(Just like in the story, this will canonically take place after Jasper dealt with the Phantom Commander but before the trade with Eurazania. So this will be the Jasper that has most of his amnesia.)

It had been a couple days after the events of Alexei AKA me dealing with that random Phantom Commander, and what happened was still lingering a bit on my mind given how unusual the situation and how unlikely the encounter should've been.

Despite that fact, I had no real time to dwell on it since me and Rimuru were abruptly summoned by Yuuki out of nowhere at some random bar.

Yuuki: You two seem to have a lot of time on your hands.

Rimuru: We're plenty busy. In fact, we're both need to great ready when we head back to Tempest soon.

Yuuki: But your free over summer break, right?

Jasper: Ok Yuuki, was is this about?

Yuuki: See the thing is... There are big problems going on inside of the kingdom of Coleus.

The Kingdom of Coleus was small nation that existed right between both the big leagues of the western nations. The Kingdoms of Ruberius and Ingrassia and there in the middle of crisis over the rights of succession.

Sauzer Coleus who was the older brother and son of the queen against his younger brother Aslan Coleus who was born from a concubine. As to the reason why the first born wasn't just next in line for the throne was a classified matter that not even Yuuki could tell us.

Yuuki: The thing is, Prince Aslan is actually an A Rank adventurer. He's a great man known far and wide as the Hero of the blistering sands! He's someone who even our Freedom Association can't just overlook!

Rimuru: I never said we were going...

Jasper: Yeah, we don't really have any reason to get involved in this matter.

Yuuki: But you will, won't you? Since you so generously offered to help, of course I'll give you all the information I have!

The man had a bright smile on his face with sparkles going around his figure as me and Rimuru's eyes twitched at his blatant playing of ignorance of our words.

Rimuru could only sighed in defeat.

Rimuru: Can you at least tell us what's going on?

According to Yuuki, Aslan's charisma was so good that he manage to win over the guildmaster in Coleus and started an overall rebellion from the guild which resulted in the guild declaring it's independence from the Associations HQ. The guilds in surrounding nations are monitoring the situation but if this continues, it could endanger trust with the Freedom Association and since Coleus is part of council of western nations, HQ can't act unless given official permission.

Jasper: Then why not just have the surrounding guilds halt the distribution of goods?

Yuuki: Coleus is not too keen on diplomacy and already keep trade to minimum. HQ believes to only way to resolved this without further conflict breaking out is with a covert operation that involves sneaking into the kingdom.

Rimuru: If your asking us to assassinate this Prince Aslan guy, then you know we're not gonna do it.

Jasper: ...Which one would be more open to negotiations with Tempest should they become king?

Rimuru: JASPER!

Jasper: What? We need priorities here man! We gotta look out for the good of our home!

Rimuru: Yeah, but not via assassinating a royal!

Jasper: As the ruler of a nation, such dirty tactics are needed sometimes for the betterment of our people little brother.

Yuuki: Well don't worry, I wasn't planning on dropping that kind of dirty work on you two anyway. What I am asking is that you win the support of an adventurer named Paulo who's in consideration for a promotion to become an A rank. I want you two to work with him and find out what's the deal on both sides.

Rimuru: So we're just gathering intel?

YuukI: Doing an investigation like this alone with be rather conspicuous and a famous A Ranker would cause suspicion. So we need someone who is capable but who also wouldn't stick out.

Jasper: And this Paulo?

Yuuki: A young man who left the countryside, so he shouldn't be able to negotiate with nobles or anything. I was thinking of having him infiltrate the Aslan faction.

Jasper: Meaning you want us to infiltrate the Sauzer faction.

Yuuki: Really all you need to do is learn about their reputations and listen to the rumors that make the most sense. The knowledge will help in deciding which side we should support.

Jasper: And judging by how it sounds, your backing Aslan until otherwise.

Yuuki: Pretty much.

After confirming as much as we could, we told him we'd think about it... But Yuuki was very persistent we take up this role and kept bothering us about it for days.

He was actually currently bothering us at the school until Tiss and Jeff came in.

Tiss: What's going on?

Yuuki: It seems like Jasper and Rimuru are heading on a little trip for tomorrow.

Jasper : You son of-

Tiss: Where are you two going?

