Makings of an Overlord

by The Emerald Commander

Suzuki Satoru has no idea how to rule the Great Tomb of Nazarick, especially now that he has been transported to an entire new world as a human (kind of). However, he is going to give his all, no matter how much Albedo keeps trying to sleep with him, how much Demiurge wants to commit genocides and how much he wishes to date that cute peasant girl in the village nearby. Slight!AU

7. Chapter VI: No rest for the wicked

Chapter VI: No rest for the wicked

"Mein Schöpfer, didn't you want to rest today?"

Suzuki scowled at being called out like that. His creation wasn't wrong; Suzuki wasn't supposed to be seated on the [Throne of Kings] early in the morning, with only Rubedo, Pandora's Actor and a couple of royal guards keeping him company. He had promised he would take it easy, after all. However, not everything goes as planned. That and the overworked salary-man in him couldn't just let go of work.

"I know what I said yesterday," Suzuki said. "But there are some things I can't just leave for later."

That was, sadly, partly true.

"There's more than that, isn't there, Mein Schöpfer." It wasn't a question.

"Unfortunately, yes," sighed Suzuki. He leaned back on his throne. "The Chief of Carne Village invited me to some sort of gathering, the Chief Warrior's contact in the village says the King would like to organize a meeting and, to top it all off, I have yet to master the human language…" and magic.

Suzuki pinched the bridge of his nose. Why the hell learning something as simple as the [Message] spell was proving to be so challenging? Then again, with all other matters he had to deal with, he hadn't spent enough time on that.

"I see," Pandora hummed. "Still, mein schöpfer, like you yourself said, it won't do you any good if you can't take it easy."

"Easier said than done," muttered Suzuki. "What am I even supposed to do with free time? The Old World was my hobby, Pandora, and now it's my full-time job."

"There must be something else you can do for entertainment, mein schöpfer," Pandora's Actor said. "You know, cataloguing the many treasures of the Tomb is quite a relaxing thing for me. Perhaps you should try it."

"I… I'll pass," said Suzuki.

"What exactly would you like to do? Something that involves physical exercise, perhaps?" Pandora's Actor asked.

"Maybe?" Suzuki said, unsure. "I don't know, Pandora. There are things I could try at the Ninth Floor, I suppose…"

"Oh, Ich Weiss!" Exclaimed Pandora. "How about spending time with the Lady Overseer or Shalltear? You do intend to marry them at some point, correct?"

"You want me to woo them?" chocked out a horrified Suzuki.

"Ja! I am sure they would both be happy to be with you, and it would help you grow comfortable with both of them, mein Schöpfer," Pandora eagerly said.

And leave myself exposed to a lustful succubus and/or a kinky vampire? No thanks. That's a problem for Future Suzuki, definitively not me, thought Suzuki.

However, the thought of actually hanging out with a woman did seem appealing, especially when a certain face flashed across his mind.

No, I shouldn't, guiltily thought Suzuki. I shouldn't be thinking about some random peasant girl like that…

And yet, Enri was the one person Suzuki really wanted to spend time with. It was a truth that ashamed him, especially given what he had done to Albedo, but Enri was not a zealot like the NPCs. She didn't stare at him with admiration born from programming, or saw him as faultless. Yes, she did admire him, but even so, there was something… different. Perhaps it was the fact Suzuki could see nothing relating to his friends in her, much like he did with the NPCs. Even Albedo reminded Suzuki of Tabula at times… particularly Tabula's obsessiveness.

"Maybe another time," decided Suzuki.

He promised himself he would spent proper time with all of his NPCS, not just Albedo or Shalltear. But not that day. That day, Suzuki wanted it to be a day for himself, without worries of genocides, getting jumped on by a definitely attractive succubus, and the depleting resources of the Tomb or anything of the sort. He wanted a breather.

"Ah, Ich verstehe jetzt," Pandora said. "Perhaps what you need is to spend time outside the Tomb, mein schöpfer? Maybe we could spend time at the human village?"

"I don't know whether I – wait, did you say 'we'?" Suzuki replied.

"Ja, I wouldn't mind officially meeting this Enri Emmot," Pandora said.

Suzuki shuddered at the thought of Pandora's Actor constantly flailing his arms and posing with extreme theatrics in front of poor Enri. Still, Suzuki didn't mind hanging out with Pandora's Actor. As his creation and confidant, Suzuki personally trusted Pandora and actually found himself able to relax and open up around the NPC. Sadly, there was the fact he wasn't sure if the villagers would appreciate Pandora's less than human visage. For all he knew, Pandora was a tad too creepy-looking.

He is a doppelganger, though, Suzuki remembered, and that means he could change forms if needed.

But what form could he take though? Last time he went to the village he took the form of Momonga the Avatar and Suzuki wasn't sure the villagers would be that comfortable with it. He could take the form of Sebas or other more deceivingly human-looking NPCs, but that rob Pandora's Actor the possibility of introducing himself as… well… himself.

How about one of the captured humans? Suzuki realized.

He blinked as a sudden thought struck him about doing that. There was something he had just realized about Doppelgangers in general, something worth exploring.

As if summoned by his thoughts, the doors to the Throne Room opened and in came marched a small group of individuals. Suzuki sat up straight, unable to contain his excitement (and nervousness). As the newcomers approached the throne, Suzuki took deep breaths and tried to keep his composure.

Suzuki smiled as he saw four members of the Royal Guard move to stand before him. They weren't alone, however. Flanked by the monstrous NPCs, there were two humans. Blond, pale and blue-eyed, the most stunning difference were the demeanors (and the fact one of them had glowing blue eyes rather than plain ones). Whereas one stood calm and silent between a Shadowflayer and Doom Legionnaire, the other angrily barked at everyone and everything while being held by one of Suzuki's Naga and Myrmidon guards.

"Londes, good to see you," Suzuki said in the human language.

The calm prisoner with plain blue eyes knelt down, a hand on his chest, and bowed his head in submission.

"The pleasure is entirely mine, my lord," replied Londes, also in the human tongue.

"Traitor! You filthy traitor!" Spat the other one, fighting to free himself from the grasp of the Naga and Myrmidon.

It was a futile attempt, and in Suzuki's eyes a bit childish.

"What did you do to him, you- you monster?!" The glowing-eyed prisoner shouted. At least, that's what Suzuki thought he said.

Suzuki wasn't sure why, but he found himself smiling at the prisoner. Perhaps it was the amusing irony of being called a monster by a man who ordered the murder of innocent villagers. Perhaps it was the way he was reminded of whenever Ainz Ooal Gown ganked on an unsuspecting Player, who would always whine about how unfair it was to be overwhelmed by numbers.

I shouldn't find it so amusing, Suzuki told himself, sobering up. For all of his crimes, he is still a person.

"Greeting, prisoner," Suzuki said, loud and imperious. "I am Lord Momonga, ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick… as for Londes Di Clamp over there I have inducted him into my service."

Suzuki was truly thankful for Enri's teachings. She was a good teacher, all things considered. Sadly, he was certain he had a long way to go still with the humans' weird language.

"Inducted?!" Shouted the man, looking at Londes. His face softened, looking with something akin to mild annoyance. "You brainwashed him."

"Something of the sort," Suzuki said. "Worry not. You are next."

That made the man's eyes widen and look at Suzuki in absolute horror. He tried to free himself from his captors' grasp, but a puny human had no chance to pry himself from a Naga and a Myrmidon, not such high level ones at that.

"Do not fear, Nigun Grid Luin," Suzuki said.

The man froze up, looking as white as a ghost. Suzuki looked solemnly at the man.

"I vow to you that as my servant, I will take care of you like all others who serve me," Suzuki said.

He reached into his inventory and removed a golden crown. Suzuki looked at it with a fond smile. It was an expensive looking thing, with thirteen rubies encrusted within a golden serpent that was eating its tail. It was the [Ouroboros Crown], a high-tear Head equipment that increased spell-caster stats and had a basic ability to transform Mana into Health.

Suzuki could still remember how he got it in one of the dungeons he had conquered with his friends. He could remember Tabula and Ulbert fighting over it, before Bukubukuchagama interceded and demanded it was given to Momonga instead. Of course, the rest of Momonga's friends (particularly Peroroncino) just had to tease Bukubukuchagama that she would be demanding a wedding ring be given to Momonga next. Peroroncino got quite a tongue-lashing from his sister after that.

Suzuki chuckled and shook his head, only to realize he had lost himself in his memories. He pulled back the hood of his Overlord robes and equipped the crown.

A fitting crown for what I intend to do, thought Suzuki.

He took a deep breath, and allowed himself to feel the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown in his hand and the Throne he was seated on. Power rushed to him as he spoke:

"[Throne of Kings]!" Suzuki called.

The once black obsidian throne hummed to life, golden veins appearing like cracks on its surface. An intoxicating sensation coursed through Suzuki, who grinned at the amazing feeling.

"[In the name of the King]!" Suzuki casted.

The spell was instantaneous. The Throne shone brighter and, all of a sudden, Nigun's body was lifted by some invisible force, all while waves of golden light covered him. The Royal Guard who had been holding him stepped aside, staring at what was happening in awe. The human didn't scream or yell. In fact, in the brief instant that the spell took place, Nigun remained strangely confused as he stared up at the ceiling. Suzuki could only wonder what was going through the prisoner's head before it was all over.

The human gently descended back on its feet, and he remained there, standing. He tentatively looked at his hands, flexing them, before he turned to Suzuki. The overlord just stared at the prisoner, unsure if the spell had worked as it had on Londes. Then the former prisoner dropped to one knee.

Suzuki felt nothing when the human said something reverently. He merely activated the [Throne of Kings]'s NPC status screen and searched down the list, all while thinking about what just happened.

I just took over the mind of another human being, he thought. Shouldn't I be shaken or guilty about this?

At the same time, Suzuki had to admit that the current experiment on the human was no doubt a mercy that, perhaps, the prisoner didn't deserve. All things considered, Suzuki was pretty much giving that one prisoner, the leader who organized the murder of innocents, a chance to live and prosper in the Tomb.

"It looks like it isn't a glitch then," Suzuki hummed.

Pandora's Actor leaned over and saw what his creator was looking at.

"So it happened again," Pandora said.

On the NPC status screen of the [Throne of Kings], instead of two NPC names that should have been there, there were strange odd scribbles and scratches, as if there had been a problem of translation.

"This could be a problem," hummed Suzuki. "The [Throne of Kings] permanently takes over NPCs…"

At least, Suzuki supposed it was permanent, given how he had waited over twelve hours to see if the effect dissipated on his first test-subject, Londes, who still remained an NPC for the Tomb of Nazarick.

"…but these humans were never Old World beings to begin with," finished Pandora with a hum of understanding. "That should explain why their names look so wrong, mein schöpfer."

"My thoughts exactly," agreed Suzuki. "That means there is no telling whether the [In the Name of the King] spell of the Throne is working as it should."

"So far, it looks as it accomplishes its goal, Supreme One," Pandora said, gesturing at the two kneeling humans. "Quite a unique and powerful ability, mein Schöpfer."

"Powerful? Undoubtingly. Unique? Not quite," Suzuki said. "I know of at least two other World Items that had similar abilities, although slightly different. This World Item is the first I've known to add an NPC into a Guild's base."

"Oh, and what are those two World Items?" Asked an intrigued (and did he sound hungry?) Pandora.

He sounds like a child eager for a new toy, mentally chuckled Suzuki.

"One of them I don't remember the name, but the other was [Downfall of Castle and Country]," said Suzuki with a scowl.

"[Downfall of Castle and Country]?" Repeated Pandora, as if mentioning a divine dish he was certain he would enjoy.

"Yes," nodded Suzuki. "The Guild made it a point to keep up to date with any discovered World Items. Us Supreme Beings had this… eh… web? Yes, a web of information in which we could communicate and discuss matters. Sometimes, Players who found a World Item would boast about it, try to sell it or seek help to unlock its abilities."

"And that's when Ainz Ooal Gown would swoop in their grand glory and obtain the treasure!" Pandora dramatically exclaimed with a pose.

"Yes, so…" Suzuki chuckled at Pandora's dramatic before he carried on. "A time came when we heard about that one World Item. It was actually in a forum with a Player complaining about it. You see, while [Downfall of Castle and Country] could also take control of an NPC (with the exception of Area and Dungeon Bosses), it was limited to one NPC at a time, the item itself was a Chest equipment that added no stats and… well…"

Suzuki chuckled.

"…it was a female dress, no matter who wore it," laughed Suzuki.

Which had been the original complaint of the Player, who hated how ridiculous he looked with the World Item. That and it really didn't help to wear a piece of equipment that didn't add any stats for a Player that was a Tank. It was the humorous aspect that made that World item so hard to forget. Memes had come out about it, as well as other World Items as they were discovered and unlocked.

Sadly, the owner sold it for real money before we could get our hands on it, Suzuki wistfully sighed.

"And could it take control of Players, mein schöpfer?" Asked a concerned Pandora.

Suzuki stroke his chin. Mind-control per se was never really achievable on Players. The mechanics of Mind-Control, after all, were impossible to apply in a Full-Dive game where a human actively controlled the character (and any other alterations to the Full-Dive mechanics had been made illegal for Full-Dive gear).

In the game, it was possible to have Players be affected by Debuffs that were meant to act as Mind-Control. For example, there were those spells that made a target automatically use spells towards allies or healing spells to enemies. In regards to other mind-altering spells, Suzuki knew the existence of a few that actually impaired casting, made the casting or cool down last longer and so forth.

"I'm afraid mind-control, or rather mind-affecting spells in general, are some of those spells that might not work entirely as they did back on the Old World, and even then perhaps it will not affect Players," reasoned Suzuki.

"Mein Schöpfer, what are you going to do with the prisoners?" Pandora wondered. "Technically they aren't one of us, your servants, yet at the same time they are… and more importantly, they are humans. Their use in the Tomb will be quite limited and unwelcomed, Supreme One."

"Yeah, and we need to somehow fix the glitch," reasoned Suzuki.

Suzuki studied the Status list a bit before he looked at the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown.

"You are right. They can't be humans," he said.

There were two rules to join Ainz Ooal Gown, Suzuki recalled. The first one was that Players' avatar had to be a heteromorph, and the second rule was that the Player had to be a functional member of society, not some teenager who wasted his life playing the game or something of the sort.

He glanced at the two kneeling humans.

I should extend those rules to those who I induct into the Tomb through the [Throne of Kings]. They must be made into heteromorphs and be somehow useful for the Tomb, he thought. I can't just use the throne on everyone… it could be risky and this kind of power is meant to be wielded sparingly. I have no idea if the spell will even work as it should. The glitched names are evidence that something is off already. They could break free at some point, for instance.

"No, something must be done," decided Suzuki.

"What do you plan, mein Schöpfer?" Pandora asked.

"I intend to see if I can modify NPCs," Suzuki proclaimed.

He looked at Pandora's Actor with a smile.

"Before I mess up with the humans, though, I want to test something else," Suzuki said.

"Oh?" Pandora perked up, intrigued.

"Could you try to take the form of one of them?" Suzuki requested, gesturing at the humans.

"Whatever for, Supreme One?" Wondered Pandora's Actor. "If you don't mind me asking."

"I don't mind," said Suzuki. "I am just curious if you could assimilate more than just their looks and abilities. Doppelgangers like you, after all, can use the same learned spells of their targets. Could that apply for other things?"

"Like their language," said Pandora. Let it be said that for all his antics, Pandora's wasn't stupid.

"Precisely," said Suzuki with a smirk.

