Pov Dia,
We left after this, with a new member for my peerage, Yasaka. She talked about the situation and explained that she needed support to protect what her mother had built from falling apart.
Having witnessed Yasaka helping different people to safety during the attack, they pledged their swords to her service.
Dia: "Rimuru, inform Lola and Harley that there will be a new member who will need training, and ask them to assign a dozen trusted members to protect Yasaka from any danger she might encounter."
Normally, all members of Shadow Garden are trustworthy, but I want to ensure that those selected are ready to put their lives on the line for the mission. Even though I don't want them to have such a self-sacrificing mentality, I cannot afford to betray Inari's trust or let her precious daughter die because I wasn't adequately prepared for her safety.
After leaving the Oni village, I let Sera watch over Yasaka while I took Kurobei to the reserve, where I store various magical crystals used for crafting the different Longinus weapons I have in mind.
I took out a piece of crystal that appeared unremarkable and handed it to Kurobei.
Dia: "For now, before we begin creating the Longinus, we must train you to handle the crystal properly. If it's done incorrectly, it won't truly become a Longinus."
He examined the crystal I handed him, analyzing its potential shape and how he might manipulate it.
Kurobei: "It won't be easy to create what you're asking for, but I think I can do it. I'll just need a few years to master the art of forging."
Dia: "Don't worry. For now, there are three that must be made first. The last one can wait. I don't think I'll need both immediately, so we'll start with the Sacred Longinus."
The priority is the Sacred Longinus, which I've decided will belong to Hilari rather than Gabriel. I'm certain my daughter will be delighted with the gift I plan to offer her. She will become a symbol. Moreover, the Longinus will help her since she doesn't need to compare herself with other angels or feel obliged to interfere in the mortal world. The Longinus will protect her more than it would protect Gabriel.
The next two Longinus will be those of Destruction and Creation because I have a perfect project for them that I would like to implement. These Longinus will serve as a last resort, a function I hope I'll never need to use.
The last of Lightning and Gravity is not a priority. It's simply to complete the collection of the Zodiac that I have planned for them.
Author's Note: Since September, I've had the concept for the Longinus, so I'm happy they'll appear soon. An image is available in a chapter on Webnovel for those reading on Scribblehub.
Rimuru appeared, and I asked Ciel to notify her so that we could speak in private.
After our conversation, she seemed shocked.
Ciel: "But Dia-sama, I could never do that."
Dia: "I understand your concern is for Rimuru's well-being, but I want you to do this if the Last Cut technique comes into play. When the technique activates and the planned scenario unfolds, I want you to refrain from warning Rimuru and take control of her body instead."
It pains me to ask this of my maid, but I have no choice. It's not like I'll use the Last Cut a dozen times, considering it can only be used once.
I understand the risks I'm taking and the suffering the world will endure if we use it. Even suicidal techniques pale in comparison to this.
Once Ciel reluctantly accepted my order, despite her objections, Rimuru regained consciousness and asked me what I had discussed with her.
Dia: "I was just wondering if we could create a body for Ciel so she could accompany us during our hot evenings."
Rimuru immediately regretted asking the question.