04x05 - The First Step

[bunniefuu]

[Kingdom of Engrassia]

Welcome to Engrassia.

Thanks.

What's wrong?

Seeing it like this,
I realize how huge Tempest is.

You're right.

By land area alone, it's about
the same as Western countries, isn't it?

Once we can join them tomorrow,
we can fulfill your vision, Master Rimuru.

Yeah.

It is the first step toward the
Monster-and-Man Cooperative Alliance.

The time's right.

At last, the fateful meeting…

…to decide on Tempest's joining the
Council of the West will be held tomorrow.

The portrait in the mirror asks

"Who am I truly?"
as they're refraining

Even looking from the opposite angle

I am tormented by
an endless loop with no exit

Ah, but then I meet people

Looking at the smile
reflected in their eyes

I will come to recognize something
more precious than myself

Even if they laugh,
saying it's a pipe dream

It's the future I want
to achieve and protect

Justice and pseudo-justice,
a conflicting world

But I still want to love it

We're alike

But we're not the same

We're alive

For the unyielding dream

[That Time I Got Reincarnated
as a Slime Season 4]

[Episode 77: The First Step]

This place is as bustling as ever.

Welcome.

Wow!

This is adorable!

Since we're here,
pick whichever you like.

May I?

Of course.

Think of it as my token of appreciation
for everything you've done.

Thank you very much!

Which one should I choose?

You boys can pick one, too.

Huh? Even me?

I'm fine with what I wear now.

C'mon, now.

Besides, you're just going to stand out
dressed like that.

Well, if that's the case…

I'm glad she's happy.

She always works harder
than anyone else, after all.

She has a suit for the council meeting,

but she doesn't have any casual
clothes for everyday wear.

A little indulgence once
in a while won't hurt.

Make her happy to keep yourself
scold-free, I see.

You were saying, Benimaru?

I said nothing.

What do you think?

Wow!

You nailed the look!
You look gorgeous in that, Shuna!

I'm so glad!

The priestess outfit
is nice and all,

but this casual attire
is pleasantly refreshing!

I tried it on, just in case.

How is this?

Sure, looks good. Whatevs.

Aren't you being a little
too nonchalant with us?!

You boys took ages to choose.

I'm sorry.

I wasn't sure
which one to pick…

Anything would suit you both, anyway!
These hot guys, I swear…

Um…

Aren't you picking anything to
wear yourself, Master Rimuru?

Right.

I suppose I'm going to.

Boys, listen up!

There's a surefire way to
pick your clothes quickly and decisively!

Oh?

Surefire way, how?

Mister, could you please help me
pick anything that suits me?

Just dumping it all, huh!

The harmony of
bitterness and sweetness.

Coffee is indeed the
taste of adulthood.

Adulthood, where?

That's almost coffee milk.

Oh, zip it, would you?!

Let me have this!
I'm living the vibe here!

In kids' clothes?

What the hell?!
So this really is kids' clothes!

Damn shopkeeper!

Damn it!

I think it suits you well.

I thought you really liked it.

Me too.

Oh, well.

Soundproof barrier. Deployed.

That aside, I'm sorry for making you
all come out here.

There's something I'd like to discuss
prior to tomorrow's meeting.

Tempest's admission was approved
at the special council meeting.

It should be made official tomorrow
after the Q&A session with you.

Bingo.

Just as I expected.

It's not set in stone yet, mind you?

They might even throw in
deliberately provocative questions.

Do you think I'm that short-tempered?

Don't worry, I'm a sociable adult.
Unlike you.

Huh?

I'm game if you want to fight.

Unlike, this.

Oh, and one more thing.

There seem to be some idiots trying
to pull something, so be careful.

Those idiots must have
done something to her…

The hotel they arranged is top-tier,
so I can tell they have ulterior motives.

Which I believe Souei's already
looked into that.

Sir.

One thing I'd like to confirm
in regard to that.

It seems there are some councilors who are
plotting to take advantage of our country.

They all kept saying that…

It's for the defensive forces
against the Eastern Empire, perhaps?

Yes.

Is this about them needing help
if the Empire attacks, or something?

Yeah.

I reckon the Empire doesn't have
much for us to worry about, though.

Why is that, if I may ask?

It's simple.

The key is to think from
the Empire's perspective.

They have three possible routes to
invade the Western Nations.

The first is the sea route, but
giant sea monsters dwell in the ocean.

The second is the mountain trail
that crosses the Canaat Mountains,

where Dwargon lies.

