Forty flags rustled under a phantom wind as six figures knelt before a black throne.

"Rise."

A woman who could only be described as a world-class beauty rose gracefully.

"Plans for the Re-Estize Kingdom are proceeding smoothly, Ainz-sama."

"Is that so." Ainz did not know what these plans entailed, but he nodded in what he hoped was a dignified manner anyway.

"Yes. I will be leaving in a few days' time to implement the final stages. The show of force we gave had been more than enough to destabilize their foundations."

"I-it truly was an amazing battle!"

"Right? Ainz-sama even broke a new world record!"

"As expected of Ainz-sama, to be able to crush their wills so thoroughly!"

"A. Battle. Won. With. A. Single. Spell. Incredible."

"It is Ainz-sama, after all. Oh, how I wish I had been by his side~"

A moment of silence. "You bitch!" Albedo's hands were fisted by her side, the gentle composure from before was gone.

"Oh? Does the wide−mouth gorilla have something to say? To be−"

There was a blast of cold air as Cocytus struck the ground with the base of his halberd. "We. Are. In. The. Presence. Of. Ainz-sama."

"My apologies, Ainz-sama!" A pair of voices rang out in unison.

"U-umu. Back to the topic at hand then. Demiurge. How are negotiations with the Empire going?"

"Like the Re-Estize Kingdom, it seems that the Empire is under a similar state of shock. I believe they can be subjugated within three months' time at best."

That's fast! "I-I see. Then, explain the plan to everyone so that they can easily understand."

"What are you saying, Ainz-sama? How could you possibly allow my words to undermine your brilliant plan?"

My plan? This was all your plan! I don't even know why we're taking over the world!

"I-is that so." Ainz swept his eyes across the room. The guardians were watching him with shining, expectant eyes. "Albedo."

"Yes! I too wish to understand Ainz-sama's impeccable thoughts!"

E-eh? The light in his eyes dimmed. Ainz wanted to cry. Why are you all against me? "Ah…" Ainz stood up from the throne, moving with slow, languid steps as he approached Demiurge. Think! Think! Think!

"Demiurge."

"Yes!"

"As the Guardian of the Seventh Floor and Nazarick's defensive leader, your intelligence has always been unparalleled."

"Ainz-sama−"

"Demiurge. Do not try to deny it." Ainz resisted the urge to apologize as he continued. "Strategy is the foundation of all battles. Without strategy, a battle becomes nothing more than an uphill struggle, though I'm sure you already understand that."

"Of course, Ainz-sama."

"However, its effectiveness is still dependent on several factors. For example, the consistency of the environment. The abilities of the enemy. Even blind luck can completely upturn a well-thought plan. That is why, Demiurge, I ask for your insights."

"But Ainz-sama, the pedestal you stand on is so high that these inconsequential factors cannot possibly affect you!"

His stomach ached as he forced out a laugh. Why the hell does he think so much of me? "Is that so. Still, infallible as they may seem to be, that does not negate the fact that it was also you who have contributed greatly to moving everything into place."

"Ainz-sama…"

Ainz held up a hand to stop his interjection. "I cannot attend to every matter there is. That is why I rely on you. From sourcing Nazarick with a supply of magical scrolls…to the flawless overtaking of the Re-Estize Kingdom's underground network…to your work in bringing in the Baharuth Empire…Demiurge, I am sure Ulbert-san would've been proud to have you as a Guardian."

Ainz placed the skeletal hand on Demiurge's shoulders. "In fact, you have already surpassed me in many ways as well."

There was a long silence. Ainz could not help but feel that Demiurge's jeweled eyes had somehow managed to shine even brighter. He hoped that was a good sign but still…why is he looking at me like that? And why does it feel like someone's about to attack?

"Demiurge. I believe you mentioned a meeting with the Empire's filth." An unnaturally cold voice cut through the silence.

"Albedo." Demiurge turned to appraise her. "I see. Ah, Ainz-sama, forgive me for not mentioning this sooner, it appears that the humans wish to meet with Mare."

"M-me?"

"Mare? Well if he's going then I am too!"

"Actually, Aura, it was specifically requested that you stay behind. Something about finding you unsettling, I believe?"

"What? I'll show him unsettling! Mare!"

"O-onee-chan…"

"Normally I would never agree with mere humans, but I rather like this one. Perhaps Ainz-sama could give him to me as a pet?"

"Shalltear you−"

"Enough."

At those words, the Guardians immediately snapped to attention. "Our apologies, Ainz-sama!"

"Demiurge. What exactly will the meeting entail?"

"Ah, something about being so thoroughly enraptured by Mare that he simply had to see him again."

Eh? Was Jircniv into little boys? He didn't seem the type but…maybe this is normal in the Empire.

"He also mentioned a problem with elves. My apologies, the human filth possessed an item that negated my persuasion," Demiurge frowned, "Therefore, I cannot say this with absolute certainty, but I believe that he plans to use Mare against us."

The room stilled.

"I would never betray Ainz-sama!"

"He. Truly. Does. Not. Understand. Loyalty. At. All."

"Indeed. What a fool."

"Want to destroy the Empire now, Mare?"

"Shalltear Bloodfallen! Ready for battle, Ainz-samaaa!"

Everyone turned to Shalltear and the Spuit Lance she was now brandishing.

"Er- no. That is not necessary, Shalltear. Nor will we be attacking." Ainz added hurriedly. Still…does Jircniv really plan on betraying us? He seemed like such a good person. Ahh… Thinking hurts. This is exhausting. He could feel himself beginning to nod off.

"But Ainz-sama!"

"Do not be mistaken, Aura. I will not tolerate treason. However, it would not be a good look if we made the first strike against someone who has seemingly done nothing. We will oblige the Emperor, and if push comes to shove, there should be no difficulties in taking him out."

Besides, this diplomacy could be good practice for when I take Mare to the Elven Kingdom. Maybe I should have Pandora's Actor accompany him too. He needs to know how the Empire works as Momon, after all.