CHAPTER 9:

WAR CONFERENCE

Shuna may have been sheltered, but her naivety was surprisingly little. It helped that, as part of her education, her parents spoke to her of the true nature of life, particularly war. Of course, that reality truly hit home when the Orcs attacked. She had a nightmare last night, of her father being brutally slain.

Hakurou had also been a stern teacher, not of physical combat (towards Shuna, anyway), but of ideology. One should find honour in combat where possible, true, and present it, but seeking glory through combat was folly. For all that the Ogres were noted mercenaries, they did not seek out battle.

She sought out knowledge, though. Being secluded and sheltered had instilled in her a thirst for information, and while she preferred to learn more about magic and textiles, she also enjoyed reading about other information. Indeed, she had an interesting pet project that she felt might bear fruit, albeit given time.

As for Harry, what did she feel for him? A yearning for friendship. While there were a number of Hobgoblins about the same age as her, there was also the factor that he was a human, and an Otherworlder. The novelty appealed to her. And when she learned his story…well, she wanted to heal his heart. Whether that meant she had a place in his heart, or indeed whether he had a place in her own…well, she'd have to see. But even if that wasn't the case, she wanted to be friends regardless. And she wished to heal his heart, to rid it of the self-loathing.

Shuna also felt honoured that Lord Rimuru had invited her to his 'cabinet', as he had called it. Apparently that was a term for a governmental body back home in his country of Japan. She'd actually asked Rimuru questions about modern day Japan, its history and government, out of curiosity. So too had Hakurou.

She wasn't sure what she and Harry could contribute to this cabinet, but she was grateful Rimuru wanted their input. She knew she was young, and not a seasoned warrior or tactician or diplomat, but if she could help…well, she was sheltered, but she knew she had a keen mind. And sometimes, you needed a perspective that wasn't coloured by preconceptions.

Souei was making his report. Most of the Goblin villages in the Jura Forest had aligned themselves with Gabiru. They were now forming an army of about seven thousand not far from this village. The other Lizardmen were assembling a force of their own about ten thousand strong.

The remaining Goblins who hadn't taken Gabiru up on the offer, not counting those who joined this village, had fled for safety, albeit with some heading to human territory. Shuna's lips pursed in concern. In all likelihood, those Goblins would be slain on sight if they tried to cross the borders. She only hoped the Goblins would plead their case first, and that the humans would listen. Though if they went to Falmuth, the country that abducted and tried to leash Harry…Shuna shook her head, not wishing to think about such things.

Still, Shuna knew that Lord Rimuru intended to take the fight to the Orcs. If they really had the Starvation Skill from an Orc Lord, if they were allowed to come too close to the village, they would potentially destroy their food supplies. The question was…could they do so?

Shuna actually felt more confident in their chances than she did when the Ogre village was wiped out. Lord Rimuru's power aside, they had the Tempest Wolves, to say nothing of her fellow Kijin. She knew Benimaru's Dark Flare had increased in strength, enough to potentially wipe out a good chunk of the army. And Harry also had great power inside himself, and despite his self-loathing and his understandable fear of this Obscurus he was burdened with, he didn't hesitate to use it to help others.

There were some problems: the Orc Lord, as well as Gelmud. Those were the key factors that could ensure victory or defeat. Though if the Orcs were too strong thanks to the attributes they gained through Starvation…

Souei then dropped the bombshell. That the Orc army numbered two hundred thousand strong. And Shuna shared the shock of those around the room. Souei pointed out that they couldn't number any lower than 150 thousand, and that small vanguards and scouting groups had made inroads elsewhere in the Great Forest of Jura.

"Their heading suggests that they intend to overrun the Lizardmen in Lake Sisu," Souei said. "However, if they do not deviate from that course…they could be invading one of the human kingdoms soon afterwards."

"Do we have a map or anything?" Harry mused.

"A map?" Souei asked.

"You know, like an illustration of the lands as seen from above," Rimuru said.

"Detailed maps are the sole province of the military and government, Lord Rimuru," Kaijin pointed out. "I don't know where I could get one, certainly on short notice."

