Ciel: <>
Voice of the World: <<>>
******
"We're having a baby."
Silence stretched between them as Shizu's words settled, their meaning sinking deep into Rimuru's mind like a stone dropped into a still lake.
Then, realization struck.
Rimuru's golden eyes widened, lips parting slightly as the weight of the moment crashed over him like a tidal wave. "A... baby?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it too loudly might shatter the fragile, wondrous truth before him.
Shizu nodded, her gaze never leaving his, filled with warmth, love, and unwavering certainty.
For a moment, Rimuru forgot how to breathe. Not that he ever needed to, but right now, it felt like his entire being had come to a standstill. Something swelled within his chest—warm, overwhelming, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. A deep, unfamiliar ache, yet one that felt so right.
His fingers tightened around hers, his grip firm yet gentle, as a slow, joyous smile spread across his lips. "We're... having a baby," he repeated, this time with awe, as if speaking the words aloud made them more real.
Shizu chuckled, eyes twinkling with quiet amusement. "What's with that reaction? You're the one who told me it was possible, remember? You said we could have a child without any risks to me or drawbacks to you."
Rimuru blinked, then let out a small, breathless laugh. "Yeah... I did say that, didn't I?" He rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips.
Just then a familiar voice chimed in.
Rimuru exhaled a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. 'Of course. How could I ever forget such a massive favor?' His gratitude surged through their connection, filled with the overwhelming joy of this moment.
Despite Ciel's typically logical tone, Rimuru could sense the faintest trace of satisfaction in her words. He sent another surge of gratitude her way before turning his full attention back to Shizu.
Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms, holding her close—tighter than ever before, as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
"Shizu..." His voice was thick with emotion. "This is... incredible."
A soft laugh escaped her, muffled slightly as she buried her face against his shoulder. "I'm glad you think so. I was a little nervous about how you'd react."
Rimuru pulled back slightly, mock offense flickering across his features. "You were nervous? Shizu, you just gave me the best news of my entire existence. Why would I be anything but happy?"
Her breath hitched, her expression softening. Slowly, she pressed her forehead against his, her fingers curling into the fabric of his clothes.
"Rimuru..." Her voice trembled slightly, thick with unspoken emotion. Tears welled in her eyes before slipping down her cheeks, glistening like tiny crystals in the dim light. "Thank you... for giving this to me."
Rimuru's thumb brushed across her cheek, wiping away her tears with infinite tenderness.
"No..." he whispered, his forehead still resting against hers. "Thank you... for making this dream come true."
Wrapped in each other's warmth, they sat in quiet bliss—hearts entwined, their lives forever changed by the miracle they had created together.
******
While he was embracing his wife, Rimuru turned his attention inward, seeking Ciel's insight into Shizu's current condition and their unborn child.
Rimuru let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief washing over him like a gentle wave. 'That's a relief.'
Rimuru stiffened. 'What do you mean?' His voice carried a hint of alarm.
Rimuru blinked. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he exhaled in relief. 'Oh gosh, Ciel, you almost gave little ol' delicate me a heart attack.'
Rimuru scoffed, rolling his eyes. 'Wow, that's rude.' But his playful expression soon faded into something more serious. 'So, what's the reason for the extended pregnancy?'
Rimuru hummed, nodding in understanding. 'I see...' He then chuckled softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. 'You really thought of everything, huh?'
Rimuru's smile widened. 'Aww, look at you, already acting like a mom!' His voice brimmed with amusement.
Rimuru's smile softened. 'Thanks, Ciel. Knowing you're looking after my child... it really takes a load off my shoulders.'
******
Back in the real world, Rimuru and Shizu slowly pulled apart. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before relaying everything Ciel had told him about her pregnancy and their child.
The moment he finished, Shizu's eyes widened in shock. "I'm going to give birth to a dragon!?" she blurted out. A stunned pause. Then, with a shake of her head, she muttered, "Wow... just wow..."
Rimuru winced slightly. "I'm sorry. I made that decision without asking you first," he admitted, guilt creeping into his voice. The last thing he wanted was to upset the mother of his child.
