The aftermath of what was being called the "Demonic Disturbance" managed to throw the capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom into a more controlled state of chaos and disorder. While yes, the demons were gone, those that remained alive were now tasked with cleaning up and handling the mess they had left behind in their wake.
Among the great material losses suffered during the night, were the raids on several warehouses of the wealthy merchants and nobles that prided themselves in being businesspeople. Few were spared, but in the case of Amelia's father, the help of a very skilled and powerful group in the Espada had mitigated the impact on his business.
Naturally, this was only a half truth, since in fact all that Gaius had in his warehouses had been moved away before the incident, and was now being moved back into the capital as if nothing had happened. The same could be said for Gaius and his staff, as they were being brought back to his manor.
Currently, Aizen and Amelia were making their way through the streets towards the manor on foot. While a slow method, it did allow them to see the aftermath of that night's battle. In contrast to how they normally walked, Amelia found herself being helped along by Aizen. Now her left arm was wrapped around his right, prompted by a considerable headache that had suddenly befallen her.
The night before she had seen through the illusion Ainz had shown to hide his true nature as an Overlord. Now her fledgling abilities further developed as she was now seeing the lingering souls of the dead, wandering the streets in the middle of panic and failed interactions with the living. Only Aizen and now Amelia could see them, with neither giving them the attention they wanted.
The only things that paid these poor souls any attention were the "Shinigami" of this world. These beings were strange hooded figures that moved as if pulled along by strings, able to glide through the air on skeletal wings. They carried a scythe which they used when "liberating" souls on mass, using their touch when dealing with a single soul.
It had been some time since Amelia found herself so shaken by anything, but these "reapers" and their unnatural movement did not fail to disturb her. Luckily, they kept their distance from her, since they seemed to be weary of Aizen. Not exactly frightened of him per se, but more of a healthy cautiousness, even if clearly curious.
Still, this meant that the trip back to the manor was chock-full of these beings cutting down any soul they came across. Dispersing the grayish aura that surrounded them before the bodies dispersed into particles of light, and either ascended into the sky, or descended into the ground, with faint wails being heard as they did. To try and get Amelia's attention away from what was going on, Aizen spoke up in a calm, smooth manner.
"Do not worry. They won't hurt you. As is, you only have to worry about the human souls. They may be vengeful, having their lives cut short. When it comes to the 'Reapers', they tend to ignore the living, and loathe the undead."
"Is that meant to make me feel comfortable?" Amelia groused with a raised eyebrow.
"Perhaps. In any case, this is a good moment for you to learn. Don't pay too much attention to the souls. They will focus on you if you do. With time you should be able to tell them apart from living beings, outside of that aura." Aizen reassured with a teacherly tone.
"Now that you mention it, focusing on the aura does make it easier to tell them apart."
"Indeed. It represents the 'chains' that trap them to this world. It is the role of the Reapers to set them free." Aizen analytically explained.
"How cheerful." Amelia sarcastically said with a sigh.
"Not everyone gets the chance to develop these abilities. Perhaps 'cheerful' is a way to describe it." Aizen pointed out with a small, whimsical smile.
"Hmph. I've yet to determine that."
Arriving at the manor, they were greeted by all its inhabitants, except for Gaius, and Cthalpi still in her human form. For Amelia this cheerful distraction didn't last long as the maid Eva pulled her aside and proceeded to lead her to her father's office where he was waiting for her at his desk. Taking in her father's stern and serious expression, Amelia entered, took her seat, and waited for the elder to speak.
"You and the Espada, have saved the family business. I already had people go out and see what the demons left behind, and it was very little. Many of our competitors are ruined, leaving us practically unopposed. This is the perfect time for you to return and resume your work with me." Gaius announced, with an almost eager undercurrent to his voice.
"I can't say that I am surprised by the lack of proper gratitude. Still, I was expecting you would understand what I have done, what I have been doing, after seeing what the Espada and I did for you." Amelia sharply retorted.
"..."
