A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting my weekly update: I still don't own anything of the Overlord Franchise. This is an original, parodic work.

On unrelated news: happy release of Light Novel 15!
_

Ainz sat in his office chair, anxiety filling his gut.

It had been barely twenty-four hours since meeting with the NPC's and selfishly banning Albedo from his presence, and he'd spent every minute since then preparing for- and dreading- the upcoming conversation. He'd expected three days of peace, but he'd already received a message from Entoma that Albedo's revised plan was ready for his review.

It had come as a surprise to Ainz that Sebas of all people was the one delivering plan. Ainz had expected Albedo, or Demiurge in Albedo's absence. He hadn't managed to get anything from Entoma as to why Albedo was using the monk specifically as her intermediary.

He had, however, learned why she used an intermediary.

Apparently Albedo considered her shame so supreme that she daren't even message or enter his presence until the plan met his approval.

It had taken no fewer than four reassurances for Ainz to convince Entoma that Albedo should join Sebas in presenting the plan. By the pauses between responses, it was clear Entoma was relaying his words to Albedo and responding in turn.

Now they were both on their way, and Ainz's non-existent gut couldn't handle the wait.

[At least it isn't Demiurge.]

There was a knock at the door, and the homunculus maid for the day – Lenora- announced the arrival of Sebas and Albedo. Ainz waved them in.

The two knelt before his desk, a thick manila folder tucked under Sebas' arm.

"My Lord," Sebas greeted. "We have come bearing a revised strategy for the subjugation of the Kingdom for your review."

Ainz gave an approving nod and hum, reaching forward for the document.

Sebas straightened to present it to him, but Albedo remained kneeling, refusing to look up at him.

[Albedo, stop treating this like a sentencing!]

Fortunately, Ainz had come up with a plan for this that he hoped would release the tension.

He did not open the folder, rather simply setting it on his desk as he stepped around to stand over Albedo.

While Ainz was reflecting – more like beating himself up – over yesterday's conversation with the Guardians, he'd realized another challenge he needed to address sooner rather than later.

[I'll have to do this again with Demiurge, and the rest of the guardians, but I can at least start here. Consider it practice.]

His problem was that the Guardian's deemed him all-knowing, all-planning. It put him on the defensive, maintaining a façade he knew would fall apart eventually. He needed to mitigate the pressure.

"Albedo," he kept his voice neutral. "Do you believe I already possess knowledge of the contents of this folder?"

That seemed to catch her by surprise, as she took a few heartbeats to respond. "I am afraid I don't know what you mean, my Lord."

"I mean nothing more than I'm saying," Ainz delivered smoothly. "Do you think I know your plan?"

Ainz saw her wings shiver, her mind racing as she likely tried to complete some kind of logical leap that'd both flatter him and anticipate his desired answer.

"You are conflicted," Ainz couldn't handle the silence. "I will give you the answer."

"I have no idea what your plan is."

Albedo's head whipped up in shock, her eyes wide.

Ainz heard a gasp from the Homunculus maid by the door.

AInz chuckled lowly- knowing laugh number 4 – and turned to walk back behind his desk. He gestured to the two chairs across from him. "Sit, you two. We have much to discuss."

As Ainz settling into his seat, Albedo rose uneasily and she and Sebas seated themselves.

"The first thing I must address," Ainz made a point of relaxing in his chair, hoping to adopt a more conversational tone. "Is the misunderstanding that I believe comes from the word 'plan.'"

Ainz turned to Sebas. "Sebas, let us imagine I tasked each of the Pleiades with the same mission, but instructed them to go about it separately. If you asked each of them for their plan before they began, how many do you think would be able to give you a detailed list of steps stretching from beginning to end?

Sebas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "An interesting question, my lord. Perhaps Yuri has the temperament to produce such a plan in advance, while Solution and Narberal might produce something similar but less detailed. I think Entoma, Shizu, and Lupusregina would be more likely to produce only a cursory agenda at best before diving headfirst into their assignment."

Ainz nodded in agreement, though personally he thought Sebas was being generous with his estimation of Narberal.

"And how many of them – if asked- would say that they had a plan?"

The notion seemed to amuse Sebas, who likely was anticipating where this might lead.

"I suspect all of them would believe themselves to have a sufficient plan," he hesitated. "Though as mentioned, only some of them would meet the conventional criteria for one."

"Very good," Ainz praised. "I've observed a similar phenomenon with the Guardians," Ainz tapped the folder pointedly. "Albedo and Demiurge consider only the most thoroughly researched and itemized agenda as a sufficient plan. You and Cocytus would be in the next level of detail, followed perhaps by Mare and Aura. Shalltear has seen some change over time, I believe her to be far less impulsive since her ordeal."

Ainz checked on Albedo's disposition again, finding her expression unreadable. She was clearly listening and absorbing, but what was she inferring?

"So now I have a question for you both," Ainz straightened up a bit- resting his bony spine on the chair wasn't as comfortable as it looked.

"How do you think my comrades and I put together a plan?"

If possible, both of the guardian's straightened up even further.

Suzuki Satoru rolled his eyes. [Relax, you two! Not everything is a test!]

