The Scheme of Control

— –Hinata– —

"Welcome to Tempest!" Shizue said with a bright smile as she spun around a few times. "What do you think? It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Hinata's lips twitched into a faint smile, though she quickly suppressed it. 

'Shizue's the same as always.' She thought, a small warmth blooming in her chest. 

Despite everything, despite the years that had passed, her teacher hadn't changed much. That brightness, that warmth, it was still there. But as Hinata looked beyond the gates into the streets of Tempest, her attention shifted. She had to admit, the place was impressive. For a nation so new, it was unexpectedly advanced. The roads were clean, the buildings sturdy, and the air was alive with bustling activity. 

She could see all sorts of stalls throughout the streets, some with souvenirs, some with food, and everything else in between. Tempest looked like a thriving nation. 

"I haven't seen it yet." Hinata answered, shaking her head slightly.

"Ah, that's right." Shizue chuckled at herself, spinning back to face her. "Sorry, I got a bit excited there, didn't I? I finally have all my students back in one place. Well… erm… most of them." Her voice trailed off, her expression suddenly shifting to something more complicated. A flash of discomfort that didn't go unnoticed.

"Hm?" Hinata asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Shizue's awkward expression. "Did something happen with Yuuki?" Yuuki could be the only one Shizue was speaking about.

She and Yuuki weren't exactly close, but she respected him as a fellow student of Shizue, and as someone making the world better in his own way. Yuuki was saving countless lives just by existing, the system he designed revolutionized adventuring, and for that alone he would have her respect.

Shizue flinched ever so slightly, her smile faltering before she quickly recovered, laughing awkwardly as she shook her head.

"No, it's not that… I just, you know, misspoke." Her hand waved dismissively as if to brush off the awkwardness. "Sorry, I'm embarrassing myself because I'm so excited. Never mind that, follow me. I have so much to show you."

'Did Yuuki and Shizue get in a fight because she moved the kids to Tempest?' Hinata wondered, her gaze lingering on Shizue's back as they began walking through the city. The thought gnawed at her for a moment, but she pushed it aside.

'Whatever it is, it's not my place to pry.' She owed that much to Shizue, at least. Both Shizue and Yuuki were adults, they could sort out their grievances on their own. 

As they walked further into the city, Hinata couldn't help but be struck by the sheer number of Majin. The streets were packed with a variety of different species, all moving about in a bustling harmony. It was strange to see such a blend of creatures in one place. 

Usually Majin of different species would fight among each other, competing for dominance as the world of Majin was one where strength ruled supreme. It was the same with Humans, but for Humans, it was done under a thin veil of normalcy to seem "civilized" when they were anything but. The countless wars and countless political maneuvers that affected the livelihoods of millions alone showed that. 

She watched a massive Cyclops accidentally bump into a small Hobgoblin child. Her instinct was to expect the worst, aggression, a confrontation, something. But instead, the Cyclops gave an awkward chuckle and apologized, bending down to ensure the child was okay.

It threw her off balance. A Cyclops, a strong species of Majin, was being friendly to a Hobgoblin, one of the weakest species of Majin? That was something she hadn't seen before.

"Is it usually like this?" Hinata asked, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of a Chimera stalking through the crowd. The creature appeared tense, but it wasn't attacking. It was... restrained. "It was also quite packed on the road."

"Eh, not usually." Shizue answered, glancing back with an easy smile. "Right now, it's pretty cramped because of the naming celebration. Monsters from all over the Forest of Jura are coming to swear their loyalty to Rimuru."

The casual way Shizue spoke his name didn't go unnoticed by Hinata. There was a softness in her voice, a warmth that made her heart clench slightly.

'What a mess…' Hinata thought, feeling a knot form in her chest. 

The complexity of the situation was becoming clearer. Shizue had a connection to Rimuru, a deep one, by the sound of it. She had noticed it back in Englassia, but it was even clearer now. Whether they were friends or something more she didn't know, but that connection alone made things more troublesome. She would do her duty, but she would have preferred to do it without any heartache.

It only made the choice looming ahead of Hinata all the more difficult. If she had to go against her teacher's new life, against Rimuru... she wasn't sure how she would handle that. She would because she had to, but she truly didn't want her teacher to lose the new hope she had.

"Rimuru… You two must be quite close if you're addressing him like that. Even in his own country. Will that not get you in trouble with the people here?"

"Ah, that…" Shizue's smile faltered slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well, he asked me to just address him casually. And sometimes… he even lets me hold him whenever he needs to get lost in thought." She coughed awkwardly, noticing Hinata's eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You should try it—"

"Hold him?" Hinata's voice was sharp, cutting through the awkward air with an edge of disbelief. Was Shizue talking about….?

"No, not like that!" Shizue stammered, waving her hands quickly in defense. "I mean, when he's in his Slime form! There are only a few people he lets hold him, so… um, it's an honor?" Her uncertainty hung in the air before she quickly shifted the conversation. "Anyway! Come on, there's a whole tour I need to give you. We still have a few hours before we can meet up with Rimuru. He's in a meeting right now."

