Hello everyone, it's been a while. Sorry about the long hiatus. I lost interest in writing this fanfiction since I started writing my one light novel story. I can't promise there'll be another update soon for those of you that are really interested to see where this story goes, but I will try my best to get around to it.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Also, have a happy NEW YEAR!

Nestled under the soft blanket, his small frame sinks deeper into its folds. There lies a single person within this room of simplicity and natural allure. Deep within a calm sleep inside an alcove of a tree. The window shone a light upon the figure under the covers: Sturing, the figure riggles around, enjoying the ebbing feeling of sleep that slowly resends. Reluctantly, the figure slowly climbs its way out from under the thick covers making its way out. Peeking his head out from under the covers slowly to look around his room, the young boy lets out a sigh. Having had his routine nap, he has nothing to complain about. However, still feeling unsatisfied, he couldn't help but exclaim. Pulling back his covers and crawling out of his bed. Mare, in his pullover nightgown, stands rubbing the sleep out of his eye. Twitching, his ears perk up a bit as he suddenly hears movement from behind the door to his room. A soft knock comes, followed by a quiet voice.

"Mare-sama, may I enter?"

The person who wishes to enter is one of the same species as him. However, he feels no connection to them at all. If it were up to him, he would have them leave him be, but Ainz-sama has given him and Aura an order to connect with those of his own kind. Though he does not see the point in doing so, he would never disobey an order from his beloved master.

"Y..yes… y..you may enter," - Mare says reluctantly and hesitantly.

Opening the door, an Elf with blue curly hair enters the room, and her appearance was that of a maid. She wore the same maid uniform as the forty-one maids of Nazarick, and her previously mangled elven ears have been restored, allowing her to regain pride in her heritage. The woman steps forward, blushing as she bows to Mare, who is standing in front of her with his nightgown and nightcap on. Though not officially one of the forty-one maids, the elf woman and her two other companions were appointed maids to Aura, however, they would tend to them both as surrogate parents seeing as Mare and Aura don't have any.

Stepping forward, the maid begins to undress Mare to dress him in his usual attire -

"A-ah… I can- wahh!-" Mare saying embarrassingly though his pleas always go ignored unless he firmly demands that they stop. Aura does this all the time. However, they seem to forget that she doesn't want them to help her dress or do almost anything else she could do for herself.

Finishing up dressing Mare, the maid begins to comb his bed hair away. Reluctantly standing there, allowing the elf maid to dress and comb his hair lovingly.

Ahhh~ what do I do? If I don't do anything, she'll just continue to comb my hair and do other things… I could say I'm going to the restroom and then escape from there. Ah yeah, that should work. I hope she doesn't try to follow me.

"A… ah I~ have to use the restroom so, ah that's enough." - Mare says while hesitatingly pushing the elf maid's hand away from combing his hair and quickly walking off toward the restroom.

The interior of the treehouse was simple and held a fragrance like that of pine. As Mare exited the room, he quickly walked towards the restroom. Where in, he stands then closes the door behind him just as the elf maid catches up to him. Letting out a sigh of relief, Mare activates his ring of Ainz Ooal Gown.

What appeared before him was a great door that expanded a couple of meters above him, guarded by two Overlords. This was Mare's favorite place to be; he would regularly check out books to read, which was one of his hobbies besides sleeping. As always the Overlord quickly registers that Mare's presence isn't a threat and grants him access to Nazaricks grand library Ashurbanipal. Stepping forward into the library looking for the chief librarian, he can normally find his main duties as chief librarian in his workshop.

"I~t would seem Titus-san is there after all."

Assigned by Ainz, one of Titus's main jobs was to find ways to create magic scrolls that did not require the depletion of Nazarick's reserve scrolls. While working closely with Demiurge, Titus has successfully managed to produce a steady supply of magic scrolls for Nazarick. To keep this supply growing, Titus works everyday producing more scrolls. Approaching one of the four main rooms within the library, the crafting room. Mare looks around searching for Titus.

