The End Of Falsehood

by Bisel13

The Saderan Empire has grown into a major powerhouse across the Falmart continent. Yet, their achievement had made them become arrogant and destructive. The Gods cannot sit idly and let the Empire do whatever their wish. And so, they agreed to unleash their authority to punish the Empire. They would give the Empire, an enemy beyond imagination.

9. Chapter 8: The Table Started To Turned

Chapter 8: The Tables Start To Turned

One day after the overwhelming victory for Tempest against the massive Saderans invasion, the campsite had been full by prisoners.

The prisoners are having a larger numbers than the capturer.

This is because Tempest prioritizing to defeat the invaders and not slaughter them out of mercy. If only the Saderans were more stronger, Tempest would dealt them with more brutal way. It might be a dishonorable way for a warrior to treat the enemy lightly, but for this time, it would resulting a more impressive display of power by capturing most of them with zero loss on their side, rather than slaughter them all. Besides, as Rimuru already pointed out, the one who should be wary about is the maker of the Gate, not the Saderans.

Because of this, Tempest had roughly 100.000 prisoners right now.

The intelligence bureau had estimated that the number of Saderans who actually manage to cross the gate were about 118.000, including the cavalry that came at night. Based on the spies that infiltrate the Saderans, there are over 20.000 troops that didn't make it to even cross the gate.

There are two reasons.

The cavalry was actually still have around 30.000 after the initial assault. But last night, the Saderans were only sent 20.000. This is because the Saderans want to make some reserve and save some cavalry for something that might be an emergency. So they left behind 10.000 cavalries in their camps.

The wyvern riders and several patricians private army didn't made it to cross the Gate because of the chaos that errupted after the emergence of giant pit under the levvies who took the front row. So they ran back to their camps and not even try to cross again.

Some corps commander such as Gelond felt wary if these remaining troops would try to invade again, but Gobua assured him that the Saderans would never make a step on their land anymore. The reason is simple.

The Saderans now are leaderless.

Tempest intelligence had proven to be very fearsome once again for it's ability to recognize an important figure amongs the Saderans troops. Because of this, Gobua and her man could recognize many of important figures between the prisoners and survivors.

And right now, Tempest had taken hostage of Prince Diabo, Marquis Kallios, Count Formal, and many other generals and patricians.

These high-ranking prisoners were held in captive in seperated place with a little luxury given for them as respect. But the fact they're still a prisoners isn't change.

Marquis Kallios was captured during the blockade of the Gate led by Gazat. The Dragonewts were focused on disarming the Saderans and hit them "gently" so they didn't died. After the surrender, the Red Numbers and Blue Numbers were screening every last of the surrendered soldiers and manage to identified Marquis Kallios between them.

Count Formal was more like being saved rather than captured. After the surrender from Saderans, the medic unit from Tempest immediately sprung into action. The Yellow Numbers had lifted the ground that was collapsed before and the fallen soldiers were taken in emergency treatment as soon as possible. This is the place where most of the killed victims were found. Most of them because of the injury caused by the falling from such height. Some were also died because crushed by another fallen person or rocks from nearby. Count Formal is one of the lucky who manage to be found when he's in dying state.

Prince Diabo was, well, you already know how he got captured.

This situation cannot be sustained for long for several reasons. That's why, starting today, the prisoners were gradually taken to the capital by magic transfer circle. However, the transfering process would take times as each magic circle could only take 50 people at a time. It will take some other 2 days to fully transporting these prisoners to the capital.

The high-ranking prisoners were transferred much earlier and had taken into a seperated place.

While the regular soldiers were taken to the 70th floor in the Dungeon, the high-ranking prisoners were taken into a newly prison cell in Tempest's prison. It's not a luxurious cell, but it has better accommodation than the reguler prisoners.

At this point, Tempest executives trying to figure out the best way to utilize the situation.

Rimuru had set a clear goal. Pacify the Saderans, and figure out who the Gods and Goddess on the other side of the gate then judge whether they could be a friend or foe.

The appearance of the Gate followed by hundred of thousands hostile Saderans didn't give a good first impression. But Rimuru, as naïve as he is, wanted to give a chance to figure out the truth behind all of this.

Now the Saderans had lost more than 100.000 of their troops, most got captured and taken prisoners, they certainly won't be able to make another assault in short-time. But for good measure, Souei still placed his agents across the gate to monitor the remaining Saderans.

Right now, Rimuru was occupied with a task to ease the world leaders in World Council along with Testarossa.

The appearance of the Gate had surely make the whole world got shaken and curious to know more about it. The new world is surely pretty tempting to be explored. However, it is quite unfortunate since the Gate was appeared in Jura Tempest Federation, the most influential nation in the whole world.

Some bigger nation such as Dwargon or Sarion still has a better chance to make a bargain, but for smaller nation such as Ulgrossia and Siltrosso, the chance for participating was nearly zero.

Even right now, if not for Rimuru's personal kindness, the World Council won't be able to get an updated information and a chance to even speak about it. Because if Rimuru wanted to, the gate could be taken as his own and never bothered to share anything about it to the rest of the world.

Yet that was not what Rimuru wanted. He wanted to keep everyone happy as much as possible. Tempest may have grown into the most influential nation across the world, but it would leave a bad taste in his mouth if the rest of the world viewed Tempest as a villain. That's why he shared everything he can to give, leaving some confidential parts for a better time.

But Rimuru shouldn't be worried about it too much actually. For many reasons, and some events that happened in the past, Jura Tempest Federation had forged a strong alliance with other major nation. The Armed Nation of Dwargon, Sorcerer Dynasty of Sarion, Farmenas Kingdom, Nasca Namrium Ulmeria United Empire (or Eastern Empire for short), Holy Empire Ruberios, and Kingdom Of Ingracia had forged a permanent alliance with Tempest. These major country, along with other small yet hold a great influence nation such as Blumund, had created an unrivaled political bloc.

The only hope to destroy this bloc is wishing them would fight each other somehow. Yet, even if Rimuru doesn't exist to maintain the alliance, these major countries had taken too much benefit from it that they wouldn't ever dare to break it.

That's why, these kind of thing in World Council is something that smaller nations should feel grateful because Rimuru is still acknowledge them as independent existence, no matter how small their influence is.

But some nations, especially who just got new leadership, are trying to push their luck.

Today is the hearing session inside the World Council hall in Kingdom Of Ingracia. Rimuru had become a center of attention in that hall. Accompanied by Testarossa and her other staff, Rimuru explained what he deemed plausible to shared.

He want to keep several things to be in secret, at least for now. Especially the recent success on capturing several high-ranking status on enemy side. He concerned about the chance that these nation wanted to do in undeveloped world.

Although the world has turned to be better, some people are still stucked in an old mindset such as going to war for glory, and expand for increasing influence.

Rimuru had updated that the enemy on the other side had been identified as Saderan Empire. He explained that the Saderan Empire is the largest empire and have several vassal states. The scale on how vast they were are still investigated, but the info he have for now had found that the Saderan has a bigger territory than Eastern Empire.

After that, Rimuru pointed on estimation about how much strength they possessed. Although it's not as impressive as Eastern Empire who have millions of soldiers, having more than 100.000 soldiers for single campaign is no joke either. It is quite dreadful to think how many soldiers these Saderans could raise.

On final stage, Rimuru carefully explained about his plan to entering the Falmart continent and pursue a peaceful resolution between Tempest and Saderans. Rimuru emphasize that are still many things he didn't know about Falmart, and it could be still some danger are lurking around in that world.

He pointed out that the Gate is eerily made with something looks similar with Alienium, a same material that was used as exoskeleton in Insectars race. It could be dangerous to engage the whole world on the other side of the gate without any knowlegde, and he asked to trust Tempest on handling this issue.

"That's why, I've planned to sent a special task force to get to know the world better before we can make further planning. We will start with an attempt to bring the Saderans to negotiation table before any unforeseen hostilities could arise. And for that, I implore you ladies and gentlemen, to let me have a control on the situation first before I gave you a green light on making your own move towards the world beyond the gate. That's what I can say to you all for now. Any questions?"

Several hands had raised, then Rimuru letting them to speak their questions.

Many of these questions were good and yet simple question. The majority had asked on how long it will take to have a full control of the situation, will there any othe threat came from that world, will there any other gate could appeared on their doorstep, etc.

Rimuru answered these questions with all honesty since at this point, there is nothing to hide.

But some questions had manage to make him felt bothered. Several young nobles who came as representative of their nation had questioned him about why it should be handled by Tempest alone. They argue that this Gate could pose a danger to their world, and therefore the world should unite to handle this phenomenon.

It's a pretty fair point, but Rimuru didn't approved this because he knew their real intention. Because of his experience since he made Tempest joined the Western Council, he had met with many people who were cunning and could go as far as try to claim his Dungeon for themselves.

Rimuru already knew the real intention was to claim a new land on Falmart, and confidence of their own superior strength compared to Saderans. He was sighing upon seeing that scene.

But thankfully, he didn't have to be the only one to answer those arguments.

"My apologies, but may I say something? Thank you. Listen, we still didn't have any valid information about what kind of world beyond that gate. Tempest had better equipments and personel to uncover it. We were only need to sit tight and enjoy our time, while Tempest will getting the brunt of the possible danger from whatever that world could pose. Is this not appealing?"

A fine looking old man with pointy ears and short blonde hair politely interrupt the discussion. He came as representative from Sarion. And his name is Elalude, the Archduke and uncle of the Empress.

Some of the greedy nobles tried to rebut, but soon got cut from another prominent figure.

"We are still recovering from Great Tenma War so we won't even have a sufficient manpower to assist, let alone running other agenda. Tempest is one of the only nation that could handle this properly. I'm glad that I don't have to do anything."

The answer came from Hinata, the Chief Of The Holy Knight Order. Usually she's not into this kind of meeting, but Luminous had asked her to personally become representative along with Pope Louis.

