"Don't worry, I'll take your shackles off once we get back,"
Kaidou whispered, his voice low enough for only them to hear.
"Alas,"
Rimuru sighed, slumping his shoulders.
"Looks like I'm stuck in jail for a few more days. What a drag."
A guard stepped in front of Granstar, preparing to put handcuffs on him.
Granstar frowned slightly.
"This person has nothing to do with us. He shouldn't be involved."
Kaijin quickly chimed in, turning to Kaidou.
"That's right. This gentleman is a distinguished guest of our establishment. Please show some leniency."
Even the female elf in the shop spoke up in Granstar's defense.
Kaidou gave Granstar a surprised look. Who is this guy? Even the elves are speaking up for him?
"Big Brother, I understand," he said at last.
He still had to give his big brother some face. Letting one irrelevant person go wasn't a big deal, and he had that much authority.
After the guards cuffed Rimuru and the other four, they prepared to escort them out. But just before they exited the store, Kaidou turned back.
He stared intently at Granstar, scanning him from head to toe.
"Captain, what are you doing? Let's finish the job already!"
"It's nothing... I just feel like I've seen that elf somewhere before."
Kaidou furrowed his brow, trying to recall. But he'd dealt with too many people and too many issues—he couldn't place the face.
"You mean that male elf? Captain, forget it. We've got enough on our plate already."
One of his dwarf subordinates dismissed the thought without a second.
"Yeah, you're right. It's probably nothing."
Kaidou shook his head with a sigh. He might've remembered something, but decided not to press it. As he said, it was just a small matter—and that elf was his big brother's friend. No point stirring up more trouble.
Granstar watched silently as Rimuru was taken away, a flicker of uncertainty flashing in his eyes.
"My lord… is that Mr. Rimuru really your friend?"
A female elf leaned into him, her body pressing gently against his. Perhaps because she was an elf, Granstar didn't seem to mind.
"Yes, Eve. Don't underestimate Rimuru. He may look harmless, but his strength is immense. That said, he has the personality of a soft-hearted old man."
His evaluation was honest and thoughtful.
Eve covered her small mouth in surprise.
"A slime… with that much power?"
"By the way, the landlady asked me to talk to you."
Eve tiptoed, her lips brushing close to his ear with a teasing grin.
"She wants to introduce you to the Elf Queen."
"The Elf Queen?"
Granstar paused, thoughtful. Of course he knew the kind of person the Elf Queen was. Best to avoid that kind of trouble for now.
"Tell Madam Resina I appreciate her kindness, but now isn't the time. I'll meet the Elf Queen when the time is right."
He politely declined the offer.
"Oh… I see."
Eve looked a little disappointed. For some reason, she felt a strange warmth toward this male elf. Especially when standing close to him—her magic would stir in curious ways.
Granstar ignored her flirtations and asked instead:
"Eve, do you know where Minister Vesta lives?"
"I do… but why do you want to know?"
In the prison...
"This is too much, Lord Rimuru! You haven't even taken me there yet!"
Gobuta wailed, hanging awkwardly in the cell beside Rimuru.
"Shut up, Gobuta."
Rimuru was visibly annoyed.
"This is the second time I've been thrown in jail today—and I've gotta babysit you on top of that."
"Alas, it's all my fault for dragging you into this, Lord Rimuru,"
Kaijin bowed his head, his voice laced with guilt. He also turned to the others, offering a sincere apology. "I'm sorry for implicating you all with my rash actions."
"Brother Kaijin, don't blame yourself," one of the dwarf brothers said firmly. "That Vesta has been targeting us more than once or twice."
"That's right! If anyone's to blame, it's that bastard Vesta. He's unbearable," the other chimed in.
Even Rimuru nodded. "Seriously, I've never met anyone as detestable as that guy."
But Kaijin shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Don't say that. Perhaps Vesta turned out this way because of me. After all… he was once my subordinate."
It was then that the truth came out—
Kaijin had once served as the captain of a working unit under one of the Seven Kingdoms' knight orders. Back then, Vesta had been his adjutant. During that time, an incident involving the creation of a [Magic Soldier] occurred…
In the aftermath, Kaijin was framed by Vesta and held solely responsible. He was dishonorably discharged and forced to resign from his position as captain.
And then came the day of judgment.
For many years, few had dared to defy the laws of the kingdom. This case was so serious that it drew the personal attention of the king himself.
Rimuru and the others, bound once again in shackles, were escorted into the royal palace's judgment hall by a squad of dwarf soldiers.
Rimuru glanced around curiously, then looked up—
Seated high above on the throne was the king himself.
Out of everyone in this country, this was the one person Rimuru least wanted to see. After all, he was here to recruit people—and getting caught in the act was not part of the plan.
And that magic aura… it was overwhelming.
Rimuru felt a chill. If I still plan on taking Kaijin and his group with me… escape might not be possible now.
Is this the pressure of the Hero King, Gazel Dwargo?
His instincts were blaring. The threat this man radiated was immense.
At the king's feet knelt a man clad in judge's robes, holding a thick code of law in his hands. Rising, the man announced in a loud, clear voice:
"Let the judgment begin!"
Rimuru and the others weren't even allowed to speak. Only a designated representative could defend them during the trial.
What kind of messed-up court is this? There's no justice at all!
"The victim may now step forward and give testimony."
All eyes turned as Vesta entered the hall, limping dramatically.
Kaijin and the others exchanged confused looks. He only got punched once last night…
Apparently, Vesta had gone to great lengths to make himself look more pitiful.
Admire! Truly admire such dedication to being a scumbag, Rimuru thought dryly.
Vesta nearly burst into tears under the attention.