After Luminus had her moment with Veldora — and by "moment," I mean casual punishment — we all made our way toward the meeting hall in Tempest.
Along the way, Hinata's eyes kept drifting toward the strange machines and workers moving through the city.
They weren't like anything she'd seen in this world.
Not magic-based.
"So... mind explaining how Earth-style machines are here?" she asked Rimuru, voice laced with curiosity — and more than a little skepticism.
Rimuru gave her a small smile. "That's part of the Development Program from Eden. They're here to improve road quality, plumbing, sanitation — basic infrastructure."
Hinata raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.
"Development Program from Eden?"
"Yes," Rimuru said, nodding. "Under the Eden Accord, they've invested heavily in Tempest. Sent over engineers, planners, and even some automated systems to help us modernize."
She let out a quiet sigh, rubbing her temple.
"Oh right... I almost forgot you're part of the Eden Accord after everything that happened today."
I smirked slightly, walking beside them with my hands in my pockets.
"You say it like it's a bad thing."
She shot me a dry look.
"I just find it hard to believe someone would invest so much without expecting something in return."
I tilted my head slightly.
"How so? How is a one-billion investment even a debt?"
Rimuru blinked, then turned to me with wide eyes.
"One billion ?! Wait — Tempest's GDP is barely five billion!"
I gave him a calm smile.
"And with the right investments, you'll grow beyond even one of the smaller cities in Eden."
He stared at me for a beat.
Then groaned.
"One of the smallest cities in Eden... huh."
Hinata, still trying to process everything, crossed her arms.
"But wait... where is Eden, exactly?"
She looked between us, expression thoughtful.
"I've read reports about an advanced nation existing... but that's about it. No maps. No records. Just rumors."
I chuckled softly.
"Good. That means the leackage protocols are working."
She frowned.
"That's not an answer."
I glanced ahead, watching as Eden's personnel worked alongside Tempest's citizens — machines humming quietly, roads being reinforced, power lines being installed with near-perfect efficiency.
"No, it isn't," I admitted. "But maybe it's better if I show you instead."
Rimuru sighed beside me.
"Great. Another mystery."
Hinata didn't look convinced.
But she didn't argue either.
The knights around us listened in silence, their expressions carefully neutral — though I could feel their curiosity burning beneath the surface.
Who was this man?
Why did he speak to the King of Tempest so casually?
Why did Rimuru not correct him?
They didn't ask.
Didn't dare.
Because even without showing it, they knew — there was something off about me.
We reached the Council Hall.
Everyone took their seats — Hinata beside Luminus.
I lingered by the doorframe for a moment, arms crossed.
"So, Rimuru," I said, voice calm, "do you want me to attend… or should Eden stay out of this matter?"
Rimuru glanced up from his seat at the head of the table.
He paused — just long enough to consider the weight of my presence here.
Then he gave a small smirk.
"Nah, I wouldn't want to trouble you," Rimuru said, waving a hand casually. "You've got Eden to run. Probably way more important stuff than sitting through another political meeting."
I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms behind my head.
"Come on, Rimuru," I said with a faint grin. "Since when has trouble ever stopped you?"
He chuckled, shaking his head slightly.
"Fair point."
Luminus, who had been watching our exchange quietly, finally spoke.
"You're not here just to observe, are you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
I didn't deny it.
Instead, I let my gaze drift toward the window — where the streets of Tempest bustled with life, workers moving alongside machines that didn't belong in this world.
"Just making sure things go smoothly," I said simply.
Hinata, seated across from me, raised an eyebrow.
"Smoothly? You mean your way."
I gave her a lazy smile.
"That's what 'smooth' means."
Rimuru groaned, but there was no real annoyance in it.
"Alright, alright. If you're staying, then let's get started."
With that, the meeting officially began.
But everyone in the room knew one thing for certain.
This wasn't just a discussion anymore.
Not with Eden involved.
I let the words settle in the air behind me as I turned and began walking toward my seat — slow, deliberate steps echoing softly against the polished floor.
As I passed by Luminus , I made sure to linger just slightly — not enough to draw attention, just enough for her to notice I was there.
Then, just as I moved past her, I snapped my fingers.