The crowd getting silent for a while, before she continued again while looking at other representative from one major nation, "Well, at least for Ruberios we're not ready to assist Tempest for now. But if other nation would appeal to join, then I have no business for butting in."

The representative smiled upon hearing that statement from Hinata. He understood right away about Hinata's intention, and he decided to play along.

"The Empire were also in busy to aid our vassals which affected by the destruction from Ivarage. Although we have the manpower to assist, we believe that Tempest's decision to handle this by themselves is the best scenario for us. My Emperor would also agreed for this."

Minits, the Prime Minister of Eastern Empire had come to represent Masayuki the Emperor. Technically, Eastern Empire could join in if they have a good reason. Their military has been second only to Tempest as a nation, and they could obliterate the whole Falmart just like Tempest could do.

But, although they have a proper military prowess and stable internal affair, they are still far below Tempest in every way. They are still in transition process after the death of their ever lasting Emperor Rudra, and some mess that was created by previous aristocrats. Their Emperor, Masayuki, is also a personal friend with Rimuru and many people know it. Minits didn't want to push any scenario that could tarnish it.

Besides, what he said earlier was true. The Empire had been in process for recovering and develop a new economic system that was made by their previous Emperor. It's better to focus more on their own problems rather than joining other nation's affair.

And then, to add more support for Rimuru, another figure speak up.

"Our nation is in great debt of gratitude toward Tempest and that's why we would aid them if they need it, but Your Majesty Rimuru didn't ask any, right? Besides, the gate was appeared in Tempest territory, it is their own right to handle it by themselves, right?"

Youm, the first King of the newly created Farmenas Kingdom, speak up in the forum. Farmenas is the least affected by the Great Tenma War, but they had sent quite number of soldiers to aid other nation during the war.

Youm didn't wanted to butt in to Tempest internal problems because of his personal debt of gratitude and didn't want to put his nation in bitter circumstance with Rimuru. Besides, he didn't want to annoy the literal existense of the strongest in the whole world.

There are many other nation that support Tempest decision, but the voice from Elalude, Hinata, Minits, and Youm are enough to show the rest of the Council member that Tempest couldn't be bothered by any means.

In the first place, it was crazy to annoy the strongest nation in the world along with many other strong people who live in it. But, some people are just blinded by greed.

…

The forum has ended and the decision to let Tempest handle the gate by themselves was agreed.

Now, it's time for taking a break and enjoy a banquet.

It's a good opportunity to have some personal conversation and having a good time with allied nation's presentatives.

Because of this, Rimuru is having a dinner together in a large table with Gazel, Fuze, Elalude, Minits, and Youm.

Hinata had already came back home earlier for her respective duties, so she didn't joined the dinner. But she had already have some words with Rimuru, and Rimuru expressed his gratitude for her.

And now, at the dinner table,

"Guys, thank you for standing up for me before. I'm really grateful for that, you know?" While munching his meal, Rimuru expressed his gratitude.

"Hahaha, no prob Boss. It feels good to being able to help." Youm being the first to respond.

"Hm, it's been a while I felt I can do something for Tempest. But it sure feels strange." Elalude joined in.

"What do you mean, Elalude-san?"

"There are still people who think they can put Rimuru down on their foot. Is that what you mean, Elalude?" Now it's Gazel who speak up.

"Yes. Not just Rimuru-dono himself, but the Tempest as a whole. But no, I think to put Tempest under their feet is not a right depiction." Elalude retorted.

"If I may to add, I agree with Elalude-sama's last statement. Everyone knew who Rimuru-sama and his nation, and they knew they couldn't make a dangerous move toward Tempest. They just saw an opportunity and tried to win it with political argument." Fuze who came as representative from Blumund had joined in.

"But it's based on greed, right? Even for me, I wouldn't dare to interrupt Tempest's plan for anything." Youm responded.

"In my eyes, it's a combination of greed and opportunity. If your report is accurate, Rimuru, than even the smallest nation here could put up a fight then emerge victorious against Saderan Empire. It's a tempting circumstance to gain more influence and national value. It makes people thirst of wealth, then proceeded to get greedy. And, there comes the opportunity to get it." Gazel had stopped his munch and speak while looking at Rimuru.

"Eh? What do you mean with opportunity, Gazel?" asked Rimuru.

"Your kindness had made them bold enough to intentionally interrupt your plan. If the gate were happen to appeared in their nation, they wouldn't even say a word about it. The only way we would know about it is through our intelligence work. But here we are, having you generously sharing a lot of information about it. Of course some people would use that to push their own satisfaction."

A brief silence happened after that. Rimuru pondered if his decision to share information about the gate was wrong, but he didn't want to be labeled as a bad nation who keep secret to something that could endanger the whole world.

But before Rimuru could say anything, Elalude came to speak again.

"Although I agree with you Gazel, I also agree on Rimuru's decision to share this important phenomenon and gave every possible information. Rimuru's kindness is not to blamed, but a greed that lit up inside several people are understandable as well. It was just how things are happening around the world."

"I never said Rimuru is at fault, Elalude. I'm just stating that Rimuru made an opportunity. It was up to us to decide what action would be taken." Gazel retorted.

"Well, I agree with all of that. But Boss, don't feel bad about it. If those pesky nobles tried to do something, I got your back." Youm gave a hearty smile.

Hearing that statement, Rimuru somehow were able to smirk.

"Thank you Youm. But I also think Gazel is right. Do you think I should keep doing this? Or it would be best to just keep it by myself?"

This question had made everyone look at each other. But then, the one who kept silent all the time had finally speak.

"I think we would appreciate you more if you kept sharing an information like this, Your Majesty Rimuru. Because if something happen, it would be more beneficial for us to know about it beforehand," then he put both of his hand on table, "at least that is for our Empire."

Minits had expressed his mind. The gate was appeared almost near their border. Although it's technically still under Jura Tempest Federation territory, but the location is closer to their border than their Tempest's capital. If something happened about it, the Eastern Empire would also get a brunt of it.

Hearing this, Fuze also joined.

"Just like Minits-dono had said, it would be beneficial for us to get to know about it as much as we can before something big happened. We don't have to rely on our intelligence network, and instead we can put our trust to you."

Then, Gazel continued, "Rimuru, even though I said you're creating the opportunity to make other nation become greedy, but it's not your fault. If you want to keep being seen as a good nation, than don't hesitate to share a valid information. Dwargon would appreciate it more rather than have to figure out by ourselves."

Rimuru looked around to see Elalude and Youm had also nodded and smiled. They won't need any other words to say that they have a same conclusion.

Because of this, Rimuru felt relieved and happy for it. He still need to learn a lot about political issues. But he's blessed with reliable allies.

"Thank you, guys. It's a very good help. I'm lucky to have you all supporting me like this."

"Hah, don't think too much about it, Rimuru. What you need to do right now is to focus on your role handling the situation." Gazel responded.

"Boss, just tell me if you need something. Although, I'm sure you can do it by youself."

"Well, I'm sure Blumund would gave anything to help."

"Masayuki-sama might wanted to know more about it later though, Your Majesty Rimuru. So please keep update the situation."

The dinner had finished, but the talks aren't. Yet, for Rimuru, it is a good time to share with good allies.

…

Back home in capital city Rimuru, the high-ranking prisoners were wondering what would happen to them. It would be normal if they were executed right away or getting enslaved instead being held captive like this..

But none of the worst idea came true. They were treated well. They are in prison but they got a warm bed to sleep, 3 times meal a day, a private bathroom, some books to read and writing tools.

It was more surprising since all of the book were written in Saderan language. It's baffling how can a monsters from this world could understand their own language. Some have speculated that maybe they share a same language, but many were disagree since they could hear the enemy were shouting a foreign language during a battle.

Count Formal is dilligently reading those books. He likes to learn something new, but it doesn't mean he's good at it. He have to read one book several times to fully understand it.

Unlike Count Formal, Prince Diabo is having a sharper brain. Prince Diabo finally touch the books in hope to calm his nerves because he got anxious on how this nation would treat him after they know his status. Because of this, Prince Diabo manage to read several books just in one day.

Several patricians and senators who also a scholar found that reading the available books were a good activity since they don't have much anything to do.

The books that provided in their bookshelf were actually about the history of Tempest, basic geography around the world, science developments, and basic guides of magic, skills, and arts.

This is Rimuru's idea to educate these high-ranking prisoners about the world they were stepping in, while also entertain them with a positive activity.

Albeit, the books that provided were strictly selected as to not causing any backfires on Tempest.

It is also decided by other executives that they need to be monitored. So they sent several special guards to keep an eye on these prisoners.

These special guards are also a scholars who have a vast of knowledge about the contents of every book that provided for these prisoners. They would act as facilitator and mentor, while keep an eye for them to not getting further about their newly acquired knowledge.

These special guards were taken from schools, university, and researchers. Many of them were actually volunteered since it's deemed as a honorable task to educate foreigners about Tempest.

One of the volounteers is a female school teacher named Tiss.

Tiss is a former homeroom teacher of S class in Freedom Academy in Ingracia. S class is a special class since it's initially filled with troubled kids. It only has 5 students, named Kenya Misaki, Ryota Sekiguchi, Alice Rondo, Gale Gibson, and Chloe Aubert. These 5 kids are trouble maker, but it's understandable since they would die in less than 5 years.

Only after Rimuru had come and become their teacher that these 5 troubled students become obedient. There's many story about this, but Tiss is satisfied with the fact that these 5 students were finally being able to be saved.

She take the honor of succeeding Rimuru to become their homeroom teacher until Rimuru taking them into his own care. Ever since then, Tiss had sworn she would never leave any troubled student ever again.

She idolize Rimuru and felt a debt of gratitude toward him because he had opened her eyes about the important thing about becoming a teacher.

And so, after hearing the need of volunteered to become a special guards for the captured invaders, she took it without any hesitation. Perhaps, she thought, it will ease her debt of gratitude while also improving herself.

This time, she wouldn't face a troubled young kid. This time, she would guide an adult who's done a wrongdoings.

