Chapter Four Now Complete! Enjoy Reading!

The members of the Black Scripture are searching the area for their uncontrollable secret seat. They have been circling around the crater which marks her previous position for over an hour. Each of black scripture member is silently cursing her, except two. The first being the captain who is more bored than anything else. And the second is the one with the most significant brute strength in their group, past Zesshi of course. He has completely given up on the idea of getting anything out of her.

The Cardinals were obliged to make her participate in this mission, despite their reluctance, for several reasons. Foremost, she hasn't been deployed for at least a decade, so she's not quite up to speed on what's been going on outside. Partly because of his complete disinterest in just about everything. Then, her position as Guardian of the Great Treasures of Gods is of paramount importance. And finally, she has no idea what teamwork is. The main reason being that she doesn't want to be around other people.

But they had no choice. The Thousand Leagues Astrologer warned them she had seen a group of demi-humans, particularly trolls, in possession of a relic of great power. She hadn't seen this artifact, as the object was partially shielded from her abilities, but there was no doubt that it had to be something from the time of the Eight Greed Kings. The item was a threat impossible to ignore, especially when it was in the hands of demi-humans.

However, things couldn't have gone worse. Clementine Hazea Quintia had just deserted from her position as member of the Black Scripture. And to add insult to her betrayal, she had snatched one of the Six {Crown of Wisdom}, leaving their nation's capital stripped of an indispensable piece of their magical defense.

They had ordered the Windflower Scripture to track her down as soon as they learned of her theft so that they could get their elite unit together to track and eliminate her. But this news forced them to split their forces in two. Half, led by their captain, would go in search of this unknown artefact, while the other would go in pursuit of the traitor.

And having no way of knowing what effect this relic would have, they mobilized Zesshi. It was like a way to ensure the operation would be accomplished in minimal time. At first, she was quite happy to be able to come out but realizing there were only weak ones in front of her, the demi-elf godkin began to destroy everything in her path in order to "stretch a little." Here is the result.

"Cursed animal!" Growls Time Turbulence, the 2nd Seat of the Black Scripture, playing with the hilt of one of his rapiers. "We should've kept her locked up!"

"Instead of rambling on, search in silence." The 5th Seat, One Man Army replies, annoyed. "And if you don't respect the Cardinals' decision, just go wine to them, not us."

"Good idea." The first one answers with a cold smile. "I think I'll also warn them a traitor's brother shouldn't have such an important job."

"You dirty..."

"Enough!" Orders their captain. "When you come back, you will spend every two weeks in the dungeon." He said, freezing. "Now resume the research."

The two exchange hateful glances, but don't say another word. Their superior is unknown for his magnanimity. And if they ever have the misfortune of trying to challenge or defend themselves, they won't get away with just a few days in the dungeons.

"Movement in our direction at 10 a.m." Came a quick whisper, so that only they can hear it, from their lookout, spy and assassin: Heaven and Earth, the 12th Seat. They instantly warn themselves but relax slightly when they hear the rest. "False alarm. It's her. "

Only two members of the group completely slack off: their leader and Strongest Human, the 10th Seat. The others remain on their guard. They don't trust her, and they probably never will.

Zesshi emerges from the twilight between two trees. And the first thing they notice is that she is wearing a long traveling cape with the hood over her head, not her mission uniform. She was unallowed to take her usual equipment. Then comes her small, satisfied smile. It is extremely rare to see her sporting this kind of expression. Usually, the only thing she shows is deep boredom.

Her scythe is casually resting on her shoulder as she walks over to her supervisor. That's when the 1st Seat notices, with her legs bared and bare feet, that she is undoubtedly completely naked underneath. He straightens his spear and waits for it to be at his level.

"Where were you?" He asks, serious but detached. It's been a long time since he gave up on the idea of making her follow protocol to the letter. "You have been missing for several hours."

"I was chasing those weaklings, as I was told. Even though it was boring." She answers flatly.