A soft, almost playful sound.
But it wasn't just for show.
She stiffened.
Just a little.
Her eyes flickered — not with pain, not with fear.
With recognition .
A memory she wasn't supposed to have.
A door that should've stayed closed.
As I took my seat beside Rimuru, I leaned back casually, folding my hands behind my head.
I allowed myself a small, inward smile.
'Now you'll remember, Luminus. '
'When did Eve even delete your memories of me?'
It was a minor disruption.
A gentle nudge into uncertainty.
But for someone like her?
It would feel like waking up from a dream she couldn't quite grasp.
Rimuru glanced at me, sensing something had shifted — but not what.
"You good?" he asked quietly.
I gave him a lazy grin.
"Yeah. Just making things interesting."
He sighed.
"Of course you are."
Back down the table, Luminus sat still — expression unreadable, but posture tense.
Hinata looked at her, concerned.
"Lady Luminus?"
Luminus blinked slowly.
Then shook her head.
"...Nothing," she murmured. "Just… déjà vu."
I smirked.
'Déjà vu.'
That was one way to put it.
And the meeting began.
They talked about the future — moving forward cautiously, of the clergy scheming behind the scenes, and the recognition of Tempest by the Western Holy Church as an official nation.
I stayed silent for most of it — arms folded, leaning back in my chair, watching like a ghost lingering on the edge of history.
Then, finally, I spoke.
"I don't get one thing, Rimuru."
The room quieted slightly.
All eyes turned toward me.
"Why is it so important that Tempest is recognized by everyone ?"
Rimuru blinked, caught off guard by the question.
"What do you mean?"
I tilted my head slightly.
"I mean, with the economic block formed between our five nations — Tempest, Dwargo, Blumund, Sarion, and Eden — Tempest's future is basically secured. There's no real threat to our stability anymore."
I let the words hang for a beat.
"Frankly… there's no need to waste time getting validation from minor nations."
The word minor landed like a stone dropped into still water.
Luminus stiffened slightly.
Hinata glanced at me, sensing the provocation.
And then—
One of the Saints — a tall, blonde-haired man with the look of someone used to being respected — slammed his hand down on the table.
"What gives you the right," he snapped, voice sharp with barely-contained anger, "to call Lubelius a minor nation?"
His outburst echoed through the chamber.
Silence followed.
Tense.
Waiting.
Rimuru exhaled slowly, already sensing where this was going.
I didn't flinch.
Didn't even blink.
Instead, I leaned forward — just slightly — letting my gaze settle on the man who dared raise his voice to me.
"My apologies," I said, voice smooth, almost amused. "Did I offend you?"
He didn't back down.
"You insulted Her Majesty Luminus herself."
I gave him a small smile.
"Did I?"
Luminus finally spoke, her tone calm but edged with something dangerous.
"Arno. Sit down."
He hesitated — jaw tight, fists clenched — but obeyed.
I looked at Luminus, tilting my head slightly.
"You're not offended, are you?"
She met my gaze without flinching.
"No," she said simply. "I know what you're doing."
I smirked.
"And what might that be?" I asked, playing dumb.
"You're clearly irritated that I didn't come visit," she shot back without hesitation.
Hinata, seated beside her and clearly lost in the exchange, blinked in confusion.
"Wait… I still don't get one thing," she said, raising a hand hesitantly.
I turned slightly toward her, offering a polite nod.
"And what might that be?"
She hesitated for a moment before asking the question everyone had been too afraid or too distracted to ask until now.
"Who exactly are you?"
A beat of silence followed.
Even Rimuru leaned forward slightly, as if eager to hear how I would answer.
I gave a small chuckle, standing up slowly.
"Oh. It seems I forgot to introduce myself properly."
Luminus exhaled through her nose, shaking her head slightly.
Rimuru grinned.
"Yeah, you did kind of skip that part."
I stepped forward, and gave a slight bow — not overly dramatic, just enough to show respect without giving away too much.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," I said smoothly. "I am the King of Eden, Progenitor Nox."
Then I sat back down like I hadn't just dropped a bomb on the room.
The effect was immediate.
Across the table, the blonde-haired Saint — the same one who had snapped at me earlier — paled visibly.