…

"Excuse me, umm, Tiss-san?"

"Yes, Count Formal?"

On today occasion, Count Formal is allowed to get out from prison to wander around the city with a guard following around. This is also a special treatment for those who want to learn more about Tempest.

During the outing, Count Formal noticed that all of the citizen spoken a foreign language. He couldn't help but to wonder about something.

"I've been wondering all this time. How could you understand our language?"

"Oh right, you must be wondering about it for all this time right?" Tiss giggling upon hearing the question, but soon answered "It's because of this device, Count Formal."

She turn her body sideway, lift her hair, and pointed her right ear. There, Count Formal could see something round shaped has filled the ear hole.

"What is that?" he asked.

"It's a translation device, Count Formal. This device allowed me to automatically translate your words and mine so we can understand each other during conversation. The mechanism is inspired by the [Extra Skill: Magic Sense] which transform the sound wave around magicules become an information particle that could be perceive by ourselves, without having to know about your language in prior. This is newly made, amazing isn't it?"

"That's very amazing!"

Count Formal has been learned a lot ever since transferred into this prison. He already absorbed by the books, but now ever since Tiss had come to accompany him study during the day, his knowledge about this world has been one of the best between the prisoners.

Because of this, Count Formal had been mesmerized about this world, especially about Tempest. He have been wondering how can he's been saved from those fatal injuries ever since he regain consciousness. Only after learning about potions in this world, he knew that was being used to heal his injuries.

He have learned about this world's lifestyle, literature, culture, important figures, and scientific knowledge along with it's magic, skill, and arts.

He concluded that Jura Tempest Federation is far more superior in every way compared to the Saderan Empire. He saw there's no opportunity for the Empire to win a battle against Tempest.

But the most prominent thing he have learned is the one figure who lead this great nation.

Rimuru Tempest.

Not only in books, but Tiss also tell him about all of his greatness with personal emotion.

At first, Count Formal felt a lot of scepticism about how these books portrayed their king. It must be just a propaganda or fake stories to uplift his image.

But the scepticism finally cracked when Tiss shared her personal story.

"I have known him personally, do you believe it?"

"Well, I'm not sure. I mean, he's a king right? How can he know you who's only-"

"A mere school teacher, I know right? But here is the amazing part. I know him ever since he became a teacher as well in our school." Tiss smiled proudly, remembering those days when she didn't have any clue about who Rimuru really is.

"Teacher? Isn't he a king?"

"Yes, he is. But he hide his true identity, and formally accepted as a teacher. He become a homeroom teacher of a particular class where the students are in troubled condition. There is no teacher, except for our headmaster, who dare to come in their class and educating them. That was… my dark history." Tiss could never forget the day she ran away from the class, abandoning the students in bad state.

It was a day she condemn herself as a failure as a teacher.

"But there he is. Rimuru-sama without hesitation accepted the role, and immediately make a bond with the students. He gain their trusts, and before anyone realized, he have changed the students into the best student the school ever have." Tiss continued after a short pause.

Tiss didn't finished there, as she kept on continue "I never resenting myself as much as that day. Rimuru-sama had showed me how to be a teacher, and what a teacher should do towards the student when they need adult presence at the most. On that day, I vowed to myself that I would never abandon any students who's in need ever again."

"And that's Rimuru-sama for you. I never knew he's already a king that day. I never knew the reason why he came to our academy to teach those troubled students. But of all thing I know is he's such great person. He's not such an entitled king, he's humble person who would always acknowledge other's opinions, he's kind and would always do everything to protect his loved ones, he's merciful and forgiving and wouldn't let any problems deter his goal-Oops, I'm sorry. I have spoken too much didn't I?" Tiss once again giggled until her eyes closed.

"No, it's okay. I can feel how much you're respecting him."

"Fufufu, I'm glad you understand, Count Formal. It's quite funny isn't it? I was inspired by someone who's not even a full fledged teacher. That's just to show you how great Rimuru-sama is."

"I… I understand."

Count Formal is not young. He have lived for four decades and experienced enough to know when people are lying. He have familiarize with every sign of people who are genuine and fake. Their tone, their body languages, their eyesight, it's all shown whether they are telling the truth or lying.

And he didn't see any sign of lying in Tiss.

Even more so, Tiss is just a plebian, a commoner. How can she tell such a story if it's not a truth?

On the other hand, Tiss is also an experienced teacher. She notice the troubled look on Count Formal's face. In her guess, Count Formal might be didn't believe her story, but couldn't find any reason to not trusting it.

"I don't know much about your world, Count Formal. But in this world, I also knew some of the kings who had a bad reputation but tried to cover it with heroic tales. But I assured you, Rimuru-sama is none of that kind of king. I think, you'll understand once you meet him."

"Hahaha, I don't think I would ever have a chance to meet His Majesty. But probably, His Highness Prince Diabo would."

"Who knows? Rimuru-sama like to socialize. I wouldn't doubt if he's going to came by here sometime later."

"That sounds weird, Tiss-san."

"Fufu, like I said, who knows right? Ah, the time is up. I'm sorry, Count Formal. I can only accompany you this much for today. Let's talk a lot more again tomorrow. Then, see you again, Count Formal."

"See you again, Tiss-san."

While Tiss can go freely, Count Formal on the other hand was escorted back to prison.

…

There's some routine schedule for the high-ranking prisoners. They have time for study with special guards, they have time for taking a break, they have time for having a meal, and lastly there's a time for them to have some freedom to gather around in a particular room to have a chat with each other.

The room was called "The Social Room". It's opened once a day at nighttime. The high-ranking prisoners were given a free time to have a chat in that room.

This is purposed to make them still in touch with each other, and to show how well Tempest had treated them. Of course, during this time, the room were also being guarded by armed guards. But they didn't disturbed any activity as long as they still obedient and didn't cause any ruckus.

There's around 50 high-ranking prisoners that being held in captive. Most of them are Patrician who also a part of Senators, but some of the prisoners were also a high-ranking generals in their military.

The most prominent one are Prince Diabo, who's the only royal members of the Empire. He's deemed as the most precious prisoner by Tempest, but he's being put in the same prison with other high-ranking prisoners.

On this occasion, they would trade information with each other.

At first, they have tried to gain every knowledge that could be used against Tempest. Some were even trying to figure out a way to escape the prison.

However, after several days, these prisoners had completely change their topics into the greatness of Jura Tempest Federation along with it's king, Rimuru Tempest.

Unbeknownst to Rimuru, the content of books and special guards who assigned to facilitate the prisoners for learning about this world, had "slightly" turned into a smooth story telling about Rimuru's greatness.

It is understandable since the one in charge of the idea was none other than Diablo.

With a careful calculation, Diablo had slowly emphasizing the content into the story of Rimuru's glory such as the triumph against Orc Lord, the appointment as Chancellor, the schemes to defeat Falmulth, the overhwelming victory against Eastern Empire, and the recently evolution into a Supreme God of the whole universe.

He also selecting the special guards who have a good personal relationship with Rimuru so they could share their own personal stories to the prisoners.

It's something wicked to be done, but it's surprisingly alligned with Rimuru's goal.

There are still some scepticism among the high-ranking prisoners, but they have acknowledge that they have invade a most powerful nation in a whole world.

One of them is Prince Diabo.

He still have some doubt about the part where Rimuru had ascended to become a Supreme God after inheriting Veldanava's power, but he understood fully well that they have step on Titan's foot.

There is no way the Empire could win against this kind of nation.

In fact, he felt lucky that Tempest is very kind for treating him with respect.

It is no way this world filled with barbarians. On contrary, after learning everything he can that day, he felt that he's the barbarian.

The knowledge in magic has been far more advanced than Rondell, the lifestyle for commoners is more comfortable than some of his aristocrats, and the whole world have a different yet efficient way to maintain a peace.

Many of the prisoners had trouble to understand the idea of maintaining the peace without conquering any neighbouring nations.

But after several days having a conversation with the special guards, they slowly but surely begin to understand the idea of unity without having to trample them under their thumb.

This new concept has made all of them rethinking about their way of running the Empire. But truth to be told, this new concept wasn't really new as well.

There's one particular person between the senator from patrician class who sought an equal right for every citizen. He declared his land are free from discrimination and many of the aristocrats labeled him as "demi-human lovers".

That person is none other than Count Formal.

He's been branded as weird ever since he inherit the title from his father, and somehow manage to have a place in senate. He employed many demi-humans races to work in his mansion, accepting them as his own people, integrate them with humans around, and always sought a peaceful way whenever a conflict happens.

His view was seen as strange and sometimes idiotic. But turns out in this world where everyone share a same view as him, a paradise had successfully been made.

"It seems we're wrong about you after all this time, Count Formal".

On today occasion, Prince Diabo decide to have a talk with Count Formal.

"I'm glad you finally admit it, Your Highness." Count Formal smirked. It's been a week since they were taken captive here, yet all of them had found the place as comfortable as home.

"Heh, look at you. Now you can showed your smugness. But I admit, Count Formal, I was wrong this whole time." Prince Diabo then sip a tea from a cup on his hand.

"And I'm glad I was right all along. But please don't be too hard on yourself, Your Highness. Instead, we should be grateful for this chance."

"That was easy for you to say. Me and Kallios had brought you and 160.000 of our own people to attack this world. The weight of responsibility lies heavily upon me."

"That decision had brought us here today, Your Highness. If we didn't decide to invade this world, our eyes would forever shut. After all, I also having a hard time in Empire with my own way of thinking. It's refreshing to know that my idea isn't wrong at all."

"Good for you then. But it leaves me with a great dilemma."

"What dilemma?"

"I was pursuing the throne all this time, fighting Zorzal behind everyone's back. He's a fool, but he still have a brain. I always thought I would be a better emperor than him, but after I learned about Rimuru-sama…"

"I understand."

They both got silent for a moment. Diabo has been struggling with his inferior complex toward every of his siblings. He's not a crown prince, he didn't manage to raised his own Order like Pina, he didn't have any achievement.