"Very well, let us see how this goes," Pandora hummed as he walked down the steps to stand in front of Nigun.

The human glanced up before bowing his head lower. Pandora didn't cast any spells or even move in order to assume a new form. He just stared down at Nigun and, without further ado, his body (clothes included) changed and morphed in one seamless transition. In the blink of an eye, Suzuki was seeing two Niguns, one standing and the other one on one knee.

"Well?" Suzuki eagerly asked.

Pandora-Nigun turned around and proceeded to say something in the human tongue. Seeing Suzuki's amazement did he say something in their language.

"As expected of my creator and Supreme Master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, your suspicions were correct!" Pandora said with Nigun's voice.

Damn, I wish I had thought about it before now, thought Suzuki. It doesn't matter. This will be very useful in the future… I could even ask Enri about more stuff, like the Kingdom itself. Maybe I could get clues whether Players have arrived before me.

"Keep that form, Pandora," decided Suzuki. "You'll be accompanying me to Carne Village after we are done here."

"As you command, my liege," said Pandora, delighted.

"Now then, let us move on," Suzuki said.

He looked at the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown.

It is time to give it a try then, he thought.

The Staff responded with a wave of power.

Suzuki's heart started racing and he stood up. The Royal Guard and Rubedo all straightened, and watched their lord descend the stairs to the prisoner. The humans, in turn, only glanced at the supreme Master, before returning to submissively bowing their heads, completely at the mercy of Suzuki.

It is time to see if I can modify NPCs, he thought.

He pointed the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown at the prisoner – no, at Nigun. If Suzuki was going to play God, he would at least respect that individual's name. It was the least he could do.

Do your thing, Staff, Suzuki thought. Activate my [Administrator Privileges]!

The Staff of Ainz Ooal Goal appeared to hum in response. Then, just after one second, it glowed in a red light. Suzuki focused on Nigun and watched, mesmerized, as the human soon after started glowing in a crimson shade. No character sheet or settings appeared before Suzuki like back in Yggdrassil. Instead, it appeared as if something was yet to happen.

The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown vibrated with power, urging Suzuki to act. The Overlord frowned, unsure whether he understood what he should do. Apparently, the Staff had done its job and Suzuki had access to Nigun. The problem was, differently from back in Yggdrassil, Suzuki had no idea how to apply changes.

What if… it is like a spell? Suzuki wondered. Maybe I need to exert my will…

He studied the glowing human, his little guinea pig in this experiment.

A race change, that's what I intend to do. Although technically I have items to change races, it would be quite a boon if I could modify races at will… Suzuki decided. Alright, which race? Ah, a doppelganger… even if he wouldn't look half bad as an angel, actually.

He closed his eyes and focused and then…

Suzuki's eyes snapped opened as he noticed a small black portal open next to him. It looked exactly the size of whenever he reached to his inventory. To his horror, golden coins shot off the void, straight to Nigun. More shocking, however, was how the golden metal disintegrated into light, transforming into some kind of shining white mist that encircled the human.

Coin after coin, the inner-hoarder in Suzuki wanted to stop, fearful that he would lose quite a lot of his beloved money. However, the Overlord in him was intrigued and fascinated by what was happening. Coin after coin, it all added to the mist until there came a point Nigun appeared to be completely covered by golden bright light. The inventory closed and Suzuki might have allowed himself a sigh of relief, hadn't the mist not expanded all too suddenly, before sticking straight towards Nigun like a second skin.

Suzuki's eyes nearly bulged at the weird sight before him. Nigun looked like he had been replaced by a seamless golden statue, one whose surface rippled and quivered as if made of liquid, before it shuddered and changed form. Most of the body remained the same. The sole exception was on Nigun's back, where two golden protrusions grew outwards.

Details started forming all over Nigun. His face returned as it was, the rest of his body got back most of its original shape, all while the golden surface remained. The protrusions on Nigun's back also started to develop details, revealing what they were supposed to be. And then, there was an explosion of light, one that nearly blinded Suzuki.

For a brief instant, it looked like the human had burst into light. One second later, Suzuki found himself staring at Nigun, albeit a rather changed version of the human prisoner. Suzuki stepped back, unable to pry his eyes from the new Nigun.

I did that, Suzuki thought in disbelief. I-I actually… I actually changed a person's species!

For Nigun Grid Luin was no longer a mere man. He still looked much the same, but where there was only a bare back, there were now two large white wings. Nigun didn't appear to react, though, and maintained his kneeling position as if he hadn't just been dramatically changed. All in all, it seemed Suzuki had been successful: he had transform Nigun into an angel.

Suzuki, on his part, stared at Nigun, before scratching his head.

I was going for another doppelganger, he thought. Could I have accidentally picked an angel because I found it more fitting? Or because I didn't truly concentrate on making him a doppelganger?

Suzuki returned to his Throne and sat down, before studying the NPCs status screen.

"Are you alright, mein Schöpfer?" Pandora tentatively asked.

"Yes," Suzuki said. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Oh, schon gut, mein schöpfer," said the doppelganger. "I believed you would have felt guilty regarding the race changes and burdened by the power of the Administrative Privileges."

Pandora's Actor is right. That does sound something I should be doing, realized Suzuki with a frown.

He looked at Nigun, still kneeling.

Then again, I did want to punish that bastard for trying to kill innocent people, including Enri and Nemu, Suzuki thought before warily glancing at his hand. Or am I slowly growing used to the craziness of this world?

He shook his head. There were other matters to deal with.

"You are right, Pandora," said Suzuki. "But right now, let us focus on the present. Let us focus on our new Angel, shall we…"

Suzuki's heart clenched at the thought of losing money again. The inner hoarder in him cried in agony.

"I believe it was gold well spent," Pandora said, as if reading his master's mind.

He also looked pained at the loss of money.

"I know, Pandora, I know," softly said Suzuki.

The two kept a moment of silence in honor for that precious gold that had been spent, gone for all eternity… poor golden coins.

"I apologize for having taken such valuable gold from you, Supreme One."

Suzuki's eyes promised to jump off their sockets as none other than Nigun Grid Luin bowed his head even lower, all while speaking Japanese as fluently as any other NPC.

"I am undeserving of your attention, Lord Momonga," Nigun added, sounding ashamed and guilt-ridden.

Suzuki though, was too shocked about the fact that Nigun had apparently learned Japanese in an instant. Suzuki snapped his head towards the Status Screen of the Throne. He was more than surprised to find that the illegible scribble of before had been replaced by clear letters that read the former prisoner's full name.

This is way too good to be true! Thought Suzuki.

He frowned as he realized another thing.

"What did you call me?" Suzuki asked.

Nigun glanced up, looking close to a panic attack.

"I-I apologize for uttering your supreme name, Supreme One!" spluttered Nigun. "I merely-"

"No, not that," Suzuki interrupted, unable to believe it. "How did you know my name?" Or at least, his avatar's name.

"I… was I not supposed to know, my Lord?" Nigun asked, confused.

Pandora, much to Suzuki's mounting confusion, also looked perplexed by Suzuki.

Is it possible that Nigun learned more than just Japanese when he was re-made into an NPC? Suzuki thought.

"Tell me, Nigun," Suzuki said, trying to act composed. "Can you tell me who Albedo is?"

"Why, of course, Supreme One," Nigun said with vehemence and determination. "She's the Lady Overseer of the great Tomb of Nazarick and also the one person whose authority is second only to yours."

Suzuki stared at Nigun, disbelieving.

"Is there a problem, Lord Momonga?" Rubedo asked, twirling her naginata. "Shouldn't Nigun have known about Albedo?"

Suzuki, though, ignored the metal angel for a few seconds, staring at Nigun in amazement.

"Incredible," Suzuki said, only to shake his head. "I apologize, Rubedo, but I had assumed that no knowledge would be provided during the – the… ehm… re-birth."

He felt like a giddy child ready to open a Christmas present.

"Let us see if Nigun knows as much as he should," Suzuki said with trepidation. "Alright, Nigun?"

"Yes, Supreme One?" Nigun replied.

"Who is the Guardian of the Seventh Floor?"

"Lord Demiurge, my Lord," Nigun said without a second of hesitation.

"And what is the name of Yuri Alpha and her sisters?"

"The Pleiades, Supreme One."

"How many homunculus Maids are in the Tomb?"

"Forty-one, the same number as the Supreme Beings," Nigun replied.

That last answer took the air out of Suzuki.

"Do you know who the creator of Shalltear is?" Suzuki asked.

"Yes, my Lord," Nigun nodded. "She was created by Lord Peroroncino."

Holy mother Theresa riding a Mercedes-Benzes, what the hell?! Suzuki thought. He glanced at Pandora and then at Rubedo. Do all NPCs just have this sort of information? Do they all just download that information into their heads? Wait, what about…?

"Say, Nigun, what about… IRL? Do you know what that is?" Suzuki wondered.

Nigun, for the first time, blinked in confusion towards him.

Like I thought, a NPCs core knowledge only goes to the basics of the Tomb, Suzuki thought.

"I'm afraid I do not know what this... hmmm… Ay'ahr-elle… is, Supreme One," Nigun tentatively replied.

"It is alright, you'll probably learn it from the others," Suzuki said.

He leaned back, still unable to comprehend what had just happened.

What should I do now? He pondered.

"Well, mein Schöpfter, it would appear you have successfully inducted a new member into our ranks," Pandora's Actor said.

"Clearly," replied Suzuki with a smile.

"I suppose we should now see if he remembers his old life, Mein Schöpfter," suggested the doppelganger.

Suzuki nodded, leaning forward.

"Yes, you are correct," Suzuki nodded. He still couldn't believe Nigun had just been incorporated into the Tomb of Nazarick like that. "Nigun, I am curious, do you remember why you attacked Carne Village?"

"You mean the puny settlement I launched an assault on before my capture? Yes, I remember, my Lord. When I was a pathetic human, Supreme One, serving the deceitful and misbegotten Theocracy," spat Nigun with no small about of derision, "the Cardinals commanded for me to attempt to assassinate Gazef Stronoff, all while trying to rise tensions between the Kingdom and the Empire."

Oh no, not more politics, mentally whined Suzuki.

"To what end?" Pandora asked.

Suzuki was surprised by how… well… unaffected the other NPCs were. They acted as if Nigun had been an NPC like them since the Transfer. Even the Royal Guard looked at ease near him.

"I was never told, nor did I ask, Lord Demiurge," Nigun said respectfully. "I was but a weak tool, brainwashed to believe outrageous lies, especially against our Supreme Master!"

"Hey, it's alright," Pandora said with an amicable tone. "You're now one of us now, mein Freund."

"You have been given a great chance to serve and atone," Rubedo stated in her mechanical voice. "Rejoice, Nigun Grid Luin, for our master possesses an infinite kindness and mercy."

"Even so, just the memories of my disgraceful past leaves me ashamed," Nigun gravely said. "I request punishment for my heretical ways, Supreme One! I am undeserving of your attention! I am unworthy to sully the halls of the Great Tomb with my presence!"

Oh great, the zealousness is apparently part of their programming, mentally groaned Suzuki.

A part of him felt dismayed that he wouldn't use his newly discovered powers to induct others, such as Enri. She could never be added to the Tomb like Nigun, or else she would lose what Suzuki appreciated of her…

"Nigun," Suzuki said.

The man timidly look up at him.

"As Pandora said, you are now one of my servants," Suzuki said. Although he managed to speak with an even and calm tone, deep down Suzuki was still unsure about the whole situation. "And so, you are my responsibility. I was the one to take you in, so I rather you didn't question my judgement."

"Never, Supreme One!" Nigun exclaimed, aghast.

"Good," Suzuki nodded. "So, Nigun, I think I know what we'll be talking about next," Suzuki said.

He reached into his inventory and pulled out a certain object. Nigun recognized it right away.

"Tell me, where is the creator of this Sealing Crystal?" Suzuki wondered. "Where is this…" he glanced at Pandora's Actor, who nodded in encouragement "…Alah Alaf?"

---

The world was filled with dangers, especially against humans. That much Enri had learned since she was a toddler. Ever since she had memory, Enri could recall learning all about the different threats to the village, be it as a blunt warning or as cautionary tales. However, the one monster Enri had always been warned about and she had always dismissed for one reason or another were her fellow humans.

Enri sighed as she paused on her work. She looked out the small window to the beautiful day outside. To think she was missing out on such sunny day in order to cut pieces of morsel, stuck with her own thoughts and inner demons, remembering children's tales and old cautionary stories.

It was that or accompanying mother and Nemu to wash clothes with the other women, Enri reminded herself with a shudder. I rather walk into the forest than anywhere near those gossip-mongers.

Ever since Enri had started teaching Ainz Ooal Gown their language, spending lengthy periods of time walking or sitting side-by-side, the villagers had started to come up with all sort of strange notions. It only got worse as the villagers all warmed up to the God-like being. Even those who had been wary at first now bowed and smiled at him, beaming in the presence of Ainz Ooal Gown.

"And now everyone believes Lord Ainz wants me," Enri thought with an annoyed smile as she went back to work.

She struck the meat with her cleaver. Chop-chop-chop. Enri glanced at her muscular arms before grimacing.

As if someone like Lord Ainz would ever desire some savage commoner girl like me, Enri dejectedly thought.

Her thoughts went to Lady Albedo, the powerful Black Knight and unparalleled beauty, as well as to the other women that followed Lord Ainz. Enri blushed as she reminded herself that Lord Ainz appeared to have a thing for warrior women. Lord Ainz may have claimed he was unmarried, but a man of such power and affluence didn't need marriage to have women at his disposal.

Still, Enri found herself smiling fondly at the thought of Lord Ainz. Even if she knew that nothing more would ever exist between them, Enri was happy she had managed to strike a friendship of sorts with the mighty being. It was something unlike anything Enri could have hoped for, especially given the worldview she used to have.

Ever since the attack on Carne Village, Enri found herself reviewing and re-studying all that she thought she knew about the world. Perhaps it was the inherent cynicism of the Old Ways, but Enri struggled to believe that someone like Ainz Ooal Gown was even real. A lordly god-like being descending in their time of need to offer assistance without any reward, and then just hang out at the village? Not even the Golden Princess could claim such magnanimity.

Enri shook her head and pushed down any thought on Lord Ainz. It wouldn't do to daydream like some child with a crush.

In any case, there she was, alone with her thoughts, pondering about life and the world. Her only company was the loud chopping sound of her cleaver striking down flesh. That and the sound of the training men outside.

Enri could make the sound of metal striking metal outside. She took in the sounds, without halting her own strikes. It wasn't the first time she heard the men train, yet this time there was something eerie about it. Enri shook her head and focused on her task. Sadly, she couldn't ignore the sounds coming from outside.

There was the sound of metal hitting wood… and then the metal against metal… and cries of men in a heated exchange of blows… and then screams, of women and children, accompanied by the thunderous charge of horses and blazing fires and-

CHOP

Enri blinked. She slowly looked down at her hand. It was shaking. Enri studied the cleaver, spotting a dent she had made in that last strike. Her breathing had become erratic, and her heart ached in her chest. Sadly, no matter how Enri tried to think about anything else, she couldn't help but remember the horrors of that day…

Death everywhere, her home, her little safe haven, broken by strangers, and her parents dying…

Enri closed her eyes and reached to her neck. Her fingers found something small hanging from a loose cord and, without thought, grabbed it. Without opening her eyes, Enri felt the object, taking in the sensations against her finger. Tiny, wooden with a few metal pieces here and there, Enri found herself relaxing and a smile stretching on her face. Only then did she open her eyes to see the item in her grasp: it was Ainz Ooal Gown's gift.