To this Gaius leaned forwards, placing his elbows on the desk as he intertwined his fingers, with a clearly thoughtful expression. However, one that was empty enough to prevent Amelia from fully seeing through it.
"I understand." He admitted, openly surprising Amelia who could not help but widen her eyes.
"Do not misunderstand. Your place is here, following what I have laid the foundations for you. However, I would be remiss to ignore what has been put in front of me. I was never one to put much worth in the type of business you have with the Espada. Too many things need to go right for it to actually turn a profit. However, you have done much and got everything to turn in your favor. As I would have expected from my child. That being said, I'll allow you to go and run your business for a while longer."
"Hmm... I am thankful for the vote of confidence. However, I've outgrown playing merchant a long time ago. The Espada are my new focus and I plan to take it even further, after what happened here." Amelia announced, getting another surprisingly calm expression in reply.
"Then you will let all that I, and those before me, have built to crumble after my passing? That is what will happen if you truly decide to walk away."
"..."
Now this was truly unheard of. Her father openly talking about death? Amelia would have never expected to listen to him discussing the topic. After all, he had not slowed down with age. Some might say he had only increased his own workload with time. Even Amelia had to admit that some part of her almost failed to imagine him ever slowing down, let alone die, no matter how old he looked. Which meant that, as always, he was thinking about the future.
"Well, when you put it like that, I would be foolish to say I would let a consistent source of coin to go to waste. However, like I said I do not plan on taking over, at least not for a long time. That is why I offer the services of another who will act in my place." Amelia confidently replied.
"Oh? Another? Who?"
"Chōjirō Tadaoki Sasakibe. But his name means little as it is. Aizen was the one that pointed him out to me, and I have no reason to doubt his judgment of this man and his capabilities. You should be able to see the value in that." She replied, getting a bemused chuckle out of him.
"You are still too young to tell me what I should or should not 'value'... Part of me truly desires that you had never met that man. He's troublesome. But I can no longer overlook any of this... What is this new 'focus' that you are planning to act upon?" Gaius asked, his eyes sharpening as he looked her over.
"Will that persuade you?" She asked with a perked brow.
"Perhaps."
"For some time the Espada have been taking steps to expand into the Roble Holy Kingdom. We already have people there working on a base for us to stay and operate from, and we have another being prepared to be sent there to begin and make us known. Soon, Aizen and I will move there for some time, along with our main forces."
"Hmm... A good move. With the annual wars and recent demon troubles, the value of the Re-Estize Kingdom will steadily decline, as will business. Moving your headquarters to another location makes sense. Especially one that is not as controlled as the Baharuth Empire or oppressive as the Slane Theocracy. Even if their isolationism and political situation might be seen as... troublesome." The elder said in a thoughtful manner.
"Indeed. Makes me wonder why you have yet to move, father."
"Hm. Business is about to pick up. Especially with the annual war, and the sudden opportunities created by the demons undermining all others. That aside, I'll take in this man and see if he is truly up to task. From his name I'm guessing he is from the south. They have yet to fail me, and I'm sure they won't start now. You are dismissed."
Getting up, Amelia gave her father a nod and walked away, pleased with how the conversation had gone and strangely happy with how much her father seemed to have softened. It was a strange feeling, to have a conversation with him where it felt like his will could be that easily moved. Leaving the office, she was greeted by Aizen and Cthalpi, who had been waiting for her after getting through the welcoming by the servants.
"He agrees with us moving to the Holy Kingdom, and he will let Chōjirō prove himself as my proxy." She informed with a pleased smile.
"Good. I've already sent word to Hilma and she will be moving out soon. I also spoke with Cthalpi, and based on what Juno told us, the demon 'Jaldabaoth' is most likely a demon named 'Demiurge' that serves Ainz Ooal Gown." Aizen coolly said.
"Not really surprising, since we were already theorizing some relation between them. Now, shall we get going back to E-Rantel? The Espada can handle the rest." Amelia pointed out in a nonchalant manner.
"Very well. Let's move out."
