CHAPTER THREE: Becoming Ladylike

Far to southeast of Nazarick, a giant Dragon Lord flies through the clouds. His scales black with deep purple underbelly coloring. Four black horns sit on his head but faced backward, toward the back of his skull. His massive wingspan casts a dark shadow on the land below him. His menacing tail was lined with black spikes. He looked down below him and saw a castle, The Imperial Castle of The Baharuth Empire. Tipping his wings a bit he soared down and circled the castle a few times, basically, he was announcing his presence. There seemed a large courtyard big enough for him so he took care and landed in the middle of it. He was expecting panic and people screaming but everyone was handling the situation well, at the presence of an Unexpected Dragon Lord.

"Hello, welcome to my castle." A small voice said to his right, Elder Coffin turned to meet the voice. It was a man with blonde hair wearing a black and gold robe, a crown sat on his head. He had a dark figure standing behind him and two other humans stood back with shocked looks on their faces.

"I am Elder Coffin Dragon Lord, I seek an audience with the ruler of this nation." He said in a powerful voice, many people stood back but did not run in terror. He was expecting a hostile reaction, but a calm man walked out with his arms up in greeting.

"Welcome Elder Coffin Dragon Lord to my castle, what can I do for you?" The human must be used to dealing with people of power, he seemed so natural in the presence of the undead Dragon Lord.

"You are the Emperor?" The dragon spoke in a calm voice but it still carried such power in it.

"Indeed I am Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix of The Baharuth empire, and vassal state to The Great Sorcerer Kingdom, I assume you are here on their behalf?" Jircniv said looking a little weary. Elder Coffin shook his massive head.

"No, but I was actually hoping to get an audience with this "Sorcerer King", and I wanted to check to see if this settlement of humans were loyal to any Dragon Lords." He said flatly

"I see, and as we are not, may I ask what you would do if we were?" Elder Coffin squinted at the litch that was looking at him in fascination, seems undead were welcome in this land as well.

"I am a sworn enemy to all Dragon Lords, I only returned thinking my kin were making their grand move, but it was flawed from the very beginning, and one of us has already fallen already." Jircniv paid special attention to his words.

"Well it seems you are in luck, my... court sorcerer Fluder here can contact His Majesty Ainz Ooal Gown for you, and can relay your request." He smiled feeling that there was no real danger at the moment. The one known as Fluder began speaking in his head, but he seemed reluctant to say anything of use, only that "Your Majesty should come here at once". It seemed eventually the one he talked to agreed. And within seconds a black portal opened and many powerful individuals walked through. One was an Overlord, he was draped in black robes and adorned in amazing gear. The one behind him was a woman with black hair and wings, she was a succubus and she seemed to be holding the hand of a younger elf girl with half white and half black hair, the younger one did not seem to be happy for whatever reason. Behind them was the butler he'd seen utterly destroy Brightness and finally a vampire girl in a black and red dress holding an umbrella. Elder Coffin assumed The Overlord was this Ainz Ooal Gown and turned to meet him.

"So, I see why I was asked to come here, you are... an undead Dragon Lord?" Ainz asked amazed. he eyed the giant beast up and down, Elder Coffin nodded.

"As I told your Vassal state emperor, I came to help with Brightness, but I saw I was not even needed..." He looked at Sebas who made no movement.

"Then I hear of an "Undead King" and I was curious as to why you were not simply killing and turning everyone undead." Ainz gave a knowing nod.

"Well it is simple, I am not an Undead that hates the living, instead I seek to rule over them, fairly, and forever... it really is as simple as all that." Elder Coffin burst out into laughter this made some of the ones that were with him nervous.

"How fortunate for them, never would I expect humans to ever accept an undead ruler... but it appears much has changed over my absence." Ainz shook his head.

"No, It has been just as hard as you are imagining, but as my actions are now speaking for my words, we are at a point of progress." Elder Coffin thought about then spoke.

"So then, any place in your ranks for a bored undead Dragon Lord?" Ainz opened his hands and clapped.

"My lands are open to all who do not seek The Sorcerer Kingdom harm." Elder Coffin seemed satisfied. He thought for a second more.

