Chapter Text
The starry sky, the most magnificent treasure box of all alive being, was now in the hands of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Its crime was simple. It was not the possession of a Supreme Being.
And the rest of the world had committed the same crime, yet each faced a different penance.
The fate of the Baharuth Empire was destined to be filled with the sight of smiles on the faces of its inhabitants.
The fate of the Holy Kingdom was similar, except that their hands would be joined together.
The fate of the Consulate was much more divided than before the Sorcerer Kingdom's arrival, but the opposition could no longer cause any problems.
The same fate befell the Kingdom of Re-Estize and the Theocracy, though one fell to its own machinations, the other to wrath.
And lastly, there was the Dragon Kingdom, whose fate remained undecided. If they were lucky, they might be remembered in a museum.
But one thing was clear. No one could oppose the Sorcerer Kingdom anymore... no, it was now called the Sorcerer Dominion. And the age of bloodshed could finally give way to the phase everyone had awaited for so long. The era of eternal peace.
And the author of this relief, the artist of the bloodshed, the lead conductor of terror, the sculptor of this era, the director of the war, finally received the applause he was destined... and silence was all he heard.
And it was too loud.
From his throne room, Ainz Ooal Gown observed the empty hallway leading to his throne.
He should have been happy. All his stomach-aches would soon disappear, and perhaps even some of his hair would regrow now that he no longer endured the stress of conquest, though he had no hair, being a skeleton. He should have felt relief knowing he had permanently secured his standing for millennia to come.
But all he saw was a future as bleak as his beginning.
The Guardians all had their own tasks outside the tomb now, some ensuring the Overlord would not see them for long. Most were administering his conquered regions to maintain the peace as he desired.
It had reached the point where he requested more of those hateful documents he understood nothing of, just to spend more time with the Guardians.
This was likely what parents felt when their precious children left to find work, far from the nest.
And now, he would suffer the same fate... He would have liked to know how it felt before experiencing it again, maybe the pain would have been less then.
...No, he had experienced it before. Was it not the same when his friends left one by one to focus on their real lives? That's why he knew pertinently well that…the pain won't be lessened.
The mere thought of reliving that pain made him tremble, before his fear was extinguished as always.
'No, I cannot let this happen. I must find an excuse to keep them near me,' the Overlord thought, tightening his skeletal fist.
Of course, he could simply ask them to stay, and the Guardians would gladly obey. He knew this because his attempts to reduce their blind faith had been as successful as his attempts to make friends, that is to say, futile.
But he hesitated to use this approach, fearing they might abandon their duties entirely, causing the era he had worked so hard to build to collapse in seconds.
Ainz considered countless excuses to keep them visiting without neglecting their work or damaging their respect for him.
He even contemplated conquering the seas, but he doubted he could convince anyone to wage war on coral and fish. Worse, if Blue Planet were here, he would likely scold him for disrupting the ocean's ecosystem... if he was here.
This thought darkened the skeleton's mood further as he slumped back onto his throne.
There was also the option of using that World Item to cement his authority over this world... but he feared that if he proceeded, he would remain alone forever, as the Guardians would grow utterly fanatical. And that was not what he wanted.
'All worthless... Perhaps I should act like a lousy parent barging into their child's room unannounced, or find a bench in a random park and feed birds like a lonely old man.' Ainz laughed at his own idea, when suddenly, the flames in his eyes burned brighter.
He straightened on his throne and placed a hand on his chin. 'Yes... yes! This could work! Better yet, I could use it to strengthen my bond with the Guardians! And all the guardian seem to be desiring the same thing as well.'
Ainz already imagined the hallways filled with the smiles of its residents, but his excitement faded as quickly as it always did.
Yet the Overlord was not disheartened this time, as it allowed him to think clearly.
For a brief moment, shame flickered in his mind, but he dismissed it himself.
'Hmm, I suppose I will have to compensate for my lack of... but this item can counter that... There is also this concern, but Demiurge has already studied the topic, so he should solve it.'
Finally, Ainz closed his eyes as he considered the last point. 'The only reason I hesitated was because I did not want to defile my friend's memory... Is it truly worth it to do it now?'
