Lydia's POV
After teleporting to the 11th floor, the first thing I feel, even before being able to take a good look at my surroundings, are the links that connect me with my creatures. Countless links that were previously weak, background sensations suddenly become much clearer. But four of them are much stronger than the others. I don't need to be a genius to understand why. They are the World Bosses, my World Bosses.
As I gaze at my surroundings, I see what I expected to see. All around me are the wooden walls of Ivory's temple. The temple itself was created in the image of those old Japanese shrines.
It serves as Ivory's home and is located in the middle of a peaceful and silent forest. As I walk up to the entrance and look up at the sky, I can see clouds floating nearby. The reason the clouds are so close is that the temple is on a floating island. It is at the center of the central island, which is also the largest of the floating archipelago.
The floating islands themselves are at the center of the 11th floor. And, although I can't see them from here, there is a multitude of different biomes present on this floor below the islands—each for different kinds of monsters.
The temple is surrounded by a thin wooden wall dividing the shrine grounds from the surrounding forest. Inside the walls, the terrain reflects a world of peace and tranquility. There is a pond with small fish swimming inside and a sakura tree growing beside the pond, its branches growing to the side, above the pond. There are also large rocks dispersed around the shrine grounds.
My attention is quickly snatched by a rapid increase in wind speed. The leaves of the trees flutter with the sudden gust as the island itself seems to shake. One of the four World Bosses is near, and it has noticed me.
Well, I shouldn't be surprised by that, as the floating islands are the domain of one of them: the Sky Dragon, Amosis.
"Mother. What a pleasant surprise to see you." I hear a deep, booming, and guttural voice say from above.
When I look up, I see a long and colossal serpentine dragon floating in the sky. It has no limbs, simply a long, snake-like body. The dragon has pristine white scales and sharp, slitted yellow eyes, as well as two long yellow whiskers like tendrils the length of its body floating lazily beside it.
Wait... Wait, wait, wait, wait! It can talk?! Did my summons gain sentience as well?! Also, it— no, he called me "Mother" as well. Well, if even he calls me that, I guess I should get used to it instead of making a fuss about it.
Anyway, I should answer before anything else. It would be rude not to return his greeting and just keep staring.
"Hi, Amosis. Is everything going well around here?" I reply with a smile and a wave as greetings while sitting down on the stairs of the entrance to the shrine.
The dragon chuckles, and with each breath of the dragon, a small gust of wind is produced.
"Your garden is doing well, Mother. And I have no complaints about the domain you gave me. The caretaker is doing a good job of keeping everything in order." he replies softly despite his guttural voice.
"I see; well, that's good. Speaking of her, do you know where she is?" I ask carefreely.
Amosis seems to contemplate my question before raising his body and looking around. Dragons have exceptional eyesight, so he is, without a doubt, capable of seeing the entire floor despite its absurd size.
After a short silence, he answers.
"She is currently in the 'Forest Between Life and Death'. Do you perhaps intend to visit her?" he inquires.
"Maybe. For now, I just want to see if everything is going well." I respond nonchalantly.
"Do you not trust the caretaker?" Amosis asks, surprised.
"Hmm? Oh, no, I trust Ivory. It's just that something big happened, and I wanted to see if it affected this place." I tell him hastily.
Amosis looks surprised at my words.
"Something happened? May I ask what it was, Mother?" he asks, seemingly eager to help.
"Well, the entirety of Nazarick has been transported to a different world. An entirely new world at that. And in this new world, certain things don't work the same way they used to—or at least, not how I remember them working." I explain, trying to sound confident despite the situation. I don't need my own summons to lose faith in me, after all.
"I see..." he says somberly. "Do you wish for me to explore this new world for you, Mother? I'm confident in my strength and speed." he proposes calmly, yet I can feel eagerness coming from him through our link.
I contemplate the idea before quickly shutting it down.
"Sorry, but this situation requires discretion, and even in your small form, you are still big enough to curl up all around Ivory's temple. If I give this task to one of the four Primordials, I think Sha or Chaos would be more suitable." I explain, turning him down gently.
Amosis grunts in disappointment, but he still accepts it reluctantly. I can feel through the link that he is bored and wants something to do. There must not be much that happens on the floating islands.