"Very well Your Majesty, consider me a member of your undead Kingdom," He said nodding. Ainz seemed very pleased.

"Well, shall we go to E-Rantel, my capital to discuss any concerns or issues you may have?" Elder Coffin shook his head.

"I am assigning myself the role of Dragon Lord guard. As I never tire I can fly for as long as I wish, I suspect other Dragon Lords mean you and your nation harm, I will be on constant vigil for them and help when needed," he said. Aniz didn't sense any falsehood from the dragon, and an early warning system of danger didn't sound so bad actually.

"And if my lands are threatened by a non-Dragon Lord presence?" Ainz asked. Elder Coffin nodded again.

"Any danger I see I can relay and help with, currently however, I fear Dragon Lords are your biggest concern." Elder Coffin explained.

"Will you accept orders from me?" Ainz asked.

"Yes, so long as I don't feel you are exploiting me, but you can expect me to obey, I have no illusions of grandeur on my behalf as a ruler, so I do not mind following someone I find worthy, I will see this Sorcerer Kingdom for myself, and if it is as you say, I suspect I will have little trouble offering what help I can." Elder Coffin told his new Lord.

"Good, good, then when we have more time I'd like to sit down with you and talk more, I have many questions," Ainz told The Dragon Lord. Elder Coffin agreed.

"Yes, I imagine you must. Call me when it suits you, I will be in the skies of your E-Rantel." Ainz nodded once more, he never expected to employ a willing Dragon Lord. Elder Coffin turned to Jircniv,

"For thanks for arranging this, I will also extend my help to you as a Vassal state and ally, feel free to call on me if needed." Elder Coffin said bowing to Jircniv. He bowed back.

"Well I will be where I said, I look forward to your future talks Lord Ainz Ooal Gown." Elder Coffin said before pushing off with his legs and taking to the air, the air current blew around and made Jircniv close his eyes. With a few pushes with his wing Elder Coffin was off, headed toward E-Rantel.

"He assigned himself?" Albedo scoffed, "little Zesshi can you believe that?" Zesshi just stood there in a cute white dress that somewhat matched Albedos, she looked like a child whose mother has dragged her to the store. Albedo smiled and picked her up with a hug. Ainz took notice of this but seemed to approve of Albedos willingness to actually approve of someone not of Nazarick in such a way, she too was growing. Ainz turned to talk with Fluder and Jircniv for a bit, mostly just exchange pleasantries and some random information. But as the sudden house call was finished they left to return to Nazarick.

"Albedo... it pleases me to see you so willing to befriend Zesshi here, it shows growth on your part." Ainz praised her, Albedo's face became flush red and she smiled holding back a full-blown happy dance.

"Oh, it is no problem Lord Ainz! Little Zesshi here is like the little sister I always wanted!" She said hugging the frowning Zesshi.

"So then you think she will be a valued member if we free her?" Ainz asked Albedo nodded enthusiastically. Ainz nodded a bit as he decided she would be set free after returning from her mission of protecting Mare.

"Albedo I won't need your services today, take the rest of the day off," Ainz said as he walked to his personal room to retire and relax his mind. Albedo and the floor guardians bowed. Albedo turned to Zesshi with a smile.

"We have all day together!" Albedo said smiling and grabbing Zesshi's hand and leading her someplace.

"Um... where are we going Lady Albedo?" She was afraid another round of dress-up was going to take place. Albedo chuckles to herself.

"I have so much to teach you about how to attract your man, Mare, my little Zesshi." Zesshi looked interested in this.

"Oh?" Albedo nodded and lead her to one of the public baths.

"First we need to get you clean like a woman, Mare will not tolerate a dirty wife." Albedo said nodding her head in agreement with herself.

"Bath? wait..." Zesshi had mixed feeling about bathing publicly with this woman, but her feeling did not matter as Albedo took her to a lovely white and gold bathroom. the floors were pure white porcelain with gold trim between the tiles, there were statues of human women pouring in the water from their marble vases. The artistry on the statues was amazing, even Zesshiwas was taken aback by how fancy and high class this bathing was.

"I can really do this by myself Lady Albedo..." She informed her but albedo was already naked and holding a bucket and rag, the smile on her face told Zesshi she ignored what she had told Albedo.

