This story uses the same setting as my other story "Momon, Big Black Changeling". Essentially, Ainz Ooal Gown is the same type of creature as in that story, although this and that story happen in different worlds.

The Aindra household was abuzz with activity. Servants rushed around in a panic, as rumor coursed through them like a wildfire. The guards who had been tasked by the Lord Aindra with protecting the place were tense and uneasy, as if they were expecting a fight to erupt soon. Just a moment had passed after the lord of the house had shouted, "Secure the area! Don't let anyone leave or enter!" with a certain hysteria.

And then, at the center of this energetic mass of activity, the guests at sir Momon's and Lady Lakyus' marriage fretted about the unlikely event that had just happened.

The lady Lakyus had suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed, as if from a dead faint. That had started the first screams, as the first conclusion in their minds had been that something untoward had happened to the bride. Many even assumed that this was death. Blue Rose had leapt to action, rushing forward at a speed which went beyond human limits. But they were pre-empted by sir Momon, who had knelt down and did something to the poor woman, after which Lakyus stirred, her eyes opening as if she had only just fallen asleep.

Some would have thought that this was some sort of elaborate prank on Lakyus' part. But one could not mistake the genuine look of malaise that was on the bride's face. Nor could one mistake the look on the groom's face as anything but cold fury.

Ainz glanced towards Demiurge, who was helpfully disguised as were the rest of those in Nazarick. Ainz nodded and gestured silently with his head outside. The disguised Devil bowed imperceptibly and turned away to face those others in attendance who were also from Nazarick. These included the Pleiades who were present, but also the invisible creatures such as the shadow demons.

Demiurge gave the silent order, modulating his voice such that only those from Nazarick in this room would be able to hear. His Master's intent was clear—the whole place had to be sealed and locked away, with people prevented from going in or out. The Pleiades nodded and moved off, to do their part in visibly securing the entire place. Fortunately, it had been scouted beforehand, which meant that they knew exactly where rats might flee to hide. The other hidden minions were also sent to do their part and ensure that no one was to go in or out of the place.

Idly, he wondered what sort of fool would even try to dare cross the Master, even unknowingly. While he had no affection for the bride, seeing the truth that she was but a pawn in the Master's plans, the mere fact that the incident had happened was an insult that could not be tolerated. His veins burned coldly with the desire to visit vengeance on the perpetrators, though in his mind he already had an inkling as to their identities. Locking down the entire building might help with tracking them down to ascertain the truth of it.

He was not the only one whose heart burned with anger.

The members of Blue Rose, who had been with their dearest leader through thick and thin, forging bonds that were distinct from that of a lover or a parent, were also understandably angry and frightened. They had been the first to try to reach Lakyus when they noticed her fall, as each of them had their own methods of combating poisons. Fortunately, they had the presence of mind to recognize that Momon had not been attempting anything bad when he had tended to Lakyus; and had therefore let the fellow adventurer do his part instead of getting in the way.

In the aftermath, the twins did not linger, and quietly left the room to help secure the whole place together with Momon's subordinates. That left Gagaran, whose face was grim, and Evileye, whose eyes were the only thing visible behind her mask.

The bride's parents were understandably angry and frightened at the events that had just transpired. What they had first thought to be a joyful occasion, where they might celebrate the happy marriage of a daughter dear to them, had seemingly turned into a tragedy. And then after the miracle had manifested it left them in an uneasy state. Gone unspoken was the question of who had done to this to their little girl, for deep in their hearts they already had a suspicion of the hand that had dared visit death into the heart of their very household.

Lakyus' mother was appropriately horrified, to the point that she had become almost hysterical. Even the sight of her daughter stirring to life had not abated the storm of grief that gripped her insides like winter's cold. The tranquility of her life and the promise of peace and prosperity that were supposed to be heralded by this marriage had now been shattered completely. Even though she was thankful to all the gods that Lakyus had survived, it still left her a nervous wreck.

