The Silent Deity: Saiki Kusuo in Tensura

After Saiki returned to the Storm Kingdom with Testarossa by his side, he took a moment to do one last thing—just in case.

With a soft hum and a faint glow in his eyes, he scanned Testarossa's soul.

What he found surprised even him.

There was no hint of rebellion. No deception. No hidden trap. Just... a calm, unwavering devotion. Her thoughts, feelings, emotions—all centered on serving him with total loyalty and admiration.

"Well now… she really meant it," Saiki murmured to himself, glancing sideways at her.

Testarossa, walking gracefully beside him, noticed his brief glance.

"Is something the matter, Lord Saiki?" she asked with soft elegance, her voice like silk over glass.

"Nah," he replied, hands in his pockets. "Just checking something."

Normally, Saiki would have erased her memories of him completely, like he did with everyone else in the kingdom. After all, the fewer people who knew of his existence, the more peaceful his life would be.

But this time… he decided not to.

"Let's see how this works out," he thought, shrugging inwardly.

The two reached the newly constructed castle—a grand and majestic structure carved from stone and crystal, with towers that sparkled under the sun and massive golden banners displaying the Storm Kingdom's emblem: a dragon coiled around a thunderbolt.

They entered through the main gate, walking through polished halls lit by mana-infused crystal torches. Monsters of all shapes and sizes patrolled or stood guard with discipline.

Finally, they arrived at the throne room.

Inside, seated on a magnificent obsidian throne lined with blue draconic carvings, was Veldora, the Storm King himself. He looked completely different now.

He wore regal robes with flowing capes, his posture straight, chin raised with noble grace. A pair of glasses rested on the bridge of his nose—not because he needed them, but because he felt it made him look wiser.

He was currently reading a thick tome titled: "Sovereign Arts: The Philosophy of Leadership and Royal Dignity."

He flipped a page slowly, whispering in a deep voice:

"...'The King must not simply rule through power but inspire through presence…' Hmph. Yes, quite agreeable…"

Just then, the doors creaked open.

Saiki: "Hey, Veldora."

Veldora (not looking up): "Saiki… you dare enter the throne of the mighty Storm King without a formal announcement?"

Saiki: "I built this place, remember?"

Veldora (closing the book gently and standing): "Right… fair enough."

Saiki stepped aside slightly, motioning toward the elegant woman beside him.

Saiki: "Anyway, I brought someone. Meet Testarossa. She's going to be your official diplomat. She'll handle foreign relations, negotiations, correspondence—you name it."

Veldora looked over her slowly.

His glowing golden eyes scanned Testarossa up and down, reading her aura, presence, and even the slight manner in which she stood.

Veldora: "A demon… and a strong one at that. Hmmm… no, not just strong… Primordial Demon Class. Interesting."

Testarossa bowed gracefully, placing one hand over her chest.

Testarossa: "It is an honor, Lord Veldora. I am Testarossa. From this day forward, I shall serve your kingdom and support your reign with the utmost devotion."

Veldora's expression turned thoughtful. His Ainz-mode instincts kicked in as he analyzed her demeanor. Poised. Articulate. Controlled.

Veldora (stroking his chin): "Impressive. Your conduct reflects proper noble discipline. You do not kneel with fear, nor speak with arrogance. Good… very good. Saiki, I approve of your selection."

Saiki: "Didn't need your approval. But cool."

Veldora ignored him and walked slowly down the steps of his throne toward Testarossa.

Veldora: "From this moment forth, you will represent the Storm Kingdom beyond our borders. Your words shall be my voice, your presence my will. Do you accept this duty?"

Testarossa (kneeling): "I do, your Majesty. I shall serve you with all my heart."

Veldora nodded, then turned to Saiki.

Veldora: "You've done well, Saiki. Your contributions continue to shape this kingdom into a force worthy of legend."

Saiki: "I just want to live in peace, honestly."

Veldora: "And yet here you are, building empires…"

Saiki: "Yare yare…"

Testarossa stood up again, eyes glittering with excitement.

Testarossa: "Then, with your permission, Lord Veldora, I shall begin my duties immediately. I will draft a strategy for approaching external nations, compile a list of potential alliances, and monitor diplomatic threats."

Veldora: "Very good. Begin at once."

Saiki leaned against the pillar, watching the scene unfold. It was kind of funny, honestly. Just a few weeks ago, Veldora was bragging about fighting Guy Crimson like a lunatic dragon. And now here he was—elegant, calm, composed… kingly.

"This might just work," Saiki thought.

The next day, Veldora called for a meeting....

The grand War Room of the Storm Kingdom was bustling with life. The polished obsidian floor reflected the soft blue glow from the floating crystals that lit the chamber. A large circular table stood at the center, its surface carved with the map of the Jura Forest and the surrounding lands.

One by one, the kingdom's top generals and commanders entered the room, taking their usual seats.

Benimaru, tall and noble, his crimson armor gleaming under the lights.

Souei, silent as a shadow, appearing behind his chair like he had always been there.

Hakuro, the seasoned swordmaster, walking with dignity and calm strength.

Shion, fierce and full of spirit, nodding proudly to the others as she entered.

