This story uses the same setting as my other story "Momon, Big Black Changeling". Essentially, Ainz Ooal Gown is the same type of creature as in that story, although this and that story happen in different worlds.
A hunting horn boomed somewhere off in the distance. Its flat, braying note was followed by the distant barking of hounds, and the various cries and shouts of men on the hunt.
Under a copse of trees, a certain distance away from the hunting party, a trio of people emerged from the shadowed eaves. Each were garbed in rich hunting finery, their value seemingly disregarded for the moment as evidenced by ruffled fabrics and torn silks.
"We should be heading back," Lakyus said. Of the trio, her clothes had taken the most toll, as she had been essentially "fighting on two fronts", so to speak. "Oh no," she whined, when she felt a small tear at the back of her shoulders. "My maman is certain to be noticing it…"
"Allow me," Momon said, approaching the fretting Lakyus. He stared at the frayed fabric, then pointed and concentrated. A moment later, there was a bright flash, and then Lakyus saw that the tear had disappeared, as if it had not been there in the first place.
"Amazing, Momon-sama…" she whispered, in a disbelieving voice. "How far does your skill go?"
"My lord is skilled in a great many arts," Amelia said, walking close to inspect the repaired tear herself. In doing so she had placed her face directly close to Lakyus, which reminded her of a great many things that had just happened involving her face and Amelia's.
"Though it is rather mundane," Momon admitted, with a sheepish smile. Inwardly, he was wondering if it had done right by casting that spell. He wasn't Ainz at the moment, he was supposed to be just the warrior Momon, of Eclipse Nebula. He hoped that Lakyus wouldn't dwell on what he'd done.
"Well…" Lakyus said, a little breathlessly. "Perhaps we should be getting back to the others now." She checked her clothes one more time for any other faults.
"Agreed."
They hiked back to the outer edge of the forest in a pleasant silence. Lakyus was left to her own thoughts, which was decidedly not to ruminate on what had happened just a few minutes ago. She had never thought of herself as any sort of scandalous woman. But the things she had done, right there in the middle of her father's estate, while her own father was out there enjoying a hunt organized for her; made her feel more shame than she had ever felt in her years.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Amelia speaking. "Well now, Lakyus my dear. Have you given any thought as to what you will be doing after the wedding?"
"What? Oh, I um…" She looked down. She had to admit that she hadn't really thought that far in her plans.
"What are you saying, Amelia? Since it is to be a proper wedding, then of course there should be a proper honeymoon, isn't it?" Momon said.
"Ah, a honeymoon? I see, I see," Amelia said, with a giggle.
"A honeymoon?" Lakyus repeated.
"I've thought about some things we could do, if you don't mind," Momon said. "Or rather, they're places we can go to."
"Oh? Do please elaborate." She smiled faintly. Though she hardly knew the man, she couldn't help but feel a tiny surge of affection at his words.
"It shall be a grand tour," Momon said, pumping his fists with conviction. "I wish to travel around and see all the other cities for myself. The Slane Theocracy, the Baharuth Empire… the Roble Holy Kingdom!"
"Is it to be some sort of sight-seeing visit?" she asked. "Or is it for business?" It seemed like the greatest of coincidences that Momon and his retainers, like Amelia, had appeared in the Re-Estize Kingdom first, instead of in any other country. Though it seemed an exaggeration, it was easy enough to claim that he had shaped the nation's history, even just a little bit, by his presence. How many lives had he changed by saving them, and how many evils had been averted by his simple presence?
"Business?" Momon looked genuinely surprised. "No, it really will be just a tour. Seeing the sights, meeting its peoples… Sampling its wares, whatever their forms."
For a moment, Lakyus could not speak. "… Oh. Like a… Hum…" She struggled to find the right word. "Like some noble's progress?" It was something done by the nobles of Re-Estize periodically, as a way to celebrate some milestone—like a wedding perhaps, or an heir coming of age. They were usually extravagant affairs that were much gossiped about among high society, for they were usually means to measure a noble family's wealth. A particularly decadent tour, where a noble might donate entire sums to the poor, and then afterward sponsor feasts for foreign courts, would be an example of one such large indulgence.
"I am unfamiliar with the word," Momon said, after a small pause. "But if they are what I have just described, then yes, that is what I am referring to. A grand progress… progression… procession? No it's not exactly a procession… A progress through all the lands I have yet to visit."
She blinked, more than a little taken aback by the words.
"What's wrong?" Amelia asked. "My dear, you look like you've swallowed some vile substance!"
She shook her head. "No, it's just…" She sighed. "Lord Momon, I do not know how it is done in your lands, but this… 'honeymoon' you described, it is remarkably similar to a noble's progress." And then she proceeded to explain to them what it was.
At the end of it, Momon shrugged. "Then it is as I said, it is not that different. What's the problem?"
