Rimuru's training regimen was rigorous, but her cheerful demeanor masked the serious implications of the approaching war.
As the days ticked down, Arthur realized that her immense power was matched only by her almost naive trust in others—a dangerous combination in this world.
During the intense training sessions, Arthur acted not just as a strategist but as a mentor.
He spent hours explaining complex concepts of regional politics, monster hierarchy, and the sheer malice that resided in some powerful entities.
Rimuru, already viewing him as a close confidant, would often engage in telepathic chatter with him while overseeing the Hobgoblins.
Her genuine personality—the cheerful, perverted "woman of culture"—was always on display, and it was this vulnerability that deepened Arthur's protective instinct.
"Hey, Arthur,"
She'd transmitted one evening while watching the Star Wolves practice patrol routes.
"You're really smart and strong. It's so comforting having you around. I feel like I can just trust you completely, you know?"
"I appreciate your trust, Rimuru,"
Arthur replied, his voice firm but gentle.
"But you need to learn that not everyone is like me. In this world, trust is earned through blood and deeds, not just a friendly face. You need to be guarded."
"Why?"
She replied innocently.
"I mean, I can always eat them if they betray me, right? And I have you! You wouldn't let anyone truly hurt me or my people. If I trust too much, what's the worst that could happen?"
Arthur sighed, shaking his head.
"The worst is that you compromise your nation, and your kindness is used to enslave or destroy your people. If you are too trusting, someone will take advantage of it. It's a weakness that great leaders cannot afford."
Rimuru's mental chuckle was airy.
"Nah, I don't think so. You're my protector and my brain. I feel like you'd never let anything that bad happen to me."
Arthur could only run a mental hand over his face.
He was her guardian, yes, but he couldn't fight all her battles or save her from all her mistakes.
Her absolute, unwavering faith in him was touching, frustrating, and a massive responsibility.
He knew he had to let her stumble just a little to learn, but it was proving difficult.
Despite his warnings, Rimuru's optimism proved infectious.
Seeing the need for more forces and the political advantage of a united front, she agreed to Arthur's plan to seek an alliance with the Lizardmen.
Arthur's authority became key to the diplomatic efforts.
He accompanied Rimuru and a small contingent of Star Wolves to the Lizardmen's territory in the damp wetlands.
The journey was tense, as the Lizardmen were notoriously prideful and disdainful of Goblins.
The moment they arrived at the Lizardmen's stronghold, they were met by a hostile, armed group.
The Lizardmen stared at the small slime and the evolved Goblins with open contempt.
"What business does a mere Slime and its Goblin servants have here?"
The Lizardman Captain demanded.
Before Rimuru could speak, Arthur stepped slightly forward, his suppressed Dragon aura momentarily flaring just enough to make the Lizardmen's scales prickle with primal fear.
"We come on an urgent matter of survival, not as supplicants,"
Arthur stated, his voice booming and commanding. He bypassed the captain entirely, addressing the underlying hierarchy.
"The Orc Disaster is marching on this forest, and its hunger knows no bounds. You can sneer at the Goblins, but soon you will be facing tens of thousands of mindless Orcs."
Arthur, using his immense knowledge, outlined the Orcs' threat level and current estimated position with chilling accuracy.
He deliberately framed the alliance as a pragmatic necessity between equals, forced by his presence and the impending catastrophe.
His direct, undeniable authority and accurate intelligence shocked the Lizardmen into submission.
They quickly ushered Rimuru and Arthur to their Chief.
Thanks to Arthur's intervention, the meeting bypassed weeks of petty posturing and went straight to the critical question of a defensive pact, accelerating the timeline perfectly for Rimuru to prepare for the looming war.
The alliance with the Lizardmen is tentative, but secured. Rimuru now has an expanded army and is rapidly approaching the moment of conflict.
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