> "They said being king would be fun. They lied.
Unless your idea of fun is tax reform and goblin diplomacy."
— Rimuru Tempest, Slime Lord Supreme
---
[Location: Tempest – Mid-Tensura Timeline]
Rimuru Tempest, Demon Lord, Nation Builder, Ultimate Lifeform™...
was currently being smothered by paperwork.
Literally.
A mountain of scrolls, enchanted reports, economic assessments, and personal letters from adoring goblin artists filled his office.
Rimuru (groaning):
> "I left to fight corrupted essence gods and came back to this?"
---
[Morning – The Goblin Administration Parade]
Shuna:
> "You've missed three diplomatic meetings, two birthday celebrations, and one 'Mandatory Lord Appreciation Day.'"
Rimuru:
> "Wait, they made that a thing?!"
Benimaru (with a smirk):
> "You missed the parade. There was a slime float."
Rimuru:
> "I would've loved a slime float! Why do I miss the good events and get stuck with economic stabilization reports?!"
Rigurd (bargaining):
> "You could sign all the reports and escape to the hot springs."
Rimuru:
> "...Deal. Bribe accepted."
---
[Midday – Spa of Eternal Ooze]
The Royal Slime Bath had been renovated during his absence. Now it had:
A karaoke waterfall
A wine bubble zone
Massage chairs that apologized before vibrating
Rimuru melted into the pool, sighing.
Rimuru:
> "This is what I missed. Not fighting corrupted champions. Not logic realm duels. Just this gooey glory."
A kobold assistant offered him a coconut drink with a straw.
Rimuru (gratefully):
> "You get a raise. And a title."
Kobold:
> "What title, my lord?"
Rimuru:
> "Minister of Moisture."
---
[Afternoon – Chat Ping While Floating]
Rimuru (typing with slime tendrils):
> "Hey team, I'm back in Tempest.
My city evolved again. I now rule 7 races and a sentient mushroom guild.
But it's chill. They worship me.
I only had to rewrite tax law twice."
Kazuma:
> "You've basically become god-emperor of slime Vegas."
Deadpool:
> "Minister of Moisture is the only job I'll ever apply for."
Esdeath:
> "Still haven't conquered your heart. Disappointing."
Artoria:
> "Do not encourage him."
Tsunade:
> "At least you're moisturized."
---
[Evening – Council Meeting Lite™]
Rimuru sat in a beanbag throne in the garden, holding a soft plushie of his own slime form.
Soiei (materializing from shadow):
> "My lord, are you ready for tomorrow's strategy review?"
Rimuru (deadpan):
> "Yes.
Step 1: Bribe everyone.
Step 2: Give speeches.
Step 3: Blame Veldora for everything."
Veldora (suddenly appearing):
> "Did someone say my name?!"
Rimuru:
> "Yes. You're now the Lord of Failed Budgets."
Veldora:
> "I ACCEPT."
---
[Night – Reflection]
Back in his room, Rimuru stared at the sky through crystal windows.
> "It's weird. Fighting gods, you expect death.
Here? You fight expectations, hopes, people's dreams… and still wake up smiling."
He smiled to himself.
> "Maybe I'm not just a slime anymore."
---
End of Chapter 18: Rimuru Tempest