03x05 - (D) Meeting of Both Sides

[bunniefuu]

♪

Thank you all for waiting.

It's time for us to begin.

[footfall]

[SAARE] Hold on a second!

You're acting all high and
mighty even though you're late.

Not to mention the fact that
you couldn't stop Veldora

from being resurrected,

so now a new Demon Lord's
been born.

Does incompetency run
in the family or something?

[shocked whispers]

♪

Watch your mouth, Saare,
you're being rude.

Quiet down, kid.

If you've got a problem
with the captain,

you can take it up with me.

Mm.

To think that a knight
of your station would try

and pick a fight
with us is quite bold.

What did you just say?

Do you have a death wish
or something?

[HINATA]
That's enough, all of you.

This is hardly the time to be
bickering amongst ourselves.

♪

Saare.

If you're unsatisfied, you can
take my position at any time.

But of course, I'll have
to test out your skills first.

[scoffs]

I have a report.

The Great Forest of Jura seems
to have completely recovered,

and merchants
have been seen entering

and leaving the monster nation
without issue.

I can't believe they'd really
do business with a Demon Lord.

The bigger concern is Veldora.

There's always a chance that
he could start rampaging again.

Let her finish the report
before speculating.

Thank you.

As I was saying...

the nation of monsters
had developed far faster

than we expected.

[RITUS] Their roads
were beautifully maintained,

and they were well-protected.

Naturally, the magicule density
was higher than normal.

But not to the point
where it affected humans.

Not only that,
but there were no signs

of any magical beast either.

The Demon Lord Rimuru's
good will towards humans

appears genuine, or at least
that's how it seems.

Right.

And what did you learn
of Veldora?

[RITUS]
My deepest apologies, Captain.

Unfortunately,
outsiders are forbidden

from entering the Sealed Cave,

so I was unable
to confirm his presence.

I see.

That concludes my report.

[HINATA] Thank you,
you may be seated.

There you have it.

Guess the news
about Veldora being back

was clearly overblown--

Are you questioning
the words of our God?

[gasps]

Th... that wasn't my intent.

Then I suggest we move on.

♪

[GARDE] The Kingdom
of Engrassia is experiencing

a period of growth
and peace at the moment.

With the fall
of their greatest rival,

the Kingdom of Falmuth,

I believe Engrassia's influence
will spread further

and become more stable.

♪

Thank you.

♪

I guess that look means
it's my turn.

Time for the important stuff.

How very astute.

Now please,
share your findings.

Yeah, all right then.

I'll give ya my report
on Falmuth.

King Edmaris has officially
abdicated his throne.

At a glance, the transition
of power appears peaceful.

The thing is.

[SAARE] It looks like
the new king, Edward,

has been busy gathering up a
bunch of seasoned mercenaries.

Along with hiring mercs, he's
started drafting citizens, too.

And because of that, the
nobilities been a bit on edge.

It seems all signs point
to a civil w*r

brewing just beneath
the surface.

Although, we don't have
enough evidence to determine

whether Demon Lord Rimuru
was the one involved

behind the scenes
or not.

Right.

Continue.

I've also figured out
who the new king Edward

has been in contact with.

The leader of the council,
the Free Union's top brass,

and numerous merchants
from the east.

[SAARE] Funnily enough,
it seems he's even tried

to make contact
with some of my men.

Trying to bolster his military,
I'm sure.

Yup, that was
my thought exactly.

Then there's no doubt.

It seems Falmuth's new king
has no intention

of paying w*r reparations.

There's no way a Demon Lord
would let that insult slide.

And I highly doubt Rimuru
is stupid enough

to not see this coming.

So, in other words,
you're saying they're playing

right into his hands.

That's correct.

♪

[HINATA] Maybe if I'd
stopped and listened

to what he had
to say back then.

♪

No, there are more
pressing issues at hand.

You said King Edward
made contact with merchants

from the east.

Did you see them doing
anything suspicious?

Why does that matter?

Isn't the Demon Lord's
scheme more important?

Just answer the question.

[grunts]

Hey, Glenda.

Did you hear anything at all
in the trade city

about the eastern merchants?

Nuh-uh,
and as far as I could tell,

they didn't appear to be up
to any funny business either.

But I guess if the boss
is that concerned about it,

I suppose I can go back
and take another look around.

Yes, please do.

And do not let your guard down.

Take everything they tell you
with a grain of salt.

Consider it done.

If they're hiding anything,
I'll dig it up.

[HINATA]
They all look down on me.

I believe everyone should
have a clear understanding

of the current state
of affairs now?