The Espada that had taken part in the battle were currently making their way to the current location of adventurer teams Blue Rose and Darkness. They were doing so on foot, since horses and carriages were currently limited, and they still had to make it seem as if they had gone through a significant event.
As they walked, a single carriage passed from the opposite direction of the affected district, being manned by two people. Inside the passengers were the Count and his wife the Countess Ada Stone Victoria. Both were stoically silent, with simple clothes covering her previously naked form from the night of the attacks.
"This is a considerable loss." The Count mused aloud.
"I apologize for my failure." Ada admitted with her head lowered.
"Don't say such foolishness. Not even a noble lady should be that humble. You were clearly faced by someone many times your better and you did well to survive like you did." The Count reassured in a neutral tone.
"What will you do now?"
"The manor is gone, along with many of our things. It will take time to recover from this, but for the time being I agree that we would benefit from a change of scenery. We'll be going to our estate in the Roble Holy Kingdom." The Count informed, getting only a nod in reply.
Soon enough, the Espada reached the clearing Momon and Nabe had chosen to take their leave. They were surrounded by Blue Rose, Marquis Raeven, and one of his men. Naturally the arrival of a large group like the Espada got their attention with the Marquis and his aid turning to greet them, along with some of Blue Rose.
"It would seem I was correct in thinking that you might come to see Darkness off." Raeven said with a smile, motioning his aid to present the Espada with a similar sealed letter, dagger, and plaque that Momon was given, signed by King Ramposa III himself.
"His majesty would have liked to convey his gratitude in person..." He went to add, but Rylen raised his hand to interrupt him.
"And we apologize for the rudeness, but we were asked to report to Lady Amelia personally and she does not take delays likely." Rylen professionally replied.
"Indeed. Still, we are honored to be presented with such honors.~" Annika said in a sultry tone, taking the items from the man's hands.
"And one I think you have soundly deserved." Momon spoke up in a supportive tone, walking to the Marquis' side.
His gaze went through all of the present Espada, until finally seeing Juno, the one that had been partnered with Darkness and Evileye to face "Jaldabaoth". At least he hoped the woman he was currently looking at was Juno. This doubt came from the fact that the one currently under the armor was Pandora's Actor, not Ainz himself.
The ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick returned to it for an emergency meeting after Shalltear was recovered. So Pandora's Actor was working only on descriptions, and wanted to ensure that in his excitement to serve his creator, that he would not make a mistake.
"...Indeed, from what I could tell, and was told of what Juno and the rest of you did, I have nothing but admiration for you Espada." He cordially added.
"High praise indeed. Still, as expected of a team lead by a man involved in the teaching of the Warrior-Captain." Lakyus said in approval.
His praise had been a resounding success, and it filled Pandora's Actor with joy. Still, they had to return to Nazarick, and hopefully make in time for the meeting. Turning to his side to eye Nabe who seemed as blank faced as usual, he prepared to announce his departure.
"Then we should get going. Marquis Raeven thank you for everything..." He began, but Juno spoke over him.
"Before you leave, Lady Amelia instructed us to give you these." She informed, presenting him with a bag with books of several sizes.
"I see. These are..." Pandora's Actor went to say, stopping when his mind drew a blank.
"The information you requested."
"Hm! R-Right. Of course. I forgot with all that has happened. Thank you." He said, motioning Nabe to take the bag from Juno's hand.
"Sir Momon is in high spirits." Evileye remarked, as if thinking aloud.
"Right, so... Blue Rose, my fellow adamantite-ranked adventurers, I hope we will be able to remain in close contact. I'll be counting on you if anything happens. " Momon said, once Nabe had taken the bag.
"We'd be glad to. Though we should be saying that, Mr. Momon. After seeing your strength, we're almost ashamed to call ourselves your fellow adamantite-ranked adventurers. We'll do our best to catch up with you, and I for one look forward to working with you again." Lakyus said in a friendly tone as he gave a respectful nod, which Momon returned, when she then turned to the gathered Espada.
"Same goes to you Espada, I hope we will be able to work together in the future like we have here."
"As Lakyus said. We would be glad to continue this cooperative relationship." Rylen stoically replied.