I can feel his feelings through the link?! Can he feel mine too? No, wait... it seems like I can control what my summons feel from me. Okay, okay, that's good.
"I understand. Sha and Chaos are indeed the least noticeable of the Four Primordials." he relents begrudgingly.
"Well, with that said, I'll get going. I'm gonna walk around for a bit, seeing how things are going with my own eyes instead of through a report that I maybe won't have the patience to read." I inform him cheerfully.
He chuckles once more before nodding.
"I see, goodbye then, Mother. I hope to see you again soon." Amosis replies simply, softly, before floating upwards until he disappears behind the clouds once more.
I watch him disappear into the clouds and keep staring at them for a few seconds.
So, my summons are now sentient like the Guardians. Are they all able to speak? Or was Amosis an exception because he is a dragon?
The Four Primordials is an unofficial title I gave to the four World Bosses that I created because it felt cool at the time. I even gave a name to each one of them.
The first one I created was Chaos, a Supreme Space Elemental. Chaos is a World Boss specialized in spatial manipulation and is the reason this floor is so massive. He makes the floor bigger on the inside than on the outside. But even without him, this floor is already the largest in all of Nazarick, being five times the size of the 6th floor. Chaos doesn't have a fixed domain and instead roams freely on the 11th floor, taking whatever form he wants.
Now that I think about it, my own shapeshifting ability looks eerily similar to Chaos's. Perhaps it is because we are both extremely high-ranking ethereal beings, with him being an Ultimate Elemental and me a Child of Mana?
Well, whatever.
The second one I created was Amosis. Amosis is an Elder Sky Dragon God, the epitome of dragonkind. His domain is the floating islands archipelago at the center of the 11th floor, where Ivory's Temple and my house are.
Yes, I have a house here. Well, it's a manor, but that makes it even better. It's located on its own small island, higher than the others, permanently hidden by clouds.
I look up at where my manor's island is supposed to be, but I only see a big cloud there.
Yep, there's no way of knowing something's there unless informed beforehand.
I use the Eye of Heimdall to teleport to the edge of a floating island at the edge of the floating archipelago and get a look at the floor from this vantage point.
There are various places that are striking to the eye from here. The first is the giant lake that looks almost like an ocean from here. This lake is the domain of another one of the World Bosses: Vorthyss, the Ancient Kraken. This lake, thanks to Chaos, is incredibly deep and contains all of my aquatic monsters.
Then there is the black and purple forest: the Forest between Life and Death. Every plant and creature there uses negative energy instead of vital energy, making them similar to the undead without being dead. Every species of monster there is the result of some experimentation I did back in YGGDRASIL, thus, wholly my creation.
There is also a massive jungle not far from the forest called the Cradle. The Cradle is the largest zone of the 11th floor, and it makes every other look small in comparison. It is made to accommodate a large biodiversity of monsters, as there are various climates and regions within the Cradle. Some parts of the Cradle are cold, others hot, humid, dry, etc. It is also the domain of Sha, a Primordial Slime Queen.
And in the distance is the mountain range called the Hollow Peaks. Some of those mountains are active volcanoes, while others are covered in frost and snow. Inside and below the mountains is a network of tunnels and caverns that extends deep underground like a natural labyrinth. This underground maze covers the entire floor, and some parts of it are even connected to the giant lake.
I keep my gaze on the vast floor below.
There are various other areas, but listing them all now would take forever. This place really is big. Blue Planet had a blast while helping me create this place.
I should just accept this—everything. Like Momonga said, this is my life now. The quicker I accept this, the better. It's just a bit hard. I didn't have a good life, but I can't just throw it out the window and act as if it never existed.
Or maybe... maybe... I can use it as a background for Lydia? My character was human before becoming a Spirit of Magic. I can just change some details, and I will have the past of Lydia Evie Hart. Of course, it would just be a story I tell the NPCs if they ask questions. After all, I can't just tell them that they were characters in a game.
Maybe I should speak with Momonga about that. Adding a bit of depth to our characters will help us stay in character. And maybe... make it real.
I blink.
Wow, those were some serious and depressing thoughts. I know my life was bad, but was I really feeling like this without noticing it myself? Wanting to become my character entirely instead of keeping my human identity?
I suppose that becoming Lydia was always my dream—a fantasy I indulged every time I did some roleplay with the others.