Lakyus stared wide-eyed, looking from him, to Amelia, then back again. She spluttered, "W-Well, it's just that… It's for nobles, rich nobles. And I'm…" She had discarded such privileges long ago. Not even her father could return it to her, even if he was more than willing. She was just a normal citizen, if one were looking for the exact definition. A scion of a noble house, true, but she could never inherit it, nor could she endow someone she married with the trappings of nobility. A commoner.
Amelia chuckled at that. "Is that what you're worried about?" She laughed for a few more seconds. "Lakyus, I'm not sure if you've forgotten, but your betrothed, Lord Momon—" She paused, her grin wide. "He is a prince, and what's more, the heir presumptive of our kingdom."
"That is true," Momon said.
"And all titles aside, he is more than capable of funding such a thing," Amelia finished. "So have no fear on that regard."
"I—" Well, they did have a point, didn't they? She couldn't believe she'd forgotten such a simple fact. If one put aside the fact that he was a foreigner, then he was as close to royalty than even her. But still, for someone like her to be going on such an extravagant thing… It boggled her mind.
"She's blushing," Amelia crowed, and laughed some more.
"Amelia!" she said ruefully.
"My apologies, my dear, but it is really quite charming of you to be so worried." Amelia said. "And I believe that proves how worthy you are of being my master's bride. It is a great privilege to be granted it, and therefore the attendant benefits are kingly indeed." She chuckled again, as if she was greatly amused at Lakyus' expense.
She sighed to herself. A thought crossed her mind. "Though there are still things I must consider, sir Momon, if you'll excuse me."
"What do you mean?"
"How long would this trip be, if it would not be troublesome to ask?"
"Perhaps two, maybe three months, depending on what we end up seeing," Momon said. He made a small laugh. "A small adventure here and there seems quite likely for those in our professions, don't you think?"
"Haah… Yes, indeed…" She rubbed her hands together nervously. "Well, I don't really know how to say this, but I think it will be difficult for me. Very difficult."
"Why? What do you mean, my dear?" Amelia asked.
She wrung her hands. "Well, I do still have to contend with the Eight Fingers, who were beyond this insidious plot in the first place. I can't just rest around, going on a… vacation like this. I would only end up leaving the bulk of the work to my team-mates, and I can't do that to them."
Amelia and Momon shared a look. "Ah, that's definitely understandable," Amelia said. She was frowning now, her expression darkening. "But we do understand, very much my dear. And you may rest assured that you will also not need to worry about that."
"And why is that?"
It was Momon's turn to speak. "Because while we're both going on this honeymoon, the rest of Blue Rose—your friends—will work with Eclipse Nebula on whatever needs to be done." He placed his hand on Amelia's shoulder. "She will be leading the group in my stead. I shall trust her with this new mission, and I hope you may also trust in her."
"My lord, Lakyus already trusts me," Amelia said with a slight bow. "And I can assure the both of you now: the Eight Fingers won't know what hit them." She slammed her hand and her palm together.
"It is as she says, Lakyus," Momon said. "We are in this boat together now, figuratively speaking. Your struggles are now our struggles. Just as my delights, are now yours, in a fashion. Personally, I think you have earned this respite. You have worked hard as an adventurer, have you not? You have endured much to reach this point. In my opinion, a little time to relax and enjoy the pleasures one can attain in life is not too bad, hm?"
"I…" She still wasn't sure. She glanced over at Amelia, who gave her a reassuring nod.
"As part of our plans," Amelia said, "I will be visiting your location periodically so I can give my reports on our progress. But I can assure you that all you will be hearing will be the successful fruits of our operations."
Would it really be okay? To forsake her duties at a crucial point like this? It felt rather like she was betraying something, though she wasn't sure what. Her parents would certainly approve, and if she dared mention it to Blue Rose they would be the first to push her out the front door to "enjoy herself". She thought of the Princess, then reminded herself of how presumptive that sounded. They had worked together, but that did not make them friends. And finally, her own confidant, Amelia, was the one who was pushing her to go the most.
She sighed, feeling as if she was putting down some heavy load from her shoulders. "Fine. Let's have it your way, sir Momon." She grinned. "As a seasoned adventurer, it would be my pleasure to serve as your guide in those places we will be visiting."
"Oh! Doesn't that sound nice, my lord!" Amelia cried.
Lakyus couldn't help but laugh, giving way to the joy that was bubbling out in her heart. She looked up at Momon, this strong, considerate hero who was giving her many good things, without even demanding much.
She felt such joy in that moment that, when her father's party finally strode back into view, she seized on the impulse in her mind. She reached for Momon's shirt, pulled his face down, and kissed him full on the lips.
There was a saying in the lands that once belonged to the House of Kubern: "heed not the night wails, or the dead will drag you with them to the netherworlds." This referred to the ghastly-sounding wails of the winds that rarely came blowing into their villages every year. When the time came, every peasant knew to board up their windows, daub apotropaic signs and hang talismans of magic from the ceilings, then drew themselves and their families closer to the hearth, and prayed to the Earth God for protection from the evil winds.