The father, Lord Aindra burned with an apoplectic wrath, as could be plainly seen on his face. This was clearly an assassination, there was no denying it. It was not only an insult to his role as host, who had the implicit promise of guaranteeing the safety and security of all the guests in attendance. It was also a direct attack on his own family. Lakyus was of his blood! His own daughter, poisoned on the day of her own wedding! And who knew if his daughter had been the only target—perhaps the poison had been meant to slay the Aindra, one and all.

He knew what sort of shadowy force had come to violate the sanctity of his household. Those damned criminals had showed their hand at last, after months of threats and warnings. Well, he would never be cowed, not even from this. If anything, this only enraged him even further, galvanizing his resolve to oppose these miscreants, no matter what.

Beside him, the beautiful woman known as Amelia had a face of worry. Outwardly, this was the look of a woman who had suddenly seen tragedy, a look that was shared by Lakyus' mother. It was an understandable reaction for anyone who saw what had happened to Lakyus.

Behind the mask, however, was another thing entirely. Albedo seethed with a vengeful anger, her emotions like a demon writhing madly in its cage, wanting to be unleashed. She wanted to hurt whoever had done this to her lovely pet, to visit upon them the torments that her Creator had instilled upon her mind—and that which she had never once needed to use since they had arrived in this world.

When Lakyus had first collapsed, her mind had quite literally ceased all thought—for this had come so far out of her expectations that she had no idea what to do. For an instant, panic and fear set in, as her mind recognized that her beloved pet may just die. Then humiliation came, as Albedo knew that despite all her posturing about having been prepared for any outcome, this had still happened on her watch. The insult would obviously never be tolerated; Albedo would not suffer being made to look like a liar and a fool. And then, when Ainz-sama had managed to cure her, she had felt relief for perhaps the first time in her life, and it lifted her up from the depths of sorrow and regret to which her mind had been about to sink.

Now all that was left was the desire for vengeance and retribution, the emotions that Lakyus' survival could not undo. For she was a creature of Nazarick, after all, and being insulted by lowly creatures like this would only be met with an appropriate—and overwhelming—response.

And then there was Ainz Ooal Gown, who cradled his newly wedded wife's head in his arms.

Ainz was thankful that he had reacted quickly to save Lakyus. Perhaps it was a sort of instinct that came from his mind, as if he recognized that trying to examine the situation first without doing any sort of action would not be wise. Certainly, if he had allowed his thoughts to freeze in indecision, the poison may well have been given a few extra seconds to extract its insidious toll upon Lakyus' body.

That he had immediately thought of curing her, and in a split-second called upon the spell he had memorized, was perhaps something of a miracle unto itself. He had to give thanks to the him from just less than a minute ago for doing what had been necessary to save Lakyus' life.

Now in the aftermath, he had time to think. In hindsight, his blatant use of a spell would definitely raise questions, as he was not Ainz Ooal Gown, but "prince Momon". He had the presence of mind to use silent spells to ascertain Lakyus' condition to see if she was still dying, which was completely invisible and unnoticeable by the others, as he should have done with the healing spell. For now, it remained to explain what he had done, especially to Lakyus' parents.

Presently, it was her mother who said, "Sir Momon, what has…"

"She is safe," she assured her, looking up and nodding at her parents. "I have saved her."

"Ohhh~ You are certainly a powerful man, lord Momon," her father said. "You were able to act so quickly and decisively! On behalf of all the Aindra living and dead, we salute and thank you, sir."

"It was fortunate," he announced, rising to his feet with Lakyus carried like a princess in his arms. "That I had with me this precious ring. If I did not have this, then we may have been in an even more dire situation." At that, the parents blanched, though they approached their daughter, fussing and touching her as if to confirm for themselves if she was really alive.

"A ring?" the father repeated, a little incredulous.

"Obviously not the ring of vows," he said with a little humor, referring to the wedding ring. "It was a one-use thing, designed to purge a body free of anomalies and abnormalities. The nobles of my people use it from time to time, for they know how treacherous life can become at the blink of an eye. Once it has done its purpose, it will lose all its magic, leaving it little more than a ring… Well, it does not really matter now. I, for my part, am only too glad that I was not too late."

