Rimuru POV:
It had been a week since the incident with the purple haired ogress, officially marking a full month since I started living in this village with the ogres, and four months since I was born into his world.
I was currently making my way towards the village center to meet with the princess who had been making me some new clothes. When she and the chieftess had found out that I didn't have any spare clothing aside from the ones I had been wearing they instantly pulled me over to the weavers building and had my measurements get taken. And over the last few weeks they've made a couple of clothes for me. Casual, formal and even a battle attire. I had to deny any armor though as I wasn't much of a fan, not to mention I had my [Dragon Scales] skill to increase my durability where my resistances failed.
Honestly I felt stupid that the elder ogre had managed to chop off my arm when I had such a skill at hand. But it was an important lesson, that just because I had some good skills, doesn't mean I shouldn't practice until using them until they became second nature to me.
Anyways, the princess had asked for me to come and create more [Sticky-Steel Thread] for them, honestly the ogresses had been asking for a ton of the stuff when they found out I could put my resistances into them. Unfortunately there was only one of me so I couldn't make as much as they would like in one sitting.
"Hey, have you heard the latest reports? Another settlement was attacked last night, apparently there wasn't a single survivor."
I couldn't help but stop in my tracks, my curiosity piqued. The ogres barely gossiped about the things going on outside of their village, let alone other intellectual species. And when they did it was usually important news brought in by the scouts, and rarely the hunters. There was a group of four ogresses talking, and while one normally wouldn't be able to hear what was being said, [Keen Sense] helped me pick it up easily
"Really, that marks the fourth goblin village this week. Those wolves sure are merciless."
Wolves? Goblins? I had so many questions that needed answers!!
"I heard the wolves were trying to take over the forest now that our guardian is gone."
"Surely they don't think they'd get far do they?"
"I don't know, but from I also heard that the dire wolf leader had evolved into a black wolf."
' [Great Sage] do you think you could shed some light on what they're talking about.' I could have asked the ogresses or anyone from the scouting team really, but this way felt a lot less nosy.
《Answer: Goblins are small humanoid creatures that live within the forest of Jura. They are among the weakest of intellectual species, but have a high reproduction rate. Dire wolves are canine creatures that usually live in packs of a 100, maybe more if a powerful leader is among them.
Based on the words of the ogres it's most likely the dire wolves are looking to expand their domain now that the individual Veredia's aura has vanished from the forest.》
'I see, so their wiping out the goblins to expand their territory.' It was a logical move on their part, wipe out the weaker species and claim that territory for themselves, but what would happen if other species in the forest ended up doing the same.
All this time I had been more worried about the external threats that I hadn't given much thought to the changes that would occur within the Great Forest of Jura itself. Without mother to keep the balance and watch over things, the creatures within the forest were most likely going to grab any opportunity to gain more power, be it through subjugating weaker species or wiping them out entirely.
I should have realized it sooner that someone would try to claim the top spot within the forest after the Storm Dragon was gone. And in all honesty I was tempted to leave it be. I mean mother had asked me to watch over the forest, but that didn't mean I had to get involved with every minor change that came from her disappearance.
' [Great Sage, what would happen if I were to leave the situation as it is?" While I was willing to sit back if the situation could resolve itself, I wasn't about to let something that could negatively impact the whole forest start.
《Answer: It would likely be the start of a major power struggle within the Great Forest of Jura. With various stronger monsters fighting vying for dominance, and the weaker ones being annihilated. The end result would most likely result in a major population drop, leaving the forest vulnerable to invasion or attacks from surrounding nations.》
'Man, what a dilemma…' I couldn't help but sigh, I'd hoped to enjoy being just another monster in the forest for a while longer. Cause I knew that once other monsters in the forest became aware the son of the storm dragon was here, a lot of responsibilities and expectations would be placed on me. 'So you think I should just declare my presence for the whole forest.'
《 Answer: Should you wish not to reveal yourself on a grand scheme, the best course of action would be to reveal yourself to the ogres to ensure their continued support, then personally deal with the goblin crisis.》
The ogres had certainly proved themselves to be trustworthy monsters, and had been very kind and welcoming during the course of my stay. My only concern was that if I revealed my true identity they would start treating me differently. When I first arrived they treated me like royalty and constantly tried to stay on my good side, it wasn't until recently they started treating me no differently than the next ogre while still maintaining some level of respect. If I told them who my mother was, they would down right worship me. And that was something I wanted to avoid.