Giving them a nod, Momon motioned Nabe to start activating the scrolls of [Floating Board] and [Fly] they would be using to take their leave, having declined the Marquis' offer to have magic casters escort them. It was at this point, that Evileye mustered the courage to approach him.
"So... You're heading off?"
Pandora's Actor turned his attention to the petite vampire, having already sensed that her attention was mostly placed on him. Even that she referred to him with an honorific, and now he could tell that she used a rather soft tone when addressing him. He also had not been told of this particular change of behavior. How strange. Had his creator overlooked it, or simply decided to ignore it? Still, what was causing her to act like this? Perhaps she wanted attention like what he did by singling out Juno.
"Yes. Still, perhaps I was wrong in to saying anything." Momon replied, causing Evileye's eyes to widen under her mask.
"I should have mentioned you, like I did Juno. I was able to understand, why you were the one chosen to accompany me, Nabe, and Juno. You are a very powerful magic caster, and I very much appreciated the help you gave us." He added in a soft, gentle tone.
"...!"
It was as if she felt her heart start to beat again in her chest. It wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear, but even so she was glad that in his eyes she was worth noticing. To be honest, she was expecting him to say nothing, since she envisioned him as being that type of man, but to be told even this was so much better. She felt like she would float off her feet as she spoke with a quiet, almost shy tone.
"T-Thank you..."
"Well, until we meet again."
With that he gave all of those present one final wave, before getting on the [Floating Board] with Nabe, and her activating [Fly], with the pair soon vanishing into the horizon. As they did, he could have sworn he heard Evileye wail with an angry cry, and Blue Rose laughing, but disregarded that unusual combination. Once they were far enough from the group, Narberal finally broke her silence.
"Why did you praise those women, Pandora's Actor-sama?"
"Fräulein Nabe, remember that from their point of view, they helped us. Especially those two that accompanied yourself and Ainz-sama. So, in order to keep a positive, yet cool view of us, I had to offer them some praise. So in the future they will be willing to be associated with us and approach us." Pandora's Actor quickly replied.
"I see. As expected of Ainz-sama's creation."
"Speaking of which, what did you think of Evileye?" He asked in curiosity.
"The masked one? She is more annoying than the rest."
"Oh? How so?"
"She clings too much to Ainz-sama." Narberal replied through gritted teeth.
That made sense, when considering what he himself had seen, this was a very interesting situation. This woman liked to be close to 'Momon', addressed him with respect and in a singular manner, along with being visibly affected by his praise...
"Ah, jetzt verstehe ich. It's love." Pandora's Actor announced in amusement.
"Love?" Narberal asked, with a slightly disgusted expression.
"Ja~! She loves Ainz-sama. It all makes sense."
"I am surprised that creatures like them would be able to make such a correct decision. But are you sure? Ainz-sama did nothing about it." Narberal pointed out in confusion.
"He needs to first assess her feelings, because if he turns her down and she is displeased it may affect Momon's image."
"I see. As expected of Ainz-sama and his creation." Narberal said, getting an approving nod from Pandora's Actor as they sped onward.
The goodbyes had taken more time away from Narberal and Pandora's Actor established schedule, so the meeting in the Great Tomb Nazarick began before they arrived. In the Throne Room all of the Floor Guardians, minus Gargantua, most Area Guardians, the Pleiades, and various other NPCs had been gathered to bear witness to this meeting. Originally it would have addressed Sebas' and Solutions' work and to discuss other events, but all of these were secondary in the face of what happened to Shalltear.
While Ainz sat on the [Throne of Kings] with Albedo to his side, Shalltear stood at the end of the stairs with head bowed low, surrounded by Cocytus, Mare, and Sebas. All ready to act in case something happens, although this was only a precautionary measure.
"I would have liked to begin after Pandora's Actor and Narberal arrived, but I believe this is something that needs to be discussed right away. Now, Shalltear, I want you to explain what happened." Ainz said in a calm, yet steely tone.
