03x17.5 - (D) Digression: Luminus Memories

[bunniefuu]

♪

[sighs]

How beautiful.

♪

[shaky inhale]

[sighs]

[LOUIS]
Lady Luminus.

[LUMINUS]
Louis? What is it?

[LOUIS] My deepest apologies.

But there is a matter I need
to bring to your attention.

[LUMINUS]
Fine, make it quick.

[LOUIS] It seems Hinata
has taken unauthorized action

to deal with
Demon Lord Rimuru directly.

However, I have reason
to believe that

the Seven Days Clergy
are pulling the strings

behind the scenes.

Hinata, I warned you
to not act rashly.

[LUMINUS]
Everyone harbors secrets

within their heart.

I, of course, am no exception.

I have a grave secret
that must never see

the light of day.

Perhaps, in the future,

I'll be forced to reveal it,

but that moment
has not yet come.

Though, I wonder,

if I had been able
to tell Hinata,

would things have still
ended the way that they did?

♪

[LUMINUS]
The Holy Empire of Lubelius.

This place has become home

to the followers of Luminism.

A religion in which
Luminus is worshiped

as the only God.

By entrusting all
of its affairs to their God,

this nation of true believers
has achieved

equality amongst its citizens.

However, unbeknownst
to the people...

the true identity
of their God is actually me,

Luminus Valentine.

A vampire and Demon Lord.

♪

One day, a certain
young girl arrived

in the Holy Empire of Lubelius.

Her name was Hinata Sakaguchi,

and she was an Otherworlder.

She never spoke
of what she went through,

but I'm sure it wasn't easy.

Hinata had a relentless
thirst for power,

and joined the Western
Holy Church to get stronger.

The Western Holy Church
was originally formed

to facilitate the spread
of Luminism.

But within the Church
is a faction that

is extremely intolerant
of monsters,

and exists to eradicate them.

They are
the Holy Knight Order,

also known as the Crusaders.

Upon entering the Order,
Hinata quickly rose

up the ranks until she became
Captain of the Holy Knights.

That was when she learned
the true nature of Luminism

and the Holy Empire
of Lubelius.

A vampire was at the core
of the Holy Church,

ruling over its people
as their God.

♪

[HINATA]
Is this where I die?

[sword clatters]

At least I vanquished
one evil from this world.

[LUMINUS] I could hear you all
the way from my bedchambers.

What in the world
is going on in here?

[gasps]

♪

[LUMINUS]
As for you, human.

Do not die clinging
to your arrogant ideals.

Tell me, what is justice?

Is it destroying evil?

Let us suppose that it is.

You're nothing more than
a puny, fragile thing.

What makes you think
you even have the right

to judge whether my actions
are evil or not?

There is no justice
to satisfy all those who live.

To think you can make it so,

just because you wish
is the height of arrogance.

I will grant you one week.

As someone capable
of defeating

both my retainers,

the Trial of the Seven Days
should be simple.

Return victorious,
and I will accept

your challenge and face
you in earnest.

♪

[LUMINUS] Hinata overcame
the Trial I set before her,

and entered into my service.

She confided in me
about the person

whose life she wanted to take.

A lowly slime called
Rimuru Tempest.

Who was said to be
an Otherworlder

who had been reincarnated
in this world.

Somehow, he had built
a nation of monsters

called the Jura Tempest
Federation

within the Forest of Jura,
and had become its leader.

Apparently,
Hinata had been rescued

by a certain person

when she first
came to this world,

but they met their end
at Rimuru's hands.

Though she found out
later that this was a lie.

The Forest of Jura,
what a hateful place.

Just thinking
of it makes me sick.

It's where that
detestable lizard

was sealed away years ago.

The Storm Dragon Veldora.

His strength stems
from the energy

of nature itself.

Swords and magic
are useless against him,

and the shock waves
he emits are powerful enough

to devastate the land.

Even my beloved capital,
the magnificent Night Rose,

was tragically reduced
to ruins

during one of his rampages.

And yet, somehow,
Rimuru tamed Veldora.

On top of that,
he single-handedly

defeated the Kingdom
of Falmuth's forces,

and became a Demon Lord.

The reason I participated
in Walpurgis

was because I wanted to see
Rimuru for myself.