Lord Rimuru, with Hakurou's help, cobbled together a map, and Shuna nodded. While rough and crude, it illustrated the lands from above. Rimuru then used information from Souei to draw out a rough rendition of the Orcs' movements.

While discussing what to do next, Souei stiffened. "Pardon me," he said, after a moment, "but one of my clones has just met someone who seeks an audience with you, Lord Rimuru. She won't give a name, but she's clearly a Dryad."

A Dryad? One of the fabled guardians of the forest? Thought to have long disappeared? If this wasn't a trick, well, the Dryad might have some insight into the situation…

Harry had to admit, he was intrigued, though not as excited as Rimuru was. The Japanese salaryman-turned-Slime had a not-so-hidden perverted streak, and not having a penis hadn't stopped him from that, Harry knew. And while Harry had something of a libido, he tried to hide it where possible. He didn't stare at, for example, Shion's cleavage, for too long, even though the violet-haired Kijin had a habit of wearing outfits that exposed said cleavage.

But if this Dryad was a font of information, it'd be great. Hell, maybe she could help out in more substantial ways. He was in full agreement with Rimuru to let her speak.

So, when Rimuru gave his agreement, a leaf was blown in…and sprouted, before the image of a young woman appeared. Her light green hair framed utterly beautiful features, her blue eyes looking at them as she smiled serenely. She was dressed surprisingly modestly, but even her dress didn't hide her figure completely.

"Greetings to you, Rimuru Tempest, Lord of Monsters, and to your followers. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Treyni, a Dryad."

Harry snickered at Rimuru's embarrassment at the title she bestowed upon him. About time Rimuru got inflicted with a title that caused him problems. Then he'd know how Harry felt.

He listened to Treyni's spiel. He would later learn that Rimuru was suspicious of the Dryad and her motivations, but Harry wasn't as suspicious himself, though he found her words a touch leading when she had asked him to defeat the Orc Lord, which she confirmed the existence of. But he had to facepalm when Shion opened her big fat mouth.

"Of course Lord Rimuru would defeat the Orc Lord! To him, this beast may as well be an insect to be crushed."

Harry slammed his hands on the table. "Shion!" he snapped. The violet-haired Kijin glared at him. "Since when did you speak for Rimuru? You may be his secretary, but that doesn't mean you can speak for him without his say-so! Don't misunderstand me, I'm sure Rimuru would want to stop the Orc Lord. It's a matter of survival. But it's up to Rimuru to make the final decision."

"…Hey, Harry, calm down a wee bit, okay?" Rimuru said, looking taken aback.

"No, let him say his piece," Treyni said, her gaze going over to Harry. "What vexes you, young mage?"

"Many things do. But…I guess it's being told what to do, having things determined for me, at this moment." After a moment, he said, "Most of those around this table know already, but I was famous for something I didn't deserve. I survived a warlock's attack when my parents did not. I didn't know about my fame until much later, but people thought they knew me, knew what I was like, because of that fame. And sometimes, they would just trample over what I wanted because it didn't fit with what they said. One of them was a guy called Gilderoy Lockhart, who was very like that Gabiru guy. Another was this bitch of a journalist called Rita Skeeter. She kept on claiming I said or did things I never did, all to sell her newspapers!"

Harry rubbed his forehead, gathering himself. "I know Rimuru is the strongest person in this village, and he's our best chance of stopping that beast. And I know he wouldn't want you to have unthinking servitude to him. But speaking for him, even if he was probably going to agree anyway…it's disrespectful, Shion. You're making the decision for him, even though he's your liege, our leader. Rimuru helped save my life, save me from myself. I'm still struggling with myself…but I owe him for his kindness. You guys seem to see him as damn near a god at times, but I know he's still trying to learn how to be a leader. I don't want you making it any harder for him, Shion. Hell, you're meant to be his secretary. Doesn't it mean making things easier for him?"

"But I…I only meant to…Lord Rimuru is more than capable of beating the Orc Lord, Harry! Surely you have faith in that?" Shion asked.

"I know he's the one with the best chance of beating the Orc Lord."