"I was..." Shalltear began, but Albedo interrupted her.
"Address, Ainz-sama properly! How much can you fail, before..." Albedo spat, stopping herself only when Ainz raised his skeletal hand.
"Albedo, let Shalltear speak. We are already imposing enough suspicion on her by having her be guarded."
"My apologies! I-I was only thinking of your safety." Albedo quickly said, taking a deep bow.
"Umu... Continue, Shalltear."
"Yes, Ainz-sama. I was instructed by Demiurge to investigate the missing demons in one of the sections of the district. I followed some of the remaining demons to a manor, where a single human woman was fighting them. Killing them with ease..." Shalltear continued, just for Albedo to interrupt again.
"What did you learn of this woman?"
"I was getting to it~!" The vampire snapped back, glaring at Albedo who seemed unfazed by the clear hostility.
"She used what I believed to be this world's [Martial Arts], but had no gear of significance. I can only assume she has some skill to her, since I found her rather amusing.~" Shalltear said an impish grin.
"Did she do anything new that we were not aware of?" Ainz asked in curiosity.
Shalltear tugged at her dress, terrified at the fact that she didn't remember much of what the woman had done. She was so focused on her figure, her expressions, and all she wanted to do to her, that such minute details seemed unimportant at the time.
"Don't you have an answer for Ainz-sama!?" Albedo hissed.
"I-I do!... She used these buffs I didn't recognize... They were blessings... [Blessings of Cthalpi]!"
Cthalpi!?Ainz might have not remembered the name before, but he certainly did now. Cthalpi was the name of the guild-master of the Daughters of Cthylla, the guild that Yamaiko's little-sister Akemi belonged to. What did this mean? Had her guild also been transported here? If so, what resources did she have on hand? What NPCs did she have with her? What items? Were they based in the Kingdom?
Several questions went through Ainz's mind. Even the question of if she had been involved with what had previously happened with Shalltear, but he quickly refuted this since he was certain they had no [World Class Items] that could cause such an effect. What about what happened to her now? It could have been an item from 'YGGDRASIL', but he had never heard of these 'blessings'.
All the guardians could sense the thoughts that seemed to swirl around their master, but none dared to say anything. They remained silent until he once more leaned back onto his throne as his emotions were suppressed.
"Did you see the one named, 'Cthalpi'?" Ainz asked in a deadly serious tone.
"No. It was only the woman, and then... him."
"Hm? Him?... No, that can wait... She only used these blessings? Nothing else in relation to Cthalpi or YGGDRASIL? Was she human?" Ainz eagerly insisted, his mind in overdrive to compile as much information as possible.
"She was human. I'm certain. And yes, that was all she used that was of any relation to those things. But she did use this one blessing that enveloped her entire body.~ It made her look less human, but not like anything I had ever seen. I think it was related to this odd tattoo on her back."
"Umu..."
It was as he thought. This was something new. At least from what came to him right away. Perhaps either the result of the transition to this world or something that happened as time went on. After all, from what Ainz remembered she was of a heteromophic race, and while he didn't remember which, it was very likely she could live for many years. Not to mention how people in this world can develop new spells not of YGGDRASIL. What troublesome thoughts these were. Still, it was time to move on to "him".
"And? Who was this man who appeared?" He calmly asked.
"I did not get his name or see his face. It was covered by a mask… But his presence was very similar to yours, A..."
Shalltear was silenced by Albedo loudly stomping the floor with her foot. A sentiment that was shared by all others present as their collective gazes bored onto her even more. Even Shalltear quickly began to regret her choice of words, and now only Ainz could stop Albedo's berating of her.
"You dare!? After all that you have done, you dare compare some insect to the Supreme Being..."
Albedo began to spew, rage very clear in her shouts. Her grip on her [World Item] and personal weapon [Ginnungagap] tightening to the point even it seemed ready to give under her rage. However, just like before, Ainz's raised hand silenced her tirade.
"M..." Albedo went to apologize, but his firm hand and voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Like me? How so? Was he an undead? An Overlord perhaps?"
