The period of peace was swiftly broken by a political storm.
A large, ornate magical conveyance arrived at the borders of the Jura Tempest Federation, carrying a delegation from Demon Lord Clayman, the self-proclaimed Puppet Master.
The envoy, a cunning and elegant Majin named Myulan, arrived under the guise of establishing diplomatic relations and trade, but Arthur immediately sensed the veiled hostility and manipulative intent.
Arthur was sitting with Rimuru when the report came in.
"Clayman is trouble,"
Arthur stated, his expression hardening.
"He is one of the more calculating and cowardly Demon Lords. He won't attack directly, but he will try to exploit any perceived weakness. This envoy is a test—a probe for a future invasion."
Rimuru, seated beside him, had her own suspicions.
"He's probably reacting to Milim being here, too. He's nervous about the power shift."
Rimuru, following Arthur's counsel, prepared for the meeting with utmost caution.
She utilized her newly established security and intelligence teams: Benimaru was placed in charge of external security, and Shuna was tasked with monitoring the envoy's magical signatures and communication spells.
The meeting itself was a tense, deceptive spectacle.
Myulan was overly polite, offering flowery compliments and subtle suggestions for "mutually beneficial projects" that Arthur immediately recognized as attempts to gather intelligence and gain access to Tempest's critical infrastructure.
Shuna, focused entirely on her task, discovered that the envoy was not merely a messenger but was actively deploying sophisticated magical spying devices within the city.
She immediately alerted Arthur via their private channel.
"Arthur-sama, the envoy's Majin are spreading monitoring spells disguised as gifts near the High Orcs' construction site and the Lizardmen delegation's quarters,"
Shuna transmitted urgently.
"They are specifically probing areas of potential unrest."
Arthur used his own power to gently neutralize the spells without the envoy's detection, maintaining the facade of cordiality while the true game was played out.
The envoy, sensing that Arthur was the true strategic obstacle, attempted a more personal form of manipulation—targeting the relationships within the Federation.
During a large diplomatic feast, the envoy cornered Rimuru and attempted to sow seeds of discord regarding her human appearance and her relationship with Arthur.
"Tell me, great Demon Slime Rimuru,"
Myulan began, her smile predatory.
"Your people are now highly evolved monsters—Oni, High Orcs. Yet you choose the form of a fragile human woman, and you rely so heavily on your powerful Dragon Guardian. Does your handsome Guardian not find your dependence... tiresome? Surely a being of his immense power would prefer a partner who stood fully on her own, without needing constant protection."
Rimuru's expression remained neutral, but the words cut close to her insecurity.
She glanced at Arthur, who was sitting close by, radiating calm strength.
Arthur subtly met Rimuru's eye.
"She's projecting Clayman's own insecurity, not speaking the truth. This is a pathetic attempt to isolate you. Ignore the attack, and use your answer to assert your absolute authority."
Rimuru took a sip of wine, her gaze firm.
"My form is my own choice, and my relationship with Arthur is irrelevant to our sovereignty,"
She declared, her voice carrying the clear weight of command.
"His role is not that of a bodyguard, but the Patron and Cofounder of the Jura Tempest Federation. If my reliance on him is a concern, I suggest you advise your master to send someone capable of challenging either of us. Until then, the discussion is closed."
The envoy's plans were foiled.
Shuna provided Arthur with definitive proof of their espionage, and Benimaru's forces contained their few attempts to stir up trouble among the less stable Lizardmen.
Arthur advised Rimuru to use the evidence to dismiss the envoy publicly.
Rimuru, now confident in her decision, exposed the envoy's spying attempts and gave them an ultimatum: leave immediately or face the Dragon's wrath.
Myulan and her delegation left in haste, their mission an absolute failure, sending back reports to Clayman that the Federation was not only protected by an overwhelming, immovable Dragon but was also led by a cunning Slime supported by a sophisticated intelligence network.
The threat of Clayman was now identified, understood, and temporarily contained, thanks to the combined efforts of Rimuru's leadership and Arthur's strategic guidance.
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