
My food has become more diverse. Before, every meal, dessert was already fruitful, but now there was also cake. Ah, it's beautiful to be alive. I have decided to make Sundays and other national holidays special because I am tired of eating too much every day. It was a satisfying life. When I was just reincarnated into a Slime, I never thought of leading a lavish lifestyle. If there is no problem with the Eastern Empire, I can immerse myself in my hobby but ……….. Thinking about it recently, Veldora, some sympathizers, and I all thought of something like, "Should we attack at the same time as the declaration of war?" While there are some who disagree with the wait and see approach, if you think about it, it is easier to attack than defend it. Deploying defense forces may not have enough soldiers to protect along the planned invasion route. On the other hand, simply deploying a reconnaissance unit to decide on a route had a great risk of turning into an attack. It was expected that they would not attack from the territory of the Dwargon Kingdom. The neutral nation, the Dwargon Weapon Nation, has a standing army equipped with high-tech weaponry. The entry and exit points of the country were also more suitable for defense, and not for attempts to capture a city with a large army. Therefore, it can be said that the country itself is a natural fortress. Sea routes are not an option either. The number of ships might not be enough, and there were also huge demon sea monsters attacking the high seas. It was difficult to meet the requirements and gain a foothold for the sea battle, so the risk would be too high and the route would not be chosen. More simply, it is not known whether the ship can sail safely or not. Similarly, the mountains inhabited by dragons were also not an option. In the end, the only option left was the route that passed through the Great Jura Forest . When it comes to this, the possible routes to choose for military mobilization are three. But, one of those routes was an area bordering the Dwarf Kingdom. I think it will not be used for unauthorized invasion, for fear of pinning attacks from Tempest and Dwargon. In the end, the other two routes were the most likely for invasion. Soldiers, in theory, would be divided into two to handle the two routes. But will it really be that simple? I can't help but think about it. If the empire was really mobilized as expected, would the empire underestimate the Tempest? Or because they have a large army? Which one is right? After all, it was my mind as a person who was not an expert in military affairs, but I would choose the invasion route between the two routes. Military experts would not choose to easily predict the route just because there was no other route. No, on the contrary if there was no other route, I would not move until I gathered enough troops to overwhelm the defenders, so I thought. If it becomes a battle against that huge army, then dividing the war potential is a bad plan. That's not good. I get upset when I think about it. As expected, we should attack, right? Or rather, when the empire made their declaration of war, was a suicide attack the right answer? The right answer may not come even if I think seriously. I have to cope with it by adapting to the circumstances. "Adjust to the situation." The phrase sounded beautiful, it gave a capable human image. All right, let's go. I made reconnaissance missions to various places, including sea routes, as a precaution and I arranged the Transfer Magic Circle in various places. Using remote communication methods, preparation for urgent mobilization without defects. It was meant for personal use, but it was good enough to submit a report. If there is something, then the report will come. Let's think about it later. With the conclusion reached, I stood up and went to the dining room. I need candy when I use my head. Although desserts are reserved for special days and national holidays, snacks are different. I intend to ask Shuna to prepare a cake for me right away. If I get tired of eating candy, I'll think about it when it happens. My plan was easily cancelled, even when I saw Shion in the dining room. A wide smile appeared on his face when he saw me, and he presented to me a plate in his hand. I want to know what this is, this unpleasant premonition ..... 「I've been waiting for you, Rimuru-sama! Don't hesitate, Rimuru-sama. If you order that, with one word, I will prepare a cake (something similar) .... Okay, here it is! It feels identical to Shuna, but several times larger. Please eat unconditionally! 」He smiled as he presented the plate with a large lump of something that seemed to be made from my konnyaku [1] on it.
Eh? Cake ……..!? I stared at the object on the plate I had received reflexively, and looked around, seeking help. But no one, did they run away? worst moment. 「Oi, is this a cake? [2]」 「Ya! It feels perfectly reproduced! 」
Shion was filled with confidence. But, his bad feelings only increased. Feels perfect? Then, other than the taste, the rest is not good? I decided to eat one bribe while grieving over my ruined plan. It's something I've decided to enjoy dessert after a meal. First of all, this hellish situation was caused because I was a glutton despite the fact that I didn't need to eat. I took one bite with a spoon, and put it in my mouth. I think I threw up. It had the consistency of my konnyaku, but it tasted like a cake that was too sweet. Looking at it, it was gray and had a konnyaku texture. At this moment, I realized once again: For cakes, appearance is important. No, not only cake, for any dish, its appearance is also important. Even if the raw material does not seem to change, I do not think it is delicious. "How's that? Does this taste good?"