He demonstrated his cunning

by outmaneuvering
the schemes against him,

as well as his strength,
by defeating

Demon Lord Clayman in combat.

Earning him official
recognition

as a true Demon Lord.

And soon, the ripples
of that event

spread throughout the world.

We might need to be
patient for now.

If we charge blindly ahead,

we could jeopardize everything
we've worked towards.

I have to agree.

It would appear that
we have allowed ourselves

to become careless
in our arrogance.

Exactly right,
but part of me hates

having to roll over.

I was thinking
we should do something

to get back at that
meddling slime.

We still owe him
for Clayman's death, after all.

[TEAR]
Okay.

But what are you gonna
do that won't blow our cover?

[YUUKI]
It's less about what I'll do

and more about what I'll say.

And what is it that
you're planning?

[LAPLACE]
Oh, brother.

You're cooking up
something nasty, huh?

You'll see soon.

I'll set up
a little present for him.

[LUMINUS]
After Falmuth's as*ault

on Tempest ended in failure,

its king, Edmaris,
abdicated his throne

in compliance with the terms
of their peace treaty.

Afterwards...

According to what Rimuru said,

his aim is to build a nation

where he can enjoy himself.

He declared before
all the Demon Lords

that he'd protect humanity

because it ran parallel
to his goal for peace.

Then all we can do right now

is keep an eye
on the situation?

Hm. Correct.

We need to ensure

we don't do anything
without careful planning.

We ought to inform
our followers of the truth.

Tell them of the Storm Dragon
Veldora's return.

That's all.

Should we try to form
friendly relations

with Rimuru Tempest, then?

That's a good question.

He seemed open to the idea

of working things out
diplomatically.

But best that
we keep our involvement

to a minimum.

[LUMINUS] And while
the world was in turmoil

because of him,

Rimuru didn't have a care
in the world.

[RIMURU]
Thanks for coming, guys!

As I'm pretty sure everyone
already knows by now,

I've assumed the title

and responsibility
of a Demon Lord.

[ALL]
Congratulations, My Lord!

[sheepish chuckle]

[RIMURU]
Oh, yeah, almost forgot,

but it's been decided
that my domain

will encompass all
of the Great Forest of Jura.

I'm already known
as its leader,

so I doubt anything'll change.

Uh, guys?
What's with the silence?

[LUMINUS]
His lack of experience

was immediately evident.

It seemed he genuinely
had no idea

what ruling over a domain
as a Demon Lord

truly meant for those
already living in those lands.

[RIMURU] Why don't we put out
a big announcement

and use this as a way
to introduce Tempest

to the rest of the world?

Having everyone come
all at once

would be easier than
having them

come separately, right?

Wait, that would mean...

[RIMURU] We still have
a decent amount of room

to increase our population.

In truth, we could do
with having more laborers.

We'll unveil our city
to the public

and show them
how our citizens live.

On top of them
coming to see me,

it's a perfect chance
to show off

the rest of Tempest!

If we do that,
some monsters might think

about making
this place their home!

Though I'll probably
have to keep Milim entertained.

All work and no play
is a real drag.

It's the perfect time
for some rest and relaxation!

Basically, what I'm trying
to say is

I think we should
throw a big party!

Oh, my!

A party?
You mean it, My Lord?

[RIMURU] Uh-uh, I'm
gonna have to make my debut

sooner or later.

So, I figure we might
as well go big or go home!

[ALL]
Yeah!

[LUMINUS] Unbeknownst
to the new Demon Lord,

he had become the target
of some of my more

"enthusiastic" followers.

♪

[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 Days Clergy!

Hold on a sec.

You mean
the Seven Days Clergy?

From the legends?

[LUMINUS] These individuals
serve as senior advisors

to the Western Holy Church.

They are the ones
who are tasked

with overseeing
the organization

and training promising
subordinates.

But at some point,
they foolishly abandoned

their duties, and began
scheming to hold onto

the remaining
vestiges of their power.

They despised Hinata,

believing her ascent
through the ranks

was a threat to their role
within the Church,

and attempted to frame
her as a traitor

working with Rimuru.

[ARZE]
Before that, have you any

other messages to share?

Ah, yes!
I had almost forgotten.

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.