He's simply just there, being one of the Emperor's child who could be replaced anytime. He's longing for acknowledgement, he want people to know he's alive and can do something.

Yet, right now, after learning how Rimuru raised this nation from a simple village, had made him questioning if he even have a quality to become an emperor.

Perhaps Zorzal is better than him and that's why his father still chose him as successor. Perhaps after all this time, his action to tackel Zorzal ascencion was wrong.

He thought he knew how to make the Empire to be better, but he had brushed off the only person who knew how to make the world become better.

"Your Highness, I don't think this is a right time to say it. But, if you wanted the throne, you could still have it."

Diabo raised his eyebrow, not expecting those words.

"What do you mean, Count Formal?"

"I've been thinking lately. I tried to figure out Rimuru-sama's train of thoughts. There are two major war that pick my interest. A war against Falmuth and war against Eastern Empire. Have you learned anything about it?"

"Hmm… I remember reading about it. It's staggering victory for Tempest isn't it?"

"Yes it is. But I found something interesting about it."

"What is it?"

"Both of these war ended in almost a same result. Rimuru-sama instigated a civil war inside Falmuth, and then he installed a new Emperor in Eastern Empire. Although it has more details that cannot be ignored, but in the end they ended almost exactly the same. Because of this, I think Rimuru-sama might use you to change the Empire in their favor."

Diabo's eyes widened, he's sitting there like a statue with a blank stare.

He knew what Count Formal's been talk about. He have read and hear the story about it. Yet he didn't realized about that part.

Some spark has been lit up inside his heart. A ray of hope had start to illuminate his mind.

However, that's still uncertain.

After recalling more about this two wars, he can't help himself to being pessimistic.

"Then I'm sure you also noticed, right? Rimuru-sama instigated a civil war in Falmuth to avoid the intervertion from Holy Church so they wouldn't be labeled as God's enemy. At that time, this world is still viewed monsters as enemy of humanity. They cannot be seen as agressors and destroy a nation even in the name of self-defense."

"The war with Eastern Empire turns out being instigated by Michael and Feldway. Their emperor, Rudra, has been long gone and under control of Michael. Emperor Rudra's soul has turned out to inhabiting Masayuki, except for memories. It's understandable to make Masayuki as the true Emperor because of it. And it is needed to reduce Michael's power they need to make sure nobody is following Rudra anymore."

"Did you see what I mean? Right now the Empire doesn't have any power to threaten this nation under any circumstance. Even if we unite the whole Falmart, it would be pointless against a world who have beaten their own creator. If they really intend to crushed the Empire like Falmuth, then they wouldn't need any trickery because nobody can oppose Rimuru-sama like the Holy Church before."

Count Formal felt an oddly satisfying feeling after hearing those explanation from Diabo.

Diabo was known to be one of the most clever royal member, but he's often overshadowed by Zorzal's mighty image and Pina's success on raising her own Order of Knight.

So seeing this with his own eyes, he felt that Diabo was indeed a good candidate to inherit the Emperor's throne.

But he also knew, what have just being said by Diabo was true. At least, most of it.

Count Formal had made this guess not only by the history of Tempest alone, but also by comparing this world point of view and his own world point of view.

There's one thing that Diabo might be forgotten.

The whole Falmart also viewed monsters as enemy of humanity.

If Tempest really decided to counter-invade the Saderan, the rest of the world wouldn't sit idly by and watched the Saderan being burned to the ground by an army of monsters from Tempest. It would be a strange sight, but he's sure the whole world would unite against Tempest.

And by reading and hearing about Rimuru's personality, he's sure Rimuru wouldn't wanted that to happen. Not because Rimuru couldn't defeat such numbers, but he didn't want to slaughter clueless people who got themselves being brainwashed to hate a particular creature by their environment.

Much like the story with a war against Falmuth, Rimuru would probably wanted to create a new environment so people could learn about each other and understand about everyone's custom. By understanding each other, an eternal peace could be achieved.

If Rimuru wanted to play it out like this, Diabo would be a best figure to carry it out.

"Your Highness, my apologies if I'm being rude. But I think you forgotten something."

"Hmm? I thought I have carefully remember everything."

"Not this one, it seems. Your Highness, across Falmart, we as humans had despised demi-humans and monsters as enemy of humanity. Don't you think Rimuru-sama wouldn't do the same as they did to Falmuth?"

Diabo had taken a back a little with that. Although he remember ever detail about Tempest war against Falmuth, he simply forgot about his own world situation.

"I… you're right. I have forgot about it. I felt like the the Empire already accepting demi-humans as it's own citizen."

"We haven't, Your Highness. And don't you think Rimuru-sama would do the same with the Empire?"

"So you're guessing I'm the same as Youm The Champion King?"

"It's possible!"

"But I'm not Rimuru-sama's friend, Count Formal! I haven't even met him. How can he trust me to overtake the Empire?"

"That's… you right, Your Highness. Now it's me who have forgotten an important details."

Diabo smirked, he oddly felt he has won something. But more than that, he felt that Count Formal was somehow trying to comfort him. In that way, he respect Count Formal more than before.

Before they could say another word, a sound of bell had ring. The guards immediately poured in and asked the whole prisoners to come back to their cell.

The free time to chat has over.

With little sigh, Diabo bid a goodbye to Count Formal.

"It's surely nice to have a chat with you. I hope you don't mind for having another talk with me on tomorrow session"

Count Formal smiled and replied, "It would be pleasure, Your Highness."

The two men shaked their hand together, and go back to their cell in a good order.

It seems their talks wouldn't get them anywhere. No one paying attention about what they have been talking this whole time.

At least, that's what they think.

But it turns out, behind all of this, everything was being monitored.

And the one who's in charge of monitoring the high-ranking prisoners, were none other than Diablo again.

"Kufufufu, what an interesting idea."

…

While the high-ranking prisoners were being held in new prison, the regular soldiers no matter if they were legionnaires or levvies, were held in captive at 70th floor in the Dungeon.

The floor they were staying is very huge. They were given a tents and some basic living accommodation such as sleeping bag, basic cooking ware, portable toilet, and a same meal 3 times a day.

Sometimes they were sent with a raw ingredients such as bulldeer meat, dragon's egg, spear toro fish, various kind of vegetables and fruits. It is up to them to cook the ingredients.

The one in charge of the whole prisoners are Adalman's party.

The sight of more than 100.000 prisoners being held in captive is sure bring back memories for Adalman.

"Adalman-sama, you seem to be in a good mood." Albert made a comment upon seeing Adalman stared at the prisoners with blank expression. Well of course, he doesn't have any face for starters.

Yet, Adalman replied to Albert's comment after giggling a bit, "It's just bring back some memories, Albert. Some time ago, we have 700.000 of Eastern Empire's prisoners here. It's just shows how magnificent and merciful Rimuru-sama is."

"You certainly right. But you've been imitating Rimuru-sama a lot ever since we swore our loyalty to him. You're also magnificent, Adalman-sama."

"Kukuku, my dear friend Albert, we all have learned the right way to live under Rimuru-sama's guidance. I feel a great pity towards these Saderans who's born without having Rimuru-sama as their God."

The statement could make Rimuru felt a sudden chill in his spine, but for many other of his subordinate, this statement is nothing but truth.

Because of this, Adalman and Albert had regularly preached about Rimuru's greatness and persuade them to find a salvation under Rimuru's blessings.

It's been days since they first time had did it.

On first day they arrived at the Dungeon, there's a huge panic since the guardian and inhabitant of this floor were the undead. For the Saderans who never saw an Undead before, they were surely frightened and panic as fas as trying to escape.

But there's no escape in Dungeon.

It takes time before they could accept the presence of the Undead in positive way. It's all thanks to Adalman's patient to educate these Saderans about the Undead and their role in this place.

After accepting the presence of the Undeads, the Saderans always being preached by Adalman about the greatness of their God. At first, all of them were sceptic since they too have a god to worshipped.

But after several days being preached, and hear more various story about Rimuru, they have completely fallen under the charm of Adalman's way to preaching.

It's not strange since Adalman is a former Cardinal who used to spreading Luminism back in the day.

As the result, after a week of constant preaching and served with gracious things during their time as prisoners, many of them had abandon their old God and Goddes and convert to worshipping Rimuru.

It's fortunate, or maybe unfortunate that Rimuru is too busy to know what's going on to the Saderans prisoners so he won't be able to stop it before it's too late.

…

Meanwhile, someday in the Government Hall,

"Ughh… I also thought this is a good idea, but… Diablo, what have you done to them?" Rimuru felt his head is getting some ache, even though physically he didn't have any.

"Kufufufu, I educate them about the greatness of Rimuru-sama. There are many materials that support the fact. I personally would praise these authors who have done a perfect job to describe how great yo-"

"Alright! I get it I get it! Hahhh…" He wipe his eyes with his hand, then leaning back on the chair.

I should have known, he thought.

He felt an instant regret for appointing Diablo to make his idea to be applied. He should have known this will be the outcome if Diablo was in charge.

But at least, it doesn't cause any harm to himself but it still too much for Rimuru to knowing that these prisoners had turned to worshipping him.

On contrary, Diablo felt an immense of joy after successfully make the prisoners admiring Rimuru. It felt like a hundreds of triumph.

"Hahh… Well, what do you think about Prince Diabo?"

"In my eyes, he's a clever and a quite realistic person. He have some sort of thirst for fame, but I think it's more like he's desperate for acknowledgement. He can easily become a puppet if we can use him right, Rimuru-sama."

Rimuru is getting used by Diablo's insensitive words, but it doesn't mean he always accept it.

"Diablo, I don't want to use anyone as a puppet. So please refrain from using those terms. Also, do you think this plan could work better than our initial plan?"

"My apologies for my earlier mistake, Rimuru-sama. And to answer that question, I would say yes. Because although I agree with a way to pacify the Saderan Empire with peaceful way is achievable, it would take a long time and could raise unforeseen problems the longer we stay there. But if we used their internal figure to make the Saderan Empire stop their hostilities toward us, all we need to do is to support him."

