Chapter Text
Chapter 16: Ingracia
Part 1: Staying Behind
Comfortably nestled in our marital bed, I’ve been savoring the sight of Rimuru since the moment I woke. My husband flits around the room, a whirlwind of nervous energy as he prepares for his journey to Ingracia. The mere sight of him brings me joy, yet my mind wanders into deeper thoughts. Suddenly, he leans over, his hair cascading onto my face like a shimmering river of moonlight, his golden eyes searching mine in a way that makes my heart flutter. “My love, are you feeling well?” His tone is filled with concern as he sits beside me, kneeling over my form, and I can’t help but feel the weight of his care.
I take a deep breath, letting my thoughts swirl for a moment longer before leaning up to tenderly kiss his cheek. “I think I’ll stay behind, at least for a while. You see, it’s dawned on me that aside from chasing after you, I haven’t really grown.”
His expression shifts to one of curiosity, cheeks flushed from my kiss and lips adorably pouted, “What do you mean? You’re so strong compared to me; you actually managed to hurt Milim! I doubt I'll ever reach that level of strength.”
With a gentle touch, I cradle his cheeks, my fingers exploring his cute little face, teasingly squishing it to his dismay. “I mean stronger as a person. I haven’t evolved as a leader, and my skills remain lacking. I’m far too flashy, often leaving the real work undone. If I truly want to be of use to you, I’ve got to grow.” My voice rings with fierce determination, and I pull Rimuru down, enveloping him against my breasts, stroking his hair softly. “Don’t you remember the orc lord? I rushed in without any plan, and if it hadn’t been for you, I’d have been nothing but orc droppings! I don’t want to always be the damsel in distress, okay?”
Rimuru lets out a soft sigh, and I feel the warmth of his arms enveloping me, pulling me close and nuzzling against my chest in the most tender way. “You’re an incredibly attractive damsel in distress,” he teases with a playful laugh, but there’s a sincerity in his eyes that touches my heart. “I get it, Robin, but I hope you’ll catch up to me soon. I want you by my side as we teach together.” His voice is barely a whisper, laced with longing as he gazes deeply into my eyes, his expression almost pleading. “Can you imagine a life together in Ingracia? It would be wonderful! Think of it as a happy little vacation!”
I gently lay my hand on his cheek, sliding my fingers down in a soft caress that makes his breath hitch, a spark of connection igniting between us. “I promise I will meet you there. Just give me a little time to better myself first, alright?” I smile, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my touch, reveling in the way it affects him.
“Alright… But I must be on my way now. Don’t keep me waiting too long, or I’ll have to give you a little spanking,” he says with an adorably mischievous grin as he heads for the door.
“Don’t threaten me with a good time, cutie~,” I tease back, a smirk dancing on my lips, watching as he blushes fiercely before rushing outside, running on a cloud of youthful exuberance.
“I LOVE YOUUUUUuuuuuUUUUUU!!!!” he shouts, his voice echoing joyfully as he hops onto Ranga, calling out, “And goodbye to you too, Alyx!!” before speeding off down the road, bidding farewell to the Tempestians with childlike glee.
“I love you too, you dork!!” I call out to his fading figure, my heart swelling in my chest as I hear his distant cry of anguish, a bittersweet symphony of emotions. “I’m really going to miss him,” I whisper to the empty air, a few tears escaping as I feel the weight of separation. “But it’s not forever. I’ll train hard and then I’ll run back into his arms.” As I turn, I see my little pup waiting behind me, his smile brighter than the sun, tail wagging with pure delight.
“Bye Papa!!” he yells back, waving joyously before turning to me, “Hey momma!” His voice dances in the air, and as he looks up at me with those enormous blue puppy dog eyes, I can feel my heart melting. “Can we hang out and play, momma?” His sweet, innocent plea sends a rush of warmth through me, giving me a bit of a sugar rush from just his voice.
I clear my throat, stealing a moment to gather my thoughts as I look away, feeling a rush of warmth wash over me. “Of course, Alyx, we can have a little mother-son bonding time,” I say, my heart swelling with affection, “but then I need to dive back into my training and learn new techniques to better myself. I've been neglecting it a bit lately.” As I gently pet him, my fingers weaving through his soft, fluffy ears, I can’t help but cherish this precious connection.