Still, I'd known since day one that I couldn't hide it forever, and they deserved to know after they basically allowed me to move into their village and basically saved me from a life of solitude.
~~~
"Good morning princess." I greeted as I walked up to the slightly taller pink haired ogre. She looked as pretty as always.
"Good morning Rimuru." She greeted with a smile of her own as her head tilted sideways slightly. I could feel my heart beat slightly faster in that instant, and quickly moved my gaze away from her before I forgot why I was here.
"Listen, I know I said I'd provide you and the other weavers with more resistance threads today, but is there a chance I could speak with the Chief right now? It's kinda urgent." I told her as my face became serious. The princess looked confused for a second before she shifted to unsure. Bringing her the large sleeve of her left arm, she covered the lower half of her face as she closed her eyes in thought.
"Well, I don't know if now is a good time. He's currently in a meeting with other members of the village council regarding a matter that has come up in the forest." The princess explained, she really did look sorry about it too.
"This wouldn't happen to be about the dire wolves and goblins would it? Cause if so then that would be perfect, cause what I want to see him about is the goblin crisis." I pressed on, revealing myself in front of the entire ogre leadership wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it is what it is.
"Well, normally father wouldn't want to be disturbed during these council sessions. But…" She looked hesitant, before she met my gaze with her own, "I'm sure he won't mind if it's you, especially given what you want to speak with him about." She added with a nod of her head.
"Thank you." I said with a nod of gratitude. The princess merely giggled, a sound that was becoming more and more angelic the more I heard it, before leading the way. I gladly followed behind with what I was sure was a stupid smile on my face.
~~~
Ogre Chief POV:
"I see…" I muttered as I closed my eyes in deep thought. I'd just been given the full report on the attacks on the goblin settlements by the dire wolves.
To think the head of the pack had evolved into a black wolf. And to make things more concerning what had started as a pack of sixty male wolves had been growing rapidly. Apparently the evolved wolf had seen fit to take all the grown males from the other dire wolf packs within the forest, leaving the women and children to fend for themselves. And now the black wolf led a total of nearly two hundred dire wolves.
I wasn't concerned about the wolves or goblins, none of those creatures posed a threat to my people. No, what was more worrying was how quickly things had begun to change in the forest.
"I'd expected other creatures to take Lady Veredia's disappearance as an opportunity, but I never expected the dire wolves to be the first ones to act up on a large scale." I stated as everyone turned their attention to me, "While the wolves are of no concern to us given our superior strength, what concerns me more is the shift in balance. Many of the current territories where established by Lady Veredia herself, and some by those she chose to manage the forest, the dryads. With our guardian gone and the dryads not being sighted for centuries chaos is bound to fall into the forest."
"Father please allow me and my men to put a stop to the threat the wolves possess." My son asked as he went down on one knee and bowed his head.
I couldn't help the sigh that left my lips. My son, always eager to jump into battle. He still didn't understand that the wolves weren't the threat, it was the power struggle that would no doubt follow after should they be allowed to completely take over the goblin territory.
"Son, yo-" I was immediately cut off from what I was about to say as the door was opened and none other than Sir Rimuru came walking in, behind him my daughter who looked rather embarrassed and ashamed for just barging in without knocking, as she should be. "Sir Rimuru, is there something I can help you with. We're currently holding a meeting at the moment."
"I know, the princess told me." He said as he walked into the center of the room, "I hope you'll all forgive me for coming in unannounced, but I had to come whilst you were still having this meeting. I've decided to handle the goblin crisis myself."
That announcement shocked the entire room, many of the council members began to talk and mumble amongst themselves. I myself was intrigued by the sudden offer, Sir Rimuru was certainly strong enough to destroy the wolves if need be. The only question going through my mind was why he was doing this?
"We don't need you help majin!" My son suddenly shouted out to the shock of everyone in the room, all except Sir Rimuru himself who had an eyebrow raised towards him.