"My lord, you are to be requited for saving your wife," Amelia announced, bowing slightly. Ainz could tell that she was very relieved that her pet had survived.

And to be honest, he was, too. It would have been a really tremendous waste for everything to have been planned thus far with care, only to fail in the end. It was like preparing to storm a cave for materials back in Yggdrasil, only to discover that another Guild had already absconded with the secret treasure hidden in its depths.

He looked down and saw that Lakyus was awake, or looked to be awake. She squirmed in his arms, and sighed. Her eyes fluttered open. Then she spoke, "Where… ?" She looked at him. "What… What happened…?"

"She is still weak, despite the magic saving her," he declared. He looked to her mother. "My pardons, but perhaps Lakyus can be laid on a proper bed for the moment, to have her rest and recover."

"Yes," the mother said hurriedly. "And then perhaps we shall call upon a healer—"

"No!" It surprised him most of all that he and Lakyus' father had spoken at the same time. And judging by the look on his face, he had also not expected it.

When the lady Aindra puffed out her cheeks in anger, he knew a storm was coming. Luckily, her husband was there to provide an explanation. "My dear, we cannot do it just yet. The whole place has to be sealed, top to bottom. The existence of poison must necessitate that there is a poisoner in our midst. And I swear, on my honor, that such an evil, devious creature must not be allowed to leave unmolested, nor be free from the punishment he deserves!"

"On that, I concur," Ainz said. "Luckily, I have saved her from the poison, so we will be fine without a healer. Though I agree that there may be things that a healer might see, it would still be prudent to ensure that the culprit is found first."

"Oh very well," the mother said, though she didn't look at all pleased. "Come this way, sir Momon. Just a few hours ago I would not have allowed you in, but you are the husband now, in a way, and you are afforded the right to be in your wife's old rooms. Follow me."

"Thank you, my dear," the husband said. The wife pursed her lips, but said nothing more.

"I also must express my thanks," he said. Then he looked at Albedo and narrowed his eyes. He could tell she wanted to accompany him, to check and fuss over Lakyus herself; but that would not be really appropriate at the moment. "Amelia, I trust that you will watch over things in my stead?"

Albedo did not hesitate, though she still looked a little displeased. "As you wish my lord."

He turned to Blue Rose, who all nodded at him. "You are her husband now," said Evileye. "We shall entrust her to you. Leave the rest to us."

"Go on then, and try to see if you can solve this little mystery," he said, addressing them all.

At that, Albedo grinned, though not from mirth but sheer malice. "Oh yes, please leave it to us my lord."

With the mother leading the way, Ainz ascended the stairs to the second floor of the mansion, carrying Lakyus' inert body all the way. They soon came to a certain room, where there waited a bed upon which he quickly placed Lakyus' body.

"This was her room," her mother explained for him as he glanced around the chamber with curiosity. "We kept it for her, even after she went off to become an adventurer. It would always be ready for her when she chanced to return, as she always did." She sniffed.

Certainly, the room looked clean and looked-after, and from the design of the room and its many ornaments reflected the same sense wealth as the rest of the mansion.

After a moment's silence, Ainz felt uncomfortable just looming above Lakyus' body from a great height, as his form was really tall. So he knelt at the bedside, as if he was trying to look over Lakyus from a closer angle.

The mother sighed. "There are many things I wish to do now, my lord Momon, but I know that it would be fine to leave her in your capable hands. And so I shall. If you need anything, a servant shall be outside to be in your service."

"That would be appreciated, my lady," he replied without looking away. If she wanted to assume that he was really trying to fuss over Lakyus then he wouldn't stop her. He didn't really want to talk with the "mother-in-law" too. He'd give it a little more time before he too would return downstairs, to investigate the matter himself.

"Mmm…" Lakyus moaned again, and her eyes fluttered open. She blinked and looked at him for a few seconds. "Ahhh… sir Momon, have I been…"

"How are you," he couldn't help but ask. "How are you feeling, Lakyus?"