'I'm not sure if I want to hold a Slime… Hinata thought dryly, shaking her head internally. Slimes were some of the most toxic species in this world. They would disintegrate anything they touch, even magisteel, if they had enough time. 

'Well… They do look kinda cute…"'

Despite the absurdity of the conversation, she followed Shizue, keeping her thoughts to herself. If she was being honest, she was beginning to like Tempest. There was something about this place that was... different.

Lubelius, where she'd spent much of her time, was a city of order. But it was also a place where no one went out of their bounds and pushed the limits. Everyone followed orders; they each had their own role to play, and they were happy to play it. Whether their happiness was true or false, she didn't know, but what she did know was that the way the Humans in Lubelius lived would be frowned upon back in her old world..

Tempest, on the other hand, was full of energy. Full of people doing their own thing.

There was purpose here, a sense of direction. People, no, Monsters, moved with intent, directing the flow of life around them. Their eyes weren't empty, but filled with potential. It was a place of growth, of endless possibilities. Even as Hinata watched the massive Ants passing through the streets, carrying materials, she couldn't help but notice the intelligence in their movements, the coordination.

'This place... it's alive.'

Hinata was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of light, cheerful footsteps approaching. A small Kijin girl with pure white hair, pale skin, and bright crimson eyes ran up to her with an innocent, radiant smile. The little girl was holding a small basket brimming with colorful fruits.

"Hey, Miss! You're very pretty!" The girl exclaimed with a giggle, her voice bubbling with joy. She lifted the basket toward Hinata. "Do you want some fruit? It's fresh!"

Hinata blinked, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. Before she could respond, Shizue's voice chimed in with a soft, amused smile.

"Blanchette? I thought you were helping out Testarossa?" Shizue asked, clearly familiar with the girl.

Blanchette nodded, her smile never faltering. 

"Hmm, I am, Miss Shizue. She asked me to give fruits to pretty ladies to make them smile." She turned back to Hinata with that same beaming expression, waiting expectantly.

Hinata hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. The girl's earnestness was disarming, and before she knew it, she found herself smiling—a small, genuine smile that she wasn't even aware she had. With a nod of thanks, Hinata reached out and took a small crimson apple from the basket. She studied it for a second before taking a tentative bite.

The instant the apple touched her tongue, Hinata's eyes widened. The flavor was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Sweetness burst forth, rich like honey, but with a subtle undercurrent of citrus that gave it a refreshing quality. She tried to suppress the small moan of surprise that slipped out, but it was too late.

'What is this?' She thought, taking another bite, then another, as if trying to convince herself that she wasn't imagining the exquisite flavor. She had never tasted anything like it, and soon enough, the apple was gone, devoured in a few quick bites. A soft, satisfied sigh escaped her lips before she could stop it.

Blanchette giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. 

"Hehe, you're funny." She said, handing another apple to Hinata and one to Shizue before skipping off with a happy hum, her light footsteps soon fading into the crowd.

Hinata stood there for a moment, the lingering sweetness of the apple still on her tongue. She found herself glancing down at the second apple in her hand, bemused by how easily she had let her guard down. It wasn't often that something so simple could catch her off guard like that.

"Blanchette has a way of doing that to people." Shizue commented softly, smiling at the interaction. "But hey, if you liked that fruit, wait until you try everything else Tempest has to offer. We could even get cleaned up at the hot springs. They're using Hipokute herbs right now, so any old injuries you might have will heal, and they've added some Windshade Fern, too."

Hinata's eyebrow twitched involuntarily at the mention of Windshade Fern.

"Windshade Fern?" She asked, the name sparking recognition. 

'That herb…' It was rare, extremely valuable, with mild anti-aging properties that could even smooth the wrinkles of the elderly. It was worth its weight in gold, if not more. 'And they're using it casually?'

HIpokute was rare, but Windshade was something else entirely.

"Oh, yeah." Shizue responded as if it were nothing. "Emiya, one of the researchers, figured out how to grow them over in Fulbrosia. So now we have plenty. They switch out the herbs in the springs every month or so. If you stay for a few weeks, you'll get to soak in Dreamglow Blossom, and after that, they'll rotate in Graveblossom from Jistav."

Hinata felt her eyebrow twitch again. 

'Dreamglow Blossom? Graveblossom?' Those were herbs so rare that entire kingdoms would pay fortunes for even a small amount, yet here Shizue was, listing them casually as if they were just another item on the menu.

"What kind of place is this….?" Hinata muttered in shock. "This… is this all just available to the public?"

"Sorta." Shizue answered. "It's mainly just for Tempest citizens with the new Jura bills. But I can bring you in for free."

Hinata could feel her carefully constructed worldview shaking at the seams. How could a place like this exist? How could it function? And what did that mean for the future of other nations?

In the end, she simply took in a deep breath and nodded, following her old teacher.