"Why are you wearing this then?"

"I was washing when one of them came out of nowhere." Zesshi continues in the same tone as before. "And he used an odd object that exploded and destroyed my clothes. It didn't hurt me, but since he saw it all because of it, I ran after him to punish him. "

Once again, the Captain feels a great mental fatigue fall on him. She just revealed to him that these demi-humans possess an artifact capable of causing havoc, but she only cares someone saw her pointy ears. Not a word on how this demi-human survived. The initial explosion first, then the chase with her afterwards.

"Can you give me some details?" He asks, keeping his professional facade.

"There isn't much to say." She admits, more and more bored. "He didn't die instantly; I don't know how. And then he used it to hide. "

She hands him an orb made of a dull black metal. He takes it without paying attention to the fact that she is showing a lot more than she should by doing this. But he's not the type to care about that sort of thing. He observes her for a few seconds before she resumes the conversation.

"It took a little while before I found him." Zesshi informs. "It was fun."

"What happened to the first artifact?" Continues his superior without raising.

"It was destroyed when he used it." She said naturally.

"What did he look like?" Insists his interlocutor.

"To a kind of transparent crystal." She replies, losing her smile.

Therefore, it must've been a sealing crystal. And given the power of the explosion, it must have contained some exceptionally high tier magic. It was undoubtedly a desperate attack, but its author was unlucky to come across one of the few people who risked nothing, or almost. On the bright side, it was arguably the only copy of this item. Such power meant it was extraordinarily rare. He will have to order a thorough examination of the area later, as precaution. But for now, they can retreat back to Kami Miyako, the Slane Theocracy's capital.

When Zesshi loses her smile, it's a bad omen. He's unafraid for his life, because she's not the type to kill on a whim, despite her character, yet that doesn't mean she couldn't seriously hurt him if this conversation ever pisses her off, and he doesn't need that for the moment.

"Very good. We're going back." He concludes.

The small group, therefore, takes the direction of their point of extraction in silence. Most members keep an eye on the half-elf, all telling each other the same thing.

Although they all feel a certain unhealthy satisfaction when killing demi-humans, because they are enemies of humanity, they do not take particular pleasure in killing per se. On the other hand, Zesshi is not like that. She half-mocks their sacred mission and only has fun when she finds someone or something to destroy. She should be locked up. Or better yet: executed. But her strength is such that she is protected. To be honest, they only feel disgust towards her.

For her part, the Secret Seat of the Black Scripture is on a cloud. If what that mysterious being was true, then her deepest desire will soon come true. She merely needs to be patient and collect some information in return. For the first time since being stationed in front of the Divine Reliquary, she can't wait to return. Since almost no one ever comes, she will have plenty of time to dig and uncover things that will allow her to satisfy the superior being with whom she has made a deal.

Without any of her "comrades" noticing it, a psychopathic smile splits her face as she massages her abdomen with both hands. An obscene and delighted look spreads across her features.

Satisfied, Lunaria turns on her heels and leaves. She has just observed the whole scene, perfectly camouflaged. Even the one who oversaw the reconnaissance did not notice her. She passed several times close to him to test his abilities and reactions as well as checking to see if her skills were still working as they should. She already had confirmation that she could defeat them if push comes to shove. She was confident in her strength, but remained cautious, nonetheless.

She was especially afraid that the half-elf Zesshi would reveal her existence in this New World, but as the latter said nothing and was unaware that she had been followed, the atypical warrior was probably going to keep her word. Lunaria could therefore obtain essential information within a reasonable time.

Of course, she wasn't so naive as to believe that she was the only Yggdrasil player to have been mysteriously transported to this New World. It was quite possible that a less subtle person would decide to charge in through the front door, making her change her mind. Although, for now it was more of a low probability eventuality. Experienced players all know that rushing straight ahead without strategy is the best way to get killed. That is because death was extremely punitive in the game: loss of XP, therefore levels, loss of gold and loss of the best piece of equipment worn at the time of death.