"Tired," she said in a low whisper. She placed her hand on her forehead and kneaded it absently. "What… Why am I so tired…? The last thing I remember…"

There really was no other way to phrase this, but he had to for her sake. "You were poisoned, my dear."

She stilled for a few moments before she stared incredulously at him. "…What?"

"We are still at the reception. Do you not remember when you ate the cake?" he asked.

"I… Yes, I did… I do remember that," she said uncertainly. "After that, it's dark and I don't remember anything at all." Her eyes widened. "Was that what happened? I… was poisoned? Did? Was I…?"

"You very nearly died," he admitted.

She closed her eyes and exhaled out a loud, long breath. "… If this is a dream of what the afterlife looks like then it is very convincing…"

"I do not know about that, but know that I did save you, using my skills," he said. "It purged the poison from you, so you should be fine. However, you said that you are still feeling weak somehow." Her current malaise could mean a lot of things, but even he could not really detect it all on his own. Perhaps there were still lingering remnants of the poison in her body, though it was no longer quite lethal. Or perhaps the spell he had used was different when used in this real world—having certain side effects that induced something close to what Lakyus was currently feeling.

There were some healers in Nazarick who could ascertain the situation better than he could, but it would be difficult to bring them here without explanation.

"Yes, my body feels heavy," she said, moving herself in emphasis. She lifted her hand and placed it over her heart. "But it's like I'm just very tired from work. It doesn't really feel different. I feel as if a good sleep would be able to fix it all… Though I can't be sure if that's correct."

"Then that is fine," he said. "Sleep and rest as you want."

"My apologies for this, of course," she said. "You could not have expected this complication to happen."

"Neither of us did," Ainz said. Though he had been expecting something to happen, as usual, but not the exact details of how, or when, or what. Or more importantly, who was to blame. "But let us not dwell on that, Lakyus. You need to rest, by your admission."

"I am sorry I cannot be of more help. Or that our initial plan's been…" she cleared her throat, and blushed. "… Spoiled."

He chuckled. "I am sure there will be more opportunities in the future. Tomorrow perhaps, or tonight."

"…Mmm." She exhaled another sigh. "I am sorry that I cannot be of further help." She frowned. "I, too, wish to know who has done this to us. Though I gather you already have a suspicion as to who…"

"It is rather obvious," he mused. "But never mind. In your place, I shall execute judgement."

"My thanks. I am grateful, my lord."

"Why all the formality?" he asked, snorting. "Are we not already married? Have I not promised you before that your troubles have become my troubles, that your woes are now my woes? We are husband and wife now, Lakyus. And what husband would not act to strike back at those who dared raise a hand against his wife?"

At that, Lakyus smiled, her face flushing. "Very well, allow me to rephrase. I shall leave everything to you… husband."

Looking at her pretty face filled with a lovely aura, Ainz could not help his impulse. He leaned down and kissed her, much as he did during the ceremony itself. But this time he allowed the kiss to linger—while not as lascivious as with his other lovers, it was still something no mere friends would to each other. And Lakyus kissed back, affirming the bond they now shared.

When he pulled back, Lakyus now looked the part of the blushing bride, pretty and demure. He rose to leave, to do exactly as he had promised her to do, both as Momon her husband—and as Ainz Ooal Gown, Ruler of Nazarick.

The investigation had been going underway as he had been conversing with Lakyus. It had only been a few minutes, but Demiurge and Albedo had already done much in that span of time.

He found Albedo back in the reception chamber, where all the guests were still staying. For a moment, he took stock of the situation, glanced at the small crowd and their expressions, at the members of Blue Rose who looked ready to battle, then at Lakyus' parents, then at Albedo. He went to the latter first.

"Where is Solution?" he whispered.

"She is…" Albedo's eyes flickered, as she too realized what he was getting at. Solution was disguised as Lady Vanessa, and therefore should have stayed here instead of going to do what Demiurge wanted. It would be strange for a noble to be moving about, and would actually need Ainz to explain it all away—something he had no time to be doing now. "I shall retrieve her."

