Chapter 17 - Jealousy?

Erix noticed something happened when he saw Rimuru transformed into a human having grown significantly and evolved into something new. He wondered since the homunculus was not simple instead was a level 100 homunculus that he didn't put any ego like an empty husk. Rimuru's aura was now noticeable and Erix viewed him as vice general if paired with his 8 demon generals or even higher depending on the situation.

Arryn told him that she is around 8 demon generals and assuming her unique skill then she would be comparable to Special A to S Class or around Hazard or Disaster. Erix learned that it was because he viewed her as someone that will belong to her and use his own magic in creating the homunculus that it influenced her growth.

While he was observing her, Rimuru was staring at him intently, having been seen naked by a man. Even in her previous life no one had seen her naked except her parents. She wanted to hide and bury herself but was somewhat angry at him for not trying to tell her before devouring the homunculus.

"What? I already apologize. What do you want me to do? Get naked? Here."

"W-Wait No-" before she could finish saw Erix stripped himself naked where it should be that was perfectly built where lines of his muscle were drawn flawlessly with little to no fat. It was the physique of a fighter rather than body builder. Rimuru blush then her eyes look down and her eyes widen in surprise having her blood rising and heart pounding upon noticing his third leg.

'It's huge!?' She saw his long and thick girth that was as long as her forearm. Rimuru gulf showing how thirsty it made her feel looking at his body.

{ Hahahaha, I think you broke her mind, Master! }

He could hear Amaia laughing while Erix chuckled looking at the stunned Rimuru who soon woke up from her stagger.

"Eeek! Why are you naked!"

"Oh I thought you wanted to see me naked to make it even."

"N-No! J-Just get dressed!" Rimuru's flustered face was steaming while Erix got dressed and looked at him pouting and he asked.

"Then what did you want me to do?"

"Hmph I want you to take responsibility." Rimuru doesn't know why she was acting this way while Erix just let out a chuckle and found her reaction to be cute, especially her punchable cheeks. Though, her voice that was akin to Yor Forger made it both enticing and adorable.

"How exactly?" Erix leans closer making Rimuru stagger thinking of an answer but words won't come out. He was enjoying her reaction and stepped back.

"Alright, let's stop here. I'm sorry that I saw you naked and whatever that Responsibility you said then I'll do that. For now, why don't we go back to the town and try some of the food." Erix suggested knowing that teasing her too much won't lead to anything and he already gave a deep impression on her.

"I-I would like that." Rimuru decided to give up and change things as she followed him through the Gate and returned to the town where they tried the street food provided by the hobgoblin who learned how to grill and marinate meals.

Erix has captured and began domesticating livestock like Terra birds and Large buffalo. The taste was similar to wagyu meat the time when he was within Old earth being one of the few things he remembers. Erix can't remember his friends and other close relationships, only his experience. He knew that he tasted Wagyu meat before and the Large Buffalo was extremely tender and juicy.

He saw Rimuru's eyes glisten when she took a bite of the hamburger containing its meat. Erix was also having it and eager to devour delicious food hoping that once he gained Gluttony would give him a variant of an Ultimate skill.

"L-Lord, Erix! Who is this!?" Erix was walking around when he heard a familiar voice and saw Shalltear accompanying Kanami. It was clear they looked extremely jealous and threaten by Rimuru who felt the pressure from them but Erix narrowed his gaze and said.

"Be at ease, Shalltear, she is a guest and wishes for you to treat her right." He made her stop her aura and made Shalltear and Kanami understand.

"Why don't you introduce yourself?" Erix suggested and the first one was Shalltear and said.

"Greetings, my name is Shalltear Bloodfallen."

"It's nice to meet you, I am Kanami." They weren't happy about having Rimuru beside their master but try their best to not show it.

"I-I'm Rimuru Tempest and thank you for having me." She bowed down giving her respect while Erix shook his head and flick her forehead.

"Why did you do that?"

"You shouldn't act that docile and the way you're behaving would be easily bullied by others." Rimuru was confused why he treated her like she knows her and even more confused why she let him do this feeling as if she knew him for a long time.

"Anyway, why don't you accompany me?" Their eyes lit up and we're ecstatic to join where soon enough the four of them walked around certain places while Shalltear and Kanami wanted to embrace of his arms and Erix notice them telling the two it was fine since they deserve the reward in which they wholeheartedly accepted while Rimuru felt rather jealous seeing them confusing her.

'Why do I feel this way? I don't even know him but why?' Rimuru inwardly thought confused but didn't think too hard and went ahead to continue their stroll. They all enjoyed their time where Shalltear and Kanami learn who Rimuru was, making them acknowledge that having him would prove beneficial to their future empire.

"To think you would be the reason for Veldora to disappear." Kanami once referred to the storm dragon as Lord but now that she has Erix did not dare address anyone else but him as Lord.

"You mention Veldora, does that mean he senses us and hears everything we say?" Shalltear asked concern that Rimuru might become a threat while Erix shook his head and said.

"My intuition tells me that he won't cause any trouble, especially the fact that he's still sealed." Erix can try to free him and extract his power then place it into Rimuru to make her into a True Dragon but for now she should become a Demon lord first and evolve. It would be a waste to kill him when he can reap more while he's alive.

It was better to benefit from small but longer than large but shorter. Shalltear didn't press further knowing that his master won't take care if he doesn't have the plan for it. Erix is always several steps ahead and takes every opportunity to benefit.

"I see, forgive me for asking."

"It is fine to doubt as this will ensure we improve and be better." She nodded and Erix turned to Kanami and said.

"How is your progress in training? Have you learned a thing or two from Shalltear?"

"Yes! Shalltear has been a great tutor when teaching on how to use my vampiric powers." Kanami proudly said and Shalltear also felt the same while Erix chuckled since the two were basically sisters.

"Right, Rimuru, have you decided if you want to stay here and become one of my subordinates? With your skills then I'm confident you'll be useful." He looked at Rimuru who took a moment to think and said.

"Well, I have no place to go anyway and I think staying is the best option I have."

"That settles it then. It is best if you train on how to fight rather than rely solely on your skill." Erix suggested whole Rimuru nodded and after a while, Rimuru was taken to her new home close to his mansion and she was grateful for his kindness as they said their goodbye.

Erix along with Shalltear and Kanami arrive at the conference hall where everyone from the floor guardians, 8 Demon General and Rigurd look at him stood up giving a respectful bow and greet while Erix walk towards his seat and Amaia and Arryan appeared and stood beside him while Albedo on the right where the floor guardian was and the other side was the 8 demon general where Minokichi had size alteration magic spell place to help him resize and fit.

"Thank you for coming. Today I've called you for an important question." Erix said while everyone intently listened, not saying a single word.

"I want to ask what name I should use for our growing nation."