"Not holding the Orcs accountable?"
When Rimuru voiced his stance, the people gathered around him showed faint confusion. Still, no one immediately objected. They understood that this was not a statement made lightly. They needed to hear him out first.
"Regarding this Orc invasion," Rimuru continued calmly, "I know that everyone here has suffered significant losses."
His gaze moved across the tent, steady and unhurried.
"While I could say that the Orcs had their own hardships, that they were deceived and manipulated by a Demon Lord, those facts alone cannot absolve them of their crimes."
He paused briefly before going on.
"When we fought the Orc Disaster, Geld, we spoke. At that time, I made him a promise. I told him that I would devour his sins, along with the sins of the Orcs."
The air grew heavier.
"Now, the actions of the Orcs-their sins-I will bear them all."
Rimuru's tone did not waver.
"So, according to the law of the jungle that governs us monsters, I believe none of you will reject this judgment. Am I wrong?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Rimuru turned his head toward Benimaru, who was seated nearby.
"Benimaru. Your village was destroyed by the Orcs. Do you have any objections?"
Benimaru did not hesitate.
"None," he replied evenly. "I believe the dead would also raise no objections. The law of the jungle is the only absolute rule shared by all monsters."
He straightened slightly.
"When we chose to face war rather than flee, we had already resolved ourselves to its consequences. We have no objections to Lord Rimuru's decision."
After Benimaru spoke, Hakurou, Shion, and Souei followed suit, expressing the same stance without reservation.
There was no dissent within their ranks.
Seeing this, Rimuru turned his attention back to the others in the tent.
As his gaze swept over them, the space fell into silence. The leaders and representatives of the various races exchanged uneasy looks, none daring to speak first. They feared offending the being standing before them.
Meanwhile, the Orc representatives-the very subjects of the discussion-were visibly shaken. Their expressions carried disbelief and emotion. None of them had expected protection, let alone acceptance.
Just as the silence threatened to stretch on, the Lizardman leader stepped forward.
"We naturally agree with Lord Rimuru's judgment," he said. "After all, we were saved by you. We have no standing to bargain."
He paused, then continued.
"However, there is one question I must ask."
Rimuru nodded.
"Please, go ahead."
"Does Lord Rimuru intend to allow the Orcs to live within the Great Forest of Jura?"
"Hiss-"
A sharp intake of breath rippled through the tent.
The question itself sent shockwaves through the gathered races. One hundred thousand Orcs. A race infamous for rapid reproduction. If they were permitted to remain in the forest, the consequences were obvious.
Aside from Rimuru's town, very few races could withstand Orc pressure. Under the law of the jungle, weaker groups would inevitably be driven from their homes.
These were Orcs who had nearly starved themselves into madness.
One by one, eyes turned toward Rimuru.
"That's right," he said simply. "That's exactly my intention."
The moment his answer landed, the tent erupted into chaos.
Voices overlapped. Protests rose. Fear and anger spilled into the air.
Before Rimuru could respond, a presence surged forward.
Emiya Shirou, who had been quietly observing, narrowed his eyes. A sharp, oppressive aura burst from his body, crashing down on the room like a blade.
"Silence."
The effect was immediate.
"Yes, Lord Emiya!"
The assembled leaders trembled as one, responding instinctively. The discussions died instantly, leaving behind a suffocating quiet.
They did not know Emiya Shirou well. But before the meeting, Treyni had warned them.
That red-haired human was an existence even more terrifying than Rimuru.
Feeling that chilling aura firsthand, none dared to speak again.
Emiya Shirou's voice was calm.
"I understand your concerns. But this is not a matter up for debate."
His gaze hardened.
"This is an announcement."
He turned toward the Orc representatives.
"From today onward, all Orcs will be subordinates of Rimuru and myself. Do any of you object?"
The Orcs dropped to their knees without hesitation.
"We pledge our lives to Lord Emiya and Lord Rimuru!"
Their voices were unified, resolute.
Emiya Shirou nodded once.
"Good."
He gestured toward Rimuru, signaling him to continue.
Rimuru smiled faintly and gave Emiya a quick wink.
The two had already discussed today's proceedings the night before. A clear division of roles. One to intimidate. One to reassure.
Looking at the tense faces before him, Rimuru spoke again, his tone lighter.
"Everyone," he said with a smile, "let us form the Jura Forest Great Alliance."
"The Jura Forest Great Alliance?"
Confusion spread through the tent.
Rimuru had already shifted into his human form, standing at ease. Most of those present exchanged uncertain glances.
Only Treyni looked genuinely delighted.
"This Orc incident," Rimuru continued, "was not merely an accident caused by famine."
He let his words settle.
"It was a crisis that was bound to happen."
His eyes moved from face to face.
"As for the reason, I believe you all understand it yourselves."
He stated it plainly.
"The disappearance of the Storm Dragon, Veldora."
Understanding rippled through the crowd.
Of course.
If Veldora had not vanished, no Demon Lord would have dared to encroach upon this forest.
"After Veldora, the guardian of the forest, disappeared," Rimuru said, "this land became a coveted prize in the eyes of countless powerful beings."
He continued without pause.
"Not only Demon Lords, but also the Eastern Empire, which seeks to invade the Western Nations, will eventually set its sights here."
His voice grew firmer.
"This forest is destined to become a battlefield."
Rimuru stepped into the center of the tent.
"Knowing this future, will you simply watch it unfold?"
He raised his voice.
"Everyone. Lend us your strength."
"Shirou and I will protect you."
"Let us form a great alliance."
"The Orcs will serve as our soldiers, strengthening our collective power. Even with one hundred thousand mouths to feed, it can be done-so long as we stand together."
He met their eyes.
"And I will become a Demon Lord."
"A new one."
"One who will protect you all."
At his side, Emiya Shirou smiled.
"With us here," he added casually, "any Demon Lord or Empire that dares to reach into this forest will lose their hands."
The pressure in the tent shifted.
The Lizardman leader was the first to move.
He dropped to one knee.
"Please allow us to join Lord Rimuru's and Lord Emiya's ranks!"
His voice rang out clearly.
One by one, the others followed.
"Please allow us to join Lord Rimuru's and Lord Emiya's ranks!"
"Please allow us to join Lord Rimuru's and Lord Emiya's ranks!"
The tent filled with kneeling figures.
Rimuru and Emiya Shirou exchanged satisfied glances.
At that moment, Treyni stepped forward.
"I, Treyni, acting as the administrator of the forest," she declared, "hereby swear my oath."
She bowed deeply.
"I recognize Lord Rimuru and Lord Emiya Shirou as the allied leaders of the Great Forest of Jura."
"And in the name of these two lords, I formally establish the Jura Forest Great Alliance."
As her words echoed, Benimaru and the others stepped forward as well.
They knelt together with the assembled races.
"Greetings, Allied Leaders!"
In that moment, the Great Forest of Jura submitted itself to Rimuru and Emiya Shirou.
🔥🔥 You can find 30 chapters ahead here
Support link: pat-reon.com/Redon1
Just remove the -
Also other exciting fanfic available 🔥🔥
More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 250 power stones = Bonus Chapter
Give me more Power Stones