♪
Thank you all for waiting.
It's time for us to begin.
[footfall]
[SAARE] Hold on a second!
You're acting all high and mighty even though you're late.
Not to mention the fact that you couldn't stop Veldora
from being resurrected,
so now a new Demon Lord's been born.
Does incompetency run in the family or something?
[shocked whispers]
♪
Watch your mouth, Saare, you're being rude.
Quiet down, kid.
If you've got a problem with the captain,
you can take it up with me.
Mm.
To think that a knight of your station would try
and pick a fight with us is quite bold.
What did you just say?
Do you have a death wish or something?
[HINATA] That's enough, all of you.
This is hardly the time to be bickering amongst ourselves.
♪
Saare.
If you're unsatisfied, you can take my position at any time.
But of course, I'll have to test out your skills first.
[scoffs]
I have a report.
The Great Forest of Jura seems to have completely recovered,
and merchants have been seen entering
and leaving the monster nation without issue.
I can't believe they'd really do business with a Demon Lord.
The bigger concern is Veldora.
There's always a chance that he could start rampaging again.
Let her finish the report before speculating.
Thank you.
As I was saying...
the nation of monsters had developed far faster
than we expected.
[RITUS] Their roads were beautifully maintained,
and they were well-protected.
Naturally, the magicule density was higher than normal.
But not to the point where it affected humans.
Not only that, but there were no signs
of any magical beast either.
The Demon Lord Rimuru's good will towards humans
appears genuine, or at least that's how it seems.
Right.
And what did you learn of Veldora?
[RITUS] My deepest apologies, Captain.
Unfortunately, outsiders are forbidden
from entering the Sealed Cave,
so I was unable to confirm his presence.
I see.
That concludes my report.
[HINATA] Thank you, you may be seated.
There you have it.
Guess the news about Veldora being back
was clearly overblown--
Are you questioning the words of our God?
[gasps]
Th... that wasn't my intent.
Then I suggest we move on.
♪
[GARDE] The Kingdom of Engrassia is experiencing
a period of growth and peace at the moment.
With the fall of their greatest rival,
the Kingdom of Falmuth,
I believe Engrassia's influence will spread further
and become more stable.
♪
Thank you.
♪
I guess that look means it's my turn.
Time for the important stuff.
How very astute.
Now please, share your findings.
Yeah, all right then.
I'll give ya my report on Falmuth.
King Edmaris has officially abdicated his throne.
At a glance, the transition of power appears peaceful.
The thing is.
[SAARE] It looks like the new king, Edward,
has been busy gathering up a bunch of seasoned mercenaries.
Along with hiring mercs, he's started drafting citizens, too.
And because of that, the nobilities been a bit on edge.
It seems all signs point to a civil war
brewing just beneath the surface.
Although, we don't have enough evidence to determine
whether Demon Lord Rimuru was the one involved
behind the scenes or not.
Right.
Continue.
I've also figured out who the new king Edward
has been in contact with.
The leader of the council, the Free Union's top brass,
and numerous merchants from the east.
[SAARE] Funnily enough, it seems he's even tried
to make contact with some of my men.
Trying to bolster his military, I'm sure.
Yup, that was my thought exactly.
Then there's no doubt.
It seems Falmuth's new king has no intention
of paying war reparations.
There's no way a Demon Lord would let that insult slide.
And I highly doubt Rimuru is stupid enough
to not see this coming.
So, in other words, you're saying they're playing
right into his hands.
That's correct.
♪
[HINATA] Maybe if I'd stopped and listened
to what he had to say back then.
♪
No, there are more pressing issues at hand.
You said King Edward made contact with merchants
from the east.
Did you see them doing anything suspicious?
Why does that matter?
Isn't the Demon Lord's scheme more important?
Just answer the question.
[grunts]
Hey, Glenda.
Did you hear anything at all in the trade city
about the eastern merchants?
Nuh-uh, and as far as I could tell,
they didn't appear to be up to any funny business either.
But I guess if the boss is that concerned about it,
I suppose I can go back and take another look around.
Yes, please do.
And do not let your guard down.
Take everything they tell you with a grain of salt.
Consider it done.
If they're hiding anything, I'll dig it up.
[HINATA] They all look down on me.
I believe everyone should have a clear understanding
of the current state of affairs now?
[RENARD] Yes, though the Storm Dragon Veldora's return
has not been as catastrophic as anticipated.