"Hmmm… You have a point. Rather than raising our existence there to pressure the Empire, it might be better to support a figure who have a same ideals with us. But with this, you're suggesting to instigate a civil war in their Empire, is it not?"

"Unfortunately it is, Rimuru-sama. But in my opinion, even with our initial plan, an armed conflict would also happened. But with this civil war, we can push our terms to them. And if we do this, we can confronts their Gods and Goddess such as Hardy in better circumstance. Because we didn't just pacify the Saderan Empire, but also making them on our side."

"Hmmm…"

In Rimuru's mind, Diablo's suggestion has a point.

It's eerily similar with how he dealt Falmuth Kingdom.

Rimuru can't send his forces other than the human one to Falmart because of the discrimination against demi-humans and monsters. And the other problem is they would come to their world as their enemy without any allies.

Although Testarossa had already planned to convince several vassal states to join him, it would take time to eventually convince them. Besides, he's still unsure about the terms that could be agreeable with those vassal states.

But if he decided to support Prince Diabo in taking the throne, it would cause another bloodbath. When he instigated the civil war in Falmuth, it was fortunate that the Seven Luminaries were intervened only to get killed by Diablo.

The sight of the defeated Luminaries, and also the uncovered truth about their schemes, had helped to shorten the conflict and minimize the casualties.

But now, he doesn't have any clue what would happen if there's a civil war in the Saderan Empire.

Would it be a long term conflict? Would it be a huge bloodbath? Would it lead to a bigger catastrophe?

Rimuru's worried about the other nation that exist in Falmart as well.

From the report he had gathered, many of the neighbouring nations harbored an ill resentment towards the Empire, especially their vassals.

If they saw the Empire is weakened, another war would broke out.

This would lead to huge scale conflict, and Rimuru would feel saddened if he's the one who caused it.

But only pondering without making any action would lead to nothing. Because of this, Rimuru had decided, "Diablo, please bring Prince Diabo tomorrow. I'll need to have a talk with him. Also, please inform Testarossa, Benimaru, Souei, and Saare. I want them to come and hear the developments."

Diablo bowed himself, then replied "By your will, Rimuru-sama"

…

The next day, in a meeting room, several figures had already taking their seats.

There's a long rectangled shaped table, with 8 chairs on each sides.

On the right side, there's Testarossa, Souei, Benimaru, Rimuru, Diablo, an Saare.

While on the left side, there's only one figure. And it's none other than Prince Diabo.

He came without any company since it was only him who got summoned. This had cause some wild rumors around the prisoners, but that wouldn't be matter for now.

Prince Diabo was well-educated for this kind of situation. To meet other nation's leader is something he already mastered long ago.

However, on today's occasion, he felt nervous.

It's no wonder, because he's in the face of his enemies top executive. And more than that, he's in a face of Rimuru. The figure he had admired and at the same time, feared.

Seeing the slightly trembled person, Rimuru tried to calming him.

"Your Highness, please be at ease. We just wanted to talk with you."

"Y-Yes, my apologies, Your Majesty."

"Hey, how about drink the tea first? It's made by Shuna, I guaranteed the taste would be awesome!"

Diabo clearly couldn't hold his confused expression, but he eventually gave a nodded and drink the tea.

After smelling the aroma itself, Diabo manage to feel calm. But after the tea has reached his tounge, he's in clear mind state in immediate.

He wonder what kind of tea it is.

"You seem to have calmed down. Don't be reserved, you can ask for more to Shuna."

Rimuru looked at Shuna who stand near the door. She looked at Diabo, and gave a sweet smile that almost melted his heart.

What a beauty, he thought.

With awkward feelings, he smiled back towards Shuna.

"Now, can we started?"

"Yes, by your will, Your Majesty."

"Good. First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Rimuru Tempest, I'm a king of Jura Tempest Federation. And here are my ministers, Testarossa is my minister of foreign affairs, Benimaru is the minister of defense, Souei is the Chief of Intelligence Bureau, Diablo is my second secretary, and this is Saare, one of the corps commander. Now, I'm not very good with formal manner so I hope you don't mind if I do this in informal way. Do you mind, Your Highness?"

"I don't mind at all, Your Majesty. Please continue as you see fit."

"Phew, that saved me. Thank you, Your Highness. Now, before I started to the main topic, I would like to explain something."

The next moment were spent to explain how many of the Saderans were captured, and where they have been kept in captive. This also become a starting point to explain about the initial plan to marched Tempest's own troops to Falmart.

Prince Diabo had a mixed feeling. He knew that Tempest would most likely to counter-invade Falmart. This is common sense. But, after hearing the plan was not to conquer any territory in Falmart, he's getting very confused.

"May I ask you a question, Your Majesty?"

"Sure, what's wrong?"

"Why would you sent Saare-dono to Falmart? I mean, I know you wanted to pressured the Empire to stop the hostilities. But, isn't it better to defeat it by force so the Empire wouldn't oppose you in the future?"

"Ah now here's what the main problem. Your Highness, there's a reason why I decided to share our literature and our history during your imprisonment. There are many reasons, but I would say one of the important reason was to give you a better picture about the scale of our reach. I presume you already learned about The Great Tenma War?"

"I have, Your Majesty."

"Then, you might understand we were wary of any kind otherwordly powerful creature. We have a bad history with creatures from outside of our own world. And from your world, it also didn't gave us a good first impression. Although, no offense Your Highness, I find that the Saderan Empire to be… not as strong as us, but creating a portal to connect between two worlds is not an easy feat."

"We have known that you're not the one who created the gate. But someone from your world had successfully manage to make a portal that could bend a time and space and safely transferred hundred of thousands people to cross it. And that someone, is the one we're looking for."

Diabo raised his eyebrows.

"Do you mean… you want to chased down our God and Goddess?"

Hearing that question, Rimuru scratched his back of his head. He didn't mean it that way, but of course it would be sounded like that.

"Well, umm… We don't necessarily hunting them down. We just wanted to know who they are and why they do this. It's alarming to know there's an other existence who could bring hostilities towards us without a warning. We would need to judge them whether they're harmful or friendly."

Rimuru paused a moment, sipping a cup of tea, then continued, "Well, I just hoped they do this by mistake. But I'm not sure either. It feels like they have done it in purpose to make you attacking us. I need to know their motives."

"It's umm, I understand."

This talk had made Diabo really wracked his brain out. For all this time, he never questioned about the God and Goddess existence. He just knew they were exist, and they are untouchable by humans.

He just simply thought the God and Goddess are there, watching them from above and not interfering with anything. And right now, he's having a conversation with someone who wants to confronts their own deities.

But he also understand that Rimuru and his subordinates are not a simple person. Heck, they're not a human to begin with. The stories and history that he read had proven how powerful Rimuru and his subordinates are.

But it feels like it's going too much if there would be a clash between two world's deities.

Now he didn't know anything to respond this situation. In the first place, he didn't understand why he's being summoned here.

He started to tremble when he think he might need to get caught in this battle amongs Gods.

But before he could make a respond, another attendees had spoken.

"Please be at ease, Your Highness. I can guess your thought. But you're overthinking it. We didn't asked you to get involved in our confrontation with your deities. Remember our reason why we want to pacify your Empire?" Testarossa finally spoke after keeping quiet.

"Yes?"

"Kufufufu, what an amusing sight. Testa, we're dealing with otherworldly people. Of course knowing that we would confronts their deities is still too much to bear. I presume you're forgetting our other purpose because of this, correct?" Diablo asked.

Diabo nodded, he couldn't help but to admit that he's losing his focus after hearing their plans about their deities.

"Testa, I think you're better in explaining it." Diablo remarked, while Rimuru also nodded.

"All right. Your Highness, in the first place, we didn't want you and your Empire to get caught in our confrontation with your deities. That's why we need your Empire to stop your hostilities toward us. Because we have thought that your deities had used you and other humans as their pawns."

"We're appreciating every life that lives, no matter where they came from. We don't want to slaughter the humans who were used as a pawns. And we're afraid that if we didn't stop the Empire from keeping your hostility, your deities would use this to declare a holy war. That's why, before we can confronting your deities, we have to make your Empire, and any other humans who exist, to see us as a friendly people. We cannot be seen as your people's enemy. Do you understand this?"

"I understand. You don't want us, a normal humans, to get caught in this possible conflict against our deities, correct?"

"Exactly. That's why we planned to send Saare in his special task force to gain influence across Falmart to pressured the Empire. We hoped, it would cause less armed conflict, and less lives would be taken. We want to defend ourselves from possible threat, but we wanted to do it with the most peaceful way."

"I… I understand. But if you have made such a plan, why am I being here?"

"Now that's the main topic that I wanted to discuss." Rimuru leaned forward and put both of his hand on the desk.

"Main topic?"

"Yes. You already understand our plan, right? But now, it possible it has slightly change."

"Changed? Is that would required me as a part of it?"

"Indeed. And that's why I summoned you today."

"I'm listening, Your Majesty."

Rimuru smiled, along with everyone's nodded. It's time to explain the real deal.

…

Before the meeting with Prince Diabo, Rimuru had already explain the developments including the new idea to his executives.

Testarossa just simply agreed and calibrate her own plans with the new idea, Benimaru and Souei only nodded along with the only question of whether Prince Diabo could be trusted or not, and Saare, even though he would get the most affected by the changes, he just simply accepted without any comments.

But it's not happened because they are blindly too devoted to Rimuru. It's because they too have shared a same view as him, and agreed with this new idea.

Saare might need to readjust his plan, but it doesn't need much change since the goal is still the same. In fact, it would be easier to backing up Prince Diabo than gain influence by their own. All of his men would be sufficient to do this.

Benimaru on the other hand were asked to consider about using the prisoners to be used as Prince Diabo's army if the plan was finally implemented.