He had long abandoned hope of finding his friends here. In fact, he worried more about encountering another player, as he now understood the reason for their appearance. He expected another guild to arrive within the next millennium, bringing players and problems.
But a millennium was a long time. He could afford to take a break for now. Preparing too far in advance risked him forgetting his plans when they mattered. Nor did he expect much trouble from them, as long as he maintained his iron grip on the world, eliminating or subjugating them before they could gather information.
From his reports, his guild was undoubtedly the most powerful among those summoned. Even if other guilds possessed World Items, none could rival his collection after raiding the Theocracy and the Dragon Kingdom. There was little to fear.
Still, this was no reason to betray his friend's memory... but in the end, they were just that, memories.
And memories belonged to the past.
This plan could bring him and his precious Guardians happiness for a time longer than they had been with him... so if his friends truly disapproved, they would have to tell him to his face!
With newfound resolve, Ainz stood from his throne and teleported away to the treasury.
"Do you have any idea why Lord Ainz summoned us today?" Shalltear, Guardian of the first to third floors, asked Albedo with a lazy smile.
All the Guardians had been abruptly summoned by Albedo to the tomb's lowest floor on Ainz's orders.
Of course, they had obeyed without hesitation, but they still wished to know the reason to prepare themselves.
Now, they waited outside the throne room doors, anticipating a special guest.
"It does not matter why Lord Ainz called us. We need only to obey," Cocytus replied, icy mist swirling around him.
"I am not disagreeing. I am overjoyed to bask in Lord Ainz's presence today. It has been so long since I last saw his grace, so I will rejoice of this opportunity for the rest of my existence!" Shalltear grinned eagerly.
"I... I hope it is not because I made a mistake in my work..." Mare hugged her staff tightly, trembling slightly.
"Do not worry. If Lord Ainz had an issue, he would not summon all of us just to reprimand you," Aura reassured her brother with a pat on the back.
"Yes... Lord Ainz is kind..." Mare relaxed slightly.
"Of course he is, but I fear he may be bored," Albedo finally replied, her pristine smile unwavering.
"Bored? Did we fail him?" Aura asked worriedly, but Albedo shook her head.
"No need for concern. This meeting likely aims to address that. Lord Ainz does not thrive in stability. He will probably make a grand move to amuse himself."
"Ooh! Are we conquering the seas? I hope there are strong fish to capture!" Aura said excitedly, though her drool betrayed her true intentions.
"Please, Lord Ainz's plans are never so small," Demiurge adjusted his glasses.
"Then what do you think, Demiurge?" Shalltear asked, filing her nails to look presentable.
"I suspect the ocean's conquest is but a minor step in Lord Ainz's greater scheme to claim all World Items from the future Supreme Beings in this world!"
"Indeed. Lord Ainz would never summon us for anything lesser... though I wish he would. I know he plans millennia ahead, but I hoped he might spare a year to relax while we handle his work," Albedo sighed, earning nods from the others.
"Lord Ainz even insisted on doing some of my work... That is why I feared I failed... but it motivated me to improve so he would not need to check behind me," Mare added, deepening their admiration.
"I believed Lord Ainz summoned us to announce his rebirth using a World Item," Cocytus proposed.
"I would not be surprised if Lord Ainz transformed his flesh into a form befitting a Supreme Being, but I doubt that is the sole purpose," Albedo said, recalling a certain race-changing World Item she knew he had plans for.
"And you, Sebas? What do you think this meeting is about?" Shalltear asked the butler, the only one who had remained silent since they arrived here.
"No matter my thoughts, Lord Ainz will surpass all expectations the moment he speaks," Sebas answered concisely, earning the others respect for his wise answer.
All except one.
"True, but the least we Guardians can do is strive to grasp his wisdom. Was it not Lord Ainz's goal to train us? Your attitude borders on..."
"Enough, Demiurge. This is no time for trivialities! Instead, prepare for celebration!" The Guardians turned to see Pandora's Actor approaching, saluting them. "Lord Ainz brings joyous news! News so radiant it would shame the sun for its inadequacy!"
"You seem in high spirits, Pandora's Actor. I hope this joyous occasion did not delay you," Albedo said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
Pandora's Actor remained unfazed, sweeping his arm dramatically. "I would never dare delay such an announcement! My tardiness was by Lord Ainz's order, to prepare for this glorious, sensational revelation!"