And the only damage reported was Fallmuth's army,
which was in the midst of an invasion.
Not only that, since we suspect this information
was spread by Tempest itself,
there is a chance our intel's wrong.
It's possible.
That's why we should hear out Reyheim
and get an idea of events.
I want to know exactly what happened.
What do you say?
I summoned him for that reason.
He should be arriving soon to give his testimony.
There are rumors that the Demon Lord Rimuru
pacified Veldora and forged an alliance with him.
But there's no way to verify those claims.
[ARNAUD] All we know is that the dragon has returned
and he's being quiet for now.
As long as this peace holds,
public trust in that slime's power will only grow.
Maybe, but we can't be reckless.
Additionally, I have news for you all.
I received an oracle from our god Luminus.
[gasping]
"The only one who can control Veldora is Rimuru.
Therefore, we mustn't take any action that would put us
at odds with him."
[HINATA] These are her commands.
Do not forget them.
Wait, she would have us do nothing about this?
I'm going to make this very clear.
The Holy Knights are not to act in aggression
towards Rimuru in any way.
[gasping]
You must be joking!
You want us to ignore Falmuth's plight
and allow this monster's schemes?
I know that for the most part Demon Lords
are supposed to be untouchable,
but surely we should do something!
We're the Ten Great Saints after all!
Why are we backing down?
We aren't just dealing with a new Demon Lord,
there's also the Storm Dragon Veldora!
And what of it?
Are you actually suggesting we just allow this Demon Lord
do as he please?
♪
The oracle is absolute.
Our duty is to obey.
But, that does not mean we ignore
what's happening in Falmuth.
[HINATA] Since it seems a civil war
is all but inevitable,
our priority should be on protecting its citizens.
We must ensure that no harm spills over into the populace,
or the neighboring nations.
But allowing monsters to run rampant
is a defilement of our guiding principles.
Listen to me.
He has publicly declared that he does not wish
to make an enemy of humanity.
We won't act unless he crosses that line.
[HINATA] While it was Falmuth who assailed Rimuru's home,
I am the one that is to blame for the attempt on his life.
There's a chance he will harbor a grudge because of that.
Meaning we have no choice but to make concessions
to appease him.
That was the Western Holy Church's mistake,
caused entirely by your failings!
Ruberios shouldn't have to pay for your sins!
Yes.
Which is why I intend
to publicly take responsibility for everything.
- Huh? - Wait, what did you say?
[shocked whispers]
This is the only way.
Furthermore, I don't believe Demon Lord Rimuru
is looking to fight us.
Are you sure we can trust a Demon Lord
to keep their word?
I know this may sound a little strange,
but I really think we can trust him.
His desire to avoid conflict appears genuine.
[HINATA] What's more, he was originally
an Otherworlder, like me.
Wait, he's an Otherworlder? You have to be kidding, right?
Apparently, he died in his world
and reincarnated here as a slime.
I'm inclined to believe his story is true.
And looking back on it, perhaps I allowed emotion
to override reason.
What do you mean by that, Lady Hinata?
I suspect I was being used, by those eastern merchants.
[HINATA] They told me there was a monster
disguising himself as a human in order to deceive
the surrounding nations.
And that this monster, who called himself Rimuru,
was the one who killed and devoured my mentor.
That's the reason why I condemned him
without hesitation.
And then he slipped out of your fingers.
That's right.
And now that he's become a Demon Lord,
taking any hostile action against him
would lead to a wide-scale conflict.
Not taking further action is one thing,
but if he views you as an enemy...
It wouldn't be all that surprising
if he tried to settle the score.
Regardless, I believe a conversation between us
is warranted.
And that is why I'm willing to apologize to him.
- Lady Hinata! - That's too dangerous!
You would be handing him
the perfect opportunity to kill you!
And even if he accepts your apology,
who knows what the monsters who serve him will do?
It'll be fine.
Understanding Demon Lord Rimuru's intentions
comes first.
[gasping]
♪
[HINATA] I don't expect this to become as serious a problem
as they're thinking it'll be.
According to all the intel we've gathered,
Rimuru is actually quite good-natured.
I was just too blind to see it when we first met.
It may be a selfish desire, but I'm hoping that
we can come to an understanding with each other.
[knocking]
He's finally arrived, please come in.
[door opens]
[footfall]
[door closes]
Greetings, I am Reyheim the Archbishop of Falmuth.
