A/N) Another split chapter.

This originally clocked in over 14 000 words. Which was a little excessive. Especially since the second longest chapter was around 10 000. I wanted to get it over with so that the next arc can start, but at this rate, Ainz's stay in the Tomb will be a mini-arc on its own.

Guess I seriously underestimated just how much I had to write in terms of character interactions.

At least you can expect another chapter pretty soon considering how far I had gotten with the original really long one. So if you were thinking that this chapter ended kinda abruptly- or that not a lot happened- yeah.

The meat and potatoes kinda got cut. ...Which is not a great way to write. So this just turned into filler instead.


Intermission 1 - The Valkyrie

Shalltear Bloodfallen- true vampire and Guardian of the first three floors- strutted towards her master's office. She waltzed through lavish halls, past courteous maids and through artistically sculpted archways. All par for the course in the Tomb of Gods. The carmine-eyed beauty held her chin up, not showing her discontentment while allowing her dignified saunter carry her where she needed to go.

The reason she was now heading to Ainz's office was because of Albedo. The succubus took it as her duty to teleport into the Adipocere Chambers to gloat at Shalltear that she had received a Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown before her rival. Only after thoroughly rubbing it in and working the vampire up into a bloodthirsty rage did the demoness decide to teleport away.

It was only fair that she tease the Guardian Overseer back, right? The succubus hated it whenever a love-rival got in the way of her seduction of the lone Supreme Being. Though more often than not it just ended in the two of them hurling increasingly varied insults towards each other with greater and greater disdain for the other party.

And now Shalltear was going to stop by Momonga-sama's office in order to bid him farewell before going away on the mission she had been assigned. Partly to annoy Albedo by fawning over their lord, and partly because she wanted to bask in the Supreme One's presence before leaving. The vampire's mood brightened, and she giggled at the idea of her rival popping a blood vessel at her seducing the Supreme One.

'Sorry, Albedo. ...But there's no way I'm just going to let you steal his heart like that. I'll just have to get him to like me more than you. Oh... Momonga-sama... To caress every inch of your perfect body...' Shalltear heated up, but did her best to quell it while brushing aside her silver hair. 'Fufufu~. Don't worry, miss "Guardian Overseer". You can be my bridesmaid during the wedding.'

Of course, with the Vampire Bride concubines the Guardian had she and Ainz would likely be living in ménage à trois all the time. ...Or rather ménage à trente, considering the amount of them. But that didn't matter just yet. Getting into bed with the fallen angel was still the first step. And it was one hell of a step to take.

The true vampire had applied make-up and perfume, ensuring that she would look nothing less than her very best when meeting with her god. Even her chest was carefully stuffed. It had become important to practice moving with the pads, which was why she deigned to walk the rest of the way rather than simply using [Gate]. If they were to move out of place during a crucial event, like when walking down the altar... Why, it would be disastrous. Practice makes perfect after all.

She arrived at her location at last, eager to meet the Supreme Being in his office. Shalltear grabbed onto the hems of her dress, straightening it out. Just then the door to the office swung open, revealing a a pair of dark-elf children who promptly walked out. The vampiric Guardian's brows knitted together upon seeing the spunky one in dressed men's clothing.

The more timid of the twins cautiously closed the solid wood door behind them as the more boisterous Aura frolicked away- only to come to a dead stop upon seeing Shalltear. What was once a carefree, jovial expression on her childlike face very quickly morphed into one of mocking amusement. So too did the true vampire's face lose its Ainz-induced bliss, growing more serious.

"Seriously Shalltear, are you here to badger Momonga-sama again?" The tomboyish dark-elf asked her coworker in a rather waggish tone. The true vampire harrumphed at the rude comment and gave no reply, something that appeared to tick off the young Guardian.

"Hm. What's the matter? Did you stuff your bra so full that you can't speak properly without them shifting around?" She pressed on. This finally managed to get a rise out of the true vampire, who immediately bristled.

"Hoh~." Her eyes were now sharp, looking far more dangerous. Shalltear wasn't as flustered as she had been last time, firstly she had expected such a comment and secondly her beloved wasn't here to hear it. "What's that, brat? Are you running out of good insults...? If you want to show me up, shouldn't you put all your effort into the duty you have been gifted?"

Aura's brows furrowed as she crossed her arms. Mare slowly started shifting towards the bickering pair, likely wanting to get a word in with his sister while not risking life and limb by getting too close.

"And what, exactly, do you mean by that?" The young elf inquired with a voice reflecting both curiosity and impatience, allowing Shalltear some much needed smugness.

"S-s-sis. We have a job to do." The brother pleaded, clutching his wooden staff tightly, his outwardly adorable appearance was offset by the fact that dark-elf was among the most powerful entities in the world.

Shalltear gave a scornful laugh, elegantly pressing the knuckles of one hand against her lips. "We have both been given our respective tasks to accomplish, no? Instead of wasting your breath here, why don't you produce some actual results?" This suggestion got a few enthusiastic nods out of Mare.

