Eljudnir was formerly a dungeon where the raid boss can be described as both undead and divine. It's a mixture of light and darkness - as if the magic caster boss is not only holding death in her hands, but what comes after it. The entire area transformed from an eerie and dim castle to a frigid area where there's nothing but darkness, snow, and cold mist. Hundreds of players entered the dungeon but less than half reached the throne room where the boss resides. They faced a beautiful woman with fair complexion, snow white hair and cool beauty on the left side and horribly tainted by black substance solidifying like a tattoos on the right side contradicting with pitch black hair and sclera.
"What the hell is this boss?! It does one different move from the other!"
One of the frontline paladins couldn't grasp the pattern and move sets as all bosses should have. As only programmed, bosses should have a fixed number of spells it can use and its movements are limited, yet the boss moves from one side to the other and harasses the invaders with spells reaching the tenth tier.
I...found...you...
"...!"
Everyone is trying their best to even drop the health to fifty percent but its regeneration is inside. Death magic also does the opposite effect and only provides buffs to the boss and even regains portions of its health.
"What's...going on...?"
Shirogane feels herself trembling even if she's only moving a digital avatar. The gaze is always directed at her at every opportunity the boss, sending terror and chills to her spine. This drains her motive to even rejoin charging and instead, instinctively makes her take several steps back.
Give...yourself to me...
"It's talking to me?"
...Let me have it...
"Stay...away..."
I can hear you...Azusa
"How did you-"
Shirogane freezes when the boss whispers her real name into her thoughts. Before Shirogane can react, darkness envelops her.
Let me have you. Let me...in...
In the frigid world of eternal blizzard and darkness, there's only despair of how everything will end into nothingness and how one's end is hopeless and bleak. The boss isolates her from everyone else, digging her sharp nails on her right hand into the avatar's cheeks.
(C-can't...move...)
Shirogane's durability and strength are rendered useless when her knees give out to the snow beneath her and she finds the tall woman looming over her. The boss bends forward, staring at her right in the eyes.
Let me in...
(No...)
Let me in...
(Be quiet!)
Let me in...
(Stop!)
Cold black liquid crawls from her legs, climbing to her thighs, and teaching her torso. Her silver armor is engulfed by dark energy in the form of slimy and freezing substances, encasing her paralyzed and trembling body. It shouldn't be possible as a game avatar, but she feels as if her actual soul is pulled to forcibly face the woman.
"...!
Shirogane couldn't move or feel anything else, but her vision and hearing are still intact. She tries to make sense of the horrifying face maniacally smiling at her, but she then realizes her game avatar delivers a slash enough to reduce four players' health to zero, effectively kicking them out of the dungeon.
(What the hell is going on?!) Shirogane couldn't control her character
"You let me in, brat. That's what" Hel can finally speak in the physical world
Hel's voice echoes in her mind as if she's right beside her, but there's nothing but darkness in her thoughts. The only color and light are in the battlefield where the other players unite to eliminate a player suddenly turn hostile.
"Is this a Possession or Magic Jar spell?" One elemental magic caster asks the others
"It's me"
Shirogane's character speaks with the voice of the boss: Hel, The Queen of Helheim. Her avatar is partially transformed with her right side tainted by the solidified black liquid. The paladin goes from burst damage and defensive skills to casually unleashing barrage of spells without worrying about mana capacity.
"Damn it! We have no choice but to eliminate Shu-Ui Shirogane to end the spell!" A monk grunts
(What did you do to me?!) Shirogane begins to panic
"Hmph"
The possessed avatar of Shirogane scoffs and stomps her right foot, causing two circles of black mass forming on both sides.
(What the fuck is going on now?!)
Shirogane is further horrified when two humanoid undead, Grim Reaper Thanatos, emerge from the black puddle and several level seventy undead are also summoned as a chained reaction.
"This is a bit uncomfortable but it will do" Hel tests the body by squeezing both hands
(This is...this is a nightmare...) Shirogane is losing hope
Shirogane spreads her arms wide open on both sides while she witnesses the horror of the players as two powerful undead are summoned without penalty and the boss endlessly summoning undead, slowly reducing the numbers of the players. She can only helplessly see and hear while someone else is controlling her avatar and moving it like a puppet.
"..."
It's a memory Shirogane is viewing from the sidelines alongside Hel, who stands there seemingly bored but sneaks a glance at Shirogane.
"So that's where it all began, but I couldn't remember anything ever since I blacked out. When I woke up, I was sitting on a throne with a game notification to my face congratulating me for something" Shirogane rubs her temples
"I finished off the other players and ever since then it became more of a residence than a dungeon" Hel shrugs with little care
"Why did you take my body? I'm not remarkable like Touch-san or special. I'm just a paladin using a game as a means to escape reality"
"You tried to kill yourself, didn't you? Your sister never returned and that crushed your spirit so badly that you thought of stabbing yourself"
"...!"
Hel's tone and attitude are both laid-back yet gentle, but reminding Shirogane of her past sets her in a terrible mood that her tone becomes rough and her glare is purely sharp. She's a deity who's gentle towards those who died of old age and disease, but would click her tongue to those who commit suicide.
"You picked up Yggdrasil again when you remembered both you and your sister played it. You met Touch Me and that reminded you of youth where you idealized weekend cartoon heroes and manga. His encouragement and sense of justice pushed away any thoughts of dying. That's why you admire him so much"
Hel snaps her fingers and displays an image of Touch Me giving her a thumbs up while she practices her current skill set. It's the early days where Touch Me is helping her farm and grind. This also includes ruthlessly beating her in every mock battles, so she would learn how her surroundings are much worse than him.
"Shu Ui, you're unremarkable and nothing special...but I don't hate you. I am the goddess of death, but I admire those who strived to live and never gave up on their principles. It was only a whim back then, but I never left to choose another" Hel slaps Shirogane's back
"You're not a bad person, after all...I think. At least you're not some curse that will corrupt me from being an ideal knight to a black shadowy knight"
"You read too much cringe manga!" Hel slaps the back of Shirogane's head
"...Sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood. It's true I have my doubts, but I don't think you will corrupt me or anything. You never tried since the beginning"
"You're a thirty year old woman but you have the personality of a brat"
Their relationship is rather complicated, but neither of them resents each other. Hel finds Shirogane's principles and hedonism to be troublesome as the former is from her human memories and the latter is from her demon body. She allows her to do as she please and proves to interfere only when Shirogane is distressed or badly injured.
"You're still believing that even horrible people can still be good"
"My hero is literally a bug man in a cool armor..." Shirogane points at Hel
"Then you don't find my half cursed face to be horrible?" Hel scoffs with a slight grin
"I have a demon tail and both of my hands are black. I'm not one to talk about appearances"
"..."
Hel raises an eyebrow for a moment, but she lifts a momentarily smile because her opinion about Shirogane slightly increased. The left side of her face is a beautiful young woman with snow white hair while the right side of her face is tainted by a shadowy substance and black mass. Most people are repulsed by her and wouldn't even dare to look at her but a demon who lays with female humanoids once in a while doesn't avert her gaze and even proudly lifts her slightly thick malleable metallic tail with a fancy cross spear tip rather than the common arrow tip.
"You can be amusing, but you need better hobbies than going to forbidden websites where you watch-"
"Don't outright say my private life! I'm lonely and single - I have needs too, you know!"