Not even the local priestesses would gainsay these practices over the years, knowing of the land's dismal reputation and the accompanying need to lift the peasants' spirits. And none who lived directly on these lands would ever deny the noises that the wind had made during those nights—as of a host of men screaming in the distance.
The recent disturbances that had riled up the peasantry had not stifled these practices—indeed, they had reinforced them. Everyone was strictly forbidden from leaving their houses at night for whatever reason, and were warned that help would not come for those foolish enough to violate the prohibition. All acted as if the wind would come that night, even when it did not.
That the local priestess had been assured by the Lady Vanessa that it was being investigated was no comfort—especially on one particular evening when the evil wind returned, screaming its deathly wails and freezing the hearts of even the doughtiest man. All of them promptly sealed their houses and prayed for the morning. Inside the humble Temple, the priestess too prayed, hoping for salvation.
For the minions of Nazarick, who were currently operating in that particular area, such beliefs and rumors were below their notice. A wind blew, but as long as it did not damage them, they did not stop, and pressed on—to battle.
Ainz had commanded an expansion of the search operations that had been undertaken by Nazarick ever since the excursion of the mysterious underground creatures, which he had called the "Menace" for the NPCs.
Initially they had only sealed up the underground tunnels and pathways before setting a watch on them. With the impending land acquisitions, Ainz had tasked Demiurge to oversee a probing operation, bent on investigating the underground as safely and as thoroughly as possible.
And so, as the peasants worked and slept above, the minions of Nazarick worked night and day to fulfill their Master's command. Legions of skeletons were the first of the vanguard, striding into the depths with the fearlessness that was infused into their bones.
It did not take long for battle to be joined, as they encountered the teeming hordes that dwelled in the moist darkness. Horde clashed against horde as Nazarick's war on Kubern began in earnest.
The creatures proved to be quite formidable, as evidenced by the many swarms of undead that had to be replaced from Nazarick on an hourly basis. Soon, even the swell of numbers was no longer enough to overcome the Menace. Demiurge had to send in more specialized troops, along with captains to lead them.
The entire panoply that had been granted to Shalltear by the Supreme Beings was leveraged against the Menace. Ethereal warriors led the vanguard, their screams echoing against the stone walls. These were followed by waves of lurching, groaning zombies that smashed through obstructions through the sheer weight of their combined flesh. Death knights in gleaming black mail tramped through the tunnels, led by cunning wight-lords, conducting small-scale raids and probing actions. Slowly but surely, they conquered the depths for their Master, purging it of the Menace inch by bloody inch.
When they reached the outermost bounds of Vanessa's allotted territory, they were mandated to stop. There were still even further areas that were left unexplored, but Ainz forbade further expansion. Ainz then went in to erect the same wards and protections he had made before, then ordered the same watch on it to ensure its stability.
Later, when the "purchase" had come through and Solution had been made the Countess Vanessa with a host of new lands, the campaign against the Menace resumed. Demiurge had been given leave to establish a research camp on the ruins, where he could investigate the nature of the Menace directly on the site. This time, though, they used another entrance to make an ingress, which was located on the site of an abandoned mill. The shadow demons had detected the presence of passages beneath its rotted floorboards, and Ainz had approved a tentative exploration there.
Reports then came of a new variant of "the Menace", which held a nature quite different from the ones they had already encountered. For a while, they were perturbed, as the creatures tended to sweep through and completely ignore the skeletal masses, and instead focused on attacking zombies, or even the demonic scouts that Demiurge had sent. After observing their behavior, it was then determined that these creatures were a form of blood-sucker: "vampires" to use the term with which they were more familiar.
Feeling quite amused by the situation, Ainz had instantly ordered a complete cessation of combat, before ordering Shalltear to lead a strike force into the new area, where she would be supported by the Pleiades. In this way, the reasoning was clear: this was a chance for Shalltear to prove her innate ability to combat the undead as an undead herself, while also observing the newly upgraded powers of the Pleiades.
Shalltear took up the vanguard, if she even considered it as such. For those that knew the vampire, it was better to frame the truth that she was moving for herself, and that she did not care that the Pleiades were trailing along behind her, even as support. As far as she was concerned, she was working alone. And so, the crimson-armored valkyrie flew through the passages, her lance sweeping through waves of skittering monsters, who were each her "kin" in a sense.
And yet, despite Shalltear's best efforts, even her ludicrous power failed to account for the sheer weight in numbers that the Menace possessed. For every cavern she cleared, enemies would trickle through afterward from another direction, seemingly endless in number. As such, it was the duty of the Pleiades to clean up after her as befit their maid outfits. They moved swiftly, cutting through hordes of vampires and blood-suckers by the hundreds.