Shizu blinked at him before letting out a soft laugh. "No, no, it's alright," she reassured him, placing a gentle hand over his. "I'll admit, an 18-month pregnancy and raising a dragonoid child both sound... well, unexpected. But if it's for the sake of our baby, then I have no complaints."
Rimuru let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, squeezing her hand in gratitude. "Thank you. I was really worried you'd be upset with me."
Shizu's expression softened as she gave him a warm smile. "Don't worry, Rimuru. I understand. And more importantly, I trust you. I know you'd never do anything to harm me or our child." A thoughtful look crossed her face, her fingers idly tracing circles against the back of his hand. "Besides... I know how cruel this world can be. I've lived through it. If our child is born strong, then that's a blessing—one I have no right to deny them."
Rimuru felt his heart swell at her words. Without thinking, he reached out, gently cupping her cheek in his palm. "You're going to be an amazing mom."
Shizu's smile grew, a soft warmth shining in her eyes. "You think so?"
Rimuru's gaze never wavered. "I know so."
And before she could say another word, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, lingering kiss. When they finally parted, they gazed at each other with soft smiles, like love-struck teenagers.
"So..." Rimuru's playful demeanor softened as he shifted back to a more serious tone. "What do you want to do next? Do you want to stay here or return to Tempest?"
Shizu took a moment to think before nodding to herself. "I'd like to stay. Towa and I have grown quite close over the last few days, and I want to be here for her—to support her however I can."
Rimuru studied her for a moment, then sighed, a hint of concern lacing his voice. "That's fine, but you have to promise me you won't overexert yourself. And more importantly, you'll keep yourself safe."
Shizu chuckled, finding his protectiveness endearing. "Stop being such a worrywart," she teased. "I might not be as strong as Hero-sama, but I can handle myself just fine." She gave him a reassuring smile. "And if things ever get bad, I always have Agni to rely on."
As if summoned by her words, Agni—the Fire Elemental Lord—manifested from within Shizu, her form flickering like a living flame. She bowed respectfully toward Rimuru. "Rest assured, Lord Rimuru," Agni intoned solemnly. "I will protect Lady Shizu and the child growing within her from any and all harm."
"Good, make sure you protect her," Rimuru acknowledged Agni's resolve.
His eyes flickered back to Shizu, and a mischievous glint replaced the seriousness from earlier. "Well, since the lake issue is settled and the invading army has yet to arrive, I suddenly find myself with two whole days of freedom to do whatever I wish to do." He took a step closer, tilting his head with a playful smirk. "So, my lady, what do you say? Care to take a stroll with your most devoted admirer?" he extended a hand.
Shizu let out a hearty laugh before schooling her expression into one of exaggerated regality. "Hmm... I do find myself a little bored," she mused dramatically. "I suppose I could grant you the honor of my company." With deliberate grace, she placed her hand in his.
Shizu giggled mightily when Rimuru pulled her close, one hand settling at her waist as he leaned in with a whisper. "As you command, my lady."
Before she could respond, the world around them shifted—shadows stretching, magic crackling in the air. In an instant, they vanished, reappearing in a distant, untouched land, far from prying eyes—just the two of them, where they could enjoy their time alone.
******
While Rimuru basked in the joy of his impending fatherhood, spending a blissful time with his wife, the wheels of conspiracy were already turning within the Free Guild's headquarters in the Kingdom of Englassia.
Kagali let out an exasperated sigh as she slumped onto the couch opposite Yuuki Kagurazaka, her expression clouded with frustration. "It's useless," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Laplace and Tear have exhausted every trick in the book, but there's still no trace of Footman. Worse, they haven't figured out a way to infiltrate Tempest without exposing themselves." She exhaled sharply. "At this rate, our only option is an open invasion, but that would mean a direct confrontation with this Rimuru and his forces."
Yuuki, lounging in his chair with an air of ease, merely swirled the tea in his cup. "No need to take that kind of risk," he said smoothly, his sharp eyes gleaming with calculation. "Rescuing Footman is important, but Tempest is still too much of an unknown. If you can still sense him, that means he's alive—captured rather than killed. And knowing him, he'd sooner die than spill our secrets. We can afford to be patient."
