Chapter 106 - Reviving the Land

As Rimuru left Karion to handle the cleanup, the Dryads awaited his orders. He stood, looking at the barren land before him. The soil beneath his feet was cracked, a sharp contrast to the fields that had once been abundant.

"In just a few days, the wheat fields and the bountiful land of Orbic are gone..." Rimuru sighed, glancing down at the cracked earth. "We're going to change that now, right, Geld?" He turned toward the Orc King, tapping his chest lightly.

Geld, standing tall and serious, bowed deeply. His eyes were full of emotion as he looked at the barren land. "Thank you, Rimuru-sama. This is a debt I will make sure to repay."

Rimuru gave a small smile. "No need to thank me yet," he said, raising his hand. "Let's begin."

The Dryads gathered around, waiting for Rimuru's signal. With a gesture from him, they moved forward, stepping toward the barren fields. Their hands began to glow as they started their work. The ground beneath them shifted slightly, responding to their magic.

One by one, the Dryads placed their hands on the earth. The soil began to soften, the cracks slowly filling in. Green shoots of grass started to push through the ground, spreading outward.

As the Dryads worked, trees began to sprout. Flowers appeared in the spaces between the plants. The land was changing. The dry, cracked soil became rich and dark as life started to take root.

Although their abilities were not as fast or powerful as Ramiris's, the fifty Dryads were enough to start the restoration.

"I asked Karion to transport some food to the settlements in Orbic," Rimuru remarked. "Your brethren should be eating now."

Geld nodded, his expression still serious. "My people... they've suffered so much. I'm glad they can finally eat."

Rimuru reached into his pouch and pulled out a fruit. He tossed it to Geld. "That's why you should eat too."

Geld caught the fruit, looking at it for a moment before carefully tracing it with his thumb. He took a bite, and immediately his body shook, his eyes brimming with tears. He turned away from Rimuru, unable to hold back.

Rimuru smiled, stepping closer and patting Geld on the back. "It's all right," Rimuru said reassuringly. "You don't need to carry the burden of your people's suffering anymore."

Rimuru watched quietly as the wheat fields, once destroyed, began to show signs of life. Rows of wheat rose up, their roots settling into the ground. The transformation wasn't immediate, but the difference was clear. The land was starting to come back to life.

The Dryads moved methodically, continuing their work. The wheat fields grew taller, filling in with more crops. The land, once barren, was becoming green again. The air was fresher, and the soil was rich with life.

"While it's not that large, it will still take days for everything to be restored," Rimuru said to Geld, who nodded in agreement. Though not as expansive as other territories, Orbic still covered a considerable amount of land. It had several settlements and could grow enough crops to feed a few hundred thousand.

As Geld and Rimuru walked towards the Orc King's home, Geld observed his benefactor, who was strolling casually on the barren soil beneath them. They had left the Dryads to continue their work while Geld went home.

"Rimuru-sama, if I may ask, why did you help us?" Geld inquired. The Orc King had always thought of Rimuru as both scary and tricky. While Rimuru performed benevolent actions, it seemed unusual that one couldn't help but suspect there might be some underlying scheme.

Geld, however, didn't care if there was one. He would do anything—and he meant anything—to make sure his brethren did not starve. He merely wanted to know: What scheme? What contract had he signed with the demon before him?

Rimuru looked at him and grinned. "What do you mean? If I hadn't stopped those aggressors, they would've marched straight to my forest. It just happens to be that I indirectly helped you as well." His tone was teasing, as if daring the Orc to correct him.

"If that's the case," Geld rephrased his question, "Why would Rimuru-sama help our Orbic?" Orbic was a small territory ruled by Orcs, squeezed between the lands of demon lords and the Silver Demon, rumored to be a shadow member of the Demon Lords.

"Why do you want to know?" Rimuru raised an eyebrow. He watched as Geld opened his mouth, only to close it again, repeating the action several times before finally speaking.

"With all due respect," Geld began, "I merely wish to know how I can repay this debt of mine. Even though it is something I can never fully repay, I wish to at least compensate you, even if it's only a fraction of what you've done for us."

A very roundabout way of asking, 'What do we need to do in exchange for your help?' Geld knew Rimuru understood the meaning behind his words. Now, he was merely waiting for his response. Whether Rimuru would be angry for doubting him, show his true colors, give unreasonable demands, or feign ignorance on the matter—Geld didn't know.

As he mulled over these thoughts, he felt a pat on his back. "You're being too serious," Rimuru said with a chuckle. "I'm not scheming anything. I do expect something from you, but it benefits both you and me."

Geld let out a sigh of relief. For now, he chose to believe Rimuru's words. Or more accurately, he could only believe them.

As they arrived, Geld went to his family and subordinates to explain everything that had happened. He told them about marching to the root cause of the problem, his evolution to Orc Lord, Demon Lord Karion's assistance, Rimuru's help, and the naming.

Each explanation left everyone who listened in shock.

It was well known that Rimuru had been very generous with naming subordinates, whether it was goblin elders, guardians, or even the Chief of the Ogres. However, naming Geld—someone who wasn't affiliated with the Forest or a subordinate of Rimuru—was truly shocking.

Although they were all astonished, deep down, they already knew that they would eventually become Rimuru's subordinates after everything that had transpired here. His assistance would surely come at a price.

But there was nothing wrong with working under him. In fact, most monsters dreamed of being under Rimuru.

While Rimuru welcomed anyone who entered the Forest and pledged themselves to his servitude, the monsters and other races living there were not particularly welcoming to outsiders.