[LUMINUS]
The Seven Days had altered

Rimuru's request for peace.

They intercepted Reyhiem
before the meeting

and used him to incite
violence between our nations.

Of course, Hinata
sensed something was off

about the message,
but her hands were tied.

Regardless of his intentions,

I'm the one Rimuru
called out, so I have to go.

[laughs]

[ARZE]
Yes, a wise decision, Hinata.

[DENA] The blessing of the
God Luminus will protect you

on your journey!

[DINAH]
This weapon will allow you

to face Veldora as equals.

[ARZE] It is known
as The Dragon Buster.

♪

[NICOLAUS]
Lady Hinata.

Are you really going?

[HINATA]
Yes, it's my responsibility

to see this through.

♪

Have faith things'll
work out, Nicolaus.

I will come back soon.

[LUMINUS] Word of Hinata's
departure for Tempest

quickly reached Rimuru,
and though

she carried the Dragon Buster
with her.

[LUMINUS] He still seemed
to hold onto the faint hope

that she was simply
coming to have

a peaceful conversation
with him.

[RIMURU] Shizu did tell me
that she was worried about

where Hinata had ended up.

And I don't want us
to start k*lling each other,

no questions asked.

Though,
if negotiations break down.

Okay.
I've decided!

Let's do our best to try
to avoid any deaths

among the Holy Knights,
as well!

[LUMINUS]
As the Church's forces

began to rally against Tempest,

Rimuru had no choice

but to ready himself
for a fight.

Being decisive
is vital quality in a leader.

But in this situation,

it ended up working
against him.

As Hinata traveled,
she increasingly

questioned the necessity
of fighting Rimuru.

[HINATA] It looks like Rimuru
really does want monsters

and humans to coexist.

But if that's true,
I don't understand.

Why would his message
convey the opposite?

[LUMINUS] But thanks to the
Seven Day Clergy's meddling,

the flames of conflict
had already been ignited.

Second unit.

Draw them toward the forest!

[swords clanging]

♪

[sighs]

You're kidding me.

♪

You got here sooner
than I thought.

♪

I assume you got my message?

[HINATA]
Yes.

Then, I guess
you're looking for a fight.

[HINATA]
Not quite.

But even if I denied it,
at this point,

I doubt you'd take
my word for it.

Now, it's you and me.

Very well.

[grunts]

[swords clatter]

[sword clanging]

♪

Rimuru.

What's up?

This has gone on long enough.

Let's end this
with the next strike.

But let me give you
a warning first.

This technique
is incredibly dangerous.

Knowing that, will you
still accept my proposal?

[RIMURU]
Sounds good to me.

But if I withstand
your attack, I win.

Got it?

Hmph!

I had a feeling
you'd say something like that.

[gasps]

This'll finish it!

Melt Slash!

[RAPHAEL]
Notice. Indefensible!

Unavoidable!

I recommend sacrificing
your ultimate skill

Beelzebub to offset her attack!

[RIMURU] There's no time
to think about it!

[expl*si*n]

[rumbling]

[groans]

[chuckles]

You're incredible.

You overcame
my strongest attack,

which means you win, Rimuru.

I couldn't keep fighting
even if I wanted to.

Guess so.

For now, we'll say
I won this round.

-[sword growling]
-[gasp]

[RAPHAEL]
Notice.

Thought interference
and uncontrolled

energy overflow confirmed.

expl*si*n imminent.

Huh?

Oh, no!
The Seven Days Clergy!

♪

[groans]

[RIMURU]
Hey! Are you okay?

[groans]

[heavy breaths]

[coughs]

[DENA]
Demon Lord Rimuru.

It's a pleasure
to make your acquaintance.

We are known
as the Seven Days Clergy.

[VENA] We have come
to eliminate Hinata Sakaguchi,

for betraying our trust
and violating our orders.

I don't know
what your deal is,

but you'd better stay
outta my way.

We've already settled
our score.

If you want Hinata,

you're gonna have
to get through me.

[DENA] Unfortunately,
we cannot allow her to live.

[VENA] The woman
you're naively trying

to protect defied
the will of our God.

Such an outrageous
and unforgivable sin

can only be answered
with divine punishment.

I suppose there's no point
in keeping up this farce!