"Does this involve a certain World Item? The 'Petri Dish,' was it?"
"The World Item was summoned to fulfill its greatest purpose, elevating Lord Ainz to godhood! But it is not the only item he requested... though the rest remains a surprise."
Albedo calmed at the explanation and turned to the door. "If all are ready, we may enter."
The doors creaked open, and they proceeded down the hall with measured steps. Though they had walked this path countless times, the sight of the banners bearing the sigils of the former Supreme Beings still awed them. Now, only one remained, and he ruled the world.
They halted before the throne's steps and knelt, save for Albedo, who stopped at the final step.
They gazed reverently at the empty throne before bowing at Albedo's command.
"Prepare yourselves for the arrival of Master Ainz Ooal Gown!" Albedo declared authoritatively.
The side doors opened, and Ainz emerged, his steps deliberate, each carrying unspoken meaning.
When he faced the throne, his cape swirled as if he had vanished into the deepest night, only to reappear upon the throne.
After surveying his Guardians, he rested his arms on the throne's edges and straightened his posture.
"You may raise your heads."
The simple command had not come easily. Albedo considered it her greatest shame to not perform this duty herself, but Ainz insisted his subordinates should feel at ease in his presence.
They obeyed, and the conversation began.
"Thank you all for gathering on such short notice," the Overlord started.
"No. We should thank your magnificence for deeming us worthy of your presence," Cocytus said reverently, a sentiment shared by all.
"Regardless, the fact remains. But let us not stray from the topic. I summoned you to discuss our future... influence."
The Guardians tensed.
"What do you mean? Have the mortals not learned to bow or lose their heads when facing us? What more is necessary to do?" Shalltear asked, too blunt to grasp the deeper meaning.
"On the contrary, Shalltear. Their mortality is the problem. When this generation dies, the next may forget their predecessors' fear and consider rebellion," Demiurge explained.
"But what could pitiful mortals do? The greatest feat one achieved was chipping my nail. I doubt anything will change in a thousand years."
"Hmm, you would be right, especially with Lord Ainz's brilliant plan to flood his Dominion with wealth. When mortals have all they need, they grow complacent. Especially when the guard lord Ainz sent to protect them is simply beyond their reach. This will breed laziness, and any rebels who do grow stronger than the guards will perish at the hands of those even stronger than the Death knight, if we let them die at all."
'Wait, I planned that?' Ainz thought but nodded as if confirming Demiurge's deduction.
The demon continued, "The true issue lies in administration. Those in charge will wither and die, requiring replacements who may be incompetent. We must either purge the fools and appoint competent overseers or handle all critical work ourselves, leaving the trivial to the rabble." Demiurge chuckled, glancing at Albedo for input.
"I am reforming their education to instill obedience while eradicating nobility by blood. We will elevate the competent worms to the post they deserve."
"What of the lich workers? Why do they not handle this?" Shalltear asked.
This time, Ainz answered. "They excel at executing or leading projects, but their creativity is abysmal. They are unfit to govern."
Shalltear bowed gratefully.
"So we choose the first option?" she asked, pleased when her lord reacted.
"Choose?" Ainz repeated as if the word were foreign, baffling the Guardians.
"What do you mean, Lord Ainz?" Albedo asked. Even Demiurge looked puzzled.
Sebas smirked in the background. Once again, his lord exceeded all expectations.
'Ah, at last, my two best strategists are stumped, and I know the answer.' Ainz's gaze shifted to Pandora's Actor, his technical son and third-best strategist, who had helped orchestrate this conversation.
"What I mean is you have grown too accustomed to our current numbers. It is time to expand."
The rest of the guardians stood still as they still tried to understand the deepest meaning of their lord's words.
Surprisingly, Shalltear understood first, but the mere thought left her panting, that she was unable to share her discovery with her ally.
Albedo leaned closer. "Are you certain, Master Ainz? You would allow mortals into our ranks? It was tolerable for the princess, and I could also accept this foolish emperor, and that devotee, but I struggle to see others worthy... Ah! You mean we do both! We will reward the intelligent and loyal with entry into Nazarick, motivating others to strive for intellect. Those who succeed will serve eternally, while the failures will still elevate society!" Albedo clapped, delighted by her realization.
