Before the man even appeared, his hearty voice came from within the halo. Then, as the halo slowly faded, a man wearing a black uniform coat, with a resolute, sharply defined face, appeared before everyone—
He had arrived!
The last invited Ancestor.
The Fourth Ancestor, the Jewel of the Tower! Kishua? Zelretch? Schweinorg!
Standing in the center, his sharp gaze swept over everyone's reactions like a kaleidoscope. He suddenly chuckled. "Let me make this clear first. Although I accepted the invitation, my position is one of absolute neutrality. I'm here to witness your negotiations as a Magician—"
"Of course, Lord Zelretch. What we need..." Rimuru suddenly interrupted, lifting his eyes to meet the other man's sharp, hawk-like gaze. "Is precisely your position as a Magician."
"Oh?" Zelretch murmured in surprise. In an instant, he saw through Rimuru's identity—or rather, after observing parallel worlds and finding traces of Rimuru in other worlds, he seemed rather astonished.
"How interesting. There are countless beings bearing your name across the endless parallel worlds, but very few... No, I could say none of them have reached the position you currently hold."
He paused, then smiled. "I mean the position of an Ancestor."
That was because they didn't have the soul I had now.
Rimuru had no doubt that parallel versions of himself existed. After all, the moment he crossed over, according to the parallel-world theory, his world would have branched into countless possibilities, giving rise to countless parallel worlds containing reflections of him.
But Rimuru wasn't worried. The timelines would converge, and the stronger a being became, the stronger that convergence would be. Eventually, they would become one and only one, just as Zelretch had. Rimuru believed that once he became a Magician, or simply strong enough, all the parallel worlds concerning him would converge. In an instant, they would return to the moment when he had become strong enough, merging into a single world—a world that held only him.
For now, though, he needed to shut the old man up, so that the nosy peeping tom wouldn't reveal too much about his identity.
"No wonder you're called the Kaleidoscope. You really are an expert at peeking into other people's pasts."
"Hahahaha." To Rimuru's surprise, Zelretch didn't get angry or rein himself in after hearing the jab. Instead, he laughed even more heartily and said without a trace of shame, "It's just a little hobby. Nothing worth mentioning."
Everyone around them—even Altrouge—couldn't help thinking the same thing...
This old man had no shame.
"All right. Now that everyone's here, let's begin."
White Winged Duke glanced calmly at Altrouge and invited her to begin the negotiations, but she paid him no heed. She merely looked at Rimuru with a hint of concern. "He saw through your identity?"
"Yeah, but it shouldn't be a problem." Rimuru nodded. "Given his position, he probably just finds it interesting."
"Your Highness Altrouge?" Seeing the two whispering to each other, White Winged Duke raised his voice slightly.
"Huh?! Ah, ahem..." Altrouge blinked, opened her mouth, and then froze in confusion.
Seriously, I'm only here to back Rimuru up. What do you expect me to say?!
"Austria," Rimuru reminded her gently, looking at her still-bewildered expression. Then he raised his head and said, "Since White Winged Duke extended the invitation, why don't you share your thoughts first?"
Rimuru's words made White Winged Duke's eyes narrow slightly. That confirmed everyone's suspicions: at present, White Knight was directing almost all of Altrouge's actions, including the decisions themselves.
But to hand over all authority like that... The Princess of the Black trusted him far too much, didn't she?
"You invited us because you saw what we were planning in Cornwall and recognized the possibility of cooperation, correct?" As Rimuru settled into the discussion, his manner and tone unconsciously took on the air he'd had in his previous life. His presence immediately grew more forceful.
"If so, why not lay out your terms in front of everyone? That way, we can revise and coordinate them as needed. What do you say?"
"Straight to the point? Very well." White Winged Duke nodded and answered briskly. "Then allow me to confirm something first. Since Her Highness has declared Cornwall under her protection, does she intend to stand firm against the coming eastern offensive?"
"Of course we'll defend it," Altrouge replied. "My dignity will not be challenged."
Rimuru nodded beside her. "That's right."
"Then, with your forces stretched thin, may I assume you have no way to resist my assault on Austria? Given that you won't abandon Cornwall, will you surrender some of your interests to make me halt my offensive against Austria, or will you simply abandon Austria in exchange for my aid in defending Cornwall?"
Altrouge: ???
She glanced at Rimuru, who showed no intention of speaking, and ground her teeth. She suddenly didn't know how to respond.
