03x20 - (D) Nation's Opening Festival

[bunniefuu]

[KENYA] Hey, Teach,
how come you didn't tell us

you're the king
of this country?

[ALICE]
Miss Tiss was so shocked

she couldn't get out of bed!

That bad, huh?

Man, that kinda sucks.

I was counting on her
to be your chaperone.

[HINATA]
What seems to be the problem?

♪

Hmm.

-[ALICE] Hey, uh.
-[CHLOE] Who is she?

Do you know her?

Oh, yeah, her name is Hinata.

She tied me in a duel
not too long ago.

-[all gasp]
-No way!

You're saying this old hag--

-[whimpering]
-I didn't hear you clearly,

what were you about to say?

[KENYA]
"A pretty lady?"

K-Ken, stop talking.

Kenya, you'd better watch
your mouth around her.

She actually used to be
one of Shizu's students.

Hold on, then that means.

[GALE] She's the student
who surpassed Miss Shizu

in just one month?

[ALICE] The Holy Knight Captain
of Lubelius, Hinata Sakaguchi!

Oh, wow!

Why didn't you lead with that?

Anyway, it sounded like

you had a problem
that needed solving.

[RIMURU] Well, these kids
are visiting for the festival,

and the person I was gonna ask

to chaperone them can't do it.

Very well,
then I'll watch them for you.

-Huh?!
-What's wrong?

Do you not trust that
I can keep them safe?

[RIMURU] No, that's not
what I was thinking!

You kids aren't opposed
to the idea, right?

Sure!
That's cool with us!

-Uh, Ken.
-Please be our chaperone!

Wait, you too Gale?

Well, I guess it's okay then.

I've looked up to you
for so long, Miss Hinata!

I'm glad to finally meet you!

Thank you for joining us!

You're really pretty,
you remind me of Miss Shizu!

♪

[chuckles]

Let's get going, then.

I hear there are supposed
to be a ton of food stalls.

We can start
by giving those a visit.

[ALL]
Okay!

[HINATA] All right, Rimuru,
I'll look after the kids.

But in exchange,

I need you to entertain
Lady Luminus.

[gasps]
But why?

You're the one
who invited her, remember?

She was so delighted that

she got a new maid outfit
for the occasion.

[gasps]

I'm sure it won't be
an issue for you.

[indistinct chatter]

For some reason, it feels like
I drew the short stick

this time around.

[birds chirping]

[indistinct chatter]

♪

[gasps]

[RIMURU]
Wait a sec.

That's Takt.

He was feeling discouraged

because he wasn't all that
great at construction.

Guess he finally
found his calling.

♪

♪

[RIMURU]
A beautiful harmony

created by humans
and monsters.

This is it!

This is perfect!

♪

[chuckles]

[RIMURU]
Shuna?

Shion?

They kept sneaking off
to prepare something in secret.

I guess this was why.

Also, Shuna's one thing,

but I'm surprised
Shion's performing.

[groans]

♪

♪

[clapping]

[gasps]

[audience cheers and applauds]

[F NOBLE A]
What a lovely song!

[M NOBLE B] Agreed, I fell
in love from the first note!

I must say, even now,

that beautiful melody
still lingers in my ears.

What difference
does it make whether

a human or monster
performed it?

-Shion, look.
-[M NOBLE B] I couldn't have

said it better myself!

There's no need for such
useless distinctions.

[RIMURU] Music,
as well as art in general,

transcends all kinds
of boundaries.

I'd like to believe
there are things

that everyone, regardless
of where they're from,

can find beautiful.

And from this thunderous
applause,

that performance must've been
one of those things.

[chomps]

-Mm.
-Mm.

Holy crap, this is awesome!

I'm glad you like it.

Back home I used
to love this stuff.

[RIMURU] After the performances
at the concert hall,

we moved onto the technology
presentation.

[VESTA] What I have here
is a distilled extraction fluid

made from purified
hipokute herbs.

