At dusk, the golden afterglow of the setting sun illuminated the monster city deep within the Jura Great Forest.
The fiery red clouds dyed half the western sky. Aside from that brief incident earlier that had nearly scared the monsters to death, it had been another beautiful and peaceful day. The monsters within the Demon Nation city, who had spent half the day anxious and on edge, finally let out a collective sigh of relief...
Being alive really is wonderful.
If relations with the Empire had truly collapsed and ended in discord, then for monsters like them, who had received names from Lord Rimuru and were deeply indebted to him, only death could repay such kindness.
Fortunately, it had all been a misunderstanding.
Perhaps Lord Rimuru simply had some hidden issue. Or perhaps the Empire, which revered strength above all else, had merely sent the Investigator to test Lord Rimuru's true caliber and determine whether he qualified for Imperial recognition.
Thinking this way, and with the arrival of civilian trade goods transported by Edwin Webb's merchant caravan, the monsters' evening lives became far livelier. Most slowed their pace and couldn't help but turn their gaze toward the tallest and most eye-catching luxurious building in the city's reception district.
That high-ranking Investigator, like a death god who could take lives at any moment, was currently a guest inside.
Everyone in the reception district, we're counting on you! You must satisfy that Investigator!
...
Unaware of the expectations held by their compatriots just beyond the walls, the reception district's back kitchen was currently in utter chaos, bustling like a coop of startled chickens.
As a result of Rimuru's deliberate arrangements, the kitchen lineup was enormous.
From evolved goblin chefs, ogre chefs, dragonewt chefs, and dwarf chefs, to human master chefs recruited at great expense from the Armed Nation of Dwargon trading outposts.
Combined with Rimuru himself, a seasoned gourmet who had traveled between two worlds, and the wide range of spices and seasonings supplied by Imperial civilian traders, given enough time, the Jura-Tempest Federation could arguably become a culinary capital of another world.
However, whether it was the broad-shouldered dragonewt chefs, the solidly built dwarf chefs, or the tall female goblin chefs, the exhaustion on everyone's faces was impossible to conceal.
"Head chef, bad news! We're almost out of armored lizard ingredients!"
"Black-furred tiger beasts, burrow demon spiders, and earth-sleeping dragon reserves are also nearly depleted."
Someone suggested, "Mr. Edwin's merchant team brought quite a lot of exotic offworld ingredients. How about..."
"No!"
Hearing this, the tall goblin wearing a chef's hat paused briefly despite panting heavily while working on his current ingredients. Without even raising his head, he said, "Lord Rimuru's instructions were to let the Imperial Investigator experience the peaceful daily life of our Federation!"
"That naturally includes the unique products and ingredients of the Jura Forest. Spices are one thing, but the main ingredients must be locally sourced. What status does the Investigator hold? Would merchant goods be novel or familiar to her?"
"If we're short on ingredients, notify the goblin and direwolf patrol units to go hunting immediately. Quickly!"
"Yes!"
"Huff... huff..." Upon hearing this, a dragonewt female chef seemed too exhausted even to move her lips. Her eyes were unfocused, as if silently begging for a bed. Leaning weakly against the wall, legs trembling, she looked ready to collapse at any moment.
"I never thought cooking could become this exhausting... they've been eating for hours... dishes nonstop... is she a giant or something? Or does her stomach connect to another dimension?"
"No slacking! Your assigned menu still needs two more rounds, with different flavor profiles and seasonings."
"Okaaay..." came the lifeless reply.
"So many precious ingredients, Miss Shuna wouldn't even let me touch them before. I didn't expect they'd almost run out," muttered a round-headed goblin outside the reception area after receiving his task. With a round nose and a tuft of gray-white hair centered atop his head, he climbed onto his beloved direwolf and licked his lips greedily.
"She eats more than a dragon species... I'm jealous. Being able to eat is a blessing. When will I ever have such an appetite?"
"Gobuta, stop spacing out."
...
Main hall.
Creaaak~ The wooden, carved Japanese-style banquet hall tatami groaned under tremendous weight, yet such sounds did nothing to disturb the Investigator's refined mood.
