Dominant Run! (Tensura/That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

Ciel: <>

Voice of the World: <<>>

******

The Kingdom of Raja was a land steeped in sorrow, its once-vibrant streets now hauntingly silent. The laughter of children that once echoed through the alleyways had faded into distant memory. The spirited haggling of merchants, and the steady hum of life that had once filled its marketplaces. In their place, fear hung thick in the air, weighing on the people like an unseen force. When they spoke, it was in hushed, hurried whispers, as if even sound itself could invite misfortune.

War loomed on the horizon like an unrelenting storm, its shadow stretching over Raja with suffocating inevitability. Soldiers patrolled the streets, their gazes sharp and unwavering, hands ever at the ready to draw their blades. The townsfolk moved like wraiths, their steps hesitant, their eyes darting with suspicion, their shoulders hunched as though bracing for a blow that had yet to fall.

But war was not the kingdom's only affliction. The lifeblood of Raja—its water—had turned against it. Poison had seeped into its wells and rivers, sickening its people and leaving them frail, their strength ebbing away with each passing day. No matter how many times Queen Towa purified the sacred lake, the corruption always returned, as if mocking her efforts. Some whispered of an unseen enemy at work, while others, in hushed and fearful tones, murmured of divine punishment. Yet, whether the cause was sorcery or the wrath of the gods, the result was the same—desperation, paranoia, and suffering.

But today, something was different.

A shift rippled through the heavy silence as a luxurious carriage rolled through the desolate streets, its polished exterior gleaming beneath the weary sun. Flanking it on either side were two Kijin, who rode atop monstrous wolves, creatures of raw muscle and sinew, their powerful forms exuding an air of silent menace.

Under normal circumstances, such a sight would have sent the people into a frenzy—whether of fear or awe. But the presence of Queen Towa's elite guards leading the carriage quelled any immediate panic.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

Curious onlookers emerged from the shadows of shuttered homes and dimly lit alleyways, their gazes drawn to the mysterious procession. Soon, the trickle of spectators became a flood, until a massive crowd had gathered before the gates of the royal palace.

At its entrance stood Queen Towa, a vision of regal composure despite the turmoil that plagued her kingdom. Flanked by her most trusted ministers, she waited to greet and welcome whoever was inside that carriage.

******

"Brother, we're here," Framea said, glancing out the carriage window. Beside her, Rimuru sat comfortably, engrossed in a book as if he were on a casual afternoon retreat rather than arriving in a tense, war-torn kingdom.

"I see," Rimuru replied, flicking his wrist to make the book vanish into thin air. He turned to Framea with a gentle smile. "Are you ready? This will be your first official appearance as my sister."

Framea took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I am," she answered, though her fingers instinctively smoothed the fabric of her gown. The dress—a stunning black silk masterpiece—was a far cry from the practical clothes she usually wore for work. It clung elegantly to her form highlighting her curves, its flowing design exuding nobility, but to Framea, it felt restrictive, unnatural. She wasn't used to garments that sacrificed function for beauty.

Sensing her unease, Rimuru reached out and placed a hand on her head. "Don't worry, you look amazing," he assured her. Then, a teasing grin spread across his face. "Actually, you look so amazing that I might have to start chasing boys away with a stick."

"Niisama! Stop saying such nonsense!" Framea protested, her cheeks turning pink as she swatted at his arm.

"Alright, alright, I'll behave," Rimuru chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. Then, with a more composed expression, he nodded toward the door. "Well, it's time to step out."

he said before, Shion opened the door of the carriage for him.

At that moment, Shion, his personal bodyguard, swung the carriage door open. Sunlight poured into the interior, and as Rimuru stepped out, his gaze swept across the enormous crowd that had gathered around them. Hundreds of eyes filled with curiosity focused squarely locked onto him. 

