someone like me,
a person who eats raw fish,
as a shining example of a supreme being!
[RIMURU] Yeah, I don't think that's what's going on,
- my guy. - Oh?
[RIMURU] Dragon newts have the same sense of taste
as humans, don't they?
Yes! After evolving,
I was given the gift of an exquisite sense of taste!
I used to find eating to be a bland chore,
but now meal times have become so much more enjoyable!
There it is.
Think about it, if you eat something tasty,
it's only natural to want to eat more food like it.
I get it!
So that's what Hermes meant when he talked about
how tasteless all their food is!
[SHION] But the Dragon Faithful are sworn to serve Lady Milim,
couldn't she simply order them to cook?
[RIMURU] Nah, she may seem tough,
but she's actually a big softie.
Okay. If that's what she wants,
we'll show them our finest hospitality!
Great! I was hoping you'd say that!
I have to go now, my lord.
[grunts]
I'll see you later!
♪
[indistinct chatter]
This is incredible!
There's so much excitement in the air!
[RIMURU] For sure!
It looks like all our new guests have really gotten
into the swing of things around here.
Huh. Lord Rimuru.
Are you seeing what I'm seeing?
♪
[RIMURU] Geld?
Hm. Lord Rimuru.
Was he supposed to be back yet?
[RIMURU] He doesn't look so hot.
[birds chirping]
[RIMURU] So, what's up, buddy?
Everything all right?
[GELD] I already knew you were amazing,
but this experience has only made
my respect for you grow deeper.
[RIMURU] W-why do you say that? [laughs]
Well, the truth is.
I organized the prisoners
and assigned them to various units,
then tasked them with the surveying
and reconstruction of the land.
But before I knew it,
all sorts of problems sprang up.
I-it's a simple matter for High Orcs
to speak with each other through Thought Communication,
but unfortunately that doesn't work
for Lycanthropes and majin.
There were a number of majin among the prisoners
who resented being forced to follow orders.
And some of those who were eager to work,
turned out to be bad at it.
[RIMURU] I know what ya mean.
Properly managing and educating people
is a lot harder than it looks.
[grunts]
This reminds me of when I was a salaryman.
There's only one thing to do in these cases.
Let's get shwasted tonight, Geld!
Hm. Yes.
It would be my honor, Lord Rimuru!
[bell tinkles]
[TREYNI] Aw, that sounds difficult.
[GELD] Just having more people
doesn't make everything more productive,
and it's unreasonable to expect everyone
to become good workers right away.
I have to wonder if it would be easier
if you did the work yourself.
But if you did that, they would never grow.
[groans]
I can't even complete a simple task for Lord Rimuru.
[gulping]
It's all right, don't worry about it.
- [Geld pants] - [RIMURU] This brings me back.
[RIMURU] Workers who refused to follow orders.
Juniors who'd try to cover up their mistakes.
And superiors who'd try to pass the blame onto others.
I have a lot of good memories,
but I could go on and on about the bad ones.
Let's keep going, Treyni!
- Another round! - [Treyni chuckles]
[bell tinkles]
[SHION] So, do you think Geld will be all right?
[RIMURU] Yeah, he seemed a bit down,
but going out drinking seemed to lift his spirits.
No pun intended.
Either way, I think he'll be okay.
[RIGURD] Lord Rimuru! [RIMURU] Huh.
Hey, what's up?
The merchants have begun to return with goods.
Ever since you had Fuze assure people
that Tempest is safe for any and all,
we've had far more visitors than ever before!
[RIMURU] For real? That's wonderful news!
Not only that, but the other nations
seem to be behaving even after you were declared a demon lord!
[RIMURU] They may be quiet,
but I'm sure they're on their guard.
[RIGURD] Also, the Empress of the Sorcerous Dynasty
of Thaleon, Elmesia El Ru Thaleon,
has announced that she will establish
diplomatic relations with Tempest.
[RIMURU] A hint to get that road built
as soon as possible, huh?
[RIGURD] According to Fuze, many nations are concerned
about your potential alliance, which could pose a problem.