Demiurge nodded, already devising execution plans. Perhaps a carrot-and-stick approach, purging the undesirables? He could use this plan to eliminate the troublesome nobles! A marvellous idea from Lord Ainz!
But Ainz raised a hand. "This is but a fraction of my plan... and I welcome your suggestions for it. However, it seems only Shalltear has grasped my true goal."
Even the greatest strategists were stunned. How could Shalltear surpass them in their expertise?
They stared at the vampire, only to find her salivating on the sacred floor, and it was clear that with how much they heard the sound of water dropping around her, it wasn't only her saliva.
Aura grew concerned at the attitude of her colleague and couldn't help but interrogate her. "Shalltear?"
Shalltear barely reacted to the sound and whipped her head around so fast that she nearly, nearly splashed Aura with drool. At this rate, she might shift into her true vampiric form despite the lack of a blood moon beside her.
"Shalltear." Ainz's calm tone soothed her, though she still drooled. "Yes, Lord Ainz?"
"I grant you the same honour I once gave Albedo and Demiurge. Explain your understanding in front of the others."
Shalltear's joy skyrocketed. "With pleasure, Master Ainz! I will explain so simply that even these two will grasp it."
She shot a pointed look at Albedo and Demiurge, lingering on the former, a jab for all the times Ainz had asked them to simplify concepts for her.
The demons frowned but held their tongues. If ever she deserved to feel pride for her comprehension, it was now, the same for the timing of feeling shame for them to be unable to come up with the answer.
Without hesitation, she ascended the steps, stopping just below Albedo, leaving a wet trail at the spot she had previously knelt, making Aura deeply disgusted.
Shalltear cleared her throat to make sure all the attention was on her, wiped her mouth, and raised her hands triumphantly, ruining her dignified act, but she no longer cared.
"Lord Ainz plans to put a baby inside me and Albedo!"
"Shalltear..." Ainz facepalmed at her crudeness.
But his sigh confirmed the truth, and silence gripped the Guardians.
Soon, what followed was the sound of heavy breath coming straight from the regent, who couldn't care less about any form of decorum right now as she let lust possess her mind.
Demiurge also panted, but for different reasons. 'Genius! Of course! With his children, we monopolize power! They will surpass all others, receive Nazarick's knowledge, and justify our rule by sheer superiority! And if other Supreme Beings attack, we will have an elite force without elevating the masses! All from one move! Magnificent! We can also guarantee their allegiance to the Tombs, allowing us to teach them with the hidden technology of it, making them vastly superior in every category from the masses!'
But a worried smile spread trought his fast momutenrantly. 'That's…that would also mean that we would have a lord to serve if he decides to leave…but is there really a lord that can compare to him?'
"Lord Ainz... may I confirm... how you intend to accomplish this..." Albedo gasped, climbing the last step and clinging to him.
Shalltear mirrored her, leaning from the other side.
"Hmm, the biological way. I would not risk imperfections in our children," Ainz said, then froze at their glittering eyes.
"Then when do we start? Here? Now? Immediately?" Albedo reached for her dress straps.
Realizing history would repeat itself if he didn't stop them now, Ainz elegantly pushed both away.
"Later. Preparations are needed first." His cold tone doused their excitement, and they stepped back, bowing.
'Ah... I am only now realizing what I have done... I should have thought deeper.'
His original plan was simply to have children to care for. Now that his fears were gone, he had considered the Guardians' advances. No longer seeing them as his friends children, he thought it might be pleasant to have his own.
Perhaps he could even grow closer to them than the Guardians... he hoped.
But strangely, his subordinates were more excited about the process than the result.
An effect of his skeletal form, perhaps. Lust was an emotion he barely recalled.
'This must be addressed.'
Ainz decided to abandon his Overlord form. Previously, the risks of losing power, and thus becoming a vulnerability to his enemies, had deterred him from passing to the act.
But not only all of his enemies out of commission, but he also made a recent discovery that would allow him he could feel, taste, smell and so much more again.
