The crimson princess

Pov Dia,

We spent a lot of time investigating whether this planet was feeding something or if someone was using it.

After receiving a negative response, we started conducting tests to see if removing a piece of the crystal from this planet would diminish the crystal's power or have any side effects on the planet.

Again, the answer was negative, so I asked Rain and Misery to place different protections and seals to safeguard this planet, as there is a high chance that it will be targeted by others.

Misery: "All the protections are in place, Dia-sama. We only need to finalize it."

I placed hundreds of seals that made the planet invisible, undetectable, or endowed it with various properties meant solely to protect the planet.

I took a very large piece of the crystal, as I needed it to study and create my Sacred Gears or even create Longinus.

Dia: "This expedition was very profitable. I did not expect to find something like that on the first expedition and so close to home. Fortunately, we found it; otherwise, there could have been a war between extraterrestrial beings over the ownership of this place."

Rain: "We are glad to have been able to witness the success of this operation, and therefore your success."

Dia: "This won't be the last success I aim for. I still have many things to accomplish. Plus, Pandemonium has not yet achieved the level of success I desire, so we'll wait a bit longer before celebrating the success of this city."

Misery: "Yet, when you look at it, this place is almost a paradise."

Dia: "Yes, but I want it to be THE paradise—a place where everyone can live in peace without worrying about external dangers."

Misery: "That seems ambitious."

Rain: "Sometimes I wonder if you even finished your maid training, Misery. You have no right to criticize Dia-sama's goal, even if it seems absurd. Instead, we must help her and prevent her from suffering. I will ask Rimuru-sama to train you for another year."

Misery began to tremble at this threat and threw herself at Rain's feet, begging her not to do that.

After this little discussion, we headed back home. This expedition was very successful—not only because I found the materials I wanted, but also because I learned to appreciate Rain and Misery a little more. I wonder if they would agree to form a special relationship where every moment of love is shared with both of them, along with other rules.

Of course, there would be no intimate moments, but they don’t want to monopolize me, and it would also reduce the number of meetings and activities my women have without me.

But before I focus on my romantic relationship with my maids, it is necessary to first think about the other women in my peerage, who might be less patient than my maids. Although there is very little hope that they will give up their love for me.

With the resolution to be more proactive with the women in my circle, I returned home.

Of course, the first thing I did was go see my slime girls, as they still missed me. One might think my reaction is more suitable for a father, but a mother could also have this kind of very overprotective and possessive reaction.

After that, I read the reports from the shadow organization I named Shadow Garden. (Author's note: I'm not sure if there will be another character from The Eminence in Shadow.)

The most important report was that Hades had requested my presence, and Rimuru went as my representative a few hours ago.

After seeing this, I decided to go there, but when I arrived, I saw Rimuru, struggling to breathe, surrounded by reapers.