Chapter 79

Overlord First Half Chapter 79: Gaiden: Nazarick’s [Guardian Aura-chan]

Shout out to R . Karki for supporting the translations!

Gaiden: Nazarick’s [Guardian Aura-chan]

Translators: Frostfire10

　The 6th Floor of Nazarick, the floor that Aura ruled, boasted of the widest area in Nazarick .

　It was a square four kilometres wide, and the centre held a large lake . Most of the area was not a forest but a jungle, and plains only took up a twentieth of the area .

　Standing alone in the centre was a Coliseum, and next to that was building that held the steps to the 7th Floor .

　If one looked for any other man-made constructions, it would be the loghouse that Aura had built for holding prisoners .

　Then where did the ruler Aura sleep?

　In the jungle?

　In the Coliseum?

　In the building that was the entrance to the 7th Floor?

　All were wrong .

　Inside the jungle was an area that could be called Aura’s residence .

　There was an wide area that dominated the primeval forest . In that was a large eye catching tree . It was over forty metres as if it were piercing the skies . The trunk, even with its height, was far too thick and disproportionate .

　Inside that strangely large tree . That was where Aura stayed .

　The inside of the hollowed out tree had two underground floors and eight above— For a total of ten . If one stepped in, they would be greeted by a simplicity like in the loghouse, but a warm scene spread out before them .

　In the past, when Aura’s creator Bukubuku Chagama was around, there were several guests who visited . They were Yamaiko, Ankoro Mocchi Mochi and other female members of [Ainz Ooal Gown] . Along with the subordinates they created .

　Seeing them have their warm conversations was a scene that Aura was used to . Aura often sat on Bukubuku Chagama’s lap .

　However, currently .

　Aura basically stayed here alone . Most of Aura’s immediate subordinates were monster-types, and none of them were humanoid or could help her with the house .

　Aura had never thought of such a life as lonely . Appearance-wise Aura was certainly a child . However, as a Guardian, there was no reason to feel lonely .

　The reason for that was that while the gods that created her existed, there was no one like her parents . There was no reason for her to feel that her life was lonely .

　However she thought that many aspects of her daily life was a chore . Of course, this was the place that was given to her by the Supreme Beings and thus she would not complain . However Aura loved the outside and thus cleaning was mentally tiring .

　That was the reason for a dark part of the room to be a bit messy .

　Aura’s day to day life was without a schedule . She had plenty of chances for sleep and free time, but would often be active without sleep . She was not someone like Demiurge or Shalltear who did not need sleep, but she could act without sleep by using fatigue relieving magic . She also had items that eradicated those needs .

　Thus her true personality was that she indulged in sleep, ignoring all housework, being quite slack .

　However, it was true that she had received an item from Ainz that was working to remove that laziness .

　Aura’s room had less furniture than one expected . It would not be an overstatement to say that it was empty . The thin carpet on the floor was a plain brown . This room would cause one to question whether or not its occupant was a girl .

　However, one could at least tell that this was a girl’s room .

　This was due to the items placed around the room .

　They were the large plushies in the room . There were two or three bears, rabbits, deers bathing in the sunlight… . Some were even chibi versions . Due to those, people that would decide that this was not a girl’s room were few .

　… . Well it was true that apart from the plushies there was almost nothing else that could be used to tell that this was a girl’s room .

　In that room was a high hanging hammock, and Aura was sleeping inside with a defenseless face . She made the occasional happy face that made one wonder what sort of dreams she was having . It was a really childish face .

　She was wearing a pair of pink and white patterned cotton pajamas, and a pink towelette was lightly covering her body .

　One wondered until when this gentle time would continue, but it was true that there was something made to break this atmosphere .

[— It’s Eight O’Clock . ]

　A female’s voice that was not Aura’s rang out in the room .

　Her long black ears twitched and Aura opened her eyes wide . She then adjusted the band wrapped around her wrist . Then from on top of the hammock, Aura sluggishly gazed at the ceiling .