Not to mention that anyone who has taken the time to think about their situation will not take unnecessary risks. How do you know if resurrection items are still working here?

Despite being scared of death, Kurumi fears above all for Nazarick's future if she ever disappears. From what she observed, the newly conscious NPCs have a symptomatic, intrinsically vital need for a 'Supreme Being' to take orders from.

The young woman wonders again and again how to take on the supreme leader role. She knows she is incapable of fulfilling a task of such magnitude. What would her comrades say on the off chance that they appeared in this world? More than anything, she doesn't want anyone to feel ashamed of the way she's managed the Guild they've built. Perhaps it was only to give herself peace of mind. Maybe there was a little bit of pride as well.

She didn't like the idea of bringing in Pestonya Shortcake Wanko to have Zesshi treated, and then entrust her with an object from her own inventory to ensure the veracity of the story she had to invent. It was to much of a risk. Luckily, all of this turned out to be paying off. She will have to remain attentive to any possible changes, but for the moment, the margin of error remains within acceptable grounds.

As Lunaria continues to walk in the night, mentally stirring all the possibilities that might arise from her actions, she looks up to the sky. No matter how many times she looks at it, she seems to find herself hypnotized by the beauty of it all.

Countless stars line up in the sky, like an infinitely black fresco covered with diamonds of indescribable splendor. She has never seen this kind of spectacle, safe in picture books, 3D simulations and in VR on the 6th Floor of Nazarick. Blue Planet-san would have been captivated by the majesty of all the straying planets and bright lights. Being the perfectionist that he was, Blue Planet would undoubtedly have said his work was just a 'vulgar and pitiful forgery'. She found he was always a bit too hard on himself.

"Just like you" her Guildmaster often said.

Was she too demanding on herself? Maybe yes, but that's what it is to be expected from an archivist. And it's not going to be any different in these places. After all, the NPCs certainly won't accept that she remains inactive. If they really are, as she believes, some sort of AIs modeled after their creator's personality, they are all going to go about finding a goal to accomplish.

Now that she thinks about it, what exactly was the goal of Ainz Ooal Gown? Is the past offering a place of peace and security to its members?

An old memory surfaces in Kurumi's mind.

"The conquest! This is what must animate us!" Exclaims Ulbert, roleplaying his demonic character. "Destroy our enemies! Take everything that is precious to them! See them reduced to tears! Broken by despair and begging for their lives!"

The conquest? Yes... The members of Ainz Ooal Gown had fun planning raids against groups belonging to rival Guilds to steal resources from them. They had chosen themselves to play the "Inhuman Great Villains" to counter this kind of sickly and obsessive hunting of Heteromorphs by human players.

And the 41st must admit that she took pleasure in PK those who practiced this hunt. Not for a noblewoman, and difficult to understand in her eyes, a notion of justice wielded by people such as Touch Me. It was more of an unhealthy satisfaction to be able to pour out some of her frustrations and resentment towards those who exploited her in real life. Although she didn't notice this until much later, about when PK expeditions ended up disappearing due to too few connected members.

It was this feeling of freedom, as cruel as it was illusory, that kept her until the very end. That and the presence of her Guildmaster, for whom she feels immense respect and boundless recognition. Before meeting him, she had never recognized another human as someone worthy of empathy. And honestly, she didn't know anything about this word before, other than its academic definition.

From what she heard from Zesshi, she understood that this world is similar to hers, despite it being technologically behind and its natives naturally possessing magical powers.

Humans are still divided into classes based on pathetically ridiculous things such as 'noble blood' or money. Beliefs are used to blind and manipulate people, sometimes without them knowing. The truth is that history always repeats itself. A prosperous nation falls, making place for a new one. It is through this sad reality that her world kept digging itself further into its grave.

She would rather think twice before acting as the very thing that she despises. Maybe hiding in Nazarick until the end of time wasn't such a bad idea after all...