The young peasant girl's smile widened when she remembered how the strange being gave her that tiny puny horn after she had shared her worries regarding her village's safety. Enri had understood only partially the purpose of the item, but she was certain the horn had one purpose: summon aid when it was needed.

Enri giggled and shook her head.

"Look at me, acting like a scared child," she mused.

"Ehm… Enri?"

Enri's eyes widened and she snapped her head at the door. To her shock, Nemu was there, staring at her with concern and confusion in her eyes. Enri immediately hid the tiny horn and smiled at her sister.

"Nemu! What are you doing here?" Enri asked.

"I told mom I wanted to be with you," Nemu admitted.

She wringed her hands, nervous.

"Why? Was there something you wanted to talk with me?" Enri wondered.

By Nemu's expression, it was something bad. Enri cleaned her hands and knelt before her sister, gently holding her shoulders, ready to hug her if the little girl needed it.

"What is it, Nemu?" Enri softly asked.

"Enri… is dad going away to fight again?" Nemu asked.

Enri's heart painfully clenched at her sister's face.

"What makes you say that?" Enri asked back. "Is it because of the training?"

Nemu shook her head, looking ashamed.

"I heard mom and dad talk," she said. "They said that there will be war… and dad has been training every night… and everyone looks worried and afraid and…"

"Oh, Nemu," Enri embraced her sister. "We are all still so shaken about the attack… and there is so much uncertainty around us…"

How could Enri explain to her little sister that the country she lived in was at the brink of collapse? That her father couldn't sleep because of being reminded of his own death? That they might one day be under the rule of the disgusting and awful Baharuth Empire? That the village Chief wanted an alternative, one that could only lead to more bloodshed?

"But why?" Nemu wondered. "We have Ainz Ooal Gown protecting us!"

Enri could only smile at the little girl's naiveté.

"Ainz Ooal Gown will not always come to save us, Nemu," Enri said.

"Why not?" Nemu asked, scrunched her face. "He cares about us, doesn't he? Lord Ainz always comes to check on us."

"It's not so simple," Enri took a deep breath.

Damn, where were her parents when Nemu started asking the hard questions? Then again, Enri got the feeling Nemu didn't trust her parents' version of the world as much as Enri's. Perhaps it was the fact both sisters were united in their stance regarding Ainz Ooal Gown. Everyone, their parents included, considered him as either a god to worship or a future lord to serve. Enri and Nemu, who probably knew Ainz Ooal Gown best, treated him as the kind yet immensely powerful man that he was.

It sure helped that Ainz Ooal Gown reminded Enri and Nemu of another person they were friendly towards…

"Look, Nemu, Lord Ainz Ooal Gown is truly kind, protective and nice, but he has other people to take care of. He has Lady Albedo, Lady Shalltear, Lord Sebas, Lady Rubedo, Lady Alpha…" Enri replied with a smile. "We aren't his responsibility. He saved us out of kindness… and you never demand kindness from others."

"And if you married him?" Nemu tentatively asked. "Then he could always be around to protect us and he would deal with anyone who dared attack our village!"

Enri's jaw went slack, and she struggled to retort anything. She? Marry such a powerful being? No, absolutely not! Clearly Nemu had spent too much time around the village gossipers.

"I- no, Nemu, that's – that's not going to happen," Enri choked out. "He's- he's… he's like a king, Nemu, and I'm just a commoner and- and besides, he already has Lady Albedo, and there are many other ladies at his service."

"So? If he is like a king, then he could have you AND Lady Albedo, and all the other women," Nemu said. "You could all make him happy."

Oh dear, how do I explain the concept of marriage? Enri wondered.

She blushed regardless at the thought of trying to make the dark entity… well… happy, especially alongside other women. Thoughts of Lady Albedo, that extraordinary seductive beauty, promised to make Enri's face explode from blood overflow. She knew it wasn't proper to have such reaction to the thoughts of a female, but it couldn't be helped. Something about Lady Albedo was otherworldly in her attractiveness, otherworldly and alluring.

"That's- that's not going to happen," spluttered Enri.

Nemu, though, was clearly convinced she came with a genius plan. That and that mischievous grin of her told Enri nothing would stop her from insisting until Enri fainted from embarrassment.

"Everyone says you are the prettiest in the village!" Nemu said, jumping with excitement. "And he clearly likes you! He's always talking to you, and you spend a lot of time together."

"I'm teaching him our language, Nemu," Enri laughed with a strained smile. "He will stop visiting when he has learned enough or finds a better teacher."

Enri stood up. She was happy Nemu was no longer worrying about their father, but Enri wasn't sure if she liked the current topic of conversation either.

"That's not true," protested Nemu. "He likes you! He gave you that magical item! Old Yagga says it is very, very strong stuff and many people would kill for it!"

Enri winced when little Nemu used the word 'kill'. She wished she lived in a world her little sister didn't know such terms, or had memories she could associate the word with.

"She said it is unique and powerful," corrected Enri, a hand on her necklace. "But to someone like Lord Ainz it is probably just a trinket. He even told me it isn't really that valuable to him…"

"He's lying so you will keep it, duh!" huffed Nemu. "You wouldn't take it if he said it was valuable."

She wasn't wrong on that last part.

"Do it, Enri! Don't you want to marry Lord Ainz?" Nemu asked.

Enri's heart ached at the way Nemu's eyes shone with joy at the idea, an impossible dream of a naïve child.

"I – it isn't that I would mind being married to such a being. It's only that…" Enri trailed off.

Ainz Ooal Gown already has way better-looking females, and if he ever took me, it would never be as a wife, but rather one of many concubines, Enri thought.

Her pride would never allow her to even consider it.

"Do you think he's ugly?" Nemu asked, glaring at her sister.

"No! He's not handsome, but he isn't bad looking either," confessed Enri.

"So you think he will be mean to you?" Nemu rebutted, squinting at Enri.

"No, of course not! Lord Ainz is anything but kind, charming and-" mumbled an increasingly flustered Enri.

"Is it because he isn't human?" Nemu asked with a smirk.

"No," Enri huffed. "I don't care about that!"

"Then why don't you want him?" Nemu asked with a grin, as if she had achieved her goal. "Just ask him to marry you! He'll say yes!"

"Nemu, the man is supposed to take the woman," Enri managed to chuckle.

"He's not human, so it must be the other way for his people," said Nemu, sure of herself.

Enri giggled at her sister's innocent misconceptions on non-humans.

"Wait," Nemu suddenly said, scrunching her face. "Do you want to marry Nfirea instead?"

Now Enri was back to spluttering, unable to bring forth an answer.

"I like Nfirea… but he can be weird especially with herbs and around Old Yagga. I prefer Lord Ainz," Nemu said with a huff. She gave Enri a pleading look. "You are not going to marry Nfirea, are you?"

"No! Of course not! He's- he's only a childhood friend!" Enri said.

Great Four please preserve me! Prayed Enri.

"Nfirea and I are just friends, Nemu, and we can never be anything other than that. Like Lord Ainz, he is of a higher station," Enri explained. "Remember, Nfirea is a freeman, and lives in the city. I'm a peasant, and my life is here. Just like Lord Ainz has – I mean – will marry women of his station, Nfirea will marry a daughter of freemen."

"So you must go for Lord Ainz, Enri! Lord is above freeman! It is even above knights and vassals and priests, so marrying Lord Ainz is better, right?" Nemu said.

Enri was unable to fight a fit of giggles at the simplistic view of the social classes of their country. Like Enri could ever marry someone above her class…

"Enri, do you need to use Martial Arts to make children?" Nemu abruptly asked, baffled.

"What?!" Enri gasped in horror. What had poor Nemu heard the gossiping women say about sex? "What makes you say that?"

"Because dad and the other men said that Nfirea is weak and as thin as a twig and that you would break him if you ever tried making children with him," Nemu said, sounding extremely worried for Nfirea.

Enri stared at Nemu, slack-jawed. What was she even supposed to say to that?

"You aren't going to try to make children with him, are you? I don't want you hurting Nfirea. Lord Ainz is really strong, and he likes strong women like Lady Albedo, so you could make children with him instead," Nemu said, nodding at the perfect sound logic in his childish worldview.

Alright, Enri, you've got this, Enri thought, trying to gather her thoughts. She took a deep breath, smiled and, like an Emmot, charge ahead.

"First, Nfirea might not be… ehm… the strongest boy – I mean, man – in the country, but that doesn't mean he is weak," said Enri with a gentle smile. "Lord Ainz doesn't look as big and burly as father or the other men, does he? But like Nfirea, Lord Ainz has magic, and both are really smart. Nfirea knows all about potion-making and Lord Ainz can learn a lot of our tongue in one day. Do you think strength comes from just here?"

Enri tickled Nemu's arms, making the girl giggle. The little sister then slowly shook her head at Enri's question.

"Not all strength is physical, Nemu," said Enri. "Second! Forget what you heard around and try to ignore father and the other men when they talk about Nfirea. They don't like people from the city by principle alone, especially if they aren't muscular like them."

"Do they hate Nfirea because he doesn't follow the Old Ways?" Nemu wondered.

"No," Enri sighed. "They don't hate him. They only think Nfirea is… ehm… wasting himself by not growing stronger. Ours are the Old Ways, Nemu. We believe in strength, survival and bonds of hardships."

Enri took a moment to allow her words to sink in.

"Nfirea doesn't believe that," Enri said. "And he has all the freedom of this world to think like that. His ways are those allegedly given by the Four Great Prophets. It is the way of the people in the city, where they don't believe all humans should focus on strength and survival."

"But dad says city-people only cause trouble and ruin everything with their weakness," Nemu said, confused.

"And yet he invites the Bareares as our guests whenever they come here, don't they?" Enri giggled.

The truth was that Enri suspected her father did so more for Enri's sake but Nemu wasn't going to say so to her little sister. That and differently from other city-dwellers, the Bareares did provide quite a profitable income to the village.

"And what does Lord Ainz believe?" Asked Nemu.

Enri blinked at Nemu, smile stuck in place.

"I…" Enri trailed off, before she frowned. "I don't know."

She was actually floored by that. All her life she had learned (in no small measure due to her parents) to recognize people based on their beliefs.

"Whatever it is, Nemu, I am sure he believes much the same as Nfirea," mused Enri.

"I think he holds to the Old Ways, just like us," Nemu huffed petulantly.

Enri rolled her eyes at Nemu's wishful thinking and decided she had enough troublesome interrogation from the little child. Thus, Enri started tickling Nemu, much to the little girl's protest, before she urged Nemu to return to their mother and help her. Nemu did so quite eagerly, not before giving a hug to Enri.

Thus, Enri once again found herself alone in the house. She shook her head, unable to believe the troublesome questions Nemu had raised, particularly regarding Enri's pupil and savior.

As if I could ever marry such a being as the Great Ainz Ooal Gown, Enri thought with an amused scoff.

She paused and bit her lip. Even if she would never openly say so, Enri wasn't going to deny there was something she really liked about Lord Ainz. Perhaps it was the way he was clearly so powerful and almighty, yet humble and caring. Or maybe it was because Enri associated Lord Ainz to hope. After all, Enri couldn't help but believe that with Lord Ainz, anything was possible, even a better future.

If I did manage to marry him, maybe I could get Nemu all sorts of beautiful dresses and wonderful food to spoil her, and maybe even get Nemu a lordly education and – who knows? – a Lord for a husband? Enri thought.

The young peasant looked at the ceiling, her heart swelled with such grand dreams… dreams she knew no peasant girl should have, not in the kingdom at least. Peasant girls, like all peasants, had to feel thankful if they endured a decade without some tragedy befalling them, and nothing more, or else they would have a life of bitterness and disappointment.

Hence, Enri did what she always did when she had such fanciful thoughts: she crushed them deep in her heart and carried on working.

"Enri! Enri! Enri!"

The girl in question sighed yet smiled nonetheless as Nemu rushed in, a wide grin in place.

"What is-?"

"It's Lord Ainz! He's here!" Nemu excitedly said.

"What? But- but he has never been this early!" Gasped Enri.

"It doesn't matter! You can ask him to marry you now!" Nemu said.

"Why you little goblin…" muttered Enri before giggling.

Nemu laughed as she run away. Enri shook her head and hurried to get her hands clean. Her heart raced as she looked down at her clothes. Biting her lip, she hastily dusted herself off and, begrudgingly, left the house. She didn't have time to refresh herself, unfortunately. Lord Ainz wouldn't mind… right?

When Enri spotted Lord Ainz, he was shaking hands with the sweaty men of the village. It was rather strange to see such burly men so nervous and unsure around a man with Lord Ainz's physique. Then again, the presence of Lady Rubedo was still intimidating for everyone, including Enri. Much to Enri's surprise, Lady Albedo and all of the usual retainers were absent. In their stead, Lord Ainz had brought a new person.

Enri approached the village center where everyone was. When Lord Ainz spotted her, Enri felt her heart skip a beat and her smile widened. The Lord, in turn, beamed up and waved at her. The men of the village noticed before exchanging knowing looks.

"Miss Enri," Lord Ainz said, imperious and regal.

"Lord Ainz," Enri said with a courtesy.

As always he held his mighty golden staff and stood tall and proud, all while dressed in expensive-looking robes. Holding onto said robes with complete disregard for propriety was, of course, Nemu.

"Nemu! What are you doing? Let him go," Enri said, embarrassed.

"But he says he doesn't mind!" Whined Nemu.

That's not the point! He's a Lord, Nemu! Enri thought.

Lord Ainz laughed and ruffled Nemu's head. The girl beamed. Enri noticed from the corner of her eyes Lady Rubedo's entire body stiffen, quite a thing for a being that looked made of metal.

"Really, Enri, I don't mind," Lord Ainz chuckled. "Shall we go for a walk?"

Enri nodded and pointedly ignored the way the men were struggling to avoid making any humorous comments. It was a good thing her father was working on the fields, or else he might have punched someone. Nemu, being Nemu, didn't let go of Lord Ainz and actually kept pestering the Lord.

"What happened to Lady Albedo, Lord Ainz? Is she sick?"

"She's asleep," said Lord Ainz. "She… talked… with my other retainers late into the night."

The Lord and Enri walked side-by-side towards the front gate of the village, followed closely by the new servant of Lord Ainz and Lady Rubedo. The metal angel was glaring at an oblivious Nemu, something that made Enri worry and feel so embarrassed. To think Lord Ainz used to get really embarrassed with the clingy child. Now he looked almost to welcome such interactions with Nemu. It was kind of heart-warming.

"It is a nice day, is it not Enri?" Ainz said. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, yes, it- it is a nice day," Enri nodded with a smile. "And I'm doing fine. What about you? You are early today."

The masked man said something and Lord Ainz nodded.

"Yeah, about that, I'm in a… rest day?" Ainz wondered. He stopped walking and gestured to the unknown masked man. "By the way, I don't believe you know him. Enri, please allow me to present one of my servants and closest confidants: Pandora."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Pandora," Enri said.

"The pleasure, Meine Dame, is all mine," said the masked man. He bowed deeply. "I've heard many great things about you, Miss Enri Emmot, and, let me tell you, mein Schöpfer is quite happy to have met you."

"Th-thanks, m-m'lord!" Spluttered a blushing Enri.

She looked at Nemu only to avert her face. The little child was smirking at her. Even in her flustered state, however, Enri realized something.

"Wow, you are good with my language," said Enri.

"Indeed! My Lord and I have recently discovered I possess a certain… ability… to learn language rather quickly," Pandora said. "You could say I can assimilate an entire language in an instant!"

