Disclaimer: I do not own That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, High
School DxD, or any other referenced properties. All characters depicted are
consenting adults aged 18 or older.
Chapter 4:
Samael — POV
Walking through the forest, I realized just how vast it truly was. It would
probably take me a few weeks to get out of here if I didn't hurry. Thinking
about that, I sank into the shadows and moved faster toward Blumund. Most
likely, it would still take a few days of travel.
Rimuru — POV
A few hours had passed since Samael left, and things had calmed down.
People had stopped asking me about my relationship with him and returned to
their usual tasks. Gobta took some riders out hunting for food, Rigurd was
checking the construction work, and I was planning my revenge on Samael.
First plan: the food. I'd prepare him a special dinner—something
unforgettable. Muahahaha!
(— Rimuru, you're going into your evil mode again.)
(— Sorry, sorry… but you understand, right? I have to get my revenge! Will you
help me with…)
(— Yes, I'll help with your plan. Just make sure you don't go too far.)
(— I hate when you ruin my fun moments like this.)
(— But you appreciate that I keep you in check.)
I decided there was no point arguing, since I wouldn't win anyway.
"Lady Rimuru! Lady Rimuru! Some people have entered the village!" Rigard
came running up to me.
"People? Did they attack?!" I panicked a little—Samael had just left and we
were already under attack?
"We're not under attack. Gobta rescued a group of adventurers and brought
them here. My father sat them down to eat, since they seemed hungry."
"Ah, that's good. I'll go see who they are. But stay alert in case they
turn hostile."
"Understood!"
I shifted into my slime form and hurried over—better to look harmless if
they turned out to be enemies. At the cabin, I found Rigurd at the entrance. He
quickly explained that a group of four adventurers had been attacked by
monsters, and Gobta had brought them to the village.
I walked in and saw three of them eating like they'd never seen food
before, while the fourth one ate quietly behind a mask.
"Hello, I'm Rimuru Tempest. Nice to meet you," I introduced myself. After a
moment of silence, I added, "I won't hurt you. I'm not a bad slime!" I tried to
look cute—hopefully it worked.
"Pfft." The masked girl stifled a laugh.
I was curious, but decided not to pry. "Now that I've introduced myself,
could you introduce yourselves?"
"Ah, sorry, I'm Kaval. These are Ellen, Gido, and Shizu. We're a group of
adventurers sent to investigate the changes in the forest since Veldora
disappeared."
"Hmm, is there any chance the guild has a problem with our village?"
They exchanged glances and thought about it. Looking at them more closely,
I felt like I recognized them.
(Response: These are the adventurers sent to investigate Veldora's cave.)
(Thanks.)
"There shouldn't be any problem. Maybe just a visit to your leader, but I
don't see any reason for conflict."
They all nodded, so I let them explore the village. The hobgoblins were
very welcoming, and I was pleased with how they behaved.
Before getting back to preparing Samael's "dinner"—or rather, having the
Great Sage do it—I noticed Shizu sitting alone on a rock, watching the village.
"Hey, what are you doing here by yourself, Shizu?" I asked, curious.
"Rimuru, you're not from this world, are you?" she asked, avoiding a direct
answer.
"How did you figure that out?" I hadn't exactly hidden it, but I hadn't
announced it either.
"From the moment I met you, it was obvious. Maybe not to the locals, but to
someone like me—who isn't from this world—it's easy to see," Shizu said,
lifting her mask slightly and giving me a warm smile.
I shivered a bit, gathering my thoughts. "Can I ask where you're from?"
"Japan. I was an office worker before I came here. I had a few
relationships, but none were stable. Eventually, I died because a man attacked
me on the street. Well, not me directly—he attacked a colleague, and I got
involved. And you?" I replied honestly.
"I was summoned to this world. At that time, I was surrounded by fire.
Everything was burning, and many of us died. My mother died saving me…" She
trailed off, pain visible in her eyes like lingering nightmares.
I decided to comfort her. With the Great Sage's help, I showed her memories
from my life in Japan—from a time that might have been after her own era. Maybe
it would help her see that the world moved on and that things had gotten
better.
She held me for a moment, comforting me as much as I was comforting her.
"Hey, would you like to join me and my fiancé for dinner?" I suddenly asked.
"Didn't he go on a journey? I heard the villagers talking about you two—a
vampire and a slime with feelings for each other, but not admitting it, hehe…"
She laughed in a way that seemed a bit different from her usual demeanor. Maybe
it was just my imagination.
Samael — POV
I had traveled a few more hours. The monsters were avoiding me—a fact I
appreciated—but I thought I should at least hunt something for dinner.
After a short while, I spotted a boar-like creature with tusks as long as
swords. Perfect. One quick strike and it was down. I stored it away, planning
to roast it later.
Yet as I walked on, my mind began to wander. The forest stretched
endlessly, the canopy blocking almost all the sky. Even at my speed, it would
take days to reach Blumund. I sighed softly.
(At least Rimuru is probably busy with the village. That should keep her
distracted enough not to cause any chaos… I hope.)
I had just stored the creature when the air in front of me rippled like
water.
At first, I thought it was a harmless dimensional rift—but then a man
stumbled out. His black clothes were torn, his long hair tangled, and his eyes
blazing with panic.
He fell to his knees, gasping for air.
"No… no, Harry! Where's Harry?!" His voice was rough, filled with despair.