"Wasting my breath... With your rotten stench souring the air, yeah. I guess I am." Aura threw out the insult nonchalantly.

"-WHY YOU-! ...Do you have anything to add to this?!" The vampiric Guardian hissed.

"...Do you?" The dark-elf fired back, with both parties now scowling at each other.

"A-Aura...! You're being m-mean!" Mare whined while timidly tugging at his sister's vest. Neither of the two women seemed too willing to draw him into their squabble and relaxed a little as a result.

Shalltear scoffed. "I am here to discuss the parameters of my mission with our mighty lord. It doesn't concern you, shorty."

"Oh yeah? So were we." The tomboy retorted with crossed arms. "And unlike you, we were actually invited!"

"Guh-!" A critical hit. "H-how did you-?"

"I didn't know." Aura admitted. "But now I do." The air around them grew dangerous again and Mare shrunk back in response. The dark-elf Guardian smirked, ready to gush about her meeting with the disgruntled guild-master.

"Yeah. Momonga-sama was really kind and welcoming...! Being all concerned of our well-being and everything, warning us about not underestimating legendary beasts... Even telling us to bring packed lunches from the kitchens!" She proudly boasted, happy that her lord was so attentive of them. Mare also perked up, eagerly agreeing with his sister.

Whatever apprehensions the two may have had when the Supreme Being first visited were completely forgotten. Instead, his presence invoked pleasant memories and emotions reminiscent of their creator. Of course the fallen angel didn't dress them up in pretty new clothes or play with them (yet), but there was a small chance that he could in the future. That alone was enough for the twins to give it their A-game and then some to prove themselves worthy of his doting attention.

"Tch-." The vampire clicked her tongue and crossed her arms. "Whatever." Shalltear's dismissive attitude filled the dark-elf child with a smug satisfaction, for she knew that she had won this bout. It goes without saying that the true vampire was practically boiling with envy. If she had won the first round... How about the second? An idea began to take shape.

"As you said earlier..." Aura continued, drawing the attention of her frenemy. "... We both have jobs to do! So how about a little competition? Eh? Eh? What do ya say?" It was evident that the dark-elf child was spurring on the vampiric Guardian. The brother, however, simply stared at his sibling as if she had gone mad.

"Competition?" Shalltear asked with a raised eyebrow. "About what, exactly? This better not interfere with our lord's plans-"

"No no no-! No way!" The tomboy shook her head. "It's about who can serve Momonga-sama the best! We both have our missions- the one who contributes the most to the Tomb and our lord, wins!"

"Ooh! L-like something to make us work even harder for Momonga-sama?" The timid twin interjected.

"...And how will we decide the winner?" The strongest Guardian liked the idea of sticking it to the elven brat while aiding Ainz's plans at the same time. But a 'friendly' competition needed rules. "And does the winner get anything...?"

"Easy peasy!" She exclaimed with her hand on her hips. "The one who gets the most praise from Momonga-sama, obviously. And duh-! We decide our own prizes right now."

Shalltear grimaced. "That doesn't sound entirely fair..." She had heard Aura's boasting about Ainz caring about them. There existed a chance that the Supreme Being would go easier on her rival due to the latter's age, and give the little brat more attention.

"...Eh, why is that?" Aura's confused expression quickly gave way to a self-satisfied smirk. "What's the matter? Worried that our lord loves me and Mare* more than you?"

"Wha-!" The true vampire blurted out indignantly. "No-! Of course not!" She immediately recovered and made an attempt at refuting the short elf's claim.

"Then is that a yes to the competition...?" The one to ask that question was Mare, shockingly enough. What's more bizarre was that the line was delivered without stuttering and with greater gusto than any of the two women were used to. It was evident that he was fired up, eager to make their kindhearted master proud. His sister simply nodded along while awaiting the vampiric Guardian's answer.

"... Fine." Her reply was a hoarse snarl, twisted by how she had bit back a torrent of foulmouthed insults and crude vocalizations. The siblings grew more delighted, with Aura wearing her ardour on her sleeves. "We have a deal. ...But if... When I win, then..."

A sadistic smile bloomed on Shalltear's face. "Then you'll have to assist me in capturing Momonga-sama's heart!"

"Yeah, whatever." The dark-elf disliked the idea of such a lecher ending up with their perfect master, but assumed that her interference would do little to aid in the true vampire's hare-brained schemes of gaining Ainz's love. She shrugged exaggeratedly with a relaxed and cocky expression. "Seriously, something that eas-"

"Also you have to wear nothing but Mare's clothes for a month." The strongest Guardian's eyes gleamed as she pointed towards the timid elf's fine skirt. That finally got under Aura's skin, as the dark-elf girl shifted from a healthy brown shade to a worryingly red one. Her long ears twitched as she looked wide-eyed between the smug Shalltear and her dumbfounded brother.

