"Open up!"

"A-Aaahh…"

The half-elf gently offered another slice of pancake to her anxious dark elf superior, their unusual bond on full display. They were seated in the bustling canteen on the 9th floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, drawing curious glances from the homunculus maids and manservants who wandered through the area. To them, this was starting to become a common sight, but from afar, another group watched the elven duo with peaked interest.

"So, it is true…" spoke a poised woman, she adjusted her neat glasses and looked on. That was the Vice leader of the Battle Maids, also known as the Pleiades, Yuri Alpha.

"I mean, when are reports from Albedo and Demiurge ever false?" responded a tanned red-haired at her side, Lupusregina Beta, seemingly more interested in her current meal then the public display of affection going on.

"Oh my, it seems Lord Mare found himself another addition to his new world servants, I wonder if the selection will grow…" Solution Epsilon, a blond woman in a revealing attire, continued.

"Although I'm against outsiders, I suppose Lord Ainz has already given his blessing to this one." A raven-haired girl with sharp features, Narberal Gamma, added, paying not much attention to the couple.

"She's strong. Need to be vigilant around her." Noted a stiff young girl with copper hair, CZ2128 Delta, or CZ for short.

"Hmf!" Although muffled due to currently eating a large portion of food, Entoma Vasilissa Zeta, the expressionless girl with segmented hair, agreed with her sister.

Ever since the operations on the Elven Country were finished and the reports were shared across Nazarick, it became known that another New Word foreigner would be joining their ranks, but this one was a peculiar case.

Antilene Heran Fouche, a former prominent piece of the Slane Theocracy, had decided to defect and align herself with the Sorcerer's Kingdom, and given her strength and possible tactical use against her former country, she was accepted, but the peculiarities began with what exact rank she took under the Great Tomb of Nazarick. For unlike Tuareninya Veyron or the tree elven slaves from the worker raid, Antinele was far too powerful of a figure to be glossed over as a mere maid or common servant, so a proper title was to be given to her.

But what was chosen was most unexpected.

"I don't think you all are seeing the problem here." Yuri Alpha once more sounded her concern.

"What problem?" Lupusregina nonchalantly asked.

Yuri slammed a fist at the table were the six of them were dining, thankfully withholding any strength behind it as to not cause a commotion. "Isn't Lord Mare far too young to have a bride?"

"Isn't he 76?" Solution inquired.

"He's a dark elf, their life expectancies are longer!" The Dullahan maid pointed out.

"Exactly, he is older than most humans of similar physique!" Lupusregina added, probably teasing her older sister.

"You know what I mean!"

"I always have trouble keeping track of humanoids ages. What sort of category would Lord Mare be in? Child? Pre-teen?" Narberal wondered out loud.

It was in fairness a reasonable thing to get confused by. With so many races, it was difficult to be in touch with what race considered sexual maturity, especially with long lived ones like elves, so just by numbers alone one would be hard press to determined what was still considered a child, adult or elderly.

"Mare certainly looks young and small, but he was created at 76 years old, and his appearance was tailor made by Lady Bukubukuchugma."

"That's another thing to considered." Weighed in CZ. "He was created at 76, but chronologically speaking, wouldn't he be younger?"

"If the Supreme Beings created him as a 76-year-old then I say that is what we are intended to treat him as such." Solution responded, to which the other battle maids seemed to agree on.

"To elves, 70 would still be considered prepubescent, so Lord Mare is still not of age." Yuri elucidated to her sisters as she fixed up her glasses. "So, I say that half-elf is too close to him!"

"But Yuri, they aren't married yet, are they?"

Yuri Alpha sighed, adjusting her glasses once more as she looked at her sisters. "That's another issue, Lupusregina. They aren't married, and yet they're engaging in these... public displays of affection. It's unseemly."

"Unseemly?" Lupusregina tilted her head, a mischievous grin forming on her lips. "Oh, come on, Yuri. It's not like they're doing anything scandalous. It's just a little pancake feeding. Besides, you know how shy Lord Mare is. If he's comfortable with it, who are we to judge?"

"But that's the problem," Yuri insisted, her voice firm. "Lord Mare is indeed shy and easily influenced. What if this half-elf is manipulating him? We can't allow anyone, especially a former enemy, to take advantage of his innocence."