"...You're taking advantage of us while we're in a tight spot!"
At that, Altrouge immediately bristled. She grabbed one of Rimuru's arms, met his gaze, and snapped in a flustered, aggrieved voice, her eyes full of indignation. "Say something already!!"
"Haha." Seeing the Princess of the Black like that, Rimuru couldn't help laughing. "If you know you're not good at this, don't jump in so quickly next time. Who just leaps into a pit because someone dug one?"
Looking at Altrouge, who looked ready to bite someone at any moment, Rimuru stopped pretending and laughed. "White Winged Duke, we must defend Cornwall, because it concerns Her Highness's dignity. But we don't care whether we manage to hold it."
"You don't need to test Her Highness with words like that. The principle that when one's lips are gone, one's teeth grow cold should go without saying. Even if we lose Cornwall, we can simply turn around and attack Austria. And that's not even taking into account the Church's response to the Dead Apostle city of Cornwall and the Dead Apostles' seizure of Berlin to hold their council."
"Will the Church really tolerate you continuing to use Germany as your base?"
"The Church can't reach into Germany. Its control over the country is limited."
"True, but the Magic Association can." Rimuru smiled faintly. "Three of the Twelve Lords have ties to Germany, and countless prominent Magecraft families come from there. You can't deny that, can you?"
In truth, Rimuru guessed that the weakness of Germany's Magecraft forces was largely due to its having been a defeated nation. Many Magecraft families had emigrated, and the influence of the light of science had taken an even greater toll.
But that was precisely why White Winged Duke's faction had been able to take such complete control of the dark side of this nation, one of Europe's most prominent.
"Hmph. I admit you're right. But since you reject my proposal, what exactly do you mean to suggest?"
"White Knight, Leviathan?"
A little support, please! Boohoo.
Chapter 54: Rimuru, the Master Persuader
If we were being serious, didn't our side lack an advantage in every respect?
Hearing White Winged Duke's challenge, Rimuru sighed with a faint smile. After all, with them having taken the lead, it was Altrouge—not White Winged Duke—who faced pressure from the Church and the Magic Association.
But the short-term balance of power wasn't the point of these negotiations. Both sides understood that... If the Dead Apostles lost this battle, then they had lost. Neither he nor Altrouge would be the winner.
So rather than being a disadvantage for Altrouge that she faced pressure from the Magic Association and the Church, it was more like a good card to drag White Winged Duke down with them—
"My suggestion..." Rimuru's smile grew brighter. Though he still wore his mask, everyone present could hear the delight in his voice. "Since White Winged Duke wants Austria so badly, we might be willing to give you part of it..."
"Joint rule?" White Winged Duke nodded slightly. It was within his expectations.
"Joint rule? No, no, no..." Rimuru shook his head with a smile. "You'll join Her Highness's ranks and renew your oath of allegiance to the one and only King of the Dead Apostles, Altrouge."
Pfft. White Winged Duke frowned at his words, while Roa Valdamjong burst out laughing in derision. "Are you dreaming, Leviathan?"
"Furthermore, as one of her subordinates, White Winged Duke will help us hold Cornwall."
"Is that acceptable?" Rimuru ignored Roa Valdamjong's mocking laughter and calmly met White Winged Duke's gaze as he asked softly.
"..." On his throne, White Winged Duke slowly turned the greatsword in his hand. His voice sank. "I'm curious. Who gave you the courage to make such a demand?"
"Austria lies at the heart of Europe, bordering Germany, Italy, and Switzerland..." Rimuru pointed this out, but didn't continue.
White Winged Duke had spent decades establishing what was practically a stronghold in Germany not only because it had been a defeated country after World War II and was easy to infiltrate, but, more importantly, because of its strategic position. To the west lay the Netherlands, the UK, Ireland, and other strongholds of the Magic Association. To the south were Switzerland, the largest neutral country, Italy, and Clonia, all home bases of the Church.
When the light of science was flourishing in the east, Germany had also become a barrier blocking the route to the Nordic nations of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. With its mixed forces, Germany occupied a central position that allowed it to quickly understand and halt the Church's expansion.
Magecraft thrived in the free-spirited north, where the line between Mages and Dead Apostles was thin. But southern Europe belonged to the Magic Association and the Church, where the belief that Dead Apostles were heretics was deeply ingrained. Many countries, such as Germany and Austria, had fallen under the control of White Winged Duke and Altrouge, respectively, but that was precisely because they could protect the Dead Apostles in those regions.