“Kay! Let's get going then! This is gonna be so much fun!” His eyes sparkle with excitement as he grabs my hand, pulling me along into the vibrant heart of Tempest. The sights and sounds envelop us, the bustling crowd a symphony of life. Children laugh and race around, weaving between the adults who converse with joy while watching their little ones play. In that moment, I hold onto the hope that this tranquility could stretch on forever, even as I’m swept through the crowd, my gaze fixed on the back of my son’s head—a tiny beacon of joy.
Alyx and I share a handful of spectacular days together, filled with laughter and promise. He assures me that he'll study diligently under Riguard, filled with determination and drive. Meanwhile, I devote my time to mastering the sword with Hakurou, every swing a step closer to conquering my weakness, refusing to be an easy target anymore. In the quiet of the evenings, I learn the delicate art of cooking and cleaning from Shuna, embracing my role as Rimuru's wife, pouring my heart into every dish and gesture to bring him happiness. And just like that, before I can truly process it, two weeks slip through my fingers like grains of sand. The time to reunite with my husband draws near, and with it, a wave of eager anticipation floods my being.
Part 2: Road to Engracia
I stand on the threshold of tomorrow, ready to leave, yet today I immerse myself in the heart of Tempest. The cheers of our beloved citizens wash over me like a wave, and I can't help but smile and wave back, but deep down, my mind is a tempest of its own, fixated on one thing: finding Milim. She deserves more than just my smiles; she deserves my heartfelt apology.
Minutes feel like lifetimes until I finally catch a glimpse of her—those unmistakable eyes gazing up at me, a bowl in her hands from Shuna’s kitchen. My heart warms at the sight, and I note the boiled carrots, artfully cut into shapes. A chuckle escapes me as I walk toward her, curiosity brimming. “Hey Milim, how are you doing?”
Without flinching, she dives right in, startling me. “I wanted to apologize!” It takes a moment for my brain to catch up as confusion settles in. “I only fought you because I knew you could take it… but I definitely took it too far. Almost hitting Alyx—I mean, I just wanted to see what you would do. But I promise he was in no danger.” Her voice resonates with an earnest intensity that leaves me speechless.
“Oh… uh, okay,” I manage, realizing I was just about to apologize for having completely lost control back then. “I'm glad you're ok…”
In an instant, a radiant smile blooms on her face, transforming the atmosphere. She bursts into laughter, and it feels like sunshine breaking through a cloudy sky. “Oh, that's great, bestie! I just know you'll be an awesome sparring partner!” Her grin is infectious, igniting a warmth in my chest that I can't ignore.
“That's not terrifying at all,” I respond, my voice thick with playful sarcasm. The rest of the day dissolves into a whirlwind of joyful chaos with Milim, filled with food and laughter that seems to echo into eternity. We share a cozy evening in the spa with the other wonderful ladies of Tempest, our laughter intertwining, creating a tapestry of joyous moments. As night cloaks the world in a gentle hush, I can’t find sleep; instead, I pack my life into memories and moments, waiting for the dawn to greet me.
As the sun peeks over the horizon, I lay a tender goodbye kiss on Alyx’s forehead, feeling a mixture of melancholy and anticipation, finally ready to embark on my journey, and I leave Tempest knowing that it’s in good hands, feeling a mixture of hope and nostalgia swirling in my chest.
With a heart full of dreams, I set forth on foot, longing to absorb the beauty of this world during my journey. My fingers entwine behind my head, subtly shielding my aura as I stride forward. The cloak I once cherished now feels out of place, and I’ve come to understand the strength of a sword far surpasses that of a scythe. So, I trade it for a comfy, baggy white t-shirt, a stylish jacket, jeans, and running shoes—fashionable yet practical, crafted with care from my armor skill. My katana rests confidently at my waist, a perfect final touch to my ensemble. I walk down the new roads, heart open and carefree, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.
As I stroll along the sun-kissed path, I extend my arm toward the trees, yearning for a connection with nature. The delicate morning dew, shimmering like tiny jewels, slips from the leaves and dances onto my fingers, sending a delightful chill through my hand. I lift my gaze to the horizon, where a horse-drawn carriage emerges in the distance, a beacon of life in the stillness of dawn. With eager anticipation, I estimate that they’re merely five minutes away. I continue my walk, my heart racing with excitement until we finally meet, exchanging smiles and friendly waves that ignite a spark of warmth in the cool air.
“Good morning, sir! How are you today?” I call out, my voice bright with enthusiasm.
The merchant gazes back at me from his perch in the cart, his smile lighting up his rugged face as he tips his hat in acknowledgment. “Hello, young lady! I’m on my way down to Tempest – just a little further along the road, am I right?” His finger gestures toward the path I recently traveled.