I froze, the name stirring something in my memory. Harry? Black clothes… long black hair…
Wait. It can't be.
"Hey, easy," I said, moving closer and catching him before he could fall
flat on his face. "You're safe. Just breathe."
His wild, haunted eyes fixed on me. "Where is he? Harry—my godson—he
fell—no, I fell—through the Veil. Damn it!"
The Veil. My chest tightened. I knew this story. A wrongly accused
prisoner. An escape. A duel. A fall through a cursed arch of death.
Sirius Black.
I hadn't recognized him at first—he looked older, worn by pain and time—but
the panic in his voice was unmistakable.
For a moment, I didn't know what to say. I couldn't tell him that his
godson was safe in a completely different world.
"You're not in your world anymore," I said quietly, steadying him as he
swayed. "That archway you fell through? It brought you here."
He blinked, chest heaving. "Here? What the hell is 'here'?"
"A forest. My world. And you're lucky I was nearby, or you'd have been
monster food."
He gave a short, bitter laugh, running a hand through his tangled hair.
"Typical. Escaped Azkaban, survived duels, and almost got eaten by a damn
forest boar."
I raised an eyebrow. Even in panic, he had a comeback.
"Look," I said, "I can't tell you what happened to your godson. But you're
alive. And as long as you're alive, you have a chance to figure out what to do
next."
His eyes narrowed, pain flickering in them. "…You really don't know Harry?"
"No," I admitted, "but I know loss. And I know that panicking won't help
him, wherever he is."
For the first time, he seemed to calm down, his shoulders sagging. He
didn't trust me yet—why would he?—but at least he wasn't struggling.
He looked at me for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Can you tell me
where I am?"
"Sure. You're in the Forest of Jura, an extremely dangerous place full of
monsters that can kill you instantly," I said truthfully.
"Jura? Where is that? America, Europe, or Asia? Maybe Africa or somewhere
else?"
"Oh, no, no, it's not in any of those places."
"No? Then where is it?"
"You're in a different world," I said calmly, as if being from another
world was perfectly normal. And to be honest, it kind of was. This is the
central world, the first world ever created, without a copy. Every being here
is unique. In this multiverse, there might be variations, but they won't
intersect.
Sirius shook his head, still looking around in disbelief. "You're having a
laugh, right? Another world? This is just some kind of elaborate prank. I've
dealt with illusions, you know." His voice was skeptical, edged with the need
to believe this was all just a trick.
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "I get it. It's a lot to take in.
But I'm not joking. The Veil you fell through is basically a portal that can
connect to countless worlds. It's like rolling a die with millions of faces,
and you just happened to land here—this particular dimension. There's no
pattern to it, no trick. It's just how it works."
Sirius still looked unconvinced, but there was a flicker of doubt in his
eyes. I continued, "I know it sounds crazy, but you're not from here. And I'm
not lying to you. This world is the original one, the core of a vast
multiverse. Every other world is like a branch, and sometimes, portals like the
Veil open at random. You rolled the dice and ended up here."
I paused, letting Sirius absorb that. "I can't prove it to you in a way
that will make you instantly trust me, but I can help you survive here. And
eventually, you'll see for yourself that this place is unlike anything from
your world."
Sirius was silent for a moment, then let out a breath. "It's a lot to take
in," he admitted grudgingly. "But I suppose I don't have much choice but to see
what this world is."
I nodded. "Exactly. And I'll help you figure it out. For now, let's get you
somewhere safe and get some rest. You've had a rough journey."
I studied Sirius for a moment and then offered a small, understanding
smile. "Look, I know this is all a lot to swallow. So here's the deal: I'm
heading out on a journey. I've got things to do, and if you want, you're
welcome to come along. I can show you the ropes and explain more about this
world as we go."
I paused, then continued, "But it's your life, not mine. If you'd rather go
your own way, I'll give you enough information to survive. I can't give you
every secret I know, but I'll make sure you understand the basics so you're not
wandering around clueless. After that, it's up to you. If you want to part
ways, I won't stop you."
Sirius looked at me, the skepticism in his eyes slowly giving way to a more
thoughtful expression. I added, "If you do choose to come with me, you'll learn
a lot more along the way. And maybe, just maybe, we can figure out if there's a
way for you to get back home eventually. Or you might find a reason to stay.
The choice is yours."
Sirius considered for a moment, then nodded. "All right. I'll go with you.
Better than stumbling around on my own in a world I don't understand."
I gave a satisfied nod. "Great choice. I'll start with the basics. In this
world, monsters aren't just random beasts. They evolve, and they often get
stronger by absorbing the magicules—or magical particles—of other creatures
they defeat. Sometimes, they can even take on traits or abilities from those
they kill. It's a bit like absorbing someone's essence."
I kept it relatively vague but gave Sirius enough to grasp the idea. "So,
when you defeat a monster or a strong foe, you gain a bit of their strength.
It's part of how creatures here get more powerful. Not that I'm encouraging you
to go picking fights with every beast you see, but it's good to know how the
rules work."
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "So, monsters here basically grow stronger by
devouring their enemies' power?"
I gave a little chuckle and clarified, "Actually, the strongest beings here
are on a whole different level. Imagine the most powerful wizard in your
world—someone like Dumbledore or Voldemort. Here, a truly mighty creature could
treat them like an ant going up against a nuclear bomb. The power difference is
that huge."