— –Mariabell– —

"My people have confirmed it. Hinata Sakaguchi is currently in Tempest. However, she does not appear to be preparing for an attack." Yuuki stated, his expression conflicted. "It's strange, but it makes sense with Shizue Izawa guiding her through the town."

Mariabell sat silently, her small frame deceiving in its innocence, as she processed Yuuki's report. To the outside world, she appeared as nothing more than a ten-year-old girl, with smooth blond hair and delicate pink eyes that matched her lips. A picture of youthful charm. But her eyes, those cold, calculating eyes, held no innocence. Only the boundless hunger of her Greed, a force she had wielded in life and carried into this new world, where she would once again bend it to her will.

She remembered it all, her past life, the one where she had bent Europe to her schemes, dominating nations through the webs of intrigue she spun with ease. And now, in this new life, she held a position of power within the Rosso family of Siltrosso, controlling the Western Nations from the shadows. Even the great houses of Englassia, and the former nobles of Falmuth, fell in line under her control.

If it wasn't for the new Demon Lord's assassination of all of them, she would have been able to turn Falmuth against Tempest. But that was a lost cause now.

Upon being reincarnated in this world, she had awakened the Unique Skill, Greed. A skill that controls the greed and desires of others. It practically allowed her to bring anyone under her influence and control. Even the famous guild master of the Free Guild was standing in front of her with a silly smile and not a single clue that he was being mentally dominated.

Mariabell's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of her chair. The rhythmic motion, soft and almost unnoticeable, reflected her growing annoyance.

'Hinata Sakaguchi… what are you doing in Tempest?' The church wouldn't have sent her without reason, yet she was simply strolling through the streets, guided by that old flame, Shizue. It didn't make sense. Perhaps her grandfather would know due to his position in the Church. She would have to ask him. 

"The Church can't possibly ignore Tempest and ally themselves with them… will they?" She muttered, her voice cold, calculated. Her mind raced through the implications. The Church of Luminism was not known for making alliances lightly, especially not with a nation of Monsters. And yet, here was Hinata, their most dangerous pawn, in Tempest without a clear agenda. But she knew what most didn't, which was why she was considering the possibility. She knew that the true god of Luminism was a Demon Lord. 

Could it be an alliance between Demon Lords? 

"It's possible that Hinata is ignoring the Church's orders." Yuuki suggested, his voice uncertain. "Her former teacher, Shizue, still has influence over her."

Mariabell's eyes narrowed in disdain. 

'Fool.' No, Hinata wouldn't act without the Church's backing. Her loyalty to Luminism was too deeply ingrained. Her grandfather had admitted that, and he couldn't be wrong.

"No." Mariabell interrupted, her voice cutting through Yuuki's weak reasoning. "The Church knows exactly where she is. They sent her."

Yuuki blinked, his surprise poorly hidden as he nodded, quickly adopting a submissive stance. 

"I see… So you even know about what happens inside the Church… truly remarkable." His praise came with that ridiculous smile, one that made her stomach churn in disgust. The fool didn't even realize how completely he was under her control, his mind dominated by her Greed, like a puppet on invisible strings.

She ignored his flattery, her mind already moving past him. 

"Of course, I know all of the Church's secrets," she said with a sharp tone. "Which is why their actions seem so strange now… Luminous is not a fool. She's smarter than this. Though I suppose she always did have a soft spot for pretty women."

"Luminous? The goddess?" Yuuki's eyes widened with realization, and for a brief moment, Mariabell could almost see the gears turning in his head. "Ah, I see… I had my doubts, but it's true. Luminous is the true Demon Lord behind Valentine, isn't she?"

Mariabell didn't bother answering verbally, simply giving a single nod as she returned to her thoughts. Luminous, the enigmatic Demon Lord who held sway over the faith of millions through her facade as a goddess. 

Mariabell respected her, in a way. They were similar, both manipulating the desires of others to maintain power. But even Luminous wasn't beyond reproach. To ally herself with a volatile nation like Tempest… it was reckless. It would shake the very foundation of her influence.

"To ally with such a messy country would risk collapsing the faith of her followers." She muttered aloud, thinking through the consequences. 

'If grandfather's information is accurate, Luminous wouldn't make this move lightly. Unless Rimuru Tempest has something more to offer her…' But that was unlikely, given how uneasy the West had become in response to his growing power.

No, something wasn't adding up. Rimuru wasn't the type to make alliances through force, and yet his existence was a direct challenge to the stability of the Western Nations. A factor that couldn't be ignored.

"Yuuki, tell me more about Hinata." She ordered, her tone demanding, though she was already formulating her next steps. 

'If Rimuru could somehow sway someone as devout as Hinata…'

Yuuki stood there for a moment, his usual playful grin replaced by a more thoughtful expression. He tapped his chin as if organizing his thoughts before speaking.