While that was definitely impressive, Enri's heart dropped at that. So Lord Ainz had found someone more suitable to replace her in regards to the language. It was to be expected… and yet she remained disappointed and dejected.

Lord Ainz said something in his tongue which Pandora translated.

"Worry not, meine dame, the Supreme One still wishes to speak with you. In fact, now that I can serve as translator, there is much he wishes to ask," Pandora said.

"Really? But… maybe you should talk with the Chief or- or Old Yagga," Enri mumbled.

"Don't be stupid, Enri!" Nemu said.

Lord Ainz bit his fist, stifling his guffaws, all while Enri's face lit up like a burning charcoal. Had Lord Ainz been any other person, Enri would have given him a friendly punch to stop laughing. Being such mighty Lord, though, Enri was caught in a helpless position. At least he tried not to laugh at her.

"Go back to mother, Nemu," Enri huffed.

"Awww, can I stay here with you, Lord Ainz?" Nemu begged, pulling at Lord Ainz's robes.

Lady Rubedo looked ready to cut the little girl in pieces. Enri was surprised by how relaxed and unbothered Pandora looked about it. It was the first time one of Lord Ainz's servants seemed untroubled by Nemu's boldness.

"You have to listen to your sister, little one," Lord Ainz said.

He patted Nemu, something that only appeared to infuriate Lady Rubedo. The little girl pouted but reluctantly let go of Lord Ainz.

"Fine," huffed Nemu. "But you'll come to play with me one day, right?"

Enri was sure she would get a stroke if Nemu kept being so disrespectful. Not that she had to worry about dying, with Lady Rubedo ready to do the deed herself.

"Nemu! Lord Ainz is a busy man and can't play with you. Be thankful he is being kind enough to spend time like this," Enri admonished.

But Nemu wasn't looking at her. She was looking at Lord Ainz. Oh, it wasn't just a look. It was that adorable pouting face of Nemu that got her anything she wanted. Enri's jaw dropped by the look of struggle etched on Lord Ainz's face. He couldn't possibly be considering it, could he?

"I…" Lord Ainz said with a constipated look.

Oh no, he wouldn't, Enri thought in disbelief.

"Maybe?" Choked out the Lord.

Silence.

"YAY!" Nemu shouted, tightly hugging Lord Ainz before prying herself off him.

Lady Rubedo and Pandora, in turn, stared at Lord Ainz in disbelief. Enri wasn't faring much better.

"I'll hold you to that, Lord Ainz!" Nemu said, beaming, before rushing away. "See you later!"

The little girl stopped at the corner of a house, not before giving Enri a knowing grin. Enri blew a raspberry her way, which the child responded in kind before vanishing behind the house.

Lord Ainz released a long sigh and groaned something in his language, his servants still staring at him. Enri blinked, broken out of her stupor, and did the unthinkable: she burst out laughing. She quickly tried to stop herself, but the damage was done. It couldn't be helped, not with the look on Lord Ainz's face. To think Enri used to be a bit scared by those eyes of his.

"I'm- I'm sorry," giggled Enri. "I – I don't -"

Lord Ainz, instead of acting offended, only smiled back, blushing.

"I understand," Lord Ainz said. "Your sister is too adorable to say no."

"Yeah, and she knows it," Enri sighed with mock chagrin. "She can be a spoiled child when she wants to but we love her regardless."

Lord Ainz laughed at that and nodded.

"You have a nice family, Enri," he said. A strange melancholic look crossed his face before he stood up straight, regaining his regal persona. "Shall we?"

Enri nodded and the now four individuals walked towards the gate. Once there, they were greeted by the lookouts, and then the group carried down the road. They didn't need to discuss where to go, for this was the same path they usually took. Down the road they went, before taking a turn straight into one of the grass fields Carne Village had for their herds. Further away one could see the wheat and barley fields.

It was a sign of their trust on Lord Ainz the fact no one had even suggested a chaperone for Enri and Lord Ainz. True, there was little anyone could do if Lord Ainz so much demanded to do anything he pleased to Enri, but it revealed how much the village had grown accustomed to Lord Ainz. Enri had feared that his non-human servants and eyes would have kept the villagers wary, but clearly, Lord Ainz rather open and gentle nature, and the way he behaved towards them truly had started to win them over.

"S-so, ehm, Pandora, may- may I ask about that ability of yours?" Enri asked.

"The one which allowed me to learn your language?" Pandora wondered.

Enri gave a sad smile at that. So he had in fact learned the entire language? Still, Enri wouldn't be rude. She forced a happy smile in place and tried to sound excited.

"Yes, that sounds like an amazing spell or ability!" Enri exclaimed.

"Well, to tell you the truth, meine Dame, we've just discovered it today," said Pandora, sharing a look with Lord Ainz. "You see, I have this… ability… to learn things from others… call it something akin to imitation. What we didn't know was that this imitation ability extended as far as the language."

"And who were you imitating?" Enri wondered.

"One of the Slane Theocracy prisoners," replied Pandora after a nod of approval from Lord Ainz.

Enri's eyes widened as it clicked in her mind. She stopped walking and the other four halted their march to look at the girl.

"Oh, you are a Talent-holder!" Realized Enri.

She smiled at Lord Ainz and Pandora. Much to Enri's confusion, both of them just stared at her. Lord Ainz quickly asked Pandora to clarify what she had said, but Pandora seemed just as perplexed. The two exchanged confused shrugs.

Seeing them side by side, Enri wasn't sure, but it looked like there was some kind of familiarity between the two. Could they be brothers? They sure appeared to carry themselves rather similarly… although Pandora admittedly seemed to prefer flailing his arms.

"Eh…" Pandora blinked at Enri, confused. "Lord Mom- I mean, Lord Ainz Ooal Gown - wishes to know what a Talent is, meine Dame."

"You don't know what a Talent – oh, maybe you don't understand the word," Enri reasoned. "Talent… is the- the – eh… the ability some people are born with that allows them to perform something differently. Like, for instance, our Chieftain has a talent that allows him to jump three times the length of other men."

Pandora, though, didn't appear to really understand at all. He explained what Enri had said to Lord Ainz who suddenly looked shocked and amazed. Could it be that Lord Ainz came from a land where there were no Talents? Could that mean he came from a very distant land, perhaps?

What Enri didn't know was that Lord Ainz (or rather Lord Momonga) had been made aware of peculiar passive skills of a handful of their prisoners, particularly Nigun's. He just didn't know such a thing was so recurrent in the New World.

"Meine Dame, the Supre- eh - Lord Ainz Ooal Gown wishes to know everything you can offer about these… Talents," Lord Pandora said.

Enri did so, all while they kept walking. She told them about how it was said that 1 every 200 people developed Talents, and how few understood their origin. There was the belief that talents were inherited from long bloodlines, skipping generations, while others thought it was a gift from the Gods. The village Wood Witch, Old Yagga, believed that it was evidence that humanity once held a lot of power but now only the remnants of that power manifested as Talents.

By the time Enri finished explaining what she knew about Talents (which was surprisingly a lot thanks to her Nfirea), they had made it to a grassy hill not far from the village. Enri could see people on the fields, some tending to the village's herd animals which were generally kept safe inside the village during nighttime.

"My friend, Nfirea, has a unique Talent," Enri retold with a smile. "It made him rather well-known in E-Rantel."

"Nfirea?" Lord Ainz asked with squinted eyes. "Good friend?"

"Yes, Nfirea Bareare has been a good friend ever since he first showed up in Carne Village," said Enri.

Why was Lord Ainz sounding suspicious? Enri giggled at the funny face. It was made even funnier when Pandora made a comment that made Lord Ainz scowl. If she didn't know any better, she would have assumed Lord Ainz was jealous or something.

"What is his talent exactly?" Lord Ainz asked through Pandora.

"If I remember correctly, Nfirea can equip or use any magical item no matter the restrictions," Enri replied.

Lord Ainz and Lord Pandora exchanged dumbfounded faces before they stared at her in disbelief. Unbeknownst to her, Lord Momonga and Pandora were both shocked that there were such things as item restrictions in New World humans. So far, the battle experiments Cocytus had carried out had demonstrated no such things. Then again, perhaps it was a matter of magical items. They both had assumed item restrictions was a thing of those that came from Yggdrassil.

"Yes, shocking, I know," giggled Enri. "Every Lord in the country is said to have offered fortunes to convince him to be a warrior under their service when he was younger. It is a bit late now, being too old to learn such things, but that hasn't some lords, especially those who hope the ability can be passed down."

"He didn't accept?" Lord Ainz asked through Pandora.

"No, he chose to be an alchemist," Enri replied.

When Pandora repeated what she said to his master, Lord Ainz' eyebrows shot up on his forehead and he leaned forward. He stroke his chin, his burning red eyes shining with a strange light.

"Alchemist? He makes potions?" Asked Pandora.

"Yes, the Bareares have a shop in E-Rantel, where they provide all manner of concoctions to whoever can afford them," said Enri. "Nfirea even claims they are one of the finest alchemist shops in the entire kingdom… although that could be self-acclaimed."

Lord Ainz hummed, stroking his chin, all while staring at the sky. He stepped away, lost in thought. Lady Rubedo stuck close to him, not without glancing at Enri with something akin to jealousy.

"Are you interested in potions, Lord Pandora?" Enri asked.

"Not truly, meine Dame," said Pandora. "However, we are missing certain craftsmen in our realm, including potion-makers. I assume that the fact this young… friend… of yours also holds such incredible Talent must make him a prime target to acquire."

Enri wasn't sure how she felt about that. Although she trusted Lord Ainz, she didn't like the idea of her friend Nfirea being taken to some unknown place. Then again, perhaps Nfirea would be able to visit more often if he worked under Lord Ainz.

Lord Ainz walked back to them, a smile in place, and said something.

"My Supreme Master wishes to know a bit more about the Kingdom," said Pandora.

"He does?" Asked Enri.

She had expected him to ask more about Nfirea. However, by the smile on his face, Enri got the impression he was coming up with some plan to approach Nfirea with an offer he couldn't refuse.

"Ja, meine Dame," Pandora replied.

"Ehm… Lord Pandora, what exactly is that title you call me?" Enri wondered. "It doesn't sound like Lord Ainz language."

"That's because it isn't, meine Dame," Pandora said. "It is a language bestowed to me by L- ehm – at the moment of my creation."

That's a weird way of saying birth, thought Enri. And how does one bestows a language? Some sort of spell?

She realized Ainz was glancing at Pandora and Enri, expectant.

"What exactly do you want to know about the Kingdom, Lord Ainz?" Enri inquired.

Pandora relayed the question to Lord Ainz, who took a few seconds to think about it. The dark entity sounded reluctant when he gave his response.

"Lord Ainz wants to know about your political system," Pandora said.

Enri hummed in thought. She noticed Lord Ainz held a look of utmost constipation, the sort one got when they had eaten something foul. Enri could only giggle at such expression. Someone clearly didn't want to hear about politics, not that Enri could blame him. The Kingdom was, in simple terms, a political mess.

"We could talk about something else if you wish, Lord Ainz," Enri said, trying to sound less amused. "I'm afraid that I am not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to the country's politics. Perhaps you would learn more from the Chief."

Although tempted, Lord Ainz was determined to learn about the Kingdom from her. Thus, Enri took a deep breath and tried to explain the chaos that was her country's political system to the dark entity.

"I do not know how other countries manage, but in the Re-Estize Kingdom, the people are divided in social classes," Enri explained all while Pandora translated to Lord Ainz. A scowl crossed Lord Ainz' face. "At the top there is the King, and closely below are the Lords and nobility. The country is divided in seven large regions called Lathes, six of which are controlled by the Six Greater Lords and the largest region is ruled directly by the King. Each regions has, in turn, shires controlled by minor lords.

"Then, below the nobility are the retainers and vassals. The distinction isn't that clear and the term retainer applies to all sorts of people but generally they are the people under a Lord's direct service. Retainers could be a lord's knight as much as Warriors, but some retainers are just high standing servants of a lord, like Stewards and family mages."

"What makes a knight, meine Dame?" Lord Ainz asked through Pandora, intrigued.

"To be a knight you require to be anointed by a Lord at some church and it generally involves a public oath. The tradition and oath change from knight and lord. You don't have to be a strong fighter or capable spell-caster to be a knight, though. You just need to be useful and serve a Lord, that and you must go through a ceremony. For those that follow the Old Ways it is different. They are simply known as Warriors or Huscarls, and are expected to be decent fighters."

"Like the Chief Warrior," Lord Ainz said.

"Yes, exactly," nodded Enri with a smile. "Gazef Stronoff and his Warrior Troop are the elite soldiers of the king who follow the Old Ways. The king also has at his disposal Royal Knights but…"

Enri sweatdropped as she trailed off, unwilling to spew her own biases to Lord Ainz. He deserved a better explanation that her limited understanding of the royal court. That and most of what Enri knew was mostly speculation and rumors. Much to her chagrin, Lord Ainz was intrigued about the knights.

"What does a knight oath entail?" Wondered Lord Ainz. "Is it a code of honor, like defending the innocent?"

Enri was surprised by Lord Ainz's accurate suppositions. Perhaps he had met something similar to knights in his own territory.

"Yes," Enri nodded. "Knight Orders claim to uphold certain values."

"Orders?" Ainz and Pandora chorused at the same time, both of them leaning forward with their right hands stroking their chins. They most definitely had to be brothers or cousins.

"Yes, knights don't usually work alone. Some do, but for the most part to be a retainer it is easier to request to join an Order, or a group of knights, than be accepted by Lord. Technically, Orders have more than one hundred knights, while Parties have less than ten," explained Enri.

Lord Ainz hummed, lost in thought, as he listened Pandora translate to him.

"These Knights aren't a new thing, are they?" Lord Ainz asked through Pandora.

"Oh no, they date back to the Four Great Prophets six hundred years ago," Enri recalled.

She was surprised when Lord Ainz didn't ask about the Prophets. That was both good and disappointing. For starters, Enri wasn't sure how much she could tell Lord Ainz about her Gods, the Prophets and the different views on the great beings that appeared six hundred years in the past. Still, Enri really wished to teach Lord Ainz as much as she could.

"Legend has it that the Four Prophets tried to create an organization known as Adventurers," retold Enri. "They were meant to be a guild of heroes, whose sole purpose was to fight against monsters without interfering with the authority of rulers. No one really knows how the Prophets hoped to keep the powerful heroes from meddling, or the lords from trying to acquire such skilled warriors for their own service…"

Lord Ainz muttered something she didn't understand.

"They are legends though," Enri said with a giggle, noticing Lord Ainz's annoyance. "The idea of establishing these group of Adventurers persisted, and that's what the Knight Orders hope to imitate. The problem is, no one can really live off as the Adventurers of legend."

"Why not? Couldn't they serve as mercenaries, hired to hunt down monsters and take on jobs that meant dealing with creatures?" Lord Ainz asked through Pandora.

"Jobs? But Lord Ainz, that's what you hire mercenaries are for, and even then, what do you do after you wipe out the monsters? You would be left without a job," Enri replied.

"Wipe out?" Lord Ainz Asked.

Enri winced. She had forgotten he had non-humans under his service and he wasn't human either. She glanced at Lady Rubedo, who stared at her, before she apologize to Lord Ainz.

"I'm sorry, my Lord, but- but that's what all beings have done throughout the generations," said Enri.

"You have been eradicating each other?" Pandora said, looking at Lord Ainz.

Enri's heart clenched painfully at the look of anger, horror and disbelief etched in Lord Aizn's face.