With an extraction ratio
of over %,

you can consider this
to have the same efficacy

as a full potion.

[RIMURU]
It's a bit of a snoozefest.

But I appreciate how dedicated

these two are to their work.

Why don't we change
things up a little

by doing a practical experiment
to show off its effects?

-Huh.
-Your attention please!

This may seem like
a silly question,

but do you think
this sword can be repaired

with a healing potion?

Of course, it can't!

Everyone knows hipokute herbs
only work on living things!

Really?

In that case,
I have a follow-up question.

How exactly would you
define "living?"

[M SORCERER A]
Is that even a question?

[RIMURU] The applicability
of healing potions?

That does sound interesting.

It's commonly believed
that only something alive

can be healed.

But maybe it depends on

if something has a will
of its own.

[RAPHAEL]
Notice.

It can be surmised
that the presence of a soul,

being a collection
of spiritrons

that make up magicules,

is actually what makes
the difference.

[RIMURU]
That makes sense.

A mere sword wouldn't
have a soul,

which means no will since
it's just an object.

But then again,
didn't Kaijin say that

certain swords had souls
within them?

Does that mean...

[GABIRU] Uh, that was precisely
the same question I had, Vesta!

The burning desire
to know more.

That feeling is the catalyst
which leads to new discoveries!

He's right, you know.

At the beginning,
I tried to stop him

from doing such a foolish
experiment.

Although, it turns out
I was the one being foolish.

I was so beholden
to what I thought

was common sense,
that I had forgotten

my origins as a researcher.

[all gasp]

[JEFF]
The sword is repaired?

[VESTA]
My thoughts exactly.

While the restoration
is by no means perfect,

it's clear the presence
of the healing potion

has undoubtedly
affected the sword.

I don't believe it.

[VESTA]
However, there is a caveat.

This mending effect has only
been observed in swords

who have been favored
by their masters

-for long periods of time.
-Mm-hmm.

-[GAZEL] Tell me.
-[gasps]

What inspired you
to pursue this answer?

Well, truth be told,

I never believed that
wild grasses

and trees had a will
of their own.

But rigorous experimentation
revealed that healing potions

did indeed work on them!

[GABIRU]
At first, I was confused,

but then I remembered
the Dryads!

While my current test
subjects have been

plants with no will
of their own,

after many years, it's possible

they could evolve
into powerful magical beings!

You see, healing potions
only work on things

that have an affinity
with magicules.

For objects without magicules,

the potions had
no effect whatsoever.

And after reviewing his data,

it inspired some
questions of my own.

I wondered,
"what exactly are magicules?"

In my right hand,
I have a hipokute herb,

and in my left a common weed.

[VESTA] During our research
we examined

and compared the structures
of both of these plants.

I'm certain what we found
will surprise you.

I don't understand.

What could you have
possibly found

from comparing the two?

Even with the naked eye,

they're as different
as could be.

That's where you'd be wrong!

When the magicules
were removed

from the hipokute herb,

they had the exact
same composition!

[GABIRU] In other words,
strictly speaking,

the plant known as the
"hipokute herb" doesn't exist!

In truth, it's just a plant

that's mutated due
to a high density of magicules!

[VESTA]
Yes!

It's not a plant that
inhabits places

with high magicule density,

but one that mutated
because of the extreme

concentration of magicules!

And thus, I present to you
the true identity

of the hipokute herb!

[all gasping]

[JEFF]
But...

this is an enormous discovery!

A find like this could have
major ramifications!

This isn't the proper venue
to announce such a thing!

Think about it!

Such a revolutionary theory
should have at least been

presented at an academic
conference!

[RIMURU]
Wait, for real?

I mean, when I think about it,

I guess it kinda makes sense.

I doubt there were
so many hipokute herbs

growing in the sealed cave
where Veldora was imprisoned.

If it's some sort of mutation,
it explains a lot.