I continued, "Some of the strongest beings in this world could, in theory,
destroy entire universes. The Cardinal World—this world we're in—is stronger
than most others. It can't be destroyed easily, and that's why it's sort of a
core world. Even the beings who can wipe out other worlds wouldn't dare try
that here, because no one wants the rest of the heavy-hitters ganging up on
them."
Sirius let out a low whistle. "So basically, I'm in a world where the
top-level threats are on a scale I can barely imagine."
"Exactly," I confirm. "But don't worry, you're with me now. I'll make sure
you know how to stay out of trouble. Or at least out of the kind of trouble
that gets you vaporized by something godlike."
Rimuru's POV
Shizu looked around, wide-eyed at the strange yet cozy space I had brought
her into. "This place... it's incredible. I didn't expect anything like this.
How did you even create it?"
I chuckled softly. "Oh, it's just a
little trick I picked up. Let's just say I have a connection that lets me
create a cozy pocket space like this. But that's not really why I brought you
here."
Shizu turned to face me, curiosity mixed with a hint of wariness. "So, why
did you invite me? What exactly are we going to do here?"
I grinned, a mischievous glint in my
eyes. "Well, I thought it would be nice if you helped me prepare a special
dinner. And by special, I mean it's going to be a little... unique. It's for a
certain someone who really deserves a bit of payback, and I'd like your help."
Shizu blinked, taken aback. "You mean we're... cooking as a sort of...
punishment?"
"Something like that," I said
cheerfully. "Don't worry, it won't be anything harmful. Just... memorable.
Let's just say it's a little prank dinner for someone who left me with a score
to settle."
Shizu couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. She'd seen my playful side, but
this was a new level. "I see. Well, I guess I can help... but you're not going
to do anything too crazy, right?"
I just laughed lightly. "Oh, you'll
see. It'll be fun. And I promise, it's all in good humor. Just think of it as a
little harmless revenge that might make someone think twice before leaving me
hanging again."
Shizu managed a smile, still a bit unsure but intrigued. "All right,
Rimuru. I'll trust you on this one."
I led Shizu into a cozy kitchen area within the dimension, where the Great
Sage was already at work. The Great Sage appeared as a calm, almost ethereal
figure quietly preparing what looked like a normal, delicious dinner.
Shizu, still looking around in amazement, whispered , "Is that... someone
you know? I mean, this place and everything... who is she?"
I winked and said with a grin, "Oh, that's just my 'sister' of sorts. Let's
just say we're connected in a special way. She helps me out with a lot of
things."
Shizu nodded slowly, not quite sure what that meant, but deciding not to
press further. "I see... well, she seems very skilled."
"Absolutely," I agreed cheerfully. "She'll handle the normal dinner for
everyone else. But for our little... project, you and I are going to make
something a bit more, uh, unique for Samael."
As I started pulling out a bizarre assortment of ingredients, from dessert
toppings to soup stock all mixed together, Shizu's eyes widened in alarm.
"Wait, you're going to put all of that... on one plate?"
I laughed. "Yep! It's going to be the most unforgettable, absolutely not
delicious dinner he's ever had. Don't worry, it's perfectly edible... just a
combination no one would ever want to eat."
Shizu couldn't help but giggle nervously, half in disbelief and half in
amusement. "I've got to admit, I almost feel sorry for him. This is going to be
quite the surprise."
"Exactly!" I said with a playful wink. "It's all in good fun. Just watch
his face when he sees it. It'll be priceless."
Together, we set to work, Shizu gradually getting into the spirit of the
prank, and the kitchen filled with laughter as we prepared the most bizarre
dinner she'd ever seen.
Omniscient POV
As Samael and Sirius entered the dimension and joined the table, Samael
couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation. He leaned over to Sirius with a
confident grin. "You're in for a treat. Last time I ate something the Great
Sage prepared, it was like dining in a five-star restaurant. It's going to be
phenomenal."
Rimuru introduced Shizu to the table, giving a quick explanation that she
was a visitor who'd been invited to join them. There was a little friendly
chatter as everyone settled in, and Sirius nodded politely, still getting his
bearings in this strange but fascinating new environment.
The plates started arriving, each one looking more appetizing than the
last. Samael's mouth watered as he saw the beautifully prepared dishes, clearly
the handiwork of the Great Sage. He couldn't wait to dig in, and he gave Sirius
a little nod as if to say, "See? Told you this would be amazing."
But then came the final plate—Samael's special dish. Rimuru placed it in
front of him with a suspiciously innocent smile, and Shizu watched with a mix
of amusement and mild horror. Sirius raised an eyebrow, sensing that something
unusual was happening.
Samael looked down at the plate and froze. Instead of a culinary
masterpiece, he saw an utterly bizarre concoction: a combination of dessert
toppings mixed with soup stock, something sweet and bitter all on the same
plate in a way no chef would ever dare to do. He just stared at it, his brain
trying to process exactly what kind of culinary prank he was looking at.
For a moment, he was speechless. Then he glanced at Rimuru, who was failing
to hide a mischievous grin, and at Shizu, who gave a tiny shrug as if to say,
"I just helped."
Sirius looked between them, finally catching on that this was some kind of
inside joke. "I take it this isn't the usual dinner presentation?"
Samael let out a resigned laugh, shaking his head. "Not exactly. Looks like
I'm on the receiving end of a little payback tonight."