Rimuru tried to play it off as just us wandering around for a bit until Jeff brought the idea of us visiting Coleus.

Jeff: It's regarded as a hot country due to it being near a dessert, but it's cool at night which makes it popular among some nobles as a decent place to escape the summer heat. I would be willing to write a letter of introduction for you both.

After hearing this sudden and very convenient offer, I glanced at Yuuki who gave us a smug smile which clearly implied he was somehow involved in this.

Jeff: Marquis Amadi of Coleus with surely accommodate you both. What name shall I give you for you?

This confused Rimuru and Yuuki before Jeff went on to reveal how he did a bit of digging on our background and found very little information on us except for two adventurers who looked quite a bit like us back in Blumund along with learning about a nation of monsters ruled by two people with the exact same name as ours.

Rimuru: Y-Your pretty sharp...

Jeff: That is exactly the problem with you! You should have pretended to know nothing at all! But I guess that makes you two so great.

Jasper: Hang on, I thought you hated us.

Jeff: I can never hate the person who saved my younger sister from death. Sure we have a bit of a rivalry for the school but it's nothing more then that. Regardless, my point stands that your both leaving yourselves too open.

Jasper: I guess we should have changed our appearance along with our names back in Blumund...

Jeff: Indeed "Alexei," please do keep that in mind. So, what will you alias be now?

Rimuru: ...Satoru.

Jeff: Hmm... Very well, I will refrain from prying. And you Jasper?

Jasper: ...Jack.

Rimuru (You sure you wanna go with that?)

Jasper (I got nothing better in mind.)

After confirming that and handing us the letter, he told us he would be introducing us by our real names while our alias's could work behind the scenes. With that done. Yuuki took back to the bar to meet up with Paulo.

Paulo: Thank you for taking the time to come here and meet me!

Yuuki: Of course, Paulo. You got excellent scores on the rank promotion exam. But I have to wonder how you'd fair in actual battle.

Paulo: Actual... Battle? And who are they?

Yuuki: These are Jasper and Rimuru who are both B+ adventurers and they'll be providing support in your mission.

Pualo: Well I'm Paulo and despite my appearance; I'm A- in the subjugation divison. I'm undergoing my third exam.

Rimuru: I'm Rimuru and this is my brother Jasper.

Jasper: Yo.

Yuuki: They're skills are real, so you can very much trust in them.

Paulo: Hey I got no reason to doubt their skills if your picking them out.

Yuuki began to explain the mission to Paulo while the bartender who turned out to be a retired caster used the elemental magic 'Airflow Shut' to block out the conversation from unwanted ears.

Paulo: So I just gotta find out what this Aslan guy is up to, right?

Yuuki: Yes, but remember he is royalty. So you'll need to treat him with more respect.

Paulo: O-Oh, yeah! I get it!

Yuuki: Rimuru, Jasper. Now that you two have met him, I hoping you'll give him some advice.

Paulo: Rimuru and Jasper, right? I'm glad to be working with you both!

Jasper: We're... just the support role here, right?

Yuuki: What are you talking about? You're in charge of making the plan!

Rimuru: Hold on! Shouldn't Paulo be the one taking the lead?!

Paulo: Hey, I'm not so good thinking about the details, so I'll just have to  follow your lead.

After having the role of leader being forced upon him, we set to Coleus the next morning with me being the one that drove the carriage while Rimuru and Paulo sat in the back. To make the trip go a bit faster, we summoned Ranga to pull the reins for us.

I did get a bit annoying when we stopped at an inn that night and were forced to pay since Paulo literally had no money somehow despite being a rank A- adventurer as he had apparently spent a lot of his savings back in Ingrassia.

Rimuru: We're getting to Coleus earlier then expected thanks to you, Ranga.

Ranga: You honor me with your praise, Master!

Jasper: For a trade route, there's not really much in the sense of direction to suggest this is one. It's entirely possible we could encounter bandits or monsters while we're out here.

Almost as if on queue, a poisoned lizard that was ranked at B+ appeared and Paulo woke up to fight it barehanded. Bad idea since it's entire outer body was leaking an acidic poison, making physical attacks not very ideal in case of it splattering everywhere on impact.

Before we could say a word, the idiot charged in and manage to split the things skull open, though not before getting a literally eye full of acid to the face that left him writhing on the ground.