I sit at the edge of the island, letting my legs dangle over the void.
In real life, I was simply the secretary of an ungrateful boss who kept overworking me so she could slack off and never gave me any consideration. She never said "hello," "thank you," or "good work." And even outside of work, I had no one. My parents died when I was young because they ran out of money to buy new masks for everyone. They were betrayed by their company. So, they bought a mask for me, but not for themselves. The air killed them only a few months later.
And I was too much of a coward to speak with anyone or ask for help. If it wasn't with someone I was comfortable with, I could barely start a conversation without turning into a stuttering mess, and even then, I could barely raise my voice above a whisper. So I had no one—no friends or family.
Touch Me was really the one who saved me back then. Not only in the game, but in real life as well. He gave me something to look forward to: a reason to get up every morning other than surviving.
I never told any of that to the other members of the guild. There was no point in dumping all that emotional baggage onto them while we were having fun on YGGDRASIL.
I didn't lie to Amosis earlier. I don't think I want to see or make a report ever again. Or at least... not for now.
A-NY-WAY. I should stop with depressing thoughts; it is all behind me anyway.
I shake my head before looking down at the Eye of Heimdall on my torso with a small smile.
I should practice using it.
I look back at the floor below.
And I want to explore this floor now that it's real.
I suppose I can do both at the same time.
My thoughts are interrupted by a [Message] spell trying to form a connection with me, so I put two fingers to my left temple.
{Lydia, do you hear me?} Momonga's voice manifests itself in my head.
{I can hear you. Do you need something?} I ask curiously.
{Not particularly, but can you come to the entrance of Nazarick? I think you would want to see this.} he replies evasively.
{Okay⁓. I'll be there in a sec.} I sing playfully.
I cut out [Message] and look back at my floor.
I guess I will have to do my test later.
Or maybe...
I try to see the 1st floor and locate Momonga using the Eye of Heimdall.
At first, I only see the brightly polished limestone of the catacombs that composes this floor. I quickly expand my senses further until they engulf the entirety of the 1st floor. I thought that I would have some difficulty processing so much information at once, or at least a headache. But nothing. I can see and hear everything happening on this floor clearly, as if I were everywhere on this floor at once. I suppose I was afraid for nothing.
But I don't see Momonga. Isn't he on the 1st floor? Maybe he is outside?
I expand my senses further out, outside of Nazarick.
There he is.
I spot Momonga at the entrance of Nazarick, accompanied by Demiurge for some reason; they seem to be waiting.
Momonga is wearing dark blue full-plate armor, accented with gold trim on its extremities, and a large red cape flowing out of his back. He even has two giant swords on his back. I'm gonna be honest, he looks badass like this. Like a dark knight or a hero of darkness.
The entrance of Nazarick looks like an ancient Greek temple, with large white columns on the sides. The terrain of Nazarick then extends about 200 square meters and is surrounded by a thick wall six meters tall. Despite being inside the walls, the terrain still looks wild, with the only artificial structures inside, apart from the main entrance of Nazarick, being four small shrines located in each cardinal direction and some half-destroyed columns. It gives the place the appearance of ruins and makes it look abandoned.
I wonder if I can teleport directly on top of Momonga. Those shoulder plates look big enough for me to sit on. And can I do it without him noticing?
Maybe I can tone down the light from my teleportation, or hide it completely.
Let's try it.
I teleport directly on top of one of Momonga's shoulders, already seated. And it doesn't look like Momonga noticed the extra weight on his shoulder.
Before I can even begin to celebrate my success in my head, Demiurge gasps and kneels down."Lydia-sama." he calls in greeting, causing Momonga to notice me.
I give Demiurge a smile and a wave of my hand in greeting before turning my head toward Momonga.
"I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting you to appear on my shoulder, Lydia." comments Momonga as his head turns toward me.
"I just thought I'd get a better view of whatever you want to show me from here." I retort playfully with a smile.
Momonga's POV
I stare at Lydia on my shoulder for a brief instant.
Is it just me, or is the change in her mind getting worse? She doesn't even seem to notice it herself. What's worse is that I don't have the heart to tell her. Her expression looks so innocent; I don't want to be the reason this expression disappears.