However, her logical mind tells her that nothing can stay hidden forever and striking first can be useful, if taken to its fullest advantage. Thus, conquering, not for the simple act of conquering, but for the purpose of stifling all opposition before it arises is the most effective solution. Multiple actions can be taken in secret as the eyes of the world's leaders are nowhere near her and Nazarick.

She then realizes that everything she has done with Zesshi Zetsumei goes in this direction. How strange it is that now that power is in her hands, she feels compelled to manipulate it as much as she could. Even unconsciously, she works for the supremacy of Nazarick. Maybe this is some kind of sign?

Then, she remembers Momonga's benevolence and kindness. Only someone whose greatness of soul is beyond measure, would have taken, not to say wasting, so much time to forge links with a person like her.

A small, pessimistic, sour voice in her head told her that maybe it was just selfishness. That he was only imposing his principles of how people should interact with each other. That in short, he was only flattering his ego.

But even seeing him like that, she only feels gratitude towards him.

That is why, she tells herself that while this world deserves her insight and leadership to face off the sad nature of humankind, it must be done by ensuring that those with worthy abilities are given a chance to lead successful lives.

A shudder of disgust runs through her body, noticing that this way of thinking is very similar to that of the bosses of the Super Conglomerates. Yet, it quickly disappears when she tells herself that the similarity is marginal. They were only looking for personal and selfish benefit. And although she will get the same kind of reward from it, her goal is completely different. Everything is done to ensure the future of Nazarick. What it will gain will only be a consequence impossible to separate from the whole.

She pulls away from her contemplations and decides it is time to go home. She has been outside the tomb for too long, and it is unlikely that she will learn more. Plus, given her rushed departure, there are a lot of issues she created that need to be addressed asap.

"[Message]"

"Lady Lunaria." Replies the soft and respectful voice, even if we can easily hear the relief in it, of Aureole Omega. "Would you like to go home?"

"Yes." She confirms, being careful to take on an authoritative but nonchalant voice. "Directly in the throne room, please."

"At your orders Milady." Acquiesce immediately the Guardian of the Cherry Blossom Sanctuary.

The black tear in space that is the [Gate] spell opens in front of Kurumi. She walked through the portal without the slightest hesitation. Arriving, she runs into Albedo and Demiurge who are discussing in front of what she immediately recognizes: these are the plans of the different Floors of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

The two Guardians instantly abandon their ongoing work and respectfully kneel in a synchronous gesture. Heads down, they then speak in a manner that always expresses the same devotion, reassuring the player in the process. Appearances were maintained.

"Welcome back, Lady Lunaria." They say in chorus. "Seeing you are safe and sound is a huge relief." Ends the Overseer.

"Forgive me for worrying you Albedo, Demiurge." Kurumi apologizes in a reflex, before biting her fingers mentally. She wasn't supposed to apologize.

"You don't have to make the slightest excuse, Milady!" The devil hastens to say while kneeling a little lower still. "We fully understand that your confidence in us has diminished! After this fiasco that was our lack of clairvoyance with respect to the fate of the other Supreme Beings, you naturally think us incapable of carrying out these important missions which are the recognition and the collection of information." He finishes, more than ashamed.

'So… Is that how the Guardians interpreted the situation earlier?' Wonders the player, astonished and puzzled. She thought her outburst would make her illegitimate in their eyes. Or is it this vital need to be commanded that distorts their view of reality?

"I can only imagine the disappointment you must feel when you look at us Lady Lunaria." Albedo continues the momentum of his counterpart. "Nevertheless, I beg of you, give us one more chance, however small, to prove that we can still be of service to you! No matter how degrading the tasks you give us might be, we will accomplish them without failure! Even if it is our lives that you demand in payment for our mistakes, we will give them to you without any hesitation!"