“Indeed, it’s just down the way, but be warned – it might be a bit crowded at this hour. If you keep this pace, you should arrive around lunchtime. May I ask your name, sir?” My curiosity swells as I realize this moment feels significant.
“Name’s Richard, lovely to meet you. And what about you, miss?” His politeness fills me with warmth.
“I’m Robin, Robin Tempest,” I reply, a sense of pride swelling in my chest. His reaction is instantaneous, a moment of pure astonishment painted across his face.
“You’re… you are… Robin Tempest?” His words tumble out in disbelief. Just as the weight of the realization sinks in, he leaps from his seat, landing gracefully before me and bowing in earnest.
“Oh, how very kind of you to dismount so as not to look down on me. But truly, such formality is unnecessary!” I chuckle, my heart fluttering at his gesture.
As he straightens, his awe remains palpable. “Holy shit, I never thought I’d meet someone as important as you! And where’s Lord Rimuru?” He exclaims, instantly dropping formalities at my words, his eyes scan the surroundings, filled with anticipation, clearly expecting us to be inseparable companions.
I shrug with a touch of longing in my voice, "He's probably already on his way to Ingracia, and I’m simply headed there to reunite with him."
“Oh? Isn’t that just lovely? Here’s a thought—once I wrap up my business in Tempest, I was actually planning to return to Ingracia anyway. Would you grant me the incredible honour of offering you a ride once my trading is done? That is, if you don’t outpace me and arrive before I do.” His chuckle dances in the air, filling the moment with warmth.
“Of course! I’d love that! Hope to see you soon!” I wave goodbye and he tips his hat, as he wheels away towards Tempest, I turn back to the road, embraced by the gentle sounds of the carriage creaking and rattling behind him. Each step I take is a step closer, and the world around me flourishes with possibility.
It seems I won’t be alone on this journey—a comforting thought—as Richard is sure to have a delightful day in Tempest, basking in the hospitality of an inn, before returning to whisk me away tomorrow.
Reflecting on my progress, I realize I’ve become more adept at managing my energy. I no longer feel the constant pull of sleep, allowing me to traverse this path with renewed vigor as long as I pace myself. I know I have transformed greatly since my awakening in that cave, yet I remind myself to tread carefully; vulnerability is a heavy weight, especially for a sleeping slime so far from Rimuru’s tender protection.
With every step on my journey, I embrace the pleasures of the road—interrupted only by the wandering, mindless denizens of the forest that occasionally cross my path. Each encounter becomes a delightful chance to practice my sword skills and a satisfying feast to recharge my energy. I eagerly await the day when Rimuru’s vision of secure roads, reminiscent of my past life, becomes a reality. As dusk blankets the world, I take a moment to rest, lighting a fire for the simple joy of it all. I soon set out again, once more strolling beneath the shimmering blanket of stars, feeling alive with the magic of the night.
About noon on my second day of travel, Richard appeared beside me, his horses whinnying excitedly as they came to a stop. “My lady, Tempest is absolutely magnificent!” he exclaimed, waving me up with infectious enthusiasm. “Come on, hop on! I’ll get us to Ingracia in no time!”
A warmth spread through me at his vibrant spirit, and with a smile illuminating my face, I climbed onto his cart, settling my katana gently across my lap. “Thank you! I hope my son, Alyx, didn’t trouble you too much,” I joked, a teasing lilt in my voice.
“Oh, the little wolf boy? He did try to play with me a bit, and let me tell you, he’s quite the character! Turns out he has a love for steak! I tossed him one, and he went absolutely wild! Truly, he’s a good kid,” he said with a grin that made my heart swell with affection, causing a surprised laugh to escape my lips.
“Oh man, maybe I should have kept his name as Goober!” The thought of Alyx’s playful antics filled me with warmth, picturing him thriving alongside Tempest. “So, Richard, tell me—did you encounter any trials on the road so far?”
His smile deepened, and he gestured toward a well-worn sword resting at his feet. “Traveling near the forest, traders best stay sharp; that’s a given. It’s why I took it upon myself to train as an adventurer before I dared to journey this far. I’m ranked B, you know!”
“Ranked B?! Hey, twinsies!” I exclaimed, exhilaration coursing through me as I high-fived him, the connection between us crackling with shared ambition.
“Only B rank? That can’t be right! Even a novice can see just how remarkable you truly are, my lady,” he remarked, his gaze sweeping over me with measured appreciation, igniting a mix of pride and humility within me.
