Within the castle's walls, the empty halls are filled by the eerie and cold air that sends dread to the living. To its heteromorphic residents, the cold and haunting breeze is no different from the air outside. If anything, they enjoy it as it is the sign of their mistress's presence in the castle. For a demonic castle once situated at a dark and frigid realm, the devil owner had it drastically redecorated it to resemble luxurious western castles while still retaining its dark color scheme.
"Hmm..."
When not in the throne room, the mistress of the castle, Shirogane, buries herself in the vast collection of various books and other forms of art. It's her collection from either stealing from PKers, buying in-game, or trading with other players. Right now, her focus is now her current collection, but the ones collected by kitsune spies reporting directly to the enchanting assassin, Tamamo Mikon.
"The nearest human kingdom would be Re-Estize. It has a high population of unremarkable humans. They're usually in conflict with Baharuth Empire. I must say, the kingdom is a shabby one with the vast influence of nobles and mismanagement"
The fox maiden shakes her head in dismay while generally expressing her opinion. Although Shirogane doesn't forbid voicing out opinions, they don't wish to further upset the "Demon Lord" who's visibly agitated from losing her two adopted children.
"I've sent out my best informants to make direct contact with nobles in the kingdom. We could use their connections to further stretch information gathering" Mikon tries to assure her creator
(Centuries have passed yet I'm searching with uncertainty. As a result, I'm losing focus on my duty as the leader)
Even while her worry looms over her, Shirogane's human side subsides for a moment when her gaze meets the silent and respectful concern of her subordinates. Her faithful butler, the alluring fox maiden, and even her imp assistants couldn't voice out how obvious her anxiety is.
"I've gotten used to this body that I couldn't remember what it felt like being human. Perhaps, one day, I'll forget what I looked and sounded like"
Shirogane shakes her head while she can still vividly recall her original body as an adult woman working as a corporation slave. Her jet black hair is often in a mess that she barely keeps it in a messy lower bun style.
"Has your informants not received any rumors or at least records of an insectoid paladin? One that always don a shining white armor and bright red cape? He's a player going by the name Touch Me"
"My apologies, but we haven't received information regarding the one you seek. Other than the Six Great Gods and Eight Greed Kings, no one matches the description"
"It's either Sir Touch Me didn't make it here or no human bothered to record his legends. Knowing him, he's not out for fame and glory - just for the sake of helping those in need"
A fond and warm smile curves on Shirogane's lips and even her usual stern expression softens to that of a child. It's the reaction similar to a child admiring their ideal hero in shows or cartoons.
"Oh, speaking of Eight Greed Kings, they must have been the fellows who appeared the same time I did. They conquered much of the world and while I barely did anything" Shirogane snaps her fingers
"If I recall, one of them foolishly attempted to take Lady Nell" The butler frowns
"That's why I cut him in half over and over again until he used up all of his resurrection. The piece of shit declared he'd take Nell as a sex slave"
Another side of Shirogane is her instinctively ruthless and protective side. By nature, she's cruel and selfish, but it hasn't fully dominated some of her human personality.
"Has Dynas finished mapping the whole forest, Nehemoth?"
Shirogane gently pushes back her chair as she stands up with both hands pressing the edge of her desk.
"As of his last report, the skulk squad he lead mapped ninety percent of the forest. More importantly, one of them reported spotting a young dark elf beast master roaming the forest" The demon butler Nehemoth bows in response
"A dark elf beast master? Well, it's natural for a ranger to be roaming, but it's best to be cautious for now" Shirogane rubs her chin
"Once he finished listing the denizens of the forest, he will return with the rest of his finding"
"I see. That's good to hear"
The demon lord slightly swings her left arm to move back her silky black cape decorated with a solve outlines. When not in battle, she adorns a white militaristic regal cosmetic attire paired with black gloves, skirt, and boots.