"No, no," he said. "Just go and get Shizu. We need to test the food."

As a construct race, Shizu was completely immune to any sort of poison. Furthermore, she could even identify if there was poison in whatever entered her body. It was actually fortuitous that she was present here—he could use her to test the food for poisons.

Not a minute passed and Albedo returned with "Cynthia" in tow. He instantly went to her. "Have you been told by Albedo?"

"Yes, my lord," she said. "I am ready to fulfill my duties."

"Good, then play along." He cleared his throat and turned to address the parents. "With your permission, honored lords, I would like to get to the bottom of this situation as soon as possible. To that end, my old retainer here shall test the food for poisons." Evileye stirred, and seemed to want to say something, but Gagaran placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Is that really wise?" Lord Aindra asked, staring at Shizu, whose expression never shifted once. "We do not even know what sort of poison it is, sir Momon. Would it not be very dangerous?"

"Do not mind Cythia," he said. "It is but part of her abilities to ferret out poisons. She shall do her duty."

"Master Momon is right," Shizu said helpfully. "Allow me to do this, my lord and lady."

"Very well, if you insist…" the mother said uncertainly.

"Well then Cynthia, start with the other food first." He looked at the remnants of the slice of cake that they had eaten last, which was still on the table. This one was most suspicious, but it was better to get the other food out of the way first, and see if the others were similarly poisoned. "Then the cake for last."

"As you wish." The others watched as Shizu went to each tray, clutched a large handful of food, and forced them into her mouth like a savage. He clucked his tongue at the lack of manners, though an idea came to him.

"Please excuse this vulgar display," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "It is a necessary thing, to take a larger sample. A skilled poisoner may have only poisoned part of the food, if it fit into their dastardly agenda."

"Ah, of course, well-reasoned," said the father. The others murmured their understanding.

"…Nothing," Shizu announced, before moving to the next tray to repeat what she had done. Again and again, she did this, taking a huge serving and swallowing it as a snake. She moved steadily down the table, sampling ever tray of food, until she reached the cake. At that, she hesitated, looking up at the tall tower of cake.

"Take one from every layer," he told her. He glanced at the parents. "Perhaps they poisoned only one layer, or perhaps all. We must be sure."

"Understood, my lord," Shizu said, and stuck her hand into the cake. It sunk deeply and easily inside the soft surface before she withdrew it and took a large, cream-daubed chunk of the soft pastry inside her palm.

After putting it in her mouth, Shizu stirred and looked right at him. "Poison found. I confirmed it."

"Really?" he said. He looked at the cake, where Shizu had only seized the very bottom of the cake first. On the other hand, it was good to be vindicated by the knowledge, but to have it actually confirmed… He gritted his teeth.

Shizu continued to eat, working her way down the layers. For each one she announced, "Poison found." Every layer, it seemed, had been poisoned.

"Well that's that then," he said, sighing. "It's the cake. It was meant to be for Lakyus—no, for us." The guests stared at him in horror at this pronouncement. The mother looked ready to faint; and lord Aindra's face had purpled in rage. The cake would have been fatal to anybody else here, but only the bride and groom would be eating it first. There was no chance for anyone else trying to eat it beforehand, so it was good logic to assume that they were indeed the targets.

Ainz looked towards Albedo, whose expression had already turned cold and murderous. "… Who provided this cake?"

At that, Albedo glanced at the mother. Everyone's eyes went to her. "It—" she gasped. "It was a special purchase… We arranged for a renowned baker come and bake it overnight, extra special for us. But—But—" she said in protest, when Ainz made the motion to move. "He's a good man! An honest man! Surely some other servant poisoned the cake!"

"Let us ascertain the truth of the matter ourselves," Ainz said, his voice deadly.

"Agreed, sir Momon," said lord Aindra, who was already looking like he was about to throw a punch.