"Yes," Enri said. "It is the reason humans have such vast and peaceful countries… we've- we've eradicated any demi-human and beast-men that caused any trouble, and pushed the last few remaining ones to either the Abelion Hills to the South or the Forest of Tob. There are a few non-human tribes in the Kingdom, but they are small and are all ancestral allies of humanity."

"Don't feel ashamed, meine Dame. It is a reasonable response to wipe out foes that threaten your people," Pandora said in understanding. "We are well versed in it ourselves!"

Lord Ainz, however, looked suddenly exhausted and drained.

"Were- were any tribes wiped out here?" Lord Ainz asked, he looked around with a haunted look on his face.

Enri grimaced. She had touched a bad topic, especially for Lord Ainz.

"I'm sad to say that, yes, there were," admitted Enri. "There used to be tribes of centaurs and satyrs in these parts, until they were driven them off. I… I don't know what happened to them…"

"Why?" Asked Lord Ainz.

Enri bowed her head. Truth to be told, she wasn't exactly ashamed of her village's past. It was the Old Ways to endure and conquer, after all. Still, Enri felt bad Lord Ainz would feel disappointed in their history.

"Because of the land," Enri sighed.

It was left unsaid that the reason was part greed and part necessity. How much of each part, though, was hard to tell. Enri grimaced at the way Lord Ainz stared off to the fields.

He cares about living beings no matter the race, Enri realized with a weary heart. Unfortunately, that's a luxury of the strong, of those who don't have to fear being taken by some monster for nefarious purposes.

Still, Enri found that caring aspect of Lord Ainz quite appealing. She didn't mind a world that could live in peace together. She bit her lip, unsure, and, tentatively, took his hand.

Lady Rubedo stepped forward, ready to slice Enri's hand, before Pandora stepped in the way. He stopped her, all while Lord Ainz nearly jumped. Enri, though, wasn't a quitter and held onto his hand tighter. He didn't shake the hand off, but instead looked at her, rather surprised. His face softened and he smiled appreciatively. Enri smiled back, offering as much comfort and reassurance as she could.

"I'm sorry you had to learn such things about our village's history," Enri said.

"It's… it's alright," sighed Ainz, looking already exhausted, before adding in his own language "It seems to be the way of this world after all…" he grimaced "…and something I'll have to get used to…"

Enri didn't understand what he said but she could make a good guess. The dejected acceptance was evident in all of Lord Ainz's body.

The two stayed like that, holding hands and staring at each other. Enri wasn't sure what to say next, and her attention was taken by those burning small fires that were Lord Ainz's eyes. If Enri didn't know any better, she could have called Lord Ainz a different sort of human. However, such idea was foolish. Many demi-humans closely resembled humans, after all, yet weren't humans.

What is he? Enri wondered, a question that surfaced many times yet she felt rude in asking. Is he… perhaps the last of his kind? Is that why he has come to these lands? To see if there are others like him?

She held tighter onto Lord Ainz's hand.

He looks so alone sometimes… and so burdened by something, Enri told herself.

She wished she could help him ease that loneliness, even if she knew that was not just unlikely, but impossible. If Lady Albedo couldn't help him, how could a lowly peasant? Well, Enri could at least try with what she could, and at the moment, it meant changing the subject.

"Do you… do you want to learn a bit more about the knights of the kingdom? I know about a few," Enri said.

Lord Ainz's smile widened a bit.

"Yes, please," he softly said.

It was in that moment enri realized just how odd they both must have looked, standing so close, holding hands, speaking if soft tones…

Oh by the Four, please don't let anyone see us like this! Enri realized, conspicuously looking around. Sadly, knowing the gossip-mongers of the village, someone probably was already spreading lies.

Enri and Lord Ainz looked at their intertwined hands before looking at each other. They shared a sad smile of understanding and let go. They both knew that it wasn't proper, nor would it lead anywhere… not that it should, in any case.

"S-so, the Knights of Holy Sun, for example, swear to heal the injured and smite any undead they come across…" even though rumor had it that they mostly spent their time extorting poor farmers in the name of Marquis Blumrush. "…Then there are the Knights of the Iron Fist, loyal to Crown-Prince Barbro, who have taken an oath to protect the land from the Baharuth Empire…" even if Enri had only heard that they spent their time taking many liberties with villagers, or rather peasant women.

"Huh," was all Lord Ainz commented as he stroke his chin, intrigued.

Enri smiled. At that moment, the magnanimous Lord Ainz looked much like a curious child, even with those scary eyes of his, and even if he still look rather subdued after the talk of past genocides. Thus, Enri couldn't help but indulge the Lord. Perhaps it would be best to talk about the knights Enri thought best about, though.

"The Knights of the Blue Rose, sworn to the Golden Princess, are said to have taken an oath to protect the innocent and weak, no matter the species or social status," Enri happily retold.

"Golden Princess?" Lord Ainz asked.

"Oh, it's a name given to the youngest princess," Enri explained. "She cares about the common people a lot, and she's always trying to push for reforms. If she were to become Queen of this Kingdom, perhaps things would improve for once."

Lord Ainz sounded rather interested in the Princess. Enri hoped that meant he hoped to aid the Golden Princess manage to reform the Kingdom. Who knows, perhaps Lord Ainz could marry the Princess and be made a Lord of the Kingdom? That would sure deter the Empire from carrying on with the Annual Wars.

"Going back to the knights, they may swear all sorts of oaths and to many causes, but in the end, they all follow the word of their liege," Enri carried on. "The sole exception are the Errant Knights."

Lord Ainz perked at that.

"Errant Knights are people that go around doing good deeds, like slaying monsters or fighting bandits, to garner fame and renown. The majority of them want to prove themselves in order to be taken in by a Lord," Enri said. "The most famous Errant Knights generally do so out of selflessness or a sense of adventure… like Sir Azuth Aindra of the Red Drop. It is a pity he recently bent the knee for Prince Zanac. I've heard nothing good about the Prince…"

For some reason, Lord Ainz looked at Pandora with a scheming face, as if he had just come up with some idea on the fly. Pandora, on his part, looked eager (and nervous) to know what Lord Ainz had planned.

"Can Errant Knights just wander around?" Asked Lord Ainz through Pandora.

"For the most part, I guess they do. They are generally freemen that want to be accepted as retainers to raise in social status, so they aren't beholden to the land like peasants," Enri replied.

"You can't leave Carne Village?" Asked Lord Ainz.

"Oh, I can leave the village. The problem is that if the lord of my land didn't allow it, then I would be breaking the law. Us peasants are supposed to be working the land, not travelling on it," Enri said with a smile, even when she felt a pang of bitterness at that.

It wasn't like she liked the notion of travelling, or she would ever willingly abandon Carne village. She was just annoyed at the fact that there was some law somewhere that she was supposed to be stuck in place.

"Thankfully, Carne Village is under the rule of the King, even if we are managed by the Mayor of E-Rantel, and King Ramposa III has never enforced such laws," Enri said.

Differently from other lords, unfortunately. Enri had heard tales during the few festivals where she met people from other villages about entire families being cut down by retainers for trying to find better opportunities under other Lords. Most lords didn't care what peasants did as long as they received their dues, but there were those, particularly the ones with the most powerful and numerous retainers, who ruled their lands with an iron fist, treating the peasants as slaves.

"What were those free men you mentioned?" Pandora asked.

"Freemen are merchants and craftsmen of the city," said Enri. "For example, my friend Nfirea is a freeman. He could travel anywhere his purse allowes and even purchase land if he wanted, although I doubt any Lord would sell a mere alchemist land."

"Say, Miss Enri, would you mind telling us about the country itself?" Pandora requested.

And so, Enri and Lord Ainz kept talking. Although Enri wished she could still help Lord Ainz learn her language, she enjoyed spending time with him regardless. If only she could stay longer with Lord Ainz before he inevitably left… she quickly crushed that foolish notions. There was no way a mere peasant could be worth the great Lord Ainz Ooal Gown's attention.

What she didn't know was that she would discover that that wasn't the case… and not so far in the future either.

---

Nfirea Bareare was, by no means, a social butterfly. Quite the contrary, he preferred studying and isolating himself in the family workshop than interact with people. Still, he considered himself good enough when it came to most people. Sadly, a young woman with a low neckline that exposed quite a cleavage, particularly as she leaned over the counter of the shop, was not most people.

"S-so you wanted…" spluttered a red-faced Nfirea, leaning back and struggling to keep his eyes from wandering below the woman's chin.

He was well aware that his blond hair, or rather his bowl cut, could possibly permit him to oggle without much of an issue. However, there was only one woman for Nfirea, and it was not that one.

"Many things, actually," purred the young woman, slowly pulling back a strand of hair behind one ear.

Nfirea gulped and stilled his resolve. One deep breath later, the young alchemist was smiling with some confidence and moving behind the front counter, pointedly ignoring the woman's exposed chest. He went straight to the tall shelves that formed a narrow corridor towards the door, filled with herbs and potions.

"Were you interested in any potions? We have quite the repertoire," said Nfirea.

"Oh, maybe," cutely said the young woman.

"So that's a no?" Nfirea asked.

The woman huffed irritably before schooling her features behind a pretty smile.

"I wanted… ehm… is there anything you could suggest for my skin?" She said, fluttering her eyes.

"Of course! We have quite a collection here, although they can be quite pricey," said Nfirea.

"Hmmm… do you think I need some?" She innocently asked.

"Well, you wouldn't be the first woman to want to buy some potions for skin-treatment," Nfirea diplomatically said.

The woman, frustrated by something, just groaned and shook her head. With a polite smile, she sighed.

"You know what, Nfirea – can I call you that? – right, Nfirea, I think I might first discuss it with my mother," she said.

"Right, see you later then!" Nfirea replied.

The woman nodded and marched out. Once she left, Nfirea could have sworn he heard a scream of frustration outside. It must have been the wind…

"How weird," Nfirea wondered, scratching his head. "This is the third time this week…"

He sat down back on the stool behind the counter of the shop, pondering on the issue of recurrent female customers that didn't buy anything. They all shared the same pattern: overly prepared, smelling of expensive perfume, wearing low neckline dresses and being quite friendly with him…

"How can you be so smart yet so blind?"

"Grandma!" Shirked Nfirea, startled.

He slipped out of the stool and straight to the wooden floor. He hastily stood up, nervously staring down at a glaring Lizzie Bareare. Although short, wrinkled and quite weak-looking, Nfirea knew that woman was far scarier than she appeared. Differently from the pretty women that hounded Nfirea, Lizzie reeked of herbs and potions, and was usually clad with the same leather aprons.

"You know what's happening, don't you, you stupid grandson of mine?" Huffed an indignant Lizzie, arms folded.

"Ehm… no?" Nfirea said.

"They are flirting with you, you dolt!" Groaned Lizzie.

"F-flirting? No way!" Nfirea spluttered.

"Of course they are! Let me tell you, grandson, I know when a little girl wants to get herself a man, and they are definitely the sort," the grandmother said with a scowl.

"But why? I am just some pathetic weak man," Nfirea mumbled, bowing his head.

"You are the grandson of a famous alchemist, a well-versed potioneer yourself, a freeman with a renowned alchemy shop (and a lucrative one at that) and wielder of a unique Talent even Lords kill each other for. What woman wouldn't want to go for you?" Lizzie said, only to add in a grumble, "although I'll admit those girls are probably forced by their parents to act like that."

Nfirea just stood there, unsure what to say. He never thought of himself like such a big deal. If anything, he felt he was kind of pathetic. His visits to Carne Village, surrounded and looked down on by the other men, sure hadn't helped with his self-esteem.

"So…" Lizzie's irritation transformed to amusement as a sly smirk crossed her face. "Are you going to go for one of the lucky gals?"

"I-I'm flattered, really, but I can't accept them. You know that," Nifrea mumbled.

"Bah, it is time you let go of that dream of yours," Lizzie said, stomping away from the counter and over to the back of the shop, to the workshop.

Nfirea followed after his grandmother, surprised.

"W-what? But Grandmother, didn't you approve of Enri?" He asked, rather confused.

"Of course I did, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give other girls a fair shot," said Lizzie.

The two stood at the heart of their business. There were various tables and shelves covered and filled with glass equipment (from vials to phials), all with a massive distillation device at the center of the room.

"That's… new?" Nfirea said.

His grandmother had always been rather encouraging about his feelings about Enri Emmot, even teased him a lot about it and joked about becoming a Great-Grandmother one of those days.

"I am just worried for you, grandson," said Lizzie. "You need to go out more, live a bit. You can't stay cooped in here for the sake of some crush."

"Did something happen?" Suddenly asked Nfirea.

Lizzie scowled and Nfirea's heart dropped.

"I knew it," said Nfirea. "Something happened in Carne Village."

"I… alright, yes, but not what you think," said Lizzie. "I just heard a few weird rumors, that's all, and that had me thinking that, maybe, you could look into girls of your status… y'know… daughters of freemen."

Nfirea didn't like the sound of that. In fact, he had barely listened to what his grandmother said, worried about the fate of Enri, Nemu and all of Carne Village.

"Hello?"

"Oh, would you look at that! A Customer!" A cheerful (and relieved) Lizzie said.

The two Bareares walked out once again to the counter, where they were greeted by a shy looking warrior woman. Dressed in a simple brown tunic and pants, Nfirea had to admit she looked quite intimidating with those muscular arms of hers. They reminded Nfirea of Enri's own muscular arms, something that made Nfirea blush. This woman, though, had untidy red hair trimmed short, a freckled face and darkened skin from sun exposure. All in all, much like Enri, she had an air that screamed "Old Ways". Nfirea would even bet good silver that she was a Huscarl.

"Ehm… hello?" Tentatively said the woman.

"Hello lass, what can we get for you?" Asked Lizzie.

"Oh, I- I just wanted to see if I could get a healing potion," the woman said.

"Right," said Lizzie.

Nfirea saw how her grandmother gave the warrior an onceover, much like she did any batch of potions they made. With a sly smirk, she went around the counter and picked a couple of potions.

"I suppose you'll want the smallest phial available?" said Lizzie.

"Y-yeah…" stammered the warrior with clear embarrassment.

Nfirea knew that whilst his grandmother had the ability to appraise potions and magical items, her keen eye on customers was on a far superior level.

"Here, lass," Lizzie said, putting a small phial with blue liquid over the counter. "The finest healing potion you'll ever find in E-Rantel or the entire kingdom!"

"Y-yeah, that's what I heard," said the woman.

"Say, miss…" Nfirea said.

"Oh, call me Brita," the warrior replied, gaining some confidence.

"Right, Brita," Nfirea nodded. "Are you off for an important mission?"

"Yeah," sighed Brita with a grimace. "It's no usual patrol. What gave it away?"

"The fact you are willing to buy one of these, no doubt," said Lizzie, gesturing at the healing potion.

Brita blushed at that.

"Yeah, well, the boys and I have been ordered to seek these band of brigands and- well – they say that they have Brain Unglaus working for them," Brita grumbled.

"Unglaus? As in THE Brain Unglaus?" Gasped Nfirea.

"The one and only," said a disheartened Brita. "No one is really sure, but I guess we'll learn about it tonight."

"So are you going to pay or not?" Lizzie rudely scoffed.

"Grandmother!" Nfirea said. "I apologize, Brita, but my grandmother is a bit grumpy today."

"Grumpy? I'll show you grumpy," Lizzie huffed and puffed.

Nfirea would usually have been terrified whenever his grandmother said something like that. At the moment, though, he had something else in his mind.