"I will leave the rest with you for the day. Mikon, continue to update Nehemoth with more information from the kingdom" Shirogane rubs the tip of her left horn
"As you wish" Mikon bows and immediately takes her leave
"Shiro-sama, where are you going"
"I'm going out for a walk. I don't need escorts to avoid attention"
"Please wait. At least have assassins escort you"
"I'm not going out as a devil but disguised as a human. Unless they have Truesight, seeing past my form is impossible"
"Milady, we cannot risk harm coming to you"
"It's best to be cautious, so I will allow at least six stealth-based demons to accompany me. Instruct them to never reveal themselves unless they detect malice or intent to attack me" Shirogane immediately agrees
"As you wish, milady" Nehemoth sighs in relief and bows
(As the creator of every NPC here and ruler of this castle, there's no telling what will happen if I permanently die. They might either go berserk or disappear...)
The thought of abandoning her creations makes her lightly tremble out of the loneliness and sentimentality she's both denying and repressing. Shirogane always maintains a strict and dignified persona that she's ignoring her softer human side most of the time.
[You can never die so long as I embody the very concept of death and afterlife]
"...!"
Shirogane frantically turns around and scans her surroundings when an unfamiliar voice whispers in her thoughts. The sound isn't from around her but rather an echo within her similar to when she's speaking to herself. There's no indication an invisible force is following as not only Nehemoth is in the room but the castle is designed to prevent intruders and any uninvited guests.
"Milady?" Nehemoth tilts his head
"Sorry, I thought I heard something"
Her thoughts fall quiet again as if the voice early is as invisible and swift as a breeze. Nehemoth detects no presence of any stealth-based creatures, so Shirogane shakes her head to ignore her paranoia.
Two hours later...
Sunlight shines beyond the tall trees shading and protecting the forest. It's completely peaceful and relaxing, but it is still mildly annoying knowing six demons are surrounding her and following her with each step she takes. The assassin demons may be invisible and hiding in the shadows, but she could sense how all six have their weapons drawn and completely prepared to strike in order to protect her the second s threat appears.
(So this is what being rich and powerful feels like...)
Shirogane imagines the corporation executives being constantly followed by armed bodyguards in black suits. If anything, one of her trivial desires is to experience it herself.
"I'm going to relax here for a while. No one is allowed to attack or wake me up unless I'm being targeted or there's killing intent" Shirogane uses a deep voice to instruct her invisible demon bodyguards
The medium-sized demons all nod in agreement without complaint. Unlike the NPCs, the spawned monsters and summons in Eljudnir lack a personality to complain and disagree with their master.
"Sunlight, actual nature, and fresh air. Back then, the world is dimmed by pollution and toxin...and I couldn't even eat actual food. Only those two kids lived freely yet their own mother couldn't even bother to ask how they're doing"
Shirogane scans her surroundings filled with grass, soil, and bushes for a suitable spot. Since her invisible bodyguards are at least level fifty demons buffed by her status and presence as a demon lord, she has little worry with the local goblins and ogres common in the forest.
"If I fall asleep too long, remember to wake me up before sundown. Akane might start panicking again and Dekad...well, you know him"
In Shirogane's mind, she scratches her head thinking about a fair dark haired vampire swordswoman and and a hercules beetle insectoid dark knight.
"Time to enjoy my time while I'm at it" Shirogane shakes her head
The world around her may be primitive by experience, but she only focuses on the real forest around her. Even an evil-aligned being like her can at least fondly smile at the peace and quiet deprived from her old life as an overworked office worker.
"Touch-san, I wonder if you're in this world too" Shirogane slowly slides down on a nearby tree
Faint sunlight pierces the thick and countless leaves above her. The faint breeze rustles the leaves, creating a mesmerizing and relaxing view. Her current surroundings is such a blessing that sorrow stirs in her heart, recalling the face of the man she admired the most.
...
A long time ago, in the early days, even a terrifying archdevil was once a common devil. Uncertain of the environment, a heteromorph like her is often the target of PKs by humanoid players farming for points or sometimes, outright bullying.
"..."
Again and again, the devil found herself ruthlessly chased and killed off by players that her exhaustion and frustration gradually piles up. Before she can reach her limit, a man donning a full plated white armor stands before her. In mere seconds, the holy knight finished off the party laughing at her while she's cornered.
"Are you alright, young lady?"
The knight speaks in a gentle and calm manner, easily calming her down. More importantly, she's less cautious after seeing his race as an insectoid and didn't hesitate to rescue her.