"Wait wait wait-! That's a bit much, isn't it?!" She exclaimed while waving her arms about, clearly flustered.

"Why? We're both women aren't we?" Shalltear feigned ignorance, the facsimile of a confused countenance painted on her alabaster features.

"Well... We were created by Bukubukuchagama-sama-" The dark-elf tapered off. Aura had obviously worn girls clothes before, and even owned a few pairs. Of course they rarely got used. But dressing like her brother for a month?

"Oh Aura, sweetie." The vampire mocked in a loathsome tone. "What's the matter, do you really think that you'll lose that badly?"

"No." Aura seethed, twisting her previously bewildered face into a frown. "Not in the slightest. But when I win..." She tapped her chin with a gloved hand, quickly donning a gleeful smile upon coming up with an idea. Mare interpolated before she could speak, having gotten closer to the pair now that they didn't seem to want to explode.

"H-how about m-miss Shalltear stops pursuing Momonga-sama...?" He suggested, nearly sending the true vampire into a frenzied tantrum.

"NO! No way, no how!" She snarled. "I am NOT giving up the perfect and most beautiful man because of a stupid bet!" The vampire's strained whisper quickly escalated into a furious exclamation, causing the timid dark-elf to shrink to half his size before his sister stepped in between the two.

"I agree that it was a bit too much, Mare." The tomboyish dark-elf said to her sibling before turning to face her frenemy with crossed arms. "But stop picking on my brother-!" Shalltear huffed and took a step back, allowing Mare to recover. So too did Aura straighten out her vest before continuing on with her conditions.

"Hmmm... When I win... You'll not pursue or bother our lord for a month!"

The true vampire rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I'll just make up for lost time later... Preferably in bed." The last part puzzled the dark-elf girl, making her wonder why her rival would want to stay in bed despite not being able to sleep. She quickly brushed aside her befuddlement and went on to her next clause.

"You're not allowed to stuff your bra anymore." Shalltear recoiled, taking a step back while self-consciously covering her padded chest with her arms. The vampire's pale skin now flushed a deep red.

"T-that's...!" The Guardian stammered. "T-t-that's ridiculous! Am I just not allowed to... Do it at all? Like, forever?"

"Yuh-huh." Aura affirmed. "It's fine, okay? Besides, I think Momonga-sama would like you more without those fake boobs." The dark-elf snuck a glance at her hesitant rival, noticing that she still wasn't entirely convinced.

"Oh c'mon, do you really think that you'll lose that badly?" She egged on with a derisive undertone in her voice. This finally struck a cord, causing the vampiric Guardian to growl.

"As if-!" Shalltear stuck out a hand, which Aura shook without hesitation.

"Hehe~!" The tomboy chuckled. "Admit it, this is a good idea."

"It wasn't a bad idea, shorty... Assuming you really want to eat dirt." The true vampire had considered the outcome of the competition. Her rival would be going after a legendary beast, sure, but with the standard of power in this world it was likely a giant rabbit or something. Whereas she would be- as ordained by the Supreme One- capturing Martial Artists to truly bolster the strength of the Tomb by introducing a new power never before seen.

"Hmph." The tomboyish elf huffed. "The only one who's going to lose is you, anvil-chest." Aura had thought about the possibilities a little. And quite frankly she was betting on the legendary beast. If the warriors of this world were as pitiful as Momonga-sama had made them out to be, Shalltear's contribution will inevitably come up short. She knew first-hand the power of monsters, and this one could genuinely help Nazarick.

"Tch. Insignificant brat."

"Washboard."

"P-please stop."

"Deadweight."

"Rotten pervert."

"Worthless midget."

The pair glared at each other, eyes of captivating vermilion clashing against a beautiful heterochromatic stare. The first to look away was Aura, resting her arms at her side with a scoff and an expression of self-assured contentment.

"... Momonga-sama likes lady Albedo more than you." Aura dropped another bombshell that nearly made the true vampire keel over.

"Kh-! WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" Shalltear's dignified act dropped with a nearly audible thump as her normally breathtaking features changed to reflect thoroughly unhinged vitriol.

... And suddenly the situation was almost unsalvageable. Poor Mare shook, torn between putting a stop to the two or ensuring that he didn't end up maimed. With this, their confrontation had escalated to a screaming match, with both parties daring the other to make a move.

"... I can hear you through the door-!" A muffled voice came from the Supreme Being's office, practically snapping the tension in half and causing the trio to stop dead in their tracks. The very brief calm quickly erupted into panic once more as they realized that they had potentially upset their leader.

"S-sorry Momonga-sama!"/"Forgive me my lord!" The bickering pair shouted in unison while bowing down low. Sure enough, Ainz couldn't see through walls, but it was only right to show the Supreme One proper respect. An exhausted groan could barely be heard through the door, causing the Guardians to wince.