I have rarely seen her sound this happy and carefree before.
I sigh internally, accepting that I will have to take care of Lydia. But I suppose she does deserve at least that.
Back in the day, when everyone used the guild as a way to vent their frustrations with real life, Lydia was there to listen and sometimes help others, while never complaining herself. I think some of us just took it as if she didn't have any problems in real life herself. But I noticed, even back then, that her voice sounded like the voice of someone who had learned to endure in silence. And I think I wasn't the only one who noticed.
I suppose that was why some of our guildmates offered her gifts or teased her. I guess it was their own way of being considerate toward their friend, by distracting her from any real-life problems. Particularly Touch Me, Ulbert, Punitto Moe, and Peroroncino. I think that, in some way, she became sort of like a little sister they wanted to spoil.
Touch Me, I believe, was like that because he never had siblings and would have loved pampering a little sister in real life. Ulbert started more out of competitiveness with Touch Me but ended up liking it. Punitto Moe liked how Lydia collected information all over the place, so he started teaching her different strategies and how to use her summons and her knowledge effectively. And Peroroncino, I believe Lydia was like the ideal sister he would have loved Bukubukuchagama to be.
Well, she was kind of the mascot and little sister of the entire guild and, no matter how much she denied it, I believe she liked that.
With an internal sigh, I dismiss the memories and point at the night sky with my thumb.
"Look." I demand concisely.
She turns her head toward the night sky. I immediately see her expression shift into one of awe as her eyes widen and glow a little brighter, her mouth opening slightly as well.
She just stares at the night sky in silence, mesmerized by the sight. And I understand; even with my muted emotions, I still paused at the sight. An artificial sky cannot compare to a real sky, much less to such a clear and beautiful one.
It was impossible to witness such a clear sky in real life with how polluted the world had become.
I turn my head towards Lydia once more.
"Want to take a closer look?" I whisper softly.
She nods weakly without looking away from the sky.
I silently grab an item from my inventory. It's a necklace with a pendant in the shape of a bird's wing, and I put it on. It allows me to cast [Flight] despite wearing magical armor that prevents me from casting spells.
And without waiting, I immediately cast [Flight] on myself and rise up to the sky with Lydia on my shoulder.
We quickly pick up speed as we rise into the sky in a straight line.
I then stop after a few seconds and decelerate slowly until we are stationary. I then remove my helmet and throw it away; it quickly disappears as it's equipment created with a spell. But I pay no mind to that, or Demiurge, who follows us in the sky in his frog-like form. No, what I'm focused on right now is the breathtaking view.
I've never seen such a beautiful view in my entire life, and even my muted emotions can't stop me from being awestruck by it.
"It's so... beautiful..." I hear Lydia whisper softly on my shoulder, causing me to turn my head to face her. Her face wears an expression of pure, childish awe, and her eyes look a little watery.
She bends her body forward and leaves my shoulder. Her body floats in the air effortlessly, as if gravity were merely a suggestion, even though I didn't see her cast [Flight] on herself. It makes her look like a fairy or a spirit; well, she is a spirit, so I suppose it's only fitting.
"Beautiful..." I begin softly, causing Lydia to turn her body to face me. I turn to face the view of the world from such an altitude, as well as the starry sky from the atmosphere. There are not many clouds in the sky to block the view, making it even more breathtaking. "No, beautiful isn't a strong enough word to describe it. I wonder what kind of face Blue Planet-san would make if he saw this..." I continue.
This world looks free from any kind of pollution. Blue Planet-san would have loved it. He loved nature and was always the one telling us with passion about what the planet used to look like before the corporations polluted it without restraint. But what he loved even more was the sky, something impossible to see in real life because of the thick clouds of pollution surrounding the entire planet.
If only you could be here... I'm sure you would be so excited right now.
My gaze shifts back to Lydia, who, while I was lost in memories, turned back to admire the view in childlike wonder once more. She floats around to look at the view from different angles, and her excited expression and enthusiasm are nothing but adorable.
Would I have been alone if Lydia hadn't stayed with me until the end? Or would she have been alone if I hadn't stayed?
What a cruel irony. Being transported from our shitty world to this one with our personal paradise, but with no one to share it with. I'm really glad Lydia stayed with me until the end; if not, it would have been this exact scenario. At least we are not alone; we have each other and the NPCs.