Completely taken aback by this argument, Kurumi does not know how to respond. She has had a hard time understanding where such devotion could possibly come from. Sadly, her silence is assimilated by both Guardians as a lack of interest on her part, making the Overseer crack. She collapses on her knees, shaking with sobs.

"Please Lady Lunaria!" She yells, her voice full of distress. "Give us any order!" It doesn't matter how insignificant it is! Let us serve you! Please... do not abandon us..."

She ends up curled up, her hands on her chest, tight together, her head on the ground, unable to control her grief. Demiurge manages to contain himself, but by the way he is shaking, both in dismay and fear, he must be in a similar state of mind. In fact, he would've undoubtedly lost his temper in normal times upon hearing his superior dare to ask the last of the Supreme Beings anything. However, the terror of being abandoned because of his incompetence prevents him from thinking clearly.

Deeply moved, despite this strange emotional suppressor, the last of the supreme being slowly descends in their direction.

The Seventh Level Guardian, who manages to hear the footsteps of their last remaining mistress, feels his whole being freeze in dread. They must've gone too far this time. She will go away, leaving them alone and empty. Devoid of any purpose ... But instead of telling them they are useless; she speaks with a voice full of compassion and gentleness.

"Why so much pain and terror?" She asks empathetically. "You have done nothing to warrant such punishment coming from me."

The two Guardians straighten up when they hear these very kind words. They see, with great surprise, their only remaining Mistress standing in front of Albedo. Without saying a word, she takes one end of her coat and brings it to the Overseer's face. Then she wipes her teary eyes in a gesture of kindness.

"The ... Lady Lunaria ... Yo ... Your Coat!" Exclaims the succubus in panic. "You... You can't!" Not for someone as insignificant as me!"

"Calm down Albedo." Kurumi said peacefully. "I am responsible for this situation. It is therefore my obligation to assume the consequences."

The two Guardians remain silent. They have no clue what is going on. They've already demonstrated their inability to fulfill their role, and yet the last of the Supreme Being is in no way inconvenienced. Not the slightest anger, not even the slightest disappointment, pierces her voice. More so, she defiles her precious clothing with the tears of a simple servant...

"I tell you again, Albedo, Demiurge, I have no complaints against you. Nor any other Guardians for that matter." She affirms. "The fault is exclusively mine."

"That isn't true Lady Lunaria!" The Overseer exclaims, pulling herself together. "It is because of this that we are as limited as..."

"No." She interrupts, which freezes the two guardians on the spot. "I hadn't realized how great your commitment to Nazarick, and therefore to me, is." She admits, which greatly surprises her two interlocutors. "A mistress who is unable to understand the feelings of her servants does not deserve to lead. This is another reason why I declared that I was not worthy of the Throne of Nazarick." Kurumi explains.

"We live to serve Nazarick, and you Milady, that's the very essence of our existence!" Demiurge replied, deeply uncomfortable hearing such attachment from their mistress to them. "You don't have to worry about our low existences! We are just tools that wish to follow your will!"

"I forbid you to use that term, just one more time, to talk about yourself, Demiurge." Replies as quickly as coldly the player.

A shiver of primary fear runs through the back of the devil who feels crushed by her very presence, despite physically surpassing her in height. The two dazzling blue eyes of the Supreme Being shine with an icy luster like death, and he can sense that gaze is fixed on him.

"Please forgive me for my insolence Lady Lunaria. He said bowing again. "Punish this servant as you see fit."

There is a short moment of silence during which the young woman understands that they are going in circles. She needs to make it clear to them what she is thinking, otherwise this situation will repeat itself over and over again. She slowly sits up, now that Albedo seems to have calmed down, and Demiurge looks like he can think correctly.

"It is true that you were created from scratch with the mission of protecting the Great Tomb of Nazarick." Recognizes the young woman. "However, none of us ever considered you to be vulgar 'tools'. You carry within who you are, the will of each member of Ainz Ooal Gown to protect this home they founded."