“Uuuu . ”

　Yawning, Aura looked at the ceiling for a bit and then closed her eyes again .

　This was the moment that her desire for sleep defeated her will to wake up . And Aura then again made her angel-like smile . — However there was something that had to break that atmosphere .

　The door was knocked on with a ‘kon kon’ .

　Aura’s eyes opened again as she yawned .

“Aura-sama, it is time . ”

　The voice from behind the door was a female’s . Aura frowned unhappily .

“Uuu”

“May I enter the room?”

“Uu, nope . ”

　Aura replied half-heartedly and removed the towelette covering her body .

“Woah . ”

　She tumbled from the hammock . Of course, she moved her body in midair and landed on her feet . Aura scratched her head with her messy hair and wore her slippers . With a ‘peta peta’, she walked towards the bear doll next to the wall and petted it .

　The bear plushie was sitting in a manner that caused its short legs to be spread out, and shook slightly due to the hand pressing on it .

　Its large chibi head had round black eyes and a mouth that was sewn into a smile . It had short and misfitting claws that sparkled in the light . As it moved beneath her hand, it seemed to be bowing to her .

　Yamaiko’s Forest Friends . The door next to those plushies was opened by Aura .

　Standing there was a female elf in maid clothes .

　Her ears were orignally cut off as proof of slavery but they were completely healed now .

　Aura could only use simple healing magic and thus could not heal her, so she asked Pestonya to use powerful healing magic .

　The exuberated figure of the elf at that time caused Aura to be slightly taken aback . How happy could a person be by having her ears healed?

　The maids clothes she wore were given by the Head Maid Pestonya and was the same as the clothes the regular maids wore . It was made of first-class cloth, but the defense ability compared to Sebas’ battlemaids was lacking . It was at best enchanted to be around mithril full plate mail .

“Good morning, Aura-sama . ”

“Aww, good morning . ”

　While replying to the bowing elf with a yawn, Aura walked past her . The elf followed .

“Now, I’m just changing my clothes so you don’t have to accompany me . ”

“No, I shall help . ”

“… . I’m not a child you know?”

　Aura frowned in dissatisfaction . This was a conversation she had many times . Even Aura would have her mood dampened .

　She did not know why but the elves were looking after her to a strange extent . To the point that she felt that they were going too far .

　Whether she was brushing her teeth or eating her food, they would always try to help her . And they would always grumble when she did not enter the bath for a while . If she did they would offer to wash all the way to her ears and would try to enter with her .

　It was a bit annoying .

　That was Aura’s evaluation of the elves . However she recognised that this was an expression of loyalty— No matter how excessive, and thus did not kill them .

　However where did this strange loyalty come from? Aura did not understand .

　This elf was one of the survivors from the invasion a few days ago . Ainz did not mind if they lived or died and left all of them to their nearest kin— The dark elf Aura .

　Aura did not mind if they were killed or not, and there were no elves in Nazarick . And there was another reason why they were saved . They had believed that the elves would offer their loyalty due to their gratitude, but it seemed that it was different .

　While tilting her head, she had no intention to ask further . She thought it was troublesome .

“However the coordination of western clothes… . ”

“I’ll wear what I always wear . ”

“However… . ”

“N? What? Are you looking down on… . The clothes that Bukubuku Chagama-sama selected?”

　Without moving her head, Aura gazed up at the elf . The fear in the elf’s expression became stronger . If nothing else was said, then Aura would win . However the elf had a painful counter .

“However, was it not Bukubuku Chagama-sama who placed other clothes in this room?”

“Guu!”

“Is it fine to not wear other clothes?”

　Aura’s expression visibly hardened .

　What the elf was speaking of was the countless number of clothes in the dresser . Aura basically prefered battle ready clothes and weapons . She did not like dresses like Shalltear did .