This is a treacherous realm
known as the Dragon's Nest.

Last but not least is
the Great Forest of Jura.

Needless to say, this is
my territory as the Demon Lord.

Moreover, Lord Veldora
has been revived now, too.

Even the Empire can't afford
to move carelessly.

That's how it is.

You're right.

However, it remains true that
the Empire's actions are concerning.

I believe we should conduct
an investigation.

I'm on the same page with Rimuru.

However…

You're also right.

With the way you're putting it,
I suppose I'll also take a look into it.

Thank you so much.

Why are they so tense, I wonder?

Notice, based on the current situation,
I believe there is no problem.

However, if new information arrives,
we will need to reassess the situation.

In addition, I have a suggestion…

May I ask you for just
one more favor, Miss Hinata?

What's with the formal tone?

I'd like you to investigate the
internal structure of Dwargon as well.

Dwargon?

It's a city built inside a giant cave
in the Canaat Mountains.

I see it now.

There's a possibility that that country
could become an invasion route.

Carefree as you might've seemed, yet
you actually never let your guard down.

Hahaha.
Of course I'm not.

It was Ms. Raphael's idea, though.

Master Rimuru.

Hmm?

Oh…

There's one more thing
I'd like to share with all of you.

Remember that bloke picking on us
at the Founding Ceremony a while back?

Duke Muese, wasn't it?

That very Duke Muese… was m*rder*d.

It's probably to silence him.

His superiors are most likely
someone from the Western nations…

And there's a high chance they're
connected to the Council as well…

My guess is that the method of k*lling was
an attack from a long distance.

You guess?

You didn't notice it?

I didn't.

It just happened
while I was watching him…

I then heard a sound akin
to a pop, right after.

A sound? After he died?

Yeah…

Were there no traces of
magic or aura left behind?

Not at all.

The only trace left behind
was the hole in his forehead.

A hole in his forehead?

A sn*per, perhaps?

It's plausible.

The sound that was heard afterward
concerns me, though.

What is a "sn*per"?

Huh?

Oh, that's right.

This world's got no g*ns, huh.

It's a weapon like this.

Oh.

So this is…

This looks like something
I could handle!

Why is this girl saying
something so unsettling?!

Thank you for exchanging information.
See you at the meeting tomorrow.

Yes.

Please be extra careful, and please
don't lose your temper, okay?

You didn't need to tell me twice.
I won't, okay?

Well, time to head back to the hotel.

We need to get some rest
for tomorrow's meeting.

Yes!

Look at that kid!

So cute!

With a poncho!

But first, I need to go complain
to that clothing store…

I'll gauge how the Demon Lord Rimuru
reacts at the council meeting…

I'll find a way to control him
safely and reliably.

So membership admission is just a decoy?

Yes.

There's no way I'd approve him.

I've already made plenty
of arrangements…

I don't even need to get Yuuki involved.

I believe that Demon Lord Rimuru…

…will end up giving up the opportunity
for coexistence on his own.

The Western Nations
are far from united…

Especially Engrassia,

which is building up their strength
out of necessity to counter us, the Rozzo.

King Aegil's Inquisitor of Magic, huh?

Are you taking it into account?

Of course, I am.

Be careful on your way, Maribel.

You're humanity's only hope.

It seems the Demon Lord Rimuru
has left the hotel,

and is heading toward
the Council headquarters.

Is that so?

Grandpa sent this over with some sweets,
saying he's looking forward to it.

Would you like some too?

Yeah, I'll have some.

I should write a nice reply to Grandpa.

Shouldn't I?

Johann.

Are you sure?
We're against the Five Elders.

That will be enough for Johann.

Well? I'm sure you've come all this way
not to just say hello.

I got what you wanted, Maribel.
I even ventured to the dragon's lair.

Way to go, Yuuki!
You're the best!

No matter how powerful it is,
you can't use it if it's out of control.

You can never have too many cards,
and we've got very little time left.

Humans, Demon Lords…

The rules of this world
are just too cruel.

Isn't that exactly why you stand a chance
of becoming the ruler of the world?

Even so, I still need to have insurance.

That little girl!

I cannot afford to fail…

This won't be easy, right?

Right, it won't.

We can't expect them to
be friendly right from the start.

Well, shall we?

Your Majesty Rimuru!

Master Rimuru!

Well, well!

It's a pleasure meeting you here!
The Founding Ceremony was spectacular!

The food was amazing too!