But don't worry about that!
Everybody's working day and night
to try and establish more connections
with the other countries!
[RIMURU] That's good to hear!
Guess it would probably be a good idea
to check in with Souei about the roads then.
[SOUEI] No hostile monsters were detected on the route.
It should be safe to begin construction
on the road in that area.
After we explained our plans to the locals,
they generously gave us permission to build.
[RIMURU] Glad it's going well.
Okay, until Geld finishes up his work,
try to get the surveying and other inspections done.
Actually, there's just one problem with that.
[RIMURU] What's up?
[SOUEI] The Great Forest of Jura
falls under your jurisdiction,
but your territory borders the Kusha Mountains.
These mountains are filled with steep valleys
and rocky crags,
and it's said that the Tengu reside
in a hidden village at its peak.
The local residents informed us of this,
so it'd be unwise to ignore it.
[RIMURU] Kinda sounds like these guys
are a little dangerous.
[SOUEI] Under normal circumstances
they keep to themselves,
but they have a very war-like nature.
Even back when she was a Demon Lord,
Frey did her best to avoid any direct conflict with them.
I think it'd be best to contact them first.
[RIMURU] Cool! Then I'll just-- [BENIMARU] If I may.
- [RIMURU] Huh? - Please, allow me.
A Demon Lord strolling into their home unannounced
might not be the best way to make friends.
[RIMURU] You've got a good point.
All right, go ahead.
I'm curious.
Brother, you seem to have gotten quite close
to Albis, lately.
I hope this isn't an excuse to see her.
- [Benimaru gasps] - [RIMURU] Huh?
You're into Albis?
Whoa, I didn't realize she was your type, man!
This is all a big misunderstanding!
- Shuna! D-don't be silly! - Hmph.
Don't worry, Lord Rimuru!
Even if Benimaru leaves,
I'll stay by your side forever!
Huh? I didn't say I was going anywhere, Shion!
[SHION] It's obvious that she's going to seduce
and steal you away!
[scoffs] Impossible!
I don't understand how you even came to that conclusion!
[RIMURU] He loves me too much to leave.
- Huh? - Yes, exactly!
Thank goodness, at least Lord Rimuru gets it.
[RIMURU] You're my right-hand man,
and we all depend on you.
Your loyalty was never in question.
Anyway, let's get back on topic.
Otherwise, Shion might get more crazy ideas.
I'll let you handle this, Benimaru.
[BENIMARU] I won't fail you.
[crow cawing]
[Rimuru sighs]
Everywhere I look, there's always
some new problem to deal with.
[groans] Maybe it'll be easier to have a meeting
with everyone tomorrow.
[RIMURU] Sorry to call you on such short notice.
Oh, no. Coming here is no trouble at all, Lord Rimuru.
To be honest, the one truly in need of assistance is Geld.
Fortunately, I was able to hand off
the rest of my work last night,
so there's no need for me to return, unlike him.
[RIMURU] He seems to be really struggling, huh?
[HAKUROU] I'm sure this is something
he'll eventually learn to resolve himself.
But I admit I am a little concerned.
[slurps]
That problem aside,
I have one other matter I wanted to report to you.
[RIMURU] Oh, yeah?
It concerns the Puppet Nation of Distave,
which was formerly under the rule of Demon Lord Clayman.
Its citizens consist solely of Dark Elves
who've all sworn their loyalty to him
and work to maintain his castle.
[RIMURU] Right, and...
[groans]
According to the information I've gathered,
long ago, an Elven kingdom once existed in Distave.
As I understand it, ruins can be found there to this day,
and the Dark Elves who protect them are called "gravekeepers".
[RIMURU] I get it.
So you're saying there are a bunch of ruins
from an ancient kingdom hidden there.
If so, then there's a decent chance
Clayman's wealth came from old elven artifacts he dug up.
Ancient ruins can be found all over the world
and treasure hunters make their living
by selling the valuables inside.
However, the ruins under Clayman's Domain
appear to be largely undisturbed.