"Hahaha! That demon body of yours only worsened your desires. Since you can shapeshift, you can engage your monster fetish"
Shirogane covers her point ears when Hel jokingly mocks her hidden carnal desires which outright shows itself as as the desire to lay with humanoid women as a monster.
"That aside, I don't find you as a horrible person. Your human side tend to trust people who impresses you while your current self is good at exploiting and manipulation. This world will never be kind to a demon like you"
"My only dream is to build a home for my children and my people as a queen should do. When I was still human, I thought of falling in love with the right man one day...but right now, my feelings hurts others. I want them for myself...and I also want to break them. See them beg and struggle while I..."
Shirogane's body tingles while she stares at her trembling hands, knowing full well she cannot resist her hedonism and sadism. She genuinely wishes to properly love someone but everyone who catches her attention always ends up as a bloody mess and she eats them in sorrow.
"I don't want my children to be like me, so I never showed them what I do to my victims. I may be a demon but I'm an adult"
"Just like how you practice interrogation yourself and force prisoners to eat dead prisoners"
"Can I ever change from...this. I don't want to be an example when I enjoy torture, cannibalism, and have rape"
"No" Hel bluntly replies
"I see. It's not that I hate my current self. I just don't want those to girls become like me..."
Shirogane wryly laughs at herself, but with a deep exhausted sigh, she doesn't struggle against the conflict. Her only fear is for her adopted daughters. Whatever she has done or become - she will carry it until the end of her path. To her, hurting others is part of her nature but she focused on that horrible side of hers to protect her people.
"Hel, you know my memories and you're the reason I tend to black out, so please show me...what happened to my daughters" Shirogane clenches her fists
"Alright"
Hel doesn't even hesitate the slightest even when she can easily notice Shirogane clenches her fists to hold her trembling hands and at least motivate her to make a bold request.
...
The memory shift again. It's one of many, but it's the first and most significant one for the two. As soon as peace returned to the digital castle, its ownership has been transferred to the clueless Shirogane. Excruciating headache takes over her and the colors around her grow dim. Another memory takes over, pushing back her consciousness once more.
"You! What have you done to our mother?!"
Surrounded by dismembered limbs, shattered ice, and pieces of armor, Margaret lifts her spear against Hel using Shirogane's body as her own. The battle has ended, but Hel's distant gaze at the battlefield littered with corpses of several valkyrie's only brings dissatisfaction and annoyance as the main target is not among the corpses.
"Your mother...isn't here. Her body is like a puppet to me now" Hel squeezes the hands protected by cracked metallic gauntlet.
"Onee-chan, someone is possessing mom. I don't know who, but it's someone dangerous. It's a magic caster"
Nellian clings behind Margaret when her eyes detects the various colors of tremendous mana rising up from Shirogane's body. As a warrior, she has little to no mana, but freezing aura surrounds her, freezing the a meter around her body.
"Why she kept dead weights like you around is still a mystery, but you are her weakness" Hel shakes her head
"Nell, stay behind me!" Margaret stretches out her other her hand to shield her younger sister
"So long as you're around her, you'll never stop being in danger. Shirogane will always live in fear that her family will be taken away from her again...and she'll get killed because of you"
"Give her back, you filthy magic caster!"
Margaret's lance, Justice King Shamash weakly coats the blade in blue flames. As much as Margaret's instincts scream at every part of her body to pierce the ironically possessed devil, her attachment forces her to remain in one spot. Her hands tremble that her armor and spear clanks. She bites her lower lip until blood spills out as her heart couldn't bear dealing even a scratch to her. It doesn't matter whether she dies or not in the attempt - Margaret is still young and inexperienced that she couldn't make the firm decision to put her mother out of her misery.
"Emotional and naive - that's why you'll be nothing but dead weight to her. You two are the closest people she has to a family...and she can't bear to lose you too"
Hel has complex feelings to the two girls, but she prioritizes both her host and her weaknesses. The "others" would simply murder the two girls to remove any attachment and fully suppress any resistances, but Hel chooses to spare them while keeping them out of harm's way. She stretches out her palm, aiming at the two frightened half demons.
"Perhaps centuries later and you'll finally have the guts to stab me. Until then, fall into a peaceful slumber and live in your sweet dreams"
Just as Margaret takes a single step forward, Hel averts her eyes for a brief moment right when she squeezes her hand, forcibly teleporting to the two half demons before they can counter her spell.
"..."
Shirogane desperately wants to look away, but she couldn't as she wants to learn the truth from Hel. It's only thanks to Hel's quick reaction and effort that her half dead body has been salvaged. The battle with Freyja killed Shirogane a few times over but Hel's authority over death repeatedly pulls Shirogane's soul while the goddess herself is fighting the Valkyrie Queen.
"Why teleport them away?" Shirogane tries to remain calm
"They'll never be safe as long as you're with them. Freyja and Freyr are two main examples why it's best for you to fight alone"
"..."
"It doesn't bother me because the afterlife is harsh, frigid, and lonely to every soul"
"That's you, but what about me?!" Shirogane stomps her left foot
"Let me ask you this: Will you keep them by your side even if they'll be targeted by opponents that can rival you? Just to preserve your wants?"
"...I...No, I don't think I can bear to keep them around danger"
"They nearly died from Freyja's first attack. Freyja's weapon destroys the soul, so if they die, not even can revive them. She's only after us, so I sent them away to prevent the slightest possibility"
Hel doesn't look at Shirogane and stares at the memory of possessed Shirogane. She vaguely recalls the moment while she's in control back then. Someone stubborn like her will never admit the blank stare of her sorrow when she has to make a selfish decision. Hel herself can be prideful, so at that moment when her mind urges her to at least utter "I'm sorry" at the charred battlefield, she simply limps away, dragging the patched mutilated demonic body while her armor is badly damaged.
"As a parent, you must be prepared to make the most selfish decisions whether they like it or not. If everything was so simple and clear, then..." Hel reflexively touches the right side of her face
"You're right. Even if they will be mad at me, I know I will still go on with my decision. If it's between their future or mine then the choice is obvious. That's why if I were to die one day, both my children and my people will have a home and can keep each other company"
"So that's your whole motivation for wanting to build a country..."
"I'm prepared to die but it doesn't mean I want to die. There's just no telling what's in the future and there might be a time where I can't be revived. Before that happens, I want to secure a future for them..."
Rather than living in fear over death, Shirogane focuses on the present and her goal that she can leave in the future. Her body is effectively immortal due to eternal youth and not requiring sustenance to survive, but the battle with Freyja proved someone can kill her beyond resurrection if Hel isn't residing within her.
"Izumi, your big sister is really..."
Hel mumbles under her breath, somewhat amused again. Ignoring the occasional hedonism, Hel is glad she followed her own whims and refused to eliminate Shirogane's existence and coexisted with her instead. She will never admit that she's a bit "grateful", but curves a gentle smile when her mind briefly thinks about an adolescent girl with shoulder length dark hair and a cheerful expression.
...
Shirogane's consciousness is pulled away again, prompting Shirogane to experience another annoying headache. She feels nauseas and confused at the same time with how another consciousness tossing her back and forth.
"Judging from the effect, they thawed out before Shirogane reawakened as herself. I don't know their exact location, but they're still alive"
Inside Shirogane's private lounge, she thinks about the two sisters while refilling her wine glass with red wine. The strong fermented scent reaches to her nostrils as soon as she pops open the bottle again. On the other side of the table is a certain undead invited by the goddess using Shirogane's body.