Instead, he moved around the carriage just as Benimaru opened the door on the other side, extending a hand to Framea. She hesitated, inhaling sharply before placing her palm in his. With practiced grace, Benimaru helped her step down, and the moment her feet touched the ground, the crowd's hushed murmurs intensified.

Framea swallowed her nerves, glancing at Rimuru. He met her gaze and gave her an almost imperceptible nod—reassuring yet firm. Taking his cue, she straightened her posture, shoulders squared, and together, they stepped forward, Benimaru and Shion following closely behind.

At the palace entrance, Queen Towa stood waiting, the regal air about her only enhanced by the golden embroidery on her pristine white gown while her lips poised in a polite smile. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Raja, King Rimuru. It is a pleasure to meet you in person," she greeted, her tone formal, as though this were their first encounter.

Rimuru's expression softened into an easy, confident smile. "The pleasure is mine, Queen Towa," he responded smoothly, taking her offered hand and brushing a light kiss against the back of it.

"I have heard much about your strength from my cousin, King Gazel," Towa said, her voice carrying just loud enough for the gathered citizens to hear. "And I am truly grateful that you have shown such generosity in coming to Raja's aid during these troubled times."

Rimuru flashed a charming smile, one that sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd—many of the women were visibly flustered. "I'm honored by your kind words, Queen Towa," he replied. "And as for coming to your aid, it's only natural. We are neighbors, after all, and supporting you now will lead to mutual prosperity in the years to come."

"A sentiment I wholeheartedly share," Towa agreed with a graceful nod before shifting her attention to Framea. "And who might this be, King Rimuru?"

"This is my sister, Framea," Rimuru introduced, glancing at her as a subtle cue to step forward.

Gathering her courage, Framea met Towa's gaze. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Queen Towa," she said, keeping her voice steady despite the way her heart pounded in her chest.

"Lady Framea, the pleasure is mine," Towa replied warmly, her expression kind yet subtly assessing. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she turned slightly and gestured toward the grand doors of the palace. "Please, let us continue this conversation inside."

Before she could step forward, Rimuru raised a hand slightly, stopping her in her tracks.

"Before that," he said with an easy smile, "how about we solve one of your kingdom's problems?"

A hush fell over the gathered crowd, tension thickening the air as all eyes locked onto him.

Towa's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, King Rimuru?" she asked carefully. This wasn't something instructed in his letter just days ago.

Rimuru met her gaze evenly. "The poisoned lake—the root of so many illnesses in your kingdom. I believe I have a permanent solution."

The moment those words left his lips, a ripple of disbelief and outrage surged through the onlookers.

"What the hell is he saying!?"

"What could he possibly do!?"

"Even Queen Towa, with a gift from the goddess, couldn't fix this! What hope does an outsider have!?"

Towa ignored the murmurs, keeping her gaze firmly on Rimuru, trying to figure out what he was trying to do. After a moment, she let out a soft sigh and decided to play along.

"Are you certain, King Rimuru?" she asked, feigning skepticism. "Even the royal treasure could only purify the lake for a few days at most."

"I'm certain," Rimuru replied smoothly, his voice carrying the quiet confidence of someone who already knew the outcome. He then gestured toward the carriage. "In fact, we can settle this issue right now. What do you say, Queen Towa?"

Towa glanced at her people, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright doubt, and was waiting for her reaction. Finally, she gave a single nod. "Very well, King Rimuru. Let's go at once."

Rimuru nodded before turning to Framea. "Framea, you'll stay here at the castle. Shion, stay with her. Benimaru, you're coming with me."

Framea nodded in acknowledgment, while Shion looked like she wanted to argue, but a look from Rimuru made her swallow her complaint and nod along as well. Benimaru, meanwhile, stepped forward, already prepared.

Towa turned and called over one of her attendants, whispering instructions before addressing Framea. "Lady Framea, please go with her. She will serve as your attendant during your stay."

With that, Rimuru and Towa boarded the carriage once more, their destination set.