"Son, hold your tongue!!" I shouted both in anger and slight fear of what would happen if he angered our guest. Though I had to admit, Sir Rimuru rarely got angry at anything, as a matter of fact I'd yet to see him angry.
"I will not!" My son shouted back to my shock and that of the other ogres. He stood up and glanced at the other council members present, I felt a pit form in my stomach even before he spoke. "I can't be the only one that sees this majin for what he truly is!!"
"Brother, that's enough!!" The princess called out from beside our guest.
"No, let him talk." Rimuru suddenly spoke up, silencing all the ogres in the room as they turned to him in shock. However that shock quickly turned to concern as I saw a look in his emerald eyes I had yet to see from him.
On the outside he seemed calm and collected, but in his eyes a small amount of irritation and anger could be seen bubbling to those that looked carefully.
"He seems to have a lot to get off his chest. And he's obviously not going to rest until he voices his thoughts and gets it all out of his system." Rimuru added before turning his eyes back to the Young Master, "So go ahead Young Master, tell us what you were going to say about me."
This wasn't good, the situation was escalating faster than I could act to stop it. And at this point there was nothing I could do to stop it. Sir Rimuru had asked my son to speak, and knowing him he wouldn't hesitate to say exactly how he felt. If he wasn't careful this situation may just cost him his life.
"From the moment we first encountered you you've been looking down on me and my people, casually stepping on our pride! Casually accepting my father's hospitality and making him bow his head to you more than once! Earning the approval of my mentor just so you can learn and copy our techniques! Using your thread skills to make excuses to spend time with my mother and sister in order to earn their affection!" Several eyes wide in fear as we listened to my foolish son spitefully shout at our guest, that feeling in my chest getting heavier and heavier. And yet, it seemed as though he wasn't done. "And yet I haven't seen you do anything that is worthy of such treatment and respect! You're just some wandering majin who's strength is a bluff in the face of true power!!"
I…I was at a loss for words. I didn't even know where to begin. And judging by the frightful eyes of everyone in the room they were of the same opinion. Turning to Sir Rimuru I was surprised to see that he was actually by far the calmest person in the room. His expression not giving away anything, and his eyes so cold I couldn't help but flinch.
"You're right." Rimuru said as he closed his eyes much to the shock of everyone else in the room, myself included, "About the power thing, everything else you were wining about was just pure BS." He went on to clarify.
"W-what" My son stammered, completely stupefied by Rimuru's response.
"If you genuinely feel I've been looking down on you and your people then I apologize, that was never my intention. But if you claim comes from a place of arrogance and an ego taller than the mountains, then your so called pride can kiss my ass." Rimuru spat, his mask of a calm expression slowly fading into annoyance, "I genuinely like it here, and have done my best to be a good and respectable guest. I respect your father as the leader of this village and am grateful to the elder for all he is teaching me. As for your mother and sister, I just get along really well with them, giving away some thread is no problem."
"And we're supposed to just believe you. Guests come and go, but you seem to be slowly worming yourself into our way of life!" My son said, I watched in alarm as he drew his blade and pointed it at Rimuru. Many others gasped and even my daughter stepped back. "What are your intentions?! Have you come to rule over us or are you merely toying with us until you decide to kill us?!"
Rimuru looked at the blade that was pointed at him, all of us watching with baited breath to how he would respond to what was clearly a threat. If my son somehow managed to survive whatever followed I'd be sure to give him to highest punishment!
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Rimuru asked, his voice deceptively calm as he slowly brought his right hand to the hilt of his own blade, the air becoming thick and heavy, "I allowed you to air out your grievances so we could try and solve this peacefully. But, if you're gonna threaten me…" he slowly began to draw his blade, his eyes seeming to narrow into slits.
"Brother stop!!" My daughter stepped in between them with her arms spread out. Both Rimuru and my son looked shocked at her intervention. "Rimuru has been nothing but a kind and helpful guest since he first arrived in the village. Despite his prowess he hasn't looked down on us and has not made any outlandish demands, even going as far as asking us to treat him as we would any other ogre! You keep saying 'we' and yet you are the only one who's actually suspicious of Rimuru! Your claims and accusations are unfounded, and your actions are irresponsible! Threatening and attacking Rimuru is foolish and will only result in the deaths of our people! Are you willing to accept such a burden just to soothe your own pride?!"
