Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

Everyone had taken their leave, leaving Rimuru alone with Kaede. With a small bounce, Rimuru hopped onto Kaede’s couch, shifting back into his human form before sinking comfortably into the cushions.

He let out a relaxed sigh before glancing at her. "Why are you still here, Kaede-san?"

Kaede studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a curious tilt of her head, she asked, "...Rimuru, are you Japanese by any chance?"

Rimuru stiffened slightly, his eyes widening. He turned to face her fully. "Wait a second, Kaede-san... are you Japanese too?"

A smile tugged at Kaede’s lips as she nodded. "Yep. It's nice to finally meet someone from our world."

Rimuru sat up a little straighter, intrigued. "Hold the phone, you've met others?"

Kaede chuckled softly. "Yeah. I was one of four otherworlders summoned by a nearby nation called Falmuth. One of them, Kirara, is with me in Maple Tree, though she's in a coma for now."

Rimuru’s expression darkened at the mention of this. His mind flashed back to his conversation with Veldora. "Otherworlders... Veldora told me about them. People from our world, summoned through a ritual that sacrifices thirty lives. And then they get hit with a powerful curse that binds them, stopping them from rebelling. Basically, they’re slaves."

Kaede sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Pito was right, then. You really have met Veldora. She said you had traces of Veldora’s aura on you. And yeah... he's not wrong. We were only brought here to be weapons of mass destruction." She let out a dry chuckle. "The curse is real, too. Luckily, my skill made me immune."

Rimuru rested his head against the couch, exhaling. "Damn. That must've been rough. Glad you got out of there." His gaze hardened. "Falmuth sounds like a real piece of work."

Kaede laughed, leaning back into the couch. "It's not all bad, I guess. I mean, sure, there's someone there I'm definitely going to kill, but I think there are a few good ones too."

Rimuru smirked. "Good to know. I'll keep an eye out—maybe have Soei gather some information on them. Though honestly, I doubt we’ll ever cross paths."

Kaede gave a small nod, but her expression remained thoughtful.

<Notice. The Great Forest of Jura has long hindered direct passage to the Kingdom of Dwargon, forcing merchants and travelers to pass through Falmuth instead. However, with Rimuru’s growing influence, the dangers of crossing the western forest are rapidly diminishing.>

<Logically, this will result in a significant decline in Falmuth’s merchant traffic. Given their reliance on this trade, it is highly probable that Falmuth will retaliate. The likelihood of them organizing a raid on Jura, possibly with the support of the Holy Church of Luminous due to their discrimination against monsters, is alarmingly high.> 

<In conclusion, Rimuru’s town is inevitably going to 'cross paths' with Falmuth.>

Kaede exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "That's not good."

Rimuru blinked, tilting his head. "What's not good?"

Kaede turned to face Rimuru, her expression serious. "You are going to cross paths with Falmuth. There's no avoiding it."

Rimuru frowned. "What makes you say that?"

Kaede folded her arms. "From what I've deduced, the Great Forest of Jura used to be a natural barrier, forcing merchants to pass through Falmuth to reach Dwargon. But now, with you ruling a whole thirty percent of the forest of Jura, and you and I making the forest safer, they’re going to lose that advantage. Less trade means less money, and when powerful people like them lose money, they get desperate."

Rimuru hummed, considering her words. "So, you think they'll retaliate?"

Kaede nodded. "Yeah. And if they get the Holy Church involved? That’s a whole different problem. They hate monsters, like, really hate them, enough to burn anyone who even associates with them, speaking from experience here, and they have the influence to rally other nations against you."

Rimuru sighed, leaning back into the couch. "Well, that’s annoying. But it’s not like I’m doing anything wrong, I’m just making things better for everyone."

Kaede smirked. "Since when has that ever stopped people in power from messing things up?"

Rimuru chuckled. "Fair point. So, what do you suggest?"

Kaede shrugged. "Not much you can do right now. But be prepared. If they decide you’re a threat, they won’t hesitate to act."

Rimuru nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Got it. I’ll keep an eye on them. And if they do come after us... well, they’ll regret it."

Kaede grinned. "That’s the spirit. I'm kinda hoping they try something. I've got a bone to pick with them."

Kaede crossed her arms, leaning back against the couch. "Also, expect a visit from Gazel Dwargo."

Rimuru blinked. "Huh? Why?"

"Pito’s been noticing a lot of Dwargon's spies around your town," Kaede explained. "Normally, they don’t interfere much with each other, I’m guessing you’ve been to Dwargon at least once."

