I look at the outside of the window and see the beautiful scenery of my city as the sun rises. It never gets old. The scenery of hundreds of houses blocks, spotless and wide roads, crowded stores, and most of all the smiling people. This is the sight of what I've achieved along with my companion, no, my family. Albeit not a blood-related family, I couldn't describe those who are close to me by simply calling them my companions.

I love them with all my heart.

With that, I can only use the term "family" to describe who they are to me.

"Rimuru-sama… You're not daydreaming again, aren't you?"

Urk!

I turned my swivel chair, and saw Shuna in front of my desk, standing while looking at me with a gentle yet scary smile. She also served me a couple of sliced cakes and tea.

"Ah! U-umm…"

"Rimuru-sama, please finish your work as well. If you have time to daydream, it's better to use it to work."

"I know, I know Shuna. Don't worry, I'll be back at work." I smiled while raising my thumb up.

"Thank you for your dedication, Rimuru-sama. I'll prepare a muffin with a cream made from Apito's honey when you finish."

"Oh, sure! I'll finish this paperwork in no time!"

I immediately jumped out both of my hands and grabbed every paper to later examine it with a speed I've always used when I'm hyped.

Hey, I'm an honest man okay? I'm not gonna fall into bribery, but I can spare for something sweet. Besides, it's Shuna's cooking!

What kind of creature would resist her cooking?

Not. A. Single. Soul.

That's why, for something mundane like this paperwork, it's a small price to pay for being able to eat that muffin made by Shuna.

[Don't get careless, Master. Some important issue is reported in those paperwork.]

Of course, of course! Don't worry Ciel, I knew what I was reading.

I'm not lying though. These papers contain further reports on the installation of the magic transfer circle in every allied country. The progress is pretty fast, but how much they have managed to understand how to use it effectively is still underway.

As much as I have developed it, it still could only transfer around 40 people at times. I tried to make a proper procedure along with the protocols on how to use it for evacuation, but every nation has its own priority and it's out of my jurisdiction to intervene on how they handle internal issues.

So I would like to check on how they have managed to use it properly, in case when Feldway and Michael started to act, they would be ready.

Along with the reports of the installation of the magic transfer circle, I also received many reports about the development of our weaponry.

It seems our researcher has managed to produce some modern weapons, albeit most of them are still prototypes. It would need my approval to continue the development, along with the first party who would be able to use it.

Of course, Tempest would be the first one who could use it. But the next one is still questionable. One proposal comes from Glenda Atlee, our liaison in The Three Drunk Sages. She writes about her "deepest interest" in testing those modern weapons, along with the promise of "optimal use" in her hands.

Although I wasn't concerned she would misuse it, this would need multiple considerations.

I also tried to help Benimaru as much as I could with our forces to defend Tempest. Thanks to Guy, I have to divide many of my capable warriors into other Demon Lords.

It left me with a few defense forces, albeit it's still considerably strong.

I still have Benimaru's Kurenai, Gobta and his riders are still around, and some of the Ten Dungeon Elite are still here. I have two trump card which is my own personal army the Black Numbers, and the Dungeon.

But using a trump card from the beginning would be a terrible move. So I and Benimaru had to rack our brains together to find a better strategy for defending our nation.

To make things worse, I'm not only being faced with the upcoming Great Tenma War, but I also still have my work for daily activity in Tempest. Although most of them are already handled by Rigurd and other ministries, some major proposals need my approval. And I cannot approve carelessly if I don't want any future problems to arise.

Truly, if I were still in a human body right now, I probably would burn out.

But there's no time for mundane daydreams right now. I have to work it out, stat!

Fuhhh finally, after many hours…

I managed to finish all of this paperwork. And to my surprise, it's already evening!

"Good job today, Rimuru-sama."

Shuna came in with a sweet smile on her face. This time, it's genuinely a gentle smile, not with a scary premonition behind it.

"Thank you, Shuna. But I'm surprised it's already evening."

"Yes it is, you've been working hard. That's why, Rimuru-sama deserves a reward."

"Oh? I like presents. Oh, wait! Is it the muffin that you mentioned before?"

I asked full of hope.

"That's only part of it, Rimuru-sama. But, I also like to invite you for something else."

"Invite? Are you preparing a party, Shuna?"

"Umu!" she nodded happily. Seriously, a party? I didn't hear anything about this.

"Rimuru-sama! May I have your time-oh? Shuna? What are you doing here?"