Shion's arrogant and haughty appearance [3] seemed to say, it was perfect, right? This guy's like that. First of all, what is being cooked? He seemed to be tripping over for the basic basic things. "Sit. For now, sit there. It's time to scold! [4] 」「 Uh !? Why?"
His arrogant face immediately turned into watery eyes. Shion's confused, but I don't care. After that, for about 30 minutes, I gave Shion a serious lecture on what cooking is.
I finished scolding Shion and finally took a breath. Leaving him unattended was my fault. Shion entrusted everything to his Skill and only gained the resulting flavor. He may not improve during his lifetime due to this attitude. Is the job scolding me? Shion promises to learn to cook from Shuna. Or rather, wasn't he already taught by Shuna? No, no, it's probably just my imagination. I was a little anxious, but with this I was safe for now, I decided to think that. When I came out of the dining room after modifying my thoughts, I suddenly met Kurobee.
「Oh, I've been looking for you, Rimuru-sama. You're here after all. 」「 Hmm? Search me? Is there something you need? 」
「Ya, previous request for new weapon type finished!」 Kurobee reported happily. A request from before? Because there's a lot, I don't remember which one it was. Anyway, I went to the workshop with Kurobee. The workshop was hot as usual. It was good that I was not affected by the temperature, even though the work inside looked great. The number of people inside the – workshop including – monsters has increased since my previous visit.
「The number of internships seems to have increased.」 「Ya, thank you. But they still have a long way to go. The number of unusable articles produced is greater than the number of usable articles produced. 」
The two of us entered the workshop while talking, and the apprentice noticed our voices and looked up. And then, noticing my figure, they all stood up and bowed simultaneously. I was surprised by their power. When Kurobee saw that, he,
「You idiot! Get back to work! 」
He shouted in a very loud voice, and the work of the disciples continued. I might understand their feelings. It's similar to when the president of a company comes into your workspace, making you feel tense. It was more stressful, for people in lower positions. I also do not have much free time even though I am the King of the country. I'm probably as pathetic as they are because I can't play freely. Even when the general manager visited my workspace in the previous world, I would have prepared with a big cleanup the day before. If it was the president of the company instead, then an overbearing mood in which failure was intolerable would emerge. Since I understand that my household has improved, I may need to pay more attention when playing casually. But …..
「I'm sorry for coming here so suddenly, but, as I thought I might stop by more often, please don't feel too tense.」
I said to them. There may be a problem if I become too familiar, but there is no need for everyone to be tense. I like to act big but not too interesting if they are too tense and there is no reaction .I prefer a stupid response, like the response of Gobuta. TPO ―― attitude corresponding to Time, Place, and Genesis ―― as long as they know this, then it is acceptable. My words loosen the tense shoulders of the workers. I nodded once after I confirmed it, and I went to the back of the room.
――Thus, I don't know about that, but the reason the disciples were feeling tense wasn't just because I was a Demon King. I have been chosen as one of the three main idols of the Monster Country Tempest while I was unconscious. It's me, Shuna and Shion. Popularity surprised. Moreover, if Ramiris and Milim were added, it would be a kind of popularity struggle. The rankings were deliberately withheld, but I heard that Milim and I were the best. Jeez, I was surprised when I heard it, I would do anything to hide ―― [5]
Then, the article from the previous request is displayed. Kurobee confidently picked up the box that stored the equipment and brought it before me. The one inside was the Spacious Sword which gave off a strong feeling. It was marked with a small, empty round hole at the size of the marbles at the base of the sword. There are three holes. They were all in that place. Of course, the sword had a simple appearance, but it was not an extraordinary weapon like the one Kurobee had forged. Still, compared to an apprentice job, it was on another level. The materials were pure Demon Steel, it was precious but did not seem to be a special material. It may look strange, but it is a very normal and unique class of weapon.
It doesn't seem to be fascinated with certain magic either...... 「This? Compared to the other Kurobee jobs, it didn't seem to stand out too much? 」
Therefore, it was unthinkable that Kurobee wanted to show me a unique grade weapon. 「Fufufu, you haven't noticed? This is the mechanism described by Rimuru-sama earlier. When I put this gem into this sword hole, then— 」
While explaining Kurobee stuffed the yellow jewel-like marble he had taken from the box into the sword hole. Then, the plain Broad Sword became wrapped in illumination magic power and turned into a Magic Sword. So, isn't that what you mean!
「O, oi, Kurobee! Kurobee-chan is! Did you finish it? 」
I excitedly asked Kurobee. A satisfied smile appeared on Kurobee's face,
「Mufufufu. I did!"