I really hope we can remain
good friends from now on!

Huh? We might've been more
welcomed than I thought?

Likewise. We'll be hosting these
events from time to time in the future.

You lot are troubling Master Rimuru.

Do you people from small nations
have no sense of your standing?

They have no sense
of manners whatsoever.

What's their deal?

They are representative councilors
from major countries.

Is that so?

I heard all councilors are equal,
but I guess that's just for show.

Good grief.

I doubt we can have a meaningful
conversation with people like that.

What do you mean
by people like that?

By any chance,

is this too roundabout a way of putting it
for a monster like you, Mister Rimuru?

Allow us to teach you
the manners of the nobility.

T-They're getting on my nerves.

On another note, Magic Train, was it?

I heard you've been making
some intriguing products.

We'd be happy to sell them
in our country.

There's a proper procedure
for laying the tracks…

You should not worry
about such minor details.

Huh? N-No way…

Our country would greatly appreciate
acquiring your country's arms.

Of course, please
don't forget your manners.

Well, now, it would be rather rude
to go any further here.

It's hopeless, they just won't listen.

Well, when push comes to shove…
I'll use my secret move!

I'll do my best!

Oh, that's so reassuring!

We're looking forward to it!

Is it okay to let them go?

Doesn't leaving trash lying around
bother you?

I mean, I do want to…

Why would Master Rimuru be troubled
by the petty ramblings of nobodies?

Huh?

That's right.

For Master Rimuru, dealing with such
a lowly rabble is simply ridiculous.

What they said!

It's not worth my time.

I see…

I still have a lot to learn, huh…

I'm sorry, Benimaru…

You are His Majesty
Demon Lord Rimuru Tempest, I assume?

I am Lester, and I will be
serving as the chairman.

Please, this way.

Thank you so much
for going out of your way.

What's with this seat arrangement…

I see.

So this is their safety
measure against me, huh…

Oh, there's Hinata!

It's the appointed time.
Let's begin.

The agenda is Tempest's admission
to the Western Council.

The Council intends to approve
your nation's admission.

However, there are several conditions.

Let's hear it.

There are three conditions presented.

First, "compliance with
international law."

This is an obligation of all member
states, so there is no issue with that.

Second, "market liberation."

There are certain issues
with this, though.

In a world where the concept
of patents hasn't taken hold,

there's a risk that
our technology could be stolen…

No, having it stolen would be
the least of my worries…

Please give priority to our country
for the rail installation work!

What are you saying?!

Our country is the worthy ally of Tempest!

I refuse to be treated like a handyman
under the guise of a business transaction.

Keep your country out of this!

Order in the court!

Now is not the time to listen
to each country's claims!

The chairman is
having it rough, too…

And lastly, "providing military support."

While it's under consideration, honestly,
this is a really attractive offer for us.

Various nations will start paying
Tempest for defense services

and rely on it for
their national security.

In other words, we'll be able to increase
our influence while getting paid…

Since they're taking advantage of us,
we've got to get something out of it too.

The aforementioned shall
serve as the conditions

for Jura Tempest Federation's admission.

Your Majesty Rimuru,
do you have any objections?

Ms. Raphael, if you could.

Roger.

Please.

Sir.

Here are the concerns and alternative
proposals compiled by Master Rimuru.

Please review them.

T-Thanks…

It's my word-for-word explanation!
And he even made corrections!

I mostly agree with the terms. What I
want to say is already written there.

If you can accept it,
I don't see any problem on our end.

I-I'd like to take a moment
to consider this…

Yeah, go ahead.

Yet not a moment was given
for us to consider.

And then, a full three hours later.

Sorry to keep you waiting…

A petition, huh…

The chairman doesn't
seem convinced, though…

Well, at least he'll agree
to discuss it.

After all, I came here to talk…

For the sake of coexistence
between humans and monsters…

Why…

You punks.

How…

Ya messin' with me or what?!

How did it come to this?!

What keeps me alive

Is an endless longing

Once upon a time, life was
the light that nourished the vast earth

Then why do we fight?
The heavens must be fools

Will this chaotic justice
someday threaten my light as well?

The world's ideals
can never become one

Ah, defend, steal,
and win our way through

We'll just keep repeating it, won't we?

The life of the powerless is
counting down like an hourglass

Awaken your instinct to the angry voice,
follow where it leads

I am the apex, shaking the land

Be greedy, longing

[The Council of the West]
Next time: The Council of the West.