"...I suppose. Thank you for saving me" The devil weakly answers
"It's no big deal. As a paladin, it's my duty to help those in need whoever they may be!" The knight proudly puffs his chest
"Why?"
"It's common sense to help those in need!" The knight raises his sword up in the air proudly
"..."
The devil is speechless out of awkwardness when a useless cosmetic pops up spelling "justice" above him. It may be embarrassing for any grown adult, but she can notice how passionate he is with his sword.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you my name. I'm the Silver Paladin, Touch Me! What is your name, young lady?"
Players can see other player's name and basic information, but Touch Me initiates the gesture out his chivalry and gentleman nature.
"My name is...Shirogane" Shirogane is reluctant to reply for a few seconds
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady!"
"...Sorry, it's strange to be referred as young lady when I'm a thirty year old woman"
Shirogane responds with a sweating emoticon, somewhat embarrassed since her avatar appears to be in her early twenties.
"No need to be embarrassed! I'm older than I look too" Touch Me wholeheartedly laughs
"You're really strong, aren't you? You took out those high leveled players within seconds"
"I trained myself to the fullest so I can efficiently save others like you"
"...I'm in no place to ask this, but I want to be strong like you. Please teach me your technique"
"Gladly!" Touch Me places his hands on his hips
"Huh? That quickly?!"
"Of course! I'm more than willing to take you under my wing if you wish to follow the path of a hero"
"T-thank you...I suppose"
Any sane person would either immediately reject her or question her, but someone heroic as Touch Me didn't even hesitate to accept her request. In fact, he's rather cheerful and thrilled about it.
"Hmm, I better not tell Ulbert about this or he'd try to recruit you into being a villain" Touch Me mutters to himself
"You have other friends, Sir Touch Me?"
"Please, call me Touch-san or just Touch Me. Also yes, I have many friends in the guild Ainz Ooal Gown. You can join so long as you're a working adult. You already pass the requirement with your race!"
"I-I'm still level twenty. I want to be useful first because I don't want to embarrass you"
"Nonsense! Every heteromorph is welcome to our guild, but I respect your decision. Now come, your training begins!" Touch Me points at the horizon
"Already?!"
"Justice never rests!"
"Hahaha. You remind me of the show my little sister likes to watch. Those heroes transforming using a card and making drastic poses"
"You mean like this!" Touch Me stretches out his arm holding his sword
"...So Touch-san watches it too"
The white knight may be eccentric, but Shirogane is certain of his passion and sincerity that it puts her heart at ease. It's the first time she finds someone she can trust even if it's only a video game that's bound to end sooner or players are bound to leave.
Touch-san...I wonder if things could have been different if I took upon your offer...
The lingering memory vanishes and turns into plain darkness of her drifting mind in a seemingly endless dream. She always paints his image clearly when she can barely recall her real face and only reminded since one of her NPCs resemble her.
Would you be disappointed in me if you learn what I became...?
Shirogane only feels what resembles guilt when she reflects on her past actions and comparing it with Touch Me's view on justice. While Shirogane doesn't regret her atrocities, her heart beats fast in anxiety, fearing words of disgust and disappointment from her hero.
I'm not a kind and selfless person like you, but...I will try to live with the justice you believe. I will never disregard your kindness - I promise...
Shirogane slowly reaches out to the image of Touch Me in her mind, longing to meet her hero again even if her old personality is far different from her current one.
Hey, there's an unconscious girl over there!
Be careful! There are demons near her
Don't go throwing spells or you'll hit her!
What should we do then?
We have to do something!
Different female voices argue with one another, disturbing her from her dream. Shirogane's mind is rudely pulled back from the lulling darkness and forces her to slowly open her eyes. She weakly grunts, moving her relaxed body and organizing her confused thoughts because five women won't stop shouting even for a second.
"..."
Shirogane notices five blonde women of varying she standing near her and on a strong fighting stance. At first, she thinks their hostile glares are towards her but quickly realizes their eyes are towards the imps surrounding her.
(Leave this place)
It would be suspicious to outright speak a command, so she mentally commands the weak demons to fly away as they indirectly caused her sweet and gentle dream to be cut off.