"Well, Hinata Sakaguchi is one of the strongest humans alive and the youngest to reach Sainthood in all of the Western Nations. I'm sure even the Eastern Empire lacks talents when compared to her." Yuuki began, his tone carrying the appropriate weight. "She's known for her strict sense of justice and absolute loyalty to Luminism. As you know, she's the Captain of the Holy Knights, so her combat abilities are among the best in the world. She's a genius with both swordsmanship and magic, and she's able to read her opponents like an open book."

Mariabell listened, her eyes narrowing slightly. A predictable description, she thought, though she kept her face impassive. 

'But that's not what I need to know.'

Yuuki continued, oblivious to Mariabell's inner critique. 

"I don't know what Skills she has since she keeps them to herself, but she is always growing stronger. Every time we cross paths, she is stronger than before."

Yuuki nodded, but then his expression shifted, a flicker of unease crossing his face. 

"But that's the thing. She's strong, yes, but she's stubborn. Despite her loyalty to Luminism, she doesn't blindly follow orders. In fact, she questions authority more than people realize. She's practical. That's probably why she's not attacking Tempest right now. Everything she does is for Humanity, so she wouldn't start a fight she can't finish."

Mariabell's fingers resumed their soft tapping. 

'Practical, but with a strong moral compass… that can be either an asset or a liability.' She thought. It meant that if Rimuru had managed to sway her, or if Shizue's influence was stronger than she expected, Hinata could be a wild card. Not easily manipulated by greed or ambition, but someone who might stand in her way if not handled carefully.

"Hmm… and how does she view Rimuru? Do you think she could be persuaded to ally with him?" Mariabell asked, her voice calm, but her eyes sharp.

Yuuki paused, his grin returning, though it was tinged with a hint of something more serious. 

"Honestly, I don't think she's fully decided yet. If Rimuru plays his cards right, she might be convinced to work with him. But it won't be easy. Hinata's cautious, and she's still the sword of the Church. As much as Shizue might sway her, she's loyal to Luminism, first and foremost."

Mariabell's expression darkened slightly. 

'Loyal to Luminism…' That was the problem. Luminous wouldn't let her prized weapon stray too far, and if she was already keeping an eye on Rimuru, it could complicate things further.

She needed more information. 

"And what about her weaknesses?" Mariabell asked, leaning forward slightly, her tone now edged with the sharpness of strategy. "Every great warrior has a flaw."

Yuuki hesitated for a moment, but then shrugged. 

"Well, she's strong and precise, but she's not invincible. Her biggest weakness is her Humanity, literally. She's not immortal, so she has limits. Physically, at least, even as a Saint. Mentally, though…" He trailed off, his smile growing a little. "Hinata's got a lot of unresolved baggage. She hides it well, but there's a darkness in her, something that drives her but also weighs her down. If you know how to push the right buttons, you might be able to shake her resolve."

'Unresolved baggage…' Mariabell's mind latched onto that. Personal weaknesses were always the easiest to exploit, and if Hinata carried something heavy it could be used to manipulate her. To dominate her under her Greed. 

The last time she tried to dominate a Saint, she was almost erased from existence. That very person became her grandfather and the closest person to her once he saw her true potential. But now, she felt she was ready. She wouldn't fail this time. 

Closing her eyes, Mariabell began to think, her mind whirring with possibilities. 

'How best to bring this world under my control?'

Tempest. That upstart nation was a mess. From the outside, it appeared to be thriving, rapidly growing, even. But when one looked closer, when one examined the foundation of Rimuru's so-called empire, it was wobbly, fragile. 

And Rimuru himself? He was a fool. A naive leader who, in his quest to nurture his fledgling nation, had recklessly discarded relationships with the rest of the world. He was too focused on Tempest alone, blind to the threats and tensions brewing beyond his borders.

'Tempest is overtaking the Western markets.' Mariabell mused, her fingers curling slightly as if grasping an invisible thread. The goods coming out of Tempest were unlike anything the world had ever seen—silks, materials, resources of unparalleled quality. And because of that, other nations' markets were crumbling. Their products paled in comparison, leaving them with no way to compete.

'Without a lifeboat, the economies of these nations will collapse. And that desperation…' Mariabell's lips curled into a soft, predatory smile. 'That can be used. That can be twisted to my advantage.'

The people were becoming frantic. Their leaders panicked as their economies edged toward ruin, drowned by Tempest's success. What they needed was hope, stability, a lifeline. And she, Mariabell, could offer it. She could destroy Tempest's budding economy while strengthening her own family's control over the markets of the Western Nations, all while positioning herself as the savior of the West.

'Rimuru won't even see it coming…'

The first step would be subtle, like a shadow creeping across the land. She could exacerbate the already strained relationships Rimuru had with other nations. With Yuuki and the clowns under her control, it would be child's play to spread misinformation and fabricate incidents that would paint Tempest as a growing tyrannical force. 

Paranoia would set in, and soon, the surrounding nations would turn their backs on Rimuru, viewing him as a threat. They would isolate him, making Tempest stand alone, vulnerable. And then, in that isolation, Mariabell would strike.

