With Treyni's announcement of the results, the people present immediately fell into discussion.
On the Dwarf side, the defeat of the Dwarf King was something no one had imagined. The Pegasonian Knights showed visible unrest, their composure breaking all at once.
On Rimuru's side, cheers erupted from behind Emiya Shirou.
"You're truly a master swordsman, Rimuru!"
"How could I be a master swordsman?" Rimuru replied hurriedly. "That's all thanks to Shirou's training. Without him, there wouldn't be a me!"
Dwarf King Gazel nodded slightly.
From Rimuru's swordsmanship, he could clearly tell that the one who had taught him was that human powerhouse named Emiya Shirou. What he hadn't expected was that Shirou himself was also a master swordsman.
It was admirable.
"But that last strike," Gazel continued, curiosity evident in his eyes. "How did you block it? From my perspective, you should have been completely unable to move at that moment."
"That, ah..."
Rimuru scratched his head, a little embarrassed.
"To be honest, my master used the same move when breaking through my sword stance before."
"Because your way of breaking through was very similar, I reacted instinctively and blocked it."
Even though Emiya Shirou had taught him swordsmanship, Rimuru still regarded Hakurou as his master.
In terms of demeanor alone, Hakurou fit Rimuru's image of a swordsman mentor far more closely. As for Emiya Shirou, calling him a master was out of the question. She wasn't even willing to call him "big brother."
"Your master, you say?"
Hearing Rimuru's explanation, Gazel realized that the person he referred to was likely not Emiya Shirou.
Curiosity surfaced naturally.
"May I ask who your master is?" Gazel asked. He was clearly interested in the swordsman whose style resembled his own so closely.
"Hehehe, what a splendid fight."
A familiar voice rang out from behind Rimuru.
"Lord Rimuru, your swordsmanship keeps improving. At this rate, you'll surpass me before long."
"Don't tease me, Hakurou!"
"Hahaha!"
As the elderly swordsman appeared behind Rimuru, Dwarf King Gazel's expression tightened instantly.
"E-excuse me," Gazel said, straightening his posture. "Are you Lord Sougetsu?"
"Oh?" Hakurou narrowed his eyes, then smiled.
"So it's you. That little brat from back then."
Rimuru blinked.
"Oh? So Gazel and Hakurou know each other?"
"I truly misjudged you in the past," Hakurou continued calmly. "No, that wording is improper. It would be disrespectful to say such a thing to the Dwarf King now."
He paused, his gaze sharp yet warm.
"When I sensed that sword aura earlier, I was wondering what kind of fierce general it belonged to. But when I finally saw you, I realized you've grown quite a bit."
"You've become a swordsman even better than this old man."
"That fills me with joy."
"Such praise from Lord Sougetsu... I am unworthy," Gazel replied respectfully.
"Hm," Hakurou said. "It's been about three hundred years, hasn't it?"
"A little brat got lost in the forest back then, so I practiced swords with him to pass the time. A nostalgic memory."
"I never thought he'd become the Dwarf King."
Rimuru froze.
"So that's it. Hakurou once taught him swordsmanship."
"No wonder their sword paths are so similar."
His thoughts raced.
"That means King Gazel is technically my senior disciple."
"But... three hundred years?"
"How long has King Gazel actually lived?"
"This guy is really full of mysteries."
"And fate between people really is unpredictable."
Rimuru quietly moved closer to Emiya Shirou and whispered.
"That's true," Shirou said with a small smile, resting a hand on Rimuru's shoulder. "Just like our destiny."
After the atmosphere softened, Rimuru formally invited Dwarf King Gazel to visit their territory for a grand reception.
Thus, the group began walking toward the city.
...
Led by Rigurd, they soon arrived at the Town Hall.
This was the central structure built under Rimuru's direct command. It also served as the administrative heart of the entire city.
Here, Rimuru warmly entertained Dwarf King Gazel.
After a "friendly" exchange in the meeting room, the group moved to a pre-prepared VIP reception area for food and drink.
For Emiya Shirou, there was almost nothing that couldn't be discussed over a drink. Sharing food and alcohol naturally eased tensions and made conversation flow more comfortably.
During this time, Dwarf King Gazel specifically sought out Emiya Shirou for a private discussion.
"From Lord Rimuru's sword," Gazel said, "I could sense the presence of a sword god."
He looked directly at Shirou.
"That presence... would be you, Lord Emiya, correct?"
Though phrased as a question, Shirou heard the certainty behind it.
"That's right," Shirou replied plainly.
Seeing the anticipation in Gazel's eyes, Shirou smiled.
"How about it? Want to spar?"
"If possible, then of course."
"Then let's go."
The two stood up at once and headed outside.
Those who had been discreetly listening nearby followed without hesitation.
After all, this was a match between Dwarf King Gazel and the true strongest being of the Monster Federation.
Missing it was unthinkable.
A large crowd quickly gathered, excitement spreading uncontrollably.
And then-
Dwarf King Gazel lost.
There was no dramatic exchange. No prolonged struggle.
Without a single ripple, he was defeated by Emiya Shirou's sword.
"I never imagined there was such a swordsman in this world," Gazel said afterward, sitting back in the VIP room with a helpless smile. "It's truly awe-inspiring."
This was the first time he had lost so completely in swordsmanship.
He had never seen anyone like Emiya Shirou.
Hakurou nodded in agreement. Even he had never encountered a swordsman of this level.
"Rimuru," Gazel said after a brief rest. "There's something I'd like to ask you."
Rimuru, who had been slightly distracted, immediately became alert.
"Alright," he said. "I'll answer anything."
"Do you want to form an alliance with me?"
Rimuru's posture stiffened.
Gazel's tone changed. It was no longer that of a fellow swordsman or senior disciple.
It was the voice of a king.
"These words are not spoken as your senior," Gazel continued. "They are spoken as the king of a nation."
"You are the leader of this forest. At this point, we stand on equal footing."
"If you fully control this vast forest, your economic power will eventually surpass that of our country."
He gestured lightly.
"When I arrived, I observed the area from the air. This town is beautifully constructed. The layout is efficient, and the construction techniques are excellent."
"You've carved paths through the forest itself."
"It's not complete yet," Gazel said calmly, "but one day, this will become a major trade hub."
"A new trade route. A rare one."
"When that time comes, having a kingdom as your backing would be convenient, wouldn't it?"
His gaze sharpened as he looked directly at Rimuru.
Rimuru felt a surge of excitement.
Although their strength was considerable, much of it relied on Emiya Shirou's presence-something Shirou himself never stopped reminding him of.
As the leader of the forest, Rimuru had to think about the future.
For them, the support of the Dwarf Kingdom was invaluable.
"Is that really okay?" Rimuru asked carefully. "Saying that means you're recognizing our monster group as a kingdom."
"Of course," Gazel replied immediately.
"And you seem to have misunderstood something."
"This proposal is not born of goodwill."
"It is mutually beneficial."
With that, Gazel straightened, his expression serious as he laid out his conditions.
"First. A non-aggression pact."
"Second. Mutual assistance if either nation faces a crisis."
"Third. As backing, you will build a road connecting to the Armed Nation of Dwargon."
"Fourth. You will guarantee the safety of dwarves within the Jura Great Forest."
"Fifth. We will mutually exchange technology."
Rimuru listened carefully.
These conditions were more than reasonable.
After briefly communicating with Emiya Shirou through Thought Communication, Rimuru smiled.
"I agree," he said. "I accept this alliance."
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