"Ah, what doth I oweth the pleasure of thy grace this evening lief Mare?"

Appearing behind him, Titus bows slightly to Mare, who turns around quickly while having been startled. Understanding he may have startled Mare a bit Titus who is astute, quickly apologies.

"I might not but apologizeth f'r startling thee lief mare" - once again bowing slightly.

"I-it's okay, you've done nothing wrong Titus-san."

"I am reliev'd to heareth it. What endeavors thee here upon this present day, is't another recommendation of literature, I presume?"

"N-no, not exactly... I am here to find a book with names."

Understanding what he is looking for Titus, who has memorized the names, locations, and content of every book within the library searches his memory. Of the many books that he recalls, only one would have the closest approximation of what Mare is looking for.

"Am I to believeth thou art looking f'r a booketh of nameth f'r our heir to be?"

Nodding Mare confirms Titus's guess.

"I seeth, then th're is only one such booketh yond cometh to mind. While it may not has't a list, it doest holdeth a glossary of royal and gentle kinsmen l're taken by

Tabula Smaragdina-sama. Doest this suiteth thy needeth?" - Titus asks quizzingly.

"Y-yes, I- I think that should work"

"Splendid, then I shalt retrieveth it f'r thee."

Watching Titus leave to get the book he requested, Mare stands idling about before moving to sit on a nearby bench where he fiddles with his thumbs. As the many working staff passes Mare by, they all give him a slight nod or bow to acknowledge his presence before quickly continuing on with their work. Embarrassed by the attention he is getting, Mare lowers his head, but he receives the familiar mental connection signal massage as he does.

[Maaare~ you had better be awake! I don't want to have to get you again!]

[Erm y-yes sis! I-I am awake! I'm awake! W-what do you want?]

[I've been informed by Demiurge that there will be another meeting held for that dummy flat chest. He's instructed me to tell you to let him know.]

[b-but sis I don't know where Cocytus isss~ why can't you ah~ d-do it through a message?]

[Grrr~ because I am busy, you dummy!]

[Owww okaaay okaay~ y-you don't have to yell.]

[Hmph, as long as you understand] - message ends

Rubbing his ear, Mare sits up on the bench just in time to see Titus round the corner carrying a book in hand. Standing up from his seat, Mare walks over to meet Titus.

"Pardon me f'r taking so longeth. This here wouldst beest the closest booketh yond meets thy requesteth"

Handing over the book to Mare who takes it gently and holds it to his chest. Thanking Titus Mare runs off to inform Cocytus.

"Sigh~"

Not good, this is not good at all. Why did everything have to turn out like this… I'm not suited to be a father. In fact, I don't even know how to be a father! Ah, ~ Touch-san, what would you do in a situation like this? No, wait, what did you do!

While Ainz's internal suffering goes unnoticed, a knock comes on his door. The maid, quietly standing to Ainz's side, walks over to the door, opening it just a few inches to see the visitor. Closing the door quietly, before she could inform Ainz of the visitor, he passively waves his hand. Unlike his other hand waving, this specific movement was one he practiced for a short while, quickly mastering precise movements. Bowing slightly before turning and opening the door for the visitor, she steps aside.

Strolling inside while keeping his eye focused on his father/master in front of him, he stops just shy of his desk and bows.

"Pandora's Actor, for what reason did you wish to speak with me?" - Ainz says while leaning back in his chair with his right arm supporting his skull. He lazily sits within the chair.

"Fa - Ahem, Ainz-sama! I wish to discuss something very important with you!"

Why is he repeating himself? He's already told me this thought message. I don't have the energy to talk with him at this moment.

"Yes, what is it Pandora's Actor?"

