Neia Baraja sat in her bedroom, mourning the end of Satoru's stay. Still, it was improper that it was extended, let alone by half a day, so she should not feel like this at all. It was selfish to wish for yet more of his precious time, as intoxicating as it was. Just after Neia took a sip of mango slushie, there was finally a knock on her door.
"Sweetheart?"
"Come in, mom, dad!"
The ornate door opened without the faintest hint of creaking, allowing the pair of mildly concerned visitors inside.
"Hello, Neia. We haven't seen you at all yesterday… I hope everything's alright?"
"Oh, of course. Sorry, I just had a whole big talk with darling, and... well that's the thing we need to talk about right now... Ah, and please come sit!"
They obeyed, sitting opposite Neia without protest, but Pabel's gaze was now one of diligent scrutiny.
"Neia... are you sure everything's fine?"
The young woman was once again reminded there was little she could hide from her father, prompting a sigh.
"Yes, though yesterday was... difficult. But that's nothing to be concerned about now. I have some big news. Some splendid news, in fact."
"Oh?"
Both parents leaned in somewhat, likely without their own knowledge.
"Well... I am likely pregnant. Darling has decided- uhm, darling and I have decided to keep any potential baby, and raise it."
The eyes of both parents widened slightly, Sofia also performing a sort of half gasp, half deep inhalation. A few seconds of processing the initial shock later, their expressions softened, Sofia seemingly starting to think out loud.
"... I suppose magic can do all sorts of things, even giving Ainz a... hm hm."
An additional second or two after that, the pair seemed to have fully absorbed the news, causing them both to smile, Pabel chuckling warmly as his wife leaned forward to speak again.
"That... that's great, sweetheart! I know how you wanted to be a mother for a while now. I'm very happy for you and Ainz!"
"I can only say the same. Though... haha, I did not expect to have grandkids so soon."
Everyone chuckled at the same time, happiness and optimism for the future granting the room a wonderful air of joy. It was not difficult to infer that the Baraja family was currently envisioning all the wonders of new life, daydreaming and smiling all the while.
...
After Neia's parents had left, following the conclusion of their enthused discussions about how great everything was going to be, Neia took a bit of time to finish her slushie and get ready for a second wave of something just alike, at least according to her own assumption.
With a forceful sigh and much-needed stretch of her arms, Neia stepped toward the bedroom's door, opening it slowly. Gathered outside were all the maids serving in the mansion, currently numbering six. Most wore expressions of optimistic curiosity, the only exception being Emma, who was smiling slightly, yet with a genuine happiness.
Due to the profound worry the head maid showed during yesterday's morning, when Neia first brought up her lack of periods, the latter made certain that her friend would be informed of the situation's merry outcome right after Satoru's assurance of just that. Back then, Neia was concerned about momentarily interrupting her time with Satoru, but upon explaining the situation, her husband urged her to do so right away, also showing worry for her friend.
Returning Emma's smile, Neia gestured for all the maids to enter.
"Come on in! I have some great news to share!"
The mistress of the house moved quickly and with excitement, sitting down on one of the two sofas. The maids sat opposite her, with two of them needing to also use the armchairs, as there was not enough room otherwise. Neia also noticed that Amelia and Emma made sure to sit next to each other, something she found rather charming. Following one more deep breath, Neia spoke with a cheerful expression.
"I am most likely pregnant with His Majesty's child."
Everyone except Emma reacted in a similar way, with their eyes widening to various extents. Amelia also covered her mouth as if something lewd had been said. Just as with her parents, this lasted several seconds before the first maids seemed to have finally processed the information. The room was still silent for even a few more seconds after that, until Emma broke the silence.
"Congratulations, Your Holiness! Today is a day most joyous, truly."
The other maids followed her lead, the room now bursting into chatter.
"Y-yes! Your Holiness, I did not even realise His Majesty could maybe make women pregnant with magic! How amazing!"
