CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Rewards
Momonga stood with Demiurge. They were inspecting the body of the slain Dragon Lord's weapon. When they had inspected the body, something on his body caught Momonga's attention. There was a blade of incredible power attached to it's back. As soon as Momonga removed the blade he understood what it was. He just stood in silence with the weapon in his hand.
"My Lord... what is the matter?" Demiurge asked in a slight concern.
"This weapon... this is a Guild Weapon Demiurge... much like The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown." Demiurge's gemstone eyes went wide.
"Then..." Demiurge remarked. This meant something... they were not alone.
"We are not alone, I was afraid there may be another player... but this means an entire guild, much like Nazarick is also here," Momonga said grasping the weapon... while this weapon was powerful, if anyone wanted it back, they would be attacking soon to get it back. The door to the throne room opened and a birdman walked it.
"Ah, you're up... how are you?" Momonga asked. Jin just shrugged and looked at the weapon in Momongas hands.
"What's that?"
"We took this from that Dragon Lord that attacked you. Jin... this is a guild weapon..." Jin went silent with shock.
"So that Dragon was a member of another Player Guild?" Jin asked worried, this was their biggest fear... another player guild showing up to rival them in power.
"Seems that way... luckily it seems they think you were acting alone as the story we've spread of "Airxeen killed the Dragon Lord but was then killed by Momon i 1, then a passing magical caster who is known for selling his services came in and killed the Demihumans.
"Oh? Did you kill all the Demihumans as Momonga? What spell did you use?" Jin asked thinking there were only a few"
"I was able to summon seven Dark Young!" Jin's eyes went wide... he knew the spell, all players did... yet only two were thought to be achievable!
"By the way, put these on," Momonga said pulling out two gauntlets. It was the world item Avarice and Generosity, Mare was supposed to have these.
"I was wearing these when I killed over 200,000 Demihumans... it was able to store that experience... although I only got a single experience point for each still..." Jin put the gauntlets on and absorbed the experience from it into his body. He could feel himself growing a bit stronger.
"Ah! I leveled up! I can feel it!" Jin exclaimed as he gave the gauntlet back. Momonga seemed pleased.
"Good, then we know players can level up... this was a good experiment," Momonga said and Demiurge smiled. Jin smiled at the small increase in power.
"So... sounds like you managed to salvage my screw up," Jin said, shaking his head.
"Well... perhaps, yet it was your "screw up" that revealed to us this weapon and a hidden enemy guild. Also, we still managed to gain the support of The Holy Kingdom... really all things considered it turned out very well." Jin laughed, why did it seem like everything Suzuki did would work itself out? No one is that lucky...
"So what about the Capital?" Jin asked noticing his pink stone world item was gone.
"We broke it and returned the capital to where it once was, it seems people realized they were prisoners only after we ended the spell... the credit was given to the Adventurer team Ainz Ooal Gown.
"However 'Hearts Content' has not appeared in Nazarick... it's either gone forever or waiting to get discovered in this world. Jin clicked his tongue, he'd really hoped it would just get returned to the treasury.
"Hmm..." Jin muttered not really thinking oh what to say. he could feel the looks of Momonga and Demiurge on him. He'd used and lost "one of the 20". This could really come back to bite them.
"I could give you a speech about using it without asking me first... but I assume you understand the situation?" Momonga asked Jin.
"Yeah... I know. I don't suppose we have any idea where it is?" Momomnga and Demiurge shook their heads.
"Even if it did cost us one of the 20... at least it worked. The kingdom of Re-Esztize recognized they were defeated without even knowing it and crediting Ainz Ooal Gown as it's sole liberator... we are more than just hero's to that nation now, we are it's literal saviors... so take some condolence in that at least Jin." Momomga said patting jin on his shoulder. Again Jin just shrugged.
"By the way... I heard Shalltear is M.I.A.? Do either of you know where I can find her?" Demiurge ignored the question. Momknga shook his head.
"Sorry no, we've been dealing with the next stage of the um.. plan to search Nazarick for your NPC." Jin understood what Momonga meant by that... "you made her, you should know".
"Then I can assume I don't have a huge role to play in this next stage? I can go look for her?"
"Indeed, all of our roles are minimal, until things get rolling... go look for Shalltear until that time, but please come back here as soon as you find her, I am asking everyone here in awhile," Momomga said turning his attention back to the sword he held. Jin was happy to hear she was at least still in Nazarick.
"Sure, I think I know where she is. If there isn't anything else?." Jin asked looking at Suzuki who shook his head and motioned he could leave.
"Okay, see you in a bit," Jin said excusing himself and leaving.
"You think it will be okay?" Momonga asked Demiurge.
"I believe it will be fine... by the way, my time spent in the Draconic Kingdoms were put to good use."
"Oh? I heard they were facing a Beastman problem."
"That is the case. But with my Demon Generals helping the various tribes, they will overrun the defenses much sooner than they would have by just their own."