"... Whatever. You can just enter the office now." It was somewhat dizzying to hear their ultimate master speak in such a colloquial manner, but Shalltear shrugged it off and stood back up.

The two female Floor Guardians shot each other a look, both silently agreeing to leave it at that lest they inconvenience their master even more. Without so much as a cue Mare huddled up to his sister, ready to teleport away with the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown that he had been entrusted days ago.

"Good luck." The dark-elf said sarcastically, referring to both their competition and Shalltear's upcoming meeting with their lord.

The true vampire was the one who would have to confront their master and face his ire. It would be quite the lie to say that she was eager to be scolded, but showing weakness would be like admitting defeat. As such, the Guardian steeled herself and shot the tomboy a smirk.

"I won't be needing any luck. ...You, on the other hand... Try not to mess it up." She taunted, earning a 'tch' from Aura before Mare brought them away with the ring.


And so, Shalltear stood before the tall wooden door. Common sense would dictate that she knock first, but since the owner of the room had given her the all clear, the vampire entered. What met her eyes was a well decorated if not modestly sized office.

But what would catch any visitor's eyes wasn't the fine furniture or their placement- no. Rather the two stately figures in the room were the main attraction. Whether it was the demonic maiden of unparallelled beauty or the refined man that shone with an almost staggering allure.

Shalltear approached the desk in the same dignified gait that she had used to traverse the rest of the floor. Her red eyes locked onto the courtly Albedo, taking great pleasure in seeing the succubus' carefully concealed infuriation over her unannounced visit. Pleased with the effect of her presence, Shalltear shifted her gaze onto her master instead. She resisted the urge to lick her lips.

'Oh, my lord... Your perfect body eclipses even the finest of bones and the most handsome of carcasses!'

Dressed in dark tones of sable and dusky purple, the Supreme Being seemed virtually indomitable. Despite not being a metaphorical mountain of muscle or carapace, Ainz's casual sitting posture felt like an uncompromising black obelisk that could not be faltered by any natural force in the world. Having swapped out of his standard outfit, this new pure black attire heavily contrasted the bright and wavy silver locks that cascaded down over his forehead.

Immaculate wings and a massive halo of divine gold tied together all of the conflicting aspects, giving him a domineering aura that stole even Shalltear's breath. Keen eyes that appeared to flit between sky blue and a deep cerulean regarded the Floor Guardian closely, causing her to involuntarily shiver. It was a look that commanded respect.

And that was precisely what the vampiric Guardian felt at that moment. A mix of respect, joy, anticipation and righteous fear at being the primary focus of her master. In one fluid motion, the Supreme Being set aside his pen before shifting his attention back to his guest.

"Good day, Momonga-sama!" Shalltear greeted crisply, courtesying the best she could. "Please forgive my rudeness! The display between Aura and I was shameless-"

"No need to apologize, Shalltear." A comforting smile suddenly appeared on the Supreme One's previously blank face, and amusement could very clearly be heard in his voice at that moment. "I can hardly fault the two of you for acting the way that you do. Not when taking into consideration the core values your creators had imbued you with."

"Y-yes! Thank you, my lord!" The Floor Guardian nodded dumbly at that statement, not expecting that level of understanding or mirth. It was strange how the fallen angel managed to sound both regal and informal at the same time.

Every action he took- no matter how minute- held a confidence and smoothness that was indicative of his power. Yet at the same time, he carried himself in a manner just informal enough to appear friendly and approachable. All tying together to form the image of a benevolent Supreme Being.

...With one notable deviation. The true vampire had been given the privilege of witnessing her master's trial of the insolent Sunlight Scripture.

It had been equal parts exciting and equal parts terrifying to see all joy be sapped out of his very being in less than half a minute flat. Either way, it served as a perfect reminder that the leader of Nazarick was not to be trifled with- regardless of how patient he has proven himself to be.

"Forgive my intrusion, but to witness your divine form again before leaving the Tomb... I wished to personally bid you farewell." She drawled, causing the Guardian Overseer to roll her eyes.

"... Disgraceful hussy-!" Albedo hissed under her breath. Shalltear shot a look right back. If Ainz heard them, he made no attempt to give his two cents. The angel instead replied with a gentle shake of the head, which resulted in his halo wobbling and eliciting pleasant jingles.

"-You are hardly intruding, Shalltear. Your visit- not unlike my earlier conversation with Aura and Mare- were pleasant deviations from an otherwise routine task." Ainz gestured towards the now considerably smaller stack of paper with a warm smile.

Shalltear felt the heat at that moment, elated that he didn't consider her presence a disturbance to his work. The true vampire couldn't help but smile, this time without forcing it or using the expression to annoy someone.

"I must say, you've picked an excellent time." The fallen angel noted. "I was in the process of summoning all 'agents' one by one for a briefing surrounding their mission. Aura and Mare were the last ones to come by." The Floor Guardians eyes widened for a bit before beaming at her master.