Kurumi then realizes why she could understand their feelings so well. She just has to let go. Retain the habit of always thinking three times about everything before speaking.

"You have always carried out this mission with dedication and abnegation." She recalls. "For this reason, I can tell you bluntly, you have nothing to reproach yourself with. I am convinced that my comrades, wherever they may be at this precise moment, have nothing but pride in you."

"We are unworthy of such praise Milady..." The Overseer timidly objects.

"On the contrary, Albedo." Refutes the player. "This is where my lack of discernment lies. I did not know how to convey these feelings to you. And you falsely believed that I would lose all faith in you for that." A short pause. "Besides, going outside without taking into consideration your will to save me was unreasonable on my part. I understand it perfectly now. "

Both demons begin to feel certain relief, accompanied by joy, upon hearing these words. Their mistress still considers them worthy of assuming their roles.

"Accordingly, Albedo, Responsible for all Guardians, and you Demiurge, Guardian of the Seventh Floor, here are my orders."

They both look up, surprised to hear such a determined and authoritative voice, when they had only seen the anger and compassion of their mistress.

"Pass on all that I have revealed to you to all the inhabitants of the Great Tomb of Nazarick." She declares solemnly. "And that tomorrow, at this precise hour, all the Guardians, accompanied by their direct subordinates, assemble in the Throne Room."

There is a short beat, then the two servants quickly rose, bowed their heads and nod in a loud voice.

"At your Orders, Lady Lunaria!" They say in chorus, without the slightest trace of doubts they previously held.

Later, as the sun rises peacefully over the surface, starting to dispel the subsidized blizzard, Kurumi is in her private room on the Ninth Floor. She reviews absolutely all the notes that seem relevant to her that she has recorded during the past six years. Although the player is surrounded by several thousand books, she knows exactly where to look.

One of the few things that she is proud of, and sometimes boasts of, is her excellent memory. Aided in this by a capacity for concentration such that to read a page it only takes two to three seconds. What many of her old comrades envied her, while the others wondered if she was really human at times. Even after many demonstrations on her part, they were speechless at such a capacity.

Currently, it seems to have improved even further. No doubt a happy consequence of her new physical condition. If all of the physiological characteristics, for lack of a better term, of her avatar have become hers, then she should never feel the need to sleep, drink, eat, or even breathe again. Which is an advantage more than certain considering the tasks to be accomplished soon.

Going from book to book in less than ten minutes, Kurumi reflects in parallel on the form that her intervention will take, in front of those who represent the most important echelons in matters of command and combat strength of Nazarick. From experience, she knows the extreme importance of first impressions. While she must admit that their initial loyalty greatly facilitates her future speech, being overconfident will only lead to disaster.

Someone gently knocking on the door of her chamber brings her out of her thoughts. She gently puts the book she was reading on the table, leaving it open. He was faster than expected. Another proof of their loyalty. In a calm voice, she gives him permission to enter.

A minute earlier, Sebas Tian, walking with a quick but calm and controlled step, advances towards the personal chamber of the last of the Supreme Beings. His back straight and his gaze sharp, his demeanor in no way betrayed the slight confusion in his mind.

When Albedo contacted him moments ago to tell him that their mistress had finally been home for several hours and she was calling him, he immediately dropped his work in progress to come to her, as his duty states.

However, the fact that he had to go to Lady Lunaria's personal quarters surprised him. As far as memory takes it, no servant has had the opportunity, nor the honor, to enter these places of secrets. He himself, for example, has never been within the walls of the private bedroom of his creator, Lord Touch Me.

Arriving in front of the door, made of black stone with a fresco engraved on it showing a hooded figure in a boat sailing on a river made of souls, the butler takes one last quick glance at his outfit. He then knocks three times at regular intervals and waits. A few seconds later, he hears the resident's voice inviting him to join her.