[RIMURU] Hakurou, let's keep this a secret between us,
I wanna see this place for myself
before making any decisions.
[HAKUROU] As you wish.
[RIMURU] Thanks for coming, guys!
As I'm pretty sure everyone already knows by now,
I've assumed the title and responsibility
of a Demon Lord.
[ALL] Congratulations, my Lord!
- [Rimuru chuckles] - [people applaud]
I never doubted you for a second!
How incredible! That's our master!
It's the start of Lord Rimuru's reign!
[RIMURU] Oh yeah, almost forgot,
but it's been decided that my domain
will encompass all of the Great Forest
- of Jura. - [all gasp]
[RIMURU] I'm already known as its leader,
so I doubt anything'll change.
Uh, guys. What's with the silence?
Excuse me.
You said the entire forest, is that correct?
[RIMURU] Um, yeah?
Perhaps I'm mistaken, my Lord.
But you're saying this includes the area
across the river as well?
[RIMURU] I guess.
Is there some kind of problem with that?
Well, I wouldn't say it's a problem, exactly.
But as I recall, that section of the forest
isn't under the Dryad's influence.
The portion of the forest that's recognized you
as its leader is that which the Dryads have dominion over.
To those who live across the river,
I'm sure the emergence of a new Demon Lord
must be very troubling.
[KAIJIN] He has a point.
This is gonna be quite the undertaking.
Good news is that the other Demon Lords
will most likely leave you alone.
On top of that, you now have exclusive rights
to all the resources gathered within the forest.
[RIGURD] Before, the inhabitants of the forest
would just gather what they needed to survive!
But now, they'll need your permission
to even live on the land,
let alone harvest its resources.
That'll be a big change
for the monster tribes in the area!
[RIMURU] Hold on a sec!
A bunch of monsters are gonna start showing up
to get permission to live here?
[SHUNA] Afraid so.
Now that you've officially become a Demon Lord,
if they refuse to come and greet you,
it would be considered a grave insult.
[RIMURU] But nothing's changed.
Not true!
Your new title has vastly increased
your influence, my lord!
Even the proud members of the Lizardman tribe
would give anything to earn the favor and protection
of a Demon Lord!
Anyone who doesn't come will be our enemies!
To ignore Lord Rimuru would be the height of foolishness!
[Rimuru sighs] This is all starting
to sound like a huge hassle.
Don't worry, the Lizardmen
will be coming to greet you at the very least!
I made sure to inform my father of your ascension
to Demon Lord as soon as I heard the news!
[RIMURU] Wait, Abiru's coming?
[GABIRU] Indeed! I believe I mentioned it
- to Shion. - [RIMURU] Oh?
[GABIRU] My father has already decreed
that nothing would stop him from greeting you in person!
Good, as he should for Lord Rimuru's sake!
[RIMURU] Why didn't you tell me about this, Shion?
But still, if the Lizardmen
plan on making the trip to see me,
I bet a lot of people from even smaller races
will show up, too.
Hold on a sec.
Actually, this could work out.
I just had a thought.
Why don't we put out a big announcement
and use this as a way to introduce Tempest
to the rest of the world?
Having everyone come all at once would be easier
than having them come separately, right?
Wait, that would mean...
[RIMURU] We still have a decent amount of room
to increase our population.
In truth, we could do with having more laborers.
We'll unveil our city to the public
and show them how our citizens live.
On top of them coming to see me,
It's a perfect chance to show off
the rest of Tempest!
If we do that, some monsters might think
about making this place their home!
Though I'll probably have to keep Milim entertained.
All work and no play is a real drag.
It's the perfect time for some rest and relaxation!
Basically, what I'm trying to say
is I think we should throw a big party!
Oh, my!
A party? You mean it, my Lord?
[RIMURU] Uh-huh, I'm gonna have to make
my debut sooner or later.
So I figure we might as well go big or go home!
[ALL] Yeah!
[RAPHAEL] Next time. "Everyone Has a Part to Play."