In addition, the church would be forced to fight back. With the world under threat of collapse, Luminous would act. If she could set Luminous against Rimuru, she wouldn't even have to worry about how to deal with the Demon Lord.

They would kill each other from within.

"Oh, but it would be too delicious to give them up…" She muttered to herself, already savoring the thought of Tempest's destruction. But she stopped herself. She couldn't act rashly. 

'Grandfather warned me about this.' He had cautioned her about the possibility of resistance from Rimuru's side. After all, he was a Demon Lord, and Demon Lords were not to be underestimated.

Her grandfather had been particularly on edge lately, unnerved by something about Rimuru. He had mentioned a strange feeling, a sense of familiarity that put him on high alert.

'Familiar, huh?' Mariabell's fingers stilled as she turned her thoughts over. There was something about Rimuru that had startled even Granbell, someone not easily rattled. That alone was worth noting.

Though it wasn't enough for Granbell to take control, he was still trusting her with his downfall, which meant that Granbell could easily defeat Rimuru.

"I see." Mariabell said thoughtfully, her fingers now still as the plan finished formulating in her mind. "That will do for now. Continue monitoring Hinata's movements. I want to know if she starts leaning too far into Rimuru's favor."

Yuuki gave a mock salute, his usual grin returning full force. 

"You got it, boss."

— –Rimuru– —

In the simple yet tastefully decorated room, Rimuru leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Luminous as she daintily picked at a cluster of Tempestian fruits. 

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bathing the room in nice sunlight that allowed for a view of the bustling city outside. Luminous sat casually in one of the couches, her posture relaxed but refined as she slowly savored each bite.

She had appeared unexpectedly, asking for permission to teleport to Tempest just as he was preparing for his meeting with Hinata. At first, he had assumed she wanted to be present during the meeting, but it had quickly become apparent that Luminous wasn't her for politics or schemes.

She had simply wanted to "hang out." To take a guided tour through the city. And now, they were simply lying in a small meeting room, though Rimuru had used Uriel to isolate the room from the rest of Tempest to prevent anyone from overhearing them should they talk about their plans.

Her movements were slow, deliberate, as though she had all the time in the world. She hummed softly to herself, twirling a strand of her silver hair as she enjoyed the fruit, her heterochromatic eyes occasionally flicking over to Rimuru with quiet amusement.

"They fruit here all taste differently... I'll never get tired of them." Luminous mused, her voice smooth as she popped another grape into her mouth. She finished the cluster, licking her fingertips, before sitting up properly, her back straight as if the idle moment had passed.

"If there's a specific flavor you want, just let me know." Rimuru replied with a soft chuckle. "You'd be surprised by how many types of fruits Emiya has cultivated. We've got everything from the basics to the more… exotic. Honestly, at a certain point, they start to taste weird, but if you are craving some blood-flavored strawberries, I am sure we could manage."

Luminous raised an eyebrow, though the hint of a smile graced her lips. 

"How quaint." She said with a light laugh. "Though I assure you, I don't need to resort to such peculiar flavors to satisfy my… tastes." Then, shaking her head, she licked her lips. "Well, if you ever get around to making them, I wouldn't mind trying it."

"I'll keep that in mind." She said with a faint smile, her gaze drifting out the window. They had a clear view of the rest of Tempest, the bustling city, as countless people moved from place to place. A city full of life.

"I must admit…" Luminous began, her voice tinged with sincerity as her eyes softened. "Your city is far more… charming than I expected."

"Oh? Does it live up to the hype?" Rimuru asked in a joking tone. Comparing this to their first meeting, it was far less formal. If not downright casual, but it wasn't like he was going to complain.

"Not yet." Luminous replied, a small, knowing smirk playing on her lips. She let her gaze linger on the cityscape for a few more moments, the bustling world outside reflected in her eyes.

"You have a church, but do you even know how to use Holy Magic?" Luminous asked with a curious expression. "Not much use for it otherwise."

"You know, maybe the real Holy Magic was the friends we made along the way." He answered with a chuckle, causing Luminous' smile to grow slightly. "I was planning on picking it up during our war."

Luminous gave a faint, bemused laugh, shaking her head slowly. 

"You speak so lightly of things far beyond your grasp." Her voice carried a trace of condescension, though she wasn't trying to insult him. She raised a delicate hand, and a soft greenish light began to glow from her fingertip, filling the room with a gentle luminescence. "Holy Magic is not something to be learned on a whim. It is the art of controlling Spiritrons, the building blocks of Spiritual matter. The nature of Holy Power is to purify, whereas magicules 'corrupt.' For beings like us, who are made out of magicules, it's akin to poison."

[Notice. Beginning analysis… Activating Uriel's Law Manipulation…]

Thanks to Uriel, Rimuru could instantly sense the Spiritrons Luminous was channeling, though it was a faint feeling, almost imperceptible. 