"I see. So that's what happened to them. I thought you'd be another evil curse and I actually planned on dealing with you" Ainz carefully observes the goddess
"Curse? Hahahaha. Unfortunately, I'm quite resistant to magic as a magic caster myself. It's one of the perks of having divine status"
"Why are you using that body as your own? What do you intend with it?"
"I don't plan on over Shirogane. If I do that, her soul will be destroyed and even her consciousness will be wiped out. I only want to live how I want without others dictating their rules on me. I rule the realm of the dead itself and the living cannot dictate how I live"
"..." Ainz is still cautious of the goddess
Shirogane sincerely admires Touch Me and respects Ainz as one of Touch Me's friends, but the goddess is different. Her thoughts tend to wander off and often quiet that one cannot easily assume her intentions are for herself or for others.
"When I received a Message, I was worried that Shirogane was in trouble, but to my surprise, something was different at first glance. I felt the gloomy yet comforting shadow clinging to Shirogane when I saw her standing with the right side of face changed"
"I'm not going to hurt her if that's what you're thinking. If she dies, I can't interact with the physical world anymore. That's why I take over if there's a fight she can't win"
"What kind of boss monster takes over an avatar without a time limit?"
"I'm an actual goddess. As someone divine, I don't have the restriction of game characters, but I don't have a true body and merely coexist with Shirogane. I'm weaker than I used to be since I refused to fully dominate my host"
"How can your relationship be symbiotic than parasitic?"
Ainz remains skeptical of the goddess considering she's displaying how she can suppress a player's consciousness and freely move the body. There's no merit in letting the host retain her freewill while she remains effectively trapped in someone else's body. What's more, the goddess is eeriely calm and laid-back that Ainz's overcautious nature refuses to believe her words are her actual thoughts. Incapacitating or restraining the body is not an option either even if it's outside Eljudnir due to Hel's natural immunity against death magic and Shirogane's high resistance against debuffs.
"Shirogane cannot literally die so long as I exist and she can use spells like any magic caster can"
"What's the catch?"
"I get to freely live in her body"
"I meant how it benefits you? Every action must have its merits or it'll be a waste of resources and efforts that should have been dedicated to something else. No one would endure something troublesome without reward"
"Ainz-san, I live by my rules and principles. Helheim is my domain as the goddess of death itself, I disapprove of destroying the souls of unwilling hosts. I have no qualms with slaughter but mortals who indulge in their vices and those who wish for it are allowed to forever cease to exist into the void of Niflheim"
Hel instantly loses her smile and her eyes become a piercing glare because the fate of souls is her duty. She governs the dead who aren't fit to be noble warriors. Her world is that of am eternal blizzard without the hope of day which reflects her impartiality and fair judgement.
"Shirogane had lost her will to live a long time ago, but a hero in a form of Touch Me arrived and two half demon girls reminded her the warmth of a family. I would have asked her if she wished to die, but she had the will to live. Who am I to strip her of a future and a purpose?"
Initially, Hel has no attachment towards her host, but the goddess curves a rather enthusiastic smile as she's someone who admires mortals with strong desire to live and ensures she adheres to her own principles.
"Good grief. You're the type who does as they please. I've seen liars and you don't appear to be one of them. I will give you the benefit of the doubt for now, goddess"
Ainz compares Hel's relaxed eyes and soft laugh somewhat similar to Shirogane stretching her lips upwards and elevation of her flustered cheeks. The way Hel opens up her hands when speaking about Shirogane's will and the intrigue from her spontaneous smile eases a bit of Ainz's cautiousness. He can at least trust that Hel doesn't despise Shirogane or views her in a negative way.
"However, you must give me your word that you will not intentionally harm Shirogane"
"I will give you my word as the goddess of death" Hel places her hand on her chest
"I almost forgot to ask. Is Shirogane aware that you invited me for a discussion?"
"She has some for awareness, but she's clueless about our conversation" Hel lightly nods
(It turned out the curse I sensed before was an undead goddess. Although she seemed parasitic at first, Shirogane felt nothing was wrong ever since she arrived and I didn't detect any status effects on her. I have to find a way to separate her without hurting Shirogane...if it turns out she has an ulterior motive)
Ainz is both intrigued and cautious of the goddess due to her unknown nature. Speaking to Hel alone isn't enough to gouge her strength, capabilities, and behavior. The fact that she can simply suppress Shirogane's consciousness is no different from taking the body hostage whenever she wishes, something Ainz is most wary of.
"I'm not the one you should be worried about, Ainz Ooal Gown. I may not be a nice goddess but there's someone else out there who won't stop for a conversation with any kind of non-human players"
"A threat?"
"The Valkyrie Queen, Freyja. She absolutely hates the likes of you and Shirogane that she culled heteromorphs in the past. When she learned of Eljudnir and my existence, she targeted us. Although I managed to beat her, she got away. I could have killed her but I had to stop fighting because I'm tearing through Shirogane's soul and her body couldn't withstand my output. She was suffering total organ failure and severe blood loss"
Hel clicks her tongue and faintly growls when she recalls the furious Valkyrie shredding through several of Shirogane's fodder POP monsters. Her expression softens and she bites her lower lip at the image of Shirogane's eye bleeding that even the blood vessels on her sclera break, coating her eyes in bright red color. The damage reflects on the body that Shirogane's internal organs begin gradually breaks down until she violently coughs out too much blood that she's suffocating from it.
"I don't know how many are in New World, but the likes of Freyja see us as pests. I severely wounded her and drained a lot of her strength with negative energy, but five hundred years is enough for her to recover eighty percent of the strength and vitality lost to her"
"Then I will be on a lookout for this Valkyrie"
"Freyja is one of the reasons I'm worried for Shirogane's daughters. That woman is prideful and will do anything to kill me. Don't hold back if you encounter her, Ainz"
"I understand the threat she poses to both our people"
"Now then, I don't have much to say right now, but Shirogane is falling asleep. She needs all the stamina later for the entertainment I invited to caress her mane"
Hel relaxes herself when she leans on the sofa. As soon as she exhales when her back meets softness, the dark markings on the right side of her face slowly retreats, displaying the fair and smooth devilish skin. The horn returns to its original size and the bone white shade of Shirogane's hair matches the other side too when the dark shade first fades from the roots.
"..."
After what transpired and the hours that passed in her own inner world, the physical ache and heaviness returns to her body. She feels her senses connecting to her limbs just as she twitches the fingers of her left hand resting on her lap.
"Ainz...san?" Shirogane blinks in confusion
For a few seconds, her blurry vision catches a wide black silhouette with a reddish glow at the center. After blinking a few times, her sight fully clarifies and she recognizes the skeleton in a dark robe patiently sitting in front of her.
"Welcome back, Shirogane. How are you feeling?"
"I felt like I was drifting in a cold river and it felt so calming that I kept slipping into a nap. I had a bad feeling, so I tried to fight off my senses from falling asleep...then that goddess slapped me awake"
"Do you remember why you're here or anything about a strange goddess"
"I remember finally seeing her in my mind then my body felt heavy afterwards. We talked while she showed me the times she took over my body, and..."
"And?" Ainz slightly leans forward
"She sat back on her throne and told me that she's finished talking to you for the day...and kicked me out of her room"
"You don't feel any side effects?"
