Shuna, the strong-willed woman who always leads everyone, has a secret side she only shows in front of Rimuru. Her usual tough attitude is just a front she created to be useful to him.
One day, Rimuru visits Shuna's room because of a tiny scratch. But when they're alone, Shuna bursts into big tears. "When I'm with you, Rimuru-sama, I just can't keep it together." It's a special confession from her.
She's been holding back her pain, not wanting to show weakness. Rimuru gently holds her, strokes
By Rimuru's Side, You Cry, and Then You Smile - The Perfect Strategist's One and Only Secret
Morning.
Outside the window, the faint sounds of the Dawn Market beginning to bustle reached her room.
"...Alright."
Before the mirror, Shuna gave her bangs one final adjustment.
The two small horns on her forehead were just barely visible. She couldn't hide them completely, and a sigh escaped her.
*(Rimuru-sama says they're cute, but...)*
Still, she couldn't quite bring herself to like them.
Proof of the ogre tribe. The mark of a warrior race.
"Well, it has nothing to do with my work."
Shuna gathered her waist-length black hair into a single ponytail with a crimson cord.
A white shrine maiden's attire, with shoulder guards and waist armor. Light equipment prioritizing ease of movement.
Today, like every day, there was a mountain of things to do.
It was a five-minute walk from the Crimson Pavilion to the Central Office.
She left her room and descended the stairs.
The pavilion was quiet. Benimaru-nii-sama and Souei had likely already left.
Everyone started early.
Shuna passed by the garden and stepped out onto the main street.
In the morning in Rimuru City, the magicrystal lamps still glowed faintly.
The air was a little cold, carrying the scent of the forest.
That was because the Great Forest of Jura was right there.
As she walked down the street, Shuna organized the day's meeting materials in her head.
Production at the North District's magicrystal processing plant was down.
The repair costs for the east gate were ballooning too much.
Preparations for the third round of trade negotiations with the Western Nations.
How should she explain it to Rimuru-sama—?
"Good morning, Shuna-sama!"
Someone called out to her, and Shuna stopped.
It was a goblin gatekeeper. Holding a spear, his back perfectly straight.
"Good morning. Keep up the good work today."
"No, ma'am! Good luck at the meeting today!"
Shuna gave a small smile and nodded.
*(Everyone's watching me closely.)*
Which meant she couldn't afford mistakes.
She couldn't show any weakness.
In front of the Central Office, the Dawn Market was already underway.
Goblins selling vegetables, dwarves displaying arms, human merchants who'd come from afar.
All sorts of voices mingled together, like lively morning music.
Glancing sidelong at the market, Shuna climbed the office stairs.
This was the heart of Tempest.
A multi-species nation built by Rimuru-sama, a former slime reincarnator who became a Demon Lord.
Goblins, ogres, dwarves—if you had ability, you were properly recognized.
Shuna was proud of this country from the bottom of her heart.
And that was precisely why she had to be useful.
When she reached the executive conference room on the second floor, Benimaru and the others were already seated.
"Shuna, you're a bit late today."
"I was doing a final check on the documents. Now, let's begin."
Shuna took her seat and began preparing the meeting minutes.
The usual routine.
The meeting ended in thirty minutes.
Thanks to Shuna having summarized the key points beforehand, it proceeded smoothly.
The North District magicrystal plant was left to Geld, and Rigurd was to get a re-estimate for the gate repairs.
Rimuru-sama would personally attend the trade negotiations—
"You saved me again today, Shuna."
As the meeting ended, Rimuru-sama approached her.
"Of course. I'm honored to be of use to you, Rimuru-sama."
Shuna answered perfectly.
Even though, inside, her heart was pounding.
Even though every time Rimuru-sama smiled at her, she was unbearably happy.
"Well, see you later. Good luck with the paperwork."
Rimuru-sama waved casually and left the room.
Shuna stood there for a while.
*(...See you later.)*
Just those words made the depths of her chest grow gently warm.
How foolish.
Shuna shook her head, gathered the minutes, and returned to her own office.
──
Late night.
The second floor of the Crimson Pavilion, a corner room tucked away in the back.
