The Time I Reincarnated as the King of Knights?!

I woke up from my small nap. At least, I think it is. I hope it's not one of those things where a small nap turns into like 10 hours of sleep or something. Since there's still daylight, I assume it's fine. Unless I slept for like 24 hours. 

I would try to get up, but I'd rather not. I can spend all day in bed while cuddling with Shuna.

'Artoria! You there?'. Rimuru told me in a thought communication and for some reason I just felt that something dumb and absurd was about to happen. 

'What do you need, Rimuru? It better be something important 'cause I'm busy with something.'.

'It's about Milim.'. I just let out a sigh. This is not looking good so far. 

'Did she destroy something? If she did, the orcs could fix it quickly and easily.'.

'Uh...well...you see…she may or may not be looking for you.'.

'What did you do?'.

"What do you mean?'. 

'You did something dumb and now you influenced Milim about something that could lead to some repreucssions.'.

Rimuru was silent for a moment and I thought he stopped the thought communication, but he responded back to me.

'What? Nah. Why would I do that?'.

'This better not be too much of a mess to deal with, Rimuru. If it is, you owe me big time.'.

I stopped the thought communication and very reluctantly got up from bed. I don't know exactly what it is, but I just know it's some kind of nonsense.

I changed my clothes and tried fixing up my hair. I didn't have time to make a bun if Rimuru's urgency was anything to go by, so I just made a ponytail. It looked a bit messy and some strands of hair were on the sides of my face, but it looked fine to me.

Before leaving, I took one last look at Shuna. I went up and sat by the edge of the bed and just stroked her face with my hand.

After getting my fill, I got back up and left the house. 

/\\//\\//\

I know I'm supposed to look for Milim, but I'd rather not. I'll just wait for her to find me which won't take long. I'll spend this time looking around town and seeing what has changed.

This town is…kind of weird in terms of the style of the buildings. It's not bad, but it is unique. It's like a mix of Western and some Japanese. The cathedral of course would stand a lot, but that's the point of it. 

I don't consider myself an expert in architecture, but I don't think this is supposed to mix as well as it looks. There were little signs that hung on top of the entrances to buildings that said what kind of services they offered. Things from food, entertainment, clothing, and other stuff. 

I know I wanted some things to feel like home, but I don't mean this. I was thinking more like food, music, clothing, and things of that nature. But I won't say anything. If this is how they want to build it, I'll let them. What better way to express ourselves to future visitors and nations, than how we build things? I doubt anything like this exists in any other nation.

I kept walking until I saw a sign that I was looking for. It was built at an entrance to the town. It read, "Welcome to Tempest.". A nice little sign welcoming people into our country. 

All we need is a slogan that gives a message to people. I looked down and would you look at that? There is a slogan, "Don't mess with Tempest.".

Hmm. Wonder whose idea it was to put that there. 

It is a bit provocative, but that's the point. Of course more "colorful" language can be used, but I feel that will only lessen the impact.

Anyway, I kept walking through town just seeing how fast it had been developed. I saw Benimaru coming up to me.

"Lady Pendragon. We heard from Lord Rimuru that you fought against Demon Lord Milim. It's not that I don't belive him, but if you two did fight then where is all the damage? Surely a fight would leave kind of mark.".

"Trust me, Benimaru, it did leave a mark. I set up a barrier when we fought. It transported us both to a different location. If you're wondering, I didn't lose, but I didn't win. It was more like a draw.".

Benimaru looked shocked at me. "You managed to get a draw against the Destroyer? I guess my sister was right in putting a little faith in you.".

"Do you feel that you didn't do enough?".

"To be honest, I do feel a little that way. We haven't been in a battle since the fight with the orc lord.".

"I can kind of understand how you feel, but fighting against Milim is not a good idea. Don't worry too much about it. Opportunities will present themselves eventually. You just have to be patient.".

"Of course, Lady Pendragon.".

"Well, how have thing's been Benimaru?".

"Well, my sister hasn't been home as often, since she seems more happy being with someone else.". Benimaru said as he looked at me with a neutral face before he put a smile on his face. "Well, I was a bit unsure about it at first, but when I saw how happy she seemed to be, I just let her make her own decisions. Just please treat her right.".

