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.
Part 4
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.”
Ainz let out a whisper that affirmed his conviction and gazed at the Guardians.
“Guardians, protect me. Prepare yourselves!”
As they strongly responded in force, Ainz grasped the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown that floated just beside him and pointed it at a corner of the throne room.
There, laid a mountain of 500 million gold pieces, more than enough to revive Shalltear.
Normally, it would require a keyboard to be operated. There was no need for such a thing now.
The mountain of gold began to lose its shape and slowly changed from a solid to a liquid state.
As the Floor Guardians watched with nervous eyes, the melted gold flowed and gathered into a single pool. The gold that weighed ten thousand tons became compressed and changed into the small form of a person. It eventually took on the appearance of a golden doll and the light gradually receded.
Soon enough, the light disappeared completely, leaving behind a skin of white wax and long silver hair. In that place was, without a doubt, the figure of Shalltear Bloodfallen.
“Albedo!”
Without taking his eyes off of Shalltear, Ainz loudly shouted Albedo’s name.
“There is no need to worry. It appears the mind control has been dispelled.”
“Is that so….”
Ainz’ heart was swept by a powerful sense of relief. He could feel his mind regaining its calm. He put his hand into his item box and pulled out a black mantle, all the while approaching Shalltear’s body.
Her eyes were closed and her chest was unmoving. Although the body that was loosely lying on the floor had the appearance of a corpse, the undead were living corpses, there was nothing wrong with this fact.
The strange part is—
The part that was confirmed just now was a chest that was so flat that it seemed to belong to a boy rather than a girl. In that moment, his eyes lost the place where they were headed and struggled to avert their gaze.
Having just been revived, Shalltear was not wearing any clothes and he didn’t know where to look. In his panic, the thought that he could just look elsewhere didn’t even enter his mind.
Since his eyesight was greatly improved from when he was a human, Ainz could see everything in clear detail. Because she was lying down outstretched, the slight space between her legs—
— Ainz hurriedly threw the black mantle in his hand.
The mantle unraveled in the air and accurately landed on Shalltear, covering her body.
I didn’t think it was a pity! I’m an undead so I don’t have a sex drive! Well, almost none. I was just tiny bit curious since her clothes didn’t appear with her. Well, you know, you can’t take off all their clothes in YGGDRASIL. Like I’m saying, right, it’s not like I was curious if she had hair down there!
Not knowing who he was making excuses to, his thoughts were in turmoil as Ainz walked towards Shalltear. His head grew hot, which may or may not have been the reason his footsteps had slightly slowed. He also ignored the female voice behind him saying: “If it interests you then you need only to say the word. I am always ready.”
As Ainz stood in front of her, sensing his presence, Shalltear opened her crimson eyes. Like someone who overslept, her gaze circled around and stopped on Ainz.
“Ainz-sama?”
A dazed voice, still only half awake. But within it, one could sense the clear presence of loyalty. Although it was already confirmed by both Albedo and the entire administration system within Nazarick, Ainz felt it with his body. With joy, he fell to his knees and carried Shalltear, who was lying on the floor, in an embrace.
“Ueehhhhh?”
It was a slender body that did not match with her immense physical strength.