The Orcs were a race that reproduced at about the same rate, if not slightly lower, than goblins. If they were to enter the Forest, the local ecosystem and resources would surely be depleted. Granted, the goblins had a population of around one hundred thousand, and there were rumors that Rimuru was carefully managing this number through 'random monster attacks' that reduced the goblin population when it grew too large.

Whether the rumors were true or not, the Orcs could not risk their friends and families dying because of something like that. Besides, they had their own territory where they could farm and grow their own food.

The only problem they faced were the magical beasts that came from different areas. Being near the Forest had its disadvantages.

If Rimuru personally came to recruit them, it would mean they wouldn't have to worry about such minor details. At least, they hoped not.

By the next day, Rimuru sat in front of Geld and the ten Orc chieftains, who observed nervously, remaining silent.

"For starters, we all know what this discussion is about, right?" Rimuru asked, observing each Orc in the room.

The chiefs all nodded in unison. "It is to discuss how to repay Rimuru-sama's benevolence," Geld added.

Rimuru watched as the Orcs looked worried and stared at the table, avoiding his gaze. "You're all so stiff. It's not like I plan on enslaving the Orcs or having you do anything absurd," he sighed.

Geld gestured for the Orc chiefs to fix their postures. "Please forgive us, Rimuru-sama. They don't mean to be disrespectful." The Orc chiefs straightened in their seats, still nervous, but doing their best to appear as professional as possible.

"Apologies, Rimuru-sama," one of the chiefs said.

"Good then," Rimuru nodded in satisfaction. "I am planning on building a nation of Monsters in the Forest. While we have the hobgoblins and ogres doing most of the physical labor, I believe it would suit your race more."

They remained silent, waiting for Rimuru to continue.

"This is not repayment for what I did," Rimuru clarified, interlocking his fingers on the table. "I am hiring more than thirty thousand Orcs from the Kingdom of Orbic. In exchange, there will be an alliance between the two nations, and the Orcs will be free to come and trade with me."

Geld nodded but had a few thoughts of his own. "Does Rimuru-sama not desire to make us his subordinates?"

Rimuru shook his head. "I do, but it's just too much to have all the Orcs migrate to the forest so suddenly. I plan on asking you that in the future, but... Do you swear loyalty to me?"

Geld stood from his seat and approached Rimuru, kneeling before him. "I, Geld, the Orc King, swear my undying loyalty to Rimuru-sama."

Following his lead, the Orc chiefs knelt as well. "Please take care of us, Rimuru-sama." While they were nervous earlier, their voices now carried a tone of glee and joy.

"I see," Rimuru said, satisfied with his harvest. "For now, let me elaborate some more." He gestured for them to return to their seats.

As they sat back down, Rimuru continued. "In the future, I will publicly claim Orbic as part of the Forest, and my territory. I plan on making it one of the major cities and a trading route between Fulbrosia and Eurazania."

"Oh!" Sounds of excitement echoed from the various chiefs.

"With that, Orbic will surely flourish. And with my protection, no Demon Lords would dare to antagonize you, unless they wish to face my wrath," Rimuru declared confidently, making the Orcs feel reassured, knowing he was serious.

After further discussion, they finalized the other details the next day.

The Dryads had reached the capital city of Orbic, and the Orcs were setting up a celebration party. Geld invited Rimuru to stay for the night as a special guest and savior.

Rimuru, having no reason to decline, accepted the offer. He did ask Velgrynd if she wanted to join him, and in less than a second, she appeared beside him.

"Why do you keep leaving for days?" She glared at him as they sat near the large bonfire made by the Orcs.

Several cheers and celebratory dances were happening nearby, but their attention was solely focused on each other's gaze.

"You could have come here on your own, you know," Rimuru teased as he took a sip of the beer he had been given earlier.

Velgrynd roughly rested her head on his shoulder as if showing her anger. "But that would mean leaving that construction you are eager to build."

Rimuru turned to her, holding back his laughter. Unfortunately, Velgrynd sensed the slight shake of his body, the one she was leaning on. "What—"

He cupped her face and kissed her lips, silencing any words that might have escaped her. She frowned at first but eventually melted into his embrace.

Velgrynd's initial frown deepened as she felt the sudden warmth of Rimuru's kiss, but as the seconds passed, her body relaxed. She closed her eyes and let herself melt into his embrace, her anger slowly dissipating, replaced by a quiet sense of comfort.

Rimuru pulled away just slightly, his eyes meeting hers. His hand remained on her face, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb. "I didn't mean to leave you for so long," he said softly, his voice a mixture of playfulness and sincerity.

Velgrynd's gaze softened as she gazed back at him. "You're always busy with something, Rimuru," she replied, her voice carrying a faint, teasing edge, though there was affection in her tone. "But I guess I'll let it slide this time... just this time," she added with a playful glint in her eyes.

Rimuru chuckled, shaking his head. "I promise, I'll try not to get too caught up in work again."

She raised an eyebrow. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Fair enough," he said with a grin, "But I'm here now, aren't I? And besides, you're here with me too."

Velgrynd leaned her entire weight at Rimuru, her affirmation.

A/N: A short chapter...

So I just want to mention this now since I am already writing way pass this part. 

No Charybdis, Youm, Walpurgis, Clayman arc, and things that were already resolved in the past. 

Falmuth arc is still a go but it is less stressful and more Rimuru playing with the Falmuth kingdom and the council.

Early access to four chapters in my Kofi!
https://ko-fi.com/coverscribe

Chapter 107 - Orc Migration
Chapter 108 - Completion
Chapter 109 - Observers
Chapter 110 - Foreboding