He would lose his perfect poker face, but he had a millennium to train... and an excuse ready.
Ainz closed his skeletal eyes, then glanced at Pandora's Actor, who understood.
"Pandora's Actor, approach."
His subordinate ascended the steps, knelt, and produced a strange seed that shone from every colour and none at the same time.
Ainz took it between two fingers, facing the awed Guardians.
"This is the 'Petri Dish,' a World Item from the Dragon Kingdom's vault. After research, I discovered its purpose, to change any race to the God race, which is similar to saying I will become a World rank entity!
The Guardian's devotion burned brighter while hearing this. They already knew this information from previous documents, but now they could finally see their lord use it!
Gods had been World Enemies in YGGDRASIL, so it was fitting a World Item could grant such power. With this, he might even surpass TouchMe!
'The dragons never used it because the Petri Dish only works on players at the level 100, which no one had these requirements filled before.'
But before using it, he had warnings, otherwise, he might encounter some problems after his transformation.
"Now, I do not know if this World Item considers my emotional suppression a weakness. If it does removes it, heed this."
The Guardians stiffened as they tended their ears to make sure to not miss a sound.
"I have been without emotions for so long that their return may overwhelm me. My judgment may falter temporarily. Do not be alarmed if this occurs, for I will probably be able to recover to my previous state."
"Understood!" they chorused, though all believed even at 1% capacity, his intellect would dwarf theirs. So any form of reduction wouldn't affect them
"Thus, I assign tasks beforehand. Demiurge, research pregnancy across relevant races, then optimize fetal development without harming the child."
"As you wish, Master Ainz." Demiurge bowed, hiding his grin. He had dabbled in such research already but now had a mandate to fully put his mind into it.
"Cocytus, devise training regimens to maximize my children's potential. Also, prepare Angel and Vampire transformation items. Some deserve rewards."
"As you order!" Cocytus clacked his mandibles, imagining the children calling him Uncle Cocytus. He hoped to meet their expectations.
"Sebas, train the maids as midwives and childminders. Ensure the tomb is safe for children."
Sebas placed a hand on his chest and bowed deeply. "As you order. Shall I also prepare maids to bear your children, or seek additional partners?"
'Prepare?!' Ainz was stunned but shook his head before Sebas misinterpreted his silence.
"Unnecessary for now."
He had no plans for depravity. He only wanted children to care for, but if he had too many, he would expect that some would decide to rebel against his cruel action like in the story. A select few would be more manageable to avoid this scenario.
And he did not wish to be a neglectful father. He sought only to ease his loneliness... he hoped.
His eyes turned to Albedo and Shalltear. Initially, he had only considered Albedo, guilty over her altered settings. Rejecting her would hurt her further, and he was not immune to her allure, and her confession might have really won him over since then.
Shalltear, however, he saw her more as a foolish daughter. Yet her self-loathing after her mind-control incident ran deep. Rejecting her might break her entirely.
He would have time to grow closer. Parenthood changed people—perhaps it would change her too.
"As for you two... you know your roles. But I have not given you a chance to refuse... so if you wish."
"Please, Master Ainz! I would be honored for you to use my body as you see fit!" Albedo's wings fluttered excitedly.
"Indeed, Master Ainz! We crave nothing more than to be your playthings!" Shalltear added.
"...Right." Ainz nearly recoiled but maintained composure.
'Why did I not foresee this? Was my libido truly so dead? I hope my new form can keep up, or they might turn me back into a skeleton!'
Lastly, he regarded the twins, Aura and Mare,both flushed with embarrassment. Aura feigned smugness, but her red cheeks betrayed her. So if even her sister looked like this, then Mare looked ready to melt from the sheer heat she spreader from embarrassment.
"Mare, Aura, do not fret. You may continue your usual duties."
The twins had aged since their arrival, now a century old, their maturity stunted by their creator's whims. They retained childlike features, short stature, and only their hair, waist, and chest had 'grown.'
Ainz sighed at Bukubukuchagama's... unique design choices. Still, he treated them as his children, though they no longer climbed into his lap during work as they did before. They also became more reserved to receive affection from him, to his great sadness.
But all children grew up, and their growth had inspired him.
Yet both elves raised their hands in panic.