"I don't think she has any negative effects on me other than the headaches and sore muscles. I think she even helped me in the past when I fought another like her"
Shirogane shuts her eyes close for a second, vaguely recalling a woman in golden armor screaming at lashing out at her. The metallic scent of blood spilling in her lips is the clearest memory she has of that encounter.
"There was a Valkyrie, I think? Someone who hates anyone who despises monsters. She was so abnormally strong that by the time I regained control, I was at death's door and couldn't move a finger"
Shirogane shakes her head left to right, attempting to recall the distant memory of barely surviving a disadvantageous battle. In that past, she groans as soon as she sees the dark starless sky and the scent of charred blood. Her body sizzles and sears from the effect of sustaining holy damage. She feels her bones cracking from the slightest move and her internal organs either mashed or filled with holes. Shirogane coughs out blood and nearly chokes from expelling them.
"..."
Charred soil mixed with the roasted internal organs of fallen Valkyries nearly makes her vomit if it isn't for the excruciating pain similar to stinging all over her skin and thorns wrapping around her insides. The battle has drained ninety percent of her health and damaged her defensive World Item to ensure survival against Jacob's Ladder which is a one-hit kill move for evil aligned players.
"It seems it was Hel who sent your daughters away to protect her from being targeted by Freyja. She knew how much you love them and you might get yourself killed to protect them"
"..." Shirogane lowers her gaze
Ainz observes her for a moment, recalling their first actual meeting and Shirogane mentioning how she lost her will to live until she encountered Touch Me and the half demon sisters. This is further solidified by Hel's statement earlier.
(My guild mates are my dearest friends and they meant everything to me. To Shirogane, her children meant more than herself. They are her family...and she will do everything to make them happy and keep them safe)
To a degree, Ainz reflects to himself when thinking about his loved ones. The NPCs of Nazarick come to mind since they are all creations of his dearest friends and deeply care for them as a family.
"Hel confirmed they are alive, but she doesn't know where they are. I'll help you find them before anything happens to them"
"Huh?" Shirogane lifts her head in surprise
"They're your family, aren't they? I'm sure you're worried like any mother would"
"I should be the one finding them because it's my fault..."
"Then I will help you. Demiurge proposed to announce your existence as a Demon Lord to spread word of your return. He already has a plan that will help the Baharuth Empire recognize Eljudnir as a starting nation much like the Sorcerer Kingdom that I intend to create"
"I already came up with the name of Silver Kingdom. I went with Abyss Kingdom at first but it sounds...dark and evil for a fair and open country that I'm making"
"Oh, Silver. What was your inspiration?"
"My flag is a silver sword with lines on both sides resembling wings. Silver is known as a noble metal and matches with the color of my main equipment too. It was suggested by Dynas, my dark elf assassin who also works as a strategist"
"It's not bad. Then we'll have to further discuss how to approach the revelation. First impressions last as they say"
"I see. So I need to sound and act cool if I want to make an impression when I meet the emperor himself"
Shirogane snaps her fingers, fully agreeing to the idea that the tip of her tail sways in anticipation. She has always acted as a mighty queen in front of her people, but the challenge of convincing the Empire with her speech and actions do make her nervous but childish excitement stirs within her too.
"Hmm?"
Her chain of thought is cut short when someone knocks a few times. She frowns for a moment but quickly regains her calm composure.
"Come in" Shirogane calmly responds
"Forgive my intrusion, Shirogane-sama" Akane bows as soon as she enters
"Did something happen?"
"Yes"
The vampire swordswoman swallows her breath, misunderstanding Shirogane's mild frown as sign of displeasure in disturbing a meeting. In reality, Shirogane practices her act by crossing her legs and leaning at the edge of sofa. This only results in appearing as in a terrible mood.
"A messenger from the Baharuth Empire delivered a formal request"
Akane holds the edges of the loosely rolled scroll sealed by a red stamp with the Empire's insignia.
"What for?"
Shirogane carefully peels off the stamp and unfolds the scroll in the middle of the table for Ainz to read as well.
"Emperor Jircniv is requesting an audience to build friendly ties as he's allied with Nazarick and we're on a neutral stance. There's also a proposal of being a liaison between our factions..." Shirogane rubs her chin
"Jircniv talked about this the other day. He informed me beforehand for some form of awareness and to avoid misunderstandings" Ainz continues reading the request as well
"As planned, our alliance will remain a secret to avoid hostilities from other nations. I don't see any hope in Re-Estize and I can see the Empire using the position of a middleman as an advantage in the future"
"Let's see how this goes" Ainz chuckles
"I'm interested to meet the emperor himself. He purged useless nobles and the Empire's economy improved. I'm also curious about Fluder Paradyne for being skilled enough to use magic to extend his life - I can't help but be curious at everything snd everyone that I encounter"
Her heart races at the list of her childish curiosities entertaining her that she wags her tail, acting more of a cat than a Demon Lord. Shirogane stretches a casual smile when she can't restrain another excitement.
Two days later...
The emperor leans at the transparent glass window of his coach, faintly groaning seeing one of the eight towers surrounding Eljudnir and built in an octagonal pattern with its stretching walls as the lines.
"With a castle this big and secure, the Demon Lord might as well promote herself to Demon Queen. She murdered the competition five hundred years ago and no one challenged her ever since" Jircniv scoffs
"You're right, your majesty. With no other Demon Lords to challenge her, there's no reason to remain as the sole Demon Lord" Nimble sees the walls from the side of his coach
"Our scouts reported monsters building small villages in and out of the forest. Werewolves, demons, and all kinds of humanoid monsters are living like normal people" Baziwood laughs how unusual it is
"Rather than declare Ainz Ooal Gown as an enemy, she agreed to a non-aggression pact and even traded resources with him. She even spared the intruding Blue Roses adventurer group since she declared she wished to create homes for her subjects. It sounds peaceful on paper, but a demon is a demon. They always have ulterior motives and savages themselves"
Several meters in front of Jircniv's carriage is the main castle gate itself, guarded by a pair of scale demons with steel halberds. They are accompanied by roaming hellhounds and other low level demons. Their main instruction is to never attack those invited by the Demon Lord herself and capture everyone who tries to get near the castle, so they stand stiffly on both sides and only move one step forward when an oni with slim crystal horns steps in the middle of the gate.
"The horses stopped?"
All horses on the carriages instinctively stop at the edge of an intangible and invisible barrier surrounding Eljudnir. The passive effect of its aura automatically forces mounts and any forms of transport to cease at the castle's entrance.
"Emperor Jircniv, I welcome you to her majesty's castle, Eljudnir. Due to...a feature, transports cannot enter within the castle"
The oni politely greets Jircniv with a deep bow without any contempt or disgust for humans due to his neutral alignment. For security reasons and a part of his duty, he deliberately refuses to disclose the specific protection and mechanics of the castle. It's been a feature even before Shirogane took ownership and modified it to be manually deactivated by her authority alone.
"That's like twenty minutes walk from here" Baziwood scratches his cheeks
"For regular humans, that is. The distance from here to the castle entrance is at least five hundred meters. Her majesty loves to stroll when she's not occupied, so it's naturally spacious and pleasing to the eye"
"Your queen, the Demon Lord, is she inside the castle right now?" Jircniv scans the open garden
"Her majesty is at the throne room alongside her servants, the Royal Guard" Qlipoth tries to minimize his smile
"That's quite a long walk"
"There's no need to worry, emperor. I've been sent here for the sole reason to directly transporting you outside the throne room"
Qlipoth stretched out his hand towards the castle, exposing his dark claws when his sleeve slips due to the angle. He activates the spell Gate, stretching out a dark portal with drifting lights inside as light is scattered within the void.