White Winged Duke's ambition was to liberate parts of southern Europe—places like Austria, a region that ranked just behind Germany yet had never truly belonged to any side—and to establish a foothold in central regions like Germany and Austria, giving the Vampiric races momentum and earning them the world's recognition.
Rimuru's ambitions went further. He wanted to turn Austria and Germany into bridgeheads for the Dead Apostles, then invade the north and establish a nation and a world of their own.
Their goals differed, but when it came to Austria, they were in agreement. Germany's position was simply too important; the Magic Association was bound to fight hard to reclaim it. And if this dispute hadn't grown so serious, the Magic Association wouldn't have joined forces with the Church. Unlike the Church, which was certain to reject heretics, the Magic Association had always been ambivalent toward the Dead Apostles. Although it opposed them, it didn't seek to wipe them out, since many Dead Apostles had once been Mages who had transformed themselves. After Crimson Moon's death, the Dead Apostles had also turned against the True Ancestors and stopped targeting humanity.
That meant handing Germany over to the Magic Association wasn't a fatal option. Austria, as its replacement, would inevitably have to become a nation of the Dead Apostles. That was the true purpose of their negotiations.
Rimuru hadn't spelled out his demands, but by pointing out Germany's strategic importance, he had effectively told White Winged Duke that their ultimate aims aligned.
But that didn't mean the others would accept their agreement just because the two of them had made it, especially not the Magic Association and the Church. So the next question was—
"Have you ever considered that even if I agreed, this would hardly send a good signal? It might bring about our utter destruction instead." White Winged Duke looked coldly at Rimuru and said in a deep voice, "There can't be only one king among the Dead Apostles."
"But constantly retreating won't solve the problem." Rimuru stood up. He knew this was the heart of the matter: the clash between their ideals. "My view is precisely the opposite of yours. I believe there should be only one King of the Dead Apostles."
"Resistance has always required war. The basic condition for negotiations is that both sides have equal standing." Rimuru surveyed the Dead Apostle Ancestors. "Whether you acknowledge it or not, our Ancestors have been dwindling in number. Of the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, how many are even here to take part in these negotiations?"
"Every time the Church advances, must we retreat three steps?"
"I haven't retreated." White Winged Duke's voice suddenly turned cold. "You're standing here, making these self-righteous speeches. Have you forgotten who protected them for centuries? Was it Altrouge, the very person you're talking about?"
"I haven't denied your achievements, Lord White Winged Duke." At that, Rimuru turned to face him and lowered his eyes slightly. "But you can't deny Altrouge's efforts either, White Winged Duke."
"You look down on her because she has no ambition, no desire to be King of the Dead Apostles."
"But among the undying, immortal Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, how many actually possess that kind of drive?" Rimuru narrowed his eyes and spoke each word distinctly. "The only one you respect is Crimson Moon Brunestud, isn't that right?"
"Throughout the generations, so many Dead Apostle Ancestors have come and gone. How many have been like you, White Winged Duke? You can't demand that she inherit Crimson Moon's ambition just because she's his daughter. Even if you make that demand, you should give her time to grow—not betray her!"
Rimuru's words rang out with such force that the other Ancestors all turned to look at White Winged Duke—
While Altrouge stared blankly at Rimuru, momentarily stunned.
"That's her responsibility." Faced with Rimuru's accusation of betrayal, White Winged Duke laughed in anger. "The Ancestors are mostly immortal and ageless. That's why each of them has a deeply rooted nature of their own. If you want to unite them all, you have to understand them."
"If so, why should I set aside my own experience and abilities and instead place my hopes in someone who understands none of the Ancestors and has not the slightest inclination toward that kind of duty?!"
"We acknowledged Crimson Moon and accepted him as an undisputed king, but that ability came from his strength."
"Leviathan, the position of Dead Apostle Ancestor isn't inherited through blood. It's earned through strength. Likewise, there's no hereditary rule among the Dead Apostles. After Crimson Moon died, only someone capable could take his place. Besides, even if the position were hereditary, Altrouge wasn't the successor Crimson Moon left behind."
"But that successor is still asleep, and once committed a mistake that can never be made right."
"Leviathan!" Merem Solomon raised an eyebrow slightly. "Don't forget what you promised me."
"I haven't agreed yet. My agreement depends on your loyalty." Rimuru turned to answer him. "I don't want to say much about Arcueid, White Winged Duke."