Testarossa also reconsider several staff she would sent to implementing this new plan. On initial plan, she wanted to gain trust with the Empire's vassals so she would need a competent staff for doing a negotiation. But now, she just need to overseer the whole process to back up prince Diabo, and consulate him about future relation with Tempest.

But to make this idea worked, there is one important figure to be trusted.

"So, I need to start a civil war in the Empire than establish a positive relation with Tempest?"

"That's right, Your Highness. It would surely causing a lot of bloodbath, but I believe this would also gave a more certain result. Rather than gaining influence by our own, it's faster and more efficient if we gained influence from royal member. Besides," Rimuru pause a moment, averting his eyes towards to the ceiling, "I don't think my initial plan would be bloodless. Either plan would cause a lives gonna be taken. The question is, which one would gave a better result."

"I understand, Your Majesty. However, are you sure about this? I mean, if I conclude it correctly, you're giving me a support to take over the throne. It's a… it's a very big thing to decide."

"Honestly, Your Highness, I'm not too sure about this either. No offense to you, but I'm worried what I'm going to do is causing a major global conflict."

Diabo nodded, understand the context of what Rimuru has been said, "In that sense, it's very possible, Your Majesty. Even if I succeeded, the Empire would be weakened and many nation and vassals would sought the opportunity to attack the Empire. It would cause a more bloodbath. I'm sure you understand how the Empire had treated it's neighbour and vassals."

"That's it. That's the one thing I'm afraid of. Instead of uniting the whole humanity and Falmart inhabitant, what I did would turn out resulting the opposite. Except…" Rimuru looking at Diabo's eyes, trying to make him understand without need an explanation.

Thankfully, Diabo's cleverness had successfully grasp Rimuru's intention, "we gather support from Empire's enemy as well, right?"

"Exactly, Your Highness. We don't have any good information to make a good plan about it, that's why it will be heavily relied on you."

"I understand, Your Majesty. But it might be simpler than what you think."

"Hou, how's that, Your Highness?"

"What we need is just to win the favor of Empire's vassals, and make a peace treaty with neighbouring nations. It will take time to take over the Empire by force, and during that time it's better to start a negotiation between other territories to make them joined us."

"So what are you suggesting is, rather than taking over the Empire with a coup, it's better to snatch it's territory one after the another then securing a deal with other nations to prevent them attacking you when you successfully take the throne?"

Testarossa had leaned forward and joined the discussion.

"Exactly, Testarossa-sama. It will be risky if I did this on my own, even if I have the army. If I'm going straight to the capital, it would only make other territories become hostile and then it became an endless rebellion. The time will be too short for me to make a negotiation with other nation. It would be better to have another stronghold, to introduce myself out there, declaring that I'm different than other Empire's royalty, and gaining support one after another from surrounding neighbourhood."

"Impressive, Your Highness. But that mean, you won't inherit the Empire's grip around the world like used to be."

"I'm aware of that, Testarossa-sama. To gain support from other nation and vassals, I need to prepare an offer for them. And I can already imagine what would be their demand."

"Independence." Souei suddenly made a dry comment. A simple, but truth.

"Yes, that's it Souei-dono. The vassals would demand independence, and the neighbouring nation would try to seize some part of Empire's territory. As you already said before, Testarossa-sama, I wouldn't inherit the former Empire."

There's a silence after that statement. All of the attendees from Tempest had it's focus fully drawn into prince Diabo. But for Diabo, he's still sittin there while sipping another cup of tea.

"Your Highness," Rimuru finally call him out.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"If we asked you to do this, would you do it?"

Prince Diabo felt a sudden hesitate. It's not a hesitation about whether he wanted to do or not. But he hesitate whether he actually can do it or not.

After learning about this world, Diabo had been struggling to fight his newly born low self-esteem.

He adored Rimuru's life story, and wanted to be like him. He had admit the Empire has been doing it wrong all this time to keep their territory safe.

The Empire has done many wrongdoings towards their vassals, the territory they conquered, their non-humans inhabitants, and the way of thinking.

Instead of developing their civilization, the Empire is bussying themselves gaining glory from conquering other lands. Then, simply calling other people outside from the Empire as barbarian, is an idiotic way to do as fellow humans.

He wanted to change that. He want to bring this new insight to Falmart. He want to share how to achieve greatness without having to gain glory. He want to teach people how beautiful a peace is.

But, can he do that?

This opportunity wouldn't come again. But he still felt he's not fully ready for it.

But… if not for him, then who else?

Who else would make the Empire to be better?

Count Formal had already tried that, but he only became a laughing stock across the Empire. Instead becoming an example, he become ostracized from other senator.

But now, he has a credibility as a prince. More than that, he have Tempest on his back. From everything he gathered, Rimuru would never leave his ally, no matter how dire the situation is.

If Rimuru wanted to trust him, than he only need to prove it.

It's better to do something difficult with Rimuru as his backing, rather than doing nothing to save himself.

And so, after keeping silence for several moment, he finally gave an answer.

"Yes, I will, Your Majesty."

…

After Diabo had willingly to cooperate with Tempest, Rimuru asked Diabo to gather more allies among other high-ranking prisoners. Rimuru want Diabo to have allies from his own world, and a fellow aristocrat from Saderan Empire would be a good start.

Diabo agreed with the suggestion and immediately went back to his cell and made announcement about his decision towards the Empire.

At first, there's only one patrician who immediately agree with his decision and immediately join his side. And that person was none other than Count Formal.

Count Formal saw this as an opportunity to spread his idea across Falmart and also renewing Falmart as a whole. It's not a secret anymore that he have many disagreement with the Empire's system and ideals, and because of it, seeing the opportunity to change that whole view was something he had waited for long time.

But many of the patricians and senators hesitated on how radical Prince Diabo's goal is.

All of them agreed that continuing the hostilities with Tempest is suicide, and Tempest is on the whole different level than themselves.

However, a pride as Saderans still linger inside them.

They don't want the Empire to be in a more humiliating position. They don't have a problem with admitting defeat against Tempest, but to change the whole system in Empire is still too much.

They tried to ease Diabo's ambition with a gentle persuasion. They suggested that Diabo could appease the Emperor to end the hostilities right away, and made a beneficial diplomatic relation with Tempest.

Changes could be done slowly, rather than immediately erase all of it and replace it with a new one by civil war.

It actually hold a fair points. It would take a longer times, but it will be bloodless.

However, Prince Diabo disagreed.

"We cannot done this in a gentle way, everyone. Even if we tried to change it in a peaceful way, it will ended up with a mix of schemes and dirty deals. For example, imagine if we tried to erase slavery with that way. The slave merchants would protest and secretly tried to bribe the people who's in charge of the changing. Our territory is too vast to be monitored, and I'm sure there will be a sneaky aristocrats who secretly still allowing the slavery since it's profitable. And how to prevent that? There are many ways such as introducing another goods in hope to replace slave as commodity to be sold and other, but you know it would ended up in complicated situation."

"We need to make a strong central government, we need to restart the Empire from it's core. We cannot expect those who don't know anything about Tempest to immediately agree with us and it's ideals just because Tempest is much stronger than the Empire. No, gentlemen, we cannot rely on gentle persuasion to change our system. I guarantee you, when we came back to the Empire, we would be the minority and no one believe about what we said."

Many of the patrician and senators had fallen into a deep thought after hearing that explanation.

Prince Diabo has a point as well. Even if they returned, they wouldn't have enough influence to change the Empire as a whole. Even at their own territory, no matter how high their status, their family still hold the most influence in the territory.

To make matter worse, these high-ranking prisoners were actually dominated with landless aristocrats. They don't have any territory to control, but they are born in patrician class family. Some senators were also came from plebian class who hold enough wealth and influence to gain a place in senate.

That's why they joined this conquest in hope to gain enough glory and prestige to raised their fame in society. For many patrician and senators who already have a massive influence, they don't need to gain more glory by joining the conquest.

In that way, Prince Diabo's opinion is on the mark.

However, there's still some people who have a rebuttals for this.

"Your Highness, I ask you to think about this clearly. I also supporting the idea to make the Empire learn from Tempest, but to do it by force and deliberately instigate a civil war, I think a gentle persuasion to Emperor Molt would be enough. We don't need to gain a lot influence in an instant. We can try to apply our new idea to our own territory first, in hope to give an example to show that our brand new ideals are better."

Marquis Kallios had finally spoke after only listening throughout the discussion. He's a wise man and loyal subject to the Empire.

He had learn his mistake during his time taking the role of commander for the whole conquest army. He understand that Tempest is far too superior compared with the Empire. But if he was asked to whom he would swore the loyalty, he would answer the Empire without hesitation.

That's why he strongly oppose the idea to renewing the Empire, and de-facto build a new nation in it. He admit that the Empire had done many wrongdoings and wanted to fix it to be more like Tempest, but he didn't want the Empire to be destroyed.

In fact, he believes that this plan is made by Diabo to only satiate his ambition to become an Emperor. But he's wise enough to not saying it right away.

"Marquis Kallios, I agree you have a point. But I have to remind you, even before the gate had connecting us to this world, there is one person who already have the exact same idea. And that person is him."

Diabo pointed at Count Formal. The whole people immediately understood of what he said. Count Formal on the other hand didn't say anything and only staring back at them.

Even though the implementation is rather different, the basic idea between the way Tempest run it's nation and Count Formal point of view are sharing a same ideals. Equity of rights for every citizen.

Yet, what have they done to Count Formal after all this time?

Ostracized him.

And what would change if they added another 50 people in title to do the same as Count Formal?

For a small nation, it sure would bring a huge impact. But for a nation as huge as Falmart, they barely have a quarter of the whole Senate's influence.

"Our little change from time to time would only cause another kind of conflict, Kallios. Our new way would surely brought a prosperity in our own land. But don't tell me you have forgotten about what the other aristocrat would do if their neighbour have a better grass? Count Formal is alone so he could be ostracized. Even so, his territory is undeniably more prosper than the capital itself."

"In the first hand, Kallios, do you really think my father would listen to our plea? We're defying the morale and honor code of the Empire with this. The Empire sought the honor by conquering and dominate lands by force, while we right now have learned a new and better way to make lives better without the do of honor."

