-------Rimuru POV--------

After accepting the supervision of the Ratatoskr organization, Shido started communicating with the Fraxinus ship using the communication device on his ear.

That device was attached to the right ear and was well camouflaged so no one else here except Rimuru could see it.

After a while, Shidou turned around and said to Rimuru

"We'll be teleported aboard the <Fraxinus> in a little while so Rimuru... can you change to your regular clothes?"

"Eh? Ah... I forgot."

Rimuru was still wearing the spirit's astral costume, so when he noticed it, he quickly changed his outfit.

But before Rimuru changed, Ciel spoke up.

<<Let me choose your clothes>>

<<Let me choose girl clothes for you again?>>

<<...>> Rimuru knew he was right as Ciel kept silent.

<<Haizz, why do you want to choose my outfit?>>

<<I saw Shuna design a variety of costumes for you and it looked interesting so I... tried to design "several" sets>>

<<What do you mean by a few?>>

<< Specifically 531,000,000 sets, sir>>
Some!!!!

<<That's 'A few' to you!!!>>

<<I can do more if you ask, master>>

Shocked by the number that Ciel considered 'a few', Rimuru could only answer with one sentence.

<<Thank you but..... I will choose my own clothes.>>

Rimuru said and quickly stopped the conversation with Ciel before learning more information that he didn't want to know.

Rimuru's body gradually glowed with a faint light and his astral attire gradually disappeared along with that light.

Rimuru's outfit has now changed to a simple outfit with a white jacket over it and a pair of long black pants.

After changing his clothes, Rimuru looked over at Shidou and he was staring at Rimuru.
Feeling annoyed, Rimuru spoke up

"Can we go yet?"

Rimuru's words brought Shidou back to reality and answered "ah, yeah" and started communicating with the <Fraxinus> ship.

Right after Shidou finished the conversation, Rimuru felt a sensation similar to teleportation.

And right after that, Rimuru appeared on the <Fraxinus> ship and was standing next to Shidou, Tohka, and Yoshino.

In front of Rimuru right now, two people seemed to be welcoming.

One was a little girl who looked to be around Yoshino's age with red hair tied in two braids and a candy cane in her mouth.

Her outfit is a white uniform with a red coat over it.

She was currently standing with her arms crossed looking at Rimuru and exuding confidence.

Beside her, there was another person.
It was a woman with pale skin. She looked like she was in her 20s, she had long, messy hair that was tied into a ponytail on the right side.

Her most striking feature is her eyes which look like she hasn't slept in days.

The red-haired girl slowly walked in front of Rimuru and spoke with a serious face.

"Hello and welcome to <Fraxinus>"

Somewhat confused as to why the smallest girl was the one to speak first while the older one was just standing in the back, Rimuru rolled his eyes and looked back and forth between the two strangers.

Knowing her master's thoughts, Ciel spoke up.

<<Report: The person in front of you is Itsuka Kotori, the spirit <Ifrit> and also the captain of this ship>>

<<Eh? At such a young age, you're already a captain!?>>

Rimuru couldn't understand why or how a child would be made the captain of a modern ship like this.

Is it because this girl is a spirit?

As expected Rimuru knew her identity, that girl showed a smile and spoke with a confident voice.

"I'm Itsuka Kotori, the captain of this ship, which doesn't seem to need an introduction, does it?"

Rimuru was somewhat surprised by the attitude of the girl in front of him.

Only at this age was she able to stand up and talk to Rimuru without showing any signs of hesitation.

This made Rimuru have respect for her.
Knowing that standing in front of her was no ordinary girl, Rimuru prepared for a serious conversation and spoke up.

"Looks like you already know me, but I'll introduce myself again. I'm Rimuru."

Kotori, after hearing Rimuru's words, showed a satisfied smile.

But then suddenly at that moment, the woman on Kotori's right staggered forward.

Her gait looked like she could fall at any moment with her head bouncing back and forth with every step.

And with a tired voice, she spoke up.

"Seriously enough, we don't need to make things more stressful." She said then looked behind Rimuru and continued to speak.

"Tohka, Yoshino your cake has been bought so go to the waiting room and get it."

Just as she finished her sentence, Tohka's excited voice resounded from behind Rimuru.

"Ah! Kinako cake! Great, thank you, Ms. Reine. Let's go, Yoshino!"

"Eh?" Yoshino let out a small surprised sound and was led away by Tohka's right hand.
Yoshinon in her left ear constantly waved her small arms and said

"Yah! Kinako Cake"

And just like that, Tohka and Yoshino disappeared from view……

"They go really fast..." Rimuru muttered and only received a shy laugh from Shidou's side with the statement.