After all, common ore
is transformed into magisteel

when it's bathed
in magicules, too.

You flatter me.

But, truthfully,
there is still so much more

for us to learn here.

I want to find out
what exactly magicules are.

Of course, needless to say,

we shall continue
our research on the subject.

For now, however,
I would like to give

a humble thank you
to Lord Rimuru,

as it is he who has given us
the support needed

to pursue this knowledge!

And with that...

[BOTH] We thank you
for your attendance!

[audience cheers and applauds]

[RIMURU] I have
a feeling we're gonna get

even more scholars
and researchers

coming to Tempest.

After all, I'm sure
our magicule-rich land

is perfect for running
experiments!

Vesta and Gabiru
did a fantastic job!

♪

[VELDORA] Thanks for choosing
Pseudonym's grill!

There you are, Teach!

Oh, hey, guys, you having fun?

Yeah!
I ate so much food today!

We had hamburgers,
and hot dogs,

and grilled chicken...

We also had something
called yakisoba!

You've done nothing but eat.

[HINATA]
What's wrong with that?

They're growing kids.

Suppose that's fair.

Though, it looks to me
like you're enjoying this

-more than them.
-Huh?

-[chuckles]
-[gasps]

-[groans]
-[awkward chuckle]

Huh! I'm sorry, dude,
don't slice me!

By the way, Arnaud
and the others

were looking for you.

I'm not sure why
but it seemed important.

Huh?

As you requested.

The Demon Lord.

[LUMINUS]
Rimuru.

The Holy Empire of Lubelius

has agreed to a non-aggression
pact with your people.

But it's not enough.

[RIMURU]
Here we go again.

And why is that exactly?

[LUMINUS] Do I need
to spell it out for you?

There should be exchange
between our two nations,

and yet for some reason,

you have made little effort
in that regard.

Hold on, I don't think
that's necessarily true!

I mean, Lubelius
wheat is pretty high quality,

and I'd really like to buy
some from you guys.

It's just a distance thing.

It seems you misunderstand me.

I'm speaking
of a cultural exchange.

Frankly, I had underestimated
you and your people.

That performance earlier
this morning was magnificent.

I must say, after that,
I see you in a new light.

There are those among
the vampires

who appreciate the arts.

Lately, I've been trying
to create new compositions

while preserving the music
of the old days.

But I've found myself in a rut.

So, cultural exchange
with your country

should fix that.

I see what you're saying.
I'm all for it.

That sounds like a great idea!

[LUMINUS] Also, the technology
presentation was quite

intriguing as well.

There's a number of individuals

among my subordinates
who love to study.

So, if it's all right,
I was thinking of

sending them here
to enrich themselves.

Sure! I'm cool with them
coming to Tempest.

I am prepared to offer you
compensation, of course.

For your generosity,

I've decided to grant you
an ability.

An ability?

Indeed, it's called
the Secret of Faith and Grace,

and it's rather useful.

What is that?
It sounds cool!

Interesting, what does it do?

[LUMINUS]
Oh, it's quite simple really.

It's a special ability
that enables

those who hold a fervent
belief in you

to summon forth a portion
of your power.

Understand?

Hold on, let me make sure
I've got this straight.

In exchange for accepting
your researchers,

you'll teach me that skill?

Correct.
I do hope you'll agree.

I don't like accepting charity.

I getcha.

You've got yourself
a deal, then!

Hmm.

[LUMINUS]
The contract is complete.

[gasps]

[RAPHAEL]
Notice.

The ability,
"The Secret of Faith and Grace"

has been learned.

Nice!

Now that I've got this skill,

more of my followers should be
able to use holy magic.

[LUMINUS]
By the way, Rimuru...

[gasps]

Of the many guests
you invited here to Tempest,

some of them were clad
in a rather ominous aura,

were you aware of that fact?

Yeah.

I am.
Two, right?

Very good.

I'm glad to know
you aren't foolish enough

to let your guard down.