"Wait, Lord Ainz! We wish to participate too!" Aura pleaded. Mare nodded fervently.
Ainz blinked, then understood.
'Ah. They fear being replaced or excluded from family matters. Perhaps they could mentor my children or befriend them. I should consult Pandora's Actor on this.'
"Very well. I will consider roles for you both."
They seemed briefly disappointed but bowed in thanks.
Ainz noted their reaction. 'They must feel left out. I should reassure them soon.'
But first, the final step.
"Lastly, Pandora's Actor, you will assume my form and oversee the Dominion's administration."
"As you order, Fa—Master." Pandora's Actor nearly slipped but corrected himself before the others noticed.
Ainz nodded, then addressed all.
"Then let us begin the first step." He raised the seed to his mouth.
Those on the steps bowed and retreated to their rightful places, refusing to distract their lord during his ascension!
"This day may be remembered as my apotheosis, but I hope you recall it differently, as my return to my true form!"
Ainz made his cringeworthy declaration (reserved solely for godhood) and swallowed the seed.
Normally, it would have fallen through his ribs, but the World Item took root upon contact of his mana.
Instead of wood, flesh sprouted, not mortal flesh, but golden at first, then shifting to pure white, filling his joints.
Upon closer inspection, his new flesh was mana so condensed that it became solide, so nothing biological. This caused an unexpected interaction with his World Item, his red orb, which the Petri Dish used to amplify his transformation endlessly.
The resulting shockwave blasted the Guardians back, surprising them with its potency. A mere byproduct of his transformation could harm them, his new power was terrifying.
But they felt no fear, only awe as they witnessed his ascension.
Ainz had expected pain... and felt some, yet remained detached. Even as his bones reshaped and other World Items reacted, he felt nothing.
He didn't see it any differently than any YGGDRASIL race change, though he did hope to feel something. Becoming a god didn't really affect his mood, he was already treated as one after all.
'I do not mind avoiding pain... but I want to feel touch again.'
As if responding, his body adjusted, and pain flared, yet he remained unmoved.
'Interesting. In YGGDRASIL, this item likely lets players request custom god forms. Here, it adapts to my desires. But it is purely physical, my abilities are unchanged.'
He focused on his other wish.
'I want a beautiful body.' A vain thought, but if changing, why not appreciate his reflection?
Then, recalling the girls' expressions, he added safeguards. 'An inexhaustible body with... appropriate functions. And I remain male.'
The last thing he needed was to become female after all this.
Finally, his deepest desire surfaced—one he had only recently realized.
'I wish... to feel again.'
As flesh enveloped him, Ainz Ooal Gown, the Overlord of Death, closed his eyes for the last time.
And Ainz Ooal Gown, the God of Death, opened them.
The dispersed mana rushed back into him as crimson eyes ignited—no longer needing flames to glow.
He examined his new body, pale skin whiter than bone, a slender frame belying godly strength, and crimson hair cascading to the floor. Golden antler-like horns curved from his temples.
The Guardians stared in reverence, but their awe turned to alarm when Ainz clutched his head and screamed.
"AAAAH!"
"Lord Ainz!" Albedo lunged, but the scream's pressure forced her to her knees.
Ainz was not in pain, he was drowning in emotion.
Every death, every torture, every atrocity he had committed crashed upon him. The weight was unbearable.
His agony birthed massive wings woven from damned souls, yet they made no sound as he laughed hysterically.
"Hahahahaha..." He raked his eyes, drawing golden blood, which only amused him further.
'Death... all dead! By my hand! My torture! My flames! For what? My happiness? I was human! I had no right! So many alternatives... I could have been kind!'
Normally, his emotions would have shut down, but no longer.
'So why... WHY!? WHY... do I feel no regret?' He clawed his face until he was blind from his own blood, which was enough to call him down. "Oh, what am I saying..."
The pressure vanished as the god started to chuckle.
"Lord... Lord Ainz?" Albedo whispered.
"...As if I was ever anything but a monster." He recalled the orphans he had stepped over in his past life. Even without becoming undead, he had lost his humanity when YGGDRASIL ended.
"Now, all that matters... is you." He smiled at the Guardians, his first genuine smile.
