AN and Disclaimer :

Thank you for your reviews. I really appreciate it.

This is an AU setting and contains a female OC.

Once again, I do not own Overlord. It belongs to Kugane Maruyama-sama.

Here is Chapter 1

Special thanks to EvilDragonMuspelheim for helping me with this fanfiction.

Chapter 1: The Change

"Eh?"

Milleadh opened her eyes.

She was not back in her familiar room and found herself still standing at the Throne Room.

Her nose smelled something nice. She looked to the Guardian Overseer.

Is this her perfume's smell? Why I can smell it?

The confusion began to emerge in her mind. She raised her red eyebrows and sweat began dripping from her forehead.

"What the hell is happening here?!"

A sudden shout made her flinched. She looked at Momonga who was now standing with an opened mouth.

"S-Senpai?"

Hearing her voice, Momonga turned his head to her and said,

"I am sorry for my sudden shout, Mill. It's just that I don't know what's going on and couldn't control myself."

"Is everything alright, Momonga-sama, Milleadh-sama?"

A sweet voice, that they'd heard for the first time, came and cut their conversation. But they knew where the voice came from.

She widened her eyes out of shock when she realized who the owner of that sweet voice was.

The owner of the voice was Albedo.

"Is there a problem, Momonga-sama, Milleadh-sama?"

Albedo repeated her question but Momonga didn't know how to answer. Because of so many incomprehensible things happened at once, his mind had blanked out.

But, as he noticed his kouhai's condition - she looked so shocked and scared of this irregularity- he responded with a strong tone.

"I am sorry for the sudden outburst. Yuri Alpha! Bring Melliadh to her room and take care of her! Don't forget to bring one homunculus maid to aid you."

One of Pleiades Maids -the one with glasses- stood on her feet and was ready to execute the order.

"As you wish, Momonga-sama."

Yuri walked towards the throne to escort Milleadh to her room.

Milleadh gave Momonga a troubled expression.

"M-Momonga-senpai. I am fine. I will stay here in case you need me."

Momonga turned his face to her and gave a pat to her head.

"Then, I need you to rest. Your mind seems to be in too much shock because of this irregular thing that has happened. Do not worry and lay down in bed, okay?"

Milleadh still continued staring at Momonga, even when Yuri held her body.

Momonga realized that she didn't want to depend too much on him.

You always take care of me, don't you?

Momonga let out a smile, though his skeletal face couldn't show it, to Milleadh and reassured her that she didn't have to be so worried.

"I know that you care about me. I'm really grateful for that. And in exchange, I also care for you, Mill. That's why I want you to rest yourself. No. I, as your senpai, order you to rest!"

A sudden firm and majestic voice finally made Milleadh obey and let Yuri bring her to her room on the ninth floor.

After Milleadh and Yuri left the Throne Room, Momonga sat back to his throne and spoke to Albedo.

"Sorry for the delay. There's something that made me and Milleadh troubled. A strange, irregular situation has happened within The Great Tomb of Nazarick. And the function to call the GM seems to have failed."

"Please forgive me for being unable to answer Momonga-sama's question about the GM. Forgive me for being unable to meet your expectations, if there is a situation where I am able to make up for my mistake, I will be happy to oblige. Please give me your next order."

Why are you talking to me like I am a God or something so great?!

Momonga screamed internally.

He soon realized that something was very wrong about the current situation

Wait. Talk? I was talking with an NPC?! Come to think of it, I just ordered one of Pleiades Maids, didn't I? Shit! I was too worried about Miyako back then and didn't have a clear mind to think about what was going on! As I've realized now, this is too strange! Shit! Shit! What is actually going on here?!

Momonga began to panic before a sudden feeling brought him to back to his calm state.

Huh? Why do I feel calm all of sudden? Was that a passive skill from my Undead racial abilities? Doesn't matter. It helped me calm myself. Punitto Moe-san had said that I must maintain a level-headed and logical way of thinking. Keep calm, plan ahead, and do not waste my time thinking about insignificant things... Then-

"It is alright, Albedo. Do not worry too much about that."

Albedo, who was still kneeling, bowed her head to Momonga.

"Sebas! Pleiades!"