"Congratulations, Your Holiness! It is wonderful that His Majesty blessed you with his progeny!"
"Your Holiness, I'm sure you and His Majesty will make for such excellent parents! Oh, this is so exciting! There's going to be a new cute little God or Goddess running around!"
"Ah, a tiny version of Her Holiness or His Majesty... or maybe both! Twins!"
"Oh, I'm sure their child will be so cute... and so talented! What does everyone think, will their offspring favour magic or the bow?"
Neia was delighted by the way the conversation was going, and seeing all the excitement on her friends' faces. Still, with some difficulty, she forced herself to adopt a serious tone, grabbing everyone's attention with a clap.
"Girls, thank you all so much for the good wishes, but before we can all continue gushing about this, there is something to discuss."
Everyone snapped to attention, not daring to make a sound while Neia was speaking.
"There will be times where I need assistance with my motherly duties, or times where my work as High Priestess regrettably forces my hand. Due to this, you will all need to undergo rigorous training in such matters. Emma?"
"Yes, Your Holiness. I will discuss this in detail with Bertrand, and arrange for everyone to start as soon as possible. I will also personally ensure that all of us meet the highest of standards."
"Thank you. And I will also say that this is all to be kept secret for the time being. Many things need to be done now, and potentially harmful rumours are something to be avoided. I'm sure you all understand."
Everyone nodded firmly, letting Neia sigh, releasing the tension of serious talk.
"... Now, back to lighter topics... What ideas does everyone have for toys?"
Right away, the excitement from earlier came back, and in full force.
Neia wondered if Satoru was going to be met with similar excitement from those in Nazarick once he announces the news to them.
...
With a deep sigh, Satoru seated himself in the chair of his office on the 9th Floor. He preferred being alone now, still somewhat drained from so much happening with Neia, and so he told the homunculus maid attending him today to wait outside, much to her dismay.
Satoru was only supposed to be with Neia from yesterday's morning until the following sundown, but overextended his visit to more than twice the length due to her difficult emotional state, staying until the afternoon of the day after Neia informed him of her likely pregnancy. Thankfully, judging by the state of his desk, it scarcely made a difference. There was nothing that seemed sensitive enough to cause problems if it was dealt with about half a day later instead of right away. Still, those piles were far too large. All Satoru wanted now was to go rest… or just spend more time with Neia, not feeling like he had the energy to do much of anything at all right now.
But before Satoru could even look at the documents in detail to see in what order he'd prefer going through them, there was a knock on his door.
"My beloved?"
It was Albedo, in her tone an obvious irritation, mixed with... something else. Or perhaps a multitude of other feelings? As usual, Satoru could not quite read her, but the succubus was obviously emotional.
"Come in... my dear wife."
It felt that each time, feigning affection was getting harder and harder, such statements only forced out after great effort. Immediately following those words, Albedo opened the door and stepped inside, beginning to walk towards Satoru's desk. Even now, attentively observing her body language, Satoru still found her exceedingly difficult to read, though this was only to be expected.
"... Husband?"
Now standing in front of his table with folded arms, Albedo was shifting around uneasily.
"Yes, Albedo? What does my sweetheart need?"
"Well... my beloved, don't you feel that it might be time to take the next step in our love?"
"Hmm... what makes you think this?"
Satoru took the first step in avoiding that whole conversation by asking an imbecilic question. It was far beyond obvious that a loving wife would crave intimacy and closeness.
"I mean, with the way you took that human woman on a pretend vacation to the Baharuth Empire... If you do such things with someone you pretend to care for, then the spouse you truly love should enjoy that, and so much more!"
He sighed. Since when did Albedo know about that? Did she snoop around? What brought on obsessiveness strong enough for her to do such a thing? Or did she stumble upon the information on accident? Oh well. It didn't matter now.
"Albedo... it is precisely because I don't care for that woman which makes any feigned gestures of affection irrelevant to our own bonding. You are being impatient."