"Spiritrons are not like Magicules." Luminous continued, her tone instructive yet still elegant. "They move through space and time, uninterrupted, weaving into everything. Unlike Magicules, they are not bound to the same physical constraints." She closed her hand, letting the green light disperse only to reform into a small, radiant golden light hovering above her palm. "If you're not careful, they will slip right through your fingers. Or worse, they'll lash back at you."

Rimuru nodded, taking in as much information on his part through Uriel. Even though Raphael could take all the notes for him, he still wanted to learn on his own. Especially since he could feel the faintest connection through Uriel.

"Still, they're tricky little things. You see…" Luminous continued, her fingers twirling the light gently. "Spiritrons don't usually show themselves. It takes an understanding of faith and belief, whether that's in a god or something else entirely, to get them to respond. The stronger that belief, the stronger your control over Holy Magic. It's why my followers can use Holy Magic. And why my Paladins can cast Miracles."

"It's not a one-sided relationship, is it?" Rimuru asked, causing Luminous's smile to widen and revealing her fangs as she nodded. 

"No, it's not." She answered with a shake of her head. "Just as I allow them to channel my name for Holy Magic, I draw from their faith, their belief. Through this connection, I strengthen my own control over Spiritrons. I am tied to all who pray to me, and through their faith, I can distribute the burden of manipulating Spiritrons."

As she spoke, Luminous raised her hand, and the golden light in her palm shifted, elongating into the shape of a glowing golden arrow. With a flick of her wrist, the arrow reverted back into light and flowed smoothly back into her hand. The ease with which she controlled the transformation was seamless, almost natural.

"Think of it like this." She continued, her eyes locking onto Rimuru's. "Their belief amplifies my power, allowing me to manipulate far more Spiritrons than I could on my own. The stronger their faith, the more Spiritrons I can command. It's the beauty of Holy Magic. It grows with devotion. But…" She paused, her hand waving through the air, causing the golden light to vanish completely. "If that connection weakens, if the belief fades, maintaining the flow of Spiritrons becomes far more difficult."

"Thankfully, that's not something I'll have to worry about." He replied with a soft chuckle. Glancing out of the window, he could see the countless citizens moving about, brimming with life and determination. 

His mind wandered as he thought about his citizens, Monsters and Majin alike. The idea of them worshiping him was… strange, to say the least, but then again, they had already built a church in his name, without him even asking for it. Given that, he doubted many would hesitate to support him in mastering Holy Magic.

If anything, that faith would only serve to empower Uriel even further. Uriel was already one of, if not his strongest Skill. A Skill that, when compared to his other Ultimates, he could control almost perfectly without Raphael's assistance. However, it would bring out far more power when they worked together.

Uriel fed off loyalty, and Rimuru had no shortage of that from his people. The more faith he could harness, the stronger Uriel and, by extension, he would become. 

As weird as it might feel at first, he was willing to let Tempest worship him if that meant not only he but all of them would become stronger.

Luminous looked at him as he got lost in thought before letting out a soft chuckle.

"Truly, you have no idea how envious I am of you." She said, her voice laced with playful bitterness. "You've no idea how long it took me to build Luminism, to cultivate that level of devotion. Yet here you are, the God of Monsters and Majin, effortlessly gathering followers with a simple gesture, giving them a name. Silly me for not thinking of that sooner."

Even though she was smiling and laughing, Rimuru could tell that she was also frustrated. A frustration that showed itself from time to time as she looked at Tempest, and sometimes even at him.

'Do you know what her deal is?' Rimuru asked Raphael. As easy as it would be to assume that it was just as she had said, he had a feeling there was more to it.

[...]

[Notice. Insufficient information. It could be related to "H.C.," who sent you the letter with the warning through Luminous. However, the frustration mainly seems to stem from Tempest and from you. That frustration is accompanied by amusement and curiosity.]

[Analysis suggests that Luminous is withholding additional information about "H.C."]

'H. C….' 

The letter was cryptic enough, and though he had his doubts, he knew better than to simply ask, especially since she was keeping it a secret for a reason. They were not close enough to each other that he could ask so casually. So, for now, he would have to keep that question to himself.

"Ah, speaking of subordinates, they won't be able to use Holy Magic so easily." Luminous added, thinking to herself. "You are going to need the Secret of Faith and Grace if you want to be able to form any real connection with your subordinates. Anything other than it, and your followers won't be able to cast the simplest of Holy Magics." She explained, a slightly smug expression appearing on her face as she began explaining it. Acting as if she were revealing one of the biggest secrets in the world.

As Luminous continued her explanation, Rimuru couldn't help but smile, a subtle but unmistakable gleam of amusement in his eyes. Noticing his expression, Luminous' eyes narrowed.

"What is it?" She asked with a hint of suspicion.

"Oh, nothing." Rimuru's smile grew just slightly. "I was just wondering… why are you helping me?" He added, leaning forward and looking at her eyes. "You must want something in return, no?"

"Ah, that." Luminous chuckled, her posture relaxing. "You've caught on quickly." Her voice softened, almost teasing. "Well, I simply thought that a battle between gods would be far more appealing than a battle between a god and a Demon Lord. Think about it, Humanity's goddess against the god of Monsters. Now that is a story worth watching unfold."