"Ehm… Brita, have you heard anything about a certain place called…"

"Oh no, don't you do this, Nfirea," groaned Lizzie.

"…Carne Village," Nfirea stated, only to clear his throat and repeat with more confidence, "have you heard any rumors about that village?"

"Carne Village? Oh, that's the one Ainz Ooal Gown saved," Brita said.

Lizzie groaned, exasperated, while Nfirea leaned forward, desperate to hear more.

"Saved? Ainz Uhl what?!" Nfirea, close to panicking, exclaimed.

"Wow, wow, wow, buckle down kiddo," Brita said. She frowned at Nfirea. "You seriously never heard about Ainz Ooal Gown? That's all everyone is talking about. By the Four, troubadours keep coming up with ridiculous songs about him."

"I… I am not exactly sociable," an embarrassed Nfirea admitted.

"You must be a hermit to have avoided hearing anything about the guy," Brita chuckled.

"Please, I need to know," Nfirea begged. "What happened?"

"Now isn't the time for trading stories! She's a client, Nfirea," Lizzie desperately insisted.

But Nfirea wouldn't let go of the subject. He couldn't.

"Please, tell me anything you know and I might consider a discount," Nfirea said.

Brita grinned and her eyes shone with a greedy light while Lizzie gasped, horrified. Nfirea was certain he would suffer for such foolish thing, but he couldn't care less.

"You've got a deal, mister," Brita mused.

Lizzie groaned, slapping her face in exasperation. Brita, on the other hand, leisurely leaned against the counter, smirking. Her initial embarrassment was long gone, and instead, she had the confidence of a warrior. She sure reminded Nfirea of Enri, something that made him worry even more.

"So, there's that village, Carne Village, which is near the Forest of Tob-" Brita started recounting.

"Yes, I know where Carne Village is," impatiently interrupted Nfirea. "I've been there. I need to know what happened."

"Oh well, apparently the Slane Theocracy sent people to try and wipe out the entire place," Brita said.

"They what?!" Cried out Nfirea.

"But just as they were about to attack, this mysterious spell-caster walked out of the forest and single-handedly defeated them all," Brita retold.

"That's not the story I heard circulating around town," grunted Lizzie.

"Well, that's the version I think makes most sense. I mean, it sounds way too much like a guy's fantasy that this Ainz Ooal Gown shows up with an army of beautiful warrior-wives," grumbled Brita. "Seriously, it's ridiculous."

"So no one died?" Nfirea asked, hopefully.

"Nah, apparently they are all safe," said Brita. "Although I heard some people claim that the Warrior Troop talked with the villagers, who in turn say Ainz Ooal Gown actually resurrected those that died."

Lizzie and Nfirea traded skeptical looks.

"Hey, that's what I heard," Brita huffed. "They say a lot of weird stuff, actually. If you want to hear the best versions of the tale, I suggest you go to a bar or mead hall. It feels like every troubadour in the city is trying to come up with the most exaggerated version yet."

"What do you mean?" Nfirea asked.

"Well, there's this one song that I listened. I don't remember that much because I think I was already a few tankards down, but it was about how Ainz Ooal Gown charmed the goddess of beauty to dance with him after the battle," Brita said. "What I do remember is that the guy came up with the weirdest names, like the goddess of beauty being called Alfelo."

Nfirea huffed, relief washing over his entire being. It sounded like his childhood friend and current crush was safe and sound. Still, maybe he could visit in a couple of days and check on Carne village.

"And then there's this other version, the one I really love, called 'the Evil Deity and the Peasant'," Brita said.

"The Evil Deity and the Peasant?" Squeaked Nfirea, panic returning in full force.

"Yes, it is about how Ainz Ooal Gown is actually an Evil Deity and fell in love with a peasant girl. It's really sweet," Brita chuckled.

"A- a peasant girl, huh?" Nfirea nervously chuckled.

His grandmother face-palmed behind him.

"Yep, the prettiest in the village if you believe it. The version I heard goes that Ainz Ooal Gown actually wanted to destroy the village himself, until he run into this fleeing peasant girl, chased down by a couple of Slane knights. So, Ainz Ooal Gown fell in love with this peasant, and now he keeps trying to prove his love, first rescuing the village from the Slane Theocracy, then reviving the dead and, the best part, offering a small item to summon armies for her to use,"

"So you are a romantic, huh?" Teased Lizzie.

"I-I'm not! Urgh, romance, I'm more into the old tales actually. Yep, no romance story for me," hastily retorted a blushing Brita.

"Right," deadpanned Lizzie with a knowing glint in her eyes.

Brita averted her eyes, looking embarrassed. She was definitely a romantic, and Nfirea couldn't care less.

"And? Is that story true?" The young alchemist desperately begged to know.

"I don't know. They say that that one story is kind of true. I heard that Ainz Ooal Gown is really taken with this one village girl that is a real cutie," Brita mused.

I must go. Enri is probably still shaken from the attack and could do with a friendly face, Nfirea decided. Yes, that's the only reason why he would go to the village… definitely not to check on some ridiculous rumor…

"And- and does this peasant girl like him?" Nfirea couldn't help but ask.

"That depends who you ask," Brita nonchalantly replied. "The version I heard says she already left with him and she's carrying their first child."

There was a moment of silence in which Brita's words sunk in.

"I must go!" Nfirea shouted.

"You'll do no such thing!" Lizzie shouted. "Don't listen to all the gossiping idiots out there!"

"I- I must make sure they are alright," insisted Nfirea. "I- I could help making potions for them and…"

"And what, grandson? Get in the way? The people in Carne Village won't appreciate you just dropping by because of some outlandish tales," Lizzie grunted.

"I could go and gather more herbs. We are low on a few anyway," Nfirea rebutted.

"Absolutely not!" said Lizzie. "I've heard all sorts of threats are walking out of the Forest of Tob! The roads are too dangerous right now!"

"She's not wrong, kiddo," Brita added. "Word is that goblins and ogres have been spotted patrolling the Western and Southern edge of the forest, and there are rumors of a grand forest alliance being formed, so it could be risky. Of course, it could be all rumors, so I wouldn't know, and as long as the Wise King of the Forest stays put, I doubt any demi-human will be dumb enough to reach the roads."

"Then- then I'll hire an escort," said Nfirea.

"With what money? Your allowance?" Lizzie harrumphed. She smirked tauntingly at Nfirea. "The very same coins you have been saving up to ask for Enri's hand?"

Nfirea's face lit up like a burning charcoal all while Brita, enjoying the byplay, laughed.

"Hey, if you want an escort, I know just the guys," mused Brita.

"Sorry, lass, ignore my idiotic fool of a grandson. We won't leave this store and we definitely will not pay mercenaries," harrumphed Lizzie.

"Oh, they aren't mercs," Brita chuckled. "They are these band of vassals led by this nice knight I know. Trust me, I fought next to the guy, and he's of the good sort. These people aren't the toughest of the King's men, but they are the most decent folk around these parts and the most likely to take the job."

"How much will they accept?" Nfirea immediately asked.

"Nfirea!" Lizzie gasped.

"Grandmother, I must make sure that Enri is alright. If something has happened to her…" Nfirea whispered.

"Oh damn, you have it bad," Brita said. "Yep, these guys will help you alright. They are real bleeding hearts. I would gladly join in… but I have my own deadly appointment with the second best Huscarl in the Kingdom so… yeah, it will have to be these knights."

"Just who are these noble knights of yours?" Lizzie harrumphed. "I've got to see it to believe it, lassie."

"Ha, I doubt you heard about them," Brita said. "They call themselves the Swords of Darkness."

It didn't matter to Nfirea. Now that the small chance that something had happened to Enri Emmot, his childhood crush and, hopefully, future wife, he would pay anyone to know she was alright.

If only he wasn't so weak himself…

---

The weak were destined to perish. It was a harsh truth, but one Evil-Eye had learned in her centuries of life.

Looking down at the city of Re-Estize, knowing what darkness hid in the alleyways, back streets, secret tunnels and god-forbid the house of many nobles, Evil-Eye couldn't feel anything other than bitterness. She had witnessed horrors, monsters and things of unimaginable power, but she had also seen those who rose up to challenge them…

And they wasted their lives for these people, thought Evil-Eye.

She hugged her body tighter, glaring at the many streets under the late evening sunlight. Truth to be told, Evil-Eye had never had any intentions of living anywhere near cities. She used to have quite a peaceful life actually, in her own little place… but no, someone close to Evil-Eye just had to track her down and force her to stop being a secluded hermit and rejoin human society.

Evil-Eye pouted petulantly much like a child at the streets below.

All things considered, it hadn't been such a bad thing. She had been surprised to make new friends as a Knight of the Blue Rose and, as much as it pained her to admit it, their company had filled a hollowness in her heart. How could it not when each of the Blue Roses reminded Evil-Eye of people she knew and cherished?

And I'll outlive them, morosely thought Evil-Eye with a grimace. I'll see them grow old and weaken… or see them die like my old friends…

Evil-Eye sighed before smiling to herself. Why did she always pull her thoughts the same direction?

She glanced behind her, at window of her friend and leader, Lakyus. From where she sat at the edge of the roof, Evil-Eye could hear Lakyus shouting.

"Curse you, piece of equipment! You shall not triumph tonight!"

Evil-Eye chuckled. She was not going to lie; the Knights of the Blue Rose were a fun bunch to be around.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll tell them about me, she thought with a wistful smile. They won't reject me, I know they won't…

Yet she knew deep in her heart that she would never share anything about herself or her past. She had done so for decades, and some habits required more than time to be undone.

"Uncle Azuth?"

Evil-Eye perked up and turned to Lakyus' room. She pondered if she should eavesdrop on her friend but, after a glance to a side and noticing Tia and Tina waving at her, she snickered and approached the window. All three members of the Knights of Blue Rose leaned towards the windows, eager to hear what was happening inside.

"Heya, my evil niece, how are you doing? Ready to set out?" Azuth said.

"Uncle," whined Lakyus.

Evil-Eye could imagine Lakyus' pout quite clearly in her mind.

"Come on, give me a hug," the man demanded.

"I- I'm not a child, uncle!" Lakyus said. "Hey! Stop! Uncle!"

Evil-Eye's had a small sad smile as she heard her friend struggle to fight her uncle's hug. As much as Lakyus complained about her uncle Azuth, all members of the Blue Rose knew he was her closest relative, closer to her than her own siblings and parents. Evil-Eye was happy for Lakyus to have such connection, but a part of her would always be jealous, eager to have something similar. Oh, she did have some like Azuth in her life, but that person was… complicated.

"Alright, what do you want?" Lakyus bluntly said.

"Why? Can't I visit my cute evil niece?" Evil-Eye heard the man's heavy step resound across the room, closer to the window.

Tia, Tina and Evil-Eye all stepped away from the glass. They could see the shadow of Sir Azuth pour out of the window, his large frame silhouetted on the tile roof.

"I remember when you would jump at me any time I returned from my trips, demanding to know where I'd been," Azuth said.

"And I remember the scolding I got afterwards," grunted Lakyus.

"Well, that's my loving brother for you," Azuth mused. "A neglectful bastard, just like father…"

"Uncle," warned Lakyus.

"I know, I know," Azuth said diplomatically. "And you're right, I am not here just for a social visit."

Evil-Eye (and the two ninjas on the other side of the window) leaned closer, intrigued.

"I want to talk to you about Ainz Ooal Gown," Azuth sighed.

Evil-Eye heard the sound of a heavy weight slumping on a bed mattress. By the sounds of it, it was Azuth. The sound was repeated albeit lightly, so Evil-Eye guessed that Lakyus was now sitting next to her uncle.

"Do you know something, uncle? Because if you do, I'd appreciate it if you told us before we left tomorrow at first light," Lakyus said.

"It isn't that I know something precisely, more like…" Azuth trailed off, before sighing. "Look, cute evil niece of mine, have you ever wondered why it seems that every one hundred years there is some massive catastrophe taking place or some grand hero showing up out of nowhere?"

Evil-Eye's dead unmoving heart clenched at that, while Tia and Tina squinted at the window.

"I've heard various thoughts regarding that, and, yes, I do know there appears to be a pattern," Lakyus tentatively replied. "But you know something else, don't you?"

"I am not exactly up-to-date with the knowledge, but let us say I know a few people who do and, from what they've told me… it might happen again," said the Uncle.

"You mean…"

"Another massive devastating entity will make itself known. It could be a New God, a Greed King, a Hero or an Evil Deity… or maybe a sage, like the one in the Great Minotaur Nation," said Azuth.

"And you think this Ainz Ooal Gown could be it?" Asked Lakyus.

Could there be others like my old friends out there? Thought Evil-Eye. For the first time in decades, her heart beat with hope.

A place to belong, powerful reliable allies that were her equals, even superior to her…

No, impossible, she quickly thought, pushing down her hopes and dreams. She would have to be content with the Blue Rose for the time being.

"I… I don't know, but please, do be careful. Do not underestimate this guy, no matter how weak he appears," Azuth said. "These entities… they are on an entire level of power, Lakyus."

"I know that!" retorted Lakyus. "We call that the level of gods and heroes, uncle, for a reason."

"Yes, but don't believe you understand their level, Lakyus, not until you see it. We are talking about levels of power mortal men confuse with godhood, levels above those of even dragons," Azuth warily warned.

"Is that… is that why you bent the knee to Prince Zanac? You want to prepare the country for any new Evil Deity that may arise?" Lakyus asked, desperate to know why her beloved Uncle had sworn herself to a pig like Zanac.

"Sorry, my adorable evil niece, but those reasons are my own," Azuth sighed.

There was a long moment of silence between the two members of House Aindra.

"There's something else I wanted to talk about," he said. Lakyus didn't say anything. "It's about the Princess."

"What about her?" Lakyus curtly said.

"Look, my adorable niece, I care about you – if I haven't made that obvious enough already," said Azuth. "So, please, don't be angry when I tell you that you should reconsider your loyalty to her."

Oh boy, wrong thing to say, mused Evil-Eye.

"My loyalty to her? My loyalty is to this country and the only royal family member who cares remotely about the people is her!" Lakyus heatedly exclaimed.

"Hey, hey, I just-"

"You are spewing the same lies as that liege of yours," Lakyus spat.

"He's not entirely wrong, Lakyus," softly replied Azuth. "Many of her maids have suffered horrible accidents and-"

"That's because of all the corrupt lords wanting to send a message," Lakyus interrupted.

"So they hurt the daughters of their vassals who they purposely send to spy on the Princess? Come on, Lakyus, you are smarter than that," Azuth pointed out. "And then there is her influence in court…"

"She's a Princess! Why wouldn't she have influence in court? If you haven't noticed, all of her attempts have been in vain thanks to the useless nobility," stated Lakyus.

"It is the fact an allegedly cute little Princess seems to have any sway at all that is so strange. She's the freaking youngest Princess, not even married or promised to anyone, who appears to spend most of her time doing little things like hanging out in her garden. Do you know there are nobles who do anything she asks of them? Nobles that aren't the most loyal or decent… and that's saying something when talking about the nobility," Azuth remarked.

"Of course they listen to her," huffed Lakyus. "Please, uncle, stop. I made my choice and you have made yours. Let's- let's not talk about this…"

"But Lakyus, I don't want her to use you, especially not to deal with Ainz Ooal Gown if he is what I fear," Azuth said, his voice filled with concern.

"Uncle, we have absolutely no idea if this Ainz Ooal Gown is anywhere as powerful as-"

"Do you believe Gazef Stronoff would lie?"

