“…....Ahhhh, Long live Ainz Ooal Gown–sama. You are supreme, truly the strongest existence in all of Nazarick.”
Towards the strongest leader of the 41 Supreme Beings, she expressed her heartfelt respect. As if the wave of heat had burned away her fetters, while her body could no longer move, her heart felt very light.
At the same time, within her fading consciousness, she recalled the appearance of a figure that should not have been there. It was the one who had cut a path of light through the darkness in order to achieve this outcome.
Normally, undead are immune to all mental effects. However, there was a method that held the same power, despite not being considered as a mental effect. That person used such a method.
Shalltear simply smiled as she said:
“….... Brat.”
And with a satisfied expression, Shalltear completely vanished into the white world.
♦ ♦ ♦
While releasing the skill ‘Sky Eye’ that she had been maintaining until now, the pretty, pink lips that were pouting returned to its original position. Aura wore an unhappy look as she piled on abuses to the person who was not there.
“Stupid. An undead shouldn’t be getting mind controlled. Really, so dumb.”
“W-what’s wrong, oneechan?”
“Hm? Nothing.”
Mare looked over to where Aura was staring, but the only thing he could see within this forest was trees. However, he could make a guess from the direction she was staring at.
She was likely observing the battle between their master and Shalltear.
His sister’s skill from the ranger class allowed her to observe everything within two kilometers around her. That was why she, along with the Eyeball Corpse, was given the task of keeping watch.
“S-so, is the battle over?”
“Yeah. Ainz–sama’s complete victory.”
“O-of course.”
Not even Nazarick’s strongest Guardian could defeat him. Mare imagined the figure of Ainz and thought it was obvious. There was no way that the one who led the Supreme Beings could be defeated.
“Then oneechan, uh, um, when are we going to collect the items Shalltear was wearing?”
Aura recalled the scene right before she released her skill.
“I think Ainz–sama has already taken care of it. Let’s pull out like we’ve been ordered to.”
“O, Okay.”
Knowing that his sister was in a somewhat bad mood, Mare agreed without a word.
The one who could have been called Aura’s ‘best friend’ became mind controlled. She then pointed her blade against their master, the object of their esteem and loyalty. Although it was obvious that she had to die, it couldn’t be helped that Aura would be a bit grumpy.
Within the throne room, Ainz reopened the list and, as expected, found only empty space where there used to be Shalltear’s name. With this, Shalltear’s death was confirmed and the 1st phase of the plan was concluded.
Pain filled his heart. Although there was no other way, confirming it like this had made him fully realize what he had done and he was overcome with a sense of guilt.
Ainz apologized to Shalltear in his heart. Swallowing his nonexistent saliva, he gazed at the Floor Guardians that had gathered there.
“Then I will now carry out Shalltear’s resurrection. Albedo will watch Shalltear’s name. If, like last time, she is still under the effects of mind control……”
“Ainz-sama, though it may be impertinent, at that time, we will deal with her.”
At Demiurge’s words, Cocytus and Aura both expressed their agreement and even Mare passively showed his affirmation. Only Albedo was quietly watching the situation.
“Demiurge….”
As Ainz muttered, Demiurge, unlike his usual self, nailed in his point with a voice that carried a strong emotion.
“Ainz-sama, as a Supreme Being, your words are most noble and we are well aware that we must devote our all to following your will. However, allowing any further harm to come near you will be our greatest shame as your servants.”
Demiurge’s eyes moved slightly from Ainz to Albedo.
“If Shalltear rebels once more, we Guardians will destroy her. Please leave this to us.”
Understanding their good will, Ainz had no intention of continuing to be stubborn.
“I understand. Guardians, if such a time comes, I will leave it to you.”
They bowed their heads in unison.
In that moment, Ainz felt ashamed.
A pathetic master.
In the end, he had left open the possibility of his ‘children’ fighting each other.
From the beginning, the cause was his incompetence. He was to blame for everything.
As Ainz was about to heave a sigh, he saw Albedo’s tender expression as she stood quietly and stopped himself.
“Ainz-sama, it is fine if you simply remain here. If all of the Supreme Beings were to disappear, then we would no longer have anyone to pledge our loyalty to. And even if we know that we were not abandoned, it would still become lonely if everyone were to leave.”
“….. Indeed. If no one is here then it would get lonely.”
Ainz unwittingly moved his eyes to the insignias of the 40 flags hanging across the Throne Hall.
“….. Yes, you are right…. back in the Treasure Hall…. that was foolish.”