　However that dresser was filled with extravagant dresses and feminine clothes . This was not collected by Aura but instead by Bukubuku Chagama, and was the remnants of the time that she used Aura as a dress-up doll . Some were even for plushies .

　If one thought about wearing clothes like that, it was certainly something Aura should do .

　Aura hesitated, and spoke depressingly .

“I have a lot of things to do so not today… . But other times… . I’ll wear them . ”

“Yes . Understood . Now about today’s breakfast . ”

“—It’s fine, food . If I have fruits I can be full . ”

“That must not be done, Aura-sama . If you do not eat well you will not grow . ”

“Growth eh… . ”

　Aura’s gaze fell on the elf’s chest .

“I feel like I won’t… . ”

“Elves do not gain much meat after all… . However species like wild elves are different, and so are dark elves as well right?”

“… . Do I have a future?”

“Probably . ”

　Aura thought about various things, and lastly about Shalltear .

　An evil smile appeared on Aura’s face .

“… . Well then it can’t be helped . Prepare breakfast . I’ll come after I change . ”

　◆

　After breakfast, Aura went outside while holding her slightly bulging stomach . Aura was a light eater and there was an enormous amount of food . It was too the point that one wondered where it all came from . The answer was Pestonya .

　The weather today was clear, with a slight wind from the southeast .

　As if invited by the weather, Aura’s sleepiness returned, but she suppressed it .

“Pu . ”

　Aura made a painful sigh as she had to move . She was currently in an open space in front of the giant tree . Outside of the open space was the overwhelming figure of the jungle .

　Aura looked around . As if this were a signal, a black giant beast slowly appeared from behind the tree .

　It looked like a black wolf but its tail was that of a snake . Its body length was about 20 metres . Its collar caught the sunlight and sparkled .

　Fenrir . The strongest and highest level beast amongst Aura’s subordinates . It was based off of the Fenrir of Norse mythology, and had special abilities for specialise in close combat, and had quite the firepower .

　That majestic Fenrir had on the expression of a puppy and danced towards Aura .

　Its giant face moved close to Aura . While its giant body had a massive amount of power, Aura did not move . This was not because Fenrir was controlling his power, but that Aura’s physical ability was higher .

“I said I’m ticklish . ”

　Rather than petting she was hitting him, Aura rubbed Fenrir’s large head . Fenrir growled in pleasantness . Aura felt like she was handling a large child, recalled something and stopped her hand .

“Wait for a bit, I have to feed that child . ”

　Fenrir made an astonished expression . He cried . It was like a puppy that wanted to be spoiled, and like a child sulking . However Aura showed no sign of engaging with him, causing him to draw away and fall to the ground like a puppy .

　Aura made a wry smile, and called for the animal that she had to feed .

“Rororo! Come here!”

　As if drawn by her voice, a snake appeared from the trees . When it saw Aura it was extremely happy, but stopped its movements halfway . It then moved back slowly .

“?”

　Aura looked strangely at Rororo . She wondered if anything happened .

“What’s wrong?”

　She spoke again . While hiding behind a tree, Rororo stared at Aura . No, it was probably not looking at Aura . Noticing that, Aura turned back to Fenrir behind her .

　Fenrir was looking back with a blank stare . It seemed to have no interest whatsoever . However there was no way that Aura with her supreme vision would let that slip by .

“Fenrir! You can’t look at Rororo like that!”

　Fenrir jumped in surprise after hearing Aura’s shout . It then growled like a puppy . Yes, as if it were a puppy whose master saw it sending a hostile gaze to Rororo .

“Come here, Rororo . ”

　Once again, Rororo showed itself while quivering in fear .

　Aura suddenly took out a giant fish out of mid air . However that fish was far too large . Rather than an animal, it was like a giant fish from out of a manga .

　She then moved it towards the approaching Rororo .

　Rororo began to eat that fish— A strange fish without bones or innards— with his four heads . Aura smiled happily but Fenrir looked dissatisfied .