Rimuru nodded. "Yeah, I went there to buy some clothes and hire artisans."

Kaede pointed at him. "And that’s why. A talking slime with the power of an A+ rank monster? That alone made you worth watching. But now? You’ve taken down a de facto Demon Lord. I sensed quite a few people watching that fight."

Rimuru frowned. "People were watching?"

Kaede chuckled. "Well, duh. Even I was watching, and I was nearby. But you’ve definitely got other eyes on you, probably even a few Demon Lords." She smirked. "Hurry up and take over the west already."

Rimuru let out a sigh, sinking deeper into the couch. "More Demon Lords, huh? If they’re anything like Geld, then they’re gonna be a problem. But I’m not really..."

Kaede cut him off, her tone firm. "Lemme stop you right there, Rimuru. Demon Lords are no joke. While Geld was one, he was weak... probably because he was a newborn. The real thing? They’re on a whole different level. That’s why you need to hurry up. Gather as many strong allies as you can. In this world, strength is everything."

Rimuru was quiet for a moment before nodding. "I get it. I’ll be careful."

Kaede smiled. "Good. Just don’t get caught off guard."

Rimuru sighed, his gaze distant. "Still though, this brings a lot into perspective, just how much threatens our small little town."

---

Kaede spent the next three days naming all fifty thousand orcs, a grueling but necessary task. Once that was done, the real challenge began: integrating them into society.

Fortunately, the five kingdoms Towa had usurped were in desperate need of reconstruction, following the large-scale devastation caused by Kaori and her forces. (Finally. Apparently, Ari had blackmailed Kaori into becoming one of Maple Tree's captains, granting her command over the forces Kaede had already prepared.)

This situation worked out well. Each kingdom received a workforce of ten thousand orcs, easing the burden of rebuilding. The orcs, for their part, were more than willing to work in exchange for food, clothing, and a place to call home.

However, Kaede firmly insisted that they also receive fair wages for their labor.

Towa, now overseeing the finances of all vassal states, readily enforced this policy, ensuring that the orcs were compensated properly.

With the completion of Maple Tree’s second city came its official name, Kyusha City.

Most of the Antari had migrated there, drawn to the expansive underground infrastructure that had been specifically designed to accommodate their needs. The city itself was a marvel, blending advanced engineering with the natural resilience of its subterranean layout.

Within the largest mansion above ground, Kaede sat in deep thought. Before her, resting on an ornate pedestal, was a large, transparent sphere.

Inside the sphere, countless smaller orbs pulsed with a soft, rhythmic glow, one that eerily resembled a heartbeat.@@novelbin@@

If what she had been told was true, then she wasn’t sure whether to be terrified or amazed by what she was looking at.

Souls.

Kaede exhaled, her fingers lightly brushing against the smooth surface of the sphere.

“…Become a Demon Lord, huh?” she murmured, the memory of her encounter with Guy Crimson resurfacing in her mind.

---

Within a regal and luxurious room with elegant decor, a reflective orb is placed on a plush red pillow. The orb is smooth and glossy, catching the light in a way that makes it appear almost like a crystal ball. 

In the background, a tall, slender individual with purple hair stands near a large window draped with rich purple curtains. The silhouette of this person is visible against the bright light streaming in from outside. A table nearby holds a bottle of wine and a glass. The room's walls are adorned with gold-accented patterns and framed artwork, reinforcing the sense of opulence.

Seated on the couch behind the mysterious figure was a familiar presence, Laplace, the ever-relaxed clown masked man. With his usual nonchalance, he lounged comfortably, one leg draped over the other as he observed the tall figure.

A smirk curled beneath his mask as he tilted his head. "Must drive you bonkers that a new Demon Lord wasn't born," he mused, his tone playful yet knowing.

The purple-haired man remained unfazed, his expression calm as he swirled the wine in his glass. "Perhaps... a little," he admitted, his crimson eyes gleaming as he turned to face Laplace. "Still, it was an extraordinary spectacle. That slime... whatever shall I do with it?" His voice carried a note of amusement, but beneath it lurked something far more sinister, anticipation.

Laplace chuckled, pushing himself up from the couch in one fluid motion. "Sounds like you’ve got some schemin’ to do," he said, stretching dramatically before adjusting his clothing. "Well!" With a flourish, he took a deep, theatrical bow. "If you ever need a hand, I'll lend you one, for cheap, of course. Demon Lord Clayman."

Then, just as suddenly as he had appeared, Laplace vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving only his lingering presence behind.

Clayman, the Demon Lord, took another slow sip of his wine, his smile deepening.