Having removed her fur cloak, Selene naturally occupied the higher-level tatami seat within the hall.
Wearing the black-and-gold fitted uniform of the Valkyrie forces, Alyssa devoured dish after dish.
Her expression was the complete opposite of usual. Extremely serious, face stiff. Even while eating she looked as if she were handling official business, practically wearing the words "strictly business" across her face.
Don't even think about bribing me!
Sitting cross-legged on a cushion, served tea by a beautiful goblin waitress who bore no resemblance to the goblins in his memories aside from skin tone, Selene picked up a piece of black-furred tiger meat stewed until tender and red. With interest, she looked toward the slime seated closest below her as host.
"Come to think of it, black-furred tiger stew, flame-roasted celestial feather bird, golden peach sorbet, earth-sleeping dragon steak... these are all monsters, aren't they? Rare delicacies. Worth listing as tribute. According to the records filed with the Local Colonial Administration for Colony World Serial Number I—2256726, if a disaster-class Special S-rank monster were used, what would it taste like?"
"How about we take this opportunity to prepare a supreme tiger-and-wolf feast? No need for you to act. I'll handle it myself..."
At this moment, Selene sounded like an urban office worker who had suddenly found someone sharing her hobby and had completely relaxed after work. Her tone was light and leisurely.
"No, no, no, absolutely not! Investigator, those Special S-rank monsters are either dragon species or awakened Demon Lords... some of them are my friends."
Rimuru, who had finally begun calmly enjoying the food, instantly stiffened.
This time, [Great Sage] remained silent, but inside the [Infinite Prison] within [Gluttony]'s stomach space, the disaster-class Special S-rank dragon species, Storm Dragon Veldora Tempest, protested loudly.
What do you mean, slaughtering a Special S-rank monster as a snack?
Do you think Special S-rank monsters are cabbages? They all have names! More importantly, aside from those Demon Lords who resemble humans, Special S-rank monsters basically referred to his own siblings!
Leaving aside their deceased elder brother, the Star King Dragon, there was his eldest sister White Ice Dragon Velzard, second sister Scorching Dragon Velgrynd, fifth younger brother Earth Emperor Dragon Veldanava, and his niece Milim Nava, the Destroyer.
No. Absolutely not!
The Storm Dragon hurriedly urged Rimuru to stop his new drinking-and-eating buddy at all costs. She absolutely must not go on a killing spree, or else his entire family line would be doomed!
"Um... Investigator, those records were probably gathered by Mr. Edwin in the human world, so they're not entirely complete. Monster rank classifications technically aren't just about monsters."
Rimuru coughed awkwardly, sounding helpless.
After some brief exchanges, once she shed her lofty official demeanor, he realized he shared a common interest with this Investigator: a love of food.
This beautiful older sister with predominantly white hair accented by black, and black eyes bearing crimson cross-shaped patterns that made her appear cold and aloof, was an absolute foodie!
From the moment she picked up her chopsticks, her speed and elegance were astonishing. Rimuru was deeply curious how she managed it.
Devouring food like a whirlwind while remaining poised and graceful, even aesthetically pleasing. The kind of beauty that left goblin servers collapsing from exhaustion.
Most importantly, while maintaining that pace, she still found time to exchange countless stories and experiences about food with him.
When Rimuru expressed his unique viewpoint—that among clothing, food, shelter, and travel, "food" was the most important, and that "a civilization without distinctive cuisine has no value"—she merely smiled and offered strong agreement and evaluation.
That was also why Rimuru had relaxed considerably.
They truly had something to talk about. Not forced conversation, but genuine connection. The feeling of finding a kindred spirit naturally eased interactions.
"Ahem. Aside from ordinary animals, any race harmful to humans is collectively called a 'monster.' Among them, intelligent species are 'demon races,' while powerful humanoid monsters are 'majins.'"
"Monster ranks are classifications freely combined based on their level of danger," Rimuru continued while rubbing his forehead. "So a higher monster rank doesn't necessarily mean greater culinary value."
"What a pity."