Solution Epsilon, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "Yuri, you may be overthinking this. Lord Ainz and the other Guardians have already vetted for Antilene. If she poses any threat, they would have dealt with her long ago. Furthermore, Lord Mare is a Guardian of Nazarick. He may appear meek, but we all know his true power. I doubt he's as easily swayed as you fear."

Yuri frowned, still not entirely convinced by Solution's reassurance. "That may be true, but we can't ignore the risks. Emotions can cloud judgment, and Mare's kindness might lead him into trouble."

Entoma, still chewing, chimed in with a vacant stare, "Then we just have to keep an eye on her. If she slips up, we'll know."

"Yes, but vigilance isn't enough," Yuri replied. "We need to establish boundaries. Perhaps we should approach Lord Ainz about this?"

Narberal raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You think he'll care about a relationship? He's more focused on the bigger picture."

"Maybe, but if it threatens the stability of Nazarick…" Yuri trailed off, her brow furrowed.

Lupusregina shrugged, a playful smile returning. "Relax, Yuri. Let's just enjoy our breakfast. After all, what's the worst that could happen?"

Entoma, who had been munching on her food, chimed in, her still mouth full. "Hmf! If it becomes a problem, we can eat her..."

The table fell into a brief silence as everyone processed Entoma's words. Yuri shook her head. "We're not going to eat anyone, Entoma. That's not the point. The point is that we need to ensure that Lord Mare is making these decisions freely and without undue influence. We owe it to him as his subordinates and as protectors of Nazarick."

Lupusregina shrugged, finally finishing her meal. "Well, if you're that worried, why don't you talk to Lord Mare directly? Ask him how he feels about the whole thing. Maybe he'll reassure you, or maybe he'll have some concerns of his own."

Yuri considered this, her expression softening slightly. "Perhaps you're right. It's not our place to interfere with Lord Mare's personal affairs, but it is our duty to ensure that he's happy and safe. I'll speak with him discreetly, just to make sure everything is as it should be."

Solution smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "That sounds like a good plan, Yuri. But do remember—Lord Mare is one of the Guardians of Nazarick. He's more than capable of handling himself, even in matters of the heart."

With the discussion seemingly settled, the group returned to their meals, each lost in their own thoughts. Yuri, however, couldn't shake the feeling that something more was at play. Antilene's sudden defection, her swift integration into Nazarick, and now her closeness with Lord Mare—it all felt too convenient.

Her sisters were right, she needed to confront this head on.

Later that day, after her duties were complete, Yuri made her way to the 6th floor where Mare's quarters were located. The floor was a vast nature enclosure, with grand green meadows, flower fields and forested areas, with the crowning jewels being the amphitheater and the Gigantic Tree where the dark elf siblings resided; Entering inside the grand hollow plant, Yuri made her way inside, going through the spiral staircase to the second floor where Aura and Mare's room where located.

Pausing outside Mare's door before taking a deep breath to steady herself and knocking on it.

"W-Who is it?" Mare's soft voice called from within.

"Lord Mare, it's Yuri Alpha. May I enter?"

"Wha-Ah, what brings you all the way here?"

Yuri hesitated for a moment, Mare's voice wavered in an odd way, but Yuri assumed that to be his usual stuttering. "Lord Mare, I wanted to speak with you about... a personal matter. If you don't mind."

"Ah- C-can we, um, talk l-later."

"Lord Mare, are you alright?"

"I- Eak!" A yelp came from the room.

Something was up on his room, all her instincts told her that, and as a member of the Pleiades, Yuri Alpha duty was to aid her superiors. So, despite it being considering highly disrespectful, Yuri opened the door to make sure Lord Mare was safe. "Excuse me, but I'm coming in!"

"Wha-WAIT!"

As Yuri opened the wooden doors, she was met with a sight she never would have expected.

Before her, on Mare's own chambers was Mare Bello Fiore, guardian of the 6th floor, laid down with his head on the thighs of Antinele Heran Fouche's, former God-kin and trump card of the Slane Theocracy. Yuri's eyes flicked between Mare and Antilene, her mind racing as she tried to process the scene in front of her. The sight of Mare, usually so timid and reserved, in such an intimate position was both surprising and unexpected. She had expected to find him alone, perhaps studying or tending to the flora of the 6th floor, not... this.