"This is also to avoid triggering the traps all over the castle. We cannot deactivate it for security reasons" Qlipoth further explains
"I see. Then I'm prepared to meet the Demon Lord herself"
As a New World resident, Jircniv is unfamiliar with high tier magic, even those within the capabilities of someone from New World. His men witnessed Ainz Ooal Gown transports an entire army of any of his servants with the spell, but his hands still tremble just thinking another monster has appeared.
Throne room...
The gate of the throne room towers even the tallest ogre and at least a meter thick of magic resistant steel. On the left side is the carving of an enormous wolf with three pairs of eyes and two rows of teeth while on the right side is a serpent with stubby spines running on its back and a pair of vampiric fangs. Due to the sheer size and weight, the door's creak is more of a deep yet faint echo as it splits open to reveal an area that can fit hundred of guests.
(Look at all these monsters under her command...)
As part of Ainz's suggestion, Shirogane has her level one hundred NPCs line up on both sides of the throne while she sits with both hands resting on the arm rest and her legs closed together. Angels, vampires, werewolves, beastmen, elementals, demons, and various other races stand on both sides of the throne room, careful not to step on the red carpet or move without command.
(How do I act dignified again? Right! Keep your back straight, eyes to the target, and speak as calmly as possible. What else Ainz-san said? Use a cool sounding voice and big words for extra points)
Shirogane doesn't stretch a smile and her gaze towards Jircniv lacks any pleasure, appearing to be stoic but friendly. In her mind, she repeatedly rehearses Ainz's tips and how he managed during Jircniv's first visit.
"Welcome to my home, Emperor Jircniv. I am Shirogane, the Demon Lord of Eljudnir castle"
Shirogane mentally clears her throat and exhales a bit right before she utters the first word. She attempts to control the tone of her voice, maintaining a gentle yet stern speech while curves the smallest smile she can manage. The act is to ensure she doesn't appear too excited or too hostile to achieve the impression of a dignified queen.
(Those must be her strongest subordinates. They look unique compared to the rest and standing close to her...)
On the right side is a vampire, dark elf, kitsune, and vermin lord while the other side is a demon, dullahan, birdman, werewolf, and angel. Qlipoth is on the same level as them but as an NPC specializing in a commander class, his duty is to be the guardian of Shirogane's vault and defense manager rather than a bodyguard.
"I am Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix, the current emperor of the Baharuth Empire. I am grateful you accepted my humble request for an audience, Demon Lord" Jircniv takes a few steps forward
As for Jircniv, he doesn't wish the Demon Lord to see him as someone helpless on his own and constantly hiding behind his Imperial Knights. He stretches out both of his hands to gesture his friendliness and a sign of welcoming the Demon Lord.
"You are an ally of Ainz Ooal Gown while I'm merely a neighbor of his. Is there something important enough to warrant an audience?" Shirogane sighs
"I personally wish to form friendly ties with your faction and to formally inform of Ainz Ooal Gown agreeing with both the Empire and I to act as the liaison. I've also been informed that you wish to be recognized as a nation"
"I don't wish to be at war with the entire world, so I limited myself with a nation big enough for my people to live freely. I fought against the Eight Greed Kings, so I know what conflict is like. I don't wish to lose my people in bloodshed, Emperor Jircniv"
Shirogane unintentionally drops her stoic persona when she grits her teeth and her scarlet eyes brighten in sharp contrast. She absolutely despises sacrificing her NPCs in a pointless conflict even if her NPCs are willing to die for her without a second thought. Besides her hedonistic and occasional sadism, Shirogane retains her protectiveness which often results to her overcautious approach.
"The Baharuth Empire wishes to form an alliance with Eljudnir as part of Ainz Ooal Gown wishing to preserve your non-aggression pact with him. As the emperor, my empire is willing to recognize your faction as a building nation and will provide assistance if needed"
Jircniv plans to reserve the proposal for a little longer, but the sudden displeasure causes the atmosphere around them to grow heavy. In order to lift her mood and prevent his advantage from losing its purpose, he piques her curiosity.
"What will you ask in exchange? Ainz Ooal Gown and I are nothing but neighbors on neutral terms. We are neither friends nor allies"
"A non-aggression pact as well to the Empire. The other nations are wary of the Demon Lord's emergence. No, since you're the surviving Demon Lord, you're now qualified to be the Demon Queen. It's redundant as I'm a liaison, but this is a safety measure to display the future Demon Queen's willingness for diplomacy and tolerance"
"..." Shirogane rubs her chin
In truth, Shirogane's silence and gesture of curiosity and feel thought is to hide her disinterest in promoting herself. She slaughtered the competition centuries ago and New World demons are afraid to challenge her, giving her the right to promote herself. Jircniv only mentions about being the Demon Queen to spark a demon's thirst for being superior and to stroke her ego as the highest authority among demon kind.
"I will consider signing a non-aggression pact with your nation as well since I have no interest in instigating conflict. However, the pact will no longer stand if another nation declares war or harm any of my subordinates with full knowledge of their actions"
(She doesn't demand that much other than being left alone to do whatever she wants...)
Jircniv doesn't trust a qualified Demon Queen to not force loyalty from Jircniv and shows little to no interest in other nations. Shirogane truly has no interest in human nations as long as they don't harm her NPCs, but Jircniv knows there's no merit in being peaceful and neutral, especially for a demon. Her unchanging stoic eyes and lack of emotion in her voice further adds to his suspicion.
"As part of my gratitude for accepting my request for an audience and agreeing to build friendly ties with the Baharuth Empire, I humbly offer these humans. I've brought ripe maidens and death row criminals as a peace offering"
Jircniv sways his hand and a knight in golden armor rudely pulls a pair of chains presenting handcuffed people in a parallel lined up by metallic chains. There are at least five young women ranging from sixteen to twenty years old while the other line consists of seven criminals convicted of murder, rape, and kidnapping.
"Hmm..."
Shirogane frowns at the criminals since her eyes can barely focus at the unpleasant outline of their souls. It gives her a minor headache and weakly hisses in response mostly due to two of them molested children.
"More resources to test on. I'll decide what to do with them later" Shirogane snaps her fingers
The mellow scent of an open field of flowers reaches to her senses, specifically from the first one she sets her eyes on. Two Abyss Demons bows in response, each grabbing the maiden's wrist and immediately dragging her away from the throne room. As for the rest, vampire warriors take over the chain from the knights. They immediately takes a few steps back, unable to glance at their pair of fangs and deep red eyes.
"Since you're the emperor itself, there's something I personally want to confirm from you, Emperor Jircniv" Shirogane clears her throat
This time, she drops the forced gentle and stoic tone to resume being her slightly casual self. Her change of tone and mood surrounds uneasiness that even the NPCs beside her sneak a glance and drop a cold sweat.
"News of one of your Imperial Knights has encountered a pair of half demons who saved demi-humans from being exterminated" Shirogane's expression darkens
"..."