Behind them, the crowd surged forward, a wave of anticipation and skepticism driving them to follow. Whatever was about to unfold, they would see it with their own eyes.

******

As the carriage rolled through the streets, Rimuru glanced at Towa, who was gazing out the window, seemingly lost in thought. Yet, every so often, she subtly stole glances at him.

"Do you want a picture? It'll last longer," Rimuru teased, smirking as she jolted upright, her face heating up.

"W-What? That's not—" she stammered, clearly caught off guard.

"Relax," he chuckled. "What's on your mind?"

Towa hesitated before sighing, her gaze dropping to her hands. "Rimuru-sama... it's my just ministers," she admitted.

"Oh, you mean the old men standing with you earlier?" Rimuru mused, recalling their stiff postures and not-so-subtle glares. "They didn't exactly look thrilled to see me."

Towa nodded, fingers fidgeting in her lap. "They weren't pleased about your arrival. I shared the terms you proposed for helping us, and let's just say... most of them weren't thrilled."

"I figured as much," Rimuru said casually. Then, without missing a beat, he added, "What about the plan your finance minister suggested?"

Towa's head snapped toward him, eyes wide with shock. "How do you—?" She couldn't even finish the sentence.

"Know about their brilliant little scheme?" Rimuru finished for her, his voice carrying an edge. "The one where I use my nation's power to repel your attackers, only for them to later claim I had 'mind-controlled' you into accepting my aid?" His tone darkened. "Yeah, I knew the moment your finance minister first voiced it."

A suffocating pressure filled the carriage, the weight of it pressing down on Towa's chest, making her stomach churn. Her breath hitched as the realization sank in—he had known all along.

"You think I'd leave my wife in your kingdom without at least three safeguards in place?" Rimuru continued, his voice chillingly calm, each word sending shivers down Towa's spine.

Towa swallowed hard. "Rimuru-sama, I—I'm sorr—"

"Shut up."

She flinched at the uncharacteristically harsh command, her hands tightening in her lap.

"A ruler who cannot control their own people is a cancer to their nation," Rimuru said coldly. "Today, they're scheming behind your back, plotting to betray me without your approval. What's stopping them from planning your assassination next?"

Towa lowered her head, unable to find an answer.

"For my allies, my benevolence knows no bounds," Rimuru continued, his voice softening just slightly. "But for my enemies..." He let the words hang in the air, the unspoken threat more powerful than if he had finished the sentence and Towa's trembling form told him she understood.

Then, in a quieter, more solemn tone, he added, "Towa, I mean this. Get control of your people. You're kind—too kind. You remind me of my own sister, and that's why I would hate to ever raise my sword against your nation."

With that, the conversation ended. Towa fell into deep thought, replaying Rimuru's words over and over in her mind.

The weight of his words settled heavily on her, sinking into her very core.

The rest of the ride was silent. But in Towa's mind, Rimuru's warning echoed over and over again.

******

"So, this is the place, huh..." Rimuru muttered, his gaze sweeping over the once-majestic lake. Now, its surface shimmered with an unnatural purple hue, the telltale sign of lingering corruption. He clicked his tongue before turning to Towa. "I can purify it—no problem."

As his words rang out, murmurs rippled through the gathered crowd. This time, however, there were voices tinged with hope, a stark contrast to the skepticism that still clung to others.

"In that case, King Rimuru, please," Towa said, gesturing toward the lake.

With a nod, Rimuru stepped forward. Kneeling at the water's edge, he placed a hand on the tainted surface.

The moment his fingers made contact, a wave of radiant light burst forth, sweeping across the lake in a brilliant cascade. Gasps echoed around him as the poison coalesced at the center, swirling into a dark mass before shooting skyward. With a final crackle of energy, the corruption burst apart, dispersing harmlessly into the air.

A hush fell over the crowd as purified water rained down in a light, refreshing drizzle over the stunned onlookers.