[RENARD] Yes, though the
Storm Dragon Veldora's return

has not been as catastrophic
as anticipated.

And the only damage reported
was Fallmuth's army,

which was in the midst
of an invasion.

Not only that, since we suspect
this information

was spread by Tempest itself,

there is a chance
our intel's wrong.

It's possible.

That's why we should
hear out Reyheim

and get an idea of events.

I want to know
exactly what happened.

What do you say?

I summoned him for that reason.

He should be arriving soon
to give his testimony.

There are rumors
that the Demon Lord Rimuru

pacified Veldora and forged
an alliance with him.

But there's no way
to verify those claims.

[ARNAUD] All we know is that
the dragon has returned

and he's being quiet for now.

As long as this peace holds,

public trust in that
slime's power will only grow.

Maybe,
but we can't be reckless.

Additionally,
I have news for you all.

I received an oracle
from our god Luminus.

[gasping]

"The only one who can control
Veldora is Rimuru.

Therefore, we mustn't take
any action that would put us

at odds with him."

[HINATA]
These are her commands.

Do not forget them.

Wait, she would have us
do nothing about this?

I'm going to make this
very clear.

The Holy Knights
are not to act in aggression

towards Rimuru in any way.

[gasping]

You must be joking!

You want us to ignore
Falmuth's plight

and allow
this monster's schemes?

I know that for the most part
Demon Lords

are supposed to be untouchable,

but surely
we should do something!

We're the Ten Great Saints
after all!

Why are we backing down?

We aren't just dealing
with a new Demon Lord,

there's also
the Storm Dragon Veldora!

And what of it?

Are you actually suggesting
we just allow this Demon Lord

do as he please?

♪

The oracle is absolute.

Our duty is to obey.

But, that does not mean
we ignore

what's happening in Falmuth.

[HINATA]
Since it seems a civil w*r

is all but inevitable,

our priority should be
on protecting its citizens.

We must ensure that no harm
spills over into the populace,

or the neighboring nations.

But allowing monsters
to run rampant

is a defilement
of our guiding principles.

Listen to me.

He has publicly declared
that he does not wish

to make an enemy of humanity.

We won't act
unless he crosses that line.

[HINATA] While it was Falmuth
who assailed Rimuru's home,

I am the one that is to blame
for the attempt on his life.

There's a chance he will harbor
a grudge because of that.

Meaning we have no choice
but to make concessions

to appease him.

That was the Western Holy
Church's mistake,

caused entirely
by your failings!

Ruberios shouldn't
have to pay for your sins!

Yes.

Which is why I intend

to publicly take responsibility
for everything.

-Huh?
-Wait, what did you say?

[shocked whispers]

This is the only way.

Furthermore, I don't believe
Demon Lord Rimuru

is looking to fight us.

Are you sure we can trust
a Demon Lord

to keep their word?

I know this may sound
a little strange,

but I really think
we can trust him.

His desire to avoid conflict
appears genuine.

[HINATA] What's more,
he was originally

an Otherworlder, like me.

Wait, he's an Otherworlder?
You have to be kidding, right?

Apparently,
he died in his world

and reincarnated here
as a slime.

I'm inclined to believe
his story is true.

And looking back on it,
perhaps I allowed emotion

to override reason.

What do you mean by that,
Lady Hinata?

I suspect I was being used,
by those eastern merchants.

[HINATA] They told me
there was a monster

disguising himself as a human
in order to deceive

the surrounding nations.

And that this monster,
who called himself Rimuru,

was the one who k*lled
and devoured my mentor.

That's the reason
why I condemned him

without hesitation.

And then he slipped out
of your fingers.

That's right.

And now that he's become
a Demon Lord,

taking any hostile action
against him

would lead
to a wide-scale conflict.

Not taking further action
is one thing,

but if he views you
as an enemy...

It wouldn't be
all that surprising

if he tried
to settle the score.

Regardless, I believe
a conversation between us

is warranted.

And that is why I'm willing
to apologize to him.

-Lady Hinata!
-That's too dangerous!

You would be handing him

the perfect opportunity
to k*ll you!

And even if he accepts
your apology,

who knows what the monsters
who serve him will do?

It'll be fine.

Understanding Demon Lord
Rimuru's intentions

comes first.

[gasping]

♪

[HINATA] I don't expect this
to become as serious a problem

as they're thinking it'll be.

According to all the intel
we've gathered,

Rimuru is actually
quite good-natured.

I was just too blind
to see it when we first met.

It may be a selfish desire,
but I'm hoping that

we can come to an understanding
with each other.

[knocking]

He's finally arrived,
please come in.

