Teaching Rimuru a Lesson

Just then, a sound came from outside the door.

Old Goblin entered carrying two bowls that seemed to contain some kind of vegetable soup.

"My apologies for keeping you two great ones waiting. This is the food we have prepared for you. We have nothing else to offer, and I am deeply sorry."

Old Goblin spoke in his aged voice.

Mo Li looked at the two cups of what looked like a cross between vegetable soup and tea, feeling a bit doubtful. Could this stuff even be drunk?

Though that was what he thought, he couldn't say it out loud—after all, it was a gesture of goodwill.

Rimuru, on the other hand, had no such reservations. She picked hers up and drank it down.

After finishing, she even smacked her lips.

Seeing her carefree attitude, Mo Li felt a headache coming on. It seemed he'd have to teach Rimuru a lesson or two in the future; otherwise, with that kind of demeanor, she'd probably get sold and still count the money for the seller.

Since Rimuru had already drunk hers, Mo Li didn't hesitate any longer. He picked up the bowl of vegetable soup and drank it under everyone's expectant gazes.

Mo Li savored it carefully.

It was a bit bitter, but it also had the fragrance and freshness of vegetables.

Overall, the taste wasn't bad.

After finishing his drink, Mo Li didn't waste any more words. He got straight to the point.

"We've eaten and drunk. Now, could you tell me what this trouble you mentioned is? Explain it in detail, so I can figure out how to help you."

Mo Li said to Old Goblin.

Hearing Mo Li's words, Old Goblin immediately dropped to his knees with a thud, his voice pleading.

"Great ones, please help us."

Seeing this, Mo Li quickly helped him up.

"Don't just kneel like that. First, tell me properly."

"Yeah, tell us properly."

Rimuru chimed in from the side.

Old Goblin looked at Mo Li and Rimuru, speaking shakily:

"Do you two great ones know why monsters have been so active lately, and why human adventurers have been appearing so frequently?"

"Why?"

Rimuru asked curiously.

Mo Li already had a guess. Just then, as if something occurred to him, he took a couple of steps back.

"It's actually because the Storm Dragon we worship has disappeared. Lord Storm Dragon has always protected this land, but about two weeks ago, his presence suddenly vanished. All the monsters began to riot, fighting over territory and starting wars. Many human adventurers have also come here to hunt monsters because of this. Our goblin tribe has been affected too—the Direwolf Tribe invaded our territory, with dozens, maybe even a hundred of them. They want to take over this land. Because of the gap in strength, we've already lost many of our people. Even our only Named Goblin Warrior died in the battle. Now, in our village, even counting the females, we only have about fifty who can fight, while the Direwolf Tribe has suffered almost no losses. That's why I'm begging you two great ones for help."

Old Goblin explained to Rimuru.

Rimuru felt a bit awkward hearing Old Goblin's words. She hadn't expected this to be related to her, and quite significantly so—after all, Veldora was now in her Stomach. If not for her, the Jura Great Forest wouldn't be in this mess. How was she supposed to solve this?

Just then, Rimuru noticed Mo Li lounging leisurely off to the side.

Seeing that, Rimuru got a little annoyed. Here she was racking her brains for a solution, and he was just sitting around taking it easy. She charged over to Mo Li.

"Ari, you think of something too."

Looking at Rimuru's troubled expression, Mo Li found it amusing.

"Solving this isn't that hard."

"Ari, you have a plan?"

Rimuru asked in surprise.

"I've had one for a while."

Mo Li said slowly.

"For a while? What do you mean?"

Rimuru was confused. She felt like she and Mo Li were never on the same wavelength.

Seeing Rimuru's naive look, Mo Li had to explain.

"Actually, I heard these goblins discussing all this on the way here. You were just dozing off the whole time and didn't notice."

"Then why didn't you remind me, Ari? You made me rack my brains for nothing."

Rimuru complained to Mo Li.

"It's because you're too lazy—always sleeping or eating. And you rely on me too much. That's not a good sign. So I didn't remind you, hoping you'd solve it yourself."

Mo Li lectured Rimuru.

In the original story, the Cute King Rimuru was an independent, decisive, tolerant, strong yet gentle, and highly responsible character. Mo Li didn't want his presence to ruin the Cute King by turning her into a dependent mess. After all, Mo Li's original goal was to help and assist the Cute King, eventually settling into a lazy life like Old Master Zhong's. He didn't want to be a permanent workhorse.

Hearing Mo Li's words, Rimuru felt a bit ashamed. It really was true—ever since she met Mo Li, she'd been running to him with every problem, never solving anything on her own. No, this time she had to handle it with her own ability. She wouldn't let Ari down.

"Alright, I understand. Leave this to me, Ari. I definitely won't let you down."

Rimuru said with a resolute expression.

Seeing Rimuru like this, Mo Li couldn't help but feel a bit relieved.

"Alright, then I'll be watching. Don't disappoint me."

"We do have the ability to help you, but we have conditions."

Rimuru said to the Old Goblin.

Hearing that Rimuru could help them, the Old Goblin's eyes lit up as he quickly replied.

"What conditions? As long as it's within our power, we absolutely won't refuse."

"I want your entire village to submit to us, to pledge your loyalty to me and Mo Li."

After careful consideration, Rimuru stated her conditions.

Hearing Rimuru's words, the old chieftain hurriedly said.

"We all agree! As long as you're willing to protect us, the whole village will gladly pledge our loyalty to you."

The chieftain was so excited he nearly jumped for joy. How could he refuse such a good deal? This wasn't a condition at all—it was clearly a blessing. After all, a race protected by a strong one and one without were worlds apart.

Besides, Rimuru's strength was at least B-rank at a glance. And with Mo Li, judging by how Rimuru treated him, he might even be stronger than Rimuru. What did stronger than B-rank mean? A-rank was something he didn't even dare to imagine. Normally, such powerful beings wouldn't spare them a second glance. Now that this good fortune had come knocking, how could he possibly say no?