"It's because Granstar and I both prefer humans. Yes, that's it."
Of course, Rimuru wouldn't say outright that he and Granstar were reincarnated souls from another world. That was a secret better left buried—for now.
So he gave a vague, convenient answer.
"Oh, is that so?"
Judging by the expressions of the young monsters before him, there were still many things they didn't understand.
The curious group of goblins and wolves turned toward Granstar, their eyes wide with innocent wonder.
Granstar turned his head, casting a sidelong glance at them.
"Good grief... You all want to be spoon-fed, do you? Look at Rimuru over there."
He sighed, resigned, then added with a touch of sarcasm:
"Actually, it's like this..."
Granstar folded his arms and leaned slightly forward, his tone shifting into something more serious.
"Humans are often hostile toward monsters. If we act carelessly, we might provoke them into launching a large-scale attack."
Rimuru nodded, stepping in smoothly.
"In short, attacking humans without good reason is strictly forbidden. It's better for us to build friendly ties with them—it'll benefit us in the long run."
All eyes returned to Rimuru, who cleared his throat in a show of confidence.
"Yes... what Granstar said is exactly what I was going to say. Got it?"
Granstar shot him a glare that said, Nice save. Not.
It was painfully obvious he was trying to cover for his earlier awkward phrasing.
Still, Ranga nodded in understanding. He had some experience with humans, having encountered them near the edge of the Jura Forest.
"Are there other things we should watch out for?"
A timid goblin raised his hand, speaking up.
"'Don't underestimate weaker races'... What does that mean?"
Rimuru smiled gently and nodded, appreciating the question.
"That's a good point. Listen up, everyone."
"You've all been given names by me. That means you've evolved and become stronger—but don't let that go to your heads."
"Just because you're powerful now doesn't mean you can treat others like they're beneath you. We must respect all races, no matter how weak they seem."
He knew better than anyone how dangerous and unpredictable this world was. Their current strength, while impressive, was still nowhere near enough.
The goblins listened carefully, the seriousness of Rimuru's words settling in their hearts.
"That's it. Everyone, please follow these rules."
A chorus of nods followed, each monster affirming their loyalty and understanding.
With that, Rimuru dismissed the group.
Granstar, ever the opportunist, slipped away as soon as he realized his part was done.
"That guy... Already disappeared again?" Rimuru muttered, looking around.
"Ugh! He went back to his ice castle to nap, didn't he? Cunning as ever..."
Unfortunately, there was still a ton of work left to do in the newly established village, and the burden fell squarely on Rimuru.
Sigh...
Rigurd stepped forward with a report, his expression earnest.
"Lord Rimuru, as you instructed, I've had the goblins and Tempest Wolves form a cavalry unit. They'll handle patrols and hunting."
"Also, the female goblins have started gathering fruits and herbs from the forest. Our food supplies are stable for now."
Rimuru nodded as he listened, quietly impressed by Rigurd's initiative.
"Good work. Rigurd, from today forward, I want you to handle all the village's administrative duties."
"L-Lord Rimuru, I..." Rigurd's voice trembled, touched by the trust placed in him.
"So? Can I count on you?"
Tears welled up in Rigurd's eyes, but he stood tall.
"Yes! I won't let you down, Lord Rimuru!"
His body practically radiated energy now, muscles bulging as he struck a pose to prove his dedication.
Rimuru squinted, baffled.
Was this really the same goblin elder he'd found half-dead and pitiful just a short time ago?
Now Rigurd looked like he could arm-wrestle an ogre and win.
The power of names... it was still hard to wrap his head around.
"By the way, Rigurd. Do you know where we can find people skilled in building, blacksmithing, or tailoring?"
Granstar had brought it up the night before—if they wanted a functional village, they'd need specialists.
Rigurd nodded thoughtfully.
"We used to trade with some dwarves near Dwargon. They may have the talent you seek, Lord Rimuru."
Rimuru's eyes lit up.
Perfect.
Rigurd quickly adapted to his role, responding with practiced seriousness to Lord Rimuru's words.
"Oh, the dwarves, you say?"
The Dwarves—renowned across the land for their unmatched blacksmithing skills and advanced forging techniques. Rimuru had heard about them from Kaijin and was eager to witness their craftsmanship firsthand. If he could secure a weapon crafted personally for him, it would be a treasure like no other.
"I'm thinking of taking a short trip to the Dwarven Kingdom," Rimuru mused aloud. "If we can discover some talented craftsmen, that would be ideal. Granstar might come with me—he's been talking about finding skilled technicians."
Rigurd gave a deep bow. "Understood, my Lord. I shall handle the preparations. Everything will be ready by tomorrow without fail."
"Great! Make sure to pick someone who knows the route well. Preferably a goblin with travel experience."
"Leave it to me, Lord Rimuru," Rigurd said, puffing up with pride. "I will personally ensure everything is in place."
Satisfied, Rimuru nodded, and Rigurd hurried off to begin preparations.
Later that night, inside the ice-sculpted residence Rimuru had crafted with his magic…
Granstar, Rimuru's slightly eccentric but genius OC companion, had just settled into his makeshift bedding when a familiar voice echoed in his ear.
"Granstar. Wake up. We're heading to the Dwarven Kingdom tomorrow. Remember those technical specialists you kept going on about?"
"Dwarves…?" Granstar cracked one eye open, then turned to bury his face into the soft pillow. "Mmm… good for them."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?! Don't you want to see their legendary forges? Meet some of the top engineers?"
Granstar groaned, waving a hand sleepily. "Rimuru, please… let me sleep. Curiosity doesn't beat comfort."
"You lazy—! Tch. Fine, but I'm dragging you along if I have to!"
The next morning…
Outside the village, Rigurd was already waiting. Dressed in ceremonial garb and standing tall, he had assembled a small escort team. Among them was a young goblin warrior—his own son, Riguru.
"Lord Rimuru," Rigurd greeted him with a deep bow. "I've prepared the team. My son Riguru will accompany and protect you on this journey."
"Thanks, Rigurd. Nicely done!" Rimuru smiled. "I appreciate your help as always."
"It is my honor to serve you," Rigurd replied, his chest swelling with pride.
Rimuru turned. "Ranga, come on out!"
A shadow rippled beside him, and the massive figure of Ranga—the Tempest Star Wolf—emerged, fur pristine and eyes sharp. He landed with a gentle thud beside his master.
Rimuru's expression softened. "Man, you're as majestic as ever…"
Unable to resist, Rimuru threw himself into Ranga's thick, fluffy fur, basking in the comforting sensation.
"This… this fluff is divine…"
Before setting off, Rimuru pulled out a strange, square device given to him by Granstar. It resembled a magical transmitter, and Granstar claimed it was a "portable teleportation beacon." As long as Rimuru injected a small amount of magicule energy into it upon reaching the Dwarven Kingdom, Granstar would be able to track and join him instantly.
"Seriously, does this weird cube really work?" Rimuru turned it over in his hands, tempted to test it.
But with a shake of his head, he tucked it away. "Better wait until we're there…"
With that, the party began their journey—towards the Dwarven Kingdom, and towards new alliances, opportunities, and whatever mischief Granstar might bring along the way.