The entire room was silent as everyone stared wide eyed at my daughter who stood glaring at her brother. I'd never seen her so angry before, sure I'd seen her get upset, but this kind of anger from her was something new to even me. Still I couldn't help but feel proud, watching her stand up to her brother for the sake of her people, not to mention preventing a fight from actually breaking out between Sir Rimuru and my son.
"Sir Rimuru." I spoke up, bringning all eyes on me, "Please forgive my sons rudeness and foolish behavior, I'll make sure his thoroughly punished." I said as I bowed my head once more. It was a shameful display from my son, and given the number of people in the room word was bound to get around.
"But farther-!"
"Quiet." I said sharply towards my son, causing him to flinch at the glare I cast towards him, "You've said enough." My son bowed his head begrudgingly, accepting that any further argument would only being him further trouble than he was already in.
"I didn't come here to pick a fight with the Young Master. His fragile ego and arrogance are the least of my concerns right now." Rimuru said as he turned his gaze away from my foolish son and towards me, "Right now I'm more concerned with the happenings of the forest."
Right, that is why he had come here in the first place. Sir Rimuru had claimed that he would handle the goblin crisis in the forest.
"Sir Rimuru, please do not worry yourself with this matter. We can handle it." He was a guest in our village, he was already helping out in various ways in the village. As proud ogres we couldn't rely on him to solve all of our problems.
"I'm not just doing this for the sake of the ogres." Rimuru suddenly said, his eyes closing as if thinking of something. "There is another reason I need to do this myself, and it has to do with something about myself that I have yet to tell you guys."
Before I or anyone else could ask Rimuru what he meant by that a sudden burst of black mist surrounded his body, only to vanish as swiftly as it came. Only Sir Rimuru was gone? Or so I thought until I heard several gasps coming from around the room, following their wide gazes I looked towards the floor and was shocked and surprised to see a dragon!!
Well to be more precise it was a hatchling, but still it was a dragon!!
"Sir…Rimuru?" I asked cautiously as I tried to wrap .y head around what was going on right now. Right now in our council chambers was a baby dragon big enough to easily be held in arms. I got my response in the form of a nod from the small dragon.
Its body black with the occasional blue diamond shaped scales, the underside white. Its eyes were green like that of our guest and its presence similar too. Was this Sir Rimuru's true form?
"As most of you have probably guessed, this is my true form." Rimuru spoke up, many of us still adjusting to the fact that there was actually a baby dragon in the room.
Usually they made their homes in the Canaat Mountain range found within the Dwargon Kingdom , with the strongest among them living at the highest mountain peak of Dwargon, commonly referred to as the Dragons Roost.
Was Sir Rimuru a hatchling that had wondered to far from home? No, that didn't add up with the story he had told us upon arrival, not to mention he hadn't spoken of any friends or family since his arrival.
"It seems proper introductions are in order." Rimuru said nervously before clearing his throat, "I am the elemental dragon Rimuru Tempest…son of the Storm Dragon, Veredia Tempest."
"….."
Everyone in the room was just staring at Rimuru, who seemed unbothered by the numerous shocked eyes on him, as they tried to process the revelation he had just dropped on us. Surely he hadn't just said what I thought he said, right?
"W-what?" Was the only intelligent response that I could offer in that moment.
The gaurds, the council members and even my own children had looks of disbelief as they looked at the dragon hatchling. If he truly was the son of our guardian Lady, then it would explain why my daughter had not been able to see the true extent of power even with her gifted insight. It would also mean that Sir Rimuru, no… Lord Rimuru was far stronger than we believe.
"A second Charybdis…" The elder muttered in just as much shock and disbelief as he stroked his beard. I honestly hadn't even thought of the other calamity class spawn of the storm dragon, still trying to process the fact that our guest was the Son of our guardian diety!
"A second what now?" Rimuru asked as he reverted back into his humanoid form and turned towards the elder.