　Aura’s direct subordinates like Fenrir all had items that prevented them from needed ing to eat food, and thus did not have to be provided food . However Rororo had no such equipment and thus it needed sustenance . Even though Aura liked to slack, she was not so lazy that she would forget to feed the animals that she demanded to be brought over .

　This strange fish did not swim in the water . Using one gold coin, some would be create from the pot .

　In Yggdrasil, there was the idea of self-sufficiency . Monsters and NPCs that were not could not be placed . However, there was a method to ignore that . This was the pot that Aura bought fish from— The Pot of Daguza .

　If one used it for long term, they would lose money, but they could deploy monsters that were not self sufficient .

　On the other hand, the majority of monsters in Nazarick were undead that needed no food, and thus the situation could be maintained indefinitely . There was another reason apart from that though .

　Thus currently, for the new recruits— Like the lizardmen or elves and those who would arrive in the future— they had to search for a method to give them food .

　Aura rubbed one of Rororo’s eating head . Fenrir frantically suppressed its low growl . In that strange scene, Aura began to talk excitedly with Rororo .

“Rororo . Today your owner will be coming here . ”

　Did it understand her words? One of Rororo’s heads stopped eating and stretched out towards Aura . If it tightly wound around her, the contents of her stomach would be in trouble, but there was no problem with touching her . Aura smiled .

“I said we can’t play… . It’s cold . Rororo . This smoothness… . Something about it… . A Tsuveck type might be good… . ”

　While Fenrir waved its tail to appeal to Aura, she stroked Rororo’s long neck .

“Now, you have to eat . We can play afterwards . ”

“Ooon!”

　In front of Rororo and Aura, Fenrir suddenly ran off and disappeared into the trees .

“Ah, is he angry? But he’s mean to Rororo so it can’t be helped . ”

　Aura made a devilish smile and looked at the back of Fenrir .

　◆

　The open space in front of the tree that Aura lived in, had the figures of several people sitting within and monsters sitting behind them . However the wideness of the space made them seem extremely small .

　Ten were lizardmen . There was Brain the vampire swordsman, three elves in maids clothes and Pinison and several other dryads . And three treants with wood for limbs .

　In front of that, Aura stood behind the desk like a teacher, and spoke with pride .

“Now, we am thinking of explaining the greatness of Nazarick to you . ”

　Everyone applauded at once .

　The timing of it was without flaw, as if well practised . Aura nodded once at the applause, and raised her hand, stopping the applause .

“First I shall begin with how Nazarick was founded . ”

　After the silence returned, Aura spoke again .

“Umm a long long time ago . There were 41 people who were equal to gods— They were the 41 Supreme Beings . Remember this . They appeared . ”

“Nazarick was originally not such a deep dungeon like this . It was created by them who had great power . It’s natural . They created it to make it such a suitable place . Thus the current Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick with ten floors was born . ”

“Next the Supreme Beings created those that would reside there . Even though they had created such a large place, it was filled with mere low class undead, and thus they decided to created beings that would rule in their place . Of course, the Supreme Beings could easily do it themselves you know? But they cannot be doing such menial tasks . They had more important things to do . ”

“And thus—” Aura cut off her words here . She then puffed up her chest with pride . “We, the Guardians were born . ”

　She looked at her audience .

　Silence returned and no one tried to speak . Aura raised an eyebrow . It was true that they had to be serious . While she was talking about the most important subject, if they took a lackadaisical attitude, Aura would not hesitate to take care of them .

　However, this silence was not what Aura was hoping for .

“We the Guardians were thus born . ”

　Then once again, she puffed up her chest .

　The lizardmen, elves and Brain faced at each other . They were trying to understand what Aura was waiting for .

“Oohh… . ”

“Amazing… . ”

　Several people growled out in amazement and several others spoke words of praise .