"My father who've done a hardwork for the Empire, would never accept our way. Zorzal and Pina, they both wouldn't even listen because of their ego. Even if I in their position, I would simply brand myself as heretics and rebels. Don't you see, Kallios? Our Empire has achieved those things in barbaric ways and barbaric mindset. How can you expect it to be change with gentle persuasion?"

Yet, those words still not enough to convince Marquis Kallios.

"But it's better than to have killed each other, especially between a fellow of Saderans! Your Highness, I promised you I would gave you all I have to support the change for the Empire. But one thing I still cannot approve is that you basically wanted to make the Empire weaker and lost it's cohession. How could we start a new nation from a weakened state of former mighty Empire? We wouldn't even have a chance to start because when you take the throne, our lands would be filled with the presence of other nations! I can't accept that, Your Highness!"

Seeing Marquis Kallios agitated, Prince Diabo was somehow felt symphatetic for him. He understand that he's still hold a huge amount of loyalty toward the Empire. And because of that loyalty, he agreed on making a lot of major change in the Empire after learning about Tempest.

But Marquis Kallios still didn't want the Empire to be completely lost. He rather die than watching the Empire lost from it's core. In some way, Diabo could understand that feeling. He too, as royalty, had felt a sense of guilt to basically destroy the Empire to rebuild it into a new political entity. Yet, he already made his choice.

He didn't want to take back what he have decided.

"Marquis Kallios," Diabo look at Marquis Kallios with a pity, "I genuinely respecting you ever since we were given the honor to take the commander position in the conquest. However, it seems our belief are differ in this matter. It pains me more that our belief were not so different. We have a same goal, but we believe in different approach."

"I wouldn't back down on my decision, Kallios. I believe in reforming the Empire from it's core would need a harsh and spilled blood methods. But that's what I believe, Kallios. The Empire couldn't be re-educated, it needs to be reborn. Our Empire has grown too big to be changed with a slow pace."

"I promise that I would make a much better system than our Empire. I promise the Empire would be much better than now. We don't need a vast territory and huge amount of manpower to be a sign of a great nation. What we need, and what we would give, is a place where the people could live happily. And although I said that I would need a blood to be spilled in the process, I would not let that happen easily."

"I won't slaughter anyone who stands in my way. I won't kill a person just because our beliefs are different. I also wanted to settle this as peaceful as possible. But I know blood would be spilled eventually. Kallios, for the last time, I won't ask you to agree with me. You have your own belief. But so do I."

"I would do this with or without your cooperation. Because I have make my own decision."

Marquis Kallios is running over all of his mind to convince Prince Diabo to not doing this. But he knew it will be futile.

On contrary, many of other Patrician and Senators started to believe more in Diabo than their own. It's not because Diabo's way is more efficient or more making sense, but it's because Diabo's determination who made them felt they were obliged to follow him.

Just like Diabo, Marquis Kallios is also respecting Diabo. He too felt an immense of pain because they actually shared a same vision, and only have a slight difference in the methods to achieve it.

In truth, Marquis Kallios was also aware his own proposition can be seen as naïve.

He knew it would be very difficult to convince other aristocrats, and it will be more difficult to share the vision with just a talk to the Emperor Molt. In this proposition, the time that needed was immense as years won't even suffice. It will take generation after generation to finally achieve it with his way.

Another painful reality was, Marquis Kallios really wanted to help Diabo to achieve the dream. But he's still can't approve the idea to instigate the civil war in the Empire. If only Diabo agreed with his plan, he would swore upon his life that he will support of for the rest of his life.

But then, he looked at Count Formal.

But maybe, I could be wrong. He suddenly thought.

Seeing Count Formal immediately choose to stand by prince Diabo's side, had remind him how desperate Count Formal tried to warn him about doing the final assault.

Count Formal is simply an embodiment of Tempest way of thinking before the Gate brings them here.

He brushed away every warning and suggestion from Count Formal, and it leads him to this state. It doesn't mean Count Formal would always be in a right state, but after all this time Marquis Kallios is too stubborn in his own mind.

Prince Diabo himself had seems to change his personality. He's not the attention seeker who always pick a fight with Zorzal to claim the throne. Right now, what he saw is a young prince who determined to achieve his goal honorably.

Perhaps, it's time for him to change as well. It's time to agree with a scenario he didn't approve of. It's time to believe to let other people decide the fate.

With that all in mind, he begin to convince himself to alligned himself with prince Diabo.

However, there's one final question he wanted to ask.

"Your Highness, I understand that you will still do this even without my cooperation. But I want to stand in your side in this matter. I too, wanted to make the Empire to be better. Even though I still think that my suggestion is more make sense, but I want to believe in you. I will learn to trust other's opinion even though I personally didn't think that way. However, Your Highness, may I ask you one question before I decided to follow you?"

Diabo smiled, then nodded. He felt a joyous feeling after hearing the statement. With Marquis Kallios in his side, he's sure he could do this with more ease. And more or less, he can guess what's Marquis Kallios gonna asked.

"Your Highness, this whole idea to renewing the Empire, creating a place where people could live happily, and fixing all of the wrongdoings that have been done by the Empire, all of it wasn't just a sweet promises to hail yourself as the Emperor like you always wanted, right?"

Marquis Kallios were quite afraid if his question has made Diabo felt offended. He's quite concerned if this question would perceived as humiliation. But he need the answer. He need to making sure of himself that Diabo didn't just do this to satiate his own ambition to become an Emperor. If he decided to support Diabo, he wanted Diabo to do all of this because of his genuine concern to make the Empire to be better, and not to pursuing his old ambition to make himself as the Emperor.

But what comes next, had made him have a mixed feeling.

Diabo let out a small laugh, then answered without any hesitation, "I wouldn't lie that I still have an ambition to become an Emperor, Kallios. I still want to have that title. I want to sit on the throne and respected as your ruler. However," Diabo smiled, a very gentle smile, "my desire to make the Empire to be better and creating a place like Tempest is my bigger goal. If I succeed on achieving that but failed to become an Emperor, I would still satisfied for my life."

This is not the answer that I'm expecting, Marquis Kallios thought bitterly.

His face is still showing an uncertain expression, and several people notice it. However, this time, it's not Prince Diabo who speak. It was Count Formal.

"My Lord Kallios, for me, even if His Highness Diabo succeed to take the throne, I would still support him. I will give everything to make him as my Emperor. Because I believe, to make this happen, we will need Prince Diabo as our ruler."

Soon, Marquis Kallios responded, "Count Formal, you really think the other prince and princess couldn't share this view as their own, isn't it?"

"I highly certain of it, my lord. Even if His Highness Diabo wanted to do this to claim the throne, I would still fight for him with all my life."

Marquis Kallios looked around, and saw many of them right now have decided that they would support prince Diabo in this.

Well, having an Emperor who can be honest about himself like this wouldn't be too bad, he thought.

Then, as final confirmation, Marquis Kallios made a final statement.

"Then Your Highness Diabo El Caesar, please accept my allegiance to you. Let me fight for you, with all my life."

…

In the next day, Diabo was asked to bring several of his fellow to come to the Government Hall.

He could already guess what's gonna happen and that's why he brought Count Formal and Marquis Kallios with him. He explained about the possible scenario of why they were summoned by Rimuru.

And his guess was right on the mark.

Without any further unnecessary formality, Diabo introducing Count Formal and Marquis Kallios. And, without any seconds to waste, Rimuru had prepared an agreement with Diabo.

For Rimuru, the initial plan might be cancelled, but the whole goal didn't change.

Saare would still marched his own troops to Falmart along with his teams. But now, their task is getting simpler. They only need to support Prince Diabo to run the plan.

Saare would act as Tempest's reinforcement, and a sign for showing Tempest involvement. Rimuru decided that he didn't need to conceal their involvement, since it would be pointless to conceal it anyway.

However, Saare is still holding the highest authority for Tempest contingent. Prince Diabo wouldn't outrank him in terms of authority towards the Enlightment Task Force. This is because Tempest's goal have a slight difference than Diabo's purpose.

Their goals were alligned, but not completely the same.

While Diabo's goal is to get the throne and reform the whole Empire to be better, Tempest's main goal is to confront the deities in that world.

Saare's main focus would still to gather everything he can about the deities in Falmart.

To compensate this, Diabo could have the remaining troops that were under captive in Dungeon. Diabo was shocked to find out there's around 108.854 war prisoners in Tempest. He didn't expect Tempest would capture that many.

Tempest would also send a logistical support until Diabo could sustain his own troops independently.

To show trust, Rimuru also offered some training for the prisoners so they would be stronger than average troops in Falmart.

In return, Tempest also demanded some terms to Diabo.

To make sure Tempest have something in return in this agreement, Rimuru demand several things for prince Diabo. The demand is basically divided into two condition. First is the demand for the time during prince Diabo is struggling for the throne, and second is the demand for when prince Diabo had successfully secure his throne.

The negotiation went back and forth, but in overall it went down pretty smooth. The first condition agreement are:

1. Jura Tempest Federation would give a financial support of 40.000 Gold Coin(equivalent with 20.000 gold Suwani) for the whole campaign.

2. Jura Tempest Federation would return back every soldiers that held in captive to Prince Diabo and could be used as his own troops with two condition:

a. It's in their consent.

b. Their well-being is guaranteed.

3. Jura Tempest Federation would gave a provisional support for Prince Diabo and his troops for 3 months.

4. Jura Tempest Federation would gave a Special-Grade equipment for every soldiers in Prince Diabo's faction and Rare-Grade equipments for it's officers.

5. Every strategy decision during the campaign should have an approval by Jura Tempest Federation's representative before applied.