Rimuru just laughed. "Bon appétit, Samael! I promise it's all edible.
Just... think of it as a unique culinary experience."
As Samael stared at the peculiar dish, he couldn't help but laugh in
disbelief. "Alright, I have to ask, what did I do to deserve this special
treatment?"
Rimuru chuckled and leaned in. "Oh, you know, just a little bit of fun
revenge for a certain incident. Let's just say you might have pushed a few
buttons earlier."
Samael raised an eyebrow, half-amused and half-skeptical. (Oh, is that so?
I guess I should have seen that coming.)
Just then, Sirius clapped his hands in delight, grinning from ear to ear.
"This is fantastic! I love a good prank! This world just keeps getting more
interesting!"
Rimuru smiled and nodded. "I'm glad you appreciate it! It's all in good
fun. Just wait until you see the next surprise."
As the conversation continued, Samael couldn't help but laugh along, the
atmosphere light and full of camaraderie.
After the dinner, Samael was trying his best to maintain his composure. He
felt like he was on the verge of a very dramatic reaction, but he managed to
keep it together, even though his face was a shade greener than usual.
Sirius, noticing his friend's struggle, couldn't help but chuckle.
"Alright, I have to ask, what was that all about? You definitely got the short
end of the stick."
Rimuru smiled, a twinkle in her eye. "Well, you see, Samael here decided to
kiss me in front of everyone and then left me to answer all the questions. It
was a bit of a dramatic moment, and let's just say I needed a bit of payback."
Samael let out a small groan, realizing he had indeed brought this on
himself. "Alright, I get it. I deserved that one. But hey, at least it's a good
story, right?"
Sirius patted his back with a grin. "Absolutely! I'm proud of you for
taking it in stride. This is definitely one for the books."
With that, the mood lightened, and Samael couldn't help but laugh along,
even if it was through a slightly queasy smile.
Samael POV
After I finished cleaning up, I started heading to my room. Rimuru had
decided to show our guests to their rooms, and I stayed behind to clear the
table and take care of everything else.
When I walked into my room, I heard the shower running and looked toward
the door. The light was on, and I think I saw a figure inside. I know we talked
about not doing anything sexual until we get married, but at the same time, I
can't help anticipating a night with her in my arms.
I decided to change and get into bed first. I don't know how long she'll
take with the shower. Even though she doesn't need it, I guess it feels good
for her just like it does for me. It's not like I don't understand the feeling.
Lying in bed, I closed my eyes for a few minutes and decided to check what
other information was in the library. Even though it's an ability I have, it
doesn't mean I have all the information I want. You'd be surprised how many
stupid things people write, especially in a time when the internet hasn't been
created yet. Most of the time, Great Sage verifies the information, checks if
there are multiple sources, or finds out who wrote it. The most interesting
documents are those written by Veldanava. Surprisingly, he has a few documents
about how souls exist, part of his original form—not that the world is a part
of him, but that souls can reach that level of existence if they surpass the
system he created, without many of the disadvantages he had. The first was
omniscience—since he created everything, he knew everything that ever was and
would be.
It's an interesting ability, but for someone who has it, it becomes
incredibly annoying, especially if you can't turn it off. That's basically what
he did. Once he realized there were no beings at his level, he decided to
destroy his powers by splitting them. He kept the most important ability for
himself and continued to exist in a weaker form, keeping his core.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard the bathroom door open, and I
opened my eyes...
I looked up as the bathroom door opened, and there they were: Rimuru and
Great Sage stepping out together. Rimuru wore a deep blue lingerie set, the
same shade as her hair, with delicate gold embroidery that traced patterns like
vines along the edges. It was elegant and just a bit mischievous, perfectly
matching the twinkle in her eye. Great Sage, on the other hand, wore a black
lace ensemble with subtle red accents that highlighted just the right places.
Her expression was almost blank, just a faint, unreadable hint of a smile that
only I could catch.
"I told you he'd lose his mind," Rimuru said with a grin, pulling me out of
my trance.
"Rimuru, didn't we agree not to do anything before marriage?" I managed to
say, trying to keep my composure.
"That's exactly the point. Tonight, you're not allowed to touch us," she
said sweetly, and then dropped the bombshell.
I blinked. "Can you repeat that?"
"Of course," she said, with that same mischievous smile. "This is the
second part of your punishment. We're going to sleep like this," she gestured
to their outfits, "and you have to hold back from doing anything."
I stared at them, feeling a mix of amusement and dread. "Rimuru, do you
really think I can hold back if you both sleep like this? I barely managed when
you slept normally. How am I supposed to handle this?"
"That's the point. I don't want you to," she said, still smiling.
"Excuse me?"
"This part is just a test from Rimuru," Great Sage added calmly. "We don't
expect you to succeed, but if you can't, there will be consequences."
"What consequences?" I asked, now really starting to worry.
"Each time you touch us inappropriately, we'll add another meal like the
one you had earlier," Great Sage said, making me shudder. "And if you really
can't hold back and cross the line, this night will repeat itself. Don't expect
to succeed—I've been instructed to stop you before you escalate anything."
I realized with a mix of humor and horror that this was going to be a very,
very long night.
Breakfast Scene
The smell of fresh food drifted through the dimension, pulling me toward
the long wooden table where everyone had already gathered. Rimuru sat
cheerfully at the head, waving me over, while Sirius lounged like he owned the
place, and Shizu sat neatly, her mask resting on the table beside her.