Jircniv is quick to read the intent and mood behind Shirogane's words. Normally, he would say how close his soldiers are in exterminating the intruders and would offer to hunt down the half demons in the empire, but her fixated glare and emphasis on "exterminated" is a clear sign for someone as observant and cautious as him. He swallows his breath, formulating words to ensure the Demon Lord's neutral stance on his empire won't change.
"The Imperial Knight Leina Rockbruise did encounter the half demons. My knights are unsure who they were, so they fought back when one of them summoned an enormous magical beast. They escaped as soon as the Demi-humans fled the area..."
"Were they a pair of girls with golden hair? One of them has a burning lance and the other is a magic caster who loves to shoot fire magic"
"Y-yes" Jircniv restrains his shaking voice
"I see. So that woman isn't lying..." Shirogane mutters to herself
"Do you know them by any chance?"
"Those two...are my offsprings"
"..."
Shirogane's voice deepens for a moment, halting everyone's breath from the passive fear effect of her demonic aura. Her sudden rise of her voice echoes throughout the throne room, making everyone present believe she's upset at Jircniv. Her aura causes even her subordinates to avoid eye contact.
"My apologies. I've been greatly worried ever since they were separated from me. I don't blame your people for defending themselves, Bloody Emperor"
"I-it's alright. I don't have children, but I understand how a mother worries for their children" Jircniv takes a deep breath to speak calmly
"That's good to hear. I hate to ruin any friendly ties or disrupt alliances. Don't you feel the same, emperor?"
"...I agree"
It's on those words that Jircniv silently gasps upon realizing that Shirogane is subtly threatening him about his thoughts of using the alliance as an advantage against her and Ainz. Her fixated gaze limits him to the fewest response he can muster, another sign of her watchful gaze towards his schemes. While Jircniv believes Shirogane isn't a fool to believe his friendliness without ulterior motive, the latter unintentionally intimidated him when she's only nervous that she will end up ruining the "budding alliance" between their sides.
Demiurge's Ranch...
Two hours after the first meeting with the Baharuth Empire, Shirogane proceeds with her next schedule of her visit to Demiurge's "sheep farm" as part of collaboration and her personal curiosity.
"I see. So it ended rather as planned. Ainz-sama's tips proved to be effective as expected" Demiurge nods in complete agreement
"It's as you said. He plans to use being a liaison as his wild card in the future. The emperor knows how to play smart...and that's why it can be predictable. The smart ones will always choose what's most beneficial to them"
"Right now, it's best for the pawns to move on their own. Declaring fairness and peace will cause uneasiness within the incompetent nobles, is that alright?"
"This will stir infighting and make it difficult for them to make a move. Some will avoid fighting and others will suggest to exterminate me. Their conflict of interest will drive fear and as a result, someone will move against the others. If one noble were to march in my territory with his men and attack my people, I have a justified reason to claim one of the Kingdom's cities as my own"
"You threw them a perfectly cooked steak as an offering, but their distrust will instead stir doubt and fear. As a result, someone will eventually stray from that group and act on their own accord. Hahaha! Simple yet resource friendly manipulation. Incredible!"
(I just made that up, but I'm glad someone smart agrees. More importantly, it's more of a gamble after studying and observing nobles in the kingdom. The noble faction is a complete waste, but it's better to have incompetent enemies)
Shirogane whispers her anxiety to herself, mentally sighing in relief that she managed to lie her way through to someone as strategic as Demiurge. If Demiurge doubts the logic behind it, she simply use Ainz's tip of declaring it's part of a long term plan.
"Emperor Jircniv is different from them, however. He's cunning and cautious - maybe paranoid even. However, he's an example of competent leader surrounded by fools. That's why he purged useless nobles. I'd rather not let him lose power since it would be difficult if someone as spineless as King Ramposa were to replace him"
Studying the history of Re-Estize kingdom from records and regular reports from her spies, Shirogane quickly discovers how the king is barely a king. It's due to the work of an internal force that keeps the noble and royal faction from escalating into a civil war. He mostly relies on their advices that the kingdom is mostly favored to the rich rather than the wellbeing of everyone. It's the opposite of the kingdom Shirogane dreams of building.
"Indeed. As he's competent than other humans, he wouldn't make the first move. Well, at least his peace offering provided us with fresh breeding test subjects and scroll supplies"
Demiurge wags his tail staring at the fresh humans herd like cattle in an enclosed area. The others used for scroll manufacturing are separated in another section while their current room is for sating their curiosities.
"Emperor Jircniv handed over humans as peace offerings. I thought of using them for experiment, but I wanted your input as you've been testing them longer than I did"
"Which one you will use for today's breeding experiment?"
"Before I start with the procreation of half demons, I've been curious about Nephilims. In Yggdrasil, they're a race of disfigured giants, but some old priests also believe they might be spawns of angels and humans"
"Half angels, huh. It's true demons like us can breed with humans, but I haven't encountered a half angel yet"
Although it's still in the experimental phase, Shirogane's current whim has her decide to observe the experiment and set aside her curiosity about half demons born in New World.
"Bariel, Feldel" Shirogane snaps her fingers without raising her hand
"At your command, your majesty"
Two archangels, a common resident of the Exalted Sanctuary Layer, steps forward and slams its fist at his chest. They're equipped with golden armor and wield identical spears. Their presence is less of bodyguards and more of participants. Of course, Shirogane has informed them beforehand and as servants to the Eljudnir, their loyalty is unquestionable.
"I want you two to strip and hold that lady's limbs" Shirogane points a girl with short wavy hair
"As you wish!" They comply in unison
The archangels store their weapons and proceed to do the same with their magical armors. Their bodies are humanoid in appearance and angels below level thirty residing at the Exalted Sanctuary appear as generic summons.
"Hmm..."
Bariel grabs the girl's upper arms while Feldel holds her ankles. The prisoner visibly quivers since her fragile body cannot physically match against two angels in the form of two large men with golden markings on their bodies.
"Toy with that girl's breast and vagina, but no penetration until I say so"
Despite being angels, they immediately comply with their master's wishes and proceed with fulfilling with the command.
"Can you write all of that down in detail?" Shirogane asks her Abyss Demon bodyguard
"Of course, my queen! Leave all the written details to me!"
The Abyss Demon immediately raises a clipboard holding together several blank papers and a paper on his other hand. If it comes to written and visual details, the most reliable is the passionate birdman Hraesvalgr, but even Shirogane can find her own creation annoying due to his habit of adding "artistic flavor".
"Stop! Not there!"
The demon body guard quickly sets to work when the angels focus on their current order. Bariel rubs her breast in circles and even pinches her nipples while Feldel pushes her thighs open licks the surface of her vaginal hole.
"Every second, that maiden fears of being raped. In her mind, she's cursing the emperor for offering her and me for giving the order. Her heart must be racing to the point she can't think but flail the limbs she can barely move"
Shirogane couldn't hold back her smile that she displays her two pairs of sharp fangs and she rubs her left hand's fingers against each other. Her kindness and fairness are only limited to her people and allies, so any stranger without the slightest connection is subject for her amusement and curiosity. It's either for pleasure or for research for her - no in-between.
"Aanh-!" The girl shuts her mouth close
The girl bites her lower lips and tears flow out of her eyes out of disgust and resentment but her body is aroused to the point her nipples have stiffened and her vagina secretes transparent fluid with a strong odor when the angel pokes her vaginal walls with two fingers inserted.
