Scenario:Diablo (Collab) - The Dubious Demon

The Dubious Demon

(Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn accidentally overhear a sinister-sounding conversation between Albert and Diablo, but Diablo is simply asking about Levin's hot springs for Rimuru's benefit. This leads to Albert giving Rimuru a tour of the hot springs. Rimuru praises Diablo for his loyal service, which the demon accepts with glee.

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Rimuru and retinue are acclimating well to the new world they now find themselves in.

(Captain) is relieved that the visitors and crew members are getting along with each other, and yet...

Lyria: Oh, there's Albert and Diablo! Looks like they're having a deep discussion.

Vyrn: Wonder what those two are gabbin' about.

Diablo: Heheh... The technique is sound, but I question its potency...

Albert: Well, it takes practice to get it right. To your point about torture, there's only so much pain someone can endure before they break, right?

Diablo: Very true... Push too hard, and the muscles will tear. What do you do to practice?

Albert: Well, to use my subordinate as an example—

The eavesdroppers look at each other in shock after hearing the unsettling snippet.

Vyrn: Torture? Muscles tearing? I don't wanna jump the gun here, but that doesn't sound wholesome!

Vyrn: I thought Diablo was cool since he's pals with Rimuru, but maybe he's just as sketchy as he looks...

Lyria: Don't think like that! I know he and the others are sort of like monster-people, but they're all nice!

Lyria: Besides, if Diablo was dangerous, Albert definitely wouldn't be treating him like a friend!

Vyrn: Y-yeah, good call! You're right, I need to stop being suspicious.

Vyrn: On the other hand, Albert can be oblivious sometimes. Hope he's not getting in over his head...

Rimuru: Well, who do we have here! It's (Captain)-san and the gang! Why are you guys huddled in the corner?

Vyrn: Huh? Oh. Hey, Rimuru.

Rimuru: Er... Sorry for interrupting?

Vyrn: Nah, you're good. We were just passin' by when we overheard your pal over there talkin' about some alarming stuff...

Vyrn relays what they heard to Rimuru, who nods along thoughtfully instead of taking offense.

Rimuru: Yeah, I wonder about Diablo too sometimes.

Vyrn: Wait, even you have doubts about your own guy? That's not reassuring!

Rimuru: Don't get me wrong; I definitely count Diablo as a friend. I'm simply saying he's still a mystery to me in many ways.

Rimuru: His need to please me is what motivates him, but he's been acting strangely since we arrived.

Rimuru: Stuff like inspecting your ship from stem to stern or striking up conversations with every royal, knight, and other high-status person in your crew.

Rimuru: Back in my world, he butted heads with Shion over the secretary spot, but not so much lately.

Rimuru: Hmm... It does feel like he's up to something... Something that he thinks will benefit me in some way.

Vyrn: Hey, so you're the leader of tons of monsters in your world, right?

Vyrn: Wh-what if... he's tryin' to recruit the Sky Realm's monsters for world domination?

Rimuru: No way, no how! I have zero interest in that, and he knows it!

Rimuru: Which is why I doubt he'd do anything that would upset me, so...

Rimuru: You know what? Let's just go ask!

Rimuru: Hey, Diablo!

Diablo: Rimuru, my king! What are your orders?

Rimuru: Oh, I just felt like chatting. So... what were you and Albert-san discussing?

Rimuru: Any unsavory topics like, say, torture?

Albert: Actually, I do recall torture being brought up, but not in any nefarious sense?

Diablo: Heheheh... It seems we have ourselves a misunderstanding.

Diablo: Rest assured, electric massages are nothing to fuss over.

Lyria: Electric massages?

Albert: Diablo expressed his interest in Levin's hot springs district and its facilities.

Diablo: Great Rimuru, it seems the Kingdom of Levin uses lightning magic for their massages and baths.

Diablo: A mild zap is all it takes to free one's muscles of fatigue. It's most fitting for you, my king.

Rimuru: In other words, a method of low-frequency stimulation. Yeah, I do like that idea!

Rimuru: So hot springs are a thing in this world too, huh?

Albert: Yes, our vaunted hot springs were instrumental in rehabilitating my kingdom.

Rimuru: Nice! I'd love to check it out sometime!

Diablo: If my king demands it, then I shall see to it at once.

Diablo: What say you, Albert? Would you mind showing us to the hot springs?

Albert: Not at all. I'd never miss the chance to promote Levin's charms.

The Grandcypher arrives in Levin, and Albert gives Rimuru and Diablo a grand tour of the hot springs district.

Rimuru: Phew... Like taking a dip in heaven. Our hot springs have a lot to learn from yours.

Albert: Heh, you haven't seen anything yet. Or should I say tasted? Here, try this.

Albert hands everyone a small, neatly wrapped bundle.

Albert: I present to you one of Levin's specialties: thundercloud manju.

Rimuru: Oh! Just like the hot springs manju we have at home!

Rimuru: Yesss! This savory, sweet filling tantalizes the tongue! I want more!

Rimuru: (Raphael-san, get a sample of this! We need to bring the recipe back with us!)

Raphael: (Affirmative. Commencing analysis.)

Diablo: Heheh... It seems I'm in competition with Levin's hot springs for Great Rimuru's favor.

Diablo: Thank you for the hospitality, Albert.

Albert: I'm just thrilled you enjoyed our facilities.

Albert: If it's not too much to ask, could you tell me more about the hot springs in your world? While snacking on manju of course.

Diablo: Gladly. In return, please elaborate on your idea for a fireworks show.

Diablo: Great Rimuru is fervent in his construction of entertainment venues and hosting of festivals, and there's always room for improvement.

Albert: (Even though he's in an unknown world, Diablo is constantly on the lookout for ways to aid his lord.)

Albert: (Heh... His dedication resonates deeply with the knight in me.)

Albert: Sure thing. May this mini-conference lead to advancements for our respective kingdoms.

Rimuru: Oh yeah, I still haven't apologized for assuming the worst.

Rimuru: Sorry for doubting you, Diablo!

Vyrn: Ditto... It was wrong of me to judge a book by its cover. Consider my lesson learned.

Diablo: I must admit Great Rimuru's suspicion drew a bead of sweat, but there's no need for an apology!

Diablo: My scrutiny of (Captain)'s airship and crew members understandably cast me in a dubious light.

Diablo: In trying to ensure this world couldn't harm my king, I may have acted a tad thoughtlessly.

Rimuru: Basically, you want to make my stay here as comfortable as possible, huh?

Rimuru: Guess you've got more work on your plate than usual. I feel kinda bad.

Diablo: But you shouldn't! I'm grateful for the heavier workload!

Rimuru: Oh. Well then...

Rimuru: I won't say sorry. Instead I'll say thank you for making this awesome day happen.

Rimuru: Good job, Diablo!

Diablo: Aah, Great Rimuru... This is bliss...

Lyria: Teehee, Diablo and Rimuru are like best friends!

Albert: It's always nice when subordinate and leader express their utmost respect for each other, and those two are no exception.

Watching Diablo bask in joy makes Lyria and Albert smile.

Vyrn: Whew... All I can say is I'm glad Diablo wasn't lookin' for some sorta ancient torture technique!

Diablo: Heheh, fear not. I wouldn't dream of causing trouble for your crew.

Diablo: Besides, even if I come away without a new technique, I still have a plethora of ways to bend people to my will.

Vyrn: (On second thought, he needs to be put on a watch list!)

Whether or not anyone else heard what Diablo said under his breath, Vyrn keeps his mouth shut and trembles in silence.