"Shion…let it go," Hakurou said. "Harry has a point. You're putting words in our liege's mouth."

"And what place does he have at this table? He has no role in this village!" Shion protested in annoyance.

"Shion!" Shuna snapped at her fellow Kijin. "He may not have as defined a role as the rest of us, but that's no reason to demean him! He has skills and abilities that are novel to this world! And he is Lord Rimuru's son by adoption! If he is willing to fight by our sides, or to help those in this village, which he does, then he has a place here! Or are you jealous that he knows Lord Rimuru's thoughts better than you do?"

"He accuses me of speaking for Lord Rimuru, and yet allows you to do the same for him? You're both hypocrites!" Shion retorted.

"Shion, enough!" Rimuru said sharply. As Shion looked to him in shock, he said, "Harry has a point. I would've agreed to stop the Orc Lord anyway. But I don't need anyone jumping the gun and making the decision for me. Harry told you off because he cares about that, and like he said, he had to deal with that crap before! Besides, he always has a place here, even if he hasn't quite found his role! You have no right to claim otherwise! Is it because he is human? Are you forgetting that I was human originally? Well?" Shion couldn't reply, before Rimuru sighed. "That's what I thought. We don't need this infighting, especially not now. We're facing a threat to all of us. The last thing we need is bickering." He then turned back to Treyni. "So, there you go. I'll fulfil your request. If you're trusting me with ending the Orc Lord, I'll repay the favour."

"Thank you, Rimuru Tempest," Treyni said, with a bow.

The atmosphere remained somewhat tense, at least between Shion, Harry and Shuna, but for now, they discussed where Souei had found the various Lizardman forces. And Rimuru voiced a concern weighing on his mind. He thought that Gabiru might be plotting a coup against his father, something Hakurou agreed with. Treyni did think someone might be influencing him, either Gelmud or one of his allies or backers.

"Are we still going to try and ally ourselves with the Lizardmen?" Harry asked. "Assuming Gabiru and his lackies were outliers, that the other Lizardmen aren't so bad…well, we shouldn't leave them to be eaten by the Orcs, right? Though I need to ask…I know you guys are powerful now, but I don't know how powerful. 200 thousand Orcs…can we take them on?"

Hakurou chuckled. "Harry, we Kijin are worth as much as an army individually. And don't sell yourself short. In a battle like this, one should only hold back to prevent allies from dying. If you can unleash the Obscurus…well, as long as we can keep back, you should be able to help. From what I understand, your Obscurus form is resistant if not immune to physical attack. Orcs are mostly incapable of using magic. Indeed, that may make your abilities key to this battle, if you're willing to use them."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, feeling some dread given that he suspected the answer.

"The threat of the Orcs is due to the Orc Lord's Starvation Unique Skill," Hakurou pointed out. "And in battle, if you remove the head, the body will die. The Orcs will be left with less power and can be routed more easily if the Orc Lord is taken out. If we're lucky, you can move quickly to where the Orc Lord is present and take him out, or at least damage him enough for someone else to finish the job. Of course, it goes without saying that it's still a highly dangerous task, one you're free to refuse, and we don't know what other tricks the Orc Lord has up its sleeves. But if you can control the Obscurus for long enough to make a decisive strike…it could help win the battle quickly."

"Just so you know, Harry…while I think it's not a bad plan…I'm a little leery of sending you out there. I mean, you're a kid, with no battlefield experience," Rimuru said. "It's one thing to fight in defence of others, but a whole other ballgame to send you out into the battlefield, and targeting the enemy leader to boot. Plus, we don't know what tricks the Orc Lord has up its sleeves. But I have an idea that might help you, Harry. So…are you willing to give it a go?"

Harry wasn't so sure. Once upon a time, he was always willing to fight. And yet, that had died a slow, torturous death, starting with his framing and then being sent to Azkaban, compounded by his imprisonment by Falmuth and the Obscurus and his hatred towards his magic.