"If that's the case, my lord... I, Shalltear Bloodfallen hear the Supreme One's summons and obeys." She bowed yet again.

"Mhm." The overlord intoned. "I suppose we can handle the details of your mission before Sebas. You are aware of the task at hand, correct?"

"Yes, that is the case, Momonga-sama." Another curt nod. "Demiurge handed me a... Binder. Containing the details of your plans." The vampiric Guardian shivered at the thought of the full-length novel the devil had attempted to pass off as a mission 'briefing'. So too did Ainz nearly wince at the memory of having skimmed through its dull contents not too long ago.

"What's the matter?" Albedo asked in a sweet voice with a hint of underlying venom. "Is your mind unable to keep up with the crucial duties of a Floor Guardian?" Shalltear's carefree expression evaporated as she snarled at her love-rival.

"...Now is not the time for that." The fallen angel's perfectly calm and collected voice doused the sparks before they could erupt into a blazing inferno.

"Forgive this one's insolence!"/"Sorry milord!" Of course the pair started to apologize profusely yet again, something the Supreme Being had started to grow tired of. A more impish (and irresponsible) corner of his mind wondered if he could push them further just to hear how many different ways they could phrase their apologies. Needless to say, he cut that part off as fast as he could.

"I must agree with Shalltear. That folder is... Quite the slog. I don't believe I would be able to be too thorough myself." Ainz admitted with a wistful look on his face. This earned a surprised look from the two Guardians.

'My lord... For him to claim that... Is he stooping to my level to cheer me up...? To make me feel better?'

Shalltear nodded, feeling both a reassuring warmth and resounding shame filling her chest. Remembering her duties, the vampire pushed aside her feelings about her master's humble benevolence and regained composure. Thankfully, the Supreme Being didn't seem to have noticed anything. "Surely not, my lord. For you, such a trivial task is utterly insignificant!" Shalltear exclaimed, and for once the Guardian Overseer agreed with her rival. Ainz's eyebrow twitched as his blue eyes appeared to focus on a spot a thousand yards away.

"I-is something wrong, Momonga-sama...?"

"Hm?" The fallen angel's eyes refocused on his subordinate. "N-no. It's nothing. I was just thinking."

'He was being kind. Should I have just accepted his magnanimous action?'

"... It is as you say, my love. That binder is 'quite the slog'." Albedo interjected with a frown. Ainz gave a nod, and things very suddenly got oppressively quiet. It didn't help that the succubus was staring at Shalltear as if accusing her of being the cause of this awkward situation. ...Which, frankly, Shalltear might have agreed with.

"A-anyways...!" With a nervous cough, the Supreme Being did his best to wrestle control back over the situation. "Please repeat to me your assigned task."

"Ah-!" The true vampire piped up. "I am to locate and retrieve these so called 'Martial Artists' alive so that the Great Tomb of Nazarick may benefit from their knowledge!"

"Correct. And what of the Martial Artists in question?"

"Er..." The Guardian tapped her chin with an elegant finger. "They have to be evil...?"

Ainz quirked a brow at the semi-correct reply. "Almost. Outlaws, banditry and whatever else that you may come across- in other words, those who will not be missed. Other combatants can also be claimed, though it may be wise avoiding picking a fight with Martial Artists who has ties to important people or organizations."

"U-um... How do I-"

"Banners. Equipment. Carriages. Locale. There are plenty of factors, Shalltear. It'll prove an invaluable learning experience." This time the fallen angel answered almost automatically, which made the reply seem more spontaneous and instinctual.

Shalltear nodded vigorously, once more feeling a bit of inadequacy building up. How silly. It should be obvious, right? "Right! Understood, my lord."

"And your area of operation?"

"Ah, yes!" The true vampire was reinvigorated, having been asked a question she could very easily answer. "I am to stay clear of certain marked areas of the Great Forest of Tob, as Aura and Mare will be hunting there. Additionally, I shall remain within the boundaries of Re-Estize and Baharuth."

The fallen angel nodded before allowing another smile. "Right you are. We have since deployed shadow demons and doppelgangers, expanding our knowledge of the wider world... That being said, our current sphere of influence encompasses no more than the two aforementioned countries. As such we will be limiting the range of our operations until further notice."

"I see. Your reasoning is impeccable, Momonga-sama." The vampire felt oddly at ease speaking with her master. He was supposed to be domineering, intimidating and vastly superior to her- and he most certainly was. Yet the Supreme Being seemed to have a gentle patience that accentuated his mellow nature.

"... Then there should be no issues." He hummed. "You will be leaving the Tomb in a carriage together with Sebas and Yuri Alpha. ...Though they have yet to discuss the finer details of the plan with me."