“Hohoo . ” Aura’s excitement could easily be seen in her eyes . “Yes . The Guardians are myself, Demiurge, Cocytus, and… . Shalltear . Well and one more? It exists, but it is not a Guardian created by the Supreme Beings so we’ll exclude it for now . ”

“Now, the Supreme Beings who created the Guardians decided to create those who would work for them . There is no way that simple subordinates or monsters could possibly help the Supreme Beings . Thus those that could serve the Supreme Beings were chosen . ”

“Thus Sebas and Pestonya were born, along with the Head Librarian, Interrogation Officer, Musician, Blacksmith, and Administrator, completing Nazarick . ”

　Aura stopped here . This was as the part from here on out was the most important .

　Feeling parched, she took a swig of the water placed on the desk .

“Now after creating Nazarick, the Supreme Beings often went on journeys . Every time they returned, they filled the treasury with valuables . You might be thinking, why did they do that, but the things the Supreme Beings seek are impossible to understand by normal people . Those were World Items . The Supreme Beings were searching for such powerful items of that name… . That even they could not easily create . ”

“However, there were fools who dare to envy the Supreme Beings . ”

　Aura’s voice deepened slightly .

“There were countless times people tried to invade Nazarick . They often aimed for the Treasury, but they had never reached there… . Until that day . ”

　Aura made a childlike face full of anger and disgust . This change shocked everyone .

　Even if Aura changed her expressions, she would never make a face full of anger . The ones who knew this best were the elves . Thus her making such a face was an abnormal situation . This caused them to be scared .

“Those that envied the Supreme Beings, those that wielded equal power to them, 1500 of them joined forces and attacked Nazarick . ”

“It was a fierce battle… . Shalltear was torn apart, Cocytus was sliced to pieces, and I myself… . ”

　Silence fell .

　However, despite the silence, the air was shaking . This was due to the shock that the lizardmen and Brain, who knew the strength of the Guardians, felt .

　Aura, Shalltear, Cocytus, Demiurge .

　While weaker than Ainz, the strength of the four Guardians were outside of common sense . While Aura seemed to be a cute young girl, a wave of her hand can easily kill Brain and destroy several lizardman villages . They understood this at a basic level .

　An existence that could defeat a Guardian . How could 1500 such people exist?

　They could not keep up with the destruction of the power balance in their heads .

　Ignoring the confusion of several people, no she did not even think of it, Aura spoke again .

“Demiurge was of course destroyed… . However . ” Aura smiled . However, it was a cruel smile that did not suit Aura . “The 8th Floor . An unknown floor that even we Guardians do not know . There, all 41 of the Supreme Beings waited there for their challengers . ”

“1000 or 1200 beings reached there, but they were all torn apart at the hands of the Supreme Beings . ”

　Aura again puffed up her chest .

“After saying that we fought well, the Guardians were revived and Nazarick returned to being a Supreme ground . This is the history of Nazarick where you now work . ”

　Aura finished talking and silence fell . Would the lecture end here or continue? There was a strange atmosphere . Suddenly, someone clapped and pierced through the silence . All those present faced that person and they all gasped in shock .

“Amazing… . ”

　A person who would clap while saying that . When was such a person here? That person was one of the Guardians, and was the supreme commander in Nazarick, Demiurge .

　Demiurge’s eyes were filled with unknown tears and they spread to his cheeks .

　Next to him was the platinum sparkling Cocytus . And Shalltear who was wearing a black dress .

　Cocytus shook his head in deep emotion . Shalltear wiped her eyes with her handkerchief .

“Amazing… . Truly amazing… . ”

　They clapped in unison . A fear like an animal being chased was also included in their action .

　The lizardmen and Brain had fear on their faces, the elves panicked, and the treants and the dryads did not fully understand the situation, but they all clapped together .

“Sorry, Aura . Can I handle the rest?”

“N? Sure . My part is over . ”

　Demiurge did not wipe away the tears on his face and stood next to Aura . He then raised his hand . All applause stopped .