[door opens]

[footfall]

[door closes]

Greetings, I am Reyheim
the Archbishop of Falmuth.

I have come today
in response to your summons.

Let us get straight
to the point.

I wish to know the truth
of Veldora's return.

[gasps]

♪

[DENA]
It's been a long time, Hinata.

[VENA]
Have you been well?

[ARZE]
Is something wrong?

You seem surprised to see us.

I... it's...

May I ask what brings you
three here?

Hey Hinata, who are these guys
supposed to be?

You had better
watch your tongue.

They are members
of the Seven Luminaries!

Hold on a sec.

You mean the Seven Luminaries?
From the legends?

[SAARE] Th-the one's
who were tasked

with training Heroes?

Exactly,
what you've heard is true.

[thumping]

[HINATA] Yes,
they were assigned to me

during the Trial
of the Seven Luminaries.

Of course, during the events
of my Trial,

I was able
to copy their techniques

with my unique skill Usurper.

Which, as the name
of my skill implies,

allowed me to usurp them.

Now they're just
a bunch of old men

who butt into everything.

What a hassle.

I was hoping
to resolve this situation

quickly and quietly.

Welcome, was there something
important you needed?

[chuckles]

[ARZE] There's no need
to be so wary of us.

[DENA] We had received word
that Reyheim was returning

with information
on Demon Lord Rimuru.

[VENA] We were interested
in hearing what he had to say.

[sighs]

Please, do forgive me!

I have been a fool!

♪

[screaming]

We're dead!

We're as good as dead!

No, I don't understand
how any of this

can actually be happening,
it's impossible!

[screaming]

[REYHEIM]
It was a nightmare.

The destruction
I witnessed that day

was utterly terrifying.

That slime.

He had the strength
of a true Demon Lord.

And because of us, he was able
to obtain the souls required

and ascend to that title.

[concerned whispers]

[ARZE] Hmm,
that magic sounds similar

to the Sunlight Magic
that Gran,

the Luminary of Sun,
excelled in.

[DENA] Right, a type of magic
that distorts light, eh?

But that kind of magic
should be sealable

with our anti-magic barriers.

[VENA] On top of that,
it should not be

so dreadfully powerful.

[HINATA] Which means
it wasn't magical, but physical.

The attack must've focused
the sunlight

into a single point.

Otherwise, it would have been
easy to block with a barrier.

If Rimuru's using
his knowledge of science

from his original world,

the people of this world
would find it difficult

to understand,
let alone react to his attacks.

[REYHEIM]
I'm afraid there's more.

The light was swift,
and it took the lives of many.

But it couldn't compare
to what came next.

In a mere instant,
the entire b*ttlefield

fell deathly silent.

What do you mean by that?

It's exactly as I said,
my lady.

I know not the number it took,

but those who survived
the light...

Were all struck down
the very next moment.

[REYHEIM] The only ones
lucky enough to be spared

were myself, Razen
and King Edmaris.

[gasping]

[HINATA]
A catastrophe.

[LUMINUS]
That blasted Evil Dragon.

No matter
how many traps I placed,

he managed
to thwart all of them.

♪

I couldn't allow
such a valuable food source

as humans to be wiped out,

so I had no choice
but to shelter him.

♪

[HINATA] A being that even
Lady Luminus can't handle.

The only ones who fit that
description are Veldora

and the two awakened
Demon Lords.

The Lord of Darkness,
Guy Crimson, and the Destroyer.

Milim Nava.

I see.

Then it seems likely

Rimuru is now
a true Demon Lord.

It certainly sounds that way.

And if there's any truth
to the stories

about other two
Great Demon Lords,

he probably used the souls
from the soldiers

he k*lled to do it.

[SAARE] What should we do?

If we just ignore him,
he could grow into

an unstoppable threat one day.

Don't panic!

Hinata said
he used to be human.

And he also expressed
a desire for peace.

That means we've got nothing
to worry about, right?

I agree.

We should wait
and see what he does.

Although, if it's true
that he slaughtered

twenty thousand people
without hesitation,

he's clearly a threat.

Are you certain
that we can trust

the word of a Demon Lord?

I have a plan to assess
what his true intentions are,

so I want you all to return

to gathering information
for now.

[ARZE] Before that, have you
any other messages to share?

Ah, yes,
I had almost forgotten.

[footfall]

This contains a message.

Lord Rimuru told me
to give it to you.

Oh, did he now?

I'll take you on, Hinata.

It'll be just you and me,
one on one.

[gasping]

H-how should we respond
to this challenge?

Please, Captain,
allow me to go!

I'll shatter this Demon Lord's
ambitions apart for you!