"Fictitious or not, even the mere idea of boasting less feats in courting you than a lesser being is just humiliating!"
Satoru slammed his fist on the table, now agitated instead of merely tired of the farce.
"Albedo! Don't say that about-"
Neia. My wife. The woman I love. The mother of my child.
Satoru wanted to say all of those things, but couldn't, instead letting that statement trail off before starting another.
"... ugh, just be more patient. Like I said, you're jealous of falsities! It's ridiculous!"
"But my beloved! Isn't it important how I feel? Surely it's not right that you would leave me in such a sorry state! Please…"
Something about that struck him harder than expected, her pleading, pained tone dampening his anger instantly.
"I'm sorry, Albedo. It's just that… Well, as I'm sure you know, there is a lot of emphasis on being first, one that all my spouses seem to be indulging. I must choose carefully who should be my first to uhm… to do certain things with. And besides, one can't rush love."
"And yet a spouse you don't care for at all is the first in so many of these things? Husband, you must understand how that feels! It is because my love for you is so strong that it pains me so much!"
"I understand that, but like I said, you're being jealous of a worthless facade. You need to be more patient, and that is all I have to say. Now, was there anything else?"
"How could I be more patient? As far as the world is concerned, it is Neia Baraja who stole you away! If only you finally took my virginity, then I could be satisfied with a secret love. But she gets taken on vacations, gets public displays and declarations of love, and even monuments depicting you as her equal! Why? Why does that filthy whore get so much from you? I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that being humiliated by the public perception that a disgusting lesser being is-"
"Albedo! My answer will not change! You are being completely ridiculous!"
"Ugh, I still don't even understand why lowering yourself by marrying her was profitable enough for you to bother with something so humiliating. And so many operations being done in secret now, your constant absence… I don't get it. I don't get why you don't tell me so many things…"
"I think it's time you left. I see you have no duties here."
"But my beloved! Are you not interested in what troubles your wife?! I don't understand. Please, just explain everything to me! Explain why I was made to love you, but you do not take it further between us! Explain why a dirty human spawn gets to kiss you in public, but-"
Satoru slammed his fist on the table, now with his full force. He had enough. Enough of insults aimed at the person he loved the most. Enough of everything.
"Albedo! Shut up already! What do you think you're saying?! Are you demanding I drop everything to fuck you?! This is the height of insolence!"
Albedo recoiled, her earlier anger giving way to profound distress. Satoru's wrath was suppressed, but that was not enough to fully extinguish it, all the rage returning almost immediately.
"You are a complete embarrassment unworthy to call yourself my wife if you turn into such a nagging slut the moment I don't satisfy your annoying libido!"
Tears were starting to form in the corners of Albedo's eyes.
"M-my love... I- I just- I just wanted-"
"Don't call me that! What makes you think you deserve to?!"
She burst into full-on, intense sobbing. At the same time, his rage was suppressed again. This time, it was enough. Satoru was now left hollow, alone in the room with a weeping Albedo.
What overtook him next was guilt. He did not want this. He wanted all his children to be happy. How did it come to this? When did things become like this? Why? Why? Why?
"A-Albedo... I- I'm sorry!"
Satoru rushed over to her, embracing the succubus tightly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it... it was just... damn it all! I'm sorry. It's alright. I care for you. I forgive you. It's okay. I'm here."
Guilt. So much guilt. He did that to her. Because he changed her settings. Because he made her love him. Because he was too much of a spineless coward to ever tell the truth. He was too much of a coward to say so many things. What the hell has he been doing since coming to this world? The whole time, the whims of Nazarick's denizens were what shaped him. They believed him to be their master, wiser and greater than anyone. So that's what he became.
No... he never really became that. Underneath it all, there was still that salaryman, Suzuki Satoru. A foolish coward. And while he loved Nazarick dearly, all these lies were only hurting it. And himself.
