Rin lay in his bed, the morning sun casting a warm glow across the room. It had been three full days since the incident with Shuna on the forest path. Three days of unexpected, almost surreal peace. His routine was simple: he'd fish by the river, cook his catch over the hearth, eat his fill, and sleep. He hadn't ventured into town, content in his riverside solitude.
A few visitors had stopped by. The Dwarfs came once to check on the house's construction, and yesterday, Rimuru had paid him a visit. He'd arrived in an even more elaborate, frilly outfit than before, a creation he shyly attributed to Shuna's forceful insistence. But Rin could see the genuine pleasure in Rimuru's expression as he smoothed out the fabric. He's really starting to enjoy it, Rin noted with amusement.
They talked for a while about the modern world, sharing nostalgic memories of Japan. During their conversation, Rin felt a slightly creepy sensation as he read Rimuru's thoughts: Rin-kun really is a handsome man... His features are so well-defined. Rin had to suppress a shudder. He was the one who'd caused this, but hearing a middle-aged man's soul compliment him like a smitten girl was unsettling. The urge to do something worse, something more drastic, took hold. Before Rimuru left, Rin dove back into his status.
[STATUS ALERT - Rimuru Tempest]
* Self-Perception as Male: 0/100
* Self-Perception as Female: 100/100
* Curiosity (about Rin Takakura): 65/100 (+)
He hadn't touched the affection stats—that was a line he wouldn't cross. But he had fully tipped the scales of Rimuru's gender identity. The long-term consequences of that would surely be entertaining.
But now, in the quiet of his third morning alone, Rin realized something. Neither Shion nor Shuna had visited him since that day. Not once. A frown creased his brow. It was time to stop hiding and see what was happening in town.
He found Shuna first. She was in one of the communal workshops, seated among several Goblina, skillfully sewing new clothes. When she looked up and saw him, a deep blush immediately colored her cheeks. But just as quickly, it was replaced by a deep frown, and she turned her head away, pointedly focusing on her needlework, her aura radiating a clear desire for him to leave.
Before Rin could even think of approaching her, a shadow fell over him. Souei materialized silently at his side. "Rin-dono. Lord Benimaru and I require a word with you." It wasn't a request. Souei's hand rested lightly on Rin's shoulder, and the world dissolved.
They reappeared in a clearing just outside of town. Benimaru was waiting, his arms crossed, his expression grim. The combined aura of the two Kijin warriors was immense, a crushing pressure that would have sent any normal person to their knees.
Rin, however, had already set his "Fear" stat to zero. He remained perfectly calm. "Benimaru-dono, Souei-dono. Is there a problem?"
"We were about to ask you the same thing," Benimaru said, his voice low and serious. "What happened between you, Shuna, and Shion?"
Rin feigned a look of innocent confusion. "I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean." He lied as easily as he breathed.
Benimaru's eyes narrowed. He scrutinized Rin's face, searching for any flicker of guilt or deception. Finding none, he and Souei reluctantly relaxed their auras. "Shuna and Shion had a... disagreement. A serious one," Benimaru explained, clearly frustrated. "And you seem to be at the center of it. Do you have any idea what they could be fighting about?"
Rin put on a thoughtful expression, then shook his head with an unsure tone. "I'm afraid not. They've both been very kind to me. I can't imagine what would cause them to fight."
Seeing they would get nothing more from him, they finally let him go, but not before Souei gave him a long, piercing look that promised this conversation was not truly over.
Rin walked back to the workshop, but Shuna was gone. He searched the town and eventually found Shion—of all places, in Rimuru's kitchen, seemingly preparing a meal.
Unlike Shuna, Shion's face lit up when she saw him. "Rin-dono! You're here! Perfect timing, I've just prepared something. Would you like to try it?"
The offer, combined with the suspicious-looking purple stew simmering in the pot, sent a wave of primal fear through Rin. "Ah, no thank you, Shion-san! I just ate," he said quickly, trying not to let his panic show.
He expected a pout, perhaps some disappointment. Instead, her welcoming smile vanished, replaced by a flash of anger. "I see," she said, her voice cold.
Rin instantly read her mind to understand the sudden shift, and the whole story flooded his brain. He's rejecting my food... after everything... after I fought for him! I saw her! I saw that little princess kiss him! I confronted her, and she admitted she loved him too! We fought a duel, a sacred duel to decide who had the right to be by his side. And I won! I am the one who won his hand! Why is he rejecting me?!
Rin's blood ran cold. A duel? They actually fought a duel over me? And Shion won?
Suddenly, Shuna's frown made perfect sense. She hadn't been angry at him, but heartbroken and defeated. And Shion's welcome wasn't just a friendly greeting; it was the victor claiming her prize. His simple, entertaining manipulations had spiraled into a genuine conflict between two powerful Kijin, a conflict with consequences he had never intended.
He looked at the simmering purple stew, then at Shion's angry, expectant face. He couldn't let this stand, but he also couldn't eat that... thing. He was trapped. He needed a plan, and he needed one now, before Shion decided to "feed" him his prize.