5. Bribery

Located in a pocket dimension created by Guy Crimson, a banquet was held. This place is actually not unfamiliar to Rimuru. This exact pocket dimension was used to host the Walpurgis meetings in the original timeline. Five people were participating in this banquet which were Guy, Ramiris, Velzard, Rimuru and for some reason Velgrynd. The room was silent and everyone was enjoying the meals.

"So, Guy-san, is this banquet some kind of bribery to make me accept your so-called offer?" asked Rimuru, who knew of Guy's methods. Either

'If I wouldn't know him beforehand I would have fell for it, but too bad for you, Guy. I know exactly that this isn't an offer, but you wanting me to join desperately. Let's play with you a little, shall we.'

"Hoh, quite sharp, aren't you? Not exactly bribery, consider it as an act of good will. Now that everyone has finished their meals, let's talk about my offer, shall we? I'm sure you'll like it."

"Wait, Guy. Did you forget we have an intruder also partaking in this meeting? Velgrynd, why are you still here? Didn't you stay to check on Milim? She is in the castle in one of the guest rooms. Mizery, guide my sister to Milim's room."

"Cold as always, sister. No, I'd like to stay and also hear about that offer. I can see Milim when she wakes up."

"This offer has nothing to do with you, Velgrynd. You choose to act as a pawn for Rudra, so this doesn't involve you in any way. I just agreed for you to stay because of Milim's condition."

"I'm not a pawn! I just stay with him because I was bored doing nothing, and he picked my interest."

"Ara~, what happened to your usual attitude, Velgrynd? All you talked about was Rudra this and Rudra that, I even thought you were in love with him for a while."

"W-w-what a-a-re you s-saying s-sister?! As i-if I, the scorch d-dragon, would f-fall in l-love! Don't say things who could be misunderstood, there are people here who would believe in what you just said!"

Velgrynd, who was red as a tomato despite being in her human form, quickly glared at Rimuru before averting her gaze back to her sister, who she was having an argument with.

Rimuru, who saw this, had some flashbacks of his fight against Velgrynd during the war against the empire.

'Oh shit, she is angry! After I ate Veldora she also had a red tone on her face. But why? Is it because I belittled her during our small spar before? But I didn't want to hurt her. I hope I don't have to fight her again, she is simply too hard to calm down.'

<< Master, you're so dense even I have a hard time to express it this time. >>

>> Huh? Did you say something Ciel? <<

<< Yes, you're dense and this time it's not your imagination! >>

'What's up with Ciel? Dense? Me? Why? I wish she could atleast help me instead of calling me dense all the time...'

Guy, who was watching the bickering between the two true dragon sisters indifferently, had a smirk after witnessing Velgrynd's reaction.

'That sudden turn of events will be amusing to watch' was all he could think.

"Velzard, I don't mind if Velgrynd wants to stay and listen to my offer. So, Rimuru, are you now willing to listen to my offer?"

"Yes, go on."

"I'm currently assembling a group of demon lords and I want you to join our group. I can tell you're strong after witnessing your quarrel with Velgrynd here and Rudra, so I think you have the right to call yourself one of us."

"Demon Lord hm? But what do I get from calling myself a demon lord and joining your group? I mean, it does rather sound bothersome."

'Hehehe, come on Guy, you have to try harder. I know you're desperate for me to join.'

Guy, who looked indifferent on the outside, was desperate to find a way to make this Rimuru to join his group.

'No matter what, I have to convince him. He is strong, maybe even as strong as me. I can't have him walk around and do what he wants. If he joins, at least I can have him on a leash and check up on him?'

"You'll receive a territory and can reign over it. How does it sound?"

'Come on, just accept it already!'

"Territory? Why do I have to be a demon lord to have a territory? I can just settle somewhere and relax, can't I?"

'You piece of shit! As if you would just stay still and relax. It looks like he is travelling alone, maybe..'

"If you join us, you'll also receive your own servant. She could help you with your demon lord duties and also cook for you or whatever."

'Wait what?! She? Who is he talking about? I mean, it would be helpful before Benimaru and the others are born, but who does he have in mind?'

"She? Who do you have in mind?" asked Velzard, who was wondering what Guy was planning.

"Rain, come here!"

Rain, who has been standing at the back of the room together with Mizery walked next to Guy.

"Yes, Guy-sama?"

"From today onward, you'll serve Rimuru."

""WHATTT?!""

All guests present, excluding Rain and Guy, screamed out loud. Handing out a Primordial to a stranger just for him to join?

"Oioi Guy-san, what are you talking about?"

"Exactly what I said, Rimuru. And drop the san, Guy is enough"

Rimuru, who was enjoying Guy's desperate attempts to make him join the demon lord's, spit out his drink after hearing what Guy was talking about.

'I knew he wanted me to join, but Rain? She was a problem child in the original timeline and caused me many headaches. She, together with Diablo and Adalmann even found a religion in my name and caused me and Luminas a lot of headaches. They nearly started a holy war because some priests of the holy church didn't accept the newly found Rimurism. But this one doesn't know me yet, maybe I can raise this problem child and stop problems before they arise.'

"Before I accept, I want to know what Rain thinks about this. I don't want to force her against her will."

Rain, who blushed as soon as Guy made his offer, had trouble answering because of her excitement.

"I-it w-would be a p-pleasure, my l-lord"

"Drop the lord stuff, Rain, Rimuru is enough."

"As you wish, R-Rimuru-sama"

Velgrynd, hearing all of this, was silently pouting for various reasons all the people present realized, except Rimuru.

Guy, who panicked for a moment what Rain would say, was reliefed.

'Got you know.'

"So, Rimuru, do you accept my offer to join our group then?"

"Yes, I'll accept, but under one condition."

"Condition? You're really greedy, aren't you? What is your condition?"

"I want to be the one responsible for giving out the titles for all demon lords who are going to join us."

Guy, after hearing this, had a quizzled look on his way, but didn't think too much about it.

"I don't see a problem with that, is there a specific reason for that?"

"Ah, no no, no reason at all. I'm just good with names, you know."

Hearing this, all of them were relieved to pass this hard duty to the new member. But Rimuru on the other hand was grinning mischievously.

'Just you wait, Luminas.'

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Hey everyone. Sorry for the late chapter, I was busy with school stuff and couldn't finish until today.

Quick question:

I'm not sure if I should add romance to the story or if our adorable slime should stay single forever. What do you think? Do you have a favorite ship you have in mind?