Ignoring the sound of wings flapping in the air as Demiurge finally catches up to us, I begin speaking once more, this time to myself. "Even just relying on the moon and the stars, we can see the scenery... It's hard to believe this is really the real world. Just like you said, Blue Planet-san... The sky really shines like a jewelry box." I comment, as if I could speak to Blue Planet from here.
"Perhaps that is so. This world's beauty must surely be like precious stones created just for the sake of decorating Momon—Black Knight-sama and Lydia-sama." comments Demiurge after hearing my own comment.
Demiurge's comments snap me out of my reverie. Black Knight... I suppose with Lydia here, there is no point in being called that anymore.
"You can stop calling me Black Knight, Demiurge." I tell him, before turning back toward Lydia, then toward the stars.
Maybe... maybe continuing to act like an evil overlord is a good idea?
"It is truly beautiful. These stars were meant to decorate us, eh? Perhaps it is so. I will leave my body here in order to obtain this jewel box that belongs to no one." I declare.
"Don't forget Nazarick." Lydia chimes in suddenly with a bright smile, her legs crossed and her hands over them as if seated on empty air.
Lydia's intervention causes me to let out a laugh.
"You're right. This isn't something that we alone should have. Perhaps it should be used to decorate the Great Tomb of Nazarick." I propose, causing Lydia to giggle happily as well.
"A truly awe-inspiring speech. If you wish, I will immediately bring the armies of Nazarick and take this jewel box. Presenting this gift to my beloved Supreme Beings would be the greatest honor." Demiurge responds zealously.
"For now, we do not know what kinds of creatures live in this world, so I can only point out the fallacy of your idea. Our presence here is extremely small. However, conquering the world is a very interesting idea." I note jokingly.
Conquering the world would be something only the bad guys who appear in children's television shows would say.
In fact, it wouldn't be easy to conquer the world. Problems would also arise if one did conquer the world: since law and order had to be maintained to prevent rebellion, there had to be unity between the countries, and so on. Just by thinking about some of these things, the idea of actually conquering the world would quickly lose its appeal.
Although I was fully aware of these things, I still spoke of wanting to conquer the world because, after seeing the beauty of this world, my childish desires were triggered. Also, because of having to maintain my act as the leader of the notorious Ainz Ooal Gown, I accidentally let out some childish lines.
In addition, there is another reason.
"Ulbert-san, Luci★Fer-san, Variable Talisman-san, Beruriba-san." I mumble to myself.
I remember telling them jokingly multiple times, 'Together we will conquer the world of YGGDRASIL.'
Demiurge is the smartest person in Nazarick, so he should understand that the talk about conquering the world is just some childish nonsense.
I keep staring at the horizon where the earth meets the sky.
"An unknown world. But in this world... is it only us? Did the other guild members also come here?" I muse out loud.
Although it was impossible to create a second character in YGGDRASIL, for those who had already left the game, it was possible to create a new character just to come back for the last day. It was also possible that Herohero had returned during the moment the server was supposed to shut down.
In conclusion, Lydia and I being here is an abnormal situation. If this is caused by some unknown phenomenon, then others who were still playing the game could have been stranded in this world, just like us.
Although I could not contact them using [Message], it could be due to many other factors: for example, being on a different continent or some kind of magical effect.
"If it's like this... If I let the whole world know the name Ainz Ooal Gown..." I mumble as I keep thinking out loud.
"Momonga." I hear Lydia calling me softly, interrupting my thoughts. "As much as I want to believe it... I don't think any of them are in this world with us. They left." she speaks sadly.
I feel anger rising up in me as I turn to face Lydia, but when I see her sad expression, it disappears as quickly as it came.
I let out a defeated sigh.
"I you're right. There is no point in holding onto a false hope. I'll keep looking for them just in case, but I won't get my hopes up." I concede.
The attention of everyone with me is grabbed by the sound of earth moving below us. When we turn our gaze downward, we see the ground up to one hundred meters around Nazarick moving like a wave. It all moves in the direction of Nazarick's walls before crashing into them, forming small artificial hills all around Nazarick, concealing it.
[Land of Waves]. It looks like he's also using others of his skills to increase the area of effect.