♪

-Soei, Benimaru!
-Sir.

Work with Shion
to restrain those guys.

If they resist, you have
permission to use force.

[grunts]

[rumbling]

[BACCHUS]
What is this?

[grunts]

[shatters]

[DENA]
Uh! What?

[VENA] At this rate,
our magic will be dispelled!

[ARZE]
We don't have a choice!

We must unleash it at once!

It's time for you all to die!

[DENA, VENA, ARZE]
Trinity Break!

[RAPHAEL]
Notice.

Reactivating the ultimate
skill Beelzebub, now.

[RIMURU]
Huh?!

♪

[DENA]
Huh! That's impossible!

[RAPHAEL] Notice.
Spirit energy increasing.

-Another attack is imminent.
-[ARZE] Just die already,

you filthy monster!

♪

[DENA, VENA, ARZE]
Trinity Disintegration!

[SHION]
Lord Rimuru!

[wind gusting]

[gasps]

[DENA] They should be
nothing but dust!

[VENA] [gasps] We are
the guardians of humanity!

If you k*ll us, the followers
of Luminus won't let it stand!

[ARZE]
We will withdraw for today.

But know that soon,
the wrath of Luminus

will descend upon you

and destroy
your pathetic nation!

[gasps]

[ARZE]
No, it can't be!

♪

[VENA]
Ah! My Lady!

We can explain!

[all whimpering]

[LUMINUS] Hello again,
Demon Lord Rimuru.

It's been a while.

Uh, yeah.

Long time no see.

The heck is going on?

Why is Luminus here
all of a sudden?

[sighs]

[LUMINUS] This is exactly why
I told you not to act.

Why didn't you just
listen to me?

Resurrection.

♪

Oh.

Teacher's here.

Hey, there.
Still out of it, huh?

Who are you calling "Teacher?"

[LUMINUS] Now then,
my Seven Days Clergy.

What happened here?

Execution.

There can be no other option.

That will be your fate
for such treachery.

[DENA]
Please! Have mercy!

[VENA] Everything we did
was for you, Lady Luminus!

[ARZE]
God, I beg you!

We've served you faithfully
for many years!

Death Blessing!

♪

[DENA]
Please stop, forgive us!

♪

[LUMINUS] Coincidentally,
the other members

of the Seven Days Clergy
were being dispatched

by Rimuru's subordinate
at the same time.

Meanwhile, in Lubelius,
their leader Gran

was ambushed and eliminated
by Cardinal Nicolaus.

Though, to be honest, I wonder

how the likes of Nicolaus
managed to overwhelm

a former hero like Gran.

There's no point
in thinking about it further.

[VELDORA]
You're back, Rimuru!

It's finally time!

The last line of defense
is ready for his moment!

Oh, uh, we ended up
working things out,

-so we don't need you.
-[VELDORA] What?

And here I was getting
all fired up

waiting for my turn!

Hmm?

Hey!

It's Demon Lord Luminus!
How's that?

After you got super mad
at me for forgetting

your name last time,
I made sure to remember it!

-[chuckles]
-But that means...

Luminus is actually
a Demon Lord.

-[gasps]
-You moronic lizard!

Every single time
you appear before me,

you're always
getting in my way!

[screams]

[LUMINUS] Even hearing that
lizard's voice is enough

to make my blood boil.

But, I have to admit,
Rimuru and the nation

of Tempest show
quite a lot of promise.

It might not be so bad
to establish

friendly relations and foster
further interaction

between our countries.

All that aside, thank goodness
Hinata is alive and well.

My skill, Miracle of God,

Resurrection, may seem
all powerful,

but even it has limits.

It must be used
within a certain amount

of time after death.

Once the soul of the deceased

has left the body,
it can't be brought back.

Demons excel when it comes
to handling souls,

and even their rulers,
the Primordials,

can't bring back a person

after their soul
has dissipated.

Words can't express
how relieved I was

to have reached Hinata

before she succumbed
to her wounds.

I can't help but think

that it might be amusing
to attend

the upcoming festival
in Tempest.

Along with Hinata, of course.

In any case,
I'll leave that for later.

For now,
I'll simply enjoy this banquet.

[RAPHAEL] Next time,
"A Throng of Visitors."