"Charybdis, it is a calamity class monster that was born centuries ago, before Lady Veredia was sealed away. It is said that the monster was born from a mass of the Storm Dragons magicules." The elder explained, "My grandfather told me about it long ago. It is a beast without a will of it's own and lives for nothing but destruction, laying waste to anything and everything in its path. It is said to be impossible to permanently stop, as it resurrects every few centuries in a permanent cycle of destruction and carnage."
"Woah…" Rimuru responded as he looked mortified he then turned towards me nervously, "Hehehe, Chief. You don't think I'd do that, do you?"
"Of course not." I quickly responded, perhaps a bit too quickly. The last thing I wanted to do was put a strain in the good relationship our village had built with Lord Rimuru over the last month. "As the elder said, Charybdis is a monster without a will, it had no consciousness, and is driven by pure instinct alone. While you may both hail from Lady Veredia, that does not mean that you are similar in nature."
"Yeah…you're right." Rimuru nodded in relief, it was almost as if he had been worried about his own powers for a moment. "Besides unlike Charybdis, I'm not an offshoot of magicules. I was brought into this world the same way every dragon is, egg and all."
If Rimuru truly was born of the Storm Dragons blood, rather than magicules like Charybdis, then that meant he was stronger or had the potential to far surpass that of the calamity class monster.
"Still though, doesn't that make us siblings or something? Maybe half siblings?" Rimuru asked with the tilt of his head as he brought a hand to his chin.
"Hohoho, that wouldn't be entirely accurate Sir Rimuru." The elder responded with an amused chuckle, one I couldn't help but mirror.
"That's right, as you stated you were born of the storm dragons blood, unlike Charybdis. This and the fact that you possess a high level of intelligence means you are more similar to lady Veredia herself compared to any of her magical offshoots." I added on as Rimuru nodded his head and breathed out a sigh of relief, "If I may ask, was it Lady Veredia that gave you your name?"
"Yes…" Rimuru answered as his expression became a bit somber. "Apparently the hero's seal had been slowly draining her of her magicules, and given how long she had been sealed she told me she most likely had another hundred years or so before she lost all of her power and that she would most likely pass on when that happened. Naming me took a large amount of the magicules she had remaining, and so…."
Aahh, now things made a lot more sense. The sudden disappearance of the Storm Dragon, and the appearance of Rimuru in the forest not a few weeks later. Bringing a child into the world took a lot of power for monsters, and naming them was just as dangerous, especially after being weakened. If the seal truly had been draining the Storm Dragons power, then she must have used the last of that power to name Rimuru…
…her successor and heir.
The boy may as well be the young lord of the forest right now, and the most powerful creature dwelling within it too. It was a good thing they had earned his favor and trust long ago, otherwise who knows what could have happened.
"So yeah, that's why I need to see to the goblin crisis myself." Rimuru said bringing the attention to himself once more, "My mother entrusted me with the forest. She warned me of the changes that would occur both within the forest and the threats that may come from outside. It's why I agreed to train with the elder, and why I've been doing my own training from the village."
"…I see." I muttered, I could see the resolve in the young lords eyes, and knew there was no stopping him at this point. He wasn't here to ask for permission, he had just come to let us know that he would be leaving, "And I take it you will be leaving on your own?"
"It will be faster that way, I plan on taking to the skies as soon as I step outside. Hopefully I can reach the next goblin settlement before the wolves do. All I need is the general direction and I can figure it out from there." Rimuru said. I nodded my head a few times as I finally came to accept the reality of the situation. I nodded to the blue haired ogre who stood next to my son, he was part of the scouting team that had brought us this information. Nodding his head in understanding he then turned towards Rimuru.
"The last attacked goblin settlement was to the South West of here. From what we've seen the wolves are attacking these settlements at night, and by morning nothing will be left but blood and corpses. As it stands the wolves number about two hundred, all adult males, with the leader being an evolved black wolf." He explained with a straight, almost cold, expression. This ogre was a close friend of my son. He wasn't one to express himself often, always keeping a neutral or cold expression that deterred many other ogres. But his level head, and efficiency in scouting and intel gathering made him an invaluable member of the village.
"I see…" Rimuru said as he took in the information that had been presented to him, "That's a rather large pack for dogs though isn't it?"