"Oh, really?" Rimuru asked with a hint of playfulness before shaking his head. "But is there really nothing you want in return?"

"How about a hug?" Luminous asked, looking out of the window. "I've heard rumors about how they are the best ever, and if I am being honest, I highly doubt it."

"What?" Rimuru asked, somewhat dumbfounded. "What rumors? Is it from Milim? Ramiris?"

"Who knows." She answered with a smile.

— –Luminous– —

"Could you teach him Holy Magic?" Chloe asked, sprawled comfortably on the couch, her sword resting casually at her side. She turned her head toward Luminous, her eyes sparkling with that unmistakable devotion she reserved only for him. "But, like, everything. The whole shebang, you know?"

Luminous blinked, caught off guard by the directness of the request. 

"Everything?" She echoed, a flicker of disbelief slipping into her tone. "That's… a bit much, don't you think?"

Before she could say more, Chloe leapt off the couch, closing the distance between them in seconds, her face suddenly inches from Luminous' own. She fixed Luminous with an intense, puppy-eyed gaze, blinking her eyes rapidly, her expression unbearably cute.

"Pretty please?" Chloe pleaded, her voice almost a whisper, eyes large and pleading.

Luminous froze, feeling her heart stutter. Chloe's proximity, that endearing, overly adorable look….

"Damn it!" She could feel a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. Stay composed, Luminous, she scolded herself, though her gaze softened despite her best efforts.

With a sigh, she pressed her palm to Chloe's face, pushing her back with an exasperated huff. 

Chloe stumbled backward with a small laugh, landing unceremoniously on the floor, and Luminous had to take a moment to steady herself. After a calming breath, she cleared her throat, letting the hint of blush fade as her usual cool demeanor returned.

"You know I can't." She replied, her voice carefully neutral, though her mind was anything but.

Rimuru, the one who had somehow captured Chloe's complete and undivided love. Just the thought of teaching him everything about Holy Magic made her chest tighten with jealousy and a touch of reluctance she could hardly hide.

Chloe's expression shifted to a pout, and Luminous felt the resolve in her voice begin to waver. 

"Why not?" Chloe asked, her voice softer now, with just the slightest edge of disappointment. "You're the only one I trust to look after him. Besides…" She trailed off, smiling to herself, a dreamy expression lighting her features. "I'm sure you'll end up helping him out on your own after you meet him."

There it was, that look, the look that always stirred a flicker of jealousy in Luminous' chest. Chloe adored Rimuru completely. And though Luminous knew that love was genuine, it didn't stop the pang of resentment from welling up. 

But then, catching sight of Chloe's earnest, hopeful gaze, Luminous felt her own resolve begin to soften. For her. She would do it for Chloe.

With a sigh, Luminous crossed her arms and fixed Chloe with a calculated look. 

"Alright." She said slowly, the reluctance clear in her tone. "I'll… consider it. But I'm not promising anything. If he wants to learn from me, he'll have to prove himself first."

Chloe's face lit up with a bright, grateful smile, and before Luminous could even react, she found herself enveloped in Chloe's arms, the warmth of her hug almost overwhelming.

"Thank you, Lumi! I knew I could count on you!" Chloe's voice was soft, her gratitude genuine

Luminous, despite herself, felt her own lips curve into a small smile. She returned the hug briefly, savoring the moment, before gently pulling away, regaining her composure.

"Just don't expect me to go easy on him." She muttered, causing Chloe to giggle.

"Oh, how much do you want to bet that he will pick it up instantly? He's built different like that." Chloe asked with a teasing tone.

—

'Why did she have to be right…' Luminous thought to herself as she looked at Rimuru manipulating Spiritrons. It was something that had taken her years to master, yet with a simple explanation, he was already using them naturally.

He hadn't even connected to his followers yet, so he was manipulating the Spiritrons without their help. 

'This is bullshit.' Luminous thought, yet she hid her annoyance as best as she could. 

She took a slow breath, forcing herself to calm down, but her eyes lingered on him, catching the intense focus in his expression. She had been prepared for this, so she wouldn't let it get to her.

If anything, she had been curious for hundreds of years about him and his potential. She wanted to see just how far he could go, and in the end, she wanted to know and understand him. After all, Hinata herself had once said, 'Know thy enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated.'

In a way, Rimuru was her enemy, someone she had to battle and defeat in her battle for the affection of the ones she cared for the most. She would know him more than he knew himself.

She already had an advantage since she had heard countless stories about him. But not all of them matched the person in front of her.

No. She shook the thought away, though her eyes flickered over him once more. There was a softness in his features, a kind of ease that clashed with the stories she'd heard about him. He looked slightly different from the way Chloe had described him, even in the visions shared through Thought Communication. He seemed more relaxed, almost… well-rested, in a way that made him look undeniably… appealing.