The lies needed to stop.
Right now.
Albedo hugged back and looked up at him, still sobbing.
"M-my beloved?"
"Yes. I'm here. And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said any of that. I'm so sorry. Everything's okay, Albedo."
Satoru spoke to her the same way he spoke to Neia just yesterday. The succubus seemed to be calming down, though only inconsequentially so.
"Lord Ai... Lord Momonga... I love you."
"I... I know. You're very, very dear to me, Albedo. But I don't love you in the way you love me... I... fuck, I'm such a two-faced piece of shit... I lied to you. To everyone… I do sincerely love Neia Baraja."
Her sobbing resumed, the pain in it clearer than before.
"Why? Why, Lord Momonga? Wasn't I made to be this way? To love you? Wasn't this meant to be? Why can't we be together? I just want you to love me back… I just want to be with you!"
"I… fuck… I'm sorry... so sorry..."
... … …
Neia, now having reached the age of 12, was sitting on her father's lap.
She had just received a rather long talk about boys, and how mean they might be to her. She did not quite understand all of it, or all that stuff about doing those adult things safely, some questions still lingering in her mind.
"... Daddy?"
"Yes, Neia?"
"... Boys never really liked me because of my eyes. Are you sure they will start liking me?"
"Well, like I said, many of them are just looking for uhm… What were the words I said? A girl that will let them do adult things to her. So they might try to say all sorts of sweet things they might not mean. Like I said, don't get tricked too easily, and don't hang around with bad crowds, okay?"
She did not really know how to spot mean compliments from genuine ones. Perhaps it was a skill that would come with time. Or maybe she'd ask mom, like dad advised her to.
"... Do you think any boy will genuinely like my eyes?"
"Ah, of course you'll find boys who do! I found your mother, after all."
Neia looked down, in deep thought.
Someone liking her eyes?
She imagined a boy complimenting them.
It felt nice.
Really nice.
But would it ever really happen? It seemed too optimistic a thought. Those eyes caused her nothing but hardship.
She sighed, the sadness obvious just from that, something her father quickly picked up on.
"Hey, sweetie! Don't be like that, okay? It can be hard finding the right person, but I'm sure it'll happen one day. Once people get to meet you, they'll surely like such a nice girl! And besides, don't you know how your mother compliments my eyes sometimes? When you're close with a person, they'll learn to love pretty much everything about you!"
"Ah, is that really true?"
"Of course! Would I ever lie to my little girl?"
Neia smiled weakly, her chuckle being one of happiness, but also unease.
"Yeah… I just hope these eyes don't turn the right boy away before we get the chance to know each other…"
"A good enough boy will probably not judge you at all when you explain yourself!"
"Ah, a good boy will be… understanding, right."
"And sweet, and will want a future with you, and will never hit you, and will never touch you when you don't want to be touched."
Neia nodded to show she understood all those lessons well.
"... I just wish I could marry a nice prince, like in those old fairy tales."
Dad's expression became one of minor unease.
"Well… yes, that would be great, but you probably should not aim so high, you know? You could pass up many good boys by just waiting for your idea of a perfect prince, or love at first sight… love does not always come so quickly, and you might learn that what you were looking for your whole youth did not exist, or it was simply not what you actually wanted."
Neia understood that. She also understood what it meant to be of common blood. Someone like her would probably never marry a prince… Not when a prince had so many other girls to choose from. So many girls who did not have her eyes.
It would be so nice, though… a kind, wealthy, and strong prince from a distant kingdom who would rescue her from some danger, kiss her, give her a happy life, have her become a mother… back then, Neia did not find those sorts of stories very appealing, but now that she had adult feelings, she found those tales very, very romantic, daydreaming about them almost every night.
… … …
Sitting on the Throne of Kings, Satoru's head was supported by his hand, which was in turn supported by an armrest. His gaze was wandering everywhere it could, often to the staff of Ainz Ooal Gown floating beside him, but never to the silently waiting servants gathered before him. It was hard to face them, knowing what must soon be revealed... What that'll make them think of him...