"And that's that," Rimuru said, rising to his feet with a satisfied smile. Of course, he wasn't just showing off—Ultima had already disabled the magic circle polluting the lake the night before. What he had just done was merely expelling the remaining poison, ensuring Raja would never suffer from it again.

Towa, staring in astonishment at the now-pristine water, barely registered Rimuru's voice when he spoke again.

"Queen Towa, you'll want to assign people to monitor the lake over the next few days," he advised.

She snapped out of her daze and quickly nodded, issuing orders to two of her guards.

"Now then," Rimuru stretched lazily, flashing a grin. "Shall we head back? All this traveling has made me a little peckish."

Towa composed herself and smiled. "Of course. I'll have the finest cuisine our kingdom has to offer prepared for you." 

As they turned back toward the carriage, the people remained frozen in place, eyes darting between Rimuru and the lake that now gleamed like polished crystal. The poison was gone. The water, clearer than it had been in years, shimmered under the sun—along with the newfound hope in the hearts of Raja's people.

******

As soon as they returned to the palace and found themselves alone, Rimuru finally voiced the question that had been on his mind ever since he arrived.

"Towa, where is Shizu?"

It was strange—Shizu was supposed to be here, yet he hadn't seen her once since his arrival. Knowing her personality, he was sure she would have greeted him the moment he stepped foot in the palace.

At the mention of the name, a bright smile bloomed on Towa's face, an expression so full of warmth that it felt oddly out of place for a queen burdened with her nation's hardships. "Miss Shizu! Two days ago, she suddenly started feeling nauseous, so I had her rest in one of our rooms. Please, follow me. I'll take you to her."

'Nauseous?' Rimuru frowned slightly. 'That shouldn't happen... not after I rebuilt her body.'

Despite his confusion, he followed Towa as she led him through the palace halls until they arrived outside a door in the castle.

"She's inside," Towa said, gesturing toward the door. "Please, take your time. I'll meet you later."

With that, she turned and left, leaving Rimuru standing there, more puzzled than before.

Shaking his head, he knocked lightly before stepping inside.

The moment he entered, his eyes immediately landed on Shizu. She was sitting on the bed, looking completely healthy, while Framea sat beside her, chatting animatedly about something.

Just then both women noticed him and turned toward him as he walked in, and before he could get a single word out, Framea's face lit up with pure delight.

"Big brother!" she cheered, jumping up from the bed and launching herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.

Rimuru blinked in confusion, awkwardly patting her back. "Uh... Framea? What's going on here?" he asked, utterly baffled by the behavior of the women around him. 

"I really want to tell you, but..." Framea turned to Shizu with a teasing smile before looking back at Rimuru. "I think it's best if I let you two lovebirds have this moment."

Then, before he could stop her, she spun around and darted out of the room. "I'm going to explore the castle, bye!" her distant voice echoed as the door shut behind her.

Rimuru chuckled, shaking his head, "What a strange silly girl." 

Turning back to Shizu, he walked over to her and knelt in front of the bed, gently taking her hands in his. "Hey, Conqueror of my heart, I missed you so much."

Shizu giggled, warmth filling her gaze. "That was ridiculously cheesy—I love it." She squeezed his hands. "I missed you too, Lord of my heart."

Rimuru grinned before tilting his head. "So, what's going on? Towa told me you were feeling nauseous, but that shouldn't be possible, right?"

"You're right, it shouldn't," Shizu admitted, her lips curling into a radiant smile. "But... there are special circumstances this time."

Rimuru blinked, his mind racing through possibilities. "Special circumstances?"

Shizu nodded, her fingers tightening slightly around his.

"Rimuru…" She hesitated, then took a deep breath before meeting his eyes.

"I'm pregnant."

Time seemed to freeze.

Rimuru stared at her, completely still, his brain momentarily short-circuiting. "...What?"

Shizu let out a soft laugh, her eyes shimmering with warmth. "We're having a baby."

To be continued...