Time swiftly arrived the next day. Takeru, accompanied by Tsumugi, Ram, Rem, and others, traveled to the Jura Forest. The supplies they had dispatched earlier had arrived without issue, successfully delivered under Houndoom's guidance.
The Orc tribe, under Rimuru's arrangements and naming, now contributed their labor to the village's development.
Watching Rimuru struggle to name nearly eighty thousand Orcs, Takeru found it amusing. Without Veldora's continuous energy supply, Rimuru would have long since collapsed.
Perhaps because he had not devoured Shizu, Ifrit, or the Orc Demon Lord, Rimuru's strength and mana reserves fell considerably short of his original counterpart.
Thus, even with Veldora's mana provision, his naming efficiency was painfully slow.
Takeru, having brought Ram and the others, patted Rimuru's head, offered a brief encouragement, then, guided by Rigurd, toured the village. The village has become a settlement distinctly different from human cities.
By evening, he bid Rimuru farewell and returned to the Kingdom of Falmuth.
Now, Takeru and Tsumugi had only five days remaining in this world. Takeru's gains here were immense. Not only he, but Ram, Rem, and the others had experienced earth-shattering growth.
Beyond personal enhancement, Takeru had altered this world: seized control of the Kingdom of Falmuth, slain the newly-risen Demon Lord Clayman and the Orc Demon Lord Geld, clashed with Milim, and acquired capable subordinates.
In these final days, Takeru summoned Diablo and Mjurran.
"Takeru-sama, do you have instructions?" Hearing Takeru's summons, both respectfully inquired.
"Yes. There is something I must inform you. In five days, barring unforeseen circumstances, we shall depart this world. We may never return." Looking at them, Takeru stated directly.
"Wait, Takeru-sama! Do you intend to abandon us?!" Hearing Takeru's words, Diablo asked anxiously.
"No. I summoned you to ask if you wish to continue following me." Hearing his words, Takeru gently shook his head.
"Of course! I pledge eternal loyalty and service to you, Takeru-sama!" Hearing Takeru's words, Diablo, without hesitation, knelt on one knee and spoke earnestly.
"I understand. And you, Mjurran? If you are unwilling..."
"No, Takeru-sama! Should you not disdain me, Mjurran pledges eternal loyalty to you, Takeru-sama!" Hearing Takeru's words, Mjurran spoke earnestly.
Though only a few short days, under everyone's companionship, Mjurran had experienced genuine happiness for the first time.
Though her relationship with Takeru was that of subordinate and master, Takeru had never forced her to do anything.
Here, she had enjoyed delicacies previously unknown and felt ease and freedom in her interactions with everyone. She truly cherished this life.
"Very well. I understand your resolve. However, transporting you to my world is not a simple matter. It requires special items. Thus, you may need to await my summons." Looking at them, Takeru spoke seriously.
"Yes. We shall await your call." Hearing Takeru's words, both were somewhat surprised yet nodded earnestly.
"Then, Takeru-sama, upon your departure, Emilia-sama, Ram-sama, and the others shall also leave. What of this nation?" Diablo then inquired about the kingdom Takeru had governed.
"Upon my departure, another shall assume control of the kingdom. You shall continue its administration until I summon you away." Hearing his words, Takeru stated directly.
"Understood." Hearing Takeru's words, both nodded knowingly.
Regarding the arrangement of personnel, Takeru had, indeed, secured several competent individuals… those he had controlled via Kotoamatsukami. Should he ever return to this world, he could effortlessly reclaim control of the Kingdom of Falmuth.
Having clarified matters with Diablo and Mjurran, Takeru's remaining concerns were Salamence, Wendy, Ryoma, and the others… and, most significantly, Milim.
First, the undead. Takeru was uncertain whether these beings were classified as objects or lifeforms. If classified as lifeforms, manifesting them would likely require Character Manifestation Cards.
Takeru could not expend so many cards on purely combat-capable undead.
Moreover, Takeru now possessed necromancy magic. Summoning undead was not difficult. Should the need arise in other worlds, he could summon them with ease.
Another day swiftly passed. Takeru convened a national assembly, announcing a new king's ascension. Though surprised and reluctant, the populace, respecting Takeru's authority, offered no dissent.
"Milim, there is something I must discuss with you." With only three days remaining, Takeru summoned Milim.
"What?" Hearing Takeru's words, Milim tilted her head curiously.
"Milim, we must depart." After a pause, Takeru stated directly.
"Depart? What do you mean, depart?" Hearing Takeru's words, Milim was bewildered, staring blankly.
"Literally. We may never meet again." Hearing her words, Takeru spoke seriously.
"W-wait! I do not understand what you mean!" Hearing Takeru's words, Milim's heart tightened.
"Milim, you know we are not of this world. We must return to our original world." Looking at Milim, Takeru confessed frankly.
"N-never again?" Hearing Takeru's words, Milim felt immense anguish, simply gazing at him.
"Perhaps. Opportunities for reunion shall be few. I am glad to have known you." Hearing her words, Takeru paused, then spoke.
Hearing Takeru's words, Milim froze, unsure how to react.
"Milim, this is a gift for you. I shall always remember you as my dear friend." Seeing the dazed Milim, Takeru felt a pang of sorrow. Yet he produced the electronic devices and charging equipment he had prepared.
Had this been any other time, Milim would have been ecstatic. Now, she only felt like weeping.
"Milim, this is my gift to you. I shall always remember you!" Felt, Tsumugi, and others also produced their own prepared gifts.
They understood Milim was different from Diablo and the others. She was a Demon Lord of this world, an apex existence with her own influence and friends.
For her to abandon all this, become Takeru's follower, and depart this world was unrealistic. A mere month was insufficient for her to forsake everything.
Yet, after over a month together, everyone held Milim in high regard. Though a Demon Lord, she seemed more like a younger sister.
"Why?!" Looking at Takeru and the others, Milim bit her lip.
"Forgive me, Milim. Though reluctant, this is not our world. In our original world, our families and friends await. And, whether we wish it or not, we cannot remain here indefinitely."
Seeing the grieving Milim, Takeru approached and gently stroked her head.
"Then... how much time do you have left?" Hearing Takeru's words, Milim again inquired.
"Three days. Let us spend these final three days well together." Hearing this, Takeru spoke earnestly.
"Yes." Learning only three days remained, Milim felt sorrowful. Yet she suppressed her anguish and forced a smile.
Subsequently, Takeru, Emilia, and the others accompanied Milim on a journey through this world. Though time was pressing, with their capabilities, three days sufficed to explore much of this world.