"Don't be so absolute. This matter still needs careful consideration. It's not too late to discuss it later."
"Mm, that's fine."
Subsequently, Lord Lionel and King Gazeru discussed some other matters.
After seeing the long blade forged by Kurobe, King Gazeru agreed to the technology sharing treaty.
Both sides possessed impressive forging techniques, so neither would be at a disadvantage.
After confirming, the two made an agreement.
One month later, an alliance ceremony would be held.
At that time, this news would be announced to the whole world. After handling these matters, Lord Lionel left the Dwarf Kingdom with the Pleiades... Inside the bar on Nazarick's Ninth Floor.
The bartender Pichy was elegantly shaking a cocktail shaker in his hand.
Sitting in front of the bar was a regular customer, the butler's assistant, Eclair.
Since his penguin-shaped hands couldn't hold a glass, after Pichy finished mixing a special cocktail, he would specifically prepare a straw for Eclair.
The usually quiet bar had welcomed two lively guests these past two days.
"Ding-a-ling!"
The door was pushed open.
Albedo, still in her pure white gown, with her black wings slightly folded behind her, looking exceptionally noble and beautiful, stepped in.
Immediately after, Shalltear, dressed in a dark red gothic lolita outfit, followed her in.
"My two ladies, what would you like to drink?" Pichy asked with a smile.
"A whisky."
"Scarlet Mary, please."
The two women ordered their drinks and then sat down next to Eclair.
"Oh, my two beautiful ladies, you've come again today."
Eclair asked with a smile.
"Gulp! Gulp!"
Neither of them paid him any mind, directly picking up their glasses and taking several gulps.
"Whoa~~" x2
Just a few seconds after swallowing, a faint blush appeared on their faces.
"Lady Shalltear, you shouldn't drink a Bloody Mary so quickly."
"Shut up!"
"Gulp! Gulp!"
The two continued to chug their drinks, then placed their empty glasses down.
"Ugh~ I'm a bit drunk."
"I remember Lady Albedo should be immune to poison."
"Bang!!"
Albedo slammed the table and glared fiercely at Pichy.
"...It, it might be because you drank too fast, there's nothing that can be done."
"Hmph, another one!"
"...Alright."
Pichy wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and began mixing drinks again.
At this moment, Eclair took a sip of the colorful cocktail from his glass with a straw and said,
"Speaking of which, I've been seeing you two ladies here quite often lately."
Shalltear put down her glass. "There's nothing we can do, Lord Lionel hasn't been spending much time with us lately."
Hearing this, Albedo also sighed, "Now he doesn't even take us to formal occasions."
"Although Lord Lionel has been spending a lot of time with Shuna these days, he's only asking her questions."
"Gulp!"
Shalltear continued, "In other words, since Lord Lionel doesn't have a new lover, it must be because of us two!"
"It must be that I haven't done well enough. Is it because my chest is too small?"
Shalltear looked down and her face immediately became dejected.
"Sigh~"
Albedo tilted her head back and downed the remaining wine in her glass.
"But if that's the reason, why doesn't Lord Lionel even pay much attention to me?"
Albedo scratched her hair in distress.
"...Ladies, could it be that you were too clingy to Lord Lionel before, and it backfired?"
Eclair couldn't help but interject.
"Hmm... Is that so?"
"...P-perhaps."
Albedo and Shalltear exchanged glances, then nodded.
"Then we'll be more careful next time?"
"...Mm."
...After Lord Lionel returned to the Nazarick Principality, before he could even rest, new matters came knocking.
As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, a green magic circle lit up in front of him.
The Treant Treyni slowly emerged from the magic circle.
"Lord Lionel, emergency!"
"Oh? Treyni, what brings you to me today?"
"Lord Lionel, I wish to ask for your aid!"
Treyni's tone was very anxious. "The Hogheads are leading an army of 200,000, eroding the forest."
"According to the information I've received, the Pig-Headed Emperor, a rarity seen only once in a century, has been born."
"You want me to send troops to subjugate the Hoghead Army?" Lord Lionel raised an eyebrow.
"That's right."
Treyni nodded solemnly. "In the forest, only your forces can contend with the Hoghead Army. I hope you can dispatch elites to help."
"Is that so... Alright then, is a hundred people enough?"
"This..."
"A hundred people?"
Treyni was stunned. "The Hoghead Army numbers 200,000, I'm afraid..."
"No problem. Besides, the Hogheads are invading from the southwest, which is too far from here."
"If I send a large army, the situation would be dire by the time they arrive."
"There's a town nearby whose master has the ability to defeat the Pig-Headed Emperor. This matter can be entrusted to him, and I will send my elites to rendezvous."
Lord Lionel nodded lightly. "Sebas, inform Benimaru to make a trip. For the exact location, he can contact Souei; he should be nearby."
"As you command, my lord!"
Sebas bowed respectfully and then headed towards the training grounds outside the city.
Immediately after, Lord Lionel waved his hand and left.
Treyni had no better option but to rush towards the town Lord Lionel mentioned... Inside Goblin Town.
The town had been rebuilt after the great fire.
Under the efforts of over a thousand Goblins, the town had been completely revitalized.
In the center of the town, more than a dozen buildings had been erected, along with a spacious central plaza.
Everyone was diligently working.
Two days prior, Eren and her two companions couldn't stay long due to their mission.
Rimuru gave them a farewell gift: custom-made armor, staffs, magic robes, and more.
After swapping out their ragged gear, they actually looked half-decent.
Before leaving, Rimuru asked Captain Kabaru to pass a message to the guild master.
Rimuru had always dreamed of becoming an adventurer, but identity checks were a hassle—after all, he was a monster now.
Clearly bribed by the equipment Rimuru had given him, Kabaru thumped his chest. "No problem, leave it to us."
The trio then continued their mission to investigate the anomalies in the forest.
Rimuru, meanwhile, kept developing his town.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!