"Benimaru, you don't have to worry about that. I would never do anything bad to Shuna. How are your parents by the way?".

"They've been more relaxed. My mother even has a little shop she runs. They've kind of stepped down since we're all following you now. I sort of take charge of the Kijin now.".

"Well, that's good for them. I'll see you around then.".

I said goodbye to Benimaru and continued on my walk and just in time Milim came crashing down in front of me. I also noticed Rimuru running behind her and rushing as fast as he could.

"Wait, Milim, don't do it! I made a big mistake when I told you about this!", I heard Rimuru shout at Milim from behind. I don't know what was happening, but when I saw how Milim was dressed, I knew Rimuru had done something dumb.

"Artoria, I challenge you to a duel!", Milim said as she pointed a finger at me. I immediately became the center of attention from everyone around us. Benimaru was going to say something, but I just waved him down.

'Please don't tell me this is what I think it is. Please don't tell me.'. 

I saw Rimuru finally catch up to her and he looked helpless when he heard Milim challenge me loudly in front of everyone. Key part, in front of everyone. This has gotten out of hand.

"Hold on a second, Milim. I need to talk to Rimuru a bit.". I "calmly" walked up to Rimuru, grabbed him by the collar, and dragged him off to somewhere secluded. "Milim, can I trust you not to listen in on our conversation?".

Milim nodded her head. "Anything for my bestie!".

"Thanks, Milim.".

I dragged Rimuru and we ended up somewhere secluded. I made sure to tell everyone to give us some privacy first.

"Hey, Artoria, can we talk about this?".

"Oh, we will talk about this, Rimuru.".

/\\//\\//\

 I finished dragging him and let him go. There was a table and two chairs. We sat down in front of each other.

"Before you say anything, Rimuru, tell me, do you confuse step-by-step instructions with walking?". 

"Huh? What does that mean?".

Alright, it seems he didn't understand what I was trying to tell him. Maybe a different question will give me insight into his decision-making at the time.

"Do you smoke?".

Riimuru gave me a confused look like he didn't understand why I was asking this. "Are you talking about cigarettes?"

"No.".

He looked a little confused so I put us back on track. "Doesn't matter, but just give it to me straight. You told Milim about dueling and also had a duel with her as well right? With guns?".

Rimuru had his head down. He realized what he did wrong, but it's better to realize it now than later.

"Yeah. I did that.".

"Let me guess, you thought it was cool and wanted to try dueling when you saw it in a movie or TV show or something like that right?".

Rimuru just nodded his head. "Are you mad?".

"I'm not mad, I'm just…suprised at your decision and how you thought it would be a good idea at the time. You could've challenged her to a shooting competion. The shooting range was right there. That's what it's for. To practice, relax, and have some healthy competion and sport. Not dueling.".

"Look, I just got caught up in the moment. I didn't remember to factor in what kind of repercussions this would have.".

"Well, those 'repercussions' have resulted in Milim challenging me in front of everyone in town and now I'm in a tough situation. What exactly did you tell her?".

"Well, I told her that people can't back out of it and that it would make someone look kind of cowardly if they did refuse.".

I rubbed my forehead with my hand. "You're not doing me any favors here, Rimuru. You do know the difference between those stories you've seen and you right? Look, I understand it seems cool. A duel is all tense and dramatic, but you're not in some kind of story like that-.". I paused for a moment after realizing what I said. Yeah no, I'm not going to think about that. That's way too much to get into.

"Artoria? You were going to say something?".

"Look, the difference is that you're the leader of a nation. These people look up to us and will follow what we do. They'll want to do what we do to be 'closer' to us. A leader of a nation can't just fight and duel with whoever just to solve some problems with a person. It won't look good. To our residents, sure they'll be happy you won, but to outsiders, it'll be different.".

"So what do we do then? We haven't known Milim for a while, but we can assume that she won't just let this go. She's a bit too much into it.".

"Well, we just have to roll with it.".

"You're not being serious are you?".

"If I have to do something like this, even if it's wrong, I'ma do it right.".

"So you're actually going to duel her?".

"Not much of a choice and besides I'll make sure no one in this nation picks up the habit of dueling on the street. It's not safe and people from outside will think we aren't 'civilized'. It won't be a good look for a nation of monsters that's on the rise.".

"Do you think you'll win?".

