The heavy stone doors of the council chamber swung open, releasing the Demon Lords into a sprawling, vaulted hall where a grand post-Walpurgis banquet had been prepared. Long tables carved from dark marble groaned under the weight of exotic meats, roasted beasts, crystal carafes of spiced wine, and shimmering fruits brought from across the continent.
Despite the ominous shadow of Feldway's resurrection plan lingering over the council, the immediate tension softened into the lively, chaotic friction of ancient monsters at ease.
Rimuru stood near a massive marble pillar, swirling a goblet of pale wine while Luminous Valentine approached him with effortless grace. Her silver hair caught the ambient crystal light, her presence radiating a quiet, dangerous authority that made the surrounding guests give her a wide berth.
"I must admit, Rimuru, your declaration in the chamber was remarkably sharp for a newly awakened lord," Luminous said smoothly, taking a deliberate sip from her crystal glass. "You drew a clear line between responsibility and subjugation."
"I meant every word," Rimuru replied, offering a diplomatic smile. "Arashi wants trade, open routes, and mutual prosperity, not territorial conquest. That includes Lubelius, if you're open to formalizing diplomatic and commercial ties."
Luminous's heterochromatic eyes gleamed with quiet, calculating interest. "A monster nation governed by law is considerably easier to negotiate with than dozens of unaffiliated tribes answering to no common authority. However, formalizing trade between Lubelius and a nation of monsters is not merely a matter of signing parchment. My nation operates under strict religious doctrines. How do you propose we handle merchant passage, customs guarantees, and the inevitable religious friction when your envoys step onto holy ground?"
"We establish clear legal protocols before a single wagon moves," Rimuru said, stepping into his element as a modern negotiator. "Arashi's registered merchants can operate under strict diplomatic frameworks. We can designate specific neutral trading hubs near the border for initial exchanges, issue verified passports for registered traders, and enforce strict conduct agreements. If an Arashi citizen violates Lubelius law on your land, we agree beforehand on detention, trial, and extradition procedures. Safe travel and economic stability benefit both our borders."
Luminous studied him for a long moment before giving a subtle, approving nod. "Pragmatic. Once the dust settles from this council, send a formal envoy to Lubelius. If your goods and legal frameworks match your words, Lubelius will not turn away trade."
Across the hall, Shizue Izawa walked slowly toward Leon Cromwell. The blonde Demon Lord stood apart from the crowd, leaning against a high balcony arch, his posture stiff and detached from the festivities. As Shizue approached, Leon turned, his eyes locking onto her with a quiet, unreadable intensity.
"Shizue," Leon said softly. "You are different from the girl I summoned."
"I had to become different, Leon," Shizue answered, her voice calm, steady, and entirely free of hatred. "For a long time, my existence was defined by the fire you forced into my body and the burden I carried. But that time has passed. I have built a new life in Arashi, guided students in Ingrasia, and established a true partnership with Ifrit. One built on mutual respect rather than forced servitude."
Leon watched her in silence, the cool light of the hall reflecting off his golden hair. "I have no right to ask for forgiveness. But seeing you stand here, whole, wielding your own life... I see that you have surpassed the fate I left you to bear."
"I do not seek your permission or your approval," Shizue replied gently, taking a measured step back, her posture radiating quiet independence. "My life belongs to me, and to the people I choose to protect. I acknowledge what happened in the past, but it no longer commands my future."
Leon inclined his head in a rare, genuine gesture of restraint and acknowledgment. "Then live as you choose."
Nearby, the atmosphere was far less solemn. Milim Nava had cornered Diablo, circling the archdemon with a mischievous, predatory grin that promised absolute chaos.
"Hey, Butler! You're strong, aren't you? Fight me!" Milim giggled loudly, poking Diablo hard in the chest. "Just one round! I promise I won't break the whole castle!"
Diablo's immaculate smile twitched ever so slightly. He bowed deeply, his hands folded neatly behind his back as he calculated his response. To strike Rimuru's honored friend was unthinkable, but to refuse outright felt like a failure of pride. "Lady Milim, my strength exists solely to serve Lord Rimuru's grand vision. Reducing the banquet hall to rubble during his first Walpurgis would hardly serve him."
"Excuses! You're just scared!" Milim cackled, ducking around him to yank on his coat tails with effortless speed. "Come on, just one little punch! I wanna see what you can do!"
Diablo took a measured, elegant step to the side, his smile growing unnaturally tight as he maintained his immaculate composure under absolute duress. "I assure you, my reluctance stems entirely from deference to my lord's diplomatic gathering, Lady Milim."
"Bo-ring!" Milim pouted, though her eyes danced with amusement as she kept hovering around him like a relentless whirlwind.
Meanwhile, Ramiris flew directly into Loki's face, hovering inches from his nose with her hands clasped in frantic begging. "Loki! You have to help me! I want to build the greatest, most amazing labyrinth in Arashi, and I want your spatial tricks reinforcing the parts that connect my Small World to the city!"
Loki caught the tiny fairy by the back of her dress between two fingers, setting her gently onto Rimuru's shoulder. "An underground spatial domain in Arashi? That's actually not a terrible idea."
Ramiris puffed out her chest proudly. "Right?! It'll be a multi-layered masterpiece! My Small World can handle the internal subspace, but I need your expertise to harden the outer boundaries, entrances, and spatial anchors so nothing breaks through!"
Rimuru's eyes lit up as the practical possibilities flooded his mind, his inner bureaucrat fully awakening. "Wait... a multi-layered labyrinth with variable spatial architecture? We could use upper floors as a controlled training ground for our security forces, set aside middle levels for high-security research facilities, and, if your Small World can make it safe enough open sections to adventurers as a dungeon attraction!"
"Safe enough?" Ramiris gasped, hovering off Rimuru's head. "My labyrinth will be the safest dungeon ever!"
"Think about it," Rimuru continued enthusiastically. "We charge entry fees, sell gear, and let adventurers pay us for the privilege of fighting monsters in a controlled environment! It would be a massive revenue generator, a tourist magnet, and an absolute defensive bastion if anyone ever tries to invade Arashi!"
"See?! He gets it!" Ramiris cheered, somersaulting in the air before landing back on Rimuru's shoulder. "We're gonna be rich and unbeatable! Loki, you're helping us design it, right?"
"Bring me a real proposal and I'll look at the spatial security," Loki chuckled, taking a sip from his glass. "Just make sure your blueprints don't accidentally tear a hole into the underworld."
As the feast continued around them, Loki stepped away from the noise, making his way toward the hall's outer balcony. He leaned against the polished stone railing, looking out over the sea of clouds beneath the floating castle, letting the cool night air wash over him.
As he prepared to leave Walpurgis, Loki's thoughts shifted toward the responsibilities waiting beyond the feast. Then one memory cut through everything else. The sealed black cube hidden deep within Jistav, containing what remained of Gaia beneath layers of ancient corruption and restraint.
Loki ran a hand through his hair, letting out a quiet, resolute sigh. He had promised Milim he would help her, and with the threat of Heaven looming on the horizon, he could no longer postpone bringing the cube to her.
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