“Oh, thank you! I appreciate that, but the guildmaster wouldn’t allow me to advance further at that time. Apparently, the test proctor wasn’t meant to administer beyond a B rank test without his approval,” I explained with a casual shrug, though a flicker of frustration danced in my chest.
He chuckled heartily, “Well, them's the rules! It’s understandable, I suppose,” he replied, his jovial nature lifting my spirits a little higher.
“Yeah, that’s true. Anyway, if anything happens, please wake me, I'm gonna do some thought training,” I say, surrendering to the gentle sway of the cart, stretching out as I lean back, kicking my legs over the railing, my spirit leaving my body to join Hakurou on the training grounds, our swords drawn to begin our mental battle, my face scrunching in each defeat.
Three serene days of mental training drift by in a haunting silence, only to be shattered by a jarring tap on my shoulder. Instantly alert, I pry my eyes open, and before me looms a masked stranger, his face shrouded in shadows. A gut-wrenching wave of rancid sweat and blood washes over me, and I realize the carriage is awkwardly halted, with Richard nowhere in sight.
"Oh, sleeping beauty awakens—good! They're better awake, aren't they, boys?" His lewd taunt sends a shiver of revulsion through me, met with raucous laughter from behind the masked intruder. Before I can utter a word, he yanks down his mask, his filthy tongue snaking out and slithering across my cheek. In an instant, rage surges through me, as it consumes me I forget about control. I drive my fist deep into his chest, the sickening crunch of bone reverberating in my ears.
“The hell do you think you're doing?” I demand, my heart racing as my aura begins to fray at the edges. I flood his insides with healing potion so his body heals around my fist, ripping itself open with each drop as I wait for answers, hoping he reveals where Richard is.
His gaze drops to my arm embedded in his torso, and he retches violently, blood spilling from his mouth. “W-what the hell? H-how? W-why? You’re a girl! You’re supposed to be easy pickings! That bastard merchant didn’t say a damn thing about this!” His voice is a trembling mix of confusion and terror as he casts a venomous glare at Richard, who lies helplessly on the ground, gagged and bloodied.
A glimmer of relief floods me as I follow his gaze to Richard, yet, fueled by fury, I summon black flames that lap at his skin, crackling with the heat of my seething hatred. I wrench my fist free from his body by kicking him in the groin to the ground, greedily absorbing his blood into my arm. His clothes and mask ignite, and I watch as his skin blisters and splits under the merciless flames.
“Hmm… perhaps I should grant you a swift death; it would be a mercy for vermin like you, wouldn’t it?” I can feel his allies taking steps back, nearly paralyzed by fear. With a wicked smile, I pour a healing potion over him, stretching the agony to savor it. “But where’s the fun in that?” I taunt, reveling in his despair, “So here’s the deal: beg for death, and I’ll grant it—quickly.”
“KILL MEEEHEEEHEEEE!!!!” his anguished scream pierces through the fiery chaos surrounding us.
“As you wish,” I whisper, my voice dripping with chilling resolve, as I swiftly reduce him to the dust of what he once was.
Turning to the others—a ragtag collection of trembling souls—I smirk, the shadows of my dark power swirling menacingly above my palm. “Do you merry men recognize these ashes?” I ask, a devilish grin stretching across my face. Instantly, their eyes widen, and they collectively shake their heads, backing away like frightened children. “Good answer. Now run along before I entertain the thought of changing my mind, alright?” I add playfully, tilting my head with an innocent smile that contrasts sharply with the danger I embody.
With a swift clench of my fist, the tempest of fury swirling around me vanishes, leaving an eerie silence. They scatter into the distance, fear propelling them like a gale—a desperate race for their lives. Once the last of them disappears from view, a heavy sigh escapes my lips as I wipe away the remnants of the wretched soul’s drool from my cheek. I step down from the carriage, resolute beside Richard, my sword glinting ominously in the remnants of the light. In a swift motion, the bindings around him are reduced to shreds without harming him, before I toss a healing ball of slime into his hands. “Sorry about that, buddy. I got a bit carried away,” I say with an endearing clumsiness, knocking my own head lightly in self-reprimand.