"Tsss!" The imps hisses at the humans
They pretend to be intimidated and scared as they bare their sharp teeth before hurriedly flying away after sensing Shirogane's displeasure.
"Are you alright?"
The leader of the five women, the warrior priestess Lakyus rushes to Shirogane who's still sitting on the ground, subtly annoyed at their presence.
"I'm fine"
As much as Shirogane wants to slap Lakyus' hand away, she halfheartedly grabs her hand and lets the adventurer pull her up from the ground as if she's a defenseless maiden.
"..."
Staring at Lakyus's trusting stare and cheerful smile, Shirogane can't help herself but smile in response and the scent of flower perfume keeps that ominous smile further. Shirogane's first impression is her naivety and misplaced kindness when in front of a devil like her. It catches her attention to the point she studies the warrior maiden's features and even etches her appearance in her memory.
"Why are you sleeping in the middle of nowhere, young lady? This place is filled with dangerous monsters" Gagaran rests his warhammer on her shoulder
(It seems they can't see past my disguise. They're either naive or weak. I can't let them know who I am or about Eljudnir)
"If we didn't come, you'd either be food or drag to their lair" Lakyus checks on Shirogane for injuries
"I got lost while looking for fruits and herbs. After hours of wandering, I got tired and weak, so I passed out"
Shirogane accepts pretending to be a normal girl. Her true form may be a white haired archdevil warrior, but to Blue Roses, she's a dark haired young lady with a gentle expression and voice.
(Four humans...and a vampire? Is she like Akane? Hmm...no she's a magic caster from her mana capacity but she has an interesting scent)
For a moment, Akane is puzzled whether she takes Evileye's scent out of curiosity or something else.
"I'm glad you're unharmed. Since it's dangerous deep in the Great Forest of Tob, let's escort you out first"
"You're adventurers and strong ones at that. What are you all doing here?"
"We're the adamantine class adventurers, Blue Roses. Some rich folk hired us after his men reported a gathering of various demons here. They swore there's a filthy base nearby. Not to mention, we found rotting corpses treasure hunting bandits" Gagaran briefly explains
"They were cleaved by a greatsword or axe" Tia adds
"Their armors can block a normal sword, so whoever did it may be a dangerous warrior monster" Tina does the same
(Hmm, I remember ordering Garmr to throw them far away...)
"..."
Evileye can't see past Shirogane's human appearance due to the presence of anti-detection magic items on her which blocks her mana, aura, race, and scent. Still, her eyes behind the mask sneaks a glance out to the shaking instinct and warning of danger.
(The imps weren't even preparing to attack her earlier. They just stared at her and they quickly flew away when she looked at them. It's as if they're more scared of her than to us...)
The short vampire analyzed the suspicious short event earlier. Her comrades failed to notice due to focusing on saving the unconscious and defenseless girl.
(Not to mention, how can she be in this part of the forest without encountering monsters? Is she secretly strong...or someone more dangerous than ogres and magical beasts)
It takes an experienced adventurer to fend off a squad of goblins alone and even a soldier will get swatted by an ogre yet Evileye doesn't see any bruises or wounds on Shirogane.
"Let's get you out here first. It's too dangerous to bring a citizen along our mission" Gagaran grins
"Thank you...but you'd get killed if you get near my castle" Shirogane mumbles after her gratitude
"What?" Lakyus widens her eyes
"I mean I don't want to get killed while I'm young" Shirogane nervously laughs
"Right..." Lakyus wryly smiles
(It'd be trouble if adamantine adventurers die here. I don't want any attention for the time being...)
Shirogane clenches her right fist when she nearly thinks of drawing her sword and slicing them. Her instinct is craving to attack them out of nowhere just to see the despair and utter shock in their eyes that her heart races with excitement. She wants to see terror spill from their eyes, specially from the kind and cheerful leader Lakyus. The more pure one's personality is, the stronger Shirogane is itching to twist them...or break them.
(She might make a decent plaything...but I'll savor the moment. That way, her despair will be my main dish. The big one lacks the softness, that shorty is an annoying vampire, and those ninjas aren't my type)
Her human side slips and allows her cruel nature as a devil to dictate her desires. As she walks behind them, she holds her cravings while she quietly grits her teeth and scratches her neck.
