Goblin Village · Conference Room
Zhong Chen, sitting at the end of the table, watched as everyone gradually calmed down and continued, "Next, let's discuss the future development of the village! Everyone is welcome to speak freely."
Everyone looked at each other, unsure how to begin. Kagaya Ubuyashiki couldn't speak because he was unfamiliar with the Great Jura Forest, while Village Chief Rigurd and others were not very good at this aspect.
Most of the village's current large population consisted of Goblins from the surrounding areas who had voluntarily sought refuge.
"Uh... does no one have any ideas?"
Zhong Chen looked at the silent crowd, feeling as though he had overestimated their abilities. He then smiled at Rimuru and said, "Rimuru! It seems I can only rely on you! Come on, you go first and tell us your thoughts!"
Rimuru, who had been called upon, sat in the main seat and, manifesting small hands, pointed at himself in surprise, saying, "Me? Σ(っ °Д°;)っ"
Looking at the incredulous Rimuru, Zhong Chen displayed an incredibly brilliant smile, extended his right hand, and gave a thumbs up, saying, "Of course! My respected Leader!"
Rimuru, in his previous life, had lived in modern society, so he could certainly offer some good ideas for Goblin Village, which was still in the village stage.
As for why Zhong Chen didn't speak himself, it was mainly because Rimuru was destined to become the Ruler of the Monster Country Federation, and he would have more and more matters to consider in the future.
Some might ask why Zhong Chen didn't become the Ruler of the Monster Country Federation himself. He mainly felt that if the Ruler of the Monster Country Federation wasn't Rimuru, that adorable creature, something would just feel wrong!
"Ah!!! How can this be! Lord Chen is also a leader!"
At this, Zhong Chen suddenly knocked on the table with a serious expression and said, "Ahem! This is a meeting! Leader, please watch your words!"
Seeing this scene, everyone's shoulders shook wildly, and the smiles on their faces were clearly being suppressed with great effort.
Kanae Kocho looked at Rimuru, who had an expression of utter despair, and felt that Rimuru didn't seem like a leader at all, but rather like a simple and cute little girl.
However, she didn't dislike this Rimuru; instead, she felt very at ease having such a leader.
Zhong Chen: Hehe, in his previous life, he was much older than you!
"Alright! Lord Chen is really mean! Hmph!"
"Alright, then I'll share my thoughts!"
"Due to the disappearance of the Storm Dragon Veldora, various races in the Great Jura Forest are fighting fiercely for dominance. So, my initial idea is to first establish a force that can protect the village."
"Given that our total population is currently only a little over 3,300, I think we can first select 300 people to form an elite force! Let's call it the Garrison!"
"Gobuta's Wolf Rider Squad was a good example, but unfortunately, the Wolf Rider Squad was too small in number."
"Mr. Yaozai! How many combatants can you spare from your side?"
Hearing Rimuru's question, Kagaya Ubuyashiki thought for a moment and said, "Lord Rimuru! Our Demon Slayer Corps is a force specialized in combat. Currently, we have about 500 official Demon Slayer Corps members, and all of them can be called upon if needed!"
Rimuru nodded slightly after hearing Kagaya Ubuyashiki's reply. His two manifested small hands were placed under his chin in a thoughtful pose (did he even have a chin?):
"Hmm, we don't need all of them. We also need people for construction right now. How about this: the Demon Slayer Corps will dispatch 200 elites, and Rigurd, you will select 100 of your strongest combatants to join the Garrison."
"As for the Wolf Rider Squad, it can remain as it was before."
After speaking, Rimuru looked at Zhong Chen with expectant eyes and asked, "Lord Chen! What do you think?"
Zhong Chen naturally had no objections to Rimuru's arrangements. He then raised his right hand and gave a thumbs up, saying, "I have no objections! This is an excellent proposal!"
Rimuru, having received praise, was filled with a smug expression.
[Hmph hmph! Lord Chen, you looked down on me, didn't you? How about that, surprised now, aren't you!]
"Then it's decided. Mr. Yaozai! Rigurd! You two will handle this matter together. As for the captain of the Garrison..."
At this point, Rimuru revealed a mischievous smile and said, "As for the captain, I'll leave it to you, Lord Chen! Does everyone agree?"
"Yes! Your subordinate has no objections whatsoever!"
"Whatever Lord Rimuru decides is fine!"
"Lord Zhong Chen is the best candidate!"
Zhong Chen was dumbfounded as Rimuru and the others decided in a few words that he would manage the Garrison.
He was still just an observer, so how did it suddenly involve him?
Zhong Chen hastily retorted, "Wait a minute! Why am I suddenly the captain of the Garrison?! Why isn't it you, Rimuru?!"
"Alas! There's nothing I can do, who told me I'm your respected Leader! Lord Chen, you're stuck with this position, aren't you, everyone!"
[Hmph hmph! Nasty Lord Chen! You tricked me, didn't you? How about that, I got you this time!]
"Yes!"
"This position belongs to no one but Lord Zhong Chen!"
"Lord Chen! You don't have much to do anyway, so why not go and train the Garrison properly!"
Seeing that even Kanae Kocho wasn't speaking up for him, Zhong Chen could only reluctantly accept the position.
[Alas! I've fallen back into being a wage slave!]
[Ding, this system believes this is a high-level position, Host should be happy!]
[A high-level wage slave is still a wage slave! (〝▼dish▼)]
Leaving Zhong Chen, who had once again started his self-indulgent antics, Rimuru and the others present further discussed and finally determined the composition of the Garrison.
Garrison
General Commander: Zhong Chen
Total Number: 350 people
Garrison Squad One: Captain Rengoku Kyoujurou (Flame Hashira) - 100 people.
Garrison Squad Two: Captain Riguru (Village Chief's son) - 100 people.
Garrison Squad Three: Captain Giyu Tomioka (Water Hashira) - 100 people.
Wolf Rider Squad: Captain Gobuta (Little Brother) - 50 people.
Incidentally, Kanae Kocho was selfishly assigned by Zhong Chen to be his secretary. Although Rimuru strongly opposed this, Zhong Chen easily suppressed his objections.
"This way, the village's safety should not be a concern for now!"
Next, everyone planned out various departments within the village, such as Kajin's blacksmith shop, Mirut's construction team, and so on.
As the meeting gradually drew to a close, Rimuru suddenly jumped onto the table and shouted to everyone, "Then everything is decided! Let's begin the grand construction now! Everyone! Let's work hard together!"
As Rimuru's words fell, everyone present stood up and shouted in unison, "Yes! Lord Rimuru! *n"
Zhong Chen, the only one still seated, nodded gently as he watched Rimuru, who was increasingly taking on the appearance of a leader. His face was full of a gratified smile, much like a proud parent whose daughter was growing up.
As everyone left the conference room one by one, only Zhong Chen and Rimuru remained. Zhong Chen looked at the conflicted Rimuru and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong, Rimuru? You seem to have something to say?"
"Lord Chen! What exactly is your relationship with that Kanae Kocho?!"
Hearing that Rimuru was asking this question, Zhong Chen didn't intend to deceive him and directly said, "My relationship with Kanae is..