Do try your best not
to sully the name of us

Demon Lords so soon
after you've become one.

[RIMURU]
Right.

Man.

The performance this morning
was seriously amazing!

You really missed out, Hinata!

[HINATA]
Would you be quiet?

Rimuru asked me
to take care of the kids,

so that's what I did.

Plus, it was worth it,
because I had yakisoba.

But why was his stall
called "Pseudonym?"

Does he think
he's working under an alias?

[laughs]

To be honest,
I'm actually pretty interested

in your research
into what magicules are.

As you know, healing potions
have no effect on me,

since it seems my body
breaks down magicules.

It's the same
with healing magic.

Only a handful of spells
have any effect.

Well, whatever they are,

I know that I've also
definitely been

affected by magicules.

I assume the catalyst
for the change

was the transfer
from our world to this one.

It's pretty clear you haven't
matured at all since then.

Hey, now.

Couldn't you have said that
in a way that didn't burn me?

But you are right,

my body no longer
physically ages.

Though enough about me,

that's quite a fascinating
topic your people

are researching, Rimuru.

Agreed.

I actually only found out
about it today,

so I was surprised too.

Gabiru and Vesta
sure went all out.

-What?
-[HINATA] You had them

give a presentation
to the public

without knowing
what they'd say?

[RIMURU] It sounds bad
when you put it like that!

I just think letting people

have their independence
is important!

♪

But you're right,
it was risky.

While I was really busy,

I should have at least
had them float

their ideas by me.

No matter what you do,
you always surprise me.

Yes, I have to agree.

I'm starting to think
you really are the leader

of a prosperous nation.

Thanks.

[awkward laugh]

[RIMURU]
We're out of money?

Yes.

The small retail traders
came to me en masse

demanding to be
paid immediately.

Even then,
that doesn't make sense.

What happened to all
the money and treasure

we recovered
from Clayman's castle?

Don't forget about
the , stellars

we collected from Falmuth.

I don't see
how this is possible.

[RIMURU]
What he said.

With that much, we could throw

a hundred festivals
and still have change to spare!

What we're facing now
isn't a budget issue.

First of all,
while they are valuable,

I'm afraid that
Demon Lord Clayman's assets

can't be used.

Since unfortunately,
they aren't

in the globally-accepted
currency

issued by the Dwarven Kingdom.

And stellar gold coins
are worth so much

that they can't be used
for individual purchases.

I see.

In other words, we have money,

but no coin to pay our debts.

That's the gist of it.

By the time I realized
something was wrong,

it was too late.

We had already used up
all the money

we had on hand.

[RIMURU]
Tempest is a new nation.

Financially, we're strong,
but we're still unknown.

We can't get away
with deferring

payments using bonds.

If it was any of the big
store owners

who I'm acquainted with,

we could probably
work something out.

But the problem is,
the small retail traders

are suddenly demanding
to be paid out all at once.

Are these the same people

you didn't recognize
from yesterday?

[MJOLLMILE]
Yes, they are.

Oh, I see.

Clearly, someone
has gone to great lengths

to orchestrate this situation.

I never expected
that someone would try

to sabotage us in such
an underhanded way.

You mean someone's trying
to ruin Tempest's reputation?

-Is that right?
-It's very likely.

According to the rules
and regulations

set by the council,
all payments between

two parties must be made
using coins

minted in the Dwarven Kingdom.

So, by the standards
of the Western Provinces,

their demands are legitimate.

What if we explained
that Tempest

follows different rules?

Surely they would back
down from their demands.

Not a chance!

It's possible
that the council's involved.

That could explain
why these traders

would do something
so audacious.

So, this thing could go
all the way to the top, huh?

For them to try this
means they have no regard

for profits or losses.

Coming up with a scheme
like this is an awful

lot of effort to merely
damage the reputation

of a country like Tempest.

I don't get why
we can't just force them

to abide by our own rules.