6. Jura Tempest Federation would sent Saare and his 25.000 strong Enlightment Task Force to support Prince Diabo with 5 conditions:

a. Saare or his subtitutes is acknowledged as Jura Tempest Federation representative.

b. Saare is still holding the highest authority over the Enlightment Task Force and cannot be commanded by Prince Diabo.

c. Saare and his Enlightment Task Force could choose to not aid Prince Diabo for an agreeable reason.

d. Saare and his Enlightment Task Force could roam freely across Falmart.

e. Any other agenda except for if it's related to it's main goal from Enlightment Task Force should be postponed until the campaign is over.

7. Prince Diabo's faction is banned from using the Demi-Humans and Monsters as war fodder. But allowed to recruit them as fellow respectable soldiers.

8. Every territory that was taken by Prince Diabo's faction could be decided as joint occupation with Jura Tempest Federation by Jura Tempest Federation's representative.

9. Prince Diabo's faction is prohibited to raid and killed civilians.

10. Every prisoners taken during the campaign should be treated with humanly.

As for the second condition, Rimuru generously suggest to postponed it until Diabo could secure his throne first. But for the outline, Rimuru alread gave a several hint such as:

-Establishing road network

-Formal diplomatic relation

-Free taxation

-Right to access land, air, and sea in Empire's territory

-Right to access Empire's natural resources.

All of the above would be negotiated when Prince Diabo had successfully reinstated the Empire with him as the Emperor.

Prince Diabo and his entourage felt a cold sweat from the hints of Tempest demands in second condition. However, Diabo convince himself that it's a normal thing to do since they aided him.

After that, the negotiation ended smoothly and agreed by both party.

This is an agreement between Prince Diabo's new faction and Jura Tempest Federation.

…

"Yo, Saare. How's the meeting goin'?"

"A slight change of plan, Grigori. And it might be a good news for us."

That night, Saare had came back to his barracks and greeted by Grigori. However, right now in his office, there's several other figure who also present.

"Hou, what are we going to do now?" Glenda asked.

After spending several days together again, Glenda had finally accepting her situation with Saare and Grigori. She had been nervous all the time when she came here for the first time, afraid of resentment that could be given by both of his old comrade.

But Saare and Grigori had proved they already forgive her since long ago, and didn't harbor any ill feeling toward her.

"Our goal is still the same. But we didn't have to do it alone right now."

"What do you mean?"

"Rimuru-sama had decided to support Prince Diabo to gain the throne. It will be a civil war, but it would gave us more leverage and beneficial position in our main goal. Our task is to support Prince Diabo as Tempest's reinforcement."

"Ehh… Does it mean, we're under Diabo-sama's command?"

Stella came to serving a tea, while Phos and Nemu bring out a snacks.

"No, Stella. Our Enlightment Task Force is still under me, and prince Diabo wouldn't outrank my authority for this team. However, the whole plan to take the Empire's throne would be up to prince Diabo. Ah thank you for the tea, Stella."

Saare received the cup, then take a seat while sipping it.

"But, we do have some freedom to act, right?" Glenda asked with worried tone. She's worried this task force couldn't act with their own will.

But Saare smiled, then answered "Oh don't worry. Rimuru-sama had secured our right to act freely. The main goal of our existence is to investigate about their deities after all. But in doing so, we also need to support Prince Diabo. Well, that being said, if prince Diabo's act is in opposite of our main goal, we can choose to not follow him."

"Well, that's good. But you do know that I have my own goal in this expedition, don't you?" Glenda asked again.

Saare nodded, "I know, and I have already said this during the meeting."

"And?"

"And, it's decided you have to postponed it for a while. Prince Diabo asked to hold any of our own agenda in Falmart until he succeeded the throne. After he secured the Empire, we can do as much as we want."

"Hmph, can we trust him, Saare?"

"Rimuru-sama trust him, and so do I."

"Right, I believe in you. So it's only slightly diverged from our initial plan, right?"

"Yes it is. Well, Rimuru-sama had given me the full authority to act as representative of Tempest in this expedition. I didn't mean to defy Rimuru-sama, but I think it would be better if we focused on helping prince Diabo first. After all, from what I learned, their God and Goddess never interupt anything. I hope it will be like that during our expedition."

"As you command, Saare." Glenda smirked while grabbing a biscuit on the table.

"I agree with that, Saare-sama. But, if we only act as reinforcement, does that mean prince Diabo would have his own troops?" This time, Saika joined the conversation.

"Technically, he hasn't have any. But the prisoners from Saderan Empire would be used as his troops later. However, they haven't been informed yet. And somehow, I don't think all of them would agree to join him back."

"Why?" Glenda asked.

"When I had a training with Albert in the Dungeon, he told me that Adalman had been preaching about Rimuru-sama towards the Saderans. And it resulted with many of these Saderans refusing to be sent back to Falmart. They want to live their lives here in Tempest."

"Ah" Glenda shaking her head with little smirk.

The other people who present also holding their laugh upon hearing the news.

"Somehow, I feel sorry for His Highness Diabo." Nemu made a first comment after hearing the news.

"Me too, once everyone knows about Rimuru-sama greatness, it is difficult to compared it with other figure." Phos added.

"We don't need to worry about that Phos, Nemu. I have met him in the meeting, and I can see he's a person with good charisma. He can be a good king if he was guided into the right direction." Saare replied, while starting to munch the doughnut that served by Phos.

"Then, it's our job to make sure he didn't strayed off from the right path." Grigori made a comment.

"Hmm… It seems I have to familiarize myself with fellow Saderans aristocrats. It seems I have little use in this mission, Saare-dono." Veryard who's sitting and keep silent all the time, finally speak up.

But Saare shake his head gently, "Veryard-dono, I have been appointed as Tempest representative for the whole campaign. But my area of expertise doesn't included politics or anything related to that. That's why, I want to appoint you as my substitute for representing Tempest in politic sector."

Veryard smiled, then nodded before continuing "Understood, Saare-dono. I will do my best to assist you and representing Tempest."

Saare nodded and trade a smile with Veryard. They both now enjoying the tea together that was served by Stella.

"So, when do you think we'll get going?" Grigori asked.

"I honestly didn't know. But my guess is around a month or less. But our job is starting from tomorrow."

"Job?"

"Yes. We will begin our cooperation with Prince Diabo as soon as possible. And that included sharing intelligence, trained their soldiers, and familiarize the world we're gonna stepping in. So, let's prepare ourselves from tomorrow, everyone."

"'Understood'"

To Be Continued

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Hello guys, good day to you all. How you've been? I hope you guys okay and live your life to the fullest!

Now here's the new chapter. Sorry if it's taking sooo long to finally updated. I wanted share more about it, but on this section I want to say, this chapter is completely change my mind. I mean, I have said it in chapter 0 that I write this on a whim. But after writing more chapters, I felt more and more attached to it. And so, I want to give my best on it.

And believe me, I've been rewriting this chapter about 4 times. I can't decide what's the best course every time I felt there's something wrong when I write it. So I delete it, and back to zero, 4 TIMES!

But here we are, I'm pretty proud with the final result. And I hope you enjoy this chapter too since I think this chapter is one of the best I've ever written so far. But don't hesitate to gave critics!

And I think you notice how I didn't use Pina to be the "sane" person from the Empire. That was intentional. I'm quite bored to see other Gate fanfic is still following the canon by using Pina as the protagonist from the Empire. However, when I read about Diabo El Caesar from Wikifandom, I felt a sympathy for him and I want to use him as my protagonist from the Empire.

Also I didn't mean that other fanfic is bad. Nope, not at all. I was inspired by many fanfic author who writes Gate stories, and I'm proudly say that they have an immense of influence to my writings as a whole. In that case, I want to shoutout for Terror Belli, Decus Pacis written by TheShortGrenadier, Freedom's Ring which written by DFMRCV, and Gate: Thus The Dominion Fought There written by TheWatcher2875 whom inspired me to write this crossover.

I hope you like this major change from Canon.

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Reply For The Reviews

Eddie199:Yeah it's already seen that the Saderan Empire would saw it's pointless to engage Tempest for further hostilities. However, I want to make it more dramatical and more bumpy. Forgive me for saying this, but I don't want to write it like a dry plot where one side would slaughter the other party just because they can. So I hope you understand that I want to make this story a bit more dramatical than that. Hehehehe...

Panu Sitti: Hello! I hope you can see how joyous I feel when you recognize me from my other story :D. And thank you for the review! I'm sorry I'm not in the mood to continue The Fate Of Izawa Shizue story for now. But I won't axed it, I swear. Just consider it as hiatus for a moment :D. In meantime, I hope you enjoy this story.

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Author's Yapping

All right, this is actually very important for me guys. But first of all, I really happy to have readers who read my story. Ever since I joined this , it's instantly become my favorite site because I felt like I could unleash what I have been holding for so long. I love to write, I love reading, and I'm a huge fan of Tensura. It feels like a fresh air for me to being able to write and publish it, then notice that I have people who actually read my stories.

However guys, I need to tell the truth. I might need to pause this activity for a moment. I just want to share this without any intention to make you pitying me but I'm in quite severe financial problems. I'm in my early 20's, and all I could do is making small bucks and it's not enough to cover my expenses and college tuition. Fortunately I have some decent amount of savings, but it won't stay for long.

And I want to ask you guys. Is it okay if I ask you for some donation? I won't force you to do it. Hell, I prefer die than doing that, but I won't ask this if I really need it. In return, I would gave more time for this fanfic and other stories I could make with a fixed schedule. I'm from a country where 1 dollar could keep me having a food on the table for one day :D.

I've read several rules in this site and I didn't found any rules that prohibiting the author to make money from it. But I still felt it's wrong, but on the other side, I cannot feed myself just by writing fanfic like this :D

Seriously guys, I felt so embarased to ask this to you. And that's why I didn't make the medium for donations yet, because I want to know what you thought about it. If you think it's inappropriate, then I'm cool with it. But if you think it can be done, then I'm grateful for it.

Just let me know your thoughts. I won't leave my passion for writing, but I'm in a situation where I couldn't support it. Just in case you might think that I would stop making updates :D

See you in the next chapter guys!

Stay safe and stay healthy!