"I... cannot be certain. He felt somewhat like you, Ainz-sama, but not fully. How he moved and reacted, made me think he was alive."
"Hmm... What did he use to fight you?"
"He wore full armor, and a skull-shaped helmet, of materials whose properties I am unsure of. His weapon was a staff that carried enough Light-Element Energy in it, that touching it alone burned by hands." Shalltear thoughtfully replied.
"It is true. Even after we found her, Shalltear's hands were still damaged from contact with the weapon she described." Demiurge analytically added as he pushed up his glasses.
"If I was allowed to use my gear from the start, this wouldn't have happened." Shalltear ruefully remarked.
"I can understand that it would protect her from its powers, but are you certain of that statement?"
"He... He said it himself. That I was his lesser, in skill alone..." She forlornly replied, biting her lip as she remembered how he looked down on her.
Again, something that left Ainz puzzled. Had it not been for the clear ability to fight with Shalltear and seemingly not use magic, Ainz would have risked to guess that this man was a necromancer. However, if he was a fighter, perhaps this was something new, or something he might have been familiar, but once more was changed by coming to this new world.
"Did he use [Martial Arts]?" Ainz sagely asked as he stroked his chin.
"Yes! He used them. He had this [Gate: Release-5] to overwhelm me. Had it not been for my [Mist Form]... And he could use them with only his hands! I thought that was impossible." Shalltear quickly replied.
"Hm? With his hands? Do we know anything about this, Albedo?"
"My apologies. We have no record of such a thing." Albedo replied with a bow.
"Perhaps he is also a [Monk], like Sebas..." Demiurge suggested, but Shalltear was all too eager to correct him.
"He was not. He could fight with only his hands, and what he used were [Martial Arts]. I'm sure of it.~"
"You. Speak. As. If. You. Respect. His. Skill. And. Ability." Cocytus inquisitively pointed out, leaving Shalltear speechless.
This confirmed it. This being did not come from YGGDRASIL. Still, that only meant he could have even more surprises prepared for them. A being that could match Shalltear to an extent, and could use [Martial Arts] in ways they had not seen before? If his level was high enough it would make sense. He had probably developed his abilities to the point weapons weren't as necessary. If this was truly a native of this new world, then that meant they had to be extra cautious from now on.
"Final question; how did he trap you?" Ainz sternly asked.
"A small cube item. He pressed it against me, and then it wrapped around me in some kind of energy I have never felt before. I was unable to act. Trapped in some kind of void." Shalltear replied, sounding as if defeated.
That detail was especially interesting. He had never heard of an item like that in YGGDRASIL that could, if his hunch was right, trap a level-100 target in a kind of pocket dimension. The effect she described was similar to the Super-Tier spell [Change The World], which could seal a target into a closed-off space. But something so powerful in the form of an item? Even if it was just a one-time-use item with a limited duration, as he suspected, it was still a significant danger, despite the risk of needing physical contact.
"Umu. I see. Alright. I want a fully written report of everything that happened after this meeting is over. But all of you keep this in mind; whatever Shalltear came across was of this world, and is a reminder to you all to not underestimate those you come across. Also, the possible presence of the Player called Cthalpi and her guild, is another matter we need to be cautious of. If you find anyone that might be related to her, or Cthalpi herself, do not be hostile towards them unless provoked." Ainz announced in a firm, commanding tone.
'"As you wish, Ainz-sama!"' All those present acknowledged.
"Now Shalltear, you may move..."
"M-My apologies, but I have a request, Ainz-sama." Shalltear quickly spoke up, interrupting Ainz.
This time the attention she received from all was significantly more hostile. While Albedo did manage to hold herself back, all were wondering how Shalltear dared to ask for anything of the Supreme One in the face of what happened to her.
"I'll listen to it." Ainz calmly said with a slightly tilted head as his right fist supported it.
"I request... I request to be properly trained in combat."
'"..."'
Silence fell upon the Throne Room. It was as if someone had made a joke so bad it got no kind of reaction from its audience. Well, outside of a low mocking chuckle from Albedo, and one of amusement from Demiurge as he spoke.