"As you know Ainz-sama my very meaning of my existence is to guard the treasury and sort the wondrous, maximus, most beautiful world-class iiiitems! As such, your heir I am not to be… THAT said, I beseech Ainz-sama! I wish to -

How long is he going to talk? Every time I speak with him, he finds some way to speak for an unnecessary amount of time instead of getting straight to the point. Ugh~ this is too exhausting to deal with… AH! A trip, yes I think I will take a trip tooo~ the kingdom, yes. Momon has not taken any requests as of late. Now I just have to think up the perfect excuse to leave.

" - and that Ainz-sama is why I wish to be named brother and protector of the soon to be heir."

"Hm?! You're done? Is that all?"

" Yes Ainz-sama, that is all I wish."

CRAP! I didn't pay attention to a thing this guy said. What did he say at the end? Brother and protector? What the heck does he mean by that? What do I say in response… Okay I can't think of anything; let's just go with one of my prepared lines.

"Ainz-sama, does my request displease you?"

"Ahem - I shall allow it."

"It is as I presu - AH?! Really? I thank you, father! I had thought you would not agree! Yes, as I have stated, I will inform the others as well; please rest easy, father; I will do my duties to the best of my abilities. I must make preparations post-haste; do excuse me, father."

"Ahmu - yes."

What the hell did I just agree to?

Enjoying the lingering taste of the specialty drink he had before abruptly departing the restaurant, he licks his lips in anticipation for the next time he'll be able to enjoy something so delicious again. It truly was a blessing that his boss chose him for this side of the job rather than his other comrades, he thought. If this job goes off without any problems, he may get a huge reward from it and then be able to go buy that drink again; he thinks while licking his lips again. While in his thoughts about his hope for the future, the man keeps his eyes fixed on his targets as they walk leisurely through the dwindling late-night crowds of people. He's noticed of the many things while watching the old man dressed as a butler, but one that gives off an aura of a high class noble and the beautiful younger women dress in exquisite clothing is that they do not seem to be mistress and master, but actual lovers. Being a low-born commoner from the slums with nothing to his name, the man has never experienced anything resembling love from anyone. Yet, watching the two lovers joke, laugh, and flirt as they go about their date without a care in the world is captivating to the man. While he has seen many lovers in his lifetime, he's never seen one this… pure before. Almost always, there was some sort of motive within the eyes of either party. One is based on greed for money, sex, or status. But these two, he thought, were different from the rest. Letting a grin spread across his face, his inner desire slip out just a bit. These kinds of people were his favorite kind of job; thinking of ways to make so-called lovers betray each other was his favorite game to play. He loved to make them scream and shout at the top of their lungs as he either promised not to kill them both if they abandon each other for their own sake. One of his favorite things to do is promise the man he would not beat him within an inch of his life if he offered his women to be defiled until she is a broken shell without a single word of protest while watching. Or promised the woman he would let her go without a hand laid upon her if she personally slowly tortured her lover to death. His goal was not based on his desire to satisfy himself sexually; no, he could go to a brothel at any time he wished. He wanted to break people emotionally and see the despair on their faces as they had to choose between themselves or each other. Twisted his thoughts were, of his many comrades, he was among the special few who partook in unsavory acts such as this. We can only do this thanks to the boss who used to be part of one of the largest and most dangerous underground crime groups based in the Re-Estize Kingdom; he left after some time and came to the Empire. Here, we can rob, rape, or steal; however, much we want thanks to what the boss learned in the kingdom. Nearing one of the set ambush points, not the focus of his thoughts, and prepares to begin with the plan.

"Sebas-san, is there really someone following us?!" - says Tsuare stiffening up her shoulders as she asks with a concerned tone while looking up at Sebas.

"Yes, it would appear to be the case. He has been following us since we were in the restaurant. I did sense someone watching us while we were dining. I did not think much of it. Nevertheless, no harm shall come to you while I am here. So please be at ease Tsuare."