"But the Queen still has yet to ask for assistance?" Momonga found this odd, especially since that nation was known to rent out the services of The Slane Theocracy Sunlight Scripture every year.
"If nothing else, Lord Peroroncino's role in The Holy Kingdom allowed me to forward the time table of that Nation... I believe by the time we make our announcement... they will either be our allies... or i will control their lands with my beastmen, either way..." Demiurge said smiling that the eastern campaign was going smoothly and much sooner than anticipated. But that was to be expected as the beastmen made good headway on their own.
"Actually, I heard rumors that she may be asking help from this "wandering caster who sells his services" it would seem your actions have been noticed... should I go to prepare..." Demiurge began. Momonga rose his hand.
"I have ordered all the floor guardians and maids to gather... I wish to acknowledge their recent efforts for Nazarick and reward them, i would like you to be present for this Demiurge." Demiurges smiled and bowed. Soon as he had said the floor guardians and the combat maids all made their way into the throne room. Also in attendance were the frost dragons.
Momonga's three wives lined up to his side starting with Albedo, Yuri then Narberal. In front of him were the floor guardians, minus Shalltear. Demiurges demon lords were in the Draconic kingdoms do his bidding so they were not here. Albedo noticed Shalltear's absence and flared with anger.
"Shalltear had deliberately ignored your summons My Lord... this is unacceptable!" Albedo growled.
"It is okay..." Just as he was saying that Pero came into the throne room with Shalltear and Clementine in tow. Jin gave a slight wave and Shalltear bowed, but the look on her face was sorrow and sadness, not a look she usually would sport.
"There... now everyone is present, we can begin!" He whispered to Albedo who smiled and stepped back into her place.
"Thank you all for gathering... I wish to acknowledge the effort of you and reward you accordingly..." Momonga explained to his family why he'd asked them to gather.
"First, Sebas and Solution... please step forward," Momonga said, the maid and Butler did as asked.
"Your information gathering proved invaluable, as well as serving as "bait"... your long term mission deserves adequate compensation, as such I will award either of you anything you want." He simply stated.
"Seabs..."
"Yes My Lord?" Sebas bowed but looked up at Momonga.
"While I have already granted you the life and a place for Tuare, that was in recognition that she was important to you, not a proper reward, so I ask, what would you like as such?" Momonga said while nodding.
"I only wish to further devote myself to..." Sebas began with a typical answer but Momonga made it very evident that this was not the answer he was looking for.
"Sebas... to refuse a reward from your King could be seen as disrespectful... insulting even... so I will ask you once more... what do you want as a reward?" Momonga's voice was strict, but mostly so no other NPCs would waste time with such a boring answer.
"I apologize My Lord..." the look of regret was clear on his face, in an attempt to be humble he ignored a wish of his Lord... he would punish himself for this action personally later.
"Then I request clothing and food for..." Sebas began but Momonga stopped him once again.
"These are things already freely given to her as your future wife, I can hardly consider this a reward," Momonga said sounding slightly disappointed.
"I see, sorry for being so small minded My Lord... then the only other thing I could possibly ask for help in finding Tuare's sister, the two were parted for some time... and it's very important to her." Sebas said bowing again.
"I see... and what is the name of this sister?"
"She said her name was Ninya Veyron so I..."
"Ninya? What?" Peroroncino suddenly spoke up, Sebas turned to face Pero.
"Yes Lord Peroroncino... do you know her?" Peroroncino seemed shocked.
"Yeah, our first time as adventurers, we met her..." Peroroncino was beginning
"The caster boy... er, girl from the blade of darkness?" Momonga asked surprised that they had already been in contact with her.
"Yeah, that was her... damnit!" Jin cursed, he's let her just walk away... but she blamed him for the death of her friends... reuniting her with her sister might make her feel better about losing her friends. Shalltear seemed curious as to who this 'Ninya' was but said nothing.
"Then I have a request... Jin, how would you like to head the search team for Ninya?" Momonga asked.
"Yes! I would like that very much! Thanks, Suzuki" Jin almost dropped to his knees like an NPC, but did still bow, this would be a good task for him, they both felt it.
"Very well, I have appointed pero to find ninya, does this sit well with you Sebas? Also, I remember you reporting that you took captive one of the six arms, a female by the name of Edström I believe... what plans did you have for her exactly? " Momonga asked. Sebas bowed and said it was.
"I merely thought that maybe Lord Pero might like her as she is... attractive, if nothing else we can use her to gain more information that the Eight Fingers might not know about, given their bad history of working against one another..."
"I see! Very well done Sebas. then yes, we have her questions and then handed over to Peroroncino as you requested." Sebas bowed again.
"Then next is Solution..." Momonga said looking to the bowing maid.
"Yes Lord Momonga... if I may have whatever I wish... while innocent humans would be a good reward... I see my sisters standing behind you as wives... and I am jealous." Solution said calmly.
"Oh? Are you requesting to be a wife of mine?" Momonga asked but Solution shook her head.