"That's what they are"

Rimuru could only sigh at the childishness of the two of them. Rimuru can expect that from Yoshino but as for Tohka...

Rimuru could only say that Tohka was more childish than Yoshino.

"Ahem!" Kotori cleared her throat to get Rimuru's attention.

When Rimuru looked at Kotori, she began to speak.

"Since it's getting dark by now, Shidou will lead you to the spirit house and give you a brief introduction. You must be tired too. Tomorrow we will conduct some tests." Kotori

Hearing Kotori's words, Rimuru didn't feel tired but nodded and looked at Shidou and waited for him to lead.

"But what about Tohka and Yoshino?" Shidou asked

"They're eating Kinako right now so we'll teleport them back later," Kotori said and turned to go with Reine.

With nothing else to do, Rimuru was led by Shidou to the place called the spirit house.

After being teleported from the <Fraxinus> ship where Rimuru and Shido were teleported to was an empty street rather than the right place.

Although somewhat annoyed by this, Rimuru didn't complain but just followed behind Shidou and let him lead the way.

The whole way Shidou kept looking at Rimuru as if he wanted to say something.
It wouldn't have been worth mentioning if he hadn't repeated that action so many times that it was annoying so Rimuru spoke up.

"Do you have something to say?" Rimuru

Hearing Rimuru's question, Shidou made a somewhat surprised expression and spoke hesitantly.

"Ah... well... Rimuru. The first time we met, you said there was something more important to do, then what was that?" Shido

"Huh?" Rimuru let out a small sound as he didn't anticipate this question from Shidou.
Just as Rimuru showed surprise, Shidou also said in a panic.

"Ah! If you don't feel comfortable talking about it, it's fine." Shido

Rimuru immediately sensed that there was something wrong with Shidou's behavior.
Without thinking much about Rimuru, Ciel quickly answered his master's question.

<<Report: Itsuka Shido personally received instructions from Reine not to delve into his affairs>> Ciel

Rimuru wasn't too surprised to learn that Ratatoskr was still watching Rimuru.

But Rimuru was still a little disappointed that Shidou was only acting according to their instructions and not his own.

Even so, Rimuru could feel that he really wanted to ask Rimuru a lot of things.

"What I want to ask is...why are you suddenly accepting Ratatoskr's management?" Shido
Rimuru thought for a moment before answering.

"I just wanted to see how you guys manage the spirits and then I'll decide." Rimuru

"Huh?" Shidou let out a small sound and then appeared to be thinking about something.
After a while, he continued speaking in an uncertain voice.

"Then... your decision is...." Shidou said and waited for Rimuru's answer.

"I haven't decided yet," Rimuru said casually.
Seeing how Rimuru answered, he spoke up and frowned with displeasure.

"Is that so...." Shidou muttered

Rimuru could only sigh.

He did not understand the complexity of cooperating with another organization nor the fact that the Phantom was still a threat to Rimuru.

Also, Rimuru has to find a way to get them to stop trying to make Shidou... kiss Rimuru.

There were many reasons for Rimuru to refuse but just because Rimuru was soft-hearted towards two spirits he had only met for a few minutes...

While thinking about it, Rimuru heard Shidou's voice.

"We arrive." Shido

With a sigh, Rimuru temporarily put aside the current affairs and entered the house.

The house looks big from the outside, but the inside is smaller because of the thick walls.

The interior design and style are designed like a normal house and look nothing special.

After looking around for a while, Shidou also led Rimuru up to the pre-arranged room.
It is a simple private room, nothing too outstanding, fully furnished for one person to stay in.

"You rest for a while, I'll go downstairs and cook some food. When Tohka and Yoshino come back I'll call you down." Shidou said and started to leave to let Rimuru rest.

After Shidou left, Rimuru closed the door of the room and walked towards the single bed arranged in the corner of the room, and lay down tiredly.

Looking at the ceiling dejectedly, Rimuru began to rethink the problems that needed to be solved.

The most important problem right now is Phantom.

Right after Rimuru pointed out that she was a primordial spirit, for some reason she became hostile and attacked.

And worse than that, during the battle, Ciel also sealed Rimuru's power and transformed his current body into a human body.

Not only that, after fighting with Phantom, Rimuru was also turned into a spirit.

And now there's this organization too!!!
Trouble kept coming.

But just as Rimuru was feeling bad about his day, Ciel spoke up.