[RIMURU] Well...if we did that,
the Western Provinces

might use it as justification
to cause problems for us later.

Don't forget,
our goal is to find a way

to coexist with humans.

So, I'd like to avoid conflict
if at all possible.

About that.

Your vision for the future
involves Thalion,

Blumund, Dwargon, Falmuth...

Oh, excuse me, Falmenace

as well as the territory
that Demon Lord Milim

rules over all coming together

to form an alliance, right?

But with Tempest
at the center of everything.

I imagine ignoring us
would lead

to even greater
losses for them.

-[gasps]
-[chuckles]

I can see why
you're the first secretary.

You make a marvelous point.

I always do.

So, the question is,

why would these fools
try to get in our way?

If they can't help
but get involved,

wouldn't they benefit
more from trying

to curry favor with Tempest?

[RIMURU]
What's going on here?

Are you really Shion?

Yup!

The people of this world
are certainly peculiar beings.

They cannot survive
unless they work together.

And yet, they always
want to rule over others.

Despite how utterly destructive

and illogical it is,
they quarrel endlessly over

-who will stand on top.
-Hmm.

I suppose to a weak
and pitiful being,

what terrifies them most
is letting any harm

-come to their interests.
-Mm. Mm.

Thus their motives
are easily deduced.

Right, so, if the council
were involved in this,

then they're afraid
Lord Rimuru's plans

will threaten their standing.

[DIABLO]
That is correct.

[evil chuckle]

A committee of fools
who forget their place.

Blinded by their greed,

they refuse Lord Rimuru's
offer of peace,

and therefore deserve
to be destroyed.

Well, Diablo.

Looks like we're both
in agreement.

We're not destroying anyone.

[DIABLO]
Sir.

Yeah, that's definitely Shion.

In any case,
we can't let this stand.

Let's start with this,
how long do we have to pay?

You think we could
work things out?

Perhaps.

According to them,
they've really been

enjoying the festival,
so they've given us

until the day after
it ends to pay them back.

Which means we have
only two days, huh?

What if we paid them
in raw gold

and added a bit extra?

Taking a small loss wouldn't
be too big of a hit, right?

If these were ordinary traders

we were talking about,

then it's very possible
they'd agree.

But, I am vehemently
opposed to that idea!

[RIMURU]
Why, though?

[MJOLLMILE]
Because they're trying

to take advantage of us!

They'll see us as just
a bunch of cowards

who will fold at the first
sign of pressure!

I'd rather die than give
in to their absurd demands!

You're saying if we show them

a hint of weakness,

the merchants will milk it
for all its worth.

Yes, that's precisely it.

Well, no point in worrying
too much about it.

Huh?

Tempest is our country,
after all.

If push comes to shove,

we'll make them
play by our rules.

Try not to overthink things.

Just do whatever you can, okay?

[MJOLLMILE]
As you wish, My Lord.

Anyway...

meeting concluded.

Thanks, you guys!

C'mon, let's get out
of here Mjollmile.

I think it's time we party!

P-Party, My Lord?

That's right, my dude!

Let's check out
all the nighttime events!

I mean, just look at Benimaru!

He's ready to have some fun!

I wish I could, Lord Rimuru,
but I have a lot

-of fund-raising work to do...
-Hey! I said you didn't have

to worry about it right now!

That's a problem
for future you, besides,

all work and no play
makes Mjollmile a dull boy.

It has been too long
since I've had a break.

Very well, I humbly
accept your invitation!

[all cheering]

[all gasps]

Please enjoy in moderation,
Lord Rimuru.

That applies to you too,
dear brother.

[BENIMARU, RIMURU]
Yes, ma'am.

[RIMURU]
And so, with a slight hangover,

I ushered in day two
of the festival.

♪

Your attention, please!

Tempest's very first
Martial Arts Tournament...

will now begin!

♪

[cheering]

[RAPHAEL] Next time,
"The Martial Arts Tournament."