"Uh, alright..." She did as ordered and removed her dress and undergarments and placed them next to Albedos. She sat on a stool that Albedo was motioning to her to sit on. Warm water was dumped over her head and Albedo began washing her hair, Zesshi felt like a child but did not much mind this... much. Then more water was dumped onto her as Albedo washed her in a very personal manner.

"L...Lady Albedo I can wash myself there!" Zesshi said stopping her friend's hands where they were. Albedo giggled but continued regardless.

"Little Zesshi, you are so cute when you blush! That will work with Mare, try that." Albedo said running a cloth up down Zesshi's chest and down her back, she began to blush more.

"We will have you looking a lady in no time." Albedo giggled to herself as she finished washing her.

"But I've never been one for ladylike things..." Zesshi reminded Albedo. She just chucked again as she switched places with Zesshi.

"That's why you need your big sister Albedo to teach you these things!" She laughed as Zesshi cleaned Albedo's back with a rag. She helped clean the backside of Albeo's wings, something she claimed was a real bother to do alone.

"Clean my neck would you?" Albedo asked raising her wet hair and exposing the back of her neck, she did as asked. When both girls had rinsed they sat in the warm bath. The feeling was quite pleasant, it had been forever since Zesshi enjoyed something like this. Her concentration was broke when Albedo sat directly behind her and wrapped her arms around Zesshi's neck and shoulders.

"Lady Albedo, um you are awfully close." She said in a timid voice, most her life she'd been alone and suddenly having so much attention thrust on her was uncomfortable, but if learning to socialize would help Mare love her she'd put up with it, this might even be normal for all she knew.

"Aw Zesshi don't worry, we're sisters after all, and you're entirely too cold and offputting, that won't do." Albedo said chuckling and hugging her, Zesshi was very aware of the soft things pressing up against her back.

"Don't worry Zesh, we'll get you all warmed up inside." Albedo giggled. The phrase made Zesshi wonder that if she made a run for the door right now if Albedo would catch her...

"And this will make Mare like me more?" She asked looking back at Albedo's smiling face. The beautiful succubus nodded.

"After we get you smelling nice I'll teach you my secret." She whispered in her ear. This aroused Zesshi's suspicions.

"Secret?" She looked forward again, Albedo leaned back making Zesshi lean back against her. Albedo's arms hung loosely off Zesshis shoulders, this woman had no sense of personal space it would seem. However, she just giggled.

"It will work for you I'm sure of it, the hard part will be to get to Mare's room without anyone noticing." Now Zesshi was very curious. Why would she need to go to Mare's personal chambers?

"You have to envelop him in your scent, everything he owns you have press hard against you or even... into you." Albedo said squeezing Zesshi's shoulders with her hands and lightly massaging her wet shoulders and back. Zesshi had lost what Albedo was getting at, everything this woman said was so odd.

"But I am not even allowed to leave this section of Nazarick," Zesshi told her. Albedo frowned.

"Well then just make sure to get access to his tent when you to are out on the road together, he'll probably have his slaves so that could be tough." Albedo said with a cute thinking face.

"Slaves?" Zesshia asked. Albedo nodded.

"He has three, well technically they belong to his sister as well, but they largely ignore her... come to think of it, they could be considered competition as well." Zesshi pondered, he didn't seem the kind of person to order them to do anything... but if one of them had feelings for him... that would indeed be a problem...

"Well I wouldn't worry about it for too long, the only girl that matters to Mare is his sister, All you must do is be available to him when he starts looking at girls "in that way." She told her adopted sister Zesshi.

"Albedo, what kept you faithful for this long? You could have any man you want, yet you wait patiently for him," Albedo smiled as she pulled Zesshies hair back a=wringing out some water from the black and white strands of hair.

"It's simple, he ordered me to love him, I literally have no choice but to love our Lord Ainz." Zesshi wondered what kind of person would force someone to love them and then not return it, it seemed so cruel. Does Ainz enjoy seeing her in a constant state or want, only to not return it?