<< Master..... I have something to say>> Ciel

<<Hm? What's wrong Ciel>> Rimuru felt a bit surprised that Ciel asked for permission before speaking.

<<Actually, you could always defeat Phantom if you wanted to.>> Ciel

...

...

...

Wait, Ciel just said...

<<HA!?>> Rimuru seemed to want to scream in his head.

There are no words to describe Rimuru's mood right now.

After doing a battle with Phantom and AST.
Avoid being kissed by someone you've met for less than a day.

Tired of constantly having to be on high alert and now just let Ciel say...

Every pass can be solved from the beginning!?!

<<Ciel! We need an explanation!!> Rimuru explained and subconsciously clutched the blanket on the bed while looking up at the ceiling without blinking.

<<In the first place, I intended to teach you a lesson when using the energy that corrupts nothingness wastefully>> Ciel

<<Then why are you telling me now?>> Rimuru

<<Now that things have become more complicated than I expected, the best thing to do is to tell you so you don't have to worry>> Ciel

Hearing Ciel's words, Rimuru closed his eyes, relaxed his body, and sighed.

The fact that the Phantom is not a threat indeed solved most of Rimuru's worries
However....

Rimuru's vacation was turned into a lecture in the scariest way possible by Ciel.

<<You can still stay here for a while, my lord>> 

Ciel spoke up and Rimuru stopped whining immediately.

However, don't be too happy.

Knowing Ciel's personality too well, she would never do anything without a purpose so Rimuru asked.

<<What are you planning to do?>> Rimuru

<<I wish to continue my analysis of spirits, master>> Ciel

<<So is it true that you say spiritual energy is a special ability?>> Rimuru

<< Van, my lord. Reincarnation is an energy that shouldn't exist in this world and is associated with emotions. And also, there are 2 types of spirits>> Ciel

<<Hm? since when did you know there are two types of spirits?>> Rimuru

<<Since those two spirits hugged you, I took the opportunity to analyze their Sephira master>> Ciel

Hearing Ciel's explanation, Rimuru immediately froze...

Ah... Rimuru had always wondered why Ciel didn't show anger or complaint when someone hugged Rimuru but Rimuru didn't protest.

While Rimuru was thinking, Rimuru could feel like Ciel was staring at Rimuru's soul with a sharp gaze.

Feeling like he shouldn't think badly of Ciel (If he wants to be at peace.) Rimuru asked.

<<So what are those two types of spirits?>> Rimuru

<<According to my analysis, there are two types of pure spirits, Tohka and Phantom, and humans converted to spirits like Yoshino.>> Ciel

<<Yoshino was turned into a spirit?>> Rimuru

<<Yes master, I also detected the memory-sealing effect on both Tohka and Yoshino.>> Ciel

Hearing Ciel's words, Rimuru unconsciously furrowed his brows in displeasure.

Turn them into spirits.

Seal their memories and plunge them into a world constantly pursued by anti-spirit squads.

Rimuru didn't like reading other people's memories but still asked Ciel.

<<Hey Ciel, can you read their sealed memories?>> Rimuru

<<Unfortunately I can't, master, it seems that only spiritual power can do that and your Sephira can't do it>> Ciel

<<Is that so...thank you Ciel>> said Rimuru and decided to let himself relax for a while.
Closing his own eyes, Rimuru wasn't tired but decided to go into sleep mode to rest.

------Kotori POV------

Kotori was sitting in <Fraxinus>'s control room, with a lollipop in her mouth as usual, and was looking at the main screen with an unchanged expression.

Sealing Rimuru seemed to be more difficult than Kotori thought.

Unlike other spirits. Rimuru has a very mature, independent personality and doesn't seem to need Ratatoskr's help.

The current Ratatoskr can only manage her but can't seal it when...

Mood: 63

Looking at the mood indicator, Kotori could only close her eyes and sigh.

Just at that moment, Reine stepped in front of Kotori, holding a report in her hand.
With a sleep-deprived face and tired voice as usual

"It seems that Rimuru's weak point is other spirits," said Reine and showed the report to Kotori.

According to the collected data, since Tohka and Yoshino appeared, Rimuru became less hostile and even followed their suggestion that Ratatoskr's sister manages.

But it was also because of that that made Kotori think so much.

"But we can't turn Shidou into a spirit right," Kotori said and sighed.

"But we still have another way," Reine spoke and just as she finished her sentence, two voices came from outside.

"Ah~ Kinako is really delicious isn't it Yoshinon."

"Um! Yoshino feels the same right~"

"Um..."

The metal door of the control room slowly opened and from the outside came Tohka and Yoshino.