Gobta, running in late and breathing heavily, "I-I made it! Sorry I overslept again—"

Rigurd, elder and wise, bowing deeply as he entered with a proud smile.

Gabiru, flamboyant as ever, flipping his cape and flexing unnecessarily.

Geld, stoic and dependable, with arms crossed and eyes steady.

They all gathered around the table, but one thing remained the same: none of them noticed Saiki, who was lounging comfortably on a floating sofa near the wall, legs crossed, eating coffee jelly like a bored ghost no one could sense.

Saiki (muttering to himself): "As expected, completely invisible. Perfect."

Then came the deep, commanding voice from the head of the table.

Veldora: "Welcome, my generals."

Everyone straightened up. Even Gobta instantly sat upright.

Veldora stood, his obsidian cloak fluttering gently behind him, a regal presence in the room. The air shifted when he spoke. He wasn't the wild, carefree dragon anymore. The way he moved, the way he stood—it all screamed "King."

Veldora: "I have summoned you all here today to introduce a new and vital member of our leadership."

He stepped aside, and with grace, Testarossa walked forward. Her long silver hair flowed behind her, her white and black attire perfectly tailored, her crimson eyes calm and sharp like a blade that had never dulled.

A hush fell over the room.

Veldora: "This is Testarossa—a Primordial Demon."

Immediately, the atmosphere thickened. Some widened their eyes, others leaned back slightly. Even Gabiru stopped his usual posing. Primordial Demon—those weren't just rumors. They were legends.

Shion (whispering to Benimaru): "She looks beautiful… but terrifying."

Benimaru: "She's strong. I can feel it from here."

Gobta (trembling a little): "D-Demons are scary…"

Hakuro (nodding): "Primordial means she's been around since the beginning… formidable."

Veldora raised a hand, commanding their attention again.

Veldora: "She will serve as our Head of Diplomacy and External Affairs. From now on, all matters concerning alliances, treaties, and public relations with the outside world will go through her."

Testarossa gave a graceful bow.

Testarossa: "I am honored to serve the Storm Kingdom. I pledge my knowledge, wisdom, and strength to see it rise above all others."

Her voice was smooth and persuasive, filled with elegance and just the right touch of authority. It wasn't forced—it was natural.

Saiki, from his sofa, took another bite of coffee jelly and smirked.

Saiki (thinking): "She really is perfect for this…"

Veldora folded his arms behind his back and began pacing with calculated poise.

Veldora: "The time is nearly upon us to reveal ourselves to the world. Until now, the Storm Kingdom has grown in silence, free of prying eyes… but we can no longer remain hidden."

He looked at each general directly, his golden eyes gleaming.

Veldora: "Testarossa's task is to assess every nation. Who is a potential ally… and who might be plotting in the shadows. I expect full cooperation."

Everyone nodded—some nervously, others confidently.

Veldora: "But more than that… I want your thoughts. How shall the world perceive us? What kind of image shall we cast upon this stage of politics and war?"

He extended his hand over the map on the table.

Veldora: "We are dragons, warriors, monsters… but we are also now rulers. Let us forge our identity. Speak, my generals."

Benimaru stood first, placing a hand over his heart.

Benimaru: "We should be feared and respected. We must show strength first, so they know not to challenge us… but also order and wisdom. We do not rule with chaos."

Souei's voice came next, quiet but confident.

Souei: "Espionage will be important. I will send shadows into every major nation and empire. If they breathe… we will hear it."

Shion slammed a fist onto the table.

Shion: "We need bold colors! And fashion! When they see our uniforms, they'll know the Storm Kingdom is not just strong, but fabulous!"

Gobta: "Can I lead the fashion unit!?"

Geld (sighing): "We must also prioritize economy. Trading routes, internal production, currency systems…"

Gabiru (pointing a finger into the air): "We must hold a grand parade! Show the world our power with style!"

Rigurd: "We must maintain discipline and culture. We are not savages. We must teach the younger ones history, pride, loyalty."

One by one, they poured their hearts and ideas into the conversation. Veldora listened quietly, nodding in approval.

At one point, he looked over at Testarossa.

Veldora: "And you, Testarossa. What do you think?"

She smiled elegantly, folding her hands in front of her.

Testarossa: "I believe the Storm Kingdom should embody balance. Majesty and might. Compassion and cunning. We shall be the storm that shelters and the storm that conquers. A kingdom others aspire to join… or dread opposing."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room.

Even Saiki tilted his head.

Saiki (smirking): "She really gets it…"

Veldora took a final look at everyone.

Veldora: "Excellent. We have begun shaping our path. Testarossa, begin preparations. Send feelers into neighboring nations. Let us gauge their movements—before they gauge ours."

Testarossa: "As you command, Lord Veldora."

With that, the meeting concluded. One by one, the generals stood and bowed, exiting the chamber with renewed focus and excitement.

Saiki stayed behind for a few more moments, watching Veldora walk toward the throne and sit down with the presence of a true ruler.

Veldora (to himself): "Yes… the world will know the name of the Storm Kingdom soon enough."

Saiki (munching another spoonful of jelly): "Yare yare… he's really becoming a problem."

But deep down, even Saiki couldn't help but feel proud.

The Storm Kingdom wasn't just rising.

It was evolving.