“Everyone, I believe that you understand just how amazing Ainz Ooal Gown is . ”

　It was difficult to understand his weeping voice, but all those excluding the Guardians did their best to listen . If they let a single word slip through, it might be bad for them . Thus they were unease .

“Now . It is extremely fortunate to yourselves that you belong to such an amazing place . So show the gratitude of receiving such fortune by offering everything to Nazarick . ” Demiurge looked around the room and continued . “Any questions?”

　The students looked at each other, and as if representing the lizardmen, Zaryusu raised his hand .

“Yes, Zaryusu . ”

　Aura pointed to him like a teacher .

“Yes . ” Zaryusu stood up . He then spoke . “There are 41 Supreme Beings, however I have yet to meet anyone but Ainz-sama, would it be possible to meet them?”

　The Guardians paused for an instant and looked at each other . Sensing that strangeness, Zaryusu felt like he was in danger . However Aura began talking as if to remove that fear .

“Currently Ainz-sama is the only Supreme Being here in Nazarick . We do not know where or why the others have went . We believe that it is for a reason that even we Guardians fail to understand . ”

“However the fact that Ainz-sama remained means that the others will definitely return . Ainz-sama aims to spread the name of this land to make it much easier for the others to find . ”

“Now, anymore questions?”

　Confirming that no one else raised their hands, Aura nodded .

“Okay . Then dismissed!”

　◆

　After Aura told the story of Nazarick, the remaining Guardians stayed behind to grasp each other’s situation and sat at a table .

　Four cups were placed on top of the round table . Steam rose from them and one could smell the scent of red tea . Of course even Shalltear had a cup . There was no meaning for her to drink anything but blood, and she did not like it, but the word accompaniment was in her vocabulary .

　Demiurge raised the cup of red tea and narrowed his eyes in enjoyment of the smell .

“This is a nice smell . Matching this would be… . ”

　Demiurge stopped talking . His handsome face had traces of remorse on it . Cocytus understood what Demiurge wanted to say and allowed him to do so .

“I do not mind Demiurge . ”

“Apologies, Cocytus . ”

　The words that Demiurge were about to say would upset Cocytus . There was no need to hide his hobbies, but he did not intend to upset the other Guardians . Thus Demiurge apologised .

“Elves can surprisingly do it as well . ”

“Hmm… . True . ”

　Cocytus drank the red tea from the cup by pouring it down his throat .

　Aura tasted it, and was not satisfied with the taste . She dropped two sugar cubes from the pot into the cup .

“By the way Aura?”

　While looking at Aura who was focusing on stirring her cup, Shalltear asked .

“What?”

“What is that?”

　Aura looked in the direction Shalltear pointed at, and nodded . There was a doll placed in the corner of the room .  It was a long eared human, probably an elf, with her sword drawn, riding a chibi lion . Of course, this was as large as a human .

“—Akemi-chan . ”

　Shalltear’s eyes widened in surprise at Aura’s response . It was natural . Those that could understand just from this were not normal people .

“Umm, it is the the image of Yamaiko-sama’s younger sister . It should be the strongest amongst Yamaiko’s Forest Friends?”

“She had a younger sister?!”

“Yup . Seems so . But she was an elf and could not be one of Ainz-sama’s companions . ”

　That was one of the reasons that elf was saved . Because of the existence of Akemi-chan, she felt pity for her .

“It seems this is a sad story . ”

“True . Because their figures were different, she could not become part of Nazarick— No Ainz Ooal Gown . A tragic story .

“Indeed . ”

　In contrast to the pondering Guardians, Aura recalled the period when Yamaiko was around and could not remember any sad atmosphere .

“Now… . I wonder what is in the 8th Floor . ”

　Shalltear changed the conversation as if to avoid any sad conversation . She did not expect to gain an answer . But—

“I know . ”

“Eh? —Then tell me, Cocytus . ”

　Surprised, Shalltear pressed the conversation, but Cocytus thrust his hand out at Shalltear .