"I feel bad for you Lady Albedo, It seems cruel to make you wait this long for him," Zesshi said solemnly, it must be some kind of mental sadism Ainz enjoys playing with her heart. Albedo spun Zesshi so they were looking face to face. This put their legs at an odd angle however, Zesshi tried to move to a less revealing position but Albedo had he locked into place with insane strength. She seemed dead set on saying this eye to eye.

"Oh I don't mind, it only proves my devotion to him, I think he is testing me," Zeshi wondered why she had to be facing Albedo with their legs in an awkward position to tell her this.

"Well I don't think I will be able to offer you any kind of help, but I do hope to see you happy Lady Abedo." Albedo smiled and blushed and turned to look up the statue next to her that poured in the hot water.

"Don't call me that, we're sisters in love, you may just call me Albedo, my little Zesshi!" Zesshi smiled awkwardly thinking how she ended up naked with her legs wrapped around another woman.

"Or better yet you can call me your big sister!" She said patting Zesshi on her head who looked incredibly uncomfortable.

"Oh erm... I don't know..." But Albedo just hugged her closer bringing her face well into her bosom.

"I just love it when you act shy like this little Zesshi! It reminds me of how Ainz will act shy when I flirt with him, he's so cute!" She cried hugging her even tighter, breathing was becoming an issue now. When she could talk and breath again Zesshi spoke out of desperation to get out of this situation and also to change the subject.

"Oh well um La... um Albedo, could I get out now, I am rather hungry as I've not eaten in over four days..." Albedo blinked and removed a ring and placed it on Zesshis finger.

"We recently got a large shipment in from that store of these rings, you can have this one," As soon as the ring slid on her lack of food and sleep went away.

"Thank you uh, big sister?" Albedo smiled and patted her head.

"It's nothing, we will have lots of time to talk now!" She said smiling. For whatever reason, it did seem Albedo enjoyed Zesshi's company, and Zesshi had never had a friend either, she supposed this was a big step in earning Mare's interest.

"Honestly, I've never even talked with anyone this much before, in my whole life... and just having a friend feels weird." Zesshi professed, she just wished Albedo had more sense of personal space...

"I understand that. Being locked up in a room all day with no interaction with more than one person... yes I identify all to well with you," Albedo said growing serious.

"You were like me?" Zesshi asked looking up into her eyes. Albedo nodded.

"Yes, my duties kept me locked in the highest floor of Nazarick most of my life, it's only recently that I've been able to even leave The Great Tomb of Nazarick." Zesshi realized she was right, that did sound a lot like her.

"So we will have a lot to teach each other I imagine." She said to her first friend ever, Albedo smiled and nodded.

"Okay let's get out, we've had enough of a soak," She said standing up and picking Zesshi up with her, why she insisted on carrying her everywhere Zesshi did not understand.

"I am able to dress myself..." Zesshi mentioned, but it seemed Albedo had not heard, or just chosen to not hear. She took a towel and began to dry herself off, Zesshi used this time to do the same, fearing Albedo would choose to dry her off as well, but when she had finished toweling off her hair she saw Albedo with a towel wrapped and tied around her body, but she was holding a fancy bottle with a thick sweet smelling liquid.

"This will help you smell more ladylike," Albedo explained as she rubbed the good smelling lotion onto Zesshi's back and arms as well as her neck. The massage felt nice and the liquid had a slight magical effect to it. Zesshi could tell immediately this was a very high-quality skin lotion, she'd never once ever thought to use this kind of stuff. She was a little surprised when Albedo massaged the lotion along her legs and thigh as well, however.

"Okay, let's get you back to our room to get you dressed!" Albedo said slipping on her white dress and taking the liberty of pulling on Zesshis clothes and underwear on for her.

"Our room?" Zesshi asked, but Albedo just nodded and smiled thinking nothing odd of it at all. Once again Zesshi simply went along for this bizarre ride. Finding her place in this land was proving to be easier than she thought, but still somewhat unsettling.

"I am very capable of dressing myself," Zesshi again told the woman who was treating her more and more like a younger sister, who was still a child.

"I have so many cute ideas for you today!" Albedo said thinking in her head at the various combinations she could make today. Yeah, she defiantly was ignoring her pleas of protest. Still to be accepted like this felt a little... nice.