I stifled a yawn, trying to straighten my back as though nothing was wrong.
Truth was, I hadn't slept a wink. Not because of nightmares or restless
thoughts, but because of… well, the "circumstances" of last night. Rimuru's
mischievous streak had left me wide awake, caught between amusement and
frustration, and now my body was reminding me I wasn't invincible.
I pulled out a chair and sat down, grabbing a plate. "Morning," I muttered,
reaching for bread.
Sirius's sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on me. He grinned like a wolf.
"Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence. And here I thought
you'd been dragged into a pit of monsters with how fresh you look."
I shot him a sideways glare. "I'm fine."
"Fine?" Sirius leaned back, clasping his hands dramatically behind his
head. "Mate, you look like someone wrung you out and left you in the sun.
Circles under your eyes, hair a mess, posture like a man twice your age. Should
we fetch a healer? Or maybe just a nice comfy bed and a lullaby?"
Shizu giggled softly behind her hand, and I knew I'd lost whatever shred of
dignity I was holding onto.
Sirius didn't let up. "You know, back in my world, we had a term for this
look. We called it 'a dog that got chased out of every tavern in London.'
That's you right now. You should be proud, few can pull it off."
I took a deliberate bite of bread, refusing to answer.
"Oh, come now," Sirius pressed, "tell me at least you fought something
fierce last night. A battle with a dragon? An army of goblins? Anything to
justify looking like you haven't closed your eyes once?"
Before I could form a reply, Shizu joined in, her voice warm but teasing.
"Maybe it wasn't monsters. Maybe he was simply… kept up by someone."
Her eyes slid to Rimuru, who nearly choked on her juice, face flushing.
Sirius roared with laughter, slamming the table.
"Oh, brilliant! So that's the secret! Here I was thinking our brooding
vampire spent the night patrolling, and instead, it was quality time with our
dear host."
Rimuru sputtered, "Th-that's not—it wasn't—" but the damage was done.
I closed my eyes, pinched the bridge of my nose, and muttered, "You two are
insufferable."
"Correct," Sirius said proudly. "And don't you forget it."
Shizu only smiled gently, pouring me tea. "Don't worry, Samael. We're only
teasing. But Sirius is right about one thing—you should really try to rest
properly."
The warmth of the tea helped, and for a moment I let the banter fade into
the background. Their laughter filled the dimension, light and genuine, and
though I was the butt of the joke, I couldn't help but feel a strange comfort
in it.
---
Mental Conversation — Rimuru & Great Sage
While the others teased and chatted, I felt Rimuru's presence slip inward,
her connection with the Great Sage opening like a quiet whisper beneath the
surface.
(Great Sage, there's something about Shizu that worries me. She's strong,
but… there's something inside her, isn't there?)
(Answer: Correct. Shizu carries a
Fire Spirit within her. Their bond is unstable. The spirit is not her ally, but
a parasite that consumes her life force. Left unchecked, this will lead to her
demise.)
(So that's why she hides her face, why her aura feels so restless…)
(Analysis complete: Without
intervention, her life expectancy is limited. Removal of the Fire Spirit would
normally cause her body to age rapidly, leading to death. However, within this
dimension, physical laws differ. Separation could be achieved safely, and her
life force stabilized.)
(Are you saying if we bring her here permanently, she could survive even
without the spirit?)
(Correct. Within this dimension,
time and aging are slowed. It would provide a safe environment for her body to
recover. With time, and proper treatment, the damage from the spirit could be
reversed.)
(That means she could live free… without that burden. She wouldn't have to
fight against it every moment of her life.)
(Affirmative. Recommendation: Offer
Shizu the choice to remain in this dimension. A ritual of separation can be
prepared. Her condition can be cured gradually. Risk factor: Zero within this
space.)
Rimuru's thoughts quieted. She glanced across the table at Shizu, who was
laughing softly at one of Sirius's antics, her mask resting beside her, her
eyes clearer than before.
(She deserves that chance…)
---
Samael POV
I had just started sipping my tea when Sirius leaned forward again,
mischief glittering in his eyes. "You know, mate, I swear if you walked into my
old world looking like that, people would think you'd spent the night drinking
with half the Order. Dark circles, twitchy eyelids… What's next, are you going
to nod off face-first into your porridge?"
Before I could answer, Shizu spoke gently, though the twinkle in her eyes
betrayed her. "You really should pace yourself, Samael. Staying up all night is
bad for your health. But if you were… occupied," she said carefully, "I suppose
we can forgive you."
Sirius burst out laughing, slapping the table so hard the cups rattled.
"Occupied! That's one way to put it. Tell me, Samael, should we expect little
shadowlings running around in nine months?!"
I choked on my tea. "You—! It wasn't—!"
The door to the kitchen opened then, and out walked Great Sage in her human
projection, apron and all, carrying a tray of fresh bread. She placed it
delicately on the table, then fixed her calm gaze on me. "Good morning. For the
record, I slept very well last night with my fiancé at my side. It was quite…
comfortable."
The bread knife nearly slipped from my fingers. "You—what—"
The table erupted. Sirius had his head down, laughing so hard he wheezed.
Shizu covered her mouth but her shoulders shook with restrained giggles.
Rimuru, instead of saving me, leaned forward with a devilish smile. "She's
right, you know. Having a fiancé to hold makes sleeping much easier. Very warm.