Ainz scratched his chin, wondering if Sebas would be able to confer with Gazef Stronoff without any input from himself. Whatever the case may be, this was one of the few times he felt comfortable altering Demiurge's carefully laid plans. Yuri Alpha would be a far better companion to Sebas than Solution- considering how the latter was quite fond of consuming the species they would be spending most of their days with.

"Your task is a pivotal one- and no mistake. So please do not make light of the mission or your opponents."

The vampiric Guardian considered his words. To bring back hostile combatants was a task that required finesse, not just brute force and violence.

'Can I really do something like that...? With my blood lust? Will I just return to the Tomb empty-handed, with nothing to show for? Peroroncino-sama... I would never seek to defy your absolute will and command, but I do not understand why you have made me so flawed unlike any other Guardian.'

Shalltear took a very sudden interest in the floor, nervously fiddling with her fingers. She felt both great happiness and great shame. The Supreme One had entrusted her with such a task despite knowing of her Blood Frenzy.

...Unless he hadn't taken it into consideration. Though the Supreme One making a mistake was an idea that was blasphemous to even think about.

Either way, the true vampire wasn't sure she shared his confidence.

"-You insolent-!" Albedo hissed before pressing on in a colder and more collected voice. "Boorish laprey. You dare disrespect our master with those poor manners...? Look at the Supreme One while he speaks to you!"

"A-ah! Of course!" Momonga nearly gaped, noticing how the vampire made no attempt at a retort.

Seeming cowed, the vampire sheepishly looked up to meet the eyes of a confused Supreme Being who appeared to be aware her carefully hidden distress.

The fallen angel folded his hands and spoke in a tender voice. "... Shalltear. Is something wrong...?"

"N-no, it's fine. ... It's just..." She straightened out her back and steeled herself. Since her master was expecting dignity and competence, she would meet his expectations in full. "... I am unsure whether or not I am suited for the task."

"Are you implying that Momonga-sama made a mistake choosing you, Shalltear?" The Guardian Overseer accused, narrowing her cat-like eyes in a dangerous fashion.

"No, of course not!" The vampire drew a shuddering breath.

"Then why even hesitate in the first place?" Albedo inquired. "If you truly have faith in our lord as you claim that you do, then you should have no worries." Yellow eyes drilled into the vampire's petite form while the demoness' black wings flapped.

"I..." Shalltear stared blankly. She didn't have a good answer to that. It wasn't that she lacked faith in their perfect master, but her doubts did get the better of her in the end. It felt right to quell expectations in case she did fail.

"... Albedo." The Supreme Being admonished softly, seeming more anxious than actually mad. Like clockwork, the succubus bowed with a stifled gasp and a petrified expression.

"I spoke out of turn! Forgi-"

"You are forgiven. Enough with the apologies." Ainz cut her off, sounding as concerned as he did impatient. The fallen angel quickly returned his focus to the jittery Guardian. "...Why is it that you are doubting yourself, Shalltear?"

"Well..." The true vampire nervously played with her hair, causing the Guardian Overseer more annoyance over her lack of manners. "This mission involves bringing back our targets alive. Something that is made difficult by a trait gifted to me by my esteemed creator, lord Peroroncino."

"... And why is that?" Ainz asked, seeming genuinely confused by Shalltear's reasoning.

'My lord... In all of your infinite wisdom and considerations, you know already. Do you want me to admit it myself? To present my faults to your divine self...?' The idea of the Supreme One not knowing every minute detail did not even cross her mind.

"... Blood Frenzy increases my offensive power the more I am covered in blood... But so too does my mind begin to slip, making me far more unstable and aggressive. ...I am not confident in my ability to bring any Martial Artists back alive should that occur." Ainz stared at the Guardian with wide eyes and an apprehensive expression, which made the vampire flinch.

'Did I say something wrong?' The true vampire wondered to herself.

"I-I see." The fallen angel stuttered, appearing noticeably shaken up to the others in the room. Albedo looked on worriedly but didn't interrupt in order to speak, not since she got scolded the last time.

"That is indeed a problem." He noted. Shalltear nodded, once again looking at the floor in shame. Things got awkwardly quiet again as the Supreme Being's mind raced at 900 miles per minute trying to find a quick-fix for the situation. He didn't find one.

"It is a problem. It is a weakness." Ainz mused. So too did Shalltear nod in silence, feeling a great deal of self-disgust. "Do you recognize your... Er... Beserker tendencies as a drawback, Shalltear?"

"I do." She replied, not quite able to meet his eyes to the chagrin of Albedo.

"...And you understand how you were still chosen for this job despite that?" The fallen angel did his best to play off the fact that he had no idea of the drawbacks of Blood Frenzy until the Guardian had told him.

"Yes."

"So you understand that I've made this decision, placing full faith in you despite your shortcomings?" The Supreme Being's question surprised Shalltear. Even if it didn't help fully set aside her apprehension, it warmed her non-beating heart to hear that her master believed in her. Enough so to put her at ease, at least a little bit.