Suddenly, Benimaru's voice could be heard. He stopped in the doorway after seeing his sister inside my office. He looked delighted for some reason, he smiled all the way and didn't stop smiling even after seeing his sister.

"Brother! We agreed to this, I would be the one who would invite Rimuru-sama!"

Shuna, on the other hand, was sulking and a bit angry although her tone didn't rise a bit.

Seriously, what's going on?

"Is that so? But Momiji is worried you might forgotten since it's already evening."

"Of course not, Brother. Rimuru-sama is very busy today, so I couldn't properly invite him at noon."

"Well, gladly it turns out Momiji's concern wasn't true. Anyway, forgive me Rimuru-sama. It's actually… Umm… Well, my sister will tell you the rest. I'll be going home first. See you soon, Rimuru-sama."

"O-ohh, sure? See you tomorrow Benimaru."

But before I could finish my sentence, Benimaru had already gone from my sight and headed straight home. He looks in a very good mood. I wonder why, but I'm glad he's not over-stressed by our situation.

Anyway, right now only me and Shuna in my office. I would love to have a party right now, but I wonder what kind of party it would be? Especially when Shuna is the one who orchestrated it.

"Shuna, did you have a party? I would love to come by if you intend to invite me."

"Of course! That's the purpose why I came to you right now, Rimuru-sama. I would like to invite you for a feast in my brother's house tonight."

"A feast? Oh, I would love to! But, on what occasion is this feast?"

"It's just for having a good time for family, Rimuru-sama. When our Father was still alive, sometimes he made a feast when something important was going to happen and spent the available time with the remaining family for… just in case, it would be the last. This time, it was my brother who held the feast."

"It's… actually a pretty sad reasoning."

I mean, to think that Benimaru might think that this Tenma War could probably take his life, I am really appalled. My right-hand man, my Samurai General, the ever-optimist Benimaru takes a precaution by having a feast in case this is his last moment with his family, made feel terrible for many reasons.

But just as when I started to imagine bad things that could happen, Shuna spoke.

"Rimuru-sama, please don't worry. I know what you thinking. But it's not like that. Although Brother did hold a feast, it's just for spending time with family after many of our busy schedules. Please, do not think Brother will leave you behind in the upcoming war, Rimuru-sama."

Shuna smiled while both of her eyes closed, with both of her hands holding each other in front of her. It's really calming my nerves after saw that smile.

I hope what she said is the truth. No, I believe what she said is the truth. We would never leave each other, and also, we deserve a break even when a crisis is in front of us.

But wait a minute, it's a family feast, right? I get why Shuna is joining, but me?

Hold on, does Benimaru also want me to come?

"Shuna, I would love to join but is it okay? I mean, I'm not your blood-related family."

"Rimuru-sama, please don't mind those little petty things like that. Family can be anyone, and anyone can be a family. We already saw you as a member of our family, just like you who treat us like a family, Rimuru-sama."

I feel some warmth after hearing those words from Shuna. I have no reason to refuse, and heck, I really wanted to join so badly.

"Thank you very much, Shuna. I will definitely come. Is it held in Benimaru's house?"

"Yes it is, Rimuru-sama. It will be special since Momiji and Albis are in charge of cooking. I really looking forward to how much progress they have made, fufufu".

She giggled lightly, covering her mouth while keeping both of her eyes closed. I giggled back.

"Umu, I would gladly look forward to this. Should we go now, Shuna?"

"Yes, it seems everyone is already waiting. Although I'm certain nobody wouldn't dare to have a first bite before Rimuru-sama arrived."

"Oh my… I would feel bad if Benimaru and his wives were feeling hungry right now. Let's go, Shuna. Let's go together."

"My pleasure, Rimuru-sama."

We both walked together out of the City Hall building and headed toward Benimaru's house.

The sky looks orange colored along with the pale yellow sun as it is almost down from the sky. The sight of sunset never gets old to enjoy.

Shuna and I walked side-by-side, and she hadn't spoken any words since we started walking. But I enjoy this silence.

The city is also preparing to have a rest, as the majority of the stores are closing their doors and covering their windows with curtains. The employees are bidding their farewells to fellow co-workers and their boss. Construction workers also preparing to go home, they look like tidying up their working tools and bringing them back to the warehouse.

The bars meanwhile, starting to get lively as many of these workers are taking their time to have some rest while chatting with friends. Not only the bars which getting more livelier, but the restaurants and cafes are also getting more crowded.

It's a very lively place and peaceful. Something I took pride in myself because I managed to build a place and environment such as this.