He pushes the door open in a slow, controlled gesture, then enters the same way. When entering, he does not pay attention to the door which closes by itself. In less time than it takes to tell, he finds the last Supreme Being. She is standing in front of him, next to a table on which several dozen books are stacked. Without waiting he bowed very respectfully.

"Lady Lunaria." He said simply.

"Thank you for moving so quickly Sebas Tian." She answers back.

"Such is my role, Milady." Says the butler confidently.

"Of course." She said in a tone impossible to decipher.

Although it is not physically visible, Sebas tensed. He wonders what could happen. Is his mistress disturbed by something? Would it be related to him in some way?

"I summoned you here because I wanted to talk to you." Announces the player in a neutral voice.

There is a moment of silence. The butler is really amazed this time. What topic could he talk to their mistress about? And above all, what kind of answers could a simple servant like him give to such an enlightened person?

"I am at your disposal, Milady." He replies, hiding his inner turmoil.

"Before I went outside, you said that I would, without a doubt, be able to lead Nazarick." She recalls. "And I thank you for your great confidence. "

"I was only telling the truth, Lady Lunaria." Sebas assures us.

"Nonetheless, despite all the credit you are giving me, I still need to clarify certain things that require your opinion." She nuances.

"Milady ...?" Asks the Butler, raising his head, more and more confused.

"You see, the project that I am going to present to you shortly will generate many sacrifices." She unveils. "The actions that you will perform on behalf of Ainz Ooal Gown will cause much blood to flow and cause many calamities."

"We are at your service Lady Lunaria." Sebas says without the slightest hesitation. "Your will and your desires are our duties."

"And that's one thing I thank you for." She holds up her hand to stop him as he goes to say that his thanks are not helpful. "However, I do know that you inherited Touch Me's willingness to help those in need. Regardless of race, origin and history. An attitude of great nobility that I respect deeply." A short pause. "Yet I ask you to go against this principle. At least, as much as possible. "

The butler remains silent. What can he say to that? He doesn't know.

"I know I'm asking you a lot, Sebas." Recognizes the player. "To let go of that code of conduct you got from Touch Me is like giving up a part of yourself." Another short pause. "Despite everything, I do this to prevent you from being confronted with a moral dilemma that would leave you deeply marked."

Before he can say anything, she turns and takes from the table one of the few books that is left alone, and not stacked with others. She opens it to a marked page and hands it to Sebas. The latter takes it automatically and waits.

It takes a little time for him to understand that his teacher wants him to read it. Doing so he begins immediately, but his eyes widen as soon as he has read half of the first sentence... It is a diary whose contents have been personally recorded by the last Supreme Being!

As he hesitates, not knowing what to do, torn between the urge to obey and the feeling that he doesn't deserve to lay eyes on something so important, she silently invites him to continue. Despite a certain reluctance, he complies.

Tuesday 18 June 2134:

I met Touch Me who was reflecting in front of his emblem in the throne room today.

When he saw me approaching, he asked me if I was okay. After telling him yes, he once again insisted that I will have to reconsider my systematic refusal to face him in a PvP duel. Having declined this time again, he said he would be there when I change my mind. I preferred to stay silent.

He then inquired about my expertise on a dilemma he was facing: One of his friends required special help, of a nature I could not get any clarification on. However, he confessed to me that by taking his side, a stranger would inevitably suffer.

Asking her for more explanation, he, though it cost him, ultimately said the two were wrong in a personal violence case. He was torn between the natural desire to help a loved one, and his personal vow to always provide unconditional support to those in distress.

So I replied that the best solution, in my opinion, was to detach from the problem. To just tell the truth. Then allow an outside person arbitrate fairly.

From his silence, I can say unequivocally that my answer was not the one he wanted to hear. Nevertheless, he thanked me for listening, and left.

I wonder, as I write these lines, if people who follow absolute ideals are all like Touch Me? Burning like an uncontrollable flame, which depletes its fuel too quickly, without worrying about it as they know how to follow the right path. And yet who are capable of questioning themselves when there is an intrinsic paradox in their life choices.