"Kukukufu... Isn't that an overreaction? You said so yourself that with your gear, things would have been different."
"Is. He. That. Good?" Cocytus asked in an oddly eager tone.
"I had the advantage, so I could have worked around a lot of what he did. But when things got more complex and his skills started to show, I was left without many ways to answer. I have to change that, for when we meet again." Shalltear replied in a surprisingly determined tone.
"Assuming, that will happen." Albedo pointed out in disinterest.
"You can't assume it won't~!" The vampire spat back.
"Oi, Shalltear. This isn't like you." Aura casually remarked.
"If you are ready next time..." Demiurge went to say, but Shalltear simply waved him off.
"I don't want to be mocked again. That is why, I make this request to you, Ainz-sama."
"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-hah!"
A happy, pleased laugh broke the seriousness of the situation. All were shocked to see that it was from Ainz Ooal Gown himself. The ruler of Nazarick had broken up into a controlled laugh, in the face of seeing the genuine wish to grow and develop in one of the NPCs. This being even funnier since it was Shalltear of all of them, and how she was speaking of this man.
This was exactly what he wanted to see, what he had tried to get them to understand. That now in this world there was room for them to grow, to develop in all kinds of ways. To see someone like Shalltear start to embrace this ideal, filled him with happiness and a certain sense of pride that he hoped his guildmates would approve of.
Soon enough his emotions started to be surprised, and the laughter died down, until he was left to awkwardly scratch the side of his chin, similar to what one did after laughing too hard in front of a large crowd. It surprised all present to see this side of their master, but not nearly as surprising as his answer to Shalltear's audacious request...
"Umu! I like that way of thinking. Train to be able to match a certain enemy. That is a good mentality to have, Shalltear! Very well. I'll allow you to train with Cocytus, and if you wish Sebas, but that will be discussed later. Now, move back, so this meeting can continue."
"Ah~! Thank you, Ainz-sama."
Taking a deep bow, Shalltear and the rest of the Floor Guardians moved back to join the rest of those present. The petite True Vampire felt relieved and elated, to know that she would get the chance to better herself. When she met that man again, her victory would be absolute, and he would be broken underneath her heel. A thought that warmed her insides.
"Before we continue, Albedo remind me to compile the information I know of Cthalpi and her guild to later give to those of Nazarick. Now, Sebas and Solution come forth."
The rest of the meeting proceeded with him rewarding as best as he could Sebas, Solution, and Entoma's work. Followed by Demiurge and Albedo explaining what Ainz's plan was for them in this world. Much to the Overlord's surprise, this ended with the reveal that he was in fact planning world conquest, and that Nazarick would strive towards founding their own nation. A sequence of events that left him wondering, how did things get so out of hand?
When the meeting ended, Ainz would have preferred to relax and perhaps take a slime bath to ease his overworked mind. However, with his promise to compile information on Cthalpi and her guild, combined with the arrival of Pandora's Actor with the information he had asked of the Espada and Shalltear's report, relaxing wouldn't be possible in short term.
Going to his study, Ainz sat at his desk, with the books Pandora's Actor had brought to his right. The aforementioned Greater Doppelgänger stood in front of said desk, waiting to be addressed. Shalltear was sitting on one of the nearby sofas writing her report, while Albedo reluctantly watched over her, wishing that she could punish her. But her ever merciful and beloved master forbade it, being oddly pleased with Shalltear after her audacious request.
Taking each of the books out of the bag, Ainz used the [Translation Glasses] to read through each title, before putting them aside to his left. He was glad for the timing of Sebas' return to make use of them, since he only had the one pair to work with, and his understanding of the Kingdom's language was still marginal at best. In any case, from what he could gather, they were like encyclopedias for each country, with many facets neatly organized.
First came the Re-Estize Kingdom, followed by the Baharuth Empire, the Argland Council State, the Slane Theocracy, the Dwarf Kingdom, and finally the Roble Holy Kingdom, where Demiurge had been covertly working on something. Having all the books on his left, Ainz looked inside the bag confirming that was all. Scratching his chin, he then wondered why the Espada had only delivered information regarding the countries directly surrounding the Kingdom...