"Hm? Where's Shidou?" Tohka said while looking around.

"Shin has returned with Rimuru. Go to the teleportation platform and you will be teleported closer to the house. Let's hurry, Shidou is cooking dinner at the spirit house." Reine

"Yeah! Food!!!" Tohka said and once again grabbed Yoshino's hand and pulled her away.
Seeing the two of them, Kotori sighed and turned back to look at the report.

At this moment, a hand grabbed Kotori's report and took it away.

"Hm?" Kotori

"You should go back to them too, you're probably tired by now, aren't you?" Reine

"But we still report it---" Kotori wanted to object to Reine's statement but was interrupted by Reine.

"You've been working since noon since Rimuru was discovered until it's already evening, you should go back and rest with everyone." Reine

"Ahaha~ you're the only one I don't want to hear 'take a break advice," Kotori said with a sarcastic expression

But when looking at Reine's expression, she looked like she was very serious about this.
With a sigh, Kotori said.

"Okay, the rest is up to you. Remember to rest." Kotori

"Don't worry, I still take sleeping pills regularly (1 potion 1 time). " Reine

------Rimuru POV------

While Rimuru was 'sleeping' on the bed prepared in his private room, Rimuru immediately opened his eyes and sat up.

With a firm voice, Rimuru spoke up.

"Come in" Rimuru

The door slowly opened and from outside, Shidou slowly entered and spoke in a soft voice.

"Ah um... Tohka and Yoshino have returned so I came to invite you downstairs." Shido

"Um, okay," rimuru answered succinctly and quickly got up and went down to the dining room with Shidou.

As soon as he walked down to the dining room, an energetic voice greeted Rimuru.

"Ah! Here's Rimuru, we were looking for you just now!" Tohka

"Is that so... thanks for waiting" Rimuru said and slowly sat down at the table.

The meal is not too fancy and only has a portion of Ramen noodles.

After Shidou settled into his seat, he smiled faintly and spoke up.

"Due to not having enough time, this is all for tonight" Shidou

Despite Shidou's words, Tohka replied excitedly.

"It's okay! As long as Shidou's food will always be delicious!" Tohka said and started eating her portion quickly.

"That's right, Shido-san's food is delicious," Yoshino said in a small voice and started to eat his portion as well.

"Thanks, you two," Shidou said and smiled lightly then looked towards Rimuru's direction as if expecting Rimuru's reaction.

Without waiting for more, Rimuru also slowly picked up the chopsticks and began to eat his portion.

Rimuru slowly savored the taste.

The flavor and taste are rich but not too strong, the mild salty taste of the soy sauce along with the broth has the gravy in it.

"It's delicious, I didn't expect your cooking skills to be so good. It's even better than the restaurant you took me to in the morning" Rimuru said.

Rimuru's assessment seemed to make Shidou feel a little happier as he showed a small smile.

Tohka and Yoshino seemed to be too focused on their food to notice a thing but Rimuru could see Shidou looking at the two of them with a gentle smile.

And suddenly at that moment, there was a knock on the door and Shidou quickly ran to open the door.

Entering was Kotori, who immediately received the attention of Tohka and Yoshino.

"Looks like you're late, is there any left for you?" Kotori said with an innocent look and looked at Shidou

"There's a lot more, feel free to cook more today than usual," Shidou said and started to prepare the noodles for Kotori.

"Thank you very much, Onii-chan!" Kotori said and went to her seat and started talking to Tohka and Yoshino.

Although no one noticed, both Rimuru and Shidou had the same gentle gaze at the interaction between the three of them.

During the meal, sometimes Rimuru only interacted a little with them and usually just stayed outside to listen.

The puppet Yoshinon repeatedly waved its small arms around the table while trying to tell the stories it and Yoshino had experienced together.

Tohka remains active and reacts to nearly every joke Yoshinon says.

Kotori is now acting like a little sister and sometimes criticizes Shidou for being too reckless.

The meal just passed and Rimuru could feel lighter.

And just as Rimuru was about to return to the room, Ciel suddenly spoke up.

<<Master, I have thought of a way to avoid having Shidou personally kiss you, Master>> Ciel

<<What way?>> Rimuru

------Shido POV------

That night, everyone went to their rooms and slept.

Shidou stayed in the kitchen for a while to clean up after the meal.

Tohka, Yoshino, and Kotori all wanted to stay and clean up with Shidou, but he advised them to rest and they agreed.

Rimuru looked like she was also tired so she went to her room earlier than the others.
Shidou hoped that Rimuru would feel more comfortable here.