"I was just worried about him," Kagali admitted, pursing her lips before glancing up at him. "Unless… you go in personally." Her golden eyes narrowed. "With your [Anti-Skill], you're practically untouchable. You could disable any protective or detection barriers and slip in and out without anyone even realizing it."
Yuuki chuckled, setting his cup down with a quiet clink. "Tempting, but no. It's still too soon to reveal my hand—especially before we establish a stronger foothold in the East. Besides…" His smirk deepened. "I have a few ideas that could get us into Tempest without ever stepping foot inside ourselves."
Kagali arched a brow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."
Yuuki leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together as he studied her. "You're familiar with the legendary adventurer, Shizu Izawa, right?"
Kagali blinked. "The Conqueror of Flames? Of course. She's practically a myth in adventurer circles."
"That's right. Shizu Izawa, my old teacher." His voice took on a nostalgic lilt before his smile twisted into something far more sinister. "I recently acquired some very interesting intel. Nearly a year ago, she took a job investigating Tempest… and then she vanished."
Realization flickered across Kagali's face before a slow smirk crept onto her lips. "I see… So you want to spin a little tale, is that it?"
"Exactly." Yuuki's eyes gleamed with amusement. "With the right whispers, we can turn her disappearance into something far more dramatic. A few well-placed lies, a little emotional manipulation… and I know just the person who will lose their mind over it."
"Let me guess," Kagali mused, already catching on. "Someone with enough influence to act rashly. Someone who won't hesitate to stir up trouble."
Yuuki's smirk widened. "Precisely. And conveniently, they already have ties to Luberis. A personal vendetta mixed with political ambition… It's the perfect recipe for chaos. But not yet."
Kagali chuckled darkly. "You're waiting until Tempest becomes too big to ignore, aren't you?"
"Bingo," Yuuki confirmed, mirroring her amusement. "We let Tempest grow, let it become a beacon of power and influence. And when the time is right, we strike. Not only will we retrieve Footman, but we'll also set the stage for Clayman's ascension as a True Demon Lord."
Kagali nodded approvingly. "That's a solid plan." Then, her expression turned contemplative. "Speaking of Clayman, he's been getting restless. He requested permission to use Charybdis for one of his own schemes."
Yuuki let out a tired sigh, rubbing his temples before his expression darkened. "Let me guess—another ridiculous revenge scheme?" His lips curled into a frown. "Clayman's been getting more insufferable lately. From what Tear told me, his ego has inflated to the point where he's even ignoring Laplace and Tear's advice now. He's acting like a spoiled child playing at being a Demon Lord."
Kagali crossed her legs and leaned back, arms folded. "He's always been arrogant, but lately, it's like he actually believes he's untouchable. Something is definitely going on with him."
Yuuki exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Anyway, let him do whatever he wants for now. With this new plan, we won't even need Charybdis anymore. If his little schemes stir up some chaos, it won't be entirely bad for us. But if he keeps running wild without thinking, he might end up causing irreparable damage to our plans."
Kagali sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'll talk to him, see if I can get him to at least pretend to listen."
Yuuki smirked. "Good luck with that." Then, he straightened up and stretched before glancing at the clock. "But for now, we have somewhere to be."
Kagali quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? Something important?"
"Very," Yuuki smirked as he stood. "After all, it's not every day that the head of the Rosso family—Mister Granbell Rosso himself—summons you for a meeting," he said, expression turning serious. "That old man doesn't do anything without a reason, and I'd rather not be caught off guard."
Kagali chuckled, pushing herself up from the couch. "Fair enough," she said before her amusement faded, replaced by sharp intrigue. "Granbell, huh…? Now that is interesting. Let's see what kind of game he's playing this time."
As the two prepared to leave, a heavy silence settled over the room for a brief moment. Unnoticed, as always, a pair of sharp gray eyes lingered in the shadows, before vanished into darkness once more.
To be continued...