"Yes, Momonga-sama!" Speaking in perfect synchronization, Sebas and all of Pleiades present raised their heads.

"Come to the front and stand before me."

"As you wish, Momonga-sama."

Again, in perfect synchronization, they stood up and walked toward the throne to stand before him with their head bowed so deep. At that moment, two things became apparent. First, even without saying specific commands, NPCs are able to understand simple orders. Second, Albedo was not the only one able to speak.

At the very least all the NPCs in the throne room were abnormal. As Momonga thought about this, he couldn't shake the feeling there was something strange about Albedo, who was still standing next to him. Wanting to clarify this, Momonga looked at Albedo with a sharp gaze.

"Did something happen? Have I done something wrong, Momonga-sama?"

Finally realizing what was wrong, he was unable to make any sound and could only gasp in surprise as a strange feeling comes from witnessing changing expressions. Mouths moving, even letting out sound—

"Could it be-?!"

Momonga put his right hand on his sharp chin and started thinking again.

In a DMMORPG, it was impossible for the mouth to move because it didn't have facial expressions. But, her mouth was clearly moving. No. Not just her. Milleadh's, Sebas' and Yuri's too were moving. It was just like in reality. Don't tell me that-!

"Sebas."

Sebas raised his head with a sincere expression, feeling like a real-life person.

"Sebas, leave The Great Tomb of Nazarick with one of Pleiades and search the surrounding area. If there are any intelligent or friendly beings, invite them back here so we can gain information from them. The search radius is one kilometer and tries to avoid fighting. If you must retreat, bring any information you get back here."

"Understood, Momonga-sama. I will do as you command."

Sebas took one of Pleiades and left the Throne Room.

Momonga let go of the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown and the staff did not fall to the ground, but instead began floating in the air. It was concluded that the game's rule was still there.

First and second steps have been taken. Oh! I have to order the rest of Pleiades to guard the ninth floor! After that, I need to check other aspects...

Milleadh laid on an amazing and wide bed which could fit four to five people on it. After Yuri had escorted her to her room, Yuri called one of the homunculus maids to help her take care of Milleadh.

Milleadh saw Yuri and Decrement stood patiently at her right side. She could tell by their expressions that they were very worried about her condition.

It couldn't be helped. While she had a passive skill 'Wise Mind' thanks to her True Dragon race, she didn't have any passive skill to help calm her in an instant.

Even with 'Wise Mind', she was still shocked and confused about what was happening after the shutdown.

She remembered then she could smell Albedo's perfume, even from afar. She remembered when her ears were hurt a little bit by Momonga's shout. She remembered when she saw Albedo's and Yuri's mouths moving as they talked.

It was too much for her. But, she could conclude that something was not right.

What happened, really?

"Milleadh-sama, are you alright? You seem troubled by something."

Yuri showed a worried face to Milleadh, who just gave her a light smile.

I don't know what happened yet, but I know they are real people now.

"I am fine, Yuri. I'm just a little thirsty. Sorry for troubling you, but could one of you bring me something to drink, please?"

"It is never any trouble for us, Milleadh-sama. As creations of Supreme Beings, our greatest happiness is serving you, one of the Supreme Beings, forever."

Uahh! She looks at me like I am a Goddess or something! My head hurts!

After Yuri and Decrement bowed to Millleadh, Decrement walked out of the room and left to bring a drink for her 'Goddess'. Meanwhile, Yuri stayed there and continued watching over Milleadh.

The silence began.

So awkward! Ughh! What should I do? Ah! I will try to talk to her and maybe gain some information!

"Y-Yuri."

"Yes? Do you need anything, Milleadh-sama?"

Milleadh wasn't wrong. Yuri's mouth was really moving like a real person when she talked.

If she is a real person, then she must have some memories of the past.

"No. I just want to ask, do you remember about 'the great invasion'?"

"Yes, Milleadh-sama. That was when an alliance of Supreme Beings' enemies tried to take over The Great Tomb of Nazarick from all of you, which resulted in their loss on the eighth floor."

She remembers it! That means she has a memory of the past! T-Then...

"How do you feel about that invasion? Tell me your honest feeling."