“However if Ainz-sama did not say, that is something that we are fine not knowing . ”

“Muu… . But… . Guu . ”

　Shalltear had nothing to say since Ainz’s name had come up .

“Ainz-sama’s trump card is probably in there . ”

“… . It’s true that we lost in that battle… . ”

“Not just that . It is also probably to destroy us should we decide to become turncoats . ”

　All the Guardians excluding Demiurge all felt the air shake .

“What!”

“Us turning our backs on Ainz-sama, one of the Supreme Beings . ”

“… . Ainz-sama is an extremely intelligent person . I believe it is one of the reasons why he had me work with Sebas when we went out on the expedition . ”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s simple . He was checking on myself and Sebas . What would we do out of his sight . ”

　Cocytus, Shalltear and Aura looked at each other . In response, Demiurge made a wry smile .

“… . Could we please stop this . I am not thinking of betraying Ainz-sama or the Supreme Beings . ”

“That is natural . ”

“Of course . Could we betray the Supreme Beings who created us?”

“Of course . Betrayal is not even a joke… . However, the fact that Ainz-sama is thinking like this, he must have some proof right? Such as Demiurge or Sebas betraying him . ”

　An air of panic started to raise from the table .

　To those who were created by [Ainz Ooal Gown], betrayal was impossible . All of them had believed in this .

　It was natural . Would it be forgiven for them to spit upon the gods that created them . Their raison d’etre was to work for their Supreme Beings .

　However they felt shock at their comrades who might plan to betray the Supreme Beings . This shock was not from their loyalty to Ainz being questioned, but was instead aimed at those who caused Ainz to think so, like Sebas and Demiurge .  It is your fault that our loyalty is being questioned, or something along those lines .

“It is not clear why Ainz-sama thinks that way… . Cocytus . I shall go to the capital . ”

“What? What do you mean?”

“To protect Ainz-sama . ”

　Silence fell upon them . They understood the meaning in Demiurge’s words .

“Sebas is strong . ”

“If he dragonifies he is the strongest close combatant in Nazarick . ”

“Shouldn’t we all go?”

　Demiurge shook his head .

“If we do not all go, Ainz-sama will be at a loss . ”

“He is kind . ”

“Yup, right . ”

“True . ”

　From the perspective of the Guardians, if something was suspicious then it should be destroyed .

　It was difficult for them to accept the continued existence of a person whose loyalty to Ainz was in question . At the same time, they were touched by the kindness that Ainz did not immediately execute that person, causing them to raise cries of joy .

“Basically it is to confirm it?”

“True . But how… . ”

“Hmm… . A true fight with Sebas is enticing… . But it cannot be forgiven . ”

“Cocytus, it’s different . Even though Ainz-sama is at a loss, we cannot simply decide this by ourselves . ”

“Ah, true . Apologies, everyone . ”

　The Guardians quickly accepted Cocytus’ apology .

“Demiurge, then, is there anything we can do?”

“True . If there is anything Aura and I can do, please tell us . ”

“No, nothing in particular . If Sebas actually betrayed us we might need all of the Guardians, but I believe this is all a misunderstanding . ”

“… . It would be nice… . He is too kind . If that falls in a strange direction… . That would not be impossible . ”

　Cocytus slowly stood up . There was nothing left in his cup .

“Where to?”

“I think it would be best to ready my weapons . ”

“Understood . Preparation is important . ”

　While looking at the leaving Cocytus, Shalltear spoke to Demiurge .

“Take care . If Ainz-sama is harmed despite the Guardians being there, that will be the greatest sin . ”

“Of course, I understand . Cocytus and I shall never let that happen . ”

　While enjoying the smell of the red tear, Demiurge narrowed his eyes . It was the face of someone not enjoying the tea, but instead thinking of something else .