Feeling reassured, Tsuare's begins to release the tension within her shoulders, relaxing at the sound of her beloved's calm voice. Although that night is still relatively young, the cold air outside was washed away while not chillingly uncomfortable. A deep and powerful warmth quickly builds with her chest as she walks side by side with the man she adores the most within this cruel world.

While walking on for more than five minutes, watching closely at the pair in front of him, he steels himself getting ready to act his part. The crowds of people have dwindled to none, and the road is relatively darkened. Preparing his dagger, the man runs towards the two brandishing his dagger, yelling in a very unpleasant manner. His tone and choice of words could send shivers down anyone's back if heated.

"Hey old man, hand over the women and all of your coins, and you won't get hurt!"

Turning around, Sebas looks at the man, calmly eyeing his movements. Understanding that if he were to kill this man, it could cause unnecessary problems for his master. As such, his only recourse would either be to disable the man before him or call upon a guard to assist him. While both are excellent and safe choices that will solve his current problem, neither are exempt from drawbacks. If he were to beat this man, there might be others around to assist him. On the other hand, the guard may not arrive in time before the situation gets out of hand. Trying to think of the best solution to his predicament, and unexpected saviors come along.

"Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing? Get him."

Soldiers appear from an alleyway with swords in hand. The one who spoke up directed two others to surround the man.

"We'll only say this once, surrender now."

The leader says with an icy voice.

"Hheee~ okay, okay, please don't kill me! I didn't mean it; it was a joke!"

"A, you're an idiot for playing a dumb joke like this. Now you'll pay the price in jail, dumbass. Drop the dagger now."

The man drops his dagger then and puts his hands up clearly, not putting up a fight. The flanking guard approaches and places the man in cuffs, then forces him on to the ground in a sitting position. The lead guard then turns around to speak to the two victims.

"Excuse me, good sir. I am sorry you had to go through such an unpleasant thing. I hope no harm has come to you or your companion."

"We are unharmed. I thank you for coming to our rescue in such a timely manner. Very convenient that you happened to be waiting in the alleyway."

"Ah! Well yes... To keep the citizens safe, we have set up numerous ambush and patrol spots within such places at night." - the man says in a startled manner.

"I understand; it is a good thing we crossed paths then. If that is all, we'll be taking our leave now."

"Ah wa-wait, we will have to take a report from you. I'm sorry, but you will have to follow us to the nearest guard station. It is an inconvenience, but I must insist."

"Report? Hm, you cannot simply report what you have seen here?"

"This is a~ a new system we're adopting along with our patrols. We require a written statement and signature. After which you and your companion are free to go, again, sorry for the inconvenience."

"Hm, then it would seem we have no choice."

"Th-thank you for understanding, please follow us. Oi, take him away to the prison house."

Directing one of the soldiers to take away the would-be mugger, the leader then turns to walk down the road. After taking a few turns and intersecting paths down the road that leads them deeper into the slums of the Empire, Sebas speaks up.

"It would seem we are lost. Why have we not reached the guardhouse? I do not believe there would be one hidden in the back alleys of the empire." - Sebes says while narrowing his eye dangerously at the leader.

Continuing to walk after not answering for a few feet, the leader leads them to a dark open plaza surrounded by buildings on four sides. Entering through an arch, the leader turns to the couple then spreads his arms wide.

"No, you fucking idiot, this is where you'll give us all you own and beg us to violate that pretty bitch you have there, kekeke~."

Signally his comrade, the plaza lights up with touches. Armed men step out from the shadows surrounding Sebas and Tsuare while brandishing their weapons with hideous grins on their faces. The leader then walks to the middle of the plaza and announces to his men.

"Hello, boys! It's been a while since we had ourselves a good ol time!"

"You're goddamn right boss!"
"About time! I was really get that itch yah know."

"Hehe, I can't wait to see the look on their faces"

"I wonder how much coin he has; the woman does look well dressed."

With a very unpleasant smile on his face, the leader raises his hand, silencing the crowd of cheering men.