Rimuru got up and poured a full potion on him.

Paule: W-What...? Hey Rimuru, thanks for the save-

Rimuru: Sit!

Jasper: You heard the man.

Range: My master gave you an order!

Rimuru began to scold him for his reckless behavior and to make sure to do what he could do the correct way.

With that all said and done, we set up camp for the night.

Paulo: I'm best with martial arts and stick weapons. 

Rimuru: So why not use a weapon?

Paulo: Well, the wooden staff I was using broke.

Jasper: Buy a new... right your broke.

Paulo: That's true and besides, are I need are my fist!

Jasper: You tried that with these acid covered lizard and got hurt because of it, dumbass.

Rimuru: Look, I'm doing you a huge favor here.

Rimuru stood and produced a large staff from the palm of his using the skill 'Weapon Creation' with the weapon itself ranking at the rare level. I also handed him a full potion to use in case he needed.

And that was how we got the idiot to like and actually listen to us.

It was finally after days of traveling that we finally came across the capital of Coleus, Herbaria.

The city itself was surprising large and was bustling with nightly activities, from stands selling all kinds of wares to various shops and other areas being open for business. The House of Amadi that were suppose to visit actually sat on a small mountain near the center of the city.

After arriving, we were greeted by a blonde woman named Chiffon Jahil now Amadi, the wife of Barack Amadi and member of the Jahil noble family.

Jahil... why does that name sound so familiar?

{Mimir: It is the name of one primary Ancestors of the Human race that spawned the rest of their species.}

I see... next question, why do I feel so angry when I hear that name?

{Mimir: Master appears to have some kind of relationship with this Ancestor... and it's not a very pleasant one. Despite their family name, they are actually not related to the Ancestor Jahil at all. but her house's founder did name it in relation to him.}

...Doesn't the word Jahil literally just mean fool?

Chiffon: Sir Jasper, it is a pleasure to meet the person that my sister in greatly indebted to.

Jasper: Sister? ...Wait, are you Jeff and Ulamuth's sister?

Is that why he was so willing to help us? Because his other sister would be here during the crisis between those factions? ...What is with this guys family and me needing to help them?

Paulo: I'm Paulo! Despite my appearance, I'm actually a rank A-!

Chiffon: That's certainly wonderful, please allow us to show our finest hospitality.

For the uninitiated, that was code for: Get the f out of my house.

The big muscle guards that were next to the doorway came and grabbed Paulo before carrying him away. With that done, we were invited in for dinner.

Rimuru: So... should we call you Marquis Amadi?

Barack: You may call me Barak. My wife is indebted to your brother, and thus, I am as well. There is no need for reservations.

Jasper: What are you guys gonna do with Paulo?

Barack: Despite being a renowned warrior, he is rather vulgar. We'll give him a decent lodging since he is with the two of you, but I have no obligation to give our best.

Rimuru: I guess that's fine.

Barack: Now, I'm not usually one to mince words, but have you come to take Chiffon back?

Jasper: Huh? If you talking about Jeff then no he didn't. It's about the guild.

Chiffon: Our kingdom receives aid from the surrounding nations of Ruberius, Ingrassia, and the Western Provinces as a line of defense, in return for protecting the farthest border. I'm sure they don't find the arrangement ideal as a security guarantee.

Rimuru: You got that right. Our goal here is to help determine which side the guild should back. We can't overlook Prince Aslan's declaration of independence, but depending on the circumstances, the guild might still be willing to side with him.

Barack: From my point of view, it would not be a welcomed decision.

Chiffon: My husband is a loyal friend of Crown Prince Sauzer, so please be lenient with him.

Jasper: That's understandable, but we're the not the ones making the overall decision. I do hope you can understand that.

Barack: Of course. I will not interfere with your business, in fact, I intend to help. Let us discuss this with Prince Sauzer tomorrow. I'm sure you will make the right choice after meeting him.

Jasper Again sir, we're not really in a position to make that call. So we'll have to decline your invitation for the time being.

Barack: That's a shame, but I won't force the issue further.

Chiffon: In that case, please meet with Princess Zenobia. She is the younger sister of Princes Sauzer and Aslan. Princess Zenobia is currently bedridden with an illness. My brother has told me your a renown doctor.