"...!"
He then silently gasped as he realized the reason why. It was because he worded the request wrong! He gave the impression he was only interested in the countries directly surrounding the Kingdom, and they had given him just that. What an oversight! He chastised himself for such a blunder that he never would have made in his old life as a salaryman. How troublesome it was to have wasted his free request in such a manner.
Still, as he looked at the books, he could tell they should come in handy regardless, if their size was anything to go by. After all, they did take over Eight Fingers, thanks to Princess Renner who had arranged for the covert release of Cocco Doll, would then in turn was "persuaded" by Mare and Aura, when they took him to the "Black Capsule". He then set up the rest of Eight Fingers, who would give them a significant base of information and influence to use.
"Are these the books you requested, Ainz-sama~?" Pandora's Actor eagerly asked, practically leaning over the desk as he got uncomfortably close.
"H-Hm! Yes! You have done well, Pandora's Actor. You are dismissed!" Ainz replied, eager to have his embarrassing "black history" gone from his presence.
"Oh, thank you for your kind words, mein creator! I aim to please you. Also, fret not. I made no attempt to change the dynamic between Momon and Evileye by acting on her feelings for him."
"W...!"
Ainz had to hold himself back so his jaw didn't drop off, being completely taken aback by this revelation, and his emotion suppressor quickly coming into play. This also led to Albedo starring daggers at Pandora's Actor, with Shalltear doing the same but perhaps not as intensely as most would expect.
"What are you talking about, Pandora's Actor?" Albedo growled through gritted teeth.
"Oh? Ah, I see.~ Ainz-sama kept the information to himself. I apologize for having said more than was necessary." Pandora's Actor quickly retorted with an apologetic, and overly dramatic bow.
Ainz fully agreed with Pandora's Actor picking up on this, but wasn't thankful for having him drop this bomb in front of those two. Feelings? When had that happened, and why? Perhaps this was the cause behind her eagerness to be close to him, and to wanting to throw him into the limelight. Before he could contemplate further on it however, Albedo tensely approached his desk. Though her expression and tone was calm as she spoke, there was something about it that set him ill-at-ease, despite his passives.
"Ainz-sama, is this true?"
"Y-Yes. And just like Pandora's Actor said, I have not acted on them so as to not change the dynamic between Momon and Evileye. It could affect for the worse what we have built." Ainz quickly answered, once again thankful for his undead status that kept him calm.
"I see... Then, you feel nothing for her?"
"Hm! Indeed."
"I-I see. As expected of Ainz-sama." Albedo said, taking a sigh of relief as the pressure she was exuding lessened.
"Ahem! Again, thank you for your work. You are dismissed, Pandora's Actor." Ainz said, letting go of his own sigh of relief.
"As you wish, Ainz-sama~!" Pandora's Actor said, giving his creator a salute before leaving.
"Albedo, can you read these books for me and write down the most significant pieces of information? I'll be getting to work on making the compilation on Cthalpi and her guild."
"Your wish, is my command~. Speaking of which, isn't that the guildmaster of Akemi-sama's guild?" The Guardian Overseer asked, approaching the desk.
"Indeed. That is correct."
"So then, it is possible that Akemi-sama is here in this world?"
"Umu... Yes, it might be possible."
Albedo gave him a nod, before her attention went to the books. While Ainz was left to wonder on the idea of Akemi-chan being in this world with him. If true, nothing would make him happier, other than one of his guildmates appearing. After all, it would mean that he was no longer alone, and her would have someone he could openly talk to, and share his burdens with.
The pressure to role-play as the NPCs' perfect Supreme Being mounted with each passing day, and he was honestly growing weary of it. The possibility of Akemi-chan being in this world gave him the first raw of hope in a long time. Of course, first things first; he needed to do his best to recollect all he could relating to her guild. He didn't want his NPCs to sour an encounter if that was the case.