There is only one person in Nazarick capable of such magic. It really was a good idea to leave the task of concealing Nazarick to Mare.
"In addition to Mare, the tireless undead and golems are also helping. But the progress is too slow and not good enough. After moving the earth, there will be many depressions where plants will have to be placed in order to hide them. This will further increase Mare's workload." Demiurge comments from behind me, as if he could read my mind.
"Hiding the walls of Nazarick should take a very long time; the problem is whether or not we will be discovered during the construction. How is the security situation around here?" I ask as I turn toward the demon.
"The beginning stages of the early warning systems have already been completed. If there are any intelligent biological invasions, we will know immediately while keeping the intruder unaware of the situation." replies Demiurge immediately.
"I see. Lydia, I plan on visiting Mare for his work. Will you come with us?" I ask after calling her to get her attention once more.
"Sure! Do you intend to reward him?" she replies, asking curiously.
"Indeed. Do you have any suggestions for a reward?" I ask both her and Demiurge.
"Well, I have one, but it will be something that will come from me only." she answers after a brief hesitation.
"I see." is my only response as I start thinking about a good reward for Mare.
"To receive appreciation directly from two supreme beings is already a great reward... this... Many apologies, but I suddenly thought of something that I need to take care of. As for Mare's location..." Demiurge begins.
"No problem. You may leave, Demiurge." I interrupt.
"Many thanks, Momonga-sama." replies Demiurge before flying away.
After Demiurge's departure, I start to float down towards Mare. When I turn my head towards Lydia, I see that she came back to my shoulder at some point while I wasn't looking and is clutching her head with one of her hands.
"Is something wrong?" I ask, worried.
"N-no, no... I tried to use the Eye of Heimdall over a wide range, but it gave me one of the worst headaches of my entire life." she answers weakly.
This makes me pause in my descent.
Lydia's POV
Momonga stops his descent after hearing my answer.
"Are you alright? Why would using your World Item give you such a headache?" he question worriedly.
"I— well, the Eye of Heimdall works differently now that this has become reality instead of a game. I can still use it like in the game... but now I can use it like the flavor text implied. I can see and hear everything in a radius." I explain, before pausing to let Momonga process the information; then I continue.
"I receive every bit of sensory information simultaneously. I believe that the item helps process everything, but if I use it with too wide a range, it still causes an agonizing migraine." I finish explaining. The headache gets lighter with every passing second until it fades away while I am explaining.
I'm sure that with practice I can extend the maximum range I can withstand while using it. I don't know why. A hunch, maybe? But I feel like it isn't that the item doesn't allow me to do it, more like I'm the one not capable of withstanding the power of the item.
Maybe with practice, my body or mind—I don't know—will get better at processing the monstrous amount of information thrown at me when using the Eye of Heimdall. But for now, let's avoid using it on a large scale. The maximum I can withstand is around 5 kilometers all around me, which is already pretty good, but I want to be able to use the Eye of Heimdall to its full potential.
"Okay... don't exert yourself. I'll finish here and you can go rest." he tells me softly.
"I'm fine. You don't need to pamper me. But... thanks." I sigh.
"Okay..." he replies, yet still stares at me for a few seconds before turning his head back down and resuming his descent.
I look down as well and suppress another sigh.
Does Momonga see me as a child now? I know I look like one, but come on.
After a short while, Momonga conjures back his helmet, and Mare notices us descending not long afterward.
I can see the shock on Mare's face from here as he runs up toward us. His skirt flutters in the wind as he runs; the skirt is short enough to allow some of what's underneath to be seen if one looks attentively at it.
"Momo-Momonga-sama, Lydia-sama, it is an honor for you to come here." Mare welcomes us anxiously.
"There is no need to be afraid, Mare; just take it slowly. If you are not used to it, you do not need to be so formal... Of course, it's only in private." Momonga reassures Mare softly.
I was about to add something, but Mare beats me to it.
"Th-That cannot be done; how could I not use honorifics to address you... Even my sister would never do so. That would be too rude." Mare replies hastily.
"So it's like that, Mare. If you insist, then I have no objections. However, I want you to know that I never forced you to do so." Momonga tells Mare softly.
To which I nod and add gently, "Yeah, you don't need to feel the need to be overly formal with us in private if you are not comfortable with it. Don't worry about it."
