Bonus chap, here you go~ 2/10
The Dwarven King.
Ludwig's knowledge about him was severely limited. Aside from that title of his, he only knew that he was a king for a kingdom that would safeguard their technology by closing their gates and engaging in defensive battles whenever those angels came down to their world.
He didn't even know his name.
However, the scene that should play in Tempest was a different matter altogether. Even when he wouldn't be able to recall each panel and all the little details, he at least knew the general direction of it.
That general direction was what currently sent him reeling.
In both the manga and the novel, after the sword fight between the king and Rimuru, they would go to Rimuru's place, or whatever it was. They would eat and drink there while talking about something.
Yet… They were coming here now?
Ludwig let his eyes wander towards the window before willing the restaurant to change what they displayed. The white scenery of Ashfrost Mountain flickered in an instant, replaced by the bustling scenery of Tempest.
Judging by the lightning that trickled into the restaurant, the time in Tempest should be almost the same as Ortus. So, comparing that with what he knows from canon Tenshura, his earlier assumption shouldn't be wrong.
So… The fact that Rimuru brought those important guests to his restaurant rather to his own place was due to the existence of Checkpoint.
In other words, a butterfly effect.
To be honest, Ludwig wasn't really surprised about that. He had known long ago that Tempest's current direction of advancement was different from the canon. Originally, they would already have a quite developed food industry by now, thanks to the Great Sage and Rimuru's memory. But maybe because of Rimuru's friendship with him as well as the fact that a lot of Tempest denizens dined regularly at Checkpoint, that slime scale of priority about the food was pushed down.
But it's not all gloom. In place of the stable output of modern dishes, they were now more focused on clothing, the raw materials industry, and metallurgy, thanks to Ludwig's collection of metals.
Moreover, it's not like they have absolutely no modern food there. They already sell curry, tempura, skewers, as well as some light snacks of Japan. But that's it. It's like Rimuru ordered them to focus elsewhere.
Which, realistically, was a good choice in his opinion. Though they need to start ramping up the development of what he needed in order to make more gold flow to their city from his restaurant.
As his thoughts reached that point, Ludwig felt the worry and surprise he had felt earlier dissipating completely. The current state of Tempest wouldn't change the relationship they had with the dwarven nation at all.
So, the talks should proceed easily.
But yes, he probably had to stock up on some sweet cake for a dragon in loli clothing that would soon come to Tempest.
"Vilera, tell the customers that's in the big table. We can even compensate them if they are willing to move." He said to the manager of Checkpoint.
"Understood." She replied firmly before moving to the centre of the dining hall.
Ludwig's eyes moved to the goblin at that moment. He was still trying to catch his breath. While his breathing had become calmer than before, it seemed like the combination of the shock and the long run to this place still affected him.
"Did Rimuru tell you to report back?" Ludwig asked.
The short green creature jolted to his feet the moment he heard the question. "N-no, Sir."
Ludwig nodded his head before pointing at the empty bar seat. "Then you should order a drink and some food before you go. I'll put it on Rimuru's tab."
"No, no, no. I can't possibly do that." He answered.
"You can. Just trust me." Ludwig answered before he put his hands behind the goblin's back and pushed him towards the bar. "Rimuru is a fair guy. A food and a drink for someone who just did a mission for him was the least he could afford."
From how the goblin's body was still hunched and its eyes were roaming around, it was easy to tell he was still not convinced by his words. But really, he didn't think Rimuru would oppose to it, he's just that kind of guy.
"Don't worry, I tell you." He assured him again. "I'll take responsibility if he's angry."
The goblin didn't answer instantly. He just walked closer to the seat. Then, just before he hopped, he finally answered. "T-thank you."
"You don't need to thank me." Ludwig chuckled before popping back to the kitchen.
But he didn't stop at his usual place. Instead, he kept walking deeper into the kitchen to find one of his employees who was stationed there right now.
"Bilo." He called.
The Faun turned back from whatever he was doing and walked closer to him.
"We will get a lot of guests soon. Twelve people are the minimum. So let's get ready." Ludwig explained in one breath.
"Yes, Chef." He answered.
Ludwig nodded at his resolute answer. At the same time, a smile appeared on his face. Really, Bilo's growth was the most satisfying thing to see in this restaurant. Second only to customers leaving with full bellies and a happy heart.
Right after, plates, utensils, and glasses were transported from the drying rack to their place. Half-empty drinks were also remade, something that would help them serve things quicker in a rush.
