I like it. Sure it's not as eventful as other volumes, but I've always enjoyed the slice of life and minor worldbuilding aspects of the series, and I enjoy the sentiments that come with the character interactions.
You could argue that events and discussions on the genius architect and the crime syndicates are laying the foundations for future stuff, but I enjoy it for how it makes the world feel more alive. These things also provide perspective on the strength of the relationship Ryoma has with everyone such as when contrasting the guard's reaction to Ryoma and the solidarity of Ryoma's group at the party.
Additionally, for Eleonora's Regrets, I love how good of a boss and friend Ryoma is and how empathetic of a person he is. A big theme of this story has been about learning to trust others and to let them in. Both Ryoma and Eleonora are slowly doing that. Even the discussion and speculation the adults have had on Ryoma's past are part of people growing closer to Ryoma along with the growing theme of community.
The phrase "the child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth" fits really well with the goals and intended consequences of the Earth god's tribulations on Ryoma. This story shows the healing and the other side of that where the child is embraced by the village or specifically a village after escaping the abuse of his previous one, even if the execution is sometimes unconventional or simplistic.
Also, on the goblins, one of the unfortunate aspects of the story and isekai stories in general has been their use of slavery and the light portrayal of it. While I'm not going to praise this story for being slightly better than most since that's a low bar, I do appreciate how the story discussed in its worldbuilding this world's history of slavery law reform following the rebellion and the future directions and concerns of an industry that deals in human resources.
Anyhow, while the evolutionary history of the goblins might have been unnecessary, it still personally gave me some information that helped me sort my moral feelings for the taming of them and their treatment as monsters societally despite their sentience. For better or worse.
This stories does balance a lot of darker subjects and themes while mixing it with a fluffy and comfortable slice of life tone and fun slime research.
Also, I actually really like how a lot of minor projects gets "crammed" in. In my opinion, especially when related to the use of modern knowledge or inventions, too many isekai protagonists don't do enough especially when they have the resources and magic for it and when the ideas or items are simple.
Also, Korumi as the son or little brother of Ryoma is so cute!
I look forward to the next volume.