Yuri showed a mixed expression before she could answer her question. When her 'poker face' was back, she said,

"To be honest, I feel hatred towards them. But, I was also scared that they would step foot in the Supreme Beings' realm. I feel relieved that they could be stopped at the eighth floor, while at the same time I feel a little bit disappointed because we, the Pleiades Maids, could not fulfill our duty and fight against those intruders. My deepest apologies, Milleadh-sama. It is not like I want them to enter this place. It's just that I want to be useful, too, for the Supreme Beings."

"I-It is fine, Yuri. You have done nothing wrong."

"Thank you very much, Milleadh-sama."

Yuri bowed her head deep to Milleadh who now explored her own mind.

She has feelings. It is proven that she indeed is a real person. Then, could it be somehow that the Yggdrasil world has become a real world? That is so hard to believe, but that is the only conclusion I can come to. I can't find other probability with such limited information. Ah! I'm done! My head really hurts!

Decrement finally came with a silver tray that held a glass and a bottle with orange liquid. She poured the liquid until it filled the glass, then gave it to Milleadh.

"Thank you very much, Decrement."

Decrement showed a little shock through her body before she could respond to Milleadh with a blush on her cheeks.

"Y-Your thanks is not necessary, Milleadh-sama. I-It is my duty to serve you and that is my greatest joy."

Milleadh ignored that and chose to drink from the glass that was given by Decrement.

After taking three sips, she told Yuri and Decrement that she would be going to sleep.

"Yuri, Decrement, I would like to sleep now. You may leave and rest too."

"We can't do that, Milleadh-sama. Momonga-sama has ordered us to take care of you," Said Yuri with her and Decrement's head bowed deeply.

Ah! I can't take it anymore! Now I know that Momonga-senpai's order is placed higher than mine because he is a Guild Master.

"Fine. Then, I will sleep now. Good night, Yuri, Decrement."

For the first time since she was brought to her room, Yuri showed her a warm smile.

"Good night, Milleadh-sama. I hope you have a very nice dream."

With that, Milleadh started to close her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

At the sixth floor of The Great Tomb of Nazarick, Momonga was feeling proud of all Floor Guardians who presented themselves and pledged their loyalty, except for the Guardian of the fourth floor and the Guardian of the eighth floor who were not present.

The glorious golden age still exists. That was how he felt.

"You are truly the greatest, Guardians! I'm sure you will be able to understand our purpose and achieve our missions with success. I know that some of you are wondering about Milleadh's whereabouts. I told her to rest herself because I am currently worried about her condition. Please understand that even if she is not here now, she still cares about all of you."

"We do understand, Momonga-sama. All of us know that Milleadh-sama cares about us. It is proven by her presence here, in The Great Tomb of Nazarick."

"Thank you, Albedo. Thank you, Guardians."

"Momonga-sama, may I ask a question?"

Momonga turned his attention to the one who had made the request.

"You may, Demiurge."

"Thank you very much, Momonga-sama. I just want to ask about Milleadh-sama's condition. Will she be fine?"

Momonga could not help but smile when he looked at Demiurge's face.

He is really concerned about her. I'm glad knowing that the NPCs` loyalty is not only for myself.

"I am sure she will be fine after she gets some rest, Demiurge. She is a strong girl, after all."

His mood became gloomy, after those words. Not because Momonga was not sure that Milleadh will be fine, but because of something that had happened in the past.

Yes. She is a strong girl. She still can smile, even after 'that day'. She will be fine. I'm sure of it.

Momonga pushed aside the gloominess inside him.

"Now. There is something I must tell you. According to Sebas' report through 'Message'; somehow, The Great Tomb of Nazarick is transported to a place we don't know. As you know, The Great Tomb of Nazarick was originally placed in a swamp. But now, the surrounding area is grassland. Is there anyone who knows about this phenomenon?"

Albedo looked at her fellow NPCs to see their faces and openly replied,

"We deeply apologize, Momonga-sama. None of us know about it."

"It's fine. I will ask all Floor Guardians another question. Did anything strange happen on your floor?"

Each of the Floor Guardians reported that there were no anomalies on their respective floors.

"Momonga-sama, I want to investigate the fourth and the eighth floor as soon as possible."

