As the cheers and applause finally settled into an awed hush, the radiant light of the hall dimmed slightly, allowing a more somber, thoughtful atmosphere to settle.
Varvatos, standing at the head of the table, raised his hand once more—his voice returning, calm and resonant.
"Now that we have chosen a king… we must begin laying the foundation of this new order. A single monarch cannot bear the burden of a realm alone."
He turned, eyes scanning across the table.
"A king needs a council. A diplomatic community. Loyal, wise, and strong. For Nyvaris will be a beacon in this age."
He looked at Rigur, who straightened.
"Rigur. You have shown wisdom and integrity in every role you've been given. You shall oversee internal civil affairs within Nyvaris—taxation, trade, infrastructure, public welfare. You will be our Minister of State."
Rigur bowed, eyes wide but filled with resolve. "I accept, with all my heart, Lord Varvatos. I will serve our king with pride."
Varvatos nodded approvingly, then gestured to Benimaru, who already looked prepared.
"Benimaru—your strength, command, and experience are unmatched. You will remain the Supreme Commander of the Royal Army. You will defend the borders of Nyvaris and oversee our military strategies."
Benimaru saluted. "With my life, I swear to protect Nyvaris—and its king."
Just as Varvatos was about to continue, a smooth voice rose from the side.
Diablo raised one elegant hand, his wine now set aside. "If I may, Lord Varvatos…"
Varvatos arched a brow, smiling faintly. "Speak, Diablo."
"If we are to build diplomatic bridges with the outside world, we need more than just strength and governance—we need presence. Connections. Individuals who command authority simply by existing."
The room went quiet.
"And I know someone who can help. Someone powerful. Refined. Dangerous—yet loyal to those who earn their trust."
Varvatos tilted his head, intrigued. "You're speaking of…"
"The Primordial Blanc."
Gasps rippled across the chamber.
Gobta's jaw dropped. "Wait. What?! The Primordial?! As in… like you?!"
Shuna murmured, eyes wide, "The Primordials are more than legends…?"
Shion reached for her greatsword instinctively, while Rimuru, caught between confusion and mild panic, looked toward Diablo.
"Uh… What's a Primordial Demon again?"
Diablo chuckled deeply, eyes glittering.
"A title reserved for the firstborn demons of chaos. Entities born of pure elemental sin. I, as you all know, am Noir—Black. Among the originals seven. Some now walk the world… others dwell still in the Abyss."
Varvatos stepped forward, amused. "Indeed. There are three remaining in the underworld who've yet to walk this surface freely: Blanc, Jaune and Violet."
He turned to Rimuru.
"As King of Nyvaris, you could command them—if you earn their pact. They would not bow easily, but if you do… they could serve as your enforcers, diplomats… or shadows."
Rimuru scratched his head, still digesting. "This sounds kind of… overpowered?"
Veldora burst into laughter. "Now you're catching on!"
Shizu leaned over and whispered gently, "Don't worry. You'll be fine."
Varvatos raised a hand again. "So be it. We shall reach out to these three Primordials. If they accept the pact under King Rimuru… they will serve the throne of Nyvaris."
He paused, then continued.
"Now, let's move to the framework of our realm—our rules."
The table shifted to a more focused mood. Papers appeared from Kaijin's scrolls, glowing softly with magical contracts.
Rimuru, slowly adapting to his role, leaned forward. "We should think like a real nation… but not a tyrannical one."
Souei nodded. "We need control… but also openness."
"Let's allow others to visit—but with caution," Rimuru suggested. "Back in my old world, we had something called a visa. A permit to enter with a set duration and purpose. Trade, study, tourism…"
Shuna lit up. "We could establish a Permit of Entry system, then. All who wish to enter must apply and state their purpose."
Kaijin added, "And the paperwork can be handled by the local authorities."
Gobta, still munching a biscuit, suddenly raised his hand excitedly. "Ooh! Ooh! Can I be the police boss?!"
Everyone turned.
Rigur sighed. "Gobta…"
Varvatos raised an amused brow. "Actually… it's not the worst idea. Gobta has a strange sense for trouble. And people tend to underestimate him—which is perfect for law enforcement."
Rimuru grinned. "Alright then—Gobta, Chief of the Peace Division."
Gobta pumped his fist. "Yes! I'll even get a cool hat!"
Hakuro smirked. "May the gods help us."
Veldora roared with laughter.
Rimuru continued, warming to the process. "We'll also need a tourism and culture division. Guides, safety teams."
Kaijin's brothers immediately raised their hands. "We'd like to oversee tourism infrastructure!"
Rimuru nodded. "Approved. Let's make sure people can appreciate our realm safely."
Then Varvatos raised a finger, and the room silenced.
"You've all done well—but don't forget: the Barrier watches all."
The room grew colder for a moment as the magic surrounding the Twilight Hall pulsed.
"It has always shielded Nyvaris from harm. It can detect intent. But now, I will modify it."
