Thus, amidst the busyness, another week passed. With the assistance of Emilia, Esdeath, and the others, Takeru could sense the nation gradually getting on track.
During this period, envoys from more distant nations had also arrived. Takeru welcomed those bearing goodwill, while showing no courtesy to those with malicious intent.
Figures such as Marquess Miora, through Takeru's series of policies and methods, had become completely convinced, pledging their wholehearted loyalty to Takeru.
Now, however, Takeru no longer wished to waste further time here. Temporarily entrusting the kingdom to Emilia's management, Takeru prepared to further explore this world.
"What? Takeru, you're leaving here?" Within the palace, Takeru had gathered Emilia, Diablo, and the others together, and stated his intentions.
"Wait, then what about this kingdom?"
"Having you all here is sufficient. Of course, it's not that I won't return. I'll leave behind a clone. Should anything arise, I will come back." Seeing everyone's nervous expressions, Takeru spoke helplessly.
"Then I want to go with you!" Hearing Takeru say this, Leone and Mine quickly spoke up.
"No. The nation's operations still require your contributions." Hearing their words, Takeru refused without hesitation.
"Then Nee-san and Rem can accompany you, right? We haven't been involved in the nation's operations." Upon hearing Takeru's words, Rem quickly interjected.
"No. You both are also top-tier combat power for the nation. Some battles will still require your presence. And Diablo, as the empire's general, don't say anything foolish either." After refusing Rem and Ram, Takeru turned to Diablo and spoke.
"I understand. Since Takeru-sama wishes for me to protect this nation, I shall endeavor diligently." Hearing Takeru's words, Diablo sighed lightly and nodded respectfully.
Witnessing Takeru reject everyone's proposals, the girls felt somewhat unwilling. However, they did not oppose Takeru's decision.
Though they wished to be with Takeru, if working separately could help him, they would strive to do their utmost.
As for Takeru, seeing everyone compromise, he breathed a sigh of relief. Although he could simply leave a clone here and depart with his main body, during the night, Takeru would not allow his clone to engage in intimacy with them, and they would undoubtedly discover the discrepancy...
Nevertheless, although departing, returning would be instantaneous. The reason for his departure was that he had already collected considerable materials for Beginner Enhancement Potions, and also needed to check on Tsumugi's situation.
Thus, Takeru bid farewell to everyone, left behind a shadow clone, and his main body directly vanished from the spot.
…
Meanwhile, in the Jura Forest, Rimuru, who had been inspecting his territory, noticed the shouts of Rigurd, who had already evolved into Goblin King.
"What's the matter?" Looking at Rigurd, Rimuru inquired curiously.
"Yes. Rigur's sentry squad reports suspicious individuals detected in the forest." Looking at Rimuru, Rigurd rapidly conveyed the information.
"Monsters?"
"No, humans."
"Humans..." Hearing Rigurd's words, Rimuru was somewhat surprised. However, due to Takeru and Tsumugi, Rimuru currently felt quite favorably disposed toward humans.
"Yes. Perhaps they are an investigation team from some nation attempting territorial expansion." Hearing Rimuru's murmur, Rigurd voiced his own concerns.
Having evolved, his intelligence had also increased, granting him greater understanding of nations and such entities than before.
Hearing Rigurd's words, Rimuru fell into contemplation. Just then, he suddenly sensed an incredibly terrifying oppressive force emanating from the earthen house not far away.
Although Takeru had restrained it, monsters of a certain strength could perceive the dreadful power contained within.
This degree of intimidation, apart from what Rimuru had experienced from the Storm Dragon, Veldora Tempest, even the Hero King of the Dwarves, Gazel Dwargo, had not impressed him so deeply.
However, someone appearing directly in that house gave Rimuru little cause for concern. After all, that house had been built and occupied by Takeru. Someone appearing there was most likely Takeru himself.
Indeed, as the door opened, Rimuru spotted Takeru's familiar figure.
"Hi, Rimuru, and Ranga and Rigurd. Long time no see." Having emerged, Takeru immediately noticed Rimuru and the others and walked directly over.
"Takeru-san, long time no see." Seeing Takeru appear directly there, Rigurd was somewhat surprised. He had not witnessed Takeru's arrival.
"I established a teleportation node there before leaving." Seeing the puzzled expressions of Rigurd and the others, Takeru explained with a light laugh.
"Teleportation, I see." Hearing Takeru say this, Rimuru nodded understandingly.
"Well, several weeks apart, your town here is beginning to take shape." Scanning the surrounding structures, Takeru remarked with a light laugh.
"Haha, this is all thanks to you. Without your earth magic, we could never have developed so rapidly." Hearing Takeru's words, Rimuru said with emotion.
"Is that so? Where has Tsumugi gone?" Subsequently, Takeru inquired. The house was extremely clean, and Tsumugi's room still contained her personal belongings. Thus, Takeru knew that after his departure, Tsumugi had continued residing there.
"She went hunting with Houndoom." Hearing Takeru's words, Rimuru directly stated.
"Oh, right, Rimuru-sama, what should we do about those suspicious individuals?" Hearing Takeru mention Tsumugi, Rigurd recalled the very reason he had approached Rimuru.
"Has something happened?" Hearing his words, Takeru asked curiously.
"Yes. The sentry squad just reported suspicious individuals detected in the forest. We suspect they might be an investigation team from some nation attempting territorial expansion." Hearing Takeru's inquiry, Rigurd directly informed him of the situation.
"Is that so? I understand. I'll accompany you to take a look. After all, I am human as well. Should anything arise, I might be of some assistance." Hearing his words, Takeru directly stated.
"Ah, thank you so much!" Hearing Takeru say this, Rimuru said gratefully.
…
Meanwhile, in the forest, four individuals were desperately fleeing, pursued by several massive red ant monsters.
"It's Kaval-sama's fault! He had to go poke the giant ant nest with his sword!" Amidst the frantic flight, a man in green, appearing middle-aged, shouted at the man running at the forefront.
"An... annoying! Don't talk back to the captain!" The man called Kaval retorted angrily.
"This captain is far too careless! If I die, I'll haunt you as a ghost, appearing by your pillow!" A girl in mage attire, running in the middle, spoke with tears in her eyes.
"Ahahaha, that's impossible... because... I'll be dying together with you!" Hearing the girl's words, Kaval revealed a deranged smile and shouted loudly.
"Nooo...!" Upon hearing his words, the girl couldn't help but scream.
At that moment, the masked girl at the very rear suddenly halted.
"Shizu-san!" Noticing the masked girl's action, the female mage called out nervously.
Shizu, having stopped, directly drew her sword. Mana surged around her, and crimson flames enveloped her blade.
Then, watching the rapidly approaching giant ants, Shizu poised herself. Finally, as a giant ant drew near, she unleashed an immensely powerful flame magic, engulfing it. With an explosion, the approaching giant ants fell dead, their bodies still burning with intense flames.
Subsequently, spotting the surviving giant ants further back, Shizu leaped, landing above one ant. Her flame-imbued blade easily sliced through its head.
The instant she landed, she took the opportunity to cut down another charging ant.
Upon landing, Shizu did not pause. She charged directly at the ants, still reacting belatedly. Evading a biting attack, she slashed through an ant's chest. Then, with a high leap, she landed atop the final ant and unhesitatingly thrust her blade into its head.