"Under normal circumstances yes. Dire wolf packs usually number a hundred or slightly about, that's including females and children. However evolved creatures, or superior creatures tend to have a larger influence over weaker ones. In this case the black wolf leader has been taking grown male dire wolves from several packs within the forest and has amassed a small army." I explained to Rimuru.
"And the young and females?" Rimuru asked with a frown, most likely already having a guess as to what the answer would be.
"They were cast aside. Most of the females from the various packs have begun to group together in order to protect and provide for the young." I responded, it was truly a barbaric act, all for the sake of gaining more power and influence. And it seemed Sir Rimuru agreed if the way he clenched his fists was any indication.
"Alright, I think I've heard enough." Rimuru said as he took a deep breath to calm himself before letting it out. "Okay, if that's everything then I best be on my way now."
"Ah wait Sir Rimuru." I called out as I stood abruptly, "At least allow some of my men to escort you on your endeavor." I suggested.
"Thanks but no thanks." Rimuru stated as he turned back towards me. We all watched in surprise as black scales began to form on some parts of his skin with specks of blue, two white horns appeared on top on his head and two big draconic wings sprung out his back, "I intend to fly there, the sooner I put a stop to this the better. At full speed I can probably make it in time to intercept the wolves at the next goblin village. Worst case scenario I catch them in the act."
"I see…" I didn't like it, but I had to accept that any attempt to help Lord Rimuru at this point would only be holding him back, besides he's more than capable of handling himself against a bunch of dogs and goblins, so there was no need for me to be concerned. "Very well then, I wish you luck Sir Rimuru." I said with a quick bow, an action that was promptly followed by all the other ogres.
"Thank you everyone." Rimuru said, his voice warm and happy, "I should be back home within a week at the most." He said before running out the room and therefore not hearing the way many of the ogres gasped and began to whisper at his words
'Home huh?' I couldn't help but think with an amused chuckle. It was good to know that Sir Rimuru felt at home with our people, and our decision to welcome him and ally ourselves with him turned out to be the right one in the end, "To think we've been hosting the next lord of these lands as our guest." I couldn't help but laugh a bit at the irony of it all.
After taking a minute to compose myself, I gathered the attention of all present, silencing those who had been whispering and chatting about the recent revelation.
"Listen up everyone, this revelation may just change everything within the forest of Jura." I started out by stating the obvious, "If Lord Rimuru truly is the son of Lady Veredia, which I believe is the truth, then it is a good thing that we have made an ally of him, and it is of utmost importance that it remains that way. As her heir, he'll more than likely become the next ruler of these lands given time." I said casting a glare at my son as I stressed the importance of our relations with Rimuru.
"Chief, how should we tell the other villagers about this? Should we tell them?" One of the council members asked. It was a valid question. At this point it was better for us to take the side of caution and have everyone be in the know.
"Yes, I will make the announcement this afternoon." I declared before turning towards my son, "Now, as for you…" He flinched, he knew he was in trouble, but most likely he was only acknowledging that now since Rimuru had revealed his heritage.
"Father I-" I cut him off by raising my hand to silence him. I honestly didn't want to hear any of his excuses, nothing he said would justify his behavior.
"The way you've acted towards our guest has been nothing short of shameful, and all because you couldn't see past your own foolish pride. You've disrespected him, insulted him and now you dared to point your blade at him." I chastised as my son looked down, he seemed able to grasp the gravity of how his actions could have cost us. However there was one thing I needed to make clear to him, "Sir Rimuru chose not to punish you for your actions, but that was mainly due to the intervention of your sister. Had she not done so there was a chance you would not be alive right now."
While Rimuru didn't seem the type to kill without significant reason, which one could argue this qualified since my son had pointed his blade at him, that didn't mean the next powerful majin they came across would be as understanding and kind. If my son was to lead our people one day he needed to learn to set aside his pride for the betterment of the people who followed him.
"For your punishment I will be taking away your right to wield a sword until such a time that I feel you have redeemed yourself or feel you have learned your lesson." I said as my sons head shot up at me with wide eyes.
"B-But father, I cannot grow stronger without my blade!!" He shouted, clearly shocked but honestly it was what he deserved.