“I-I’ll say…” he stutters, still reeling, “y-you're so strong, Lady Robin.” His awed whisper barely reaches me as I focus on assessing the aftermath. “T-they took me by surprise. I’m so sorry I couldn't wake you... if I had just been a bit faster, that man wouldn’t have had to die today…”
“It’s good that he died,” I respond, my voice striking a chilling note as I walk over to the horses. “Were I the victim he thought I was, I could have been the one in his place. Instead, he received exactly what he deserved.” The words spill from my lips with an icy clarity, and I approach the horses, pulling out sugar cubes to offer them. Their warm nuzzles against my palm juxtapose the frigid realization of mortality that lingers in the air. “All human life holds value... until they sink beneath the filth that plagued my homeland.” A shiver runs down my spine as I realize the weight of my own statement. I let out a deep sigh, shaking off the darkness. “Sorry, that was a bit harsh…” I concede, but warmth returns to my tone. “Still, he deserved it. Bandits are the lowest of the low… Anyway, did they take anything I didn’t notice?” My voice tries to lighten the mood, shifting the unease as I awkwardly chase away the lingering shadows of my thoughts.
“Uh… no, they only seemed to have eyes for you, miss.” His voice trembles as he speaks, and I can see the way his gaze drops to the ground, the defeated slump of his shoulders revealing just how intimidated he feels by my presence. As he struggles to rise and make his way back to his carriage, I can't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
“Good, good! I’m truly sorry about all of this, and I can't thank you enough for the ride.” My words spill out with a genuine warmth as I focus, determined to cultivate some kind of skill to alert me to danger. With a renewed sense of resolve, we set off once more.
After what felt like an eternity—14 days marked by countless trials and small setbacks—he has finally begun to lower his guard, his previous wariness fading into the recesses of the past. At last, I stand before the grand gates of Ingracia, a profound sense of anticipation filling me as I wave a heartfelt goodbye to Richard and step into line.
The line stretches longer than I ever anticipated, promising what could be hours of waiting. Yet I refuse to let impatience consume me. I embody calmness, masking my aura as I keenly observe the ebb and flow of the human auras around me, striving to mirror their subtle nuances. Slowly but surely, I inch forward through the line, feeling the weight of each passing moment until finally, I stand at the counter, clutching my adventurer’s license with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The process unfolds with surprising ease—almost too easy. My senses flicker as I notice one of the guards subtly breaking formation to follow me, lingering just at the edge of my awareness.
Yet my heart tells me to dismiss the guard from my thoughts; I have no time to fret over a single human. Instead, I walk boldly towards the sprawling guild building, my heart pounding with anticipation. Approaching the receptionist, I can hardly suppress the eagerness in my smile. “Hello! My name is Robin Tempest. I was just hoping to find out if my brother Rimuru has come through here yet.” My excitement is palpable, but the receptionist merely rolls her eyes and ushers me toward the magical elevator. “No screening?” I exclaim, my surprise spilling forth.
“You look like you could be his twin, so I’m not going to question it,” she replies with a hint of mirth before pressing a button that sends us soaring upwards. Suddenly, a loud bang resonates through the door in front of me, and I rush through, adrenaline surging as I witness the epic collision of Rimuru and Yuki's legs, their fierce kicks meeting in an electrifying clash.
“Why do you wear the face of my master?” Yuki growls, her voice trembling with a mix of rage and heartache.
“It’s a long, tangled tale, but I assure you, I’m not a bad slime. Slurp,” Rimuru replies, his tone unnervingly smooth, sending a chill coursing through me.
“Yeah, neither am I,” I add, my heart racing as Yuki's gaze snaps to mine, his eyes wide as he confronts the haunting resemblance yet again—this time, with a body so achingly familiar standing closer to his master’s.
His face twists in contempt, a storm brewing within him, yet he takes a deep breath, lowering his leg, and with a heavy sigh, mutters, “Explain yourselves.”
Part 3: Reunion Once More
After an exhilarating cascade of our escapades, a heartfelt exchange of beloved mangas, and the final revelation as to why we found ourselves here, he graciously yields the reins of class S’s activities to us, allowing us to explore this newfound freedom for the moment.
Shopping for furniture to transform our new apartment into a cozy haven was nothing short of a delightful adventure, albeit sprinkled with a few playful disagreements on our color palette. My heart ached for vibrant bursts of orange and cream to mirror the lustrous hues of Rimuru’s hair, while he yearned for the warmth of rustic wooden pieces, craving darker tones to juxtapose my brightness. Yet, in the end, we made a serendipitous choice, falling in love with exquisite antique chairs and a splendid table, culminating in a luscious leather couch that beckons you to sink into its embrace. With just enough left in our budget, we thrilled at acquiring a new bed frame and mattress. “Too bad it’s only a twin…” Rimuru sighs wistfully. “Don’t worry, I’ll take the couch; Robin, you can have the bed,” he assures me, his eyes lighting up as he sets the couch into place.