Ludwig didn't forget to check on the soup as well as the rest of their menu, even though by his calculation, they shouldn't run out until the end of today's service. At the same time, the goblin also placed his orders, and food quickly came to him.
Just as the goblin was halfway through his food, the restaurant buzzed around him. A group of people was coming to the restaurant. Leading the group were presences he knew well. People who come and go to this restaurant like it esd heir second home. But more than half of those groups were people who came for the first time today.
The bell let out its usual airy and sharp jingle. Then the dull scraping of the door followed right after.
The first one to enter was none other than Rimuru. He was dressed in a black sleeveless shirt that seemed to be easy to move in and pants that ended just beneath his knees. It was so casual. As a matter of fact, that way of clothing would make people mistake him for someone with no importance if he were not in Tempest.
Around his neck, the pink Dratini curled with its eyes shut. Judging from how it hadn't evolved yet, it seemed like Rimuru still hadn't named it. Then, in his shadows, was Ranga. He was unseen by most of the people here, but for him, his presence was as bright as Rimuru himself.
Behind him walked the usual people he always walked around with. Benimaru, Souei, Shuna, and Shion. But beside them, he could also see the faces of those who rarely come to this place.
The likes of Treyni, Geld, Hakurou, and some dragonewt he had never seen before were also in the procession. There was even Kaijin, one of Tempest's dwarves, who never visited Checkpoint during the day.
It painted a picture of just how important this meeting was.
Just after all the usual customers from Tempest walked in, came those Ludwig only seen in fiction before. A tall man with neat hair and beard walked in with a confident step. His eyes scanned around the place for a split second as his armor gleamed under the runic lamp. By the end, his sight landed on Ludwig.
It stayed there for a few seconds. And Ludwig didn't shy away first. He kept looking straight into his eyes before offering him a respectful nod at the correct timing. A timing that wouldn't make him easy in his eyes, but still in a respectable line.
The dwarven king reciprocated his nod before breaking their impromptu staring contest. Behind him, more and more big guys were coming in, making it feel like they were just a group that came from a human nation rather than a dwarven one. But one woman made it otherwise. It was a woman dressed in a black robe with a wand in her hand.
To be honest, the only one who evoked a memory in him was just the Dwarven King. For the rest, he drew a blank as they had never seen them before. However, that would not reduce the amount of politeness and service he would give them in his restaurant.
"Yo, Lud. Sorry for the sudden reservation." Rimuru waved his hands from beyond the counter. But unlike his words, his face was all smiles.
"Nothing to think about," Ludwig answered before pointing towards a Goblin who had become visibly stiffer than before. "Your guy did well."
Rimuru's eyes landed on the Goblin. He then walked towards the guy and patted him on the back. "Thank you."
"R-Rimuru sama!" The goblin jumped off the seats before bowing to Rimuru. "I-It's my pleasure to help."
Rimuru chuckled wryly, but that was the only thing he did. It seemed like he finally found a way to treat his denizens, who always revered him a little bit too much for his liking. Then, he opened his mouth. "Continue whatever you are doing. Don't mind me."
"Y-yes, Rimuru-sama." The goblin answered even though he was still bowing.
"And Lud, can you send Vilera to my table?" He looked up from the goblin towards him.
From the phrasing alone, Ludwig realized what he really wanted. He was asking whether they could explain this restaurant to the dwarf king.
Finding no reason not to do that from his memory about the Dwarven King and the Dwarf Nation as a whole, Ludwig answered. "Sure. I'll tell her."
Rimuru beamed before nodding. He then walked back to where the group had gathered before inviting them to the big table.
After his eyes followed the movement of the group for a while, Ludwig called for Vilera. "Vilera, go to where Rimuru sat and explain about the restaurant."
Vilera shifted her gaze from the dining hall to him. A hint of question flickered on her eyes for a split second. But then, it was gone. Like she already concluded without even asking. "Understood, Sir."
Ludwig nodded and crossed his hands, his eyes looking at the long table, which now didn't feel long enough due to how many people were crowding around. Thankfully, the lunch rush was already ending. The only customers they would get around this time were those who finally found time to eat. Because of that, the restaurant was emptier than usual.
If they had come around dinner time or lunch, it would have been a disaster. They would have to discuss important thing while standing. Once again, the need to expand the restaurant shot up in his priority list.
Just as he thought so, Tsumugi, who had been looking at the group with curious eyes, opened her mouth. "You called him the Dwarven King? He's tall! The only dwarf I see is that one."
Ludwig looked at the blonde girl before chuckling. As expected from a high schooler.
"Right? I'm surprised too."
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