Very soft. I slept wonderfully."
"Rimuru!" My voice came out sharper than I intended, but it only made
Sirius laugh louder.
"Oh, this is too much," Sirius gasped between chuckles. "The vampire lord
himself, reduced to a blushing schoolboy over breakfast. Someone get me a
camera!"
Shizu added softly, "It's kind of cute, actually. You're usually so
composed, Samael. It's nice to see another side of you."
I buried my face in my hand. This breakfast was becoming a public
execution.
---
Meanwhile, Rimuru — POV (mental)
(Great Sage, you didn't have to say it like that!)
( Correction: Teasing your fiancé increases serotonin levels in the group.
It strengthens bonds through humor. Outcome: successful.)
(You're terrible… but I admit, it's funny.)
Her voice softened in my mind. (On a different note: Shizu's condition
requires urgent attention. The Fire Spirit within her remains unstable. If she
continues like this, her lifespan will shorten drastically.)
(Is there something we can do?)
(Recommendation: She should remain in this dimension. Here, physical aging
slows. We can safely separate her from the spirit without triggering rapid
death. Over time, her condition can be cured.)
I glanced at Shizu, still laughing quietly at Sirius's jokes. (So this
place could save her…)
(Affirmative. But the choice must be hers.)
---
Back at the table
Sirius, finally regaining control of himself, leaned back and grinned at
me. "Well, Samael, if this is what breakfast is like, I can't wait for dinner.
You're better entertainment than a firewhiskey-fueled brawl."
Shizu nodded sweetly. "Don't worry, we'll take care of you. Maybe tuck you
in tonight so you do get some rest."
Great Sage, calm as ever, added, "I can prepare warm milk if necessary."
Rimuru clasped her hands with mock sincerity. "Yes, our fiancé really does
need to take better care of himself. We can't have him collapsing from lack of
sleep."
And just like that, the chorus of laughter began again—Sirius's booming,
Shizu's soft, Rimuru's mischievous, and even Great Sage's serene smile.
Me? I just focused on my tea, praying to any god who'd listen that
breakfast would end before I combusted on the spot.
Rimuru — POV
The laughter from breakfast lingered only as faint echoes once Sirius
slipped away toward the kitchen, leaving me, Samael, Shizu, and Great Sage at
the table.
Shizu rested her mask in her lap, her eyes clear, calm—but I could feel the
weight behind them. "This is about the spirit, isn't it?" she asked quietly.
Great Sage stepped forward, hands folded neatly before her. "Correct. The
Fire Spirit within you is destabilizing."
Shizu's lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't look surprised. "I know.
It's tried to take over more times than I can count. At night, during battles…
once even when I was teaching children. Sometimes I can push it back. Sometimes
I… lose time. Hours gone. When I come back, there's fire around me and fear in
people's eyes."
She gripped her mask tightly, the calmness of someone who had carried the
truth too long. "I never told anyone. I couldn't. They'd see me as a danger."
Samael's voice was quiet, steady. "You've been fighting alone."
A humorless breath escaped her. "Yes."
Great Sage's next words landed like a blade. "Projections indicate
permanent takeover will occur in three to four days."
The mask slipped from Shizu's hands. For a moment, the poise cracked.
"Three… to four days?"
"Correct," Great Sage said simply.
Her eyes widened, color draining from her face. "No. That soon? I thought I
had more time—months at least. Years."
"You don't," Samael said gently, but firmly. "If nothing changes, the
spirit wins in days."
Shizu drew in a sharp breath, knuckles trembling against her mask. "Then I
have no future. In four days, I'll be nothing but a shell."
I leaned forward. "Not if we act. There's a way."
Her gaze flicked to me, fragile with cautious hope. "…A way?"
Great Sage inclined her head. "Separation of the Fire Spirit is possible.
Under ordinary circumstances, this process results in immediate rapid aging and
death within hours. However, within this dimension, physical law differs. Here,
separation will not kill you. Instead, your life force can stabilize."
Shizu's lips parted. "…Stabilize?"
"Yes," Great Sage continued. "But stabilization requires time. You must
remain in contact with this dimension for one to two years. Specifically,
approximately fourteen hours each day must be spent here. After that period,
your condition will be cured. You will be free to live without further
tethering."
The words seemed to hang in the air.
Shizu blinked rapidly, as if making sure she'd heard correctly. "So… it's
temporary? After one or two years, I'll be myself again—no spirit, no cage, no
risk?"
"Correct," Great Sage confirmed.
I smiled, trying to ease the weight of it. "Think of it like rehab.
Annoying, yeah. Restrictive, sure. But it ends. You get your life back."
Samael leaned in, his tone serious but protective. "The alternative is no
life at all. Three days, or two years. That's the truth."
Shizu's grip on her mask loosened. For the first time, a shimmer of hope
reached her eyes. "Temporary… I can live with temporary."
Her voice was steadier now, almost resolute.
Great Sage bowed her head slightly. "Preparations for separation can be
completed by tonight. The procedure will be exhausting, but the risk of failure
is low. You must rest immediately afterward."
Shizu pressed the mask flat on the table, no longer clutching it as a
shield. Her lips curved faintly, a dry smile. "Not really much of a choice, is
it?"
Samael shook his head. "No. But it's yours."
