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

CH-40 Council Meeting

Rimuru's POV

I am going towards the council meeting hall with Shuna, Testarossa and Benimaru. After the chat with Hinata yesterday, I am pretty sure that nothing which I hadn't planned for would occur. The representatives might ask me to prevent any monster from escaping the Jura, but I had already planned to do so. This way, adventurers would be forced to come to the labyrinth to make money.

They might also ask me to place some military in each country. Of course, this will make them think that they are using us, but by doing so, they will be indebted to us. So, it would make it easier for us to use them.

As we reached the council hall, I was greeted by the representatives and leaders of countries which were adjacent to Jura. These were the countries that wanted to make friendlier connections with me due to the festival they saw and the safety from the monsters. We exchange basic greeting as a form of courtesy and continue small talk to break the ice.

"A-hem. People. Quit bothering Sir Rimuru. Especially people from small dots on the map with hardly anything to them."
"Indeed, all this rudeness may give Sir Rimuru the wrong idea about our council."

Someone who appeared to be from one of the few countries to have clout in the council came to greet me, or rather, chase away the entourage I had. I wonder who is more rude? Oh well, this is how nobles have always been, be it in this world or my old one. I can already guess that they want my technology from me. They are big enough to have protection, so that is one of the few things they would aim. They might aim at the labyrinth as well.

"You will never have any constructive conversation with people like them, Sir Rimuru."
"I see. Then what would you guys call constructive?"
"Heavens be, Sir Rimuru. Surely you jest."
"Ha ha ha. Sir Rimuru has never had to have any education in noble etiquette, so it stands to reason. But don't worry, we will teach you everything."
"By the way, we heard that you were building quite an interesting thing called the magitrain."

Right. I had given Kaijin some plans to make a train powered by spirit stones. Ramiris was quite interested in it as well. I was first thinking of air transport but that would not be economical at our current level, so I let it be.

"Yes. We are building a magitrain."
"Yes, so my country will love to help and take part in this project."
"Ah yes. My country will be more than happy to help as well. Of course we expect something, well..... you know..... in return."

Oh boy. Rude isn't even cutting this.

"Well, I am sorry to say that a lot of groundwork needs to be done before setting up a magitrain, so I respectfully decline."

"You don't need to worry about that Sir Rimuru, I will talk about it with my country so I hope you can give us a priority in its delivery."

Do they even know what a train is? I am pretty sure they don't. And then they have the guts to say something like this.

"I am sorry, but the magitrain is a long term project. For now it is only with countries that we have friendly ties. Assuming that there is a probability we might not be admitted into the council, I have no obligation to help you. Especially when our countries could be enemies in the future." I say and leave them to their own devices.

Sigh. The day is still young and I am this tired already. Now I am even prouder of my sister who had to deal with this nearly everyday.

"Rimuru-sama, should I remove those insolent bugs from existence?" Testarossa asked. Mind I tell you, it was a tempting suggestion.
"No. If you do that, Hinata is going to chew me out."
"Understood."

We then head into the actual meeting room. The seats were in a fan shape. There was a single chair and desk in the middle for me. Meanwhile Shuna, Testarossa and Benimaru would be standing behind me. Moss is on the lookout for anything that might not be normal. While the meeting is continuing, the representatives are constantly arguing about who should I help and make a deal with it and whatnot. While this was going on, I looked above me. The building had a glass ceiling, completely see-through. It is as if the representatives are asking to be assassinated. I use magic sense and locate nearly 5 different locations which would be perfect for sniping. When I was young, I had to assassinate a few people, so I know a bit about that. Especially with a glass ceiling and nothing in between to protect it, there is literally no way an assassin could fail.

'Moss, I have sent 5 locations to you. Keep a strict eye on these places. If someone wants to assassinate with a gun, these places would be the best.'
'Understood.'

After a load of arguing, the entire meeting boiled down to 3 things.
1) Tempest will adhere to international law.
2)Access to our economic sphere
3)Provision of military power.

The first is understandable. If any country wants to join the council, they must follow its rule. The third is also something I expected. They want us to provide defense against monsters especially those coming from Jura. I had already discussed with Hinata that I would take care of the monsters of Jura while the Holy Knights will take care of monsters from the Barren Land.

The second one, though, was problematic. There is no such thing as a patent in this world. In which case, whoever made the best product took all the credit. Also, some amount of technology had already been released into the world due to the exhibition done by Vesta and Gabil. So they all wanted to have a part in this technological advancement. Yet, they didn't want to do the work itself in their own country. This was due to the Tenma War that occurred whenever a civilization became too developed.

"...... that is all the conditions set for the admission of the Kingdom of Tempest into the council."
"I see." I take out a few papers which had all the discussion that had happened till now and the conditions which had been decided. Some parts had already been corrected with red ink. I had done so with the help of my trusted partner Raphael. I may not have much information on such topics, but I am pretty sure these are topics that are discussed on paper.

"These are a list of all the conditions. I have prepared some doubts and a alternative solutions. If these are accepted, then I have no reason not to join. "

I give these papers to Benimaru, who then hands it over to the chairperson.

"If you have any doubts, I will be glad to discuss."
"No...., no. But could you give us some time to debate on this."
"Very well."

'Testarossa, I am pretty sure we will get one more chance to change the demands, if you have any suggestions, do give them, as you will be the military attachè and will represent me later on.' I say handing one copy of the paper to her.
'Understood. Also Rimuru-sama, I can feel something odd in the room."
'Something odd?'
'Hai. Something akin to my skill 《Dominate》but at a lesser strength.'
'So some sort of mental intervention?'
'It is possible. I am not sure Rimuru-sama.'
'I see. Alright. Just give any recommendations if you have any.'
'Hai.'

Yuuki did say that Mariabell had a skill that could let her control others. But if it is at such a large scale ,then it must be a unique, possible from the sin series as well. If it is from the sin series, I would love to take it. I think there is definitely some sort of connection between the sin and virtue series of skills. Well, I guess I will think about that later.

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