The Slime Princess

-EX-Chapter 6: Surprise!

A/N: Happy 3rd anniversary!! This book is officially three years old!

Also, this is probably going to be the last EXtra chapter for this book.

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A mischievous glint shone in Shuna's pink eyes as she mixed a luminescent blue batter in the kitchen. The surrounding air is thick with the scent of pastries and cakes.

Across Tempest, Benimaru wrestled with a precariously balanced box containing creampuffs. Just ahead of him, Diablo can be seen carrying same boxes containg even more creampuffs, devoid of any struggle.

Contrasting Benimaru's overwhelmed figure.

On the other side. Gobta, hummed a note under his breath while polishing his sword, his face momentarily softened upon remembering the day.

"This is no time to laze around Gobta." Hakurou threatened. Not even waiting for the goblin's reply. His sword is fully unsheathed and ready to cut the goblin in half. If it wasn't for Gobta's swift movements.

He quickly returns to carry the boxes, following Benimaru and Diablo.

Meanwhile somewhere within an open space inside the labyrinth, Lylas Tempest-the princess, remained blissfully unaware, fully engrossed in a manga reading session with Veldora and Ramiris.

The time passed on until the labyrinth's afternoon sunlight filtering through the trees, giving a peaceful atmosphere as the three of them completely indulged in their reading session. But then that tranquility was shattered.

"Surprise!" a chorus of voices erupted from behind, sending a flurry confettis. Lylas's jaw dropped as everyone emerged, each adorned in festive attire and holding a piece of a banner that read "Happy Birthday, Lylas-sama!"

She can also see her mother, Rimuru Tempest, donning a witch outfit for this special occasion, yes a witch outfit. Complete with the pointy hat and the rest. Congarulating her birthday with flushing face.

Tears welled in Lylas' eyes. Touched by the elaborate decorations-sparkling tapestry depicting a slime, the tables are filled with exotic delicacies, one of them is the magnificent creampuff crafted by Ingrassia's renowned pastry chef-the ultimate fantasy feast as Veldora would call it.

"Thanks everyone!"

Laughter filled the room as stories of past adventures and mishaps were exchanged. Lylas usually reserved and focused on her trainings, now relaxed in the labyrinth.

Later, surrounded by the celebration, a wave of satisfaction reached her. Smiling, she settled onto a chair while everyone is chatting and eating, with another book-a diary resting on her lap.

The soft glow danced across the worn pages, illuminating the events of the past. Each image, a snapshot of a time when she was still with them. A tear traced a path down her cheek as she closed the book, a single word escaping her lips, "Mom..."

The sound of rusty iron hinges groaning open shattered the silence. A harsh torchlight flooded the room, momentarily blinding Lylas.

A rough hand yanked the enchanted chains that bound her wrists and abilites. No Raphael, no Skills. She's completely helpless.

"Time to wake up, Princess," a voice rasped, but it wasn't the gruff tones she expected. A woman's voice, echoed in the cavernous chamber. Lylas grew more nervous with each step the woman take.

As her eyes adjusted to the dim light she can see the face clearly.

The woman before her wasn't a prison guard, but the perpetrator behind her current state-azure blue hair glowed along with the torchlight, covering her mouth with a paper fan.

"..."

She stared at Lylas with her deep gold eyes, complete with unreadable expression. A new wave of fear washed over Lylas, colder and more terrifying than the damp stone walls of her confinement.

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[ • • • ]

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A bloodcurdling scream tore through the silent room, shattering the illusion of the dream world. Rimuru bolted upright from the soft cushion and transformed himself into a human.

Moments later, door burst open, revealing the worried visage of the Demon Lord.

"Lylas?!" His eyes scanned Lylas' form, searching for any sign of injury.

'oh thank god' Relief flooded himself as he reached his daughter's side.

"Lylas, what is it? Are you alright?" He soothed, his voice laced with concern.

Immediately, Lylas clung to Rimuru. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the familiar surroundings of her room.

"Just a bad dream," Rimuru murmured, gathering her into a comforting embrace. "But a good reminder that it's your birthday. Happy birthday, Lylas."

A weak smile tugged at Lylas' lips. The terror subsided, replaced by a strange sense of foreboding. "Stay with me, please, Mom" she whispered, burying her face even deeper in Rimuru's chest.

The Demon lord chuckled, "Of course, of course. I will stay. It's okay, don't worry." He settled onto the edge of the bed, his hand stroking Lylas' hair in an attempt to comfort her.

As sleep drifted over Lylas once more as Raphael reactivated the sleeping mode. But still, a single question lingered in her mind

Was it truly just a nightmare, or a glimpse into a future yet to come?

Only time would tell.

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[To be continued?]

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"Slimes don't require sleep nor will they ever experience physical exhaustion. But, being former human, Lylas and Rimuru might develop mental fatigue that mimics it."