But it needed to be done. For their own sake, and for his.
Even though part of him wanted to delay the inevitable for as long as possible, or perhaps even forever, the wait for everyone summoned to arrive was agonising nonetheless. And then, when the door to the throne room opened once again, Satoru did not even bother looking who arrived this time. The sets of footsteps stopped where the rest were already waiting. Following a delay, he heard the voice of Demiurge.
"Lord Ainz, everyone is now present."
This prompted Satoru to finally look down and ahead, though he still did so with profound exhaustion. From left to right, there stood the seven Pleiades, Sebas, Pestonya, Pandora's Actor, Demiurge, Cocytus, Aura, Mare, and Shalltear.
"Mm. Thank you for gathering everyone…"
Despite knowing what to say, and that it must be said, Satoru's mind refused to let him focus, instead returning to his previous state of idle agonising over the matter, eyes wandering once more.
"... Lord Ainz?"
"... Yes, Demiurge?"
Satoru's answer was slow, life absent from his tone.
"May I ask why Albedo is not present? Considering the implied urgency, I found it odd."
"... She feels unwell. She will for some time."
"And may I ask why?"
The question was like a stab to the heart.
"... I suppose you'll find out soon."
He breathed in deeply, not feeling any more ready to state what was on his mind. Why was that? What made him so hesitant, so anxious about this?
Was he afraid for Neia's safety? He'd already done as much as he really could to protect her from threats of any level, with so many illusion-focused and stealth-countering minions secretly protecting her. It would be almost impossible for Neia's position to be attacked without him being alerted immediately. Even then, she had that item. The one he gave her as a wedding ring. And that was still only one of several powerful defensive items in her possession. If she were to die despite all that, resurrection was very much possible.
The only problem would be if she was captured alive, and then hidden from him. Since the chance for this still existed, perhaps he should also give her that world item?
Well, while that was all terrifying to Satoru, there was also just the mere fact that he now had to ruin so much of Nazarick's perception of himself. Old fears of their rebellion resurfaced after years, stabbing away at him. Would they be angry? Or just disappointed? Baffled? Would they think this to be some sort of test? A joke?
He sighed and spoke without looking at anything in particular, head still resting in his hand.
"I have been lying to all of you. I sincerely do love Neia Baraja."
His voice was monotone, gaze wandering up at the flags of his long-gone comrades hanging from the many great pillars of the room. What would they think if they saw him now? Would they be disappointed that he did not prioritise Nazarick in every way possible? Happy that he found love? They seemed more and more distant as time went on, and as his loneliness was made a thing of the past by Neia.
Now that Satoru confessed, what did he feel? There was a great variety of emotions brewing within his heart, but none powerful enough to be suppressed. He expected something stronger. Perhaps this day was something any reasonable person would expect to happen eventually, including himself, even if his conscious mind was in denial.
The last member of Ainz Ooal Gown then finally looked back down, assessing the reactions of his subordinates.
The Pleiades sisters, with the exception of Yuri and CZ, all had their eyes widened to their fullest extent, most of them also covering their mouths in shock. As for the two exceptions, they seemed to be focused on their sisters, in pain because of their pain.
Sebas and Pestonya did not seem phased in the slightest, simply looking at their master in anticipation of... something. They probably knew what a mess this was all about to become, how Satoru was going to be bombarded with questions...
Pandora's Actor had no expression to read, but his body language did not shift in the slightest. It was extremely stoic this whole time, even until this point.
Cocytus was similarly impossible to read by his face alone, but the repeated, forceful exhalation of cold air was indication enough of an internal turmoil of some kind.
The elven twins were utterly bewildered, Aura's face bearing an especially exaggerated expression, mouth and eyes wide open, while Mare seemed to at least hold back a bit.
