Trial and Freedom

As the trial began, the atmosphere was tense, and every movement in the room seemed amplified. King Gazel, seated on his massive stone throne, exuded an air of quiet authority. Rimuru, was still in his slime form,

Great Sage, ever watchful, spoke in Rimuru's mind. Rimuru,<< the King Gazel is attempting to probe your memories. Should I block his efforts?>>

Without hesitation, Rimuru responded, Yes, Great Sage, please block him. We don't need unwanted attention right now.

A small, almost imperceptible wince crossed Gazel's face, but he quickly masked it with a composed demeanor, a subtle acknowledgment that someone was aware of his actions. The room's attention was entirely on Rimuru and Kaijin now, who were standing trial for something they both knew wasn't true.

The judge, an older dwarf with silver hair and glasses that seemed too large for his face, tapped the gavel. "The trial will now begin. All rise," he said, his voice commanding silence.

The proxy, a sharply dressed man with a commanding voice, stepped forward. "As we have seen," he began, "when Minister Vesta was enjoying a drink at a local establishment, Kaijin and his group stormed the place and assaulted him. Such behavior must not be tolerated."

Rimuru's eyes widened in disbelief. He was stunned that they were already accusing Kaijin of something so blatantly wrong. What's going on here? Is the proxy meant to defend us or accuse us? Rimuru thought, confused.

The judge then turned to the suspects, his voice stern. "Is this true?"

Without a hint of hesitation, the proxy replied, "Yes, there is no mistake."

Rimuru turned to Kaijin, who was barely holding back his anger. "This isn't what happened!" Rimuru muttered under his breath, a little exasperated. I can't believe this is how it's going down.

Vesta, grinning smugly, spoke up next, eager to see Kaijin and Rimuru suffer. "Your Majesty, you've heard all of this. Please, pass strict judgment on them. They are a threat to the order of the kingdom."

At that moment, Gazel raised a hand, halting Vesta's speech. His voice carried across the room, cutting through the tension. "Kaijin," he said, his tone much calmer than Vesta's. "Is this what happened?"

Kaijin, standing tall despite the shackles, spoke with confidence. "Your Majesty, what really happened was Vesta came into the bar and insulted Rimuru and his friends, calling them 'monsters' and worse. When I stood up to him, he attacked first, and I defended myself. As for the punch…" Kaijin smiled wryly, "...well, that was just me losing my patience with him."

The courtroom was silent, save for a few murmurs from the crowd. Gazel was deep in thought for a moment, and then he finally made his decision.

"Kaijin, for your actions, I hereby banish you from the kingdom. You are no longer welcome here."

Kaijin then kneeled, thanked the king and they were dismissed.

Vesta remained in the court room because Gazel told to.

Then Vesta's face twisted in fury as he opened his mouth to protest, but Gazel cut him off sharply. "Enough, Vesta. This is not about you anymore." Gazel's eyes narrowed as he turned to face the minister. "I do not appreciate the lies you've spread today. And if it weren't for your reckless actions, I might have missed a great opportunity. I'm aware of the potion that Rimuru provided for the miners. It's a high-grade potion, far beyond the capabilities of most. You've done more than make an enemy of Kaijin, you've possibly missed out on a valuable ally."

Gazel then told him that he do not want to see him anymore. Gazel left Vesta varying and begin.

As they exited the courthouse and walked toward the main square, Kaijin turned to Rimuru, his expression turning more serious. "Actually, Rimuru, I need to stop by my brothers' workshop for a moment. I need to tell them."

Rimuru raised an eye brow but understood.

Kaijin gave a small sigh, his eyes softening.

I've been banned from the kingdom, and there's nothing left for me here. But my brothers... I have to let them know. They've always been with me through thick and thin, and I can't just leave without telling them why."

Rimuru agreed immediately. "Of course. Take your time. I'll meet you at the tavern when you're done."

Kaijin smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Rimuru. I won't be long."

Later, in the workshop, Kaijin arrived to find his brothers. The clang of metal striking metal filled the air, the rhythmic sound of their craftsmanship a familiar background to their lives. They paused when Kaijin entered, raising their eyebrows in surprise.

"Kaijin, what brings you here? We thought you'd be with that Rimuru fellow in jail still," his brother said, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.

Kaijin hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice tinged with a mixture of regret and determination. "I've been banned from Dwargon, brothers. The trial didn't go in my favor. But there's no turning back now."

His brothers expression shifted from confusion to disbelief. "What do you mean, banned? We're a family, Kaijin. Surely—"

"I know, I know," Kaijin interrupted gently. "But the king has made his decision. I'm leaving Dwargon to follow Rimuru to the Jura Forest. I need to join him."

One of his brothers who been silent up until now, stepped forward and asked him "Kaijin isn't there any other way?"

Kaijin nodded, no.

The brothers exchanged look, the weight of the decision settling in. Finally, one of them sighed. "Well, if you're going, then we're going with you. You're not getting rid of us that easily."

"We've always stuck together. We'll follow you wherever you go, Kaijin."

The Dwarves brothers made their way to the tavern, where Rimuru was already waiting. Gobta was by his side, his usual carefree demeanor a welcome sight. Kaijin and his brothers, joined them at the table, their faces serious but resolute.

"So, it's settled then?" Rimuru asked, leaning forward with a smile. "You're all coming with me to the Jura Forest?"

Kaijin grinned, his eyes glinting with excitement. "That's right. We're with you, Rimuru. We'll help build that village of yours, make it the best it can be."

Rimuru's grin widened. "Great. With you all on board, there's no limit to what we can do. The village is going to thrive.

Rimuru stood up, raising a glass. "To new beginnings, new friends, and a bright future ahead. Let's make this happen."

Everyone at the table raised their glasses, their faces filled with hope and determination.