Her shoulders lifted with a long breath, then fell as if years of tension
slipped away with it. "Then tonight. Do it. I won't let that thing take me."
"Understood," Great Sage said, already turning toward the inner rooms. "I
will prepare the array and adjust the dimensional ratios for the fourteen-hour
cycle."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. She had chosen—and
that mattered more than anything.
That was when Sirius leaned back in through the kitchen doorway, balancing
a plate of half-burnt toast. "Well, did I miss another engagement announcement,
or was that the most serious breakfast chat of all time?" His eyes flicked to
Shizu, searching her face.
She straightened, calmer than before, and said with quiet strength, "Not
yet. But it will be."
Sirius studied her a moment, then grinned, raising his plate. "Good enough.
Now, who wants to bet I can't ruin bread in a magical dimension?"
I laughed, Samael sighed, and Shizu—just for a moment—smiled.
Scene Changed
After breakfast, I asked Shizu to bring her companions to the central hall.
Kaval, Ellen, and Gido entered, their curiosity plain, though Ellen's eyes
flickered toward Shizu with quiet worry.
I stood at the front with Shizu beside me, trying to keep my smile warm.
"Thank you for coming. There's something important you need to know about your
friend."
Kaval frowned. "Did something happen?"
Shizu spoke first, her voice calm, though her hands rested tightly on the
mask in her lap. "Rimuru discovered an illness in my body. It's something I've
carried for a long time… and now it needs to be treated."
Ellen gasped softly. "An illness? Shizu, why didn't you say anything?"
Shizu shook her head gently. "Because I could still move, still fight,
still protect you. But it's worsening. If I push myself now, it might…" She
trailed off, leaving the unspoken words heavy in the air.
I stepped in, keeping my tone steady. "We've found a way to treat it here
in the village. But it will take time. She can't keep traveling with you for
now."
Kaval's jaw tightened, but he bowed deeply. "I see. Then she'll remain
here. We can return to the guild without her." His voice cracked slightly.
"Your health comes first, Shizu."
Ellen stepped forward, eyes glistening. "You carried us through so much. We
wouldn't have survived half our battles without you. Don't apologize—just… get
better, please."
Gido rubbed the back of his neck, trying to play it off lightly, though his
voice was thick. "You always had our backs. Guess it's our turn to back off and
give you the time you need. We'll hold things together till you're back."
Shizu's lips curved in a soft smile. "Thank you. Truly. For trusting me all
this time. This isn't goodbye—just see you later."
I let the moment last a while longer, then clapped my hands gently. "And
since you're setting out without her, I don't intend to send you off
empty-handed."
Rigurd stepped forward with three bundles. When the adventurers opened
them, their eyes widened.
Kaval held a gleaming sword, light and sharp. Ellen's bundle revealed robes
woven of monster silk, imbued with resistance to flame and frost. Gido nearly
dropped his daggers in excitement, marveling at their perfect balance.
"These are crafted from rare materials we've gathered," I explained.
"They'll serve you better than your current gear—and hopefully keep you safe."
Kaval bowed deeply again, pressing a fist to his chest. "Lady Rimuru, thank
you. We will treasure this gift."
Ellen wiped her eyes and laughed shakily. "You're too generous… but thank
you. From the bottom of my heart."
Gido twirled a dagger with a grin. "Guess we'll stand a better chance out
there without our ace. Not that you're easy to replace, Shizu."
Shizu laughed softly, her eyes warm. "Take care of yourselves. And when we
meet again, I expect you to have grown stronger."
Kaval straightened. "We'll hold you to that. Until then, rest and heal.
We'll do our part."
One by one, they clasped her hands, offered their thanks, and turned to
leave. As they passed me, Ellen gave me a meaningful look—pleading, trusting.
Take care of her.
I nodded.
When the door closed behind them, Shizu let out a long breath. Her fingers
brushed over the mask, but this time not as a shield—more like a promise.
"They'll be fine," she said softly. Then, after a pause, "And so will I."
I smiled at her. "That's the spirit."
The hall was quiet after Kaval, Ellen, and Gido left. Shizu stayed behind,
sitting with her mask resting on her knees, her gaze turned inward.
I slid onto the bench beside her. "You holding up okay?"
She smiled faintly. "Goodbyes are never easy. But this one isn't forever.
That helps." Her eyes softened. "Still… I think they'll miss me more than they
let on."
"They will," I said honestly. "You've been their anchor. But you're not
losing them—you're just giving them a chance to stand on their own feet for a
while."
Shizu tilted her head at me. "You talk like someone who knows what it's
like to carry others." Then, after a pause, her lips curved. "Your fiancé helps
with that, doesn't he?"
I blinked, then gave her a crooked smile. "So you've heard."
She chuckled softly. "It's hard not to, the way the goblins whisper. But
I'd like to hear it from you. How did it happen?"
Heat rose in my cheeks, but I laughed under my breath. "It's not as
dramatic as people think. Samael… well, he made a mistake. He hurt me without
meaning to. And to make it right, he organized this whole festival—lanterns,
music, food, the works. It was his apology, and honestly, it was beautiful."
Shizu's eyes widened, a little sparkle of surprise there. "A festival?
That's… unexpectedly romantic."
"Yeah." I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "And at the end, after
everyone else drifted away, he got all serious. He apologized properly. And
then—out of nowhere—he asked me to marry him. No big speech, no dramatic setup,
just… straightforward and sincere. That's him, really."