"Her insides are lubricated enough. Shall we proceed with the mating phase?" Demiurge is excited to see the process
"Yeah, she's wet enough. Now make her bend on all fours shove the penis in her mouth and vagina. Slowly thrust so I can savor her expressions"
As soon as Shirogane gives the specific order, the angels immediately comply again and forcibly make the woman kneel on her knees and her palms are pressing the ground. She could into utter a muffled scream and close her eyes while she feels the unwanted sensation of being forced into her body.
"Out of curiosity, is there any one you prefer? It seems you're unsatisfied with the offerings" Demiurge notices Shirogane's deep sigh
"I like beautiful flowers, so I can have the pleasure of plucking its flowers...again and again. I'm interested in Lakyus, but that's primarily because of my eagerness to experiment on her resurrection spell since it's a very rare skill even among priests in this world. The queen of the Roble Holy kingdom also comes to mind. I heard she's unmarried and showed compassion to demi-human children. A monarch and a maiden - imagine the discord it will bring if a demon were to bed their dear queen"
"Then do you wish to create an offspring from the holy queen?" Demiurge grins
"Just like a good meal, I prefer fresh and high quality ingredients. Well, right now, I'm in the mood to see parents peel their children and to eat someone's lover of family member in front of them"
She can taste the juiciness and flavor of normal animals and even monster meat, but young and healthy humans have been her favorite meal. Although she still has her human memories, she doesn't hesitate to think about the immorality of cannibalism since she has long accepted that she's a demon for the rest of her life. To her, humans are either cattle, sex slaves, me test subjects.
"Ainz-sama worried if you'd resist your instincts or embrace it, but it seems it's the latter. He thought about it since he's not sure how well our discussion will go"
"Personally, I was confused at first but it felt too natural that I didn't hesitate about it. I don't care if it's right or wrong as long as it's beneficiary. Well, that and I get off when they scream and curse all kinds of vulgar words while I test the limits of my healing spells" Shirogane wags her tail
"Do you have experience with kinds of methods? If you wish, I can share my experiences with exacting despair at the peak of their hope"
"I just remembered. You mentioned about the Golden Princess and recommended her"
"Hmm. Her intellect is remarkable. Despite her young age, Princess Renner's reasoning and opinions are worth noting. Do you wish to meet her, lady Shirogane?"
"That's a good idea. I haven't spoken to a single competent race ever since I got here. That's why I'm glad to have met Ainz-san and his strategic advisor"
"The credit is reserved for Ainz-san's bottomless wisdom and unpredictable intelligence"
(Ah, so this what he's nervous about. I kind of get how he feels being regarded this highly...) Shirogane appears stoic externally but trembling internally
Ainz himself is unsure of his plans or everyone else's for that matter, but Shirogane doesn't wish for his subordinates to discover that he goes along with luck and coincidences most of the time.
Meanwhile...
While Shirogane is occupied "spending time between demons" with Demiurge in his workshop, the NPCs chosen for the trip are the vampire Akane and the demon butler Nehemoth.
"So in short, you have expressing your feelings and since you're undead, you can't have children" Albedo tilts her head
"Race limitation won't get in the way of one's desires! I am a vampire too but it's my dream to receive Ainz-sama's seed and give him an heir!" Shalltear moans while embracing herself
"It makes me jealous that her majesty invites succubi to her bedroom and even allows other females to bathe her..." Akane clutches skirt
"You lack the initiative, that's what! Why wait when you should jump at the opportunity!" Albedo grabs Akane's shoulders
"W-wouldn't that lower my chances with my queen? She'll think I'm out of my place and I'd lose my standing..."
"Utter nonsense! You mustn't hold back if you truly love someone!" Shalltear agrees
The two female Floor Guardians aren't subtle with their love and violent towards competitors that other female NPCs are afraid to compete with them.
"Even if her majesty accepts my love, I don't have the body to bear her children..." Akane rubs her abdomen
"That's why magic exists! Ainz-sama is the greatest magic caster there is, so I'm sure a necromancer like him has a solution that can make you fertile!"Albedo excitedly assures her
"Perhaps..." Akane is slightly nervous
"Strip yourself naked in front of her if you have to. Pin her to the ground and declare your feelings!" Albedo loudly suggests
Their passion for love and making love is intense that Akane mentally learns while no other female NPCs in Nazarick join the competition for Ainz's affections.
"Why don't we practice right now? I happen to have experience with women. Since your queen is a demon, she can make love with women by transforming into a man..." Shalltear snaps her fingers
"A true lover will give their chastity to the one they love, so Akane can't have sex with another man even if it's for practice and healing magic exists..." Albedo rubs her horn
(Her majesty is interested with Lakyus due to her rare talent to use resurrection magic. I don't want her majesty to father a child of a lowly human...)
Akane's eyes turn bright red and she grits her fangs just imagining that her creator will choose a worthless human to be worthy of conceiving "true" heirs.
"The ladies are having fun" Nehemoth chuckles
"Indeed. Albedo-sama and Shalltear-sama are passionate when it comes to a woman's feelings" Sebas agrees
The two butlers stand side by side, quietly observing the three NPCs from a safe distance to avoid being dragged into their conversation.
"I'm truly pleased to have personally meet you, Sebas-san. Shirogane-sama informed me that she was inspired from you because of your creator Touch Me" Nehemoth quickly changes the topic
"I feel honored to be an inspiration to someone"
"When her majesty met you, she was at her happiest mood. That's why, I humbly request to learn more from you"
"What is there to learn from you? The fact you're chosen to be her personal attendant meant you're worthy in her eyes already" Sebas smiles for a brief second
"I haven't seen myself as the perfect butler and servant. That's why I wish to learn from the creation of the man she admired the most"
"I haven't seen myself as perfect either. I'm still learning how to serve Nazarick as a faithful and diligent butler" Sebas shakes his head
"You're humble and kind. What's your creator like, Sebas-san? My queen longed to see him again ever since he quit the guild and left"
"Touch Me-sama is a man of honor and justice. Ainz-sama believed my strong ideals and kindness is a legacy from him. My creator is a great hero and an ideal knight of justice"
"Justice, huh. My queen is being troubled by it because she knew she had innocent casualties. That's why she never dons her silver armor when she's not defending the innocent or the oppressed"
Nehemoth briefly gazes up at the ceiling, recalling Shirogane equipping different armors while standing in front of a large mirror inside her room. One peculiar armor is a slimmer and less armored version of Touch Me's iconic armor. She initiates with a golden cape on her shoulder and the fabric attached to the back of her waist teaching up to her knees. Rather than full armor on the legs, the metal reaches right above her knees as her hips and thighs wear a skirt. There are metallic platings on both sides and the back as well. What's only different is her full helmet resembling a regal lion. It's the same armor she used when she saved the sisters from being bullied by players.
"Since she cannot be a pure hero, she made it her goal to follow the kind of justice that repays gratitude and never breaks her promises. Her majesty also disapproves of killing those who didn't offend her or her people" Nehemoth smiles
"I'm thankful my creator's influence helped her strive for her ideals. Indeed, it's a form of justice to stand firm on your principles. How about you?" Sebas rubs his beard
"I won't kill unless they're in my way or disrespecting her majesty. While I don't mind interacting with humans, I despise those who oppresses and abuses others like the nobles"
Ironically for a demon, Nehemoth has a positive karma which is the reason he doesn't look at ever human he meets as insects or cattle. Due to Shirogane's behavior, it influences him to the point that he will respects who stands by their principles until the very end. The other ones who tolerate humans are at least Nidhogg, and Dekad. Dekad has neutral karma while Nidhogg has positive one hundred karma. The rest have negative karma, especially Qlipoth with over negative five hundred karma and Sariel being the lowest of negative fifty.