Mare seems surprised by our words.
"Ye-Yes! ... Um... Momonga-sama, Lydia-sama... why have you come here? Ha-Have I perhaps done something wrong?" Mare asks anxiously.
"Nothing of the sort, Mare. We have come here to reward you." Momonga quickly rectifies the anxious boy.
At Momonga's words, Mare's expression goes from worry and fear of being scolded to surprise.
"What you're doing right now is extremely important for the safety of Nazarick as a whole. After all, we don't know yet what kind of beings live in this world. Every bit of precaution is important." I explain softly, to which Mare nods in agreement at almost each word while I am speaking.
"So Mare, I wanted you to know that the way you are doing your job is perfect and satisfies us. Entrusting this job to you makes me feel at ease." Momonga praises Mare gently.
I wish that this was something my old boss would have told me when I did a good job.
I suppress another sigh at the unwelcome memories. This is the past. Now I'm Lydia, the Mother of Monsters and one of the forty-one Supreme Beings of Nazarick.
"You can understand me though, right, Mare?" Momonga asks Mare in confirmation."Yes! Momonga-sama!" Mare replies vigorously.
"Very good, then for your excellent work, I want to give you a reward." Momonga continue joyously.
"Ho-How can I!? This is my duty!" Mare is taken aback by the sudden mention of a reward.
"According to your work performance, it is only proper to present you with a reward." Momonga speaks in a matter-of-fact tone.
"N-No! Our sole reason for existing is to serve the Supreme Rulers, so our hard work is the most natural thing to do!" insists Mare.
"How about this? Giving you this reward, I also hope that you will continue to be loyal to us. That way there shouldn't be a problem, right?" compromises Momonga.
"Is-Is there really no problem?" asks Mare hesistantly.
In response, Momonga conjures an item from his inventory into his hand and presents it to Mare. Wait! Did he? No... I guess it makes sense.
"Momo-Momonga-sama... You took out the wrong thing!" exclaims Mare, in shock, after seeing the item in Momonga's hand.
"No—" Momonga tries to say, but is quickly interrupted by a panicked Mare.
"—Wrong! That is the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown; only the Supreme Beings can wear it! I cannot possibly accept such a thing."
That reaction is surprising. The rings are indeed only for members of Ainz Ooal Gown, but I hadn't expected the NPCs to know and understand that, as it isn't written anywhere in their bios. Does that mean that they also remember things from before the transfer? How does that even work? Were they alive back in YGGDRASIL? Was everything in YGGDRASIL real in a way?
"Calm down, Mare." Momonga tries to calm Mare down, snapping me out of my existential thoughts in the process.
"No, no, no way! How could I accept the ring that only the Supreme Beings can have—" Mare continues to ramble before being interrupted by Momonga.
"Think calmly, Mare. In the Great Tomb of Nazarick, not having the ability to teleport would bring about a lot of inconvenience."
Hearing this, Mare seems to slowly calm down.
"I hope that in the event that an enemy attacks, each of the Guardians can act as a commander for every floor. When it comes to that time, if you cannot freely teleport or escape, it would be too unsightly; that is why I am giving this ring to you." explains Momonga.
"Don't worry, Mare. I'm sure Momonga intends to give each of the Guardians a ring as well. You don't need to feel any kind of pressure because of it." I add softly.
"Lydia is right; just take it, Mare. And continue working hard for both us and Nazarick."Mare extends his hand nervously and slowly accepts the ring.
After Mare puts on the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, it instantly changes its size to fit Mare's slender finger. Mare stares intensely at the ring on his finger, relaxes a little, and sighs. Then he bows deeply.
"Thank-thank you very much for giving me this gift... From now on, I will work harder in order to not disappoint your expectations!" announces Mare fervently.
"Then forgive me for troubling you, Mare." answers Momonga to Mare's announcement.
""Yes!" replies Mare simply.
As everything seems to be settled and over, I announce, "I'm gonna go back to the 11th floor, Momonga. Call me if you need anything."
"Alright." replies Momonga concisely.
After that, I quickly teleport to my manor on the secret island of the 11th floor. I have a few books to read there to refresh my memory now that everything is real, as well as a few more experiments with the Eye of Heimdall, magic, and my own skills to perform.