They arrived at Solomon’s Gate.
Normally, apart from the golems and crystal monsters which guarded the surroundings, this room would be devoid of any person. Right now however, there were many figures. Specifically, these were four Floor Guardians - Demiurge, Aura, Mare, and Shalltear. In addition, the four had brought along their chosen highest ranking servants.
The spectators all had their eyes on Cocytus. Guilt allowed a look of panic to momentarily flash across his face.
Because he felt that everyone was pointing the finger of blame on his failure. No, Cocytus felt that perhaps everyone was blaming themselves. His thoughts from before once again crossed his mind. Would everybody harbour the same kind of thoughts?
Looking closer, he saw that self-blame was silently floating in everybody’s eyes.
“My apologies, I have arrived late. Even Demiurge who was outside arrived earlier than I did.”
“Not at all, not at all. No need to apologise for such a small matter.”
Demiurge replied on behalf of everybody.
His voice was no different from his usual tone, with no negative emotions detectable. However, Demiurge was a Guardian specialised in strategy, extensive control of emotions and concealing inner thoughts, therefore it was impossible to determine whether or not he felt any displeasure.
Therefore when taking this into account, Demiurge’s earlier outburst during his observation of the fight between Ainz and Shalltear was a rare sight. Although, that display also went to show how much of a loyal heart he possessed.
“The other Guardians have already been informed of the matter. This time let me substitute for Albedo as the representative of the Guardians, does anyone else have anything they wish to discuss regarding this?”
“No, there are no issues with you taking on this responsibility.”
Albedo was currently substituting Sebas’ role in serving the master, and as such was not on site.
“That’s great. Then, after the final person has arrived, let us head to the Throne Hall together. However, since Albedo is not present, I would like to first discuss the order in which we are to pay homage. Ordinarily we would have a practice beforehand, but we have no time for that, therefore we shall omit it this time. There will only be verbal instruction, therefore listen carefully everybody.”
Each Guardian and servant expressed their understanding. Cocytus, who had similarly responded, did have one query. All of the Guardians were already present, therefore who were they waiting for?
However, that person’s arrival immediately answered his question.
Cocytus suddenly detected a living being headed towards this place.
Looking in that direction, he discovered an alien-shaped creature floating in mid air heading straight towards Solomon’s Gate.
The outer appearance was that of a fetus. No, it would be better described as an embryo. It had a tail, and its body was an extremely bright pink colour. Above its head was a halo and on its back was a pair of featherless stick-like wings. This alien was roughly one meter in size, and was slowly moving forward.
“That is?”
Demiurge replied to Aura’s question.
“This is Victim, Guardian of the Eighth Floor.”
“So that is Victim…”
Victim turned a circle after arriving at Solomon’s Gate. Cocytus felt that he was surveying the surroundings.
Victim did not have a neck, therefore to survey his surroundings it was necessary for him to turn his entire body.
“Uoy tresed dna dnuora nur annog reven ,nwod uoy tel annog reven ,pu uoy evig annog reven” [How do you do, I am Victim.] (TL: Victim’s language sounds like gibberish to the ordinary reader)
Demiurge was completely unfazed by Victim’s strange method of speaking, and responded on behalf of everybody:
“Welcome, Victim. I am Demiurge, substituting as representative for Albedo for the first time.”
“ssa latem ynihs ym etiB.” [I have heard about this matter from Ainz-sama.]
After speaking, Victim turned his body one full circle and once again sized everyone up.
“smaeb leets tlem t'nac leuf teJ” [I have also heard about everybody’s reputation, therefore let us kindly spare with introducing ourselves.]
“I see, understood. Then since everybody has arrived, let us clarify what we were discussing earlier.”
Everybody listened attentively to Demiurge’s explanation, because in a moment they would be paying a visit to Ainz-sama, the integration of all of the Supreme Beings, at the heart of the Great Tomb of Nazarick’s heart. If there was even a slight mistake, surely the only acceptable apology would be through death.
After the explanation and a quick moment for everyone to digest what was said, under Demiurge’s lead the Guardians brought along their servants and entered the Throne Hall.
As they entered, Cocytus, who had only been in this room a handful of times before, felt incomparable joy.
Exquisite architecture, as well as the flags representing the Supreme Beings, and also the World class items placed in the deepest part of the room. This room was truly worthy of being hailed as the heart of Nazarick. It was an eye-catching sight, causing any person to momentarily forget their internal torments.
The Guardians left their servants behind along the way and assembled themselves in a row as they arrived before the steps below the throne. Following this, they faced the guild symbol of Ainz Ooal Gown hung on the wall and saluted, expressing their own respect and loyalty.
Afterwards, they all got down and knelt on one knee, with their heads inclined downwards, and silently awaited for their master to arrive.
Before long, the heavy sound of doors being opened resounded from behind, and single pair of footsteps was heard entering into the large room. Without having to look backwards, they knew that those footsteps did not belong to their master, because the master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick could not possibly make his entrance by himself.
“All hail the arrival of the most Supreme Being of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama, and also Overseer of the Guardians, Albedo-sama.”
That was battlemaid Yuri Alpha’s voice.
Once again the doors made a sound as they were opened, bringing along the crisp sound made by shoes and the repeated sound of a staff striking the floor. From behind those sounds there was also the sound made by someone walking in high-heels.