Evil-Eye had to concede Azuth had a point. Amongst anyone in court, the word of Gazef Stronoff was by far the most trustworthy. If he said he saw the most powerful mage in current history, casting magic surpassing even Fluder Paradyne, then it was likely the truth. It didn't matter if everyone would rather believe he was lying.

"Please, don't be a pawn in all of this, Lakyus," begged Azuth.

Lakyus didn't respond.

"I guess I have said my piece," sighed Azuth. "Just… take care, alright? We have still to take over the country and make it better, after all, just like you've always wanted."

"Right," a subdued Lakyus mumbled.

"And we have yet to go together to a brothel. Hey, if you want we could-"

"ABSOLUTELY NOT! GET OUT HERE YOU- YOU- PERVERT!"

"Hey, ouch! There's no need to kick me! Oy!"

Evil-Eye, alongside the two other eavesdropper, giggled as Lakyus tried to shove her womanizer uncle out of her room. All three of them could picture their fearless leader with a huge blush while angrily beating her rather perverted uncle with her demonic sword.

"You'll never get a boyfriend like this!" Azuth said.

"Who says I even want one?"

"You don't know what you are missing, my adorable niece!"

"URGH! GET OUT!"

There was one final sound of struggle and then a door was slammed closed. Evil-Eye shook her head and walked away. Tia and Tina, on the other hand, vanished as they always did. Evil-Eye returned to the edge of the roof to sulk as usual. To think Evil-Eye did have someone like Lakyus had her uncle…

Evil-Eye returned to overseeing the city. People went on their business, doing Gods-knows-what. Children were being herded back to their houses by their parents, many a shop was closing and the ordinary citizen was off to prepare for the night.

The sun was setting and monsters were waking up. Evil-Eye grimaced as she stood up. Before they left into the wilderness, she would need to feed… something that even after all her time alive it was too hard to get used to. Evil-Eye found comfort that she still cared about humans, but she despaired at the thought of one day losing any desire to maintain her values.

I may one day be no different to all the vampires I've met. They've all proven to be blood-lusting monsters, Evil-Eye morosely thought.

She frowned, remembering the ridiculous tales of a vampire that served and was devoted to the mysterious spell-caster Ainz Ooal Gown.

I wonder what manner of horrible thoughts that vampire servant has, Evil-Eye thought staring at the darkening skies. She probably can't wait for the night to hunt down humans…

---

Why do I look like a child? Thought a disappointed Shalltear as she stared at herself. Or rather, her chest… her very flat and underdeveloped chest.

She angrily pulled her long strands of white hair as she paced around the cold stone ceiling, unperturbed by the influence of gravity. Down below, there were rows upon rows of ovens, cooking tables, washing basins and every kind of tool that the Tomb of Nazarick's Head Cook and the Maids used to prepare the meals of the Supreme One and other denizens of the Great Tomb.

It's not fair! Shalltear mentally whined. Why didn't you create me with big boobs, Lord Peroronchino?! It would make it so much easier to seduce Lord Momonga!

For some unknown reason, Lord Peroronchino had given Shalltear the body of a child, yet at the same time the desires of an adult. It was an odd thing, one Shalltear kept thinking about over and over again. After her discussion with her fellow Guardians the previous night, Shalltear had come to admit that, perhaps, Lord Peroronchino had made it Shalltear's Core Flaw to crave for a mature woman's body… yet Shalltear refused to consider the implications.

After all, could it be that Lord Peroronchino had intended Shalltear to get over her desire to look like a more mature woman and make peace with her childish body? It couldn't be that, could it? He had actually made it so Shalltear would want to marry Lord Momonga, so he must have believed her current form was meant for the Supreme One, even perhaps to carry his child.

Shalltear sighed and unceremoniously jumped. Gravity took its hold on her and she dropped straight on the large kitchen's floor, only for her to stop a few inches from the cold ground and reach the floor at a gentle descent. In front of Shalltear, there was evidence of her latest hobby: cooking delicacies for Lord Momonga. There were dirty dishes, used utensils, piles of plates begging to be washed and more, all for the sake of preparing edibles worthy of the Supreme One.

At least Lord Peroronchino saw fit to give me such a valuable skill, Shalltear mentally conceded. Lord Momonga truly loves my pastries…

And indeed, the Supreme One had taken quite a liking to her cooking. It was sadly little comfort for the vampire. She slumped over one of the kitchen counters, utterly depressed.

Why doesn't Lord Momonga treat me like Albedo? Is it because of my repeated failures against those blasted players? Maybe it is because I'm a Vampire? Does he dislike my body? Shalltear wondered.

She scowled and reluctantly reached into her inventory, only to pull her notebook. With a lot of disdain, she opened it and cringed at the words she had written.

Falsehoods and heresy! Shalltear thought.

And yet, Shalltear braved on and read the commentary of her fellow guardians. She gritted her teeth, her red eyes boring holes with blazing rage.

Spoiled, airheaded, irresponsible… they are all lies, Shalltear mentally growled. Lord Peroronchino couldn't have made me so flawed, could he?

Of course, most of her colleagues hadn't been so harsh on her. They had been rather kind with their words, even if Shalltear could understand their real meaning to what they said. Then there were Aura and Albedo, who didn't have any problem just spelling it out for her. Much to Shalltear's chagrin, she seemed to be the most flawed of the Guardians.

"Even Victim appears to have less flaws than me," Shalltear muttered. She put her notebook away with a haughty sniff. "It doesn't matter. I'll overcome those pesky flaws and get my rightful place with Lord Momonga…"

Shalltear sighed, looking down at her chest. Sadly, some things couldn't be overcome with discipline alone.

Maybe Lord Momonga is planning to re-make me to his tastes with the Midas' Touch, Shalltear wondered.

"My Lady, it is time."

Shalltear didn't bother turning around to the kneeling Vampire Bridge that had materialized from the shadows. The vampire Guardian groaned with exasperation before taking a deep breath and regaining her composure. Acting dainty and elegant, she stood up straight and, only then, she addressed the Vampire Bride.

"I'll be going then. Clean up this mess #4519," Shalltear said, playing the role of a little lady as she gestured at the dirty dishes.

"Yes, my Lady," The Vampire Bride submissively said, bowing her head.

Shalltear ignored the lesser vampire and moved to walk away, only to pause. She glanced at her chest and, making sure the Vampire Bride had yet to rise or look up, quickly stuffed her chest. When she was satisfied with her false bosom, she vanished, using the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown given by Lord Momonga himself.

The room she teleported in so happened to be the central hall of the Ice Prison, a large structure in the Fifth Floor where many Area Guardians were housed. It was also where Demiurge and his group of Intelligence gatherers worked. For the most part, only undead patrolled the hallways, although one could find the eventual Myrmidon trio marching from here to there.

Shalltear walked straight ahead, taking in the cold surroundings. She could make the screams of pain of humans, echoing across the corridors. Other than that, she was only accompanied by the sound of her own footsteps.

Thankfully, she didn't have to walk that far. One turn on the first corner to the right, and she came across a large door. This particular door had a different sort of guard: Four Vampire Aristocrats and Six Vampire Bridges awaited on their knees, accompanied by Entoma Zeta, Lupusregina Beta and Solution Epsilon.

"Lady Shalltear," chorused the waiting NPCs.

"I apologize for the delay," said Shalltear with practiced aristocratic elegance. "I had important matters to tend to."

"Of course, my Lady," Lupusregina said with a knowing smile. "Lord Demiurge is already waiting for you inside."

Shalltear felt an eyebrow twitch at that. She could still remember what Demiurge had deemed were Shalltear's biggest flaws. They were all in the lines that the vampire Guardian tended to be too emotional, irrational and irresponsible at times.

She sniffed, rising her chin, and strolled to the door, which was opened by Solution Epsilon. As Lupusregina had said, the Archdevil of the seventh Floor was already inside, standing with his hands back and that patented smirk of his. However, instead of looking at the door like he usually did, generally giving off the air that he had calculated the very second Shalltear would step inside, Demiurge was staring at the ceiling.

"Demiurge," greeted Shalltear with a smile.

The Archdevil turned towards her and his smirked widened, not before he offered a courteous bow.

"Ah, Shalltear," said Demiurge. "Good to see you could make it with less tardiness this time."

Shalltear replied with a small curtesy, untroubled by Demiurge's comment. The vampire's red eyes quickly scanned the room. There were large pieces of parchment on the walls, each with different makeshift maps and information. There was also a table at the center of the room, which had a map, a teapot and a cup that probably had Demiurge's favorite tea.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" Mused Shalltear.

"I'm afraid I was merely distracted," Demiurge replied with a smirk. "There is so much I have to think about and to do. Life at the service of the Supreme One is never dull, after all."

"Oh? Some new project?"

"Why, yes!" Demiurge gleefully said. "I believe now that Lord Momonga didn't wish for me to deploy different plagues to eradicate enemies. Instead, I believe his grand scheme includes the use of alchemy."

"Chemical weaponry then?" Mused Shalltear.

"Correct," said Demiurge with a nod. "Of course, there are other matters that distract me at present… "I am more interested in our master's grand plan, after all."

"As always," Shalltear commented.

"As always," repeated a gleeful Demiurge. "Now that our Lord can induct humans into the Tomb, I am curious if he will provide me with the servant I requested.

"Oh? You actually requested a servant?" Shalltear asked.

"I presume you didn't, nor do you see the need for one," Demiurge replied with a knowing smirk. "Yes, Shalltear, I requested for someone to assist me organize and manage my various ongoing operations. After all, I am fairly busy."

"Our Master has graced you with a lot of tasks, hasn't he?" pouted an envious Shalltear.

"Indeed, a sign he recognizes my abilities, as expected of a Supreme Being," boasted Demiurge. "Even so, I believe I could always do more for the tomb, but that would require having a second-in-command."

"Don't you have demons at your disposal? Any of the Evil Lords could do," Shalltear asked, baffled.

"True, and I have put them to good use. Regardless, I have been pondering regarding our Supreme Master's plans, and I believe it would be quite rewarding to possess someone to aid me keeping track of Lord Momonga's visionary schemes, someone who could offer a new perspective that I am no doubt missing," Demiurge said.

Shalltear smiled and rolled her eyes. She had long decided not to bother trying to figure out the plans of her beloved master. A Supreme Being like Lord Momonga was above her comprehension, so why bother? Demiurge, on the other hand, seemed desperate in trying to stay ahead of Lord Momonga, no matter how little he could manage to see into Lord Momonga's unfathomable wisdom.

"Then there is the fact that I wish to understand our Lord a lot better, and not merely his plans," Demiurge stated. He looked at the ceiling, as if he was staring at the cosmos and taking in the mysteries of the universe. "There is so much I do not understand about Lord Momonga… how am I supposed to serve him when I feel I fail to anticipate his wants and desires?"

"Fail? Demiurge, if anyone is anywhere close to understanding what Lord Momonga wants, it's definitively you," Shalltear said.

That was a sentiment the Guardians shared. Albedo was certainly a close second to understanding Lord Momonga as Lady Overseer. Of course there was Pandora's Actor, but the doppelganger stood in a different category; he was the child of their Supreme Master, and thus obviously a close confident, unlike anyone else.

"Yet the incredible depths of Lord Momonga's ambitions and wisdom eludes me so…" Demiurge said.

"Well, that might be what Lord Ulbert intended," suggested Shalltear with a shrug.

Before Demiurge to talk and bore Shalltear out of her wits, the vampire offered a polite smile and carried on speaking.

"In any case, Demiurge, I believe we have other matters to discuss," Shalltear said.

"That's correct," Demiurge nodded with a smirk. "I have actually found quite a suitable target for tonight's hunt."

"Oh? Do pray tell," Shalltear mused.

As much as she enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, she didn't mind being pointed at a target. It meant less time searching, and more time chasing, after all.

Demiurge gestured at the table, or rather the map on it. Shalltear had a strong feeling Demiurge had personally drawn over the parchment, given the numerous details and clear lines. There was an abundance of information and a level of detail that screamed "Demiurge", at least to Shalltear.

"Kyouhukou's familiars has discovered a human encampment in this forest area, not far from the human city," Demiurge explained. "From what we've gathered, thanks to Nigredo's divination abilities, there would appear to be a group of petty bandits."

"Don't they have anti-divination countermeasures?" Shalltear wondered with a raised eyebrow.

"Apparently not," Demiurge smirked. "I suspect they are lacking magic-users, or they are extremely pathetic brigands. There is also the possibility they are actually aligned to a human Lord and thus overly confident in their safety."

"Why would a Lord allow for brigands to operate in his lands?" Shalltear asked, confused.

"Who said anything about the Lord of these lands?" Demiurge said. "Lord Momonga has informed us that the Western Nation suffers from political instability, particularly with the lords of the country. I wouldn't put it past a Lord to finance brigands to weaken an opposing noble. In any case, this group appears to be above fifty – possibly sixty - men in strength. Quite a catch."

"Yes, a good number. I guess this will be a fun night," giggled Shalltear, already getting excited.

Humans might be so boring to fight against, but Shalltear didn't mind a moment enjoying their fear and horror, that and maybe she would get to taste human blood once again.

"Remember what our Lord commanded. No one will appreciate it if you caused the Supreme One concern," Demiurge remarked. "Oh, and please, do try to avoid losing yourself to your blood lust… and do try to start correcting your flaws."

How could Shalltear ever forget what she had been told?

"I won't fail Lord Momonga," huffed Shalltear with a pout. "I'll capture these bandits before they can even realize what is going on."

"Oh, and if you can, do try to obtain what these lower lifeforms have gathered," said Demiurge. "I suspect these bandits have been operating for some time now, so they must have obtained supplies Lord Momonga wants to procure for the tomb."

"Don't worry, Demiurge, I'll bring back everything I find, the pathetic vermin included," Shalltear said with an amused roll of her eyes.

"That's all I ask," Demiurge said. "Very well, I'll leave you to your hunting."

He gave one last nod, his usual smirk, and marched away.

"Good night to you too," replied Shalltear with a kind smile. "Don't let your thinking keep you up at night!"

Demiurge merely responded with a dismissive wave without even sparing a glance towards the vampire. He teleported away soon after. No sooner had she departed, Shalltear angrily pouted.

I'll show Demiurge and the others I'm more than some silly empty-headed vampire, thought Shalltear.

She glanced down at her chest, only to sigh in disappointment. She quickly shook her head and gently slapped her cheeks.

Enough whining, Shalltear! You have a mission to complete! Shalltear told herself.

She glanced at the table. If she was to teleport to that area, Shalltear was going to need the help of a diviner. Shalltear nodded to herself and marched out of the room. Without turning around, she ordered the waiting NPCs to follow her. The three Pleaides hurried to march behind Shalltear, while the rest followed closely behind.

It didn't take long for Shalltear to open a portal near the target area. Thanks to Nigredo's clairvoyance, the vampire Guardian was able to take her hunting group not far from the humans. In the middle of dense forest area and under the cover of the night, Shalltear allowed herself to take a deep breath.

The scent of humans caught in her nostrils, and her crimson eyes glowed with delight. The thrill of the hunt was already making her dead heart beat once again. Shalltear quickly shook her head.

No, Shalltear, not tonight, she said. Tonight you'll be a proper Guardian, worthy of Lord Momonga! I'll show that pipsqueak Aura who's the real child amongst us Guardians! Even I'll prove to that gorilla Albedo I can flawlessly lead fellow servants of the Supreme One!

With her blood-red gaze filled with determination, she snapped her head to the servants awaiting orders behind her. Lupusregina was impatiently shuffling on her feet, while Entoma and Solution eagerly waited for their orders. The vampires present all stoically stood, staring at their leader.