He answered with satisfaction. Ah, it's like Shion's arrogant looks are annoying, but I want to praise her honestly. I suddenly remembered the request: if the Pure Demon Steel weapon adapts to magic power, then, if a magic jewel filled with attributes is inserted into the sword, will it turn into a Magic Sword? Kurobee consulted Kaijin about this. Kaijin ended up researching with him, and thus it seemed like this was the result of collaborative research between Kurobee and Kaijin. "How's that? Do you remember? After directly condensing magic power, we finally managed to refine a magic stone with high purity.
According to the attribute of magic power, it can be classified into one of the four elements, Earth Orit Air L Wind Fire. Let's call it a magic gem that gives an Element Core attribute or just a Core. It is possible to change attribute , by changing the sequence of combinations. Naturally, you can only combine one attribute per hole. It is still in the middle of an experiment to perfect it, but there are some dangerous combinations. Also, no matter how hard we try, the maximum number of holes is three. It is further questionable whether we can even make 1 hole for every 100 attacks. Using normal hammering methods, it was difficult to create a gap for the gem .. It embarrassed me to say it, but it was almost impossible for the disciples to make a hole in the weapon. Even my four best disciples barely managed to create a single hole. Well, if they gave up they would not improve, and if they could make 3 holes then they would have skills worthy of the legend class. That's what I believe. 」 Kurobee explains proudly. Greatable. It's too beautiful! Although the magic sword was already valuable, the magic sword that could change its attributes never existed. It was an incredible creation. Although I forgot about it completely, this might be useful against the empire. Incidentally, since scarcity greatly changed due to the number of holes, I thought it would be interesting to assign it as a drop of boss in the labyrinth.
If the apprentice could make a hole on a normal sword, a successful product would be set as the fall of the floor boss. I will make the big boss of every tenth floor drop the core with random attributes. Well, it was only if the adventurers passed the 30th floor. Should I set it up for the 40th floor? "What do you think? Can you prepare some varieties? 」「 Yes, as we will produce batch to be shipped to Commander class from now on, the failed products will be circulated in the labyrinth. We don't have the time or resources to produce them for rank soldiers, but high-quality mass-produced equipment should be enough for them. Maybe there is no problem 」I received Kurobee ready approval and the plan was decided. Well, the labyrinth after the 30th floor became very troublesome. . The boss of the 50th floor was Gozurl who had no control. He is our next target. I can't play happily if I don't destroy the empire quickly. I want to bring back Chloe too and already have peace of mind. Still, Yuuki was an imperial power. I want to solve the problem quickly. 「By the way, the Demon Steel that adapted to the magic power of Rimuru-sama from before, what is the condition? Will it adapt completely soon?」 Kurobee asked suddenly.
Eh? It reminded me, even though I had already forgotten about it, for the sake of creating my exclusive weapon, I had allowed the Steel Demon to ripen within me. 「Y, yes. Its alright. You remember that? 」
「Ya.」 「Wait a minute, I'll get it out now.」
I was a bit confused, but I calmed down so that he would not realize that I had forgotten him. The Demon Steel shone with the color of the rainbow. Although I did not mix it with gold, it emitted a light brighter than Orichalum. Hm? It gave a feeling that it had matured beautifully. "How's that? Does that look good? 」「 I, this … !! 」
Kurobee was shocked and excited to the point of being speechless. I looked at it and judged it a little.
"result. Divine Steel: Hiiirokane (Ultimate Metal) [6]》
So result. This is a superior version of Orichalcum. It has a higher performance than the Orichalcum I previously refined; of course it can be called a perfect metal. 「Hai-hiirokane, right? ….. Justjust wonderful. This is a transcendental myth class material. [7] 」
After getting used to the magic power of its owner, any other magic power would be rejected. It seemed to be the ultimate metal that could be converted into the strongest weapon or armor. Unfortunately, since it had to be impregnated with extremely dense magic power, there were only a few. Enough to make a weapon. And with this amount, it might just be enough to make a weapon for me.
However, my exclusive katana could finally be made with this. Previously, normal weapons could not withstand my power and would be destroyed. I had to recreate the weapon many times while in the middle of the battle. It was an unreasonable situation. If it breaks at a critical moment, then I will not have anything suitable to defend myself. I handed the Metal God, sparkling in rainbow colors, to Kurobee, and asked him to make a katana with him. Kurobee's eyes looked at him respectfully and emitted a strange gleam of overwhelming tension and excitement. I was expecting this. I left the rest in Kurobee's hands and left the workshop. While thinking about the katana that is still unformed. Within a week, a report arrived. Kurobee had finished forging the katana. Lastly, the weapon made especially for me is finished.