Sweat formed on his brow.
He wasn't the only one shaken.
The other representatives exchanged uneasy glances.
They had heard of Eden.
Whispers of an advanced, hidden superstate.
But no one expected its ruler to be sitting here, sipping tea like a casual observer.
Even Hinata looked stunned.
"...You're the ruler of Eden? "
I gave her a lazy smile.
"I try not to lead with that. People tend to get weird about it."
Luminus let out a soft sigh, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
"You really are impossible."
I glanced at her, amused.
"But lovable."
She didn't dignify that with a response.
Instead, she shook her head and muttered under her breath, "Of course you are."
Rimuru, meanwhile, watched me with a new kind of curiosity.
Not fear.
Not awe.
Just quiet understanding.
Then they spoke, voice low but clear.
"You never told us you had a name."
Luminus nodded slightly.
I raised an eyebrow.
"You never asked. That's why."
I let the words hang for a beat before adding with a smirk,
"But don't get any weird ideas about calling me Nox . 'Progenitor' is all you get."
Rimuru blinked, clearly puzzled.
"Why is that?"
His voice carried genuine curiosity.
Just interest.
And I appreciated that.
I leaned back in my chair, folding my hands behind my head as I gazed at the ceiling.
"If you want to call me Nox," I said casually, "you either have to be my equal in power… or someone close to me."
I paused, letting the weight of the statement settle in the room.
"And so you know — only five individuals meet that criteria as of now."
The silence that followed was thick with implications.
Hinata, still catching her breath from earlier, looked between us.
"Five?" she echoed. "So… there are others who can call you by your name?"
I gave her a small smile.
"Yeah. But they're not exactly easy to find."
Luminus studied me carefully.
"And what makes them special?"
I tilted my head toward her.
"They earned it."
That answer wasn't satisfying.
But it was the only one I'd give.
Rimuru exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly.
"I guess that means I've got something else to work toward."
I chuckled.
"Careful, Rimuru. You start calling me Nox without earning it, and people might think you're getting too comfortable."
He smirked faintly.
"Wouldn't want that."
From the corner of the room, Luminus sighed.
"You really do enjoy keeping people guessing."
I grinned.
"It keeps things interesting."
Because names weren't just words to me.
They were privileges.
A sign of trust.
Of closeness.
And in a world where I rarely let anyone see past the mask…
Only a handful ever had the right.
Only five.
For now.
The meeting concluded with Lubelius agreeing to formally recognize Tempest.
Now, we were all gathered around the dining hall, plates full, drinks in hand, tension eased for once.
Conversation flowed easily.
Then Rimuru leaned back in his chair.
"Wait… you can get drunk?"
Luminus gave him a small smirk, lifting her glass of wine.
"Yes. If you weaken poison resistance."
She took a sip, letting the flavor settle on her tongue before swallowing.
"It's been a while," I mused aloud, tapping my fingers against my own untouched glass. "But I remember what it felt like."
Rimuru raised an eyebrow.
"You actually got drunk? Like… real drunk?"
I chuckled.
"Yeah. It's been some time. But I remember it well enough."
He grinned slightly.
"Huh. It's nice to know there's still something that can catch up to you."
I tilted my head thoughtfully.
"That depends," I said, staring at the glass. "It'll be really difficult for me."
"Why?" he asked, genuinely curious.
I glanced at Luminus, then back at him.
'I have over a million different poison resistances layered into my system.'
"Alcohol's basically a mosquito bite compared to what I deal with on a daily basis."
Luminus nearly snorted into her wine.
Rimuru blinked.
Then laughed.
"Still gotta try, man," he said, raising his cup slightly.
I considered that.
Then smiled faintly.
"...Fair point."
With a quiet breath, I closed my eyes — not in sleep, but in focus.
Inside my mind, a thousand layers of defense peeled away — one by one, carefully and deliberately.
[Poison Resistance: Tier ???]
[Alcohol Tolerance: ???]
[Natural Detoxification: ???]
Gone.
Not erased.
Just… paused.
I opened my eyes.
"Alright. Let's see how this goes."
Rimuru grinned.
"Welcome to the human experience, Progenitor."