"Lord Momonga has requested we employ all precautions," haughtily said Shalltear. "So, we shall be more careful from here on out."

"Awww," whined Lupusregina. "But where's the fun in that?"

Do you think I wish to waste my time with puny humans? Shalltear thought as she glared at the battle-maid. She schooled her features though and spoke with her lady-like voice.

"We aren't here to have fun. We are here to satisfy our Master's orders… am I clear?" Shalltear said.

"Yes, my Lady," the servants solemnly chorused, even the once excited Lupusregina.

"Now then, Lupusregina, Entoma, Solution, you'll take the lead. Aristocrats, stay close behind to them to support them if necessary. Brides, you take the rear and side. My Household will scout ahead of all of us," said Shalltear.

And thus with a plan, the group began their hunt. Locating the human lair wasn't hard. It was exactly as Demiurge had indicated in his detailed map: a cave with a rather secluded entrance. However, it was easy to tell where the brigands had made their territory thanks to the various foolish traps they had spread around. Jumping across the tree tops (or lazily flying in Shalltear's case) had rendered all of the stupid humans' efforts absolutely useless.

Shalltear allowed herself a smirk, only to wipe it off. She steeled her desire to lower her guard, to just jump in and start a slaughter. She would do as Lord Momonga had commanded. For him, Shalltear would suppress her blood-lust.

The first humans they came across guarded the cave entrance. They were well-hidden behind boulders, crossbows in hand and bells on their back (probably to signal the people inside were they to suddenly collapse). From what Shalltear had been told by Demiurge, it wasn't uncommon for humans to use enchanted items that wielded [Dark vision], or the ability to see in the dark. With the way they seemed unbothered in pitch-darkness, they probably had jewelry with said enchantment.

All in all, Shalltear had to admit that the humans appeared well-prepared for most monsters of the night. It also meant that those humans probably were far better organized than random brigands were supposed to.

Maybe Demiurge was right about some Lord being behind these brigands' presence, Shalltear thought. Oh, look at me, making such clever observations!

Shalltear patted herself on the back and smirked. If she kept it up maybe she would be deemed worthy by Lord Momonga and spend more time on his side… maybe even closer…

No, no, focus Shalltear! The vampire reminded herself. Humans first, daydreaming later.

With a gesture of her hand, two Vampire Aristocrats shot forward, becoming black blurs in the night. They slid down the trees and to the large rock formations as little more than moving shadows, before materializing right over the sentinels. One moment later, they jumped in front of the humans, startling them, before they blocked their mouths with one quick hand and immobilizing their heads by grabbing their chins, forcing them to stare into their red eyes. It took an instant for the Vampire Aristocrats to cast their charm spells.

With the sentinels left as moronic meat bags with droopy smiles on their faces, Shalltear and the rest of her contingent made their way to the cave's entrance. There were few sounds that came from within, even with their keen hearing. Shalltear's smirk returned with a vengeance. Things were going perfectly.

She ordered her household creatures to look around the rocky formations for any alternative exits. In the meantime, Shalltear and her group carefully stepped inside. Not far from the entrance, a group of ten men laid in wait, all bored and with weapons at the ready. Once again, they were proving to have quite proper organization. These humans were no doubt part of the night-shift, the ones to respond in case they heard the bells of the sentinels outside.

Shalltear made his group wait. Only when her household had confirmed that they had found no alternative exits, did Shalltear start grinning. After that, she just gave one simple order: go ahead.

Barreling inside the bandits' lair was easy, especially when they took all humans by surprise. They managed to raise the alarm, but by then it was too late. Vampire Brides and Aristocrats rushed in, breaking legs and arms with ease, while Lupusregina used sleeping spells. Entoma made use of paralyzing insects and Solution a special paralyzing ability of hers. Together, the group swept through the lair without much difficulty.

Deeper into the cave and down what appeared to be a man-made tunnel, the NPCs paralyzed and immobilized any humans they came across. Some looked like they were barely starting to react to a threat while others were full equipped. It changed nothing. They were all subdued and taken to the Tomb.

Halfway into the cave, Shalltear grew bored of the fast pace and decided to leisurely walk instead. After encountering a makeshift barricade and two dozen defenders in some sort of central chamber, Shalltear took a moment to enjoy her mission. So far, so good.

She was broken out of her thoughts by the sound of crunching. She snapped her head to the source, only to grimace.

"Entoma, are you eating one of the human's arms?" Shalltear said.

In a flash, Entoma hid the limb she was indeed munching on behind her. The little Pleiades sister didn't deny it, nor did she confess. She mostly looked down with as much innocence as she could muster, all while Shalltear could see drops of blood pooling behind the insectoid. Shalltear raised an eyebrow as she noticed the paralyzed man not far, missing an arm, a look of pain and horror etched on his face.

"Entoma…" Shalltear said.

The insect girl's mask formed into a cute little pout.

A part of Shalltear really couldn't care less that Entoma was having a snack. However, there was a pesky little voice taunting her. That same voice sounded a lot like Aura and it kept telling Shalltear that she was an immature child. Shalltear couldn't have that. She was mature enough; Lord Peroronchino had seen to that.

What would Albedo do as Overseer? Shalltear wondered.

"Pleaides Sister Entoma Vasilissa Zeta," Shalltear stated with a voice of authority. Said battle-maid stiffened at the full title. "The Supreme One instructed us to act with no delay and that means no snacks or other distractions."

Yes, that's how the future wife of Lord Momonga should sound like, Shalltear mentally patted herself in the back.

"But I'm hungry," protested the insectoid. "And there are many yummy humans to spare!"

"That's up for my fellow Guardians and the Supreme One to decide, not you," Shalltear replied. "Now, finish that arm and carry on with our mission."

Entoma grumbled but otherwise did as told. Shalltear looked at the dying man not far away. She sighed, shaking her head.

Why do I have to care about such pathetic lifeforms? She wondered. No, remember! This is for Momonga…

"Lupusregina, could you heal this worm over here? I rather make it look like at least we stayed focused for most of the mission," said Shalltear.

To Shalltear's chagrin, Lupusregina was busy watching a man scream and flail as Solution took her time absorbing him, much to the sadistic delight of both of them.

"Battle-Maid Lupusregina Beta!" Shalltear called.

"Oh, sorry my Lady!" Apologized the werewolf, bowing in shame. "G-got distracted for a moment there!"

"Yes, I can see that," huffed Shalltear. "You too, Solution, I will not waste more time than we need in this filthy place. Lupusregina, make sure these humans don't spoil before they are delivered, and Solution, hurry up."

"Yes, my Lady," the two Pleiades sisters chorused.

Once they did as told, Shalltear led the group forward, deeper into the lair. As Demiurge had suspected, the bandits had amassed quite a lot of supplies. There were clothes, weapons, tradable goods including tea and herbs and even some jewelry, from earpieces to necklaces. They were women's jewelry, what made Shalltear ponder if they had been obtained from a jewel merchant or from human females themselves.

The rest of the mission passed without incident. It came to a point that Shalltear almost grew bored. Almost. Near the end of the cave, where the last few survivors amassed, something odd happened.

A single human boldly strolled towards them. It was the strangest thing, actually. Not only was he marching to his doom with a cocky swagger, but he had blue hair. Why would a human have such hair-color? Stranger still was the man's weapon: a katana.

Oh, this human feels different from the rest, Shalltear decided. Could he be somewhat stronger than a cockroach or could he… oh my, could he have a Talent even?

She gestured for the others to hide in wait, while she personally walked to the man. She knew it was kind of going against her master's wishes. Worse, she was acting the same childish way her she wanted to avoid. Sadly, Shalltear was a tad bored and she wanted to play a bit. Besides, it could be considered information gathering, right?

The man said some words in his own weird language, all while Shalltear studied the weirdo. A sniff told Shalltear the man was oozing with magical potions. He then reached for his blade, smirk still in place. He kept talking, confident about his martial prowess.

Oh, I so desperately want to see that stupid face fall into despair, thought Shalltear with a smirk. She frowned and shook her head. No, that's the old Shalltear. The new Shalltear will ascend and become Lord Momonga's wife. I have to overcome such childish foolishness…

To her own reluctance, Shalltear made a gesture of her hands and kept walking, pouting at her own decisions. She had really wanted to personally wipe the smirk off the man's face, maybe allow the idiot to do his puny best all while flaunting how superior she was. The idiotic man was definitely shocked when he was jumped by four Aristocrat Vampire in all directions and quickly subdued.

The rest of the mission went by without further interruptions. The remaining humans were pathetic in their attempts to fight back. Even with time to prepare, their fate had been sealed the moment Shalltear had led the group inside. Once all human brigands were beaten and taken to the Tomb through Shalltear's portal, the vampire and the rest of the invaders investigated the remaining rooms, if one could call them that.

Everything was taken to the Tomb of Nazarick. There was a huge storage area filled with crates, some of which looked like they had been stolen straight out of a merchant's cart. The sleeping areas were also cleared of any item, be it dirty laundry to personal objects. Nothing would be left behind, even if it would be burned afterwards in the Tomb.

The final area was where Shalltear found a small twist to her plans. After all, when she had been sent to capture brigands, Shalltear hadn't expected prisoners, much less a group of female prisoners. From prepubescent girls to relatively old women, they were all in quite a sorry state, lacking any clothing other than dirty blankets and with signs of malnourishment. A few started crying when they saw Shalltear and her compatriots. Most just sat there, all instinct to fight back gone from their eyes, and bowing their heads in defeat at what they assumed was their inevitable demise.

"Oh my, what happened to these women?" A grinning Shalltear said.

She didn't need a keen sense of smell to understand what those females were used for.

"What shall be done with these humans?" Solution asked. She had a hungry look on her face.

"Can I eat one, please?" Begged Entoma.

"They won't be any fun," whined Lupusregina. "Look at them! They are already broken and hopeless…"

Shalltear was tempted on allowing the Pleiades to do as they wished. However, she reminded herself that Lord Momonga and Demiurge could find better use for human females.

"We'll take them with us," said Shalltear with a smirk. "I'll request some of them for you if you want."

"That would be much appreciated, my Lady," said Solution.

Shalltear smirked, satisfied at her own performance that night. She glanced at the human females and grinned. Shalltear was sure her Master would definitely appreciate that she had controlled herself and brought so many prisoners, even unexpected ones.

"My lady, Kingdom warriors approach," one of the Vampire Brides said.

"Ha, and just in time," mused Shalltear. "Let us return to the tomb… don't forget those females. Lord Momonga will no doubt find some use for them."

Perhaps they would be used for Demiurge's experiments, or maybe fed to other servants of the Supreme One. In any case, Shalltear was certain that Lord Momonga could easily determine what to do with the victims of the brigands and he would be most appreciative of such decision.

What Shalltear would never suspect was that once Suzuki Satoru heard the sort of surprise prisoner Shalltear had returned with, he would not appreciate being force to take such moral decisions such as the fate of abused women. He would, in fact, go for another much needed day of rest.

---

Far away, somewhere within the Slane Theocracy, in a back alley of an unsuspecting area of a large city, a lone female figure sauntered without a care in the world, covered by a cape and her face hidden under a hood. The seedy place she traversed could very well have been filled with rapists and murderers, but she didn't mind. If anything, she might have been the most dangerous thing in the area.

"Clementine."

The figure pulled back her hood to reveal a blonde blue-eyed woman. Behind her, materializing from darkness itself, walked out a robed and hooded figure.

"Harvey! So nice to see you," purred the woman, pulling a wide fiendish grin.

At that moment, she looked very much like a cat. She raised a hand out of her cape, revealing a bloodied hand and something silvery drenched in red. It looked like a droplets adorning thin spider webs in a fine artwork, one that deserved better handling than its current one.

"I've got you a present!" She cheerfully said.

"Good," said the dark figure.

"Good? That's all?" Said Clementine, her once amused face dropping to a scowl. She still looked like a cat, though, a hissing one. "You do know I'll have the entire country after my cute little butt after this, don't you?"

"It matters not," the figure stoically said. "The Black Scripture is too far on their own mission and all other Scriptures are in disarray."

"Oh really now? Say, Harvey, is it true that the Sunlight Scripture has been wiped out?" Said Clementine with the same fiendish grin of before.

"Yes," said the figure. "It is that reason why the Cardinals, and the remaining Scriptures, will not react to your actions tonight – at least not fast enough."

"So convenient," giggled Clementine, only to start twirling the silvery object in her hand. "So… what do you want me to do with this crappy thing? Aren't you going to take it?"

"No," said the dark figure. "You will take it to E-Rantel, within the Re-Estize Kingdom, and deliver it to Death-Caller."

"I have to travel all the way there as some kind of pathetic messenger?" whined Clementine.

That, sadly, had been the wrong thing to say. Clementine's entire body shuddered and she dropped on her knees, overwhelmed by a horrifying sense of fear. She violently shook, unable to look at the dark figure. Instead of a mere man, there stood an ominous dark shadow, with glowing red eyes boring into Clementine all while a horrible aura surrounded the crazy woman.

No sooner had it began, the aura of fear dropped. Clementine, though, was left shuddering. She smiled, though, exhilarated at the feeling.

"You'll do as told, Clementine," the figure said.

"As- as you say, Harbinger," giggled Clementine.

"I guarantee you'll have your fair share of fun in E-Rantel," the dark figure, Harbinger, said. "And a hefty reward…"

"How will I find Death-Caller?" asked Clementine with the first hint of professionalism since the start of their conversation.

"Death-Caller's group will approach you," stated Harbinger. "Tell them to move forward with the plan. Death-Caller will protest, but remind them who sent you. Tell them I will personally oversee the plan, after I've dealt with business here."

"So that guy will know what to do with this useless thing? You know that only a Miko Princess can use the Crown of Wisdom, right?" Tauntingly said Clementine.

"Death-Caller will know what to do with it," said Harbinger. "By the end of this week, I expect Death-Caller and you to begin with the operation, or else…"

Even a deranged woman like Clementine shivered under the threat. She smiled regardless, enjoying the adrenaline when speaking to the likes of Harbinger.

"Say, you wouldn't mind telling little ole Clementine what's the fun about, right?" Clementine purred with excitement.

"Death," said Harbinger. "You shall wreck untold death unlike anything you have ever seen in E-Rantel, just as our organization has always promised…"

"That's all I needed to hear," giggled Clementine.

She turned around before lazily waving at the same figure that had scared her out of her wits.

"See you later, Harvey!" laughed Clementine.

The dark figure sneered at the departing woman. That fool and many of the others had no idea that the true goal of his wasn't what they believed, not any more. They were merely pawns, tools for his true purpose: vengeance. Against who? Well, none other than against Ainz Ooal Gown.

---

Author Notes: Another week, another madness-induced chapter... Gods release me from this writing! I need to live!

In any case, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. A bit long, but damn I can't control myself. I do apologize for the grammar, though. Hope it isn't that bad... I tend to get HE and SHE mixed a lot, apparently.

So what do you think? Did you like the few changes I've made to the world and cannon? What did you think about the twist on the [Throne of Kings] and Momonga's Administrative Privileges?

By the way, thanks for your reviews. I sincerely love all the feedback I've gotten and appreciate the effort. I'll be waiting to read your thoughts so far, and if you'd like to see anything happen. I'm always open to suggestions and criticisms, so don't hold back.

Next chapter: we see Enri the Warchief, the Swords of Darkness (with Ninya the Brave) and Momon the Black Knight Errant - ah, and a bit more of Aura and Mare slowly developing.