Each had been gifted beforehand by a talisman that warded against diseases and other foul effects by Ainz, to prevent them from being contaminated by any strange conditions that would be encountered. Shalltear herself already had a superior version in the equipment Peroroncino had long ago granted her. Lacking such similar equipment, Ainz had to dip into the Treasury to grant them the boons.
Yuri Alpha was the foremost of her sisters, racing as fast as her agility could provide her and literally slamming face first into the enemy ranks. She was assisted here by the gauntlets she wore in her hands, which she thrust before her like the tip of a battering ram. Yet her current capabilities were also augmented by a strong, palpable aura of wind-like power that emanated from her body. It acted simultaneously as a forcefield that deflected strikes, and also as a projection of her own momentum as she charged ever forward. If Shalltear up ahead was the spear tip blazing for the enemy's heart, she was the rest of the spear ensuring that the weapon struck home.
Flanking Yuri's back was Lupusregina Beta and a curious humanoid creature that fought on the other side. This creature had the head of a wolf, its eyes gleaming yellow with bloodlust, its fangs sharp and long and gleaming with violent promise. Its entire body bristled with muscles that promised nothing but utter destruction. Already its black fur was matted with blood as it tore through the enemy with wild abandon.
Lupusregina herself, despite being tasked as a healer of the Pleiades, was eagerly tearing her own way forward, her eyes as mad with bloodlust as the werewolf beside her. In fact, it seemed that she was well on her way to becoming the same, considering her hands had morphed into lupine claws that mauled the Menace with its wicked claws. Yet she was being forced to restrain herself, as a command from Yuri, which was further a command from Shalltear. They knew that a full transformation would turn Lupus into a berserk creature, which was difficult to calm down when combat ended. It would also negate the talisman that Ainz had given her, making her susceptible to any threatening diseases. They left that risk to the other werewolf, who was weak enough to be subdued by any one of their number if needed.
Behind this rampaging vanguard was a force that was no less potent. Narberal Gamma and Solution Epsilon followed close, leveraging their own weapons against their enemies.
It would have been a great surprise for the peasants up above to discover that their Countess Vanessa was Solution Epsilon, who was down here fighting alongside her sisters against the Ainz's enemies. In this instance, Solution could not leverage her unique skills, as she was more of an assassin that few could contend. Still, she struck deep and fast with the grace of a serpent. She had also been tasked with the capture of several creatures, which she had already completed, as she bore their bodies inside her without needing to digest them. These were insect-like creatures with features akin to mosquitoes and leeches, which were to become very important to Demiurge's endeavors in analyzing their foe.
Narberal Gamma gave full reign to her strength as she wielded magic with awesome potency that seemed almost reminiscent of the Master himself. Geared towards magical destruction, Nabe used her experiences fighting alongside Ainz well as she reduced entire legions to dust. Though she was specialized in other elements, fire seemed more potent here, considering the nature of their foes. And fire indeed she rained upon them, illuminating the darkness with her methodical flames and reducing all who felt its touch to ash.
Bringing up the rearguard were the youngest among the Pleiades: Entoma Zeta and "Shizu", or CZ2128 Delta.
Though she had gained much skill in Cocytus' training, Entoma was currently tasked with using her insect familiars as scouts and waystones. For every chamber they cleared, Entoma left one of her bugs behind to burrow into the earth and give her information on the area on the fly. This was how they learned that the Menace would surge in from behind every time Shalltear cleared the way, forcing them to switch their tactics at the start. Her other familiars were also responsible for scouting out side passages that they didn't enter, to help Ainz with creating a map of the entire area.
Beside her, Shizu floated along on her new attachments—a pair of structures along her back that looked like jetpacks to Ainz. They had been equipment choices that were gathering dust at the Treasury—though Pandora's Actor had ensured that there was no dust on them per se—which were now compatible with Shizu since her recent "upgrade". Her feet now no longer touched the ground as she shot along, flying backward as she blasted their pursuers in a rear-guard action using her precision guns. Occasionally, she would raise her hand and shoot a large, luminescent beam from her palms, incinerating whole scores of their pursuers in one go.
Taken together, the Pleiades were like a small cluster of instant death. Though notably inferior to the destructive juggernaut that was Shalltear fully unleashing her powers, their improved selves were still able to weave their own destruction through the underground, leaving none in their wake.
Presently, it was Entoma who broke the stillness and tranquility of the ongoing slaughter. "Everyone, we need to come to a full stop! Right NOW!"
As one, the Pleiades heeded their sister's words. Yuri Alpha, who was the foremost, stopped, and the others fell in at a spot just behind her.
Before anyone could ask why Entoma had issued the stop, Yuri made a huffing sound. They were currently standing at the edge of a cliff, which overlooked a yawning chasm that stretched down into an endless, inky darkness below. Far on the other side of this hole was the start of another passage.