"Now now, we must show our guests courtesy like the others. Bring em out!"

In one of the buildings behind the leader, two double doors screech open. Out walks a large man with a burlap sack placed over his head. His muscles are thick. Dragging behind by the leg lays a beaten, battered man. His face was disfigured with no signs of what he might have looked like beforehand. Walking in front of the leader, the muscled man drops the man's leg, leaving him limp as he takes his place next to the leader.

"Kekeke - you did well this time, you lump of muscle; maybe I'll give you more than scraps this time."

Walking up to the limp man, the leader delivers a kick to his already broken rib cage.

"Wake up, you fucking piece of shit, this ain't the time to be sleepin."

With a groan, the man slightly opens his swollen eye as he sluggishly holds his rib cage, trying his best to nurse the returning pain to his numbed body.

"Listen here, we'll be playing a game, and you two will be our guests of honor! Before we begin, allow me to tell you the rules."

The leader then flips a coin, then smiles to himself as he looks upon what he got. He then looks at the shocked couple who are standing without a single word. It looks as if they're too frightened to even run away. A bit disappointed about that, the leader continues on.

"We'll be playing… Bankruptcy!"

The crowd of men cheers in bestial excitement, uploading their boss for his excellent coin toss.

"I know you're all excited, but I must explain the rules of the game to them, so quiet down. Listen here, old man. You have two choices; hand over the woman and watch my men have their fun until she's broken, and we'll let you go after. Or hand over all your possessions, including the deeds to your estate and the clothes off your back. Choose neither, and" - the leader points down at the man beaten man - "we'll beat you until you give us everything, and of course, we'll take your women as well. Don't think screaming for help will do anythi - HEY ARE YOU FUCKING LISTENING TO ME, YOU FUCKS?!"

It would seem I have gotten us into a predicament. I had not expected to be dumped this easily. This man clearly does not seem to be guiding us to guard the house but deeper into the slums. Although, will ask to be sure, coming to assumptions will not do.

"It would seem we are lost. Why have we not reached the guardhouse? I do not believe there would be one hidden in the back alleys of the empire."

"No, you fucking idiot, this is where you'll give us all you own and beg us to violate that pretty bitch you have there, kekeke~."

It is as I thought. My priority is to reassure Tsuare and make an escape. I do not want a repeat of the kingdom's incident. I will have to inform Lord Anz-sama of yet another underground group of deviants.

Looking down at Tsuare, Sebas gives her a confident smile, but to his surprise, she hasn't shown the slightest tinge of fear in her eyes. Happy that she has overcome her fears, Seba's grapes hold her waste and prepare to leap onto the building as they enter into a plaza. However, before he does so, a message alerts him.

[Demiurge, I am in a bit of a predicament. I would ask that you contact me another time.]

[Predicament? What is more important than naming the heir of our beloved master?]

[That is not the case; I am dealing with an unsavory bunch of men. It would seem they're similar to the underground crime group in the Kingdom, although they do not seem as organized.]

[In the Empire? This is new information. I shall ask Albedo what she knows, await further instruction.]

Message ends

The leader begins delivering a kick to the unconscious man lying before him. While talking with Demiurge, Sebas had been paying attention to the crowds of men that surrounded them. On guard for anyone that may approach.

It would seem that these men have a system in place to lure wealthy couples here to violate and rob them. Other than that, it does not seem that they're a part of anything larger. Why would they put on such a ridiculous show of intimidation to get what they wanted instead of just taking it? This is very unpleasant.

While in thought, Sebas receives another message.

[They're nothing, element them. I shall inform lord Ainz-sama of this; I'm sure he will approve of such measures. We do not need to have such a group run unchecked in Ainz-sama vassal kingdom.]

[Understood.]

[Oh, yes. Do be on time for our next meeting; we have yet another name to choose.]

[Another name? Does this mean Albedo will have twins?]

[That is an interesting thought, however, no. This meeting will be for Shalltear.]