He traced a glowing glyph into the air. Magic sparked and danced like lightning through crystal.
"From this day forward, all who are granted entry into Nyvaris shall be cleansed of ill intent for the duration of their stay. They cannot lie, harm, or conspire. The moment they cross our gates, their malice shall be purified—until they leave."
A long silence followed.
Souei was first to nod. "It's perfect. No assassins. No spies. No subversion."
Diablo licked his lips. "Even better—it will weed out the ambitious who hide behind smiles."
Shizu looked toward Rimuru. "That… is a brilliant defense."
Rimuru, still processing everything, leaned back in his chair. He stared at the glowing hall, the eager faces around him, and the magic in the air.
"This place… it's not just a kingdom. It's a miracle."
Varvatos, standing tall at the edge of the table, smiled.
"It is your miracle now, Rimuru. And your story has only just begun."
As the last magical glyph faded from Varvatos' spell in the air, and the plan for the barrier's modification was etched into the council's memory, a thoughtful pause lingered over the hall.
The soft sound of heels echoed against the marble floor as Velzard, the Ice Empress, stood gracefully. Her silver-white hair shimmered in the twilight light, and her expression, serene yet commanding, cut through the murmurs like a blade.
"This is all well and good," she began, her voice like crystal laced with frost. "But let us not forget… there will be those who do not merely wish to visit Nyvaris."
She glanced around the table, then to Rimuru.
"They will come to live. To build homes. To raise families. Not just adventurers or merchants—but people seeking refuge… peace… purpose."
Elmesia, Empress of Sarion, elegantly stood beside her, hands folded in front of her golden gown, nodding with a calm smile.
"Velzard is right. What you are creating, Rimuru… is not just a city or a fortress. It is becoming a civilization. And civilizations need more than armies and permits. They need education. Social order. A future."
The room fell into a contemplative silence again.
Rimuru blinked, then looked to both women. "You mean… housing, neighborhoods, districts?"
Velzard nodded. "Exactly. We must plan zones—residential, commercial, agricultural. Citizens will want to buy land or lease it. There must be a fair system."
Elmesia stepped forward, her tone turning gently formal, befitting an Empress. "A housing registry. Land grants. Zoning laws. Taxes based on purpose—commercial, noble, or civilian."
Kaijin leaned forward, already pulling out more blueprints. "We'll need stoneworkers, construction teams, architects…"
Shuna added, "Decorators and enchanters for protective charms in homes. And healers—medics. Hospitals."
Velzard, who had been quietly observing, added sharply, "And let's not forget… education."
"If people are going to live here, raise children, train apprentices… we must have schools. Proper ones. Not just a small room with a tutor, but real institutions."
Elmesia was already nodding. "We need a Grand Academy system. Divisions for specific disciplines. I propose we build multiple institutions, each with a specialized curriculum."
Rimuru perked up. "Like… a Magic Academy?"
Elmesia smiled. "Yes, and more."
She extended a finger, listing:
"—Adventurer Training Institutes for combat, survival, and ethics.
—Blacksmithing & Craft Guild Schools for forging, gear maintenance, and magical equipment.
—Architectural Colleges for builders, engineers, and ward designers.
—Culinary Arts Academies—we cannot ignore your nation's love for food.
—Etiquette and Diplomacy Schools—for nobles, ambassadors, and future leaders."
Rimuru nodded along, his face lighting up. "This sounds amazing!"
Gobta, still excited from being made Chief of Police, jumped in. "Can we also make a monster taming school?! Like, to ride wyverns or slimes?"
Everyone paused.
Rimuru grinned. "We'll… consider it."
Varvatos, stroking his chin thoughtfully, said, "If we are to proceed with this, we'll need to recruit teachers. Scholars. Masters of their crafts."
Diablo offered, "I know of a few from the underworld who might be persuaded to teach if given proper contracts and freedom."
Velzard continued, "And the Grand Library. We must construct it alongside the Academy. Knowledge must be preserved. Accessible."
Souei, ever pragmatic, added, "Security will also need to be doubled. More guards, not just for the borders—but within schools and important institutions."
Shizu, arms crossed, nodded. "We'll also need moral education. Discipline. Responsibility. The next generation must understand what Nyvaris stands for."
Rimuru, smiling now, leaned back and finally said:
"So… we're really building a kingdom. One that's alive. One that has a future."
Varvatos looked around the table, pride and confidence in his gaze.
"Indeed. And it shall be called—Nyvaris, the Eternal Sanctuary."
The room murmured in agreement.
Elmesia stepped forward again, offering Rimuru a small scroll. "Let me assist with drafting the charter of the Grand Academy."
Velzard turned to Shuna and Shion. "You two… would make fine heads of curriculum design and faculty management. Will you assist?"
Both nodded solemnly.
Veldora raised a fist. "And I'll be the Dean of Explosions!"
Everyone: "NO!"
Laughter erupted once again, lightening the weight of the night's decisions.