Could he control the Obscurus? He couldn't before, and even his control now was only for brief periods, and only transforming parts of his body. Hell, the only reason he was considering saying yes was because of the scale of the threat. Because if the Orc Lord wasn't stopped by them, who could? The best bet was perhaps the King of the Dwarves and his military, or maybe one of the more religious states Harry heard of.

So he sighed in resignation. "Yeah…I'll try to give it a go…"

"So, what's Shion's problem with me, anyway?" Harry asked Hakurou soon afterwards. "I can understand Benimaru being skittish towards me being close to his sister, but Shion…is it me, or does she hate me?"

Hakurou stroked his beard. "Hate is a rather strong word, and rather inaccurate for what she feels, but she is not fond of humans. Yes, I know, Lord Rimuru was human himself once, but he is a Slime now, and that's what matters in her mind. Her parents died when she was little, with her mother dying of an illness, while her father died working as a bodyguard to a noble in one of the human kingdoms. Said noble executed him, supposedly for sleeping with his daughter, when in truth, it was another man who was her paramour. That coloured her perception of humans somewhat. It also led to how she is today, at least indirectly."

"How so?"

"Shion was spoiled somewhat by her guardians. She never learned that no means no. She also had something of an eager to please attitude, hence her cooking, as well as her tendency to speak for others. We pretty much gave up trying to stop her, simply because she would never listen. To be fair to her, she is a fine warrior, and despite everything, she has a good heart. She's not fond of humans, it doesn't necessarily mean she hates them. And her accusation of you not finding a place in this village was…well, I believe she felt the same way, trying to find a place in our village. Why do you think she pounced on Lord Rimuru's offer to become his secretary and Royal Guard?"

"But even so…look, I know Rimuru would have accepted the request from Treyni, but…like I said, it's a big issue with me."

"Because you never truly had control over your life, Harry," the older Kijin said gently. "Shion needs to learn. If she ends up causing trouble for Lord Rimuru…look, I'll speak to her, assuming Benimaru isn't. I'll try to smooth things over. And Harry…please don't assume that what I did was trying to speak for you too. I suggested you try to go for the Orc Lord because I have confidence in you, even if you don't have confidence in yourself. I'm sure Lord Rimuru could do it himself…but I know you. For all your self-loathing, you want to help others. And if Lord Rimuru has a plan to help you control the Obscurus…then I have every confidence it will work."

"…I wish I did," Harry muttered.

CHAPTER 9 ANNOTATIONS:

So, there you have it. Rimuru and his allies need to take on the Orc Lord, but there's tensions within the camp.

Honestly, telling Shion to shut the fuck up and not speak for Rimuru is something I've wanted to do. At times, she seems like a Chaotic Good bimbo version of Albedo from Overlord. In other words, someone who thinks she can speak for the person she nominally loves and is in charge.

Shion's backstory was all my invention, albeit extrapolated from her canon behaviour. But Shion, I feel, was mildly xenophobic against humans from the very beginning. Not enough to want to kill them, not until Falmuth's attack, anyway, but she disdains them. In addition, given that the Kijin have given up on stopping her from cooking, despite its lethality, she is clearly someone used to getting her own way, so for someone to stand up to her and call her out on her stupidity and impulsiveness would touch a nerve.

Plus, there's the jealousy that Harry is closer to Rimuru than she is. So we've got a touch of mild yandere tendencies too, even if Harry and Rimuru are more family and close friends than anything remotely romantic. And considering Harry's 16 and Rimuru is about 37…yeah.

Don't get me wrong, Shion's not going to try and set Harry up to be killed or attack him herself. I'm not really bashing her, just calling her out on her canon behaviour.

Review-answering time! jgkitarel: Oh, no doubt, Gabiru has his good points, and once he's had a few servings of humble pie shoved down his throat, he gets better. But he's such a pain. I actually like his campier portrayal in the anime, it actually makes him endearing to a degree, which helps mitigate some of the annoyance he engenders in people. He sounds a bit like a fop out of Blackadder or something.

Tenzo51: He won't be dressed like the Hunter from Bloodborne. However, he will be donning the gear of another iconic fictional character in the next chapter…

No numbered annotations this time.