Shalltear was similarly disoriented, but also clearly upset.
And finally, Demiurge seemed possibly the most shocked, his face resembling that of a person rendered completely unable to think due to some unfortunate accident where they hit their head.
Satoru nodded to himself, and continued speaking in a tone no less bored than earlier.
"Any questions?"
A few of those in the room seemed as if the question had physically struck them, recoiling in yet more confusion. Out of that group, Demiurge was the one to speak.
"L-Lord Ainz, th-this... is t-this some sort of test?!"
"No. It's not a test at all. It seems that the young woman has succeeded in her efforts to seduce me... and I am overjoyed she did."
Demiurge and some of the others squirmed around at this.
"B-but- seducing L-Lord Ainz... I-isn't t-that... wh- what... I... what?"
"It is as I say, Demiurge. I allowed Neia Baraja to attempt to court me, and she succeeded."
It was a bit more complicated than that, but Satoru did not feel like explaining much of anything right now. He could always go into a bit more detail later.
"B-but Lord Ainz, falling in love with a lesser being?! How is that-"
"Don't you dare call my wife that. I love her, and will consider any insult of her honour as a grave affront against myself."
Demiurge staggered back.
"I- I did not mean any... I... I thought... I- I... this was all... how come a human... wh-wha..."
Just as if it seemed Demiurge's mind was shutting off, Shalltear stepped ahead of the entire crowd.
"This is wrong! You... you love me, don't you, Lord Ainz?!... Yes, Lord Ainz belongs to me! Sh-she must have tricked him! With some vile deception! I must go kill that hu-"
"Shalltear!"
Satoru jumped up from the throne, grabbing the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown and slamming it on the floor.
"Not another word! If harm comes to Neia Baraja in any form, all those responsible will face the highest punishment, and I will personally make sure of that!"
The vampire also staggered back, mouth opening and closing several times before words came out.
"B-b-but my husband! W-what are you saying?! I am supposed to be your beloved wife!"
Satoru felt the gazes of the Pleiades intensify. He was married to most of them, too. The answer given here would impact all his spouses. But this was not the time for hesitation. No lies. Or it would just make everything worse.
"... You are all very dear to me... all of you gathered here right now, as are all the denizens of Nazarick. I care for you very, very deeply. But no, I do not love you. Not in that way. Not in the way I love her... I'm sorry… I'm so sorry."
The vampire staggered back even more, before rushing forward several steps.
"N-no! That… that's… that's not…"
A few moments after, tears appeared in the eyes of Shalltear, as well as several of the Pleiades. Guilt was slowly taking him again, weakening his legs and forcing him to sit back down.
But this was necessary. Things could not end up in any other way.
Satoru looked back up at the flags bearing the personal symbols of his comrades.
'... I think I have my answer. They would not be happy at all with how I've treated their creations... all due to my weakness...'
"... Ah… and one more thing. Neia is also pregnant with my child…"
Satoru did not need to look down to understand most of those below must have felt ever deepening shock… possibly disgust. Those in love with him must have also been in even greater pain. In truth, it was precisely because he knew this that he did not want to look in their direction. The guilt was crushing enough as it is.
The only sound in the massive room was now the sobbing of those he so cruelly tricked.
…
Hello. It's me, the Lucy.
I hope you all enjoyed the last 2 chapters. A lot of built up tension is now mostly released, and I just really hope that build up was worth it. Thank you everyone for reading this far.
I suppose maybe it should be obvious what I was talking about when I said the fanfic may or may not end soon. I could either have a few epilogue chapters to deal with the aftermath of this and give a "they lived happily ever after", OR I could continue by doing my best to write about these two lovebirds raising their child. I think that this has quite a bit of potential, and I have some ideas. I'm just not sure I will be able to deliver on that. I'd like to end on a sort of high note, not just force this to continue until it becomes not-that-great. What do you think? Do you want to see me try, or end it soon?