Taking a light sip of the unknown brew in her cup, Selene smiled faintly and nodded after a moment's thought. "I'll give you a quota. Select one hundred monster ingredients you deem edible, including flora and fauna, and list them as tribute. Partial tax reductions will be granted."
Clink.
A gold-inlaid scroll was tossed out, landing steadily on the small table before Rimuru.
Seeing the slime's bewildered expression, Selene, having eaten to satisfaction and sensing the kitchen had reached its limits, reluctantly set down her chopsticks.
"This is a decree I've signed."
"Huh?" Rimuru's pupils shrank in disbelief. "Does that mean...?"
"My signature grants the Jura-Tempest Federation under your rule Imperial citizenship status. Temporary for now, but after three years of consistent tax payments, it will automatically become permanent."
"B-But Mr. Edwin said that to obtain citizenship, I needed to become the strongest force in this world and accept vassal state recognition from the Empire through formal procedures, right?"
"That is indeed the standard procedure."
Selene stood and walked to the banquet hall window, pushing it open as the evening breeze fluttered her clothing.
"Strictly speaking, the Eastern Empire would better meet those requirements. Your monster nation wouldn't even be in consideration. Edwin Webb made some clever maneuvers. He clearly favors you."
"And so do I." She turned back with a radiant smile. "I like you very much."
The crimson-crossed pupils in her black eyes seemed to flow with astonishing light, making one instinctively want to kneel before her.
Alyssa continued devouring food.
"W-Whoa..." Rimuru's face flushed red with embarrassment. Tugging awkwardly at the hem of his casual T-shirt, he stammered, "N-No, that's not allowed."
"This is both recognition and early investment... hmm? What's this?" Selene looked puzzled as Rimuru picked up the scroll with both hands and presented it back to her.
"I... I can't accept this."
"I can't let you do something against regulations or law, Investigator. We're friends, right? I can't leave a stain on your career. I believe my Federation can meet the proper standards through official procedures."
So he's already unconsciously trying to PUA me.
You're really naive. Natural to a fault... Still, someone like you is more suitable as a teammate or peripheral subordinate rather than a decision-maker. As a pure, relaxing drinking-and-eating companion who lets me forget my identity as the Empress, though... I don't dislike it.
"Hahaha... interesting choice. I like you even more." Smiling brightly, like melting ice and snow, Selene crossed her arms, both amused and helpless. "Cute little one, my authority exceeds your imagination."
"Also, Rimuru, a reminder. In the Sacred Selene Empire, a great noble's recommendation and signed decree mean that as long as you aren't rebelling or evading taxes, you don't need to worry about violating procedural law. This is a privilege of military nobility."
"Ah?"
Realizing he might have missed something important, Rimuru blushed. "Then can I take back what I said earlier...?"
"No."
Pressing down lightly on Rimuru's small head, Selene retrieved the signed decree scroll with a faint smile. "Having ambition is a good thing. I look forward to your performance, King Rimuru Tempest."
He had just missed out on a hundred billion—no, a trillion!!
Slumping his shoulders, Rimuru returned to his table, looking lifeless as he picked up a stack of sake cups. It felt as though all the color in his body had turned gray.
Inside the [Infinite Prison]: Rimuru... are you an idiot?!
Even the chuuni Storm Dragon, who had been closely observing external events, was stunned by Rimuru's decision.
[Great Sage]: Host, you...
Rimuru: Waaaaah, stop scolding me already!
Outside the sliding doors, Hakurou, Shuna, Souei, and Rigurd exchanged glances. Their king seemed a little too airheaded...
"As expected of Lord Rimuru!" declared Shion, eyes filled with hearts.
Alyssa continued devouring food.
"Don't forget your tribute quota. As usual." Accepting sobering tea from the goblin waitress, Selene smiled lightly. "Talking with you has been very enjoyable."
"While the orbital fleet scans and verifies the planet's surface environment, population, and resources, I will stay in your monster nation for a few days. However, our consecutive arrivals seem to have stirred certain people's ambitions. I think, Rimuru, your rule of not attacking humans needs to be abolished."
Though phrased as a suggestion, her tone left no room for doubt. Setting down her teacup, Selene's eyes gleamed with playful amusement.
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