Luminus gave me a knowing look.
"Just don't blame me when you wake up in the middle of Tempest with no memory of how you got there."
I smirked.
"I'd be more worried if I accidentally erased the world," I said lightly, lifting my glass. "But let's see where this goes."
And with that, I took my first real drink of the night.
The dinner went smoothly — surprisingly so.
Laughter came easier than expected.
Tensions eased.
By the time I reached my tenth glass of whiskey, the conversation had taken a turn.
Hinata, clearly curious — and maybe slightly nervous — turned to Rimuru.
"Have you been to Eden?" she asked.
Rimuru, already leaning slightly to one side and blinking slower than usual, grinned.
"Oh yeah," he slurred just a little. "It's nothing you could even dream of. It's like Earth… but five hundred years into the future."
Hinata blinked.
A cold bead of sweat formed on her temple.
"Really? It must be a nice place then."
Rimuru nodded sagely, as if he were some kind of ambassador of Eden.
"It is. People get free healthcare. Poverty isn't even a word. And that's not even the best part."
He leaned forward dramatically.
"They have snacks that never run out."
I nearly snorted into my drink.
Luminus, gave him a flat stare.
"...That's what stuck with you?"
He didn't respond — just stared at his cup like it held the secrets of the universe.
Hinata looked between us, clearly trying to process the idea of an entire nation functioning like a utopia.
"I... see," she murmured, clearly not expecting it to be that perfect.
Then I sighed, shaking my head.
"Rimuru," I said, voice light but teasing, "what did I say about being overly talkative while drunk?"
He blinked slowly.
"You said not to tell anyone about the secret base under the castle," he mumbled.
I rolled my eyes.
"That too."
Before I could say more, Luminus tilted her head slightly, watching me with a faint, playful smile.
"You're pretty drunk yourself," she noted.
I glanced at my own glass — still full, but dangerously close to empty.
"Hmm," I hummed, smirking slightly. "Maybe."
With a quiet flick of my fingers beneath the table.
Just for fun.
A soft ripple passed through the air — unnoticed by everyone else.
But now?
Now Luminus' natural defenses — including her poison resistance — were completely disabled.
She wouldn't notice until it was too late.
I snapped my fingers once, lightly tapping the rim of her wine glass.
"Let's see how you handle it."
She raised an eyebrow.
Then smiled.
"You're terrible."
"And you love it," I replied easily.
She didn't deny it.
Instead, she lifted her glass again — unaware that every sip would hit her harder than it should.
As the night wore on, the drinks kept coming.
And soon enough…
Luminus started showing it.
At first, it was small things — a slight tilt in her posture, a faint flush on her cheeks, a little more openness in her voice.
Then came the laughter.
Soft at first.
Then louder.
More frequent.
More carefree .
Rimuru, now mostly horizontal on the table, muttered something unintelligible before passing out with his face in a plate of salad.
Hinata watched all of this unfold with wide eyes.
"This isn't a dream, is it?" she whispered.
I shook my head.
"Nope. Just a normal evening with god and kings."
Eventually, Luminus leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling like it might give her answers.
"...Why does the room feel like it's spinning?"
I sipped my drink, feigning innocence.
"You drank a lot."
She narrowed her crimson eyes at me.
"...You did something."
I smiled.
"Maybe."
She groaned, rubbing her temples.
"You absolute ass."
"Guilty as charged," I said cheerfully.
I glanced at Luminus — laughing quietly at something Hinata had said, her expression softer than usual.
The next morning, I was woken up abruptly by Eve .
<>
Her voice carried a mix of irritation..
I groaned, shifting slightly.
Then froze.
Because I wasn't in my room.
I blinked slowly, scanning the unfamiliar bedroom.
Rich fabrics.
Soft lighting.
A faint scent of incense and lavender.
Not Eden.
Not Rimuru's guest quarters.
Nope.
This was worse.
This was hers .
'What happened?' I asked inwardly, trying to piece things together through the mental fog.
'Did I… erase a universe by accident?'
<
<
I tried moving again — carefully, cautiously.
That's when I felt it.
A warm weight pressed against my side.
Soft breathing.
Hair draped across my chest.