[I see]

[Yes, until then.]

Message ends

Turning to Tsuare, Sebas leans down and speaks into her ear, informing her of what he must do. Nodding in understanding, she steps away.

"HEY, ARE YOU FUCKING LISTENING TO ME, YOU FUCKS?!"

"Please avert your eyes, Tsuare, I do not wish for you to see such barbaric acts."

Turning towards the leader, Sebas readies his fists, and with a single step, he disappears, kicking up dirt. Before the dirt could fall to the ground, the leaders head along with the two dozen men within the plaza, explode. After which, Sebas walks over to the man lying on the ground, just barely alive.

"It would seem I cannot help you much within this state. I will heal your most critical injuries as best I can, but you will have to find your way to a proper healer after."

Using his Ki, Sebas mends the man's broken bones as well as his internal organs. While he is still in a life threatening state, the man has a lot longer to live. Standing up and walking to Tsuare, who has her eyes closed, Sebas calls her name.

"Tsuare are you okay? I must apologize for that and keeping waiting in such a place. Everything is fine now. Shall we go?"

"No, you have nothing to apologize for. I'm just fine. I must ask, will that man be okay?"

"For the time being, yes. I will have a shadow monster take him out of the slums to where a real guard may assist him."

"I see."

Before they could turn away, Seba's sense movement behind him. Turning around, he sees the muscular man with burlap sack stand back up, his missing head now regenerating, revealing what he truly was—a troll. Freed from the sack, the troll lets out a bestial roar then steps forward, picking up the unconscious man. With a chomp, the man's head disappears within the troll's mouth in a bloody crunch. Turning its gaze to Sebas, no Tsuare stands behind him, it tosses the man's body to the side then charges. It would seem the troll wants something softer to eat for its meal. Unperturbed, Sebas steps forward, taking striking stances. As the troll approaches his range, Sebas releases his fist, sending the troll flying across the plaza crashing into the building on the other side. With a gaping hole in its stomach, the troll stood back up, seemingly unaffected by what just happened.

"Yes, I believe it must be destroyed by fire or acid. Then I shall end it with the next attack."

Once again, the troll changes Sebas, but this time it does charge directly. It picks up two of the man corpses that litter the ground and throws them full force at the ready Sebas. Elegantly dodge the corpses, Sebas closes in on the troll. By the time the troll picks up another hand full of corpses, it is too late. No mere troll could ever hope to battle evenly with a level one hundred beings, especially Sebas in range or close-quarters combat. Sebas's activate his skill with a single step, igniting his fist on fire Sebas delivers a punch that sinks into the troll's stomach. As if superheating it from the inside out the troll's body falls apart into a heap of burnt dust. Finally done, Sebas quietly dusts himself off before walking to Tsuare.

Sitting down at one of the many cafeteria tables in Nazarick's lunch hall. Narberal sits in annoyance as Lupusrengina talks in an over-excited tone.

"Narberal didja here didja here! We're gonna get two new HEIR! Wowee, I can't WAIT - su~ By the way, which name are you gonna vote for, hm? Tell me, TELL ME!"

"I think I shall go with Cocytus-sama's name; I think it is the most fitting."

"Awww, really?! I thought you were going to pick Aura-sama's name! After all, she has a ton of beasts, I'm sure she's good at naming things!"

Delivering a smack to Lupusrengina's head, causing her to fall out of the chair.

"Uwahh!"

"Don't liken Aura-sama beasts to the heir of Nazarick, you idiot!"

Sitting back up while rubbing her head.

"Owwie owwie, I didn't mean it like that sniff-sniff."

"Anyway, we will have to collect the voting box soon. Pestonia-sama wishes for us to collect the boxes as soon as the time is up. We mustn't delay."

"Okay~su! I We'll I go and find Solution, she's probably in the same place as always."

Getting up from her seat Lupusrengina runs off to find Solution.