"Um... Yes, my lord."

"Do you trust my judgement?"

"Of course, Momonga-sama!" The answer was more ferocious, and one could easily hear that Shalltear was appalled at even the possibility otherwise.

"... Then since I believe in you, and you believe in me, it would mean that you should be able to believe in yourself, no?" The Guardian Overseer seemed to agree with that statement.

"Well..."

"Yeah, as if-! Haha~!" Ainz's tone had very suddenly switched from serious to playful at the drop of a hat, laughing mirthfully. A sudden change that made the other two look on in stunned silence. "Do you have any idea how many times I've been told 'believe in yourself' for the duration of my lifetime?"

'Momonga-sama didn't have self-confidence at some point...?'

"E-eh...? No, I don't think-"

"Wa~aaay too many times." The Supreme Being cut off Shalltear's answer with a sprightly grin plastered on his cheery face. "A lot of them by other Supreme Beings, actually. Though I suppose the real question should be; How many times has it actually worked?"

"Seldom, if ever." He chuckled. "I suppose that is your flaw, Albedo. Regarding matters of the heart like this, one could not possibly cultivate self-confidence and good faith by demanding it. ...Or hope to apply reason and logic to such a wholly irrational subject."

The Guardian Overseer seemed as if she was readying up another apology, which Ainz immediately took note of.

"Hup-!" He raised a hand, silencing her. "You have an enchanting voice, don't waste it by constantly going on long-winded apology-sessions." Albedo felt a mix of conflicting emotions, terrified of failing her master yet blushing fiercely at his compliment.

"Shalltear."

"Yes!" She snapped out of her reverie upon hearing her name. The vampire had been in a silent state of shock at how her master had so suddenly and effortlessly changed the course of the conversation. The Supreme Being stood up, revealing his full imposing form before moving around the desk to stand face to face with the baffled Floor Guardian.

The two of them looked at each other in a brief moment of silence.

"...It's not about perfection- not about what virtues you do or do not have." He looked the vampire in the eyes, and despite her fear of failing her perfect master, she couldn't bring herself to look away. His bright blue irises were now unchanging with soft wisps of intermingling gold having worked their way in.

"You weren't born perfect, and neither was I. Not one of us in this room nor the entire Tomb could claim that. I feel as if it would be dreadfully boring if we were." Shalltear was about to protest- to say that the Supreme One was faultless- but she was silenced by him carefully grabbing her hands. It was a subtle warmth- divine energies that by all rights should have harmed her undead form- yet it brought her nothing but comfort.

She flushed almost immediately in spite of her vampiric nature. The all too familiar feeling of infatuation working its way back into her mind, filling her with tingly sensations that could only be described as pleasant. ...The same could not be said about the volatile energy that came rolling out of Albedo in heavy waves.

'Are you lowering yourself to my level again?'

He shot her another smirk. "It is not a sin to be flawed... Or to fail. But one can take great pride in overcoming ones own faults. That is why I have entrusted this mission to you, Shalltear. For you to grow, and to better take to your duties." To excuse failure would be appalling if done by anybody else, but the one who did it in this case was the leader whose words were the law.

"I... Yes. I understand, Momonga-sama." It was strange for her- the most powerful out of the Floor Guardians- to feel so feeble and unsteady at that moment.

"Your creator, Peroroncino, made his choice. It wasn't a spur of the moment decision or a malevolent act intended to cripple your ability and self-worth. Him imbuing you with Blood Frenzy was a calculated move, and one that I approve of."

"... My lord..." She whispered, taken aback by his reassuring monologue. For the Supreme One to claim that it was okay for her- a loyal servant- to not succeed...? Just to soothe her? And his speech about her creator, Peroroncino...

...The subtext was obvious.

She was not a failure. Not to the leader of Nazarick and the Supreme Beings. A fear the true vampire didn't know she harbored had been put at ease, and it felt as if a weight had been lifted off her chest. It wasn't even the Supreme Being's intention to quell said fear, but she didn't need to know that.

"Hm~? Not fully convinced yet? I'd imagine not. Such self-assurance comes with experience, not just promises and words of encouragement. So I want you to promise to me- promise that you will do your utmost to overcome your limitations." With the Supreme Being's earnest trust in her, Shalltear felt motivation. Motivation easily eclipsing what she had felt when competing with Aura.

"Yes... Yes! Thank you, Momonga-sama!" She blurted out with more vigor than before. The Supreme Being shot her what could now be considered a trademarked smile. ...Though this one was laden with a mischievous lightheartedness that she wasn't sure was present before.

"...If that's the case, then I shall entrust this to you." Ainz carefully closed her hand around something before letting go.

"Eh?" Uncoiling her dainty fingers, she saw a single ring sitting in the palm of her hand. An extravagant band forged of the finest gold and adorned with a dazzling red gem with the insignia of their exalted guild emblazoned within. A [Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown].