"We're here, Rimuru-sama. Let's get in, and make yourself at home. We will be glad to have you comfortable in this house."

Shuna spoke while taking off her sandals and immediately opened the front door for me.

Seriously, I probably have gone often being off-guard many times since I didn't realize I already walked pretty far away from City Hall.

"Thank you, Shuna."

I also took off my shoes and walked towards the front floor. I entered the house first and Shuna followed behind.

"Brother! Rimuru-sama has arrived."

Shuna call out to Benimaru.

Then out from the living room, Benimaru showed himself with a joyous expression and immediately walked toward me.

"Rimuru-sama, I'm very happy you could come here."

"I'm the one who is grateful for being invited. Is everyone waiting for me?"

"Of course, Rimuru-sama. We wouldn't dare to have any bite before you arrived."

I glanced at Shuna, and she showed a smile of pride after hearing Benimaru's words.

"Sorry, the paperwork is taking much longer than I wanted."

"Ahaha, don't worry Rimuru-sama. We understand you always doing your best for our sake. Then, let me and my family pay it back a little for you."

As we walked toward the dining room, I saw many various foods on the table.

There's some Western menu such as Pizza, Steak, Macaroni, and other Eastern foods such as Karage, Ozzoni, etc.

I was honestly a bit staggered but how much menu on this table, but Benimaru saw through me and immediately said, "Momiji is trying to cook some Eastern recipes while Albis did the Western ones. Really, albeit they are in pregnant condition, they really do their best to follow the recipes."

"You should be proud of your wives, Benimaru."

"Indeed I am, Rimuru-sama."

I pat his shoulders and gave him a smile. It's heartwarming to see him live happily with his wives like this.

"Ara, it's Rimuru-sama."

"Rimuru-sama, welcome to our home!"

Albis and Momiji appeared from the kitchen. They look a bit tired, but joyous upon seeing their husband already sitting on the chair and ready to have a bite of their cooking.

"Thank you for having me, Albis-san, Momiji."

"The pleasure is all ours, Rimuru-sama."

"Yes, please don't reserve yourself, and let's feast on your wholeheartedly!"

We all sat together on our respective chairs, along with Shuna who also had a seat beside me.

I really enjoyed the feast. It was delicious, although if I want to be honest, it still couldn't be on the same level as Shuna.

But hey, these two had never taken an interest in cooking before marrying Benimaru. So we should praise them for their cooking.

"I'm glad you looking happy, Rimuru-sama." Albis opened up a conversation.

"Thank you, Albis-san. All the food here is delicious." I replied.

"Indeed, Rimuru-sama is right. You have become better at cooking, Albis-san, Momiji-san." Shuna also joined along.

"Ara, thank you, sister-in-law. But it's all because of your guidance, without your help, I'm still going to cook some simple food."

"That's true, sister-in-law. I had never cooked before since my servant would always serve me one, but thanks to your guidance, I was able to make delicious food."

"Oh my, it's really not that big. It's all because of your effort to please my Brother here."

"And that's why I'm really happy to decide to have this feast," Benimaru interjects.

"It's a superb decision, Benimaru-sama. It's a wonderful experience for me." Albis responded.

"True, true! It really is a good decision to spend time with family." Momiji also responded with a cheerful tone, although she acted a bit restrained since her pregnancy was limiting her move.

"It also serves as a good rest. You should be doing this more often, Benimaru. Considering we would find ourselves in difficult situations each day." I also sprung into the conversation while taking a shot of brandy.

"And I would gladly do it whenever you came by, Rimuru-sama," Benimaru replied.

"Don't worry about me, Benimaru. Just do it anytime you want, but also with Momiji and Albis-san's consent. I probably won't be always attending, though."

"Why is that, Rimuru-sama?" This time, it was Shuna who asked.

"Well, I still have many things to do. I just hope we can have a peaceful day soon. Having Michael and Feldway somewhere out there is making my nerves wild at the times." I snickered since it was a bit of an exaggeration. I obviously could not fully calm down because of Michael and Feldway, but it didn't mean I was losing my soul.

But for Benimaru and the rest, this statement had successfully made them concerned.

"Rimuru-sama, are you stressed out?" Shuna asked.

"This is not good, Rimuru-sama. If you have gone tired, please rest assured and leave all matters to us." Benimaru also joins the fray.

Momiji and Albis just kept silent, since they had probably already been voiced by Shuna and Benimaru. But they still looked at me with great concern.

"Well truth be told, I didn't mean that I was tired physically. But I just feel like, it's getting exhausting just looking and thinking about the preparation for the war. It's nerve-wracking since I don't know when or where they would strike."

