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.
In general, when the master entered a room, those inside ought to bow in order to demonstrate their sincere respect, but then everybody at the scene did not make any salute at all. This was because they had long already demonstrated their most sincere respects.
However, only Cocytus was different.
Being completely occupied with his internal anxiety caused him to involuntarily make an external movement. The movement was actually extremely slight, but in this kind of situation it had a great impact on the atmosphere.
Through a special ability, Cocytus detected that the other Guardians had directed their attentions towards him. Despite working hard to suppress her anger, Albedo, who was walking behind the master, failed to conceal it. However in this kind of situation, nobody dared to speak out.
The footsteps slowly passed by the row of Guardians, and the sound of stairs being climbed and the throne being sat on could be heard. After this, Albedo’s voice loudly rang out in the room.
“Everybody please raise your heads to gaze upon the noble presence of Ainz Ooal Gown-sama.”
All of the spectators simultaneously raised their heads to look at the master who was seated on the throne, their movements producing a brushing sound made by friction.
Cocytus also raised his head immediately.
With the staff clasped in his hand symbolising the status of a ruler, an eerily frightening aura wrapped around his entire body, and exuding mysterious dark rays from behind his back, this was indeed the Supreme Being of The Great Tomb of Nazarick — Ainz Ooal Gown.
After Albedo, who was standing beside Ainz, inspected all of the Guardians at the foot of the stairs including Cocytus, she nodded in satisfaction then turned to face Ainz.
“Ainz-sama, the Guardians of Nazarick have all gathered before you. Please give us our commands.”
After Ainz gave a low “Un” sound of agreement, he struck the ground heavily with the staff in his hand. This attracted the gazes of everybody, and he slowly opened his mouth to speak:
“Welcome, all of you Guardians before me. First, allow me to express my thanks. Demiurge!”
“Yes!”
“Every time an issue arises, you get called upon. You’ve worked hard, thank you for your dedication.”
“Oh, oh, your words are too kind, Ainz-sama! I am your servant, therefore when called upon I must of course immediately respond duly. This is to be expected.”
Demiurge was delighted to the point that he was slightly shaking as he made a deep bow.
“Is that so. Right, have any suspicious individuals appeared on your side?”
“None. I have taken special care in my preparations. If any person gets close, he or she should be very easy to detect…”
“… That is good. However, above everything else you must not slip into laxity during the preparations. This is because the opponent may have some methods inconceivable to us. Apart from that, the skin that you have given to me… according to the conclusion of the Chief Librarian, this can be used to manufacture low rank scrolls. Is there a method to provide a steady supply of such?”
“Yes! There will be no problems at all. We have already accumulated a relatively adequate amount.”
“I see… then, what is the name of the wild beast?”
“Wild beast? … Ha! About the kind of creature that Ainz-sama is referring to…”
Demiurge deliberated for a brief moment, then continued with his reply.
“They are two-legged sheep from the Theocracy. How would you feel about naming them Bellion sheep?”
Demiurge’s elated tone caused some confusion in Cocytus. Basically, Demiurge was a good-tempered, even gentle, person. However, he was only like this to his comrades who were likewise created by Supreme Beings. To others, he was an extremely cruel person.
Under his superficial display of good mood, it was possible to have a brief glimpse of his cruel personality. Although Demiurge’s deep malice was directed towards the wild beasts which were the topic of discussion earlier, would he use such an attitude to talk about beings which lacked sentience?
Judging on the basis of Demiurge’s personality, something felt out of place. However, the current situation rendered it inappropriate to raise this issue with him.
“So that’s what it is… sheep.”
Ainz’ words carried a slightly pleased intonation, causing Demiurge and Albedo to break into smiles.
“Although I would prefer to call them mountain goats… but that name is also satisfactory. Well then, please continue to graft those sheep for their skin… will excessive capturing have an impact on the ecosystem?”
“There should not be. Furthermore, with just the use of healing magic, we are able to immediately repeat the grafting process. That is why as long as the supply required to be produced is not large, it will not be necessary to carry out a large scale capture. All of this is the result of our outstanding tormentor’s hard work.”
“Eh? If healing magic is used, won’t the part that was cut off disappear?”