Shizu leaned her chin into her palm, smiling warmly. "And you said yes?"
I rolled my eyes playfully. "I was so flustered I almost forgot to answer.
But… yeah. I said yes."
Her laughter was gentle, almost wistful. "You're lucky, Rimuru. Not
everyone finds someone willing to admit their mistakes and try so hard to make
amends."
"Trust me," I said with a grin, "I don't let him forget it either. Every
time he gets too smug, I remind him he had to throw me a festival just to get
back on my good side."
Shizu giggled, covering her mouth. For the first time since breakfast, her
expression was lighter, freer.
I nudged her shoulder. "When this is over—when you're free—you'll have your
own chance at happiness too. I'll make sure of it."
She looked at me, eyes shining. "…Thank you, Rimuru. For the hope. For the
laughter. For everything."
"You're not alone anymore," I told her firmly. "So stop acting like you
are."
Her smile widened, and for a few quiet moments, we just sat together, two
women from another world, sharing stories neither of us had thought we'd ever
tell.
Shizu leaned back, her smile turning sly. "You know, when I spoke with
Great Sage earlier, she said something interesting. She claimed she was also
engaged."
I froze. "…She told you that?"
Shizu nodded, clearly enjoying this. "So, Rimuru… how does your skill end
up betrothed to Samael? You two were already engaged, weren't you?"
My face heated up instantly. "Ugh, I was hoping to never have to explain
this…"
( Rimuru. Clarification is inevitable. Suggest providing context.)
"Not helping!" I hissed under my breath, which only made Shizu laugh
harder.
Finally, I sighed and leaned my elbows on the table. "Alright, fine. The
night of the festival — the one Samael organized as an apology — I was still
flustered. He was exhausted, hungry, and honestly? It was the perfect chance to
catch him off guard. So… Great Sage and I made a plan. Together."
Shizu's eyebrows rose. "A plan?"
"Yeah. We calculated the atmosphere, the timing, even how much food to
offer so he'd be too tired to overthink. He thought he was the one being all
serious and in control, but really? He walked right into our trap."
Shizu covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "So let me get this straight
— Samael proposed… because you and Great Sage set him up?"
"Exactly." I puffed out my cheeks proudly. "It wasn't just my smile that
night — it was our teamwork. Great Sage was as much part of the plan as I was."
(Correction: 58% Rimuru's contribution, 42% mine. Optimal balance
achieved.)
I rolled my eyes. "See? She even keeps score."
Shizu burst into laughter, nearly tipping over. "That's priceless! So in a
way, Samael didn't just propose to you… he proposed to the both of you."
"Don't say it like that!" I whined, flailing a little. "It was supposed to
be romantic! Now it sounds like some kind of tactical operation!"
Shizu giggled, then softened, her expression warm. "Rimuru, don't be
embarrassed. If anything, it just shows how much he accepted you. Not just the
part of you that smiles and laughs, but the part of you that thinks ahead,
calculates, and relies on Great Sage. He said yes to all of it."
I blinked, her words sinking in. Then a small smile tugged at my lips.
"…You know, that actually makes me feel a lot better."
(Confirmation: Acceptance rate 97%. Margin of error negligible.)
I groaned. "And of course she has to say it like a math problem."
Shizu's laughter bubbled up again, but her eyes were gentle. "It suits you,
Rimuru. Honestly… I think it's perfect."
Samael POV
The afternoon sun filtered lazily through the trees as we paused by a
stream. Sirius had made himself comfortable on a fallen log, flask in hand,
while I checked over the supplies.
Out of nowhere, he gave me one of his crooked grins. "So, Samael… explain
something to me. How does a brooding vampire like you manage to end up with two
fiancées? Most men can barely keep one happy."
I blinked, caught off guard. "Two…?" Then I realized who he meant and
sighed. "Of course. You're talking about Great Sage."
Sirius leaned forward, smirk widening. "Exactly. First Rimuru, now that
mysterious woman with the sharp tongue. You're collecting them like trophies.
So—what happened? You trip and fall into another engagement?"
I rubbed the back of my neck, not bothering to hide my exasperation. "…It
started with food. I woke up to the smell of a meal Great Sage had made. It was
good—really good. I thought I'd give her a gift in return."
Sirius wagged his eyebrows. "That's how it always begins. A meal, a smile,
a little gratitude—next thing you know, someone's trying on rings."
I ignored him. "Before I could even offer, she asked if she could sleep in
the same bed with me and Rimuru. Not… scandalously," I added quickly, catching
the grin on his face, "just sharing space. But before I could even reply,
Rimuru jumped in and agreed."
Sirius barked out a laugh so loud it startled a flock of birds from the
trees. "Wait, wait, wait—you're telling me you ended up engaged to both women
because you froze for three seconds and Rimuru answered for you?"
"Pretty much," I said flatly.
Sirius doubled over, clutching his stomach. "That's hilarious! You didn't
even resist?"
"Why would I?" I allowed myself a thin smirk. "In the end, it worked out in
my favor."
Sirius wiped his eyes, still laughing. "Merlin's beard, you're impossible.
Rimuru and Great Sage, both wrapped around your finger, and you act like it's
the most natural thing in the world. You do realize no one will ever believe me
when I tell this story, right?"
"Then don't tell it," I muttered.
But the mischievous spark in his eye told me he absolutely will. Loudly.