Normally, the Pleiades would not be daunted by holes such as these. As one they could execute a maneuver that could cross great distances in midair by using their excellent jumping strengths and assorted natural abilities to aid each other across the gap. But this time, the current chasm presented something that was entirely different.
"…It's too far," Yuri remarked, after close observation. It was roughly the same distance as a trip from Nazarick to Carne Village, quite a daunting prospect.
"Why the hell did Shalltear-sama run through here, su~ Now we'll be in big trouble~" Lupusregina complained. They had certainly been following Shalltear Bloodfallen closely, so it was not as if they had lost her trail by walking right into a big hole. In all likelihood, Shalltear had been able to easily traverse the gap through her own skills, which handily them all in the dust.
"Hey, you think she did this on purpose?" Lupus asked, rubbing her nose. She laid her hand affectionately on the werewolf who was lounging nearby, its long tongue lolling out of its massive jaws.
"I would not put it past Shalltear-sama," Solution remarked. Behind her, Nabe was scowling at the gap. She could certainly use Fly to traverse the gap, but then she would only be able to continue alone. But that sort of independent action had been sternly forbidden by Demiurge, who surely got his orders from Ainz directly. Lightning crackled across her knuckles as she clenched them.
"Entoma, what do you see?" Yuri asked, turning to her sister.
"Just a second please, sister," she replied, putting her hands to her "hair", which moved and swirled as if alive. She turned around. She cursed. "There're so many tunnels in here…!"
"Maybe we should report to Demiurge-sama," Shizu said. "See what he thinks."
"That's a good idea," Nabe said, a little impatient. "Entoma, you should contact him first."
"Rightyo~" She activated the Message scroll. "Ah~ Hello hello? Demiurge-sama? It's Entoma. We're kind of… stuck."
"Stuck?"
"Shalltear just left us behind in front of a large hole we can't cross. I'm still trying to locate her."
There was a sigh on Demiurge's end. "I will Message you back after I've talked to her. In the meantime, continue as you are."
"More hostiles, su~!" Lupus said cheerfully, wading out to meet the new horde of Menace that emerged from the tunnel behind them. Without even needing any prompting, she and her werewolf comrade leaped forward into the fray, slashing and biting as they pleased.
In the meantime, Shizu equipped a certain weapon shaped like a long, black tube, cocking it, placing it on her shoulder, and then firing it. The shot whizzed off with a loud bang, before impacting into the heart of the horde with a brilliant explosion.
"Hey! Shizu-chan! Careful with that, su~ I got singed!"
After that, Demiurge contacted Entoma again with Message. "Yes, Demiurge-sama?" Entoma said.
"Shalltear will be waiting for you close by. She has been instructed to hold her position for a while. But please do hurry."
"Understood. And… Oh! I've found her!"
"Good," Nabe said curtly. "Now let's get going, let's not waste time."
Following Entoma's directions, the whirling cluster of death turned back from the chasm and resumed their destructive rampage through the tunnels in a new direction.
"What took you so damned long?" Shalltear grouched, when they eventually reached her. She was floating above a literal sea of blood, her angelic wings spread wide open. Nabe was forced to create a second layer of ice over the blood just so the Pleiades wouldn't be forced to sully their uniforms.
"Our deepest apologies, Shalltear-sama," Yuri Alpha said diplomatically. "But as we were following you, we reached a chasm we could not cross. We then assumed you—"
Shalltear waved off her explanation impatiently. "Frankly we do not care for any sorts of excuses." She huffed. "Now that you are here, we would prefer we continue. we have caught the scent of something strange!"
The vampire frowned as she gazed off to the side. "It smells rank and disgusting, like blood that has been tainted by something foul. Not even I could ever stomach drinking such vile swill." She then grinned. "Fortunately, the Master has decreed that we are to cleanse this place right and proper, so we are at least to be spared tolerating the filth. Now come, don't dawdle, and don't fall behind again."
Right on cue, another fresh wave of the Menace surged through the tunnels. Shalltear once more led the way, illuminating the passages like some sort of holy avenging angel. It was a direct contrast to her dark, predatory heart, but none could dispute its effectiveness in purging the vampiric foes. Effectively, she led the way forward as the Pleiades surged in her wake, deadly as ever.
A few levels above them, Demiurge lurked in the headquarters that had been established by Nazarick at the start of the campaign. He was currently looking down at the maps that had been drawn by his subordinates. Upon these were reflected the true scale of the structures that they had breached—both the first and the second areas. He speculated that these two were even interconnected, but it was not feasible to reopen the wards Ainz had set just yet.
Sighing to himself, he turned his attention from the maps and walked around the table. Outside the room, the many denizens of Nazarick were hard at work fortifying the area against any possible assault, both from above and below. Unlike the first area, this place was to host a permanent research outpost for Demiurge's needs, where he could study this Menace in relative leisure.
