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It’s a peaceful day in Tempest, and for that, I’m grateful.
There’s been far too much excitement lately! Getting to take it easy for a while is refreshing, even if the work of a ruler never ends. It gives me time to think, and recently, I decided I wanted to try something completely new.
“Are you sure you’ve thought this through?”
Hinata gives me a cold glare. Well, I guess it’s less of a glare than just a stare. It’s hard to tell if you don’t know Hinata as well as I do!
She’s been coming around more often lately. I can’t tell if it’s because she doesn’t trust me to take care of myself or if it’s because she genuinely enjoys my company. It might be hopeful thinking to assume it’s the latter.
“I have thought this through and I’m going to do it.” I respond. “Honestly, I’ve gone back and forth with this and decided to just do it. What’s the worst that could happen?”
The “this” in question is just a simple pair of black high heels. I’ve been thinking about trying to wear some lately. You know, short people problems, heels would negate a few of them. It makes sense to me, I don’t get why it would be a bad idea.
“I could write a novel as to why that would be a bad idea.”
“Then please, I’d love to hear you read it to me.”
I slip on the shoes and try standing up. It’s not as hard to balance in as I thought it would be, though I can easily tell walking in them will take some getting used to. Hinata stares at me before sighing and standing to face me.
“If you’re really going to do this, then follow me. You’re not wearing heels with that outfit.”
“What’s wrong with my outfit?”
I’m wearing my baggy pants and tank top. Was my sense of style really that off? I can’t see a problem with it if it’s comfortable.
Even though I think this, Hinata still grabs my arm and drags me away.
“Trust me. If you’re going to cause a scene, might as well look good while doing it.”
---
“Good morning, Shuna!”
“R-Rimuru-sama! Good morning!” Shuna stutters out. She seems nervous and I don’t know why.
I took Hinata’s clothing suggestion, and in the end, I do think I look pretty good in them. She gave me a pair of pants that were hell to put on but wear comfortably and a flowy, white shirt. It’s a simple outfit the heels match and I actually like it. I’m not the most fashion-savvy person, but I feel good in these clothes.
It didn’t cross my mind that maybe the clothes were too simple. Maybe Shuna doesn’t like them. Hinata would likely want a word with Shuna if she questioned her fashion choices, and nobody wants that. Actually, that makes sense.
…Ouch, Shuna. I still won’t tell Hinata for your sake, but ouch.
Shuna leads me further into the building, and I notice Benimaru and Rigurd talking. Might as well poke my head in, right?
“Oh, Benimaru, Rigurd! Good morning!” I give them a little wave and they turn to face me as I pass.
“Good morn… ing…”
“Rimu…ru?”
Hm? What’s with those reactions? I stop to face them properly, tilting my head to the side.
“Is something wrong?”
They’re both just staring at me. It’s a little unnerving. I take a step towards them and they snap out of it when my heel clacks on the floor.
“N-no! Nothing at all, Rimuru-sama!”
“Yeah, everything is fine! W-we were just going over material for the meeting in a minute.”
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot we were starting today with a meeting.” I look back to Shuna, who nods vigorously, then back at the two in front of me. “Thanks for reminding me. Uhm… Just let me know if you need anything, ok?”
“Yessir!”
“O-of course, my lord.”
The two men bow to me as I continue to follow Shuna down the hall.
That wasn’t normal for the two of them. They seemed spooked. Maybe I just caught them at a weird time. That’s the most likely explanation for it, yeah.
Shion and Diablo were waiting for me in the meeting room. As the doors open and Shuna and I walk in, I hear Shion gasp.
“Rimuru-sama!” She says, running to my side. “You look amazing today!”
“Oh, thank you, Shion.” I smile up at her and she squeals.
“You’re amazing as always, Rimuru-sama!”
Strangely, after everyone else acting strange this morning, Shion’s enthusiasm is reassuring. At least someone here isn’t losing their mind.
“O-of course Rimuru-sama looks amazing, Shion-san!” Shuna tuts. “He looks great in anything he wears, and his outfit today is exceptional!”
Shuna, you don’t have to lie for my sake.
“That’s right, Shuna-san. Rimuru-sama always looks amazing, that’s why I said it!” A strained smile appears on Shion’s face as the atmosphere tenses.
Ah, I get it. It’s related to whatever contest these two have going on.
It’s none of my business. But as I was about to dismiss it, Diablo appears by my side.
“Master.”
“Ah, good morning Dia—“
Diablo kneels in front of me, taking my hand. Before I can question him, he brings my hand to his lips and plants a gentle kiss on the back.
…Eh?
“You look absolutely breath-taking today, my lord.” He says, looking up to make eye contact with me.
Wh-what the heck!?
“D-Diablo—“ I can’t even get two words out before I’m cut off by Shion’s screaming.
“No fair! You can’t just kiss Rimuru-sama like that!!”
Diablo smirks as he rises to his feet to face Shion properly.
“Master does not seem bothered by it.”
“No way! Th-then I was to give Rimuru-sama a kiss like that too!” Shion declares, unflinching.
E-Excuse me?!
“M-me too! Diablo can’t get all the fun to himself!” Shuna adds in.
This is quickly turning into a direction I was not expecting. I begin debating on turning and sneaking out when the doors slam open and Benimaru and Rigurd appear.
“What’s happening in here?” Benimaru demands and Shion points at Diablo.
“He dared to kiss the back of Rimuru-sama’s hand!”
Benimaru casts a look over at Diablo and oh god, is he contemplating murder?!
“You can’t do that so carelessly!”
“It doesn’t appear that Rimuru-sama minds it that much, right, Master?”
All eyes are cast onto me. Alright, this is my chance to deescalate the situation! I just have to make sure what I say next is the right thing.
“L-look, guys, it’s not really that big of a dea—“
“See? Master does not mind.”
“Then let me do it too!”
B-Benimaru?!
The three Kijin in the room begin to crowd me to the point I have to take a step back. I cast a glance over to Diablo, silently cursing the demon for starting this. Dammit, how’d things escalate to this point in the first place?!
Meanwhile just outside of the meeting room stands Hinata. Hearing the commotion inside makes her chuckle dangerously, shaking her head.
If you’re going to cause chaos, might as well go all in, right?