"Yeah. Your rules make it an even playing field. Just your own skill, no external help from skills, magic, battle arts, or anything like that. I have confidence in my skill and besides, only a newbie and amateur blames everything but their own skill and effort for a loss.".

I saw Rimuru just look away after I said that.

 "Don't tell me you lost.". 

I saw him try to shrink into himself like a turtle.

"You actually lost…against Milim? Wait, don't tell me you told Milim to duel me for something petty like 'revenge' or something. Did you?".

He wasn't saying anything, but that's all I needed to know. I just let out a sigh. 

"Alright, come with me Rimuru. You're going to be the 'judge' for this. Man, you have me acting like Andrew Jackson or something.".

"Who's that?".

"He's a president who's kind of known for dueling.".

"What? You mean America? The United States?". He was thinking about it for a little bit before shouting, "You guys had a president famous for dueling?! How crazy are your politicians in America?!".

Oh man, that is a can of worms I'm staying away from. 

"I'd very much rather not talk 'bout that and as for the dueling guy, he was more well known for some…'less-than-savory' things, to put it lightly, that overshadowed his dueling. Anyway, that's not the point, just come on. I have a mess to bail you out of.".

We were walking away, but I made sure to remind him of one thing. I turned my head to look back at him. I put on a serious tone to let him know I wasn't playing around.

"Make sure to remember one thing Rimuru. You are going to owe me a lot for this alright? Do I make myself clear?".

Rimuru was nodding like a chicken. "Crystal clear, ma'am.".

"Good. Now let's go.".

/\\//\\//\ 

(Present time) 

Oh my god. I can't believe I'm doing something like this. Wait, shouldn't it be "oh my myself? Me?". How do I swear on myself? Whatever, that's not important. 

Milim's declaration of a duel with me very quickly spread throughout the town. People came running from all over to see this and I would question their judgment on this since I don't think they know what kind of fight is about to happen. A "duel" with Milim could level this town, but this is something else. 

Benimaru came running up to me.

"Lady Pendragon, are you sure about fighting against Milim?".

"Relax, Benimaru. This isn't going to be some kind of big fight or anything like that. It will be short and simple. Just make sure no one gets too close so no one gets hurt. Also, keep in mind that this will only be a one-time thing. I don't want anyone else trying to do something like this. At least, not in this way. I'll talk more about it later, but remember that and tell everyone else as well.".

I walked up to Milim and stood about 20 steps away from her with Rimuru behind me. We were standing on a street and people were gathered to watch our duel. I'm pretty sure Rimuru told them about a fight we had and want to see how strong I am or something. 

"Rimuru, go to the middle and give us the signal to draw. I want to make this as quick as possible and be done with this.".

Rimuru went to the middle a bit off to the side.

"Ok, Milim. Are you ready to do this?"

"Wait! Rimuru said that you have to dress for the part!".

I looked over at Rimuru and he just looked away. He looked like he would rather be anywhere but here. He should have thought this through before he did something like this. 

"Really? He said that?".

"Yup! Tell him to make you some stuff!".

"No need to worry about that. I have my own thing. Give me a second I'll be back.".

I left and went to my house. When I got there, I saw Shuna was up and about.

"You're back so soon? I thought you would be out for longer.".

"You hurt me, Shuna. Does that mean you don't want me around?".

She looked at me with a "you serious" look. "You know that's not what I meant.".

"I know. I need to get changed, 'cause Rimuru did something dumb and now I have to duel against Milim. I have to 'dress for the part' as Rimuru told Milim and now she sticking to it.".

I saw Shuna was looking at me a bit weird.

"What are you looking at me like that?".

"Is that how you styled your hair?".

"Yeah, I did it myself. Does it look good?".

"No. Sit down, I'll fix your hair for you. If you have to dress for the part, I'll make sure you look like it.".

"It's not that serious, Shuna, you don't have to do this.".

"I said sit down.", she asked me with that "closed eye smile". 

"Alright, you got it. I understand.". I immediately sat down and let her do her thing. I'm not about to say anything, less I feel her wrath.

Some time later, my hair was now fixed up and I have to say, what a big difference. I realize that my previous attempt was absolutely horrendous. It's still a ponytail, with some hair on my sides, but it just looks better. More refined and proper. It has that "cool" factor. 