They froze.
"Wait... I mean…"
"Thank you for your kindness, Master Ainz," Albedo spoke for all, raising her head with the brightest smile he had ever seen. "And congratulations on your ascension. You are now a Supreme Being in flesh and mind... though you always were in our hearts!"
Golden blush spread across Ainz's cheeks as he hid his face. Unused to emotions, they overwhelmed him.
He sank onto his throne, wings retracting. "My apologies. My emotions... disoriented me. May I have time to collect myself?"
The Guardians hesitated. "Lord Ainz... are you certain? We can stay. Is there nothing we can do?" Albedo pleaded.
'Ah... I am overwhelmed. Why did I think emotions were a good idea? Now I must follow through all what I said!'
Yet, despite his embarrassment, he was glad.
'Without them, I might have stopped caring... even for those I love.'
His eyes met Albedo's, and he blushed harder. 'I will not escape debauchery now... but perhaps that is deserved. And I might truly connect with them now that I understand their feelings.'
He wanted more than lust, perhaps marriage? A harem? Or just Albedo?
Another urge interrupted him.
"...I do desire something... I am... hungry."
Though his magic-sustained body needed no food, his senses demanded to be fed.
"As you wish, Lord Ainz." Albedo nodded to Sebas.
"I shall prepare a grand banquet, my lord." Sebas bowed.
Ainz nearly stopped him, then reconsidered. "Actually... I believe I could eat a banquet."
His stomach did not growl, but the thought of tasting food again excited him.
'Perhaps a life of indulgence is due. I have ruled long enough without reward.'
Later, he would reign properly.
For now, he would enjoy being king.
After Ainz retreated to his office, the Guardians remained kneeling for five minutes before Sebas stood.
"I must inform the staff of the festivities."
No one answered. He, too, would have stayed kneeling without this duty.
As the doors closed, the others finally stirred.
"Ehehe... hahaha... this... this is MARVELOUS!" Pandora's Actor leaped up. "Master Ainz, the last Supreme Being of Nazarick, has claimed his rightful place among gods!"
His joy was boundless, not just for his lord's power, but for seeing him truly happy, as if he had resolved some inner conflict.
Cocytus rose next. "Lord Ainz Is Stronger... And... Happier. I Never Realized He Was Suffering."
"Indeed. Our greatest failure as Guardians was pursuing his happiness while blind to his misery," Demiurge admitted shamefully.
"Did... did he dislike that we spared people?" Mare asked.
"No. His words were directed at us," Demiurge said uneasily.
Aura paled. "Did we disappoint him? Is that why he wants children, hoping they will meet his expectations?"
"Likely," Demiurge conceded.
"What if... his lack of emotion was all that kept him here? Now that he feels again... will he leave to join the other Supreme Beings?" Albedo's voice was hollow.
The others darkened at the thought.
Except Pandora's Actor. "Nonsense! Lord Ainz would never abandon us! I know why he was so emotional! He missed his comrades, and that sorrow transcended even his emotional suppression!"
"So now that he feels again, his grief may drive him away?" Albedo's despair deepened.
"If... if he leaves... was getting us pregnant just to ease our loneliness...?" Shalltear whispered.
"Lord Ainz is kind," Mare repeated numbly.
Pandora's Actor shook his head. "No! He is happier because he shed his undead nature! Undead exist due to unresolved regrets. Now, freed from that, he can move forward, with us!"
The Guardians clung to this hope, no matter how unfounded it felt.
Albedo stood, renewed. "Then we must ensure he never regrets staying! We must show him our devotion! We also need to exploit his new vulnerability of his emotions to grow closer to him. Maybe if we get close enough to him, he will definitely stop desiring coming back to the other supreme being!"
"Albedo, you cannot suggest treating Lord Ainz with anything less than absolute reverence!" Demiurge argued.
"Not as equals... but perhaps reducing the distance between us. If he misses the Supreme Beings, it is not for their subservience."
Demiurge frowned but nodded. "A complex balance... but I will try."
"As will I... but our priority is his comfort. Even if he resists decadence, we must make it unavoidable. Now that he feels, this is our only chance!"
With that, they dispersed, each determined to bind their god to them forever in their mortal realm.