"Then Albedo will be given this task. Pay attention to the eighth floor. If there is an emergency situation, you might not be able to deal with it. Umu. It's about time for Sebas's return."

At that moment, Momonga saw Sebas walk towards him. Like all the other Guardians, Sebas kneeled in front of Momonga.

"Momonga-sama, I apologise for being late."

"Do not worry, Sebas. Report to me and to all the Guardians about what you have seen in the surrounding areas."

After they heard the report, Momonga and all the Guardians started to discuss plan after plan to keep Nazarick well-defended. He even canceled Albedo's task to investigate the eighth floor and did not allow anyone to go there without his permission. He also decided to make direct access between the seventh and the ninth floors.

He ordered Mare -who was capable of many AoE spells- to hide The Great Tomb of Nazarick from any bystander by covering it so it could be seen as just a hill.

After being satisfied with his plan, Momonga decided to gain information from all the Guardians and Sebas.

"Finally, there is something I want to ask all of you. First is, Shalltear. What kinds of beings do you believe me and Milleadh to be?"

"A beautiful crystal. You are the world's most beautiful being. Even precious gems cannot be compared to your pale white body. As for Milleadh-sama, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my unlife and even blood cannot be compared to her red aura."

Without hesitation, Shalltear responded. From the way she answered, it could be seen as her true feelings.

"Cocytus."

"You are the most powerful and the strongest being. Supreme ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. While Milleadh-sama is more powerful and stronger existence than any Guardians and of course, a greater warrior than myself."

"Aura."

"A thoughtful and compassionate person. And I believe that Milleadh-sama is a compassionate person too."

"Mare."

"B-Both Momonga-sama and M-Milleadh-sama are v-very gentle people."

"Demiurge."

"You are both wise in judgments and quick in acting. A flawless being. Milleadh-sama, too, is a wise being."

"Sebas."

"Both of you are very kind beings who stay by our sides and do not abandon us."

"Lastly, Albedo."

"Both of you are the absolute rulers of us all. You are both the greatest masters we have. And you are my most loved person."

"I-I clearly understand everyone's thinking. The responsibilities that were given to my previous companions are now all given to you to handle. In the future, please stay dedicated to your duties."

Seeing the Guardians bow their heads, Momonga used teleportation to leave the arena. Instantly the view changed from the front row of the arena to a magical array being maintained by golems.

Looking around, making sure no one besides the Golems maintaining it was around, Momonga let out a sigh.

"So tiring..."

Although his body was not tired, the stress to his heart felt like a huge load on his shoulders.

"... Those guys... Why do they think so highly of us?"

Surely they must be mistaking them for different people. After hearing what the Guardians thought of them, it seemed like they were just making fun of him and his kouhai.

"Hahaha," Momonga laughed as he shook his head. From the way they looked, it felt like they were completely serious. In other words, those were their true feelings.

However, if the situation was not as much as an emergency as the Guardians thought, they might be disappointed. The thought of it gave Momonga more and more stress.

Just one more thing that has to be clarified.

"「Message」."

"[Yuri Alpha is here, Momonga-sama]."

Momonga felt confused by a volume of Yuri's voice which somehow a little bit low. In an instant, Momonga knew what caused her low volume.

"Since you are speaking in a low register, I suppose Milleadh is sleeping now, isn't she?"

"[Yes, Momonga-sama. Milleadh-sama is sleeping now and I do not want to make her wake up with my voice. I am deeply sorry]."

"There is not a thing you need to apologize for, Yuri. You made the right decision. So, how is she?"

"[Milleadh-sama looked a bit pale since she was brought to her room. But after she had something to drink, she became calm and decided to sleep]."

Momonga felt relieved, after hearing that.

"Good work, Yuri. Tell the homunculus maid you brought to rest. I am sorry, but you still have to take care of her and cannot leave her yet."

"[Understood, Momonga-sama]."

Momonga cut off the 'Message' spell. With that, he had clarified his kouhai`s condition.

You are really a strong girl, Miyako. But, if you feel that you can't hold yourself together on your own, please just depend on me. I am your senpai, after all.

Momonga decided to retire to his room for a little rest before he returned to his job as a Guild Master of Ainz Ooal Gown.

To Be Continued