I dressed up and was making my way to where Milim was and she was excited about all this. 

'This is the last time I'm doing this. I'll make sure of it.'.

/\\//\\//\

While everyone was waiting for Artoria to arrive they suddenly heard the sound of boots walking along the road. A slight clink could be heard with it. People looked toward the sound and found Artoria walking with Shuna beside her.

Milim saw Artoria's outfit and looked at Rimuru saying, "Why couldn't you make me something like that, Rimuru? It looks so much better than mine!".

"I didn't make that outfit, it was Shuna, who did it. She's the one that's walking with her.".

Benimiaru was on the side with some of the residents and Hakurou was among them.

"Hakurou, what kind of duel is this? I haven't seen a duel of this style before.", Benimaru asked Hakurou, since he was the most knowledgeable one due to his age. 

"Hmm, I don't know either, but it must have something to do with those weapons on their hips. Maybe, once we see it, we can have an idea about it.".

"You'll want to push that thought aside. Lady Pendragon told me that we shouldn't take this seriously and that we shouldn't try something like that. She doesn't seem to be too fond of this.".

"Well, it looks like Demon Lord Milim is taking this seriously. Whatever Lord Rimuru told her, it would look like it had taken some effect. I know her ability with the sword since I've seen it myself, but this is a bit out of my knowledge I'll admit.".

"Let's just see what happens. I have trust in Lady Pendragon and her skills. She can't lose this.".

Meanwhile, Artoria finally arrived. Shuna went to the side and set up a small barrier just in case. Artoria asked her to do this to make sure no one would get hurt.

"Alright, Milim, this time I'm ready. So, ready to get started?", Artoria asked Milim.

"Before that, I want to tell you that if I win, I want you to become my subordinate!".

Mliim's statement caused a bit of an uproar among the crowd, but Artoria just silenced them. Artoria assumed that this was another one of Rimure's things he told Milim, but if Milim was really sticking to the rules Rimuru made then she might try to get something out of it. 

"Your terms are acceptable, but that is a very high price to ask. I think it's only fair that I ask for something big in return as well. How 'bout this, if I win, I want you to formally ally with our nation and cooperate with us. How does that sound?".

Milim thought about it for a second. She doesn't really pay much attention to her own nation. She doesn't really like being there in the first place since the food she gets fed there is very much not to her liking or taste. The more she thought about it the more it seemed like a win-win to her. If she won, then she could dump all the work on Artoria and she could also fight her whenever she wants. If she lost then she could just ask Arotira and Rimuru to give "a bit" of their help and the food they had here was delicious.

"I accept! Let's have our duel!".

"Good. I'm ready when you are.".

The bystanders were sort of freaking out. They realize that this could result in losing one of their leaders. Many people were yelling at her to rethink her choice, but there was one person who seemed to have unwavering confidence.

It was Shuna. 

Benimaru saw this and spoke to her, "Sister, you do realize what kind of effect this could have right? If she loses then not only will we lose Lady Pendragon but also you. This also affects you.".

"Brother, how many times have I told you? Just put your faith in Artoria and everything will turn out how it's supposed to. That goes for everyone else as well. Also, how could I be a proper companion to Artoria if I can't even put my trust and confidence that she could win in a fight? Also, do you really think she would make this choice without considering me?".

Benimaru just shrunk back a bit after hearing his sister. "Yeah, you're right. She wouldn't do something like this without considering you. You're right sister, I'll put faith in her. In fact, we should tell everyone to do that.".

Shuna just had a smile on her face. "Yes, we should do that.".

Meanwhile, Artoria suddenly felt a lot of faith from the people. A lot more than what was normal. Her biggest source of faith was from Shuna, but now it seemed that a lot of people were putting more faith in her.

She looked over at Shuna, and immediately let out a small smile knowing that she was responsible for all this. She put her hand at the brim of her hat and gave Shuna a hat tip. Shuna just nodded back at her.

/\\//\\//\

'Well, now I really can't lose this. She is literally putting unwavering faith in me and so is a lot of other people.'.

'I never thought I'd be using what I was taught to duel someone. This whole situation is just absurd. Well...it is Milim though, so maybe it's not as absurd as I'm thinking. No, it definitely is.'.