"Albedo… what do you mean?" asked Ainz, taken aback by Albedo's words.

"Ainz-sama… You meant for me to be the mother of Your heir all along, didn't you?"

"Eh?"

"That's why You changed me! You meant for me to be Your wife! That was Your lofty purpose all along! Maybe not right away, but in ten or a hundred years! I can wait, Ainz-sama! I'm immortal too! I can wait! Oh, Ainz-sama… I love You so much! Ainz-sama… I was a fool, Ainz-sama… to not see the full extent of Your plans and designs! You have already chosen me, I should have figured that out! But no matter. I will wait for You to come and claim me as Yours, when You are ready! I will live all my life for You, as I always have, so I can be worthy of the heavenly destiny You set out for me!"

Destiny? No, please! Stop reminding me of what I did to you… I ruined you, all for a petty little joke… if I had known that it would come to this, I wouldn't have written that shitty line in your settings… shit. What have I done? Ainz glanced down at Albedo again, as she peered into his empty eye sockets. She seemed on the verge of asking something.

"Ainz-sama. Will You let me make a request of you?"

"If it is what I think it is, then no."

"No, Ainz-sama! I had thought of that too, but… I understand now that You have different priorities for now. Forgive me for my selfishness, Ainz-sama. I actually… I wanted to know if… You would allow me… to call You… Momonga-sama. Not even in public… if just me and You are alone…"

Momonga? Why does she want to call me my true name? WHY IS SHE LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT? I mean, to be fair, I let Pandora call me 'Father,' in private, but this is- Oh, what am I saying? I know exactly why she's looking at me like that! It's because I made her look at me like that. I made her love me, I made her want me, it's all me that did it. I made my bed, and I refuse to sleep in it, so to speak. But… I can't go through with this, though… it's exploitative. Ugh… but I can't just break her heart like this… What should I do? I'd never forgive myself for hurting her but I'd never forgive myself for taking advantage of her if I said 'Yes.' Dammit!

"Very well, Albedo. But only in private when we're alone. Not outside of Nazarick, and especially not in front of the other Guardians. Do you understand?" Albedo practically jumped up and embrace him, planting kisses on his skull.

"YЕS, Momonga-sama! Momonga-sama! Momonga-sama! I've wanted to say Your true name for so long! Momonga-sama…"

"Albedo, I would like to know, why?"

"Momonga-sama… Momonga-sama is the name of the one I love and adore! You changed Your name to Ainz Ooal Gown, Momonga-sama, and as Your future wife it is my duty to obey Your every command, which I do with absolute pleasure, but even then I knew in my heart of hearts that my beloved is named Momonga-sama. Thank You so much, my love!"

That actually makes sense, I did say that 'She is deeply in love with Momonga, thought Ainz to himself. I wonder how she felt when I changed my name. Well, nothing for it. Come to think of it, I think I've got an adequate excuse to make her leave me alone now.

"Well, Albedo, I'm very impressed. You discerned my plans exactly. The first five centuries of my plan involve securing the immediate area around us, and once that is done, assuming there's no other agenda of interest or serious threat that comes up, I have had thoughts of taking a spouse."

"Yes! Momonga-sama! YES! I apologize for my lack of composure, Momonga-sama, but I can't help myself! Please, Momonga-sama, please bless me with the smallest token of Your love and affection!"

Alrighty then. I'll have to make this up to Shalltear...

Ainz stooped down to kiss Albedo on the cheek, although given his lack of facial muscles and lips, it simply amounted to Ainz pressing his teeth against Albedo's now very pink cheek. He felt Albedo slump as he pulled away from his kiss on the other cheek. He quickly moved to stop her from falling on the floor, lifting her up, bridal style.

Oh what am I doing? I'm leading her on like this!

"Albedo? Albedo, are you alright?"

The love-drunk demoness nodded, slowly and blissfully. Ainz had never seen such a joyful smile on her face before.

Should I take her back to her room? It seems like whatever I do, someone would get the wrong idea. I think I'll just put her in here for now, and go to my office. Ainz carried Albedo inside his quarters, casting [Create Greater Item] to fashion a smaller bed for her. I am not putting her on my bed, that's not right! He set her down gently on the couch, and was about to activate his ring when Albedo reached up for him, a dark folded square of cloth in her hand. Ainz took it, and unfolded it.

Ok, this is... ok then. It was the flag bearing Momonga's emblem, a stylized skull.

"Momonga-sama..." Albedo murmured, reaching up to Ainz. "Momonga-sama..." Ainz looked at the flag, then back at her, and then understood. He set the blanket on top of her, and she instantly wrapped herself in it, in the grasp of absolute bliss.

Good grief... I feel even worse for changing her settings now... she can't help herself.

"Rest here for an hour or two. When you feel rested, you may resume your work in E-Rantel."

{The Treasury, Nazarick, one hour later.}

Ainz walked down the vast hall leading to the the Lobby. He had come quietly, and alone, despite protests from the Homunculus maid assigned to him that day. I need to talk over a plan with my dark history. We need to get a first-hand view of the Theocracy's fighting strength, especially the group using the World Item. Captured files and archives are well and good, but those are just numbers and statistics. We have the names of that group, but no knowledge of their capabilities.

He entered the Lobby, a small open space furnished with a couch. Beyond that couch was the doors to the vaults of gold, magic items, and the Mausoleum. What surprised him was that two people stood there. Pandora's Actor and Albedo. They seemed to be in the middle of conversing when Ainz appeared.

"Fa-Ainz-sama!" Pandora practically sang, punctuating his greeting with a military salute, standing at attention. "What a high honor it is to see You, arrayed in Your full majesty and glory!"

"Ainz-sama," said Albedo, with her signature gentle smile, turning to him and bowing deeply. She looked perfectly calm and composed, when compared to her almost unstable emotional state earlier, regarding her future marital status, and Ainz's. "I am fully rested, now. With Your permission, I will return to my duties in E-Rantel."

"Excellent, Albedo. Tell me, are the leaders of our allied nations still there?"

"Yes, Ainz-sama. Shall I gather them for You?"

"Please do. I will go there tomorrow to finalize the war plans."

"As You command, Ainz-sama. How else can I serve You?"

"Remember to have patience with our allies. That is all. I truly appreciate Your loyalty and diligence. Please accept my appreciation."

"I feel unworthy of such a gift as that, Ainz-sama, but I will serve You best by accepting it. Thank you, Ainz-sama." With that, Albedo activated the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, vanishing from sight.

Pandora circled around the couch. "Ainz-sama… how may I serve You? I am ever at Your beck and call! Name the task, and I will stop at nothing to carry it out!"

"Thank you, Pandora. Don't worry, no one else is here."

"I understand, Father."

"It's time, Pandora. It's time for Darkness to shine."

{The Central Plaza, E-Rantel, a few days later…}

The many of the denizens of E-Rantel had gathered in this public area this morning. Death Knight guards marched the street, unsettling the visitors and new arrivals mostly. A wide mix of peoples moved about, humans and elves, orcs and bafolk, dwarves and lizardmen, and many other species. A small mob formed around the Jet Black Hero, Momon, and the Fair Princess Nabe, the saviors of their city, and their ambassadors to the dreaded Sorcerer King. The adamantite adventurers made their way to the edifice of the Undead King that now stood amidst the Plaza. He leapt mightily atop the pedestal, followed by red-cloaked Nabe. Momon spoke.

"Citizens of E-Rantel! Hear me! You know me! I am Momon! Five years I have worked