"You should have thought about that before raising and pointing it at our guest. I mean what were you thinking when you did that? Lord Rimuru allowed you to verbally air your grievances and frustrations, but what you did after was taking it a step too far!!" I shouted as my own anger was beginning to surface, my aura beginning to flare as I glared at my foolish son. It had been a long time since I'd had to scold any one of my children. "Taking into account that none of us knew his heritage, we have no reason to attack a someone with such immense power, especially when they don't have any intent to do us harm!! Your actions could have cost not just your life but the lives of every ogre in this village! How can you not understand that?!"
My son didn't respond, his gaze returning to the floor once more. The other ogres in the room silent, knowing it was not their place to speak right now. I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down, my aura receding as I did so.
"Your blade." I spoke up in the silence of the room.
The implications were clear, and my son understood. He slowly and hesitantly unbuckled his sheathed blade from his waist before presenting it to me whilst holding it vertically with both hands. I took the blade and placed it in my lap.
"This will be returned when I feel you are ready. You'd best hope that Lord Rimuru doesn't hold your behavior for the past month against you."
~~~
Treyni POV:
I am Treyni, and I am one of the dryads of the Great Forest of Jura. My sisters and I have watched over this forest in place of our lady for many centuries, having been appointed it's managers. Our job was to maintain the balance of the forest as well as ensure that all threats to our lady's domain were removed.
We were grateful to Lady Veredia for taking in my sisters and I all those years ago. Watching over her forest was the least that we could do to repay such a tremendous debt. Not to mention it was now our home as well.
But, unknown to others there was another task that our lady would entrust us with every once in a while. A secret that she kept so well hidden that none knew about it, except us.
…and that was the fact that our lady was with child.
She told us of how she had laid the egg thousands of years ago, that had yet to hatch, much to her dismay. She never went into the specifics, only stating that she knew that the egg would hatch one day and her heir would be brought into this world.
It was a sad tale if I'd ever heard one, but her resolve and belief to protect and watch over the egg until the day it hatched was awe-inspiring. Not many monsters would have bothered, even among the intellectual species. Most would just assume the child was too weak and had most likely died, but our lady believed otherwise.
Whenever our lady left the forest for one reason or another, she would leave the egg in our care. Trusting us to nurture and protect in her stead.
I can't even begin to explain what an honor that was, to know that Lady Veredia trusted us so!
We carried out that task to the best of our ability. Keeping the egg within the dryads and treants territory. My sisters and I watched over the egg at every moment, keeping it warm and protected from harm or the changing weathers of the forest.
However it wasn't long until our lady was sealed away by a powerful hero. Her egg with us at the time. We offered to watch over the egg in her place, and swore we wouldn't let any harm come to the young lord or lady within.
However she denied us, claiming that she wanted to be there when her child came into the world. She wanted to be the first one the child saw and vice versa.
In the end we left the egg within the cave with our lady, and resumed our duties as guardians of the forest, protecting our lady's domain. Doing our best to repay the kindness and trust she had shown us
And now, three hundred years after her sealing, our lady's aura had vanished from the forest, though we was not concerned. No we were elated! Happy! For our lady had finally met her child just as she had been wishing for a long time now!!
The young lord was named Rimuru, and he in turn gave them both the family name Tempest. After exchanging a few more words the young lord would then go on to use a rather peculiar unique skill to consume the barrier surrounding his mother, consuming her in the process too. With the promise of releasing her someday.
Ever since then, we have been keeping an eye on the young lord. Watching as he easily made his way up the sealed cave, devouring and gaining the abilities of various monsters. We watched as he his one sided encounter with the humans that had come to explore the cave. We watched as he met and settled into the ogre village.
We watched, and watched, waiting for the chance where we would be able to present ourselves to him. And so, when I finally learnt through the whispers of the plants and trees that Lord Rimuru would be leaving the ogre village to settle the goblin massacres I couldn't help but see a chance.
"Sisters." I called out to my sisters Trya and Doris, whom had been enjoying some time making flower crowns within our part of the forest, "It seems Lord Rimuru has decided to involve himself in the goblin-wolf crisis. This may just be the chance we've been waiting for to present ourselves to the young lord."