Shalltear's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates upon seeing it, her red orbs flitting between the ornate accessory and the person who had given it to her.

"I give it not only to a Guardian... But to someone who has yet to let me down." The fallen angel now spoke calmly, all traces of his former cheery mania having dissipated like an early morning mist. "Wear it with pride."

The vampiric Guardian still trembled slightly, slowly putting on the ring with a bewildered expression. Only when the ring was safely wrapped around a finger did the immensity of the situation dawn on her. Shalltear's face went through different iterations of shock and euphoria before erupting in cheers.

"YES-! YES! YES!" The Guardian went on to hum a cheerful tune, almost wiggling in place while she cradled her ring-adorned hand. Ainz himself looked amused, feeling an odd satisfaction in having the dignified true vampire acting like a kid on Christmas. His enjoyment was interrupted by Shalltear suddenly pouncing him and hugging tightly.

"Whoa-!" It was quite odd, with the Guardian holding on to dear life as if he would disappear into thin air if she let go. Upon hearing the very audible grinding of teeth the Supreme Being gestured towards the succubus not to pry off Shalltear in the most violent way possible.

"Shameless...! Show some restraint." The demoness snarled, making no move to intercept at the behest of her master.

Once again Shalltear had her arms wrapped around the fallen angel's neck, not unlike the first day in the Tomb when she had attempted to seduce him. This time, however, it was legitimate excitement and yearning that kept her glued to his angelic body. But the Supreme Being made no attempt to stop her, which only served to fuel Albedo's flames (raging inferno) of jealousy.

Ainz laughed again and patted her petite back a couple of times. Neither of them said anything for a while, but this silence was far more comfortable. ...With the exception of a certain succubus physically seething in the corner of the room. Only when the vampire had calmed down did she let go, wiping her eyes as she did.

"Feeling a little better?" The overlord sat down on top of his desk with crossed arms, looking casual. It was as if he didn't just make her day, month, year or life with that little stunt.

"Yes, my lord!" She spoke with a wide smile, looking between the ring and her beloved master. Sure enough, she wasn't the first to receive a ring- that honor went to Mare and that gorilla Albedo. But to get one before Demiurge...? And with such a declaration of faith from her lord? It was nothing short of perfect in her book.

Shalltear looked towards her rival again, seeing the perfect beauty that was the Guardian Overseer. The succubus wore an icy facade, but to Shalltear her fury was obvious, to push her buttons would be a simple matter. Not that the vampire had any intention of instigating another feud. Not now. But she did make her rival a silent promise.

'I'm not giving up our perfect master. ...I'll fight you for Momonga-sama.'

Ainz interrupted the Floor Guardian's train of thought. "Well... If that's the case, then you can use the ring to teleport to the Cherry Blossom Sanctuary on the 8th Floor. Normally I'd send... Uh... Him to give you a World Item. Though I believe that [Silent Laments of Vermilion Kin], held by Aureole Omega, is a better fit for you than any item in the treasury. You are free to enter the floor and fetch it."

The Supreme Being grimaced thinking about Shalltear's fascinations of umbrellas, seeing how the World-Class Item in question was a ridiculously fancy red sunshade.

"...As you command, my lord." She courtesyed deeply, feeling even more eager to please. Beating Aura in the competition was now a tertiary objective that seemed unimportant. Shalltear had come her to annoy her rival and bid her master farewell, but had gotten a lot more than that. "I will do good by your will!"

"I'd imagine so. Please take care during your journey, and do try to get along with Sebas and Yuri."

"Of course, Momonga-sama! Farewell!"

The Supreme Being gave his vampiric servant a wave before she invoked the ring and disappeared.


*Mare and I (or Mare and me). Kept it cause it seemed plausible for Aura to make that mistake (kinda like how I did before noticing the error).

A/N (Again))

God, I just love long, stupid names for World Items. Well. Not necessarily stupid. [Downfall of Castle and Country], [Depiction of Nature and Society] and [Four Elements Overcoming]... All excellent names. [Silent Laments of Vermilion Kin] being my own made attempt at this. Sure, [Atlas] and [Longinus] are all well and good, but damn.

Trust me. One of these days I'm naming a World Item after a bunch of random sounds like that one part of the song "Lift Yourself" by Kanye.

"You fool, Ainz Ooal Gown! You stand no chance against my God Item! ONE OF THE TWENTY: [Poopy-di Scoop Scoop-diddy-whoop Whoop-di-scoop-di-poop Poop-di-scoopty Scoopty-whoop Whoopity-scoop Whoop-poop Poop-diddy Whoop-scoop Poop Poop Scoop-diddy-whoop Whoop-diddy-scoop Whoop-diddy-scoop Poop]! NOW DIE-!"

It'll never be topped.

On a more serious note, sorry that this became a rather redundant filler-chapter. But consider this the alternative to writer's block. I just start typing up a storm of fluff instead.