"Instead, I want to refute what you said about Altrouge having no ambition. On that point, I completely, utterly disagree."
"Oh? She's shown no growth in centuries. Doesn't that say it all?"
"White Winged Duke, people express their convictions in different ways." Rimuru lifted his head and met White Winged Duke's gaze earnestly. "Perhaps, compared to Altrouge, you think you and I are more alike. But have you ever wondered why, if you and I are alike, I'm willing to serve Altrouge?"
He turned and glanced at the downcast black-haired princess, then spoke softly. "Because Altrouge truly has none of the ambition you described. She's never even understood what ambition is. But her conviction is to protect the things she wants to protect and pursue what she longs for."
"In that respect, the two of you aren't different. No, I wouldn't say you're different at all."
"White Winged Duke, your pursuit began with ambition. You wanted to claim the throne, and in time, you came to want to protect your people. Your conviction was gradually replaced by a sense of responsibility, and you came to sincerely seek a place in the sky for the Dead Apostles."
"But Altrouge began by wanting to protect only those willing to believe in her. In the end, the number of people she wanted to protect kept growing, until she had no choice but to take the throne as King of the Dead Apostles and shoulder that responsibility with gritted teeth."
"Rimuru..." Altrouge looked up blankly at the petite figure beside her, who was standing up to White Winged Duke's pressure on her behalf...
"I haven't known her long, but I can see that conviction in her, that feeling in her heart."
"I once considered betraying her, because I was forced to join her ranks. But in the end, I chose to carry out that conviction for her. She has no ambition, no means, no cruel and calculating schemes, none of the qualities you think a king should have—but I do."
"I have that ambition. I have those means. I have that coldness and ruthlessness."
"As king, she only needs to have me. Isn't that enough?"
The hall fell silent. After a long while, White Winged Duke finally shifted his gaze from Rimuru, whom he had been staring at intently, and looked at Altrouge. "Tch... Your confidence is truly shameless."
"Because I'm doing what you should have done back then, White Winged Duke."
"Ridiculous. Are you trying to use morality to coerce me?" White Winged Duke said coldly. "I've never regretted the choice I made back then."
"True, Altrouge is doing her best to protect her subordinates, just as you said. But how can that change anything?"
At that, Rimuru replied calmly:
"You'll have her full support. That's what will change, Lord White Winged Duke."
"..." White Winged Duke fell silent in an instant.
"You two won't fight. The Dead Apostles won't be divided, and the factions will unite. You'll also have the authority to command the other Ancestors. That's what will change, Lord White Winged Duke."
"What Altrouge lacks is precisely what you have. And because she understands that, she's gone out looking for Mages to form contracts with, hoping to find someone like you."
"White Knight..." Altrouge looked at Rimuru, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
"She never said it, but I saw it." Rimuru turned to her and gently stroked her head to reassure her before continuing. "Just as she followed me here despite how reluctant she was, and just as she was willing to attack Cornwall for me and bear the pressure after knowing me for barely a month."
"Because of the previous White Knight's dying words, she simply believed that I was the person she'd been searching for. So she chose to trust me."
"You say she has no ambition. Then why did she seek me out?" Rimuru smiled and shook his head. "She does have ambition—just one kind, the ambition to protect all Dead Apostles. She has struggled along the path of shouldering responsibility and becoming King of the Dead Apostles, all the way to the present."
"White Winged Duke, you may not regret your choice, but you were wrong. Because if you hadn't betrayed her back then, as her subordinate, you'd probably have received her full support too. Even if you'd seized the throne, she would have supported you with all her strength, wouldn't she?"
"Tch..." Merem Solomon clicked his tongue disdainfully and looked away from Rimuru, his eyes drifting uneasily. Rosetta fell silent, while Water Demon, for once, had sobered up. His sharp gaze stayed fixed on Altrouge. Zelretch, meanwhile, stroked his beard with an amused smile.
Fim sat in his seat, an inscrutable gleam in his eyes as he touched the ring on his little finger. Though this was supposed to be a negotiation, somehow it had turned into a debate and a speech.
The question had been why he should serve her, but this White Knight had forcibly turned it into a question of whether Altrouge deserved his service. The answer was obviously yes—which meant that once you admitted Altrouge deserved it, you would subconsciously feel that serving her was reasonable.
A classic bait-and-switch.
Before you continue