I have come today in response to your summons.
Let us get straight to the point.
I wish to know the truth of Veldora's return.
[gasps]
♪
[DENA] It's been a long time, Hinata.
[VENA] Have you been well?
[ARZE] Is something wrong?
You seem surprised to see us.
I... it's...
May I ask what brings you three here?
Hey Hinata, who are these guys supposed to be?
You had better watch your tongue.
They are members of the Seven Luminaries!
Hold on a sec.
You mean the Seven Luminaries? From the legends?
[SAARE] Th-the one's who were tasked
with training Heroes?
Exactly, what you've heard is true.
[thumping]
[HINATA] Yes, they were assigned to me
during the Trial of the Seven Luminaries.
Of course, during the events of my Trial,
I was able to copy their techniques
with my unique skill Usurper.
Which, as the name of my skill implies,
allowed me to usurp them.
Now they're just a bunch of old men
who butt into everything.
What a hassle.
I was hoping to resolve this situation
quickly and quietly.
Welcome, was there something important you needed?
[chuckles]
[ARZE] There's no need to be so wary of us.
[DENA] We had received word that Reyheim was returning
with information on Demon Lord Rimuru.
[VENA] We were interested in hearing what he had to say.
[sighs]
Please, do forgive me!
I have been a fool!
♪
[screaming]
We're dead!
We're as good as dead!
No, I don't understand how any of this
can actually be happening, it's impossible!
[screaming]
[REYHEIM] It was a nightmare.
The destruction I witnessed that day
was utterly terrifying.
That slime.
He had the strength of a true Demon Lord.
And because of us, he was able to obtain the souls required
and ascend to that title.
[concerned whispers]
[ARZE] Hmm, that magic sounds similar
to the Sunlight Magic that Gran,
the Luminary of Sun, excelled in.
[DENA] Right, a type of magic that distorts light, eh?
But that kind of magic should be sealable
with our anti-magic barriers.
[VENA] On top of that, it should not be
so dreadfully powerful.
[HINATA] Which means it wasn't magical, but physical.
The attack must've focused the sunlight
into a single point.
Otherwise, it would have been easy to block with a barrier.
If Rimuru's using his knowledge of science
from his original world,
the people of this world would find it difficult
to understand, let alone react to his attacks.
[REYHEIM] I'm afraid there's more.
The light was swift, and it took the lives of many.
But it couldn't compare to what came next.
In a mere instant, the entire battlefield
fell deathly silent.
What do you mean by that?
It's exactly as I said, my lady.
I know not the number it took,
but those who survived the light...
Were all struck down the very next moment.
[REYHEIM] The only ones lucky enough to be spared
were myself, Razen and King Edmaris.
[gasping]
[HINATA] A catastrophe.
[LUMINUS] That blasted Evil Dragon.
No matter how many traps I placed,
he managed to thwart all of them.
♪
I couldn't allow such a valuable food source
as humans to be wiped out,
so I had no choice but to shelter him.
♪
[HINATA] A being that even Lady Luminus can't handle.
The only ones who fit that description are Veldora
and the two awakened Demon Lords.
The Lord of Darkness, Guy Crimson, and the Destroyer.
Milim Nava.
I see.
Then it seems likely
Rimuru is now a true Demon Lord.
It certainly sounds that way.
And if there's any truth to the stories
about other two Great Demon Lords,
he probably used the souls from the soldiers
he killed to do it.
[SAARE] What should we do?
If we just ignore him, he could grow into
an unstoppable threat one day.
Don't panic!
Hinata said he used to be human.
And he also expressed a desire for peace.
That means we've got nothing to worry about, right?
I agree.
We should wait and see what he does.
Although, if it's true that he slaughtered
twenty thousand people without hesitation,
he's clearly a threat.
Are you certain that we can trust
the word of a Demon Lord?
I have a plan to assess what his true intentions are,
so I want you all to return
to gathering information for now.
[ARZE] Before that, have you any other messages to share?
Ah, yes, I had almost forgotten.
[footfall]
This contains a message.
Lord Rimuru told me to give it to you.
Oh, did he now?
I'll take you on, Hinata.
It'll be just you and me, one on one.
[gasping]
H-how should we respond to this challenge?
Please, Captain, allow me to go!
I'll shatter this Demon Lord's ambitions apart for you!