Sebas does not know what to say. Or think. His creator had never shown the slightest trace of doubt. But today, he realizes that he himself found himself facing a situation, in which his convictions left him unable to find a solution.

"Lady Lunaria..." The butler begins, in a troubled voice. "May I have the audacity to ask you a question?"

"Touch Me made them meet on neutral ground." She answers, having guessed what he was going to ask. "It seems that in the end, under his leadership, the two of them managed to find a common ground which made it possible to avoid an escalation."

She holds out her hand and Sebas immediately returns the book to her. She will carefully put it away in a section a little further away. The Butler then realizes that all he finds around him are the memories of Ainz Ooal Gown. Everything their mistress saw, heard and experienced in the company of their creators, during the many years they were together.

He only begins to imagine how much their absence can weigh on Lady Lunaria's shoulders. For her, this place, more than a fortress intended to repel invaders, it is a setting filled with the most precious thing there is: the memories of her comrades.

He truly realizes the depth of the attachment of the last Supreme Being to the tomb and to all of its inhabitants. That the only 'fear' she could feel is losing one of them.

He remembers the many heated exchanges between his creator and Lord Ulbert Alain Odle, who often disagreed on many points. Even if that didn't stop them from being steadfast allies. On the other hand, they sometimes came together perfectly on certain points. And one of them was this: That their world did not deserve someone as nice as Lady Lunaria.

He has just been the privileged witness of this tenderness. For a Supreme Being to take the trouble to warn a simple butler like him about the difficult decisions that will come, is an act of compassion that few people would be capable of.

"The servant that I am cannot express all the gratitude he feels, Milady." Sebas said solemnly. "If this duty of mine compels me to act against my convictions, then I will perform it without failing or hesitating." He asserts, without the slightest shadow of doubt in his voice. "Because I know the infinite mercy of the great sovereign whom I serve body and soul."

"You… You flatter me Sebas." She replies, surprised by such praise.

"I'm only telling the truth, Lady Lunaria." Said the butler with confidence in his voice. "More than anything else, you hate violence and unnecessary cruelty. I, Sebas, reaffirm before you my oath of loyalty. Order and I will obey!"

As the butler walks away down the hall to get back to his current business, Kurumi is still staring at the door he came out of recently. She does not know how to interpret what she has just witnessed.

"I just wanted to chat with him about how much he looks like Touch Me." She thinks, still puzzled. "It would have allowed me to measure, in a relatively objective way, the influence that my comrades have on their creations."

Indeed, unlike Tabula Smaragdina, who could write very long texts to describe the background of his NPCs, Touch Me was never very inspired. He even admitted, without hiding it, that he had not put the slightest story behind Sebas Tian. A blank page. In the literal sense of the word. The only precision he had made, orally of course, was this: "A butler always ready to serve his master." And nothing more.

I had envisioned that it would be the most similar to its creator because of the complete lack of ambient text. And although it does appear to be the case, seeing it as some kind of rough image of Touch Me would be fundamentally wrong." She concludes. "The fervor he showed me shows that many parameters still need to be studied."

The young woman resumes her reading with one thought in mind:

"I must make progress on a very large number of aspects. So I have to rely on the only method that will bring me results in this situation: try, make mistakes and start over."

As she turns a page, without her even realizing it, a smile would have appeared on her lips if her face gave her the chance. Despite her calm and thoughtful nature, she greatly appreciates this pressure that accompanies each new action, the consequences of which will be unknown. Both she and Punito Moe said that only those who are able to deal with the ongoing stress of any task can go the distance.

After that, she was still in agreement with Nishikienrai on one point: overly well-designed plans are the ones most likely to fail. And when that happens, all that's left is your reflexes and your composure to snatch victory.

x-X-x-X-x

Written By: Ereston

Translated By: JSNachos

I apologize for the delay from the original work... If you enjoy the story so far, be sure to favourite and follow it.