Meanwhile...
Garmr's pack stumbles upon a young female dark elf accompanied by tamed magical beasts. Aura steadily points her bow at the berserker werewolf pack leader while the latter softly growls in hostility and caution.
"What are you doing here, young dark elf?" Garmr calmly asks
"I should be asking the same thing. This is the first time I met a werewolf pack here. If you answer nicely, I'll kill you swiftly"
"Our lady tasked us to patrol around her castle. We're ordered not to attack on sight unless we're threatened. If you shoot, we have no choice but to fight" Garmr remains careful
"This lady of yours, what or who is she?"
The werewolf can distinguish from the whiff alone that Aura isn't as weak as the bandits his pack devoured or captured while Aura can also sense werewolf's fiery aura to be different from the fodders she easily killed.
"The great demon lord and mistress of the castle, Shirogane-sama. I don't really understand but she said to include...'Sir Touch Me's student' when announcing her name to others" Garmr folds his ears left to right
"Sir Touch Me? How do you know the name of a Supreme Being?" Aura tightens her grip on her bow
"How the hell should I know?! We never left the castle before but our mistress keeps talking about this holy knight and we should ask anyone we encounter if they know him. He should show up now because my creator is always sad when remembering him!" Garmr stomps his left foot several times
"Boss, you're talking too much again" One of werewolves reminds him
"Is that so? If she's acquainted with a Supreme Being, then it'd be a waste to kill all of you here" Aura lowers her bow
"Who are you anyway?" Garmr returns his axe in the strap on his back.
"Aura Bella Fiora, a Floor Guardian to the Great Tomb of Nazarick and Ainz-sama's loyal servant. Now, your turn"
"I am the fangs and claws of Shirogane-sama, Garmr! Ms. Aura, do you have information about Sir Touch Me or his friends? My mistress has been missing him a great deal and she'd be overjoyed to meet her hero again" Garmr wags his tail in anticipation
"Her hero, huh. Unfortunately, every Supreme Being, except Ainz-sama is gone. Only he remained with us until the very end - hey, why are you depressed all of a sudden?!"
Just as Aura is about to finish speaking, Garmr folds his ears and presses his snout to the nearest tree with the most downcast expression his lupine face can make.
"How am I supposed to tell my mistress that his hero and mentor left a long time ago? She'd be devastated and as her loyal servant, I can't bear to see that!" Garmr whimpers softly
"Maybe I should have skinned him alive five minutes ago, but if this so-called demon lord has a positive relationship with a Supreme Being - Hmm, maybe I should ask Sebas first before going to Ainz-sama..."
Aura mutters to herself while she scratches her head, contemplating at the sight of a berserker werewolf curled up in a fetal position while his fellow werewolves try to encourage him with optimistic possibilities and scenarios.
"Right. I should ask Sebas first since he's Touch Me-sama's creation. I don't want to bother Ainz-sama first but he might want information about other Supreme Beings" Aura turns around with her hands behind her head
"Hey, where are you going?!" Garmr stands back up
"Ah, I'm leaving. I have other things to do and I want to ask someone first, so see you soon...I guess?" Aura shrugs with little care
"That little-!" Garmr grits his teeth
"Calm down, boss. Your blood pressure might go up again!" One of the werewolves waves his hands in a panic
"We should report this to Shirogane-sama first" Another werewolf suggests
"Shirogane-sama is out on a walk. She'd get angry if we disturb her!" A grey werewolf puts his tail between his legs
"We're reporting this to Nehemoth first. Our orders are to report anything we find to Nehemoth. I'm the only one doing anything useful here. That fox woman might be screwing handsome young men as we speak"
"I doubt that. She's very serious about reserving herself for Shirogane-sama" A brown werewolf groans
"That kitsune is delusional. As her creation, I would know Shirogane-sama would prefer the innocent maiden types or strong knights. That bitch is neither of those!"
Garmr speaks of Tamamo Mikon with contempt and even the image in his mind is a maniacal laughing and lustful kitsune magic caster. He snickers when comparing the kitsune's image to a young lady covered in light and a fiery warrior surrounded by flames.