It did not take long to produce the baker who had purportedly supplied the cake. Gagaran dragged him by the scruff of his shirt and tossed him bodily onto the floor. The man let out an oath, and tried to glare at the woman. But he quailed when he saw that he was surrounded by people, all of whom were staring down at him with cold, merciless eyes.

"Answer me this, fool," sir Aindra said, his moustache quivering in rage. "Were you the one who put the poison in the cake?"

The man licked his lips and shook his head emphatically. "I—no, I have no idea what you are talking about, my lord. Wh—whatever do you…?"

"Save your breath, you fool," Ainz now said, sweeping his hand up as if to strike. The man flinched away from a blow that did not come. "We already know that yours was the hand that poisoned the cake. We only need to know who gave you the orders."

"M-my apologies, my lord, but surely you have the wrong—"

"My subordinate here," Ainz said, gesturing to Demiurge, who had returned. "Has the ability to force people to confess their crimes. However, it is a cruel method, as the person is left utterly infertile and unable to use their members afterwards. I can assure you, no one will be able to prove anything, unless these others here testify. And I am sure they will not." He paused, and allowed the man to realized that no one here in the gathered crowd was disagreeing with what Ainz said. "There you have it. Shall we hear the confession from your lips now or after you've been subjected to such humiliating torture that you'll wish you made the confession first? Either way, we shall be having the answers from your lips, but only one choice salvages your manhood."

The man swallowed, silently weighing the choices in his mind. Then he sagged to the ground, and started weeping. "Oh, I knew I should not have done that! What a fool I was, to think I could escape justice so easily!"

Ainz made him bawl on the ground for a few seconds before he clucked his tongue. "That is not an answer."

"Yes! Yes! I admit it..! I did it!"

"You fiend…!" Lakyus' mother shrieked. She stepped forward and looked ready to strangle the baker with her bare hands. Her husband thrust out a hand to hold her back, but only barely.

"And who ordered you to do this?" Ainz continued to ask, in a voice that would brook no more falsehoods.

"…I do not know, my lord. But I was only assured that those in 'the Fingers' would be pleased at my work. I, I, I have a family myself. You must understand! I only did it to protect them!"

For a moment Ainz paused, wondering what he should do next. This was definitely the work of the Eight Fingers, Lakyus' antagonists, for whom this marriage was even made. He had written them off as inconsequential, and yet only now did they reveal that they were also foolish on top of that. He gritted his teeth and remembered what he was about to do.

He rose, and allowed sir Aindra to have the man be arrested and thrown in the dungeons. He nodded at Demiurge, though, making it clear that Nazarick would be ultimately taking the man into custody, but only later with no eyes watching.

After the baker had been sent away, he personally went down on his knees and bowed before sir Aindra. "I must apologize for this, lord father-in-law!" The man looked surprised, but he was not the only one. Those from Nazarick exclaimed, and he knew it was because their master was kneeling to a mere mortal.

"Wh-whatever do you mean, sir Momon?"

"I guaranteed her safety when I proposed to Lakyus, and yet she was still harmed, and on our wedding no less. I vow to you that from now on the Eight Fingers are now our enemy. Now, as penance for my failure, I must bring them to their knees."

"…. Then that is good. It seems we are of one mind in this. But please rise. You have saved our daughter, we should be thanking you."

Ainz rose, and turned to his retainers. They each looked fearfully at him, though they hid it well. Only Albedo—Amelia—stepped forward, being the only one who was allowed, and prostrated herself before him. And he could tell the others also wanted to kneel, but a quick glance at him meant that his previous directives still applied and would be obeyed. "My lord, you must not carry this failure alone! I too was lax in my vigilance. I shall not shirk in my duty to aid you."

"Rise, Amelia," he said. "We shall avenge Lakyus, together." He glanced towards Blue Rose. They each nodded resolutely.

The Eight Fingers were supposed to be an element that was handled discreetly by Nazarick. Yet now his Momon persona was involved, forcing his hand. The reckoning, therefore, would be a very public one.

This was an anonymous commission, thank you. A reminder that the story is commissioned.

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