In Shuna's private room, only moonlight streamed in through the window.
Sitting before her desk, Shuna stared absently at her own left wrist.
A scratch from training. A tiny, faint red line.
*(I managed to get through today, somehow.)*
She'd done it perfectly. Without a doubt.
But—why?
Slowly, Shuna swept her bangs upward.
Her fingertips touched the horns on her forehead.
A scene from three years ago suddenly resurfaced in her mind.
The day the forces of the Kingdom of Falmuth attacked.
Her homeland's village burned, and everyone died.
Only the strong survived. And the weak—
*(If you're not useful, you're discarded.)*
Saved by Rimuru-sama, she came to Tempest.
Ever since, Shuna had desperately tried to be useful.
Tried to be the perfect advisor.
But.
*(Does Rimuru-sama keep me by his side... only because I'm useful?)*
Thinking that made the depths of her chest grow cold.
Shuna looked at the small potted plant by the window.
The one and only personal gift from Rimuru-sama.
Its green leaves, illuminated by the moonlight, were beautiful.
"...Rimuru-sama."
Just saying his name made her eyes burn hot.
No. She mustn't cry.
If someone saw her—
*Knock knock.*
Shuna's heart leaped.
"Shuna, you awake?"
From beyond the door, Rimuru-sama's carefree voice.
Shuna hurriedly wiped her eyes.
Then, she steadied her breathing.
Rebuilt her dignified expression.
"Yes, I'm awake. What is it?"
She opened the door.
There stood Rimuru-sama, looking a little troubled.
"Uh... can I get some of that honey you keep for second helpings at dinner?"
...What?
Shuna's mouth fell open involuntarily.
A Demon Lord.
The strongest being in this country.
Possessing power that even the kings of various nations respected.
And yet, he was asking for honey late at night?
"Rimuru-sama... you're asking for that, now?"
Laughter bubbled up inside her.
The feelings that had been so dark just moments ago suddenly seemed utterly trivial.
"Because I'm hungry. There was nothing left in the kitchen."
"Goodness... please wait a moment."
Shuna went back into her room and reached for the small jar of honey on the shelf.
At that moment.
"...Wait, what happened there?"
Rimuru-sama's voice suddenly turned serious.
Huh?
When Shuna turned around, Rimuru-sama was staring at her left wrist.
The scratch. That small wound she'd been looking at earlier.
"Ah, this is... from training. It's nothing serious."
Shuna tried to pull her hand away.
But Rimuru-sama's hand gently grasped her wrist.
"Shuna."
A quiet voice.
"You're pushing yourself too hard, today too."
—With those words.
The perfect mask she'd built up over three years crumbled with a deafening crash.
"...Ngh."
Tears overflowed.
She couldn't stop them.
"I-I... have to be useful to Rimuru-sama... if I were cast aside, I couldn't go on living..."
The words wouldn't come out right.
Sobbing, she desperately squeezed out her voice.
"When Falmuth came, everyone died... I couldn't do anything... so I can't stand not being needed anymore... ngh..."
Crying, she told him everything.
She wanted to be by Rimuru-sama's side, but their positions as master and servant got in the way.
She felt she had to be useful, but really she wanted to depend on him more.
Everything. It was a mess. She didn't even understand it herself.
Rimuru-sama said nothing.
He just silently held her.
The warmth of his arms around her back slowly melted Shuna's taut rationality.
"...Rimuru-sama."
With a trembling voice, Shuna spoke.
"I... about Rimuru-sama—"
Before she could finish.
Rimuru-sama kissed her on the cheek.
Shuna's eyes widened.
Rimuru-sama's serious eyes were right there, close to hers.
"I know. I've noticed for a long time."
At that voice, Shuna's heart leaped hard once more.
──Naturally, their bodies came together.
Shuna's shrine maiden attire was slowly undone by Rimuru-sama's hands.
Bathed only in moonlight, Shuna's white skin was gradually exposed.
Shoulders, breasts, hips. Though a princess of the ogre tribe, her limbs were supple, honed by battle.
"You don't have to be nervous."
Rimuru-sama's whisper sounded right next to her ear.
Shuna couldn't say anything, she just nodded.