You've got a strong sword-arm,
I'll give you that,

but there's very clearly
something wrong

with that head of yours.

What did you just say?

Hinata just told us that we're
leaving him alone for now.

Plus, it's not like
the other Demon Lords

would just let it slide.

[SAARE] If he's truly awakened
like we think,

we're probably better off
accepting his offer

of coexistence.

He's right, Arnaud.

Don't forget the Storm Dragon's
on his side, too.

Furthermore, attacking
Demon Lord Rimuru

would likely lead to w*r
with the other nations

allied with Tempest.

♪

[HINATA]
What is Rimuru up to?

He finally got rid of Clayman.

Is he trying to say
it's my turn now?

Something about this seems off.

Why would he want
to fight me now of all times?

Also, it doesn't make sense.

How did Arze know Reyheim
was carrying a message

meant for me?

Regardless of his intentions,
I'm the one Rimuru called out,

so I have to go.

Please reconsider!

If he bears
ill will toward you,

there's no telling
what kind of trap

you could be walking into!

[laughs]

[ARZE]
Yes, a wise decision, Hinata.

[DENA] The blessing
of the god Luminus

will protect you
on your journey!

[VENA] The Demon Lord Rimuru
is a threat to peace.

[DENA] Even if discussion
proves fruitless,

there's no need for concern.

[VENA] You are more than
capable of defeating him again.

[ARZE] However, you mustn't
forget that the Demon Lord

does not stand alone.

[DENA] Indeed, he has
the Evil Dragon at his side.

[VENA]
Though your power is great,

you cannot hope to defeat
Veldora as you are.

[ARZE] Do not let your arrogance
be your undoing.

[VENA] Even if most attacks
are useless against the dragon,

worry not.

♪

[DENA] This weapon will allow
you to face Veldora as equals.

[VENA] As well as offering you
our protection.

[ARZE] It is known
as The Dragon Buster.

♪

[HINATA] Could they be
any more obvious?

They clearly want me
to get rid of Veldora for them.

They're probably hoping
the two of us

will end up k*lling each other.

♪

Honored Luminaries,
I accept this gift.

[DENA] We'll be awaiting
tales of your victory.

[VENA] We are placing
all our hopes on you, Hinata.

[ARZE] But should the worst
come to pass,

this gift of ours
will keep you safe.

♪

[wind howling]

[NICOLAUS] Lady Hinata.

Are you really going?

[HINATA]
Yes, it's my responsibility

to see this through.

And there isn't a way
that I could possibly

change your mind?

[HINATA] That's enough.

I know you're worried about me,

but there's no guarantee
that we'll even fight.

[gasps]

Have faith
things'll work out, Nicolaus.

I will come back soon.

[birds chirping]

[RIMURU] There's still
a lot of road left

to build to Thalion,

and we've got
a festival to plan!

Hm?

[SOKA] Lord Rimuru!

Hinata Sakaguchi
is headed towards Tempest!

What?

[RIMURU] She's coming this way?

For real?

Yes, she departed
from the Kingdom of Engrassia

on horseback, alone.

[RIMURU] What's going on?

[SOKA]
My apologies, but it seems

there are four Holy Knights
following her.

[RIMURU]
She's only bringing four guys?

If they wanted to attack us,

they would've brought
more people, right?

I'm not sure, although...

[SOKA] Hinata is carrying
a large sword.

She wouldn't need it
if she only wanted to talk.

[RIMURU] A big sword you say?

Guess she means business.

It looks like my message
didn't work, huh?

Thanks for the report, Soka.

Keep a close eye
on the situation.

[SOKA] Right!

Lord Rimuru, I bring news.

[RIMURU]
Not you too.

Something tells me it's bad.

Is everything okay?

It's Reyheim, he's dead, sir.

[RIMURU]
Dead?

I'm guessing it wasn't
from natural causes.

Yes.

Though it's unclear as to how,

I suspect he was k*lled
by the Holy Church.

[DIABLO]
And after you predicted

that they would try
to silence him.

I can only beg
your forgiveness.

[RIMURU]
Oh, don't blame yourself, man.

I was just spitballing
some ideas.

I never thought
it'd actually happen.

I've received word from the
nations surrounding Falmuth.

They're simultaneously
spreading rumors

that the Archbishop
was m*rder*d

as part
of a demon's conspiracy.

[DIABLO]
And in response to that,

the temple knights of those
nations have mobilized.

They're headed to Falmuth,
and will likely ally

with King Edward
within a few days.

[RIMURU]
What's going on?

Why's all this happening
right now?

[RAPHAEL] Next time,
"Those Approaching."