"If her majesty were to order me to kill an innocent, I will obey her without a doubt. My queen's happiness and dreams are my greatest joy, so I will do everything to fulfill it"
Much like Sebas, despite his positive karma, Nehemoth will kill when ordered out of unquestionable loyalty to someone they revere as rulers and gods.
Re-Estize Capital...
Nellian, The half demon in disguise skips childishly while scanning both sides of the commercial district. Children excitedly pulls their parent's hands, lovers clinging to each other, and fruit sellers waving to attract customers.
"Eljudnir appeared within the Great Forest of Tob and the Demon Lord declared she will build a nation when she spared the Blue Roses" Margaret sighs while closely following her younger sister
"My shadow demon was scared off by someone it doesn't recognize. Romero described a human adventurer with a demonic aura"
"Did you seriously name all of you your summons, Nell?"
"I name all of them! Right, Sparky?" Nellian winks at the serpent coiling around her neck like a scarf
"Hiss!" The snake disapprove of the strange nickname
"Anyhow, our mother has returned and we know where she's residing. The problem is how we draw her away from Eljudnir. Even if we confront her somewhere far, her NPCs will always accompany her" Margaret clicks her tongue
A two-on-one fight is still not in their advantage even if equipment quality is ignored. Shirogane has low agility and speed in exchange for high resistance and burst damage. She lacks the attack speed, but each successful hit deals raw damage on the opponent. They're aware of her collection of equipment and her "true demon form" granted by her evolved job class of Demon Queen.
"Even without her World Items, she can sustain herself in a long fight. For some reason, negative energy heals her when it should hurt living races"
Nellian massages her forehead because she couldn't make sense of the mechanics that apply to New World but doesn't work for Shirogane.
"Eljudnir formed a non-aggression pact with the magic caster Ainz Ooal Gown and news of the Baharuth Empire allying with Eljudnir spread quickly too" Margaret clicks her tongue
"We're not weak, but why didn't she trust us back then. Mother is not a good person because she hurts people, but she told us to not be like her and follow our own path. She's always afraid when we're with her that she loses her focus and common sense"
Margaret stares at two young children happily jumping while their mother buys them toys at a nearby stall.
"We're not burdens...are we?" Nellian clutches to her older sister's sleeves not covered by armor plating.
"We're not! That's why we're going to free our mother from the evil creature possessing her" Margaret pats her sister's shoulder
"That's right. We've been learning for months and we're not helpless children anymore!"
Nellian raises both fists high up in the air and her pet storm elemental responds by lifting its head.
"We can do this!" Nellian encourages both of them
"...!"
While the two sisters continue to explore the capital of the kingdom, Nellian exploring one side to the other, her skipping bumps into a well dressed young man.
"Oh, I'm sorry" Nellian quickly apologizes.
"You stained my clothes, bitch!"
The young noble sees the miniature burn caused by when the side of the storm elemental's head mildly bump into his clothes and emit a spark in instinctive response.
"Everyone can barely see it. Calling my sister like that is unnecessary" Margaret frowns at them
"This is expensive! My dad bought it from the finest tailor in the kingdom" The young noble points at lifts the part of his coat with a barely noticeable damage
"You're a noble. You can buy new clothes faster than you can replace a rag" Margaret shakes her head and with
"Did you just compare my clothes to a rag?!"
"Why are you making such a fuss over clothes? You have a lot of money to buy hundreds of them which you didn't earn and taken unfairly from peasants"
Margaret has little to no tolerance over greedy nobles, so her resentment causes her to point out his greed and vanity. Unlike Shirogane, Margaret has positive one hundred karma while Nellian has positive one hundred and fifty karma. They don't turn away from injustice and don't take pleasure in harming children.
"Why don't you lay for your body then? I'm a noble and it's every woman's honor to be a noble's woman. You look like you haven't touched by a man yet" The young noble grins
"...!"
The son of a noble licks lips when he sets his eyes on Nellian's breast and waist. The trauma of a shameless pervert like him brings a memory from five hundred years ago. Nellian immediately hides behind Margaret and sobs on her back.
"I don't care if you're a noble but if you keep talking about your lust, I'm going to break half of your teeth"
It's not an empty threat as a full warrior like her can even punch through concrete walls or crush someone's skull like a tomato. She tightly clenches her fists, eager to defend her sister from lustful men after she failed to do so five hundred years ago. It's only fortunate Shirogane arrived before the player could actually have his way, but being molested still impacted her young mind.
"Don't you talk to me like-" The young noble lifts his fist
"That's enough"
Brain grabs the young noble's wrist and rudely pulls him away from the sisters. Gazef Stronoff walks in the scene as well, standing in front of the two girls to protect them.
"Please go home. A minor noble like you won't want to tarnish your family name" Gazef grunts at him
"M-minor?!"
"You own one village at best. Don't get ahead yourself, punk" Brain clicks his tongue
"Even a commoner is mocking me. Fuck you! Fuck you all!"
The noble struck by the truth of their words, grits his teeth and can only curse the two men. His family has little to no support from the major nobles that when asked, only few knows his family's name.
"Are you two alright-"
Upon closer look, Gazef widens his eyes and rubs both of them, mildly shocked at their appearances.
"Gazef, don't they look like the girls you promised to look? The one you've been asking around ever since then" Brain points at the two
"A pet winged serpent. You look a bit different, but could you be these two?"
Gazef carefully pulls out the folded piece of paper from his pocket. It's already wrinkled from repeated storing and pulling ever since he asked for the copy. He unfolded it right in front of the two. Nellian peaks out from behind Margaret and the serpent stretches its neck in response.
"That's our faces!" Nellian shakes her head in shock
"Where did you get this?" Nellian takes a step back
"Your friend has been looking for you. A dark haired young lady named Shirogane" Gazef doesn't notice Margaret's caution
"It must be mom using a disguise" Nellian whispers
"She's looking for us?" Margaret slightly tilts her head
"She said she lost you two at some point. I don't know what happened but I saw sorrow and guilt in her eyes. Shirogane misses you"
"Gazef, we forgot to ask Shirogane where she lived..." Brain taps him
"...It's fine. We know where to find her after all" Margaret frowns
In her mind, she's conflicted about the sudden turn of events. One moment, shes prepared to kill their possessed mother, but now...a warrior appears claiming their mother in disguise is longing to find them. It's the opposite behavior of the "evil creature" from five hundred years ago.
"We can also tell her where you live. Since she's an adventurer, we can leave a message in the adventurer's guild" Brain suggests instead
"Perfect timing then" Margaret scoffs
"Big sister?"
"Leave the message: Margaret and Nellian Vesalius will stick around a large cemetery near E-Rantel. You won't have a hard time finding us near the abandoned base of a death cult"
"That sounds like you're challenging her..." Brain scratches his cheeks
"A-alright..."
Gazef himself is unsure to why Margaret is serious and unhappy when he expects them to be cheerful and relieved that their "friend" is looking for them and they can reunite. More importantly, a cemetery where a cult has a hidden base before being defeated by Momon is no place for a home or camp.