Surprisingly, Albedo found her reserve enough to answer first.

"I don't believe any of us have considered such a question," she offered. "To do so would be to compare ourselves to the Supreme Ones, which is blasphemy. We're certainly incapable of understanding the methods such beings would use to gaze far into the future."

Ainz paused for effect, turning to face her.

"What makes you think we all did so?"

Albedo skin paled, her lips parting in surprise- or was it fear?

Ainz rushed to explain himself before she rushed to some conclusion about her making a mistake.

"Lord Tabula was perhaps the most fastidious of us," Ainz nodded in agreement. "He would prepare meticulously for events and conquests, researching everything and bringing his knowledge to the rest. His plans had the most detailed steps and information. Ulbert and Touch-me were much the same, but instead of researching our opponents, they tended to prefer researching ways to improve themselves- either in tactics or equipment. Their plans were less specific, but incredibly comprehensive in their preparations."

Sebas and Albedo glanced at each other, unsure what to do with such information.

"The Supreme Ones still submitted to your absolute wisdom, surely," Sebas offered, searching for clarity. "As the one who's plans span millennia, surely-"

Ainz raized a bony hand to cut him off.

"My plans do surely extend so far-" he bluffed. "But until now, I've not revealed the shape those plans take."

He placed the skeletal fingers on the binder between them.

"My plans are not so detailed and precise as this, for example," he admitted honestly. "They never have been, not even when guiding my comrades."

He heard Albedo's intake of breath, and knew he was gambling. He rushed to fill in the gaps with his cover story.

"To plan for such long distances, one must account for uncertainty," Ainz hedged. "There is always the unknown, even in the most well-worn of paths. The farther out the plan, the more room one must leave for adjusting when the unforeseeable occurs. A good plan is fluid enough to adjust to changing circumstances, and robust enough to handle the unexpected."

Ainz steepled his fingers, leaning on the desk.

"The truth is, my plans begin as little more than a list of objectives, and the preparations necessary to accomplish them. Then I account for the risks and uncertainties, build in counter-measures and precautions, plan escape routes in the event of emergencies, gather resources and test everything with a practice run."

Ainz shook himself from his reverie, checking in again on his audience.

Sebas seemed to be accepting this monologue well- it likely aligned well with his meticulous nature. Albedo on the other hand-

"I'm sorry, my lord," Albedo bowed her head again. "I neglected to plan a test-run. If you'll grant me another opportunity, I will begin revising the plan immediately-"

Ainz clamped his hand down on the folder with a thud.

"My point in this conversation is not to chastise you," his voice was rushed, and he coughed lightly to clear his throat. It didn't actually do anything, but it felt like it helped.

"Albedo, the purpose of this conversation is to point out that everyone has a different method of accomplishing the same task. While I've arrived at a process that makes best use of my abilities and experience, your strengths are your own and your process will look different than mine. Or Demiurges. Or Sebas', or anyone else's."

Ainz relaxed his pressure on the folder and returned to his staple 'seated ruler #1' posture.

"When I led my comrades, I found the most effective plans were the ones which employed everyone's various skills and perspectives. Punitto Moe was often fond of a phrase… 'there is wisdom in the abundance of counselors.' Did you produce this plan on your own, Albedo, or did you draw from the knowledge and wisdom of others?"

Albedo's confidence returned, though she still kept her head bowed.

"I enlisted Demiurge and Sebas in the preparing of this plan, as well as our confidante in the Kingdom. Pandora's Actor and a few useful pawns in the Kingdom have also reviewed and confirmed the resources needed are available and can be put into motion immediately."

[So many?! Then say something next time! Why did I just babble so long about something you were already doing?]

"Very good, Albedo," Ainz praised as he composed himself. "And did any of them raise objections?"

A brief pause.

"There was one," Albedo confessed.

"Umu," Ainz considered. Albedo was the type to smack down anyone who raised objections… that could cause problems later. "And did you listen to and address their concerns?"

There was a moment of silence.

"I see," Ainz considered. [Yeah, I figured. Still, with so many people involved, it should be fine, right? Only one person objecting? Still, better safe than sorry.]

"Albedo," Ainz softened his voice. "Objections are not inherently a sign of disloyalty or foolishness. Individuals may possess a piece of knowledge or intuition that we do not, and we should at least acknowledge and address their concerns before dismissing them. If issues arise because we failed to heed a warning, it is the same as our causing the problem in the first place. There were many times when my comrades would raise concerns or propose alternatives that improved on my plans and the fortunes of Ainz Ooal Gown."

Ainz had exhausted his pre-planned conversation points, and needed to wrap things up before he started having to improvise.

Fortunately, he'd planned that, too.

"I have faith in you, Albedo. Your plans are well-researched and meticulous, and I trust that you'll see this through to completion. I need not review- or even know- the contents of this binder, merely that you saw fit to submit it to me. It represents the culmination of your abilities and hard work, and in that I have the highest of confidence. Your plan is approved, go and bring glory to Ainz Ooal Gown."

Ainz pushed the folder forward, not even bothering to open the cover.

"Now, gather the Guardians. I would like to hear you brief them all on what you have planned for the Kingdom."