Zaryusu listened to the joyous cheers and said to Crusch with a smile:
“This might not be over yet, that Supreme One person might still attack, but even so… we should relax for today.”
Zaryusu then put his hands on Crusch’s waist.
Crusch followed the flow and stuck onto Zaryusu, resting her head on Zaryusu’s shoulder.
“Shall we go?”
“Yeah…” Crusch answered and after hesitating for a moment, she called out:”… My darling.”
The two lizardmen walked together, disappearing into the noisy crowd…
Chapter 4
Dawn of Despair
Part 1
Cocytus treaded with extremely heavy footsteps towards the Throne Hall. As if they were affected by a contagion, the servants following behind him likewise had footsteps which were slow and heavy.
The reason for these heavy footsteps was because of the defeat they had swallowed as a result of the war against the lizardmen. As the commander of the glorious Nazarick army, he had allowed failure to stain its reputation.
Sure, being created as a warrior, Cocytus himself held a lot of respect for outstanding warriors like the lizardmen.
However, this was a completely different matter.
Nazarick does not tolerate failure. Furthermore, this instance was not a defensive battle like those in the past, but was the first expedition. Anyone who was decorated with defeat in their first battle could not possibly be in a positive mood.
Recalling Demiurge's words, the army assigned to this task had been weak indeed, but was just an excuse. Even if there is a possibility his master planned for the expedition to fail from the very beginning.
Eventually, the Throne Hall lay ahead, and the room just before it, named “Solomon’s Gate”, was already within eyesight. As such, the closer they became, the heavier their footsteps became, as if they were under the influence of some kind of magic effect.
Even if he were to be blamed by the master, it would not matter. Even if he were to be killed, or ordered to commit suicide, he had already mentally prepared himself for any action necessary in order to wash off this shame.
What Cocytus feared the most, was disappointing his master.
If the last remaining Supreme Being were to abandon him, what would he do?
Cocytus thought of himself as a sword, one which was in the hands of the master and would obediently slice anything when ordered. That was why, being considered useless or ineffective by the master was the most terrifying.
Not only that, if the other Guardians were to be given up on for the sake of shared responsibility, Cocytus would not know how to face them.
There is no way this will be forgiven, if it turns out to be severe to that degree. Even if I were to offer up my life, it would still not be enough for forgiveness.
Furthermore…
If the master became disappointed because of this, and left this place just like the other Supreme Beings, what then…?
Cocytus shuddered. Being someone who had complete immunity to coldness, the cause of the shudder was of course not from external factors but from within. He was under such considerable mental stress and torment that, if he were human, he would have easily been at the brink of puking.
No, that will not happen. Ainz-sama definitely cannot… give up on us.
The last Supreme Being in this great tomb, where all the others had already left.
Even if he was the individual of highest authority, he was also everybody’s supporting pillar.
Therefore, how could such a kind hearted liege give up on us — he comforted himself with these words, but deep down, he still harboured some uncertainty over events to transpire which could not possibly happen.
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)