With a cheeky grin, I stretch out on the bed, teasingly seductive, “…Rimuru, get your cute ass over here…” I beckon, my narrow waist curving enticingly, my hips framing the silhouette of my desire as my clothing has been replaced by a delicate white nightshirt and charming white panties adorned with a blue bow that mirrors his enchanting hair. “I wanna snuggle,” I declare with a softness that pulls at his heartstrings. Instantly flustered, Rimuru approaches me with hesitant steps, his gaze transfixed on the slender strap of my shirt slipping off my shoulder as he succumbs to the warmth of my embrace, melting into my chest. I nestle my face in his hair, inhaling deeply, reveling in his intoxicating scent. “You smell wonderful, my love,” I whisper, my fingers tenderly gliding along his back.
He squirms shyly, emitting the most adorable little squeaks and whimpers, surrendering to my gentle touch, his body relaxing against mine. “T-thanks, I guess…” he murmurs, his voice quaking with uncertainty as he burrows closer, his warm face pressing against my lightly-clothed breasts. The heat radiating from him mingles with the sweet anticipation hanging in the air as he takes a deep breath, his arms cradled close to his chest. “So… uh… how was your trip?” he asks, a hint of trepidation cloaking his curiosity.
“Killed a man,” I reply nonchalantly, as if sharing the weather.
“…Ok…” he squeaks, eyes widening in surprise, “w-was there a reason?”
“He tried to rape me… or he was just about to, at least; he was a bandit and had licked my cheek,” I say with a casual shrug, the heavy weight of the past few weeks mingling with the sweetness of the moment we share, both of us navigating the delicate balance between our vastly different worlds.
He lets out a soft, tremulous sigh of relief, a fragile moment of gratitude that the person involved wasn't just an innocent soul—though the notion feels almost laughable. But then his brow furrows, the weight of concern etching deeper lines on his face. “If anyone ever tries to hurt you again, promise you’ll tell me. I can’t bear the thought of you getting hurt,” he implores, his voice thick with emotion. He tries to steer the conversation in a new direction, but the air is heavy with unspoken fears. “… But at least you're safe… no more episodes, right?” The intensity of his heartbeat quickens, a frantic drum against my chest, his warm breath ghosting against my skin, each tremor of his body revealing the turmoil that wrestles within him.
“No more episodes,” I assure him, though I can't help but add, “I felt fine, aside from a fleeting moment of fury when anger took hold.” I reflect on the choices I made, gazing down into those luminous golden eyes that seem to shimmer with an otherworldly light as he searches my face for reassurance.
“As long as you’re being honest… I can’t say he didn’t deserve it… but, please, I would prefer it if you didn’t take another human life…” His voice betrays his disappointment, a whisper of longing woven into his plea.
“…I will not kill humans unless they truly deserve it…” My words come out soft, almost a prayer, because the last thing I want is for him to turn away from me in fear or disgust.
He exhales sharply, frustration lacing his tone, “Fine, just… don’t go too far, or I swear, I’ll have to put some distance between us.” The pout on his lips quickly vanishes as he realizes the weight of what he’s just said, and he can see the dawning horror in my eyes as my heart sinks. “W-wait, that sounds manipulative! Just… Please promise me you won’t hurt anyone innocent!” His voice falters, revealing a deeper, unsettling awareness of the fragility of human life.
“…Are you really okay, Rimuru? I never thought I’d hear you say things like this…” I ask gently, placing my hands on his cheeks, searching for a flicker of the light that always shines in his gaze.
He turns his face away, shadows of conflict clouding his expression as he pulls my hands from his skin. “I just… I feel so strongly—like my love for you is stretching my morals to the breaking point. Please, don’t let me become a monster,” he whispers, his voice quaking like a fragile leaf caught in a storm.
Wrapping my arms around him, I cling tighter, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead, feeling the knot of emotion rise in my throat. “I’m so sorry… but it fills my heart with joy to know you love me this deeply…”
Drawing him into an even tighter embrace, I sink my face into the nape of his neck, hiding the swell of my feelings as he begins to relax against me. “It brings me such happiness to see you happy, Robin, my love,” he murmurs into my ear, a warm promise as we sink into the coziness of unconsciousness together. Our worlds melt away as we relegate our short conflict to the night and find solace in the embrace of Morpheus, fabled god of sleep and sweet dreams.