'Damn it.' She thought as she shook her head to dispel any stray thoughts. 'Why is he cute?'

The most vivid memories Chloe had shared of Rimuru were from his rampage, an aura so fierce and consuming it bore little resemblance to the calmness he showed now. And yet, that disparity only heightened Luminous' wariness.

'A worthy opponent.' Luminous thought with a soft smile.

As they continued, Luminous couldn't help but notice how quickly he learned, absorbing her every word. What she'd anticipated as a lengthy, drawn-out lesson was over almost as soon as it began, her extensive knowledge of Holy Magic soaking into him like water into a dry sponge.

'Ridiculous.' she thought, though she couldn't deny a flicker of admiration. There was no need for any grand demonstrations of power just yet; he had other priorities to attend to before leaving, but she had given him the foundation he'd need for his church to begin reaping the benefits of Holy Magic.

She'd done her part.

With a slight, deliberate movement, Luminous rose to her feet, her expression returning to its usual composed demeanor. 

"Well… it seems I am done here." She said as she looked at him, folding her arms. "Now, it's up to you to not piss off Hinata." She added with a smirk. "It'll only complicate matters if you do. But… I imagine you'll manage."

"I guess it's time for the hug now, right?" Rimuru said, sounding somewhat unsure. "Is there really nothing else you want? Seems a bit strange, coming from you."

"Ah, that's right. I had almost forgotten." Luminous muttered, stepping closer to him as he stood up. "No, I shall take the hug. Take it as simple curiosity."

'We'll see who's better after all.' She thought, a faint smile crossing her lips as she stepped even closer. 'Your hugs… or my Kiss of Love.'

"Well… if you insist," Rimuru replied, his arms wrapping around her in an easy, relaxed embrace. "Enjoy?"

As his words settled in, Luminous couldn't help the faint shudder that rippled through her, a curious blend of surprise, warmth, and something uncomfortably close to pleasure. The sensation was unlike anything she'd expected, yet, for some reason, it was strangely familiar.

'Love Energy?' Luminous thought in shock, yet as she wrapped her arms and returned the hug, she closed her eyes. 'No, this is different. I can feel my magicules surging in response. Even Lust is reacting to the energy, feeding off from it.'

She steadied herself, swallowing a quiet gasp as she concentrated on the strange, pulsing sensation. Her grip tightened subtly, her nails grazing the fabric of his clothes as she struggled to hold back from making any strange sounds. This was powerful, more potent than any passive energy exchange she'd experienced before, and far from anything she had been prepared to feel.

'Could I replicate this?' Her mind raced as she tried to analyze the sensation, feeling the energy pulsating through her body. 'It's working off the same base energy as Love Energy, yet it feels so much deeper… This is far stronger than what Lust can produce.'

A shiver ran through her body again, accompanied by a faint surge of strength and vitality. Her mind was racing, trying to understand it, yet she was starting to feel her thoughts trying to drift off.

'My soul? Even my body? What the hell kind of Skill is this?' Luminous thought as she felt her very being become stronger. It was faint, almost imperceptible, yet she was familiar enough with her own strength that she could tell whenever there was a change.

'Could I replicate this? It's working off from the same Love Energy. But it would mean giving away my own magicules it would…' As she got lost in thought, she couldn't help but embrace him even tighter, her body reacting automatically.

As her thoughts spun in pursuit of an answer, she found herself instinctively holding him closer, her body moving on autopilot, driven by an insatiable curiosity. She channeled her focus, reaching out to Lust, letting the Skill resonate within her as she tried to attune herself to the energy pulsing between them.

And then, just as she felt herself on the verge of understanding, the sensation slipped away, leaving her connection to the energy suddenly severed.

"Hm?" Luminous hummed, a slight haze in her vision as she blinked herself back to the present. It was only then that she realized her position. Her face was against his neck. Her lips pressed to his skin, and was she… biting him?

A surge of embarrassment flooded her senses, a blush coloring her usually composed features. She quickly pulled back, though the faint taste of his skin lingered on her lips.

"Ah…" She cleared her throat, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "It seems I… got a little lost in thought."

"Yeah, I probably should have gone with a lower intensity, though I didn't expect you would… get so carried away." Rimuru answered with a chuckle, his hand reaching for his neck. "Usually this is around what Ramiris asks for when she wants to take a nap."

Luminous let out a sligh cough as she hid her embarrassment, before turning around and starting to walk out.

"Don't flatter yourself." She spoke, as she opened the door. "And not a word to anyone, especially not Hinata."

With that she stepped out of the barrier and teleported away.

— — —

Special Thanks to my Beta Readers/Editors: The one, the only, the amazing @Basilisk, and @Kiyan Tribe (FF.net/AO3/QQ/WN) | kiyan_tribe( Discord)

Go Check out Basilisk's great story "I'm a Daemon, so what?" 

https://discord.gg/WTgN9J3YgK

~A/N~

Poor Luminous be wearing a green hat, she never stood a chance. Them Asmodeus hugs are too powerful I tell ya!