After finishing his work, Shidou tried to check on each of them to see how they were doing.
Tohka and Yoshino slept comfortably, and Kotori went to his house to sleep.

But when he reached Rimuru's room...
Her room door is still open and---
There's no one in there.

Panicked, he quickly ran into the room and searched for even the slightest sign of Rimuru.

But while he was searching, a soft voice spoke up.

"There's no need to panic looking for me like that."

It was Rimuru's voice and it came from... above the rooftop?

Shidou slowly moved up to the rooftop of the spirit house.

when he looked out onto the balcony, he was greeted by the image of a girl with silver-blue hair that reached down to her back and turned her back to him.

She wore a white coat and black trousers, her petite body accentuated by the faint moonlight of the night.

And with a soft voice, she raised her voice.

"Yo! hello Shidou"

-------Rimuru POV-------

After hearing Ciel's solution to avoid Rimuru being kissed by Shidou it was...

Actively sealing spiritual energy into him.
At first, Rimuru heard that plan and thought it was quite 'self-destruct' but when Ciel explained it, Rimuru understood.

Ciel had analyzed the spiritual energy link at the same time as Tohka and Yoshino, so it was now possible to create a similar link.

However, the decision-making power rests with Rimuru.

Rimuru was currently on the roof of the house thinking.

Under the dim moonlight in the distance, the image of the area devastated by the Rimuru war and the AST group was still there.

The flashing red and blue lights of the ambulances coming to take the members away have also faded.

Rimuru slowly recalled his own experience since coming to this world and thought.
If he sealed his spiritual energy into Shido, Rimuru would be bound by the Ratatoskr organization even more.

But... After seeing the interactions between the spirits here, Rimuru thought that this wouldn't be a bad place to rest for a while.
And by the time Rimuru had made his decision, Shidou had already arrived.

He slowly walked up to Rimuru's side and spoke up.

"Aren't you tired? Rimuru" Shidou

“No, I just have some things to think about,” said Rimuru, still looking at the scene in the distance.

Shidou remained silent as if waiting for Rimuru to tell him what Rimuru was thinking.

"Hey Shidou, to you, but what is that spirit?" Rimuru asked and met Shidou's gaze.

"They are my family, the people I need to protect." Shido

Hearing that answer, Rimuru smiled lightly and spoke with a sarcastic expression.

“Well said, you might even get the title of a hero for that.” Rimuru

When Shidou heard that, he just looked at Rimuru in confusion.

Rimuru wasn't serious with his statement at all.

Will Shidou protect the spirits?

He couldn't even stop a member of the AST who said that he would protect them.
No matter how ridiculous that was, Rimuru still appreciated Shidou's kindness towards the spirits even though that was not enough.

He still needs more strength, to protect what he truly loves and holds dear.

But for the current Rimuru, he was temporarily qualified.

"Shido, I've made a decision," Rimuru said that causing Shidou to show a bit of surprise and turned to look at Rimuru.

"Close your eyes," Rimuru said while Shidou still gave a confused look.

But after a while, he also did as Rimuru said and closed his eyes.

"If I see you open your eyes even a little then let's meet in hell," Rimuru said and could see Shidou's whole body stiffen, and closed his eyes tighter than before.

<<Ciel, let's go>> Rimuru

<<Yes Master>>

With that, Rimuru's golden gaze gradually turned red and his face became expressionless.

And before Ciel did anything, she created an illusion that surrounded both Rimuru and Shido so that 'someone' couldn't see what was going on.

Ciel slowly put a finger and touched Shidou's lips, and for some reason, Ciel's expressionless face almost turned into a look of disgust.

As soon as Ciel's finger touched Shidou's lips, the tip of the finger gradually lost its color and melted into... Slime.

The illusion layer on Rimuru's exterior right now works just to make Rimuru's slime fingers invisible to outsiders.

Soon after, Ciel withdrew his hand and the fingertips returned to normal, returning control to Rimuru.

Rimuru felt like an instant amount of spiritual energy had begun to move between Shidou and Rimuru along with... Frost of nothingness!?

The Sephira inside Rimuru instantly became stable.

<<Is everything finished Ciel>> Rimuru

<<Yes master, I finished everything as quickly as possible master>> Ciel

Feeling that everything was settled, Rimuru slowly left without forgetting to tell Shidou.

"You can open your eyes now. By the way, don't call me 'Miss' next time, it doesn't sound familiar at all" Rimuru said and left leaving Shidou still confused and standing there.

---END CHAP 9---