"I would like to be considered to be used by... both supreme beings for physical pleasure... at the same time... if that is possible. Momonga didn't seem to understand what she was getting at. Jin sent Suzuki a [MESSAGE].
"She's saying she wants you and me to bang her at the same time! Please say yes to this!"
"Uh, Jin... isn't that a little weird?" Suzuki asked back in his head.
"I'm fine with it... but are you really going to deny Solution her request?" Jin was laughing at this so hard, Suzuki secretly wondered if Jin had put Solution up to this. Momonga looked at his wives, none of them seemed to take any issue with this, although Narberal looked like she may be a little jealous? He'd hoped he could use their objection as an excuse to say no, but they did not give him that easy out.
"I...we... will take it under consideration..." was all he could say, he was glad he was in his Overlord body so he could think with the right head on this... for now. That seemed good enough for her and as she bowed and took a knee again.
"Mare and Aura, step forward." Both twins did as asked.
"In recognition of Mare's successful collection of the Eight Fingers, as well as both their roles in the Holy Kingdom... I would like to hear the request from each of you. Aura was the first to speak up.
"Anything you wish to give us would be the best Lord Momonga!"
"I..Indeed... um, anything you, uh wish to give... would be f, fine by me!"
"A surprise huh? Sure I think I might have an idea what I could do for you two..." Aura and MAre looked at one another in excitement... this was even better! An unknown present was always a blast for children Suzuki remembered when his mother used to bring him a present on his birthday... his emotions regulated themselves almost immediately as his mood plummeted at the thought of his human mother.
"Very well, I will give you both your surprise later, a good job once again you two!" they laughed and giggled then took their place back in line.
"Pandora's Actor... step forth." Momonga said. Pandora's Actor clicked his heels and goose-stepped to the front of the room and knelt before Momonga.
"Yes, Mein Führer!" He gave a salute and bow. Momonga covered his face in slight shame.
"Um, as a reward for your role in the taking of The Capital I would like to know what you wish?" Momonga asked almost regretting this already. Pandora's Actor just thought for a moment.
"I ask for permission to date CZ2128 Delta." He said. Everyone looked surprised at him then at Shizu, she just nodded that she also wanted this.
"Date huh? That's unexpected, but... I see no problem with this..." He looked again as Shizu who just stood there, he nodded that they had his blessing, even if he didn't really understand it.
"Lastly... Lupusregina, you have played your role of 'Lupu' by our side, what would you like as a reward?" Lupusregina took her place before her Lord.
"I wish an increase in power My Lord..." She simply said. Momonga actually hadn't been expecting this answer from her.
"An increase in power, that is very vague..."
"Simply put My Lord, I wish to be able to inflict pain on someone level 100." Momonga nodded, this was a very responsible request, clearly, she was concerned about having to battle a level 100 player given the recent events.
"Very well Lupusregina, I will have some high tiered gear made for you so you can increase your damage but I'm afraid we can't make that gap in gear alone, so i will allow you receive your sisters buff whenever you see the need, I assume that should fit your needs? She shot a glance at Jin real quick with a sadistic smile. Jin realized why she really wanted that gear and gulped in worry.
"Shalltear..." Momonga said looking at her, she was not expecting to get called and kind of jumped at her name.
"Y... yes Lord Momonga?" she asked in an almost depressed tone.
"You managed to save the life of Peroroncino and kill a powerful unknown enemy, allowing us to get out hands on this." Momonga showed everyone the guild weapon that the Dragon Lord had equipped onto his back.
"I am pleased with this beyond belief, so I also wish to reward you..."
"I do not deserve a reward, My Lord. I have not once but twice taken my weapon up against My Lord... I have failed as a floor guardian and woman to the man I love." she stated simply. Pero cocked his head at her. Love?
"I see... then allow my reward to be that I forgive your blood frenzy mistake, as you did no real harm to anyone, this time." he decided to be a bit strict as she was probably wanting that, it appeared he was correct.
"Um... it's okay Shalltear..." Mare said unexpectedly. She smiled at the child and nodded then bowed to Momonga." Thank you, My Lord, that makes me feel better... also thank you, Mare." Aura and Jin both shared worried looks but said nothing more, Mare was probably just being nice like always.
"Very well, that is all for now. I implore you all to work your hardest for the glory of Nazarick!" Momonga said wrapping up the meeting.
"Yes My Lord!" Everyone but Peroroncino said, who just nodded that he would. The numbers of Nazarick all left one after another leaving. Peroroncino, Shalltear, and Clementine were that last to leave but they followed him out last. Only Momonga and his wives were left in the throne room.
"Was that good?" he asked to Albedo who just smiled.
"Nothing you could do would ever fall under less, My lord." She said.
They still won't stop calling me Lord... oh well. he thought to himself.
"Albedo... about that ax I caught..."
"Oh? I am sorry My Lord but I was practicing my spinning and the ax slipped from my hand, thank you for catching it for me," She said looking with a smile.
"Uh-huh... just um... be sure to be more careful in the future..." She bowed with a smile.