Who is Rimuru Tempest‘s Love Interest in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime?
As an avid light novel and anime fan, one of the things I‘m most curious about in "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" is who, if anyone, the protagonist Rimuru Tempest will end up having a romantic relationship with. After thoroughly analyzing the source material, it seems Rimuru does not currently have a clear love interest – but several female characters show growing feelings and affection for him that may develop later on.
Shizue – The "Fated Person" Prophecy
Early in the story, we learn that a previous prophecy stated teacher Shizue Izawa would become Rimuru‘s "fated person." This prophecy does come true in a sense after Rimuru absorbs the dying Shizue‘s spirit following the Orc Lord arc. They form a deep bond and she continues to live on within him.
However, their relationship so far seems to be significant on a more emotional level rather than unambiguously romantic. As a passionate gamer myself, I don‘t believe Shizue has been set up as the obvious endgame love interest. Their dynamic could be interpreted as closer to family or close friends rather than potential lovers. So while they have a profound connection, it would take interesting plot developments for any romance to bloom.
The Competing Affections in the Web Novel
According to the original web novel version of the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime story, several key female characters directly compete to try becoming Rimuru Tempest‘s wife at various points comparatively later on.
This includes royal knight Shion, Ogre princess Shuna, and demon lord Milim. They make various efforts and statements trying to display themselves as the most qualified for the role. However, Rimuru appears to remain oblivious to and not openly reciprocate most of these deeper romantic intentions so far.
Given notable differences between the web and light novel canons, its hard to guarantee these exact romantic developments will play out similarly. But having multiple female characters already vying for Rimuru‘s affection sets up the clear possibility of a future romance subplot line with one of them potentially.
Why Shion, Shuna or Milim Remain Most Likely Candidates
As a longtime fan of anime and manga series, writers often drop small hints foreshadowing who a main character will eventually end up with romantically. Based on typical light novel tropes, one of those three female characters still seems the most likely candidate currently:
Shion – As Rimuru‘s steadfast knight and secretary who clearly admires him greatly, their day to day intimacy and her fierce loyalty position her well for a future romance.
Shuna – Her adorable crush-like affection for Rimuru has been shown at various points, and their lighthearted chemistry together adds plausibility.
Milim – As another powerful demon lord, she may view herself as Rimuru‘s equal and has proclaimed to be his best friend. This foundation could gradually lead to deeper mutual feelings over time.
Of course Rimuru could also never reciprocate any of their romantic intentions. But based on common conventions of the genre, one of the three willingly nurturing an unspoken love for the protagonist makes the most sense as an ultimate destination if such a subplot develops more ahead. I know I‘ll be keeping a close eye on any new relationship developments around Rimuru in the new anime season and light novel volumes!
Current Relationship Dynamics at a Glance
| Character | Relationship so Far | Potential as Love Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Shizue | Shared deep emotional "fated" bond after her death/absorbtion | Low – seems more impactful in an emotional rather than romantic sense currently |
| Shion | Steadfast loyal knight and secretary who admired Rimuru; Competing to be his wife in web novel | High – frequent close interactions and clear interest positions her well |
| Shuna | Has shown crush-like affection; playful, lighthearted chemistry with Rimuru | Moderate – fun dynamic makes an eventual romance plausible |
| Milim | Proclaimed best friend and fellow Demon Lord; Also competing for Rimuru‘s affection in web novel | Moderate/High – very close, so romance could naturally develop over time |
So in summary – no, unfortunately Rimuru does not conclusively have a love interest as of the latest That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime light novel and anime volumes and episodes. But Shion, Shuna and Milim in particular demonstrate noticeable fondness and admiration for him that have potential to turn romantic depending on how the story progresses. I‘m certainly looking forward to hopefully seeing Rimuru find love one day after all his dramatic adventures!
