"Well, this is something. Father really is worrying himself sick. To think we proud [Lizardmen] would have to rely on a bunch of [Goblin]s just because of an [Orc] army."
In the forest on the outskirts of the great woodland, where the [Goblin] villages were clustered together.
Riding a lower monster of the saurus type and leading the [Lizardmen] envoys, Gabiru openly lamented the chieftain loudly enough for the subordinates following behind him to hear.
"He was once such a great and mighty man, yet now he cannot even continue to act in a way befitting the [Lizardmen]."
He had long respected his father, one of the chieftains who had ruled the [Lizardmen] for the longest time, but at some point that respect had long since turned into dissatisfaction.
The fact that he was the chieftain's first heir, and that he had received a name and become the only named individual among the [Lizardmen], had drawn out the arrogance sleeping inside him.
And on top of that—
"Come to think of it, when are you going to become chieftain, Gabiru?"
"...Hm? No, no. That may be a rather disrespectful thing to say. I still do not measure up to Father in his prime."
"Really? I don't know. The way you are now, Gabiru, I think you'd be more than a match for the chieftain even in his prime."
"Mm. That's the truth."
—far from criticizing him for speaking bitterly about the chieftain, Gabiru's subordinates were agreeing with him, so it was no wonder his arrogance only grew stronger.
"No, even so, that's a bit..."
"But you're named, and your spear skills are incredible!"
"In truth, there isn't a single [Lizardman] who could surpass your spearsmanship."
"That bodyguard is strong too, sure, but in a situation like this, you're the only one fit to become chieftain."
'...I-is that so...?'
The hopeful looks in his subordinates' eyes shone so brightly they almost felt burdensome, and Gabiru broke into a cold sweat.
'Could it be... I was more highly expected than I thought?!'
He might have been a little stupid, but these were men closer to loyal retainers than flatterers. If even they were saying this much, then shouldn't he live up to their expectations? Accepting that swelling arrogance, Gabiru soon lifted the corners of his mouth and spoke.
"...Ahem. You're not wrong. Father is getting to the age where he should be retiring soon anyway, so perhaps it would be better if I showed him that I possess the power worthy of becoming ruler."
"Oh, as expected..."
"Then that means...?"
"Mm. By defeating the [Orc] army this time, I shall inherit the position of chieftain of the [Lizardmen]!"
"Ooooooh!!!"
He had phrased it indirectly, but in truth, he was declaring that he would defy the chieftain's orders.
However, that was not the part his subordinates cared about.
As expected of Gabiru!
Only natural!
Ga~bi~ru~! Ga~bi~ru~!
To them, ignorant of the terror of the Orc Lord and unaware of the miserable defeat awaiting him, the only future that mattered was the birth of a new chieftain.
**
Meanwhile—
Back in Rimuru's [Goblin] village, Adelio had already sensed the magicules of the [Lizardmen] steadily drawing closer.
"...More troublesome guests are on their way."
Having finally calmed down his lover, who had been teasing him until just moments ago, Adelio was left alone. He let out a short sigh and muttered into empty air.
"I already know the [Lizardmen] are coming this way."
"...I see."
Slide...
A blue-haired [Kijin] emerged from the shadows directly in front of Adelio. Souei's brows bent slightly, as if he had never expected to be noticed so easily.
After evolving from an [Ogre] into a [Kijin], he had gained [Skills] in the stealth line, talents he had already shown before. Yet in front of the person standing here, they seemed not to work at all.
"...It seems the [Lizardmen] will arrive here before long, and Rimuru intends to receive them. Would you like to join her, Adelio?"
He clearly looked curious about how Adelio had seen through his [Skills], but true to form, Souei kept a calm expression and conveyed only his original purpose.
Adelio, deciding to keep his own words to a minimum as well, nodded to show that he would participate.
"Understood. Then I will inform Rimuru as well."
Sliiide...
"......"
Adelio stared briefly at the shadow Souei had vanished back into in an instant, then turned his gaze toward the forest where the [Lizardmen] would soon appear.
'By now, they should have learned that Rimuru is the monster ruling this place...'
A [Goblin] village ruled by a slime, the direwolves following her, and now the newly arrived [Kijin] as well.
'This time there are [Kijin] here too, so I hope they won't look down on her for being a slime and pick a fight... but that probably won't happen.'
Gabiru would improve later, but right now, with his subordinates filling him to the brim with expectations, Adelio was half certain there was no way he had managed to rein in that arrogance. He let out another short sigh.
If he had his way, he would step in and correct the fool himself, but unlike Footman, even the slightest emotion on Adelio's part would send Gabiru straight to the brink of death, so it was better to leave this one to Rimuru if possible.
'Of course, if he picks a fight with Ria or Shizu... then there'll be no mercy.'
Praying that Gabiru would conduct himself well enough that the [Black Star of Domination] gleaming at his waist would not have to be drawn, Adelio started walking.
For the record, the one Adelio was praying to at that moment was Veldora, whom he dearly wished would hurry up and fight right in front of him.
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