That time I got reincarnated as a slime,no, a DRAGON?

CH-38 The Council (Behind the scenes)

Rimuru's POV

I along with Veldora, Ramiris and Milim were playing, I mean, researching and experimenting in the labyrinth. We would fight and defeat any adventurers we would come across. Just as we defeated an adventurer group, I sensed someone close. Due to that we all quickly seperated from our avatars and took over our real body. The visitors were Frey accompanied by Valora, Shuna and Rigurd.

"Milim, I wonder why my guard was unconscious. I hope that you have done your homework." Frey said.
"Milim? You had work to do? You could have told us, you know. We wouldn't have asked you to help us with our research" I said pushing the entire guilt on her.
"Rimuru? Wait. Frey I can explain."
"I am sure you can. So let's go back."

Frey literally holds Milim by the ear and flew off. Wow. I guess it takes guts to go against Frey. I mean, even an ancient demon lord couldn't do anything to her.

"By the way Rimuru-sama, what were you doing these past days?"
"Um...... that, you see, I was doing some work." Just as i was about to ask Veldora for help, he spoke.
"Rimuru. I am going back to my room to continue my research. This subject is quite interesting. Even I might learn something from this."
I thought he would help me. You traitor. But that doesn't matter. Raphael, you are my last hope. Help me.
<Understood. Master has no need to make an excuse.>
Huh? What do you mean?

"Ah. Rimuru-sama, I have been looking for you. We received a letter from the Western Council."
"Ah. Möllie, I was expecting you."
"Is that so?"
How did this happen? I knew they would make a move, but this perfect timing?

"Ya. There were spies in the labyrinth as well. So I played with them a bit. They just ran away then and reported back to their homeland."
"Ah. Could you be talking about Green Fury?"
"Yep. They were obviously hired by Ingrassia."
"I see." Shuna said and smiled. I am glad I managed to fool her.

Meanwhile

The Council of the West.

It was a council made of all the Western Countries, no matter how big or small. Each country deliberated together and had an equal say. The main aim of this Council was anti-monster measures. But they also dealt with floods, draughts, earthquakes or any other natural disaster that might occur to one of its member nation.

Funding for the council was provided by its member nation. Not all countries were equally well off. Some counties paid much more than others. But the fact that they had equal share of power enraged the countries that paid more than others. So, to counter this, a new law was made. Countries could have more dignitaries attending by paying a large sum of money for each new member. The cost of each new representative would increase exponentially. Even a super power like Farmuth could only send five dignitaries. Thus, fall of Farmus and rise of Tempest was a major issue. Due to this, tension was running high in the council.

As such, a special meeting was held to decide what to do. Hinata Sakaguchi, the right hand of God, was invited to act as an impartial observer, given her close relationship to Demon Lord Rimuru.

Hinata's POV

"An invitation?  From the council no less?" I asked.
"Yes. Just deny it. What is it about anyway?"
"It appears to be about the new Demon Lord."
"Rimuru?"
"Hai. Hinata-sama."
"Fine. I will attend it."

During the meeting

What is this? What kind of meeting is this? This stupid ranting has been going on for an hour at the very least. How can these idiots be this unproductive? Like, the meeting with Rimuru which had new kings popping out of nowhere was more productive and to the point than this. How can they continue ranting like this in front of me?