Ever since Solution had been able to acquire the new lands that bordered her original domain, they had been able to expand their search radius regarding the Menace threat. The newly elevated "Countess" Vanessa of Kubern was, according to their intelligence network, someone who had caused quite a stir in the Re-Estize nobility. It remained to be seen whether they could start leveraging power this way through "legitimate" means in contrast to the Eight Fingers—Solution was not trained in such matters as Albedo or himself.
His thoughts turned towards the "strike team" that Ainz had ordered to investigate this new area. While he approved of sending down Shalltear, thereby leveraging her talents as a destructive force, and had no objections to sending the Pleiades as an auxiliary force; he had his own concerns about the human that had been sent together with them.
This Clementine, who had become "Yuki" of Ainz-sama's Eclipse Nebula group, had been given to Lupusregina Beta to become the first of her werewolf "pack", thereby transforming the simple, weak human into a veritable beast. Ainz had been seemingly intrigued by the change, and had tasked Lupus with testing out her capabilities. Demiurge had no qualms with putting otherwise useless creatures to work, but to trust an outsider with duties as important as these was quite puzzling. He could only assume that this was some expert stratagem on Ainz-sama's part, and kept his reservations to himself.
He sensed the arrival of a Message. Coming some minutes since his last communication with Entoma Zeta, this would seem to be something important, as per the rules set down for this operation.
"Demiurge-sama, we have discovered an important location!"
They all now stood in the ruins of what looked to be a grand palace of sorts. The wide area they were standing in looked like some sort of dilapidated courtyard. Shards of decorative pillars lay haphazardly on the ground. The ruins of various humanoid-like sculptures, their features lost to the elements, dotted the area. The foundations of an ancient stone arch, or the suggestion of one, flanked the elevated pile of rubble that might once have been elegant marble stairs.
For any other intrepid explorer, native to this world, they would have found it strange that such a domicile existed deep below the earth, where walls of stone substituted the skies up above. But for the denizens of Nazarick, it just felt exactly like home, and as such they felt no twinge of curiosity towards the strange structures, and instead turned their naked hostility towards the one they had just encountered.
It was a large mass of rotten, writhing flesh that seemed to resemble some sort of tall, gaunt noblewoman. Yet it was unable to hide the horrific angles through which its many arms were bent, twitching unceasingly like the incessant movements of a fly. It moved ponderously, its passing making loud, scraping noises on the rocky floor. A multitude of red eyes gleamed from within the recesses of its darkened head, which hid the rest of its hideous visage beneath piles of desiccated, red-dyed flesh. A long, droning buzzing, like the worrying of carrion flies or the whimpers of a dying woman filled the room, even as the walls shook from the arrival of many more waves of the Menace that had to come to greet the invaders from Nazarick.
"Is this the one, Shalltear-sama?" Yuri asked, her clinical gaze fixed on this abomination.
"Yesss~" Shalltear's grin was one of intense bloodlust—though not perhaps in a literal sense. The stench of the blood that she could sense within this enemy was not one that excited her true nature, just as foul, maggot-filled food would repulse even the hungriest of men. And yet her own monstrous nature was aroused by the notion of combat against such a foe. "Be careful, you. It might be a bit too much for you to bear. Don't get in our way."
"Come on then!" Nabe yelled, looking uncharacteristically fierce even to her sisters. She held a literal fire ball in her hands, ready to be launched. "I have a wedding to go to!"
"Indeed," Shalltear said, smiling widely. She flipped the long, red lance in her hands and aimed.
It was to be a modest celebration, as Lakyus had wanted. However, the exact definition of "modest" had been entirely left in the air, to be picked up by the wedding planners—chief of which had been Lakyus' own mother, before her role had been handily usurped by the foreigner Amelia.
Certainly, there had only been a few people who were to be invited. The Lord Aindra did not forget that he and his house had been threatened with regards to Lakyus, and though the threats had died down, the ever-looming threat remained. And so the planners heeded Lakyus' request, such that only a few people other than the family were to be invited to the wedding and the celebration to be held after that. With this they minimized the security risk, even if said risk wasn't completely absent.
With the matter of the attendees settled, the focus then went on to planning the rest of the details. The decorations, the details of the feast—such as the sourcing of food and the hiring of trustworthy staff, the seating arrangements, the tabulation of events, even the requisite payment to the Temple. If they had to compromise with a smaller audience for the lovely Lakyus, then at least they would make the celebration as lavish as could possibly be.
It was a lot of work, and Lakyus' mother was determined to see it through. However, as time passed, it slowly became clear that the foreigner Amelia was usurping her position. It did not just start at picking out the wedding dress that Lakyus would use, which her own personal tailor had described as "a legendary design that brought tears to mine eyes". It continued with her providing all the materials needed to decorate without even needing to crack open a purse of gold. Money was no object, but when it came to materials that came free and were better than anything in the Kingdom, it was hard not to grit one's teeth and bear it; all for the sake of her daughter.