"W-W-What's happening here!?"

Antilene, however, seemed completely at ease, a small smile playing on her lips as she continued to gently clean Mare's ears. The contrast between Mare's flushed, flustered demeanor and Antilene's calm composure was stark. Yuri couldn't help but feelshe walked into a very intimate moment.

"Oh this? I'm merely cleaning Lord Mare's ears, fufufu…" Antilene responded with a giggle.

"Is… Is that so?" Yuri fixed her classes in place, mentally sighing.

"Y-Yuri! Wht is it that you want to, um, discuss?"

Yuri hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to begin. "Lord Mare, I wanted to speak with you about...Something personal. If you don't mind."

Mare blinked, clearly surprised. "Something personal? O-Of course."

They both eyed Antinele who still had Mare on her lap.

"I understand."

Without further delay, she rose up and left the room, leaving Yuri and Mare to talk, but not before giving a little wink to the dark elf boy.

Taking a seat across from him, Yuri carefully chose her words. "It's about Antilene. I've noticed that the two of you have grown quite close since her arrival. I just wanted to make sure that you're... comfortable with everything. That you're making these choices of your own free will."

Mare's eyes widened slightly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "O-Oh... I see. Well, Antilene has been very kind to me. She's... different, but I think she genuinely cares… I think…"

Yuri studied his expression, searching for any signs of doubt or hesitation. "And you're happy with how things are progressing between you two?"

Mare nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Y-Yes. I know it might seem strange to others, but... I think I can trust her. And Lord Ainz has approved of her presence here, s-so, um, I don't think there's anything to worry about…"

Yuri, although still uncertain, felt a bit of weight lift off her shoulders at Mare's words. His sincerity was evident, and she realized that her concerns, while valid, may have been unnecessary. "I'm glad to hear that, Lord Mare. If you're happy, then that's what matters most. Just know that if you ever need anything, or if something doesn't feel right, you can always come to me."

Mare's smile widened, and he nodded again. "Thank you, Yuri. I really appreciate that."

Yuri stood up to leave, feeling reassured. As she made her way to the door of the room, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Lord Mare and his new companion. Only time would tell if this relationship would blossom into something more, or if it would bring unforeseen challenges to the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

But she had one more thing to do before leaving the 6th floor.

Yuri opened the door and, as expected, Antiline was not far from the chambers.

She glanced at Antilene, who was still smiling serenely, her hands never stopping their gentle work. "And you, Miss Antilene? You seem to have taken quite a liking to Lord Mare."

"Indeed, I have," Antilene responded, her voice smooth and almost playful. "Lord Mare has been nothing but gracious and sweet. I find his company... refreshing. And given the events that have led me here, I feel it's my duty to ensure he's well taken care of. Isn't that right, Lord Mare?"

Mare nodded "Y-Yes, she's been very helpful."

Yuri sighed once more. "Just, please, try refrain from such displays of… affection in public, alright?"

Antilene chuckled softly, smile unwavering. "I understand your concerns, Yuri. However, I assure you, my intentions are pure. I only wish to support Mare as he adjusts to his new reality."

She said that, but Yuri could discern a creeping hungry look to her eyes as she eyed Lord Mare, making Yuri hesitate.

"Support is one thing, but public displays can lead to misunderstandings," Yuri pressed, crossing her arms. "You know how our environment can be. Not everyone is as accepting of outsiders, especially former enemies."

Antilene tilted her head, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Are you implying that I might lead Lord Mare astray?"

"No, that's not what I mean," Yuri quickly clarified, feeling a slight flush on her cheeks. "I just want to make sure he's safe and happy."

"Then I promise to be mindful of how our relationship is perceived," Antilene said, her tone still playful. "I have no intention of causing any rifts within Nazarick." She giggled.

"Good." Yuri nodded, reassured yet still vigilant. "Just… take care of each other."

With a final glance at Mare, who seemed torn between embarrassment and relieved, Yuri turned to leave. As she walked down the corridor, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much larger.