I let out a deep sigh after letting out my mind. It's an honest statement since I do want to have a break like this as well, but I don't think I can.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean I disliked having a feast like this, but I felt like I was bothering Benimaru's household if I kept doing this.

I know, I know. They already said that they are glad to have me, but it's still something that I am not fully used to.

Maybe, I just want some of my own blood-related family? I don't know.

"Rimuru-sama, I suggest you to have a break. Maybe a short vacation would help you to calm yourself. We don't want you to push yourself too hard." Shuna spoke.

"I agree with my sister-in-law, Rimuru-sama. Even Carrion-sama took a small break whenever he felt too much to take care of. Resting is a part of finishing work." Albis supports Shuna's suggestion.

"I would really love to, Shuna, Albis-san. But who would take care of the rest of-"

"We can handle it, Rimuru-sama. We all can." Benimaru cut my worries with a confident tone.

"Mm-hmm! Me and my dear Husband would help to take care of everything when you have a small break. Please don't worry about it, Rimuru-sama!"

"But Momiji, you and Albis-san are in pregnancy. You should not work too-"

"I can overseer many departments at once, Rimuru-sama. I'm confident my ability could be useful. Together with Brother and other ministers, we could handle your job for some time." This time, Shuna is the one who cut my worries.

"Don't worry about us as well, Rimuru-sama. We can still do some jobs at home, we may not be in a good shape to travel around, but we can help you finish your job here." Albis-san once again rebuked my worries.

I'm not gonna lie, it actually feels heavenly to have a companion who offered themselves to take my job and forced me to have a break.

As a good adult who is honest with himself, I take that offer without any more added drama. Tee hee.

But to make sure they didn't force themselves, I should ask one more time if this is really on their consent.

"Are you guys sure about this? I really appreciated it, but I still feel kinda bad to leave everything to you for a while."

"' Of course, Rimuru-sama! '"

They all voice their consent in unison, and then each of them adds more details.

"Leave the preparation for war to me, Rimuru-sama. I'll keep in contact with our warriors that sent to other Demon Lords territory. I'll find more strategies to use. Don't worry RImuru-sama, have faith in me." Benimaru vigorously stated.

"I would also handle the nation's needs every day and gather other ministries to help run our programs, Rimuru-sama. I'm sure Diablo-sama would also help with an excellent result." Shuna adds more from Benimaru's statement.

"We would also help everyone with anything they need, we don't want to keep our hands empty."

"Mm-hmm! I'm confident I could help more than just being a good wife for my dear Husband, Rimuru-sama!"

Albis-san and Momiji also speak their resolve in a high spirit.

I was baffled by this sight but also felt happy.

This is what a family truly is. To help each other and make selfless decisions. And it's inappropriate to reject their kindness.

"Thank you everyone. Then, from tomorrow on, I would like to have some free time for a while."

Things are going from one to another, but in the end, I could catch a break.

Hello everyone.
Good day to you.

For my readers from the first time I published this story, you noticed that this is not an actual first chapter of the story. So yes, I changed my chapter one along with the sub-title.

Reason? Well, let's say that one day I had time to write the continuation of the story, and to keep it at the same pace I was reading my whole story from the beginning. And truth to be told, I was extremely cringed when I read my first chapter. :D

It's so overly used trope for fanfiction to use boredom as a reason for Rimuru to have a break. Although I didn't change the main line of the reason why Rimuru had a break, I tried to make it more flowing, and not rush by suddenly calling out every minister to just say that Rimuru wanted a break. So, I hope you enjoy my edit on chapter 1.

Also, for new readers, welcome! I'm not a big author and just a big fan of the Tensura series. So expect some grammar errors, incorrect words, and probably some not-so-high-quality writing. But I do my best! And I hope it will bring you enjoyment when you read my story. If you wondered which time I used the story for the timeline, I used the middle of Volume 18 from the Light Novel for the time when this story took place.

It might bring huge spoilers about Rimuru's abilities for you who haven't read the LN or haven't read that far, but I tried to take it to minimal for some possible spoilers.

And hey, I don't mind critics and I really wanted to improve my writing. So, please feel free to review and point out which one I take a wrong turn. I will gladly reply to your reviews in the next chapter. Also for my friends who already reviewing chapter 15, I'm sorry I wouldn't reply to it in this chapter. I will reply to yours in the next chapter, and I hope you don't mind with that.

Anyway, please enjoy the story!