But it did not just end there. When the time came to plan out the menu for the after-wedding celebration, Amelia was quick to intervene as well. Apparently, her "master" Momon had acquired many connections in their travels through many lands, and as such had ways to source quality ingredients that could be used to prepare for the feast. She had wanted to put her foot down on this, but after her husband had been given a sampling of the dishes that could be made from these "outside" sources, she could bow to his wishes to let Amelia have her way.
And from then on, there was no longer any gainsaying the fact that this foreigner had taken over the planning for her daughter's wedding entirely; leaving her as a mere bystander to observe the way things happened. When she had inquired as to how this was being funded, she was told some vague story about the connections and friends that Momon had made during his travels, who were all too willing to contribute to make his impending marriage a success.
About the only thing she was still able to control were the staff that needed to be hired to serve them during and after the wedding. Amelia seemed content to leave that detail to her, as perhaps they had nothing to offer in that direction. The guards, too, were people sworn to her husband's house, each thoroughly vetted for their integrity and loyalties.
Still, when the day of the wedding actually came, and she beheld all that had been prepared, all her previous reservations evaporated like ice on a hot day.
The decorations around the Temple were, simply, impeccable. Exotic flowers were arranged in tasteful bundles all around, their colors striking, yet not too ostentatious. Assorted streamers and banners hung from the pillars and arches, designed in such a way that it seemed they had been embroidered directly with bright gemstones. A pleasant smell drifted through the air, mixing in well with the ritual incense that the Temple used, reminding her of the scent of freshly tilled earth in the morning. Even the guards were not exempted from the extravagance bestowed upon the Temple, as they now wore ornate, ceremonial armor that seemed more befitting a king's guardians.
The guests themselves wore sumptuous clothes, as befitting the occasion. While it was certain that Amelia hadn't provided their clothes for them, she couldn't discount that possibility entirely. At least she was certain that her husband's clothes and her own came entirely from their own stock. There were also some strange-looking individuals among the guests that came from Momon's side, which Amelia had explained were Momon's retainers from his lost kingdom. They had seemingly been scattered throughout the land, pursuing the orders that had been given to them; but they had all heeded their lord's call upon his marriage. They were certainly an eclectic bunch, most of which were women of varying beauties. Already she could sense some from her husband's side gossiping about them, wondering if such good looks were common in Momon's home-land.
The imposing Momon looked quite dashing in his dress clothes. The brooding aura that normally surrounded him was gone, as if he had cleanly taken off a mask that did not suit the occasion. And where he had once been surrounded by the scruffy image of a weathered adventurer who stank off the road, now he looked as if he had been properly cleaned and polished to a mighty sheen. She had heard that he was some sort of prince in his distant kingdom, and it certainly showed in the quiet dignity that he exuded as he stood waiting beside the priest. She had accompanied her husband to bid their greetings to the man, and at that moment her trepidation about him was gone. Her Lakyus was going to be in good hands.
But now, as the guests all milled about, gossiping among themselves, a murmur went through the crowd as the bride made her appearance on the other side of the hall. Lakyus' mother could hardly restrain the joy she felt at seeing her daughter. She looked so wonderful and radiant in her wedding dress, so fine and dazzling that she almost seemed to outshine everything else in the room. Her lingering doubts about Amelia were all blown away, as she beheld the shining magnificence that was her daughter, walking across the threshold, her beautiful face now hidden by the wedding veil. The hem of her dress shimmered as the light caught its surface.
She could never have imagined that such a day would ever come. It had been years since she had endured the fear, the shame, the anger, when Lakyus had announced her intention to become a mere adventurer. She had forsaken all that they had taught her, all that they had wanted her to become. And it was all so she could turn into this sort of miserable existence as a common sellsword, living a life that would only see her gored by some ferocious beast, or gutted by bandits in the wilderness. She had grown, true, becoming the sort of adventurer that inspired others to embark on this foolish life. But she had never expected Lakyus to ever have this sort of wedding, and that even if she had taken up with some lowborn rogue she would not even be there to witness it.
She was glad to be proven wrong, in the end.
"Are they not perfect, my wife?" her husband said, in hushed whispers. The couple now stood in front of the presiding priest, dark contrasted against light, man and woman, to be bound forever under the eyes of the gods. A sacred ceremony they had experienced themselves in the past, and now it was their daughter's turn to repeat it as she too swore the vows that would bind her forever to another, even unto death.
"Yes," she replied. "She is."
If Ainz was being honest with himself, he should have been a bit more attentive to this wedding than he had been. In his past life he would never have expected to find himself married to a beautiful woman in a fantasy world. He had not expected to be moved by the sight of Lakyus walking towards him in her wedding dress, her beauty transcendent, even for a brief moment. He and Albedo had sampled her before, in a sense, and yet on that moment it was as if he was meeting her for the first time, and that he'd never met her at all before that very moment.