And—
Oh.
Right.
There was a very real, very naked , very divine body snug against my arm.
I looked down.
Yep.
Luminus.
Still asleep.
Head resting on my shoulder.
Arm wrapped around mine like she didn't want to let go.
<<...Well, this is new.>>
Eve groaned inside my mind.
<
I exhaled slowly.
<
She sighed.
<
I blinked.
I remained still, watching Luminus sleep beside me — her crimson eyes closed, her breathing steady.
She looked peaceful.
Younger.
Human, almost.
I allowed myself a small smile.
'So… did we actually—?'
<
I smirked faintly.
'Still counts as a win.'
Luminus stirred beside me, shifting closer without waking — her bare skin brushing mine.
I stayed still.
Let her rest.
After all…
Even demon lords needed a break sometimes.
And if nothing else…
This was going to be funny as hell when she woke up.
I remained still, letting Luminus rest — her bare skin brushing mine, her breathing soft against my shoulder.
She stirred beside me, shifting slightly — then froze.
Her breath caught.
Her body tensed.
And then…
Her eyes flew open.
For a long moment, she just stared ahead, as if trying to process reality itself.
Then slowly, very slowly, she lifted her head.
Met my gaze.
And blinked.
"...What."
I gave her a small smile.
"Morning."
She didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Just stared at me like I had personally betrayed every law of time, space, and etiquette.
Then, without warning, she grabbed my arm — her grip ironclad.
And threw me backward.
I landed on the bed with a dull thump , barely managing to keep my balance as she sat up sharply, pulling the sheets around herself like armor.
"You absolute ass ," she muttered, rubbing her temples.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Guilty as charged."
She glared at me eyes sharp enough to cut steel.
But beneath the anger?
There was something else.
Confusion.
A flicker of vulnerability.
"You spiked my wine," she accused, voice low and dangerous.
I leaned back, folding my hands behind my head.
"Not technically. I just made sure you couldn't resist it."
She groaned, burying her face in her hands.
"This is not how I imagined waking up today."
I smirked faintly.
"Honestly? Me neither."
She looked up sharply.
"What?"
I shrugged.
"I figured you'd yell first. Maybe punch me. Not cuddle me like I was your favorite pillow."
Her face flushed — not out of embarrassment, but irritation .
"You're impossible."
"And you love it."
She opened her mouth to retort.
Then paused.
Because she realized what I'd done.
Again.
"You did this on purpose," she whispered, narrowing her eyes.
I tilted my head slightly.
"Did I?"
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head.
"You wanted me vulnerable. Off-balance."
I didn't deny it.
Instead, I rolled onto my side, propping myself up on one elbow.
"You were already off-balance, Luminus. I just gave you a reason to fall."
She stared at me.
Then sighed.
And then, surprisingly…
She laughed.
Soft.
Quiet.
Almost fond.
"You really are terrible."
I smirked.
"Still counts as a win."
She shook her head again, the tension finally easing — just a little.
Then, without another word, she moved.
Fast.
In a blur, she straddled me — pinning my wrists above my head, her hair cascading around us like a curtain.
I blinked.
"...That's new."
She smiled.
Sharp.
Beautiful.
Terrifying.
"You wanted me off-balance?" she murmured, voice low and teasing. "Let's see how you handle this ."
I felt the warmth of her presence, the weight of the moment pressing down like gravity itself had decided to favor her.
I didn't struggle.
Didn't smirk.
Just watched her — calm, intrigued, quietly amused.
Then I said the only thing that made sense.
"...Well, since we're here anyway."
Her lips quirked upward.
And then—
She kissed me.
Not gentle.
Not hesitant.
Like someone who had spent centuries watching, waiting, and now finally decided to take .
And I let her.
Because sometimes, even gods needed to feel in control.
Even creators needed to create .
So I stayed still.
Let her lead.
Let her decide where this went.
And when she finally broke the kiss — breathless, cheeks flushed, eyes burning with something deeper than anger or amusement — I simply smiled.
"Still think im overrated?"
She scoffed, tightening her grip on my wrists.
"Don't push your luck."
Then, with a quiet laugh, she leaned in again.
And the world faded into something far more intimate.