Rimuru-sama's fingers gently touched Shuna's breasts.
As if enveloping the soft swell, they were slowly kneaded.
"...Nn, ah."
A voice escaped her involuntarily.
Every time the pads of his fingers rolled her nipples, a sweet numbness raced up her spine.
Her nipples, standing erect, grew harder within Rimuru-sama's fingers.
Rimuru-sama then slid his other hand down toward Shuna's lower body.
The undergarment worn beneath her shrine maiden attire was removed, revealing Shuna's secret place.
Deep within the dark thicket, nectar was already beginning to seep out.
"Shuna, you're already wet."
"D-don't say it... it's embarrassing..."
Shuna turned her face away, blushing.
Rimuru-sama's fingers gently traced her wet labia.
The slick sensation slowly parted her there.
"Hyah...!"
His fingers caressed the entrance of her vagina, as if tickling it.
Love juices overflowed, wetting Rimuru-sama's fingers.
Finding her clitoris, Rimuru-sama pressed there gently, tracing circles.
"Ah... aah...!"
She couldn't stop her voice. A sweet voice came out, surprising even herself.
One of Rimuru-sama's fingers slowly entered inside Shuna.
"Does it hurt?"
"I-it's... alright."
Shuna answered desperately.
Each time his finger slowly moved in and out, wet, squelching sounds echoed in the room.
It was embarrassing, but her hips moved on their own.
"Nn, ah, aaah...!"
Pulling his finger out, Rimuru-sama then began to remove his own clothes.
Rimuru-sama's exposed penis was already fully erect.
Pre-cum glistened at the tip.
Seeing it, Shuna gulped.
"Is this your first time?"
Shuna nodded meekly.
"Tell me if it hurts. Don't push yourself."
"...Yes."
Rimuru-sama gently spread Shuna's legs and positioned himself between them.
The glans was pressed against Shuna's wet vaginal opening.
Hot.
And then, slowly—Rimuru-sama's penis entered inside Shuna.
"...Ngh, tsu!"
A sharp pain ran through her. The moment her hymen broke was unmistakably clear.
"It's okay. Breathe out slowly."
Rimuru-sama stroked her hair, speaking to her gently.
Shuna did as she was told and slowly exhaled.
Then, the pain gradually subsided, and in its place—a hot, sweet throbbing she'd never felt before spread through her.
"...Rimuru-sama, I'm alright now."
When Shuna said that, Rimuru-sama slowly began to move his hips.
Each time his penis rubbed inside her vagina, a sweet pleasure pierced through Shuna.
"Ah, aah, Rimuru-sama... Rimuru-samaa...!"
She couldn't hold back her voice.
Rimuru-sama's thrusts gradually grew faster.
Every time he thrust deep inside, her mind went blank.
"Shuna... you're squeezing me so tight inside."
"Because... Rimuru-sama feels so good..."
Tears spilled again. But this time, they were completely different from before.
Rimuru-sama's hands grasped Shuna's hips, thrusting even deeper.
"Nn, there... no, I'm going to cum...!"
Rubbed in her deepest, most sensitive spot, Shuna was pushed to climax all at once.
"Aaaaah—!!"
Her whole body convulsed, trembling.
Her vagina tightened around Rimuru-sama's penis, and love juices gushed out.
"Shuna, I'm about to..."
"Inside... please, cum inside me... Rimuru-sama's... Rimuru-sama's seed, inside me...!"
Shuna cried out desperately.
Rimuru-sama thrust deep one final time.
"...Ngh!"
Deep within her vagina, something hot pulsed and surged.
At the sensation of semen pouring into her, Shuna climaxed again, a small one.
"Ah... Rimuru-sama's, so... hot."
As Rimuru-sama slowly pulled his penis out, milky fluid trickled thickly from Shuna's vaginal opening.
For a while, the two of them couldn't move, still embracing.
Inside Shuna's chest, happiness spread gently.
*(I became Rimuru-sama's alone.)*
The pain of her first time still lingered a little.
But more than that—
*(It's okay... not to be perfect.)*
It was the first time in her life she'd ever felt that way.
In Rimuru-sama's arms, Shuna quie
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