In retrospect, perhaps he should have given more attention to the preparation for the wedding, instead of leaving it to Albedo as he had done. He would have inserted something really grandiose to the entire celebration, and the entirety of Nazarick's resources could have been poured towards it.
Presently, he was escorting Lakyus up towards the elevated dais, where the newlyweds were to sit and enjoy the feast. The guests of honor, such as his retainers or her family were seated close by on the head table. The rest, like the members of Nazarick who had requested attendance, or the acquaintances that the Aindra had invited, were seated down below, on their own long tables.
At the center of the room, in full display of everyone, was the tall, multi-tiered wedding cake. Colorful gem-like candies were strewn on its surface, and there was an arrangement of fruits all along its length that were made to resemble flowers in bloom.
"Sir Momon?" came a voice next to him. He turned and smiled down at Lakyus, whose hand was hooked around his arm. "What's the matter? You're frowning."
He cleared his expression. "Oh. I'm sorry for that. I was… thinking."
"Hm…" Lakyus looked like she wanted to say something else, but refrained. She smiled and turned to the side to talk to her parents.
Ainz sighed and looked down at his meal. Well, it was too late for any sorts of regrets now. The wedding was done, and in the eyes of their "gods" and the laws of the Re-Estize Kingdom, he and Lakyus were husband and wife. He felt a little guilty that the main reason for marrying her had already been taken care of in some respect by Nazarick, but he was intrigued by Albedo's suggestions and was willing to play along with them. He could never afford to tell her the truth, but he knew that Albedo already had a plan for such a circumstance.
The rest of the feast continued without a fuss. The guests from Lakyus' side expressed their delight and approval of the food that had been prepared. Some even ascribed the dishes as one fit for the King's table. Coming from nobles like them, that seemed like a good compliment, as most of the ingredients had been provided by Nazarick through the connections they had made in the various kingdoms. There had even been a few oils and extracts that had come directly from Nfrea Bareare's laboratories, which were itself derived from the new crops that he had tasked Mare with tending.
Speaking of his minions, those who had requested to attend the wedding were behaving remarkably well. One standout was Nabe, who was admirable in keeping a straight face as she pretended to eat leisurely at the tables down below. At the very least, Eclipse Nebula's guests were prevented from revealing their strangeness too much by the presence of Albedo herself as Amelia, and Lupusregina Beta, who was devouring much of the food like an actual glutton, which hid the likes of Nabe and Shalltear from closer scrutiny. Even Demiurge, disguised as an old man (and introduced as an old adviser of his father the former king) was visibly eating heartily.
As the feast wound to a close, Amelia informed him that it was now time for the couple to take a slice of the wedding cake and eat it. Apparently, it was some sort of custom in the Kingdom, where eating the cake would guarantee good fortune. Ainz wasn't really sure if about the effects, but as ever he played along.
The actual slicing of the cake was met with loud applause from the observers. One slice was prepared by Lakyus for him, and he cut another for her to eat. They raised their plates, and then, while looking into each other's eyes, took a piece from their own slices using a fork. Then they offered it to the other's mouth to eat. Ainz swallowed the proffered piece readily, and smiled as Lakyus pecked on his piece like some feeding bird. As the two visibly swallowed their portions, they were once again met with loud applause, as if to herald the good fortune that was supposed to have fallen.
He was so occupied with observing the antics of the NPCs of Nazarick at their own tables that he completely missed seeing Lakyus suddenly collapse. It was only when he heard the other guests screaming that he blinked, looked down and saw Lakyus sprawled on the ground, the small saucer with her cake rolling away on the floor.
Instantly he swooped down to take her in his arms. His mind was on fire, moving suddenly into overdrive as he deposited Lakyus up on the high table. He did not even notice the clamor that was happening all around him, nor the cries of Lakyus' parents or the voices of Albedo and the others.
All he saw was a woman, his wife, reduced to this state. He felt something cold and twisted coil through his heart like a snake.
It was surely a poison. There was no doubt about it. It could have been in the food they had eaten, but it could also have been placed inside the wedding cake. Such a thing would not have affected him, as even without his gear he was enough of a high-level that only a poison from a legendary creature could affect him.
And if it was indeed poison, then there was someone who had planted it there.
Without even thinking twice, he swept his hand over Lakyus' belly and activated a spell of detoxification on her body. He did not even care that the others were watching, perhaps wondering what he had done, or how he had done it. But there was no time to dither, not when the poison may already be killing her.
"Is she… Is she… oh gods… Lakyus…!"
He carefully observed Lakyus' body. Then, her shoulders shook, and she coughed. She opened her eyes.
"Wh-what…?" She said, in-between gasps. She blinked and looked around, confused.
"It's alright, it's alright, you're safe," he said. "And someone just made a very big mistake."
Chapter commissioned by anonymous, thank you. A reminder that the story is commissioned.
If you'd like a story commissioned, feel free to contact me here, or on archiveofourown under "RHoldhous".