Barack: He is a man who rarely gives compliments, and yet he says you saved Ulamuth. I'm sure you can a find a way to cure her.

The next morning, we reluctantly decided to have Paulo do some investigation around the city despite his... eccentric personality.

Jasper: Souei, you there?

Souei: Right here, my Prince.

He appeared out of my shadow kneeling.

Jasper: Follow Paulo and listen on every conversation he has. Make sure to also guard him so he doesn't get himself in trouble.

Souei: Understood.

While his main body went back into my shadow, a clone of him appeared and leaped off the balcony to follow Paulo.

Chiffon came to find and lead us to Zenobia, but men weren't allowed in the inner palace without special permission from the royal family, so...

Rimuru: Look, I know men aren't allowed in the inner palace, but...

Jasper: Didn't think I'd have to deal with this is outside our home too...

Chiffon: I think you both look lovely.

We had been given uniforms that were fitting for female servants which was helped even more with Rimuru looking like Shizue and my own androgynous looks.

Chiffon: I'm sure it makes you uncomfortable, but please be patient.

She suddenly adopted a serious look as we were approached by a man with two purple robed figures next to him.

Gustav: Well, well, if it isn't the Marchioness! Are you here to visit Princess Zenobia?

Chiffion: Yes, Court Physician Gustav.

Gustav: Isn't that nice? I do hope you'll stop my place some time later. I'd be willing to give you a thorough health checkup.

I just met him and I already don't like him.

{Mimir: ...}

What's wrong?

{Mimir: This person isn't Human.}

Huh?

{Mimir: His presence isn't Human, but something else entirely.}

I looked back at the man again and it was then that I noticed the very subtle bits of aura he was exerting.

And it definitely looked malicious...

Chiffon: I couldn't possible trouble you so.

Gustav: Geheheh! No need for reservations! And who are they?

His smiled dropped when he turned to us.

Chiffon: They are called Rimuru and Jasper and they come with very uncommon medicine. I selfishly asked them to bring it here in hopes that it might help the Princess.

Gustav: Foolishness! The nerve of you to bring some scammers of unknown origins in here! I don't like it! I will makes sure to report to his majesty and have him punish you for this!

The man then rudely went pass with his entourage.

Jasper: That man is a real piece of work isn't he?

Rimuru: You're not in any trouble, are you?

Chiffon: I'm fine. Come, let us go.

As entered the room to see a blonde hair woman sitting down in her bed with her eyes close.

Zenobia: Who might that be?

Chiffon: I'm glad your awake. Princess Zenobia, I have brought someone I'd like you to meet.

Zenobia: That's voice... Chiffon? It's unusual for you to bring someone to meet me.

Chiffon: These are Jasper and Rimuru. Jasper here treated and healed my sister's illness, they are truly wonderful people.

Jasper: A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Jasper.

Rimuru: It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Rimuru. I hope you will grant us permission to examine you today.

Zenobia: Certainly. But I dislike pain, so please be gentle.

Rimuru: What a coincidence, I dislike pain as well.

Rimuru walked over to do an appraisal on her while Mimir did the same.

{Mimir: Strange. It's looks like there is nothing wrong, but that's unnatural result given her current state. Though this is likely due to extreme malnutrition.}

That seems a bit off if that's all.

{Mimir: Indeed. What's she's been inflicted with isn't a natural sickness.}

Rimuru: Now, let's give you some medicine.

He took out a jar of Apito's honey which was often used a very good form of medicine to the point of being a universal cure for most diseases.

Zenobia: I don't like bitter things.

Jasper: It's actually used for both medicinal and food related purposes. If you'd like, we can have someone try it before you take a spoonful?

Her servants came over and took a small bowl of it to drink. They both immediately approved it's taste.

Rimuru: It's also very good put in a cup of tea. You can even put it with foods such as cookies and cakes.

Jasper: Either way, I'm certain you'll find it quite palpable.

The honey was mixed into tea and handed to the Princess who took a sip. It was then that here eyes began to open and she regained her sight.

Chiffon: Princess?

Zenobia: Chiffon... I can see you! Rimuru, Jasper, thank you! Thank you both so much!

Every began to break down in tears of joy at the sight while we could only smile.

We returned to our room later