You've got a strong sword-arm, I'll give you that,
but there's very clearly something wrong
with that head of yours.
What did you just say?
Hinata just told us that we're leaving him alone for now.
Plus, it's not like the other Demon Lords
would just let it slide.
[SAARE] If he's truly awakened like we think,
we're probably better off accepting his offer
of coexistence.
He's right, Arnaud.
Don't forget the Storm Dragon's on his side, too.
Furthermore, attacking Demon Lord Rimuru
would likely lead to war with the other nations
allied with Tempest.
♪
[HINATA] What is Rimuru up to?
He finally got rid of Clayman.
Is he trying to say it's my turn now?
Something about this seems off.
Why would he want to fight me now of all times?
Also, it doesn't make sense.
How did Arze know Reyheim was carrying a message
meant for me?
Regardless of his intentions, I'm the one Rimuru called out,
so I have to go.
Please reconsider!
If he bears ill will toward you,
there's no telling what kind of trap
you could be walking into!
[laughs]
[ARZE] Yes, a wise decision, Hinata.
[DENA] The blessing of the god Luminus
will protect you on your journey!
[VENA] The Demon Lord Rimuru is a threat to peace.
[DENA] Even if discussion proves fruitless,
there's no need for concern.
[VENA] You are more than capable of defeating him again.
[ARZE] However, you mustn't forget that the Demon Lord
does not stand alone.
[DENA] Indeed, he has the Evil Dragon at his side.
[VENA] Though your power is great,
you cannot hope to defeat Veldora as you are.
[ARZE] Do not let your arrogance be your undoing.
[VENA] Even if most attacks are useless against the dragon,
worry not.
♪
[DENA] This weapon will allow you to face Veldora as equals.
[VENA] As well as offering you our protection.
[ARZE] It is known as The Dragon Buster.
♪
[HINATA] Could they be any more obvious?
They clearly want me to get rid of Veldora for them.
They're probably hoping the two of us
will end up killing each other.
♪
Honored Luminaries, I accept this gift.
[DENA] We'll be awaiting tales of your victory.
[VENA] We are placing all our hopes on you, Hinata.
[ARZE] But should the worst come to pass,
this gift of ours will keep you safe.
♪
[wind howling]
[NICOLAUS] Lady Hinata.
Are you really going?
[HINATA] Yes, it's my responsibility
to see this through.
And there isn't a way that I could possibly
change your mind?
[HINATA] That's enough.
I know you're worried about me,
but there's no guarantee that we'll even fight.
[gasps]
Have faith things'll work out, Nicolaus.
I will come back soon.
[birds chirping]
[RIMURU] There's still a lot of road left
to build to Thalion,
and we've got a festival to plan!
Hm?
[SOKA] Lord Rimuru!
Hinata Sakaguchi is headed towards Tempest!
What?
[RIMURU] She's coming this way?
For real?
Yes, she departed from the Kingdom of Engrassia
on horseback, alone.
[RIMURU] What's going on?
[SOKA] My apologies, but it seems
there are four Holy Knights following her.
[RIMURU] She's only bringing four guys?
If they wanted to attack us,
they would've brought more people, right?
I'm not sure, although...
[SOKA] Hinata is carrying a large sword.
She wouldn't need it if she only wanted to talk.
[RIMURU] A big sword you say?
Guess she means business.
It looks like my message didn't work, huh?
Thanks for the report, Soka.
Keep a close eye on the situation.
[SOKA] Right!
Lord Rimuru, I bring news.
[RIMURU] Not you too.
Something tells me it's bad.
Is everything okay?
It's Reyheim, he's dead, sir.
[RIMURU] Dead?
I'm guessing it wasn't from natural causes.
Yes.
Though it's unclear as to how,
I suspect he was killed by the Holy Church.
[DIABLO] And after you predicted
that they would try to silence him.
I can only beg your forgiveness.
[RIMURU] Oh, don't blame yourself, man.
I was just spitballing some ideas.
I never thought it'd actually happen.
I've received word from the nations surrounding Falmuth.
They're simultaneously spreading rumors
that the Archbishop was murdered
as part of a demon's conspiracy.
[DIABLO] And in response to that,
the temple knights of those nations have mobilized.
They're headed to Falmuth, and will likely ally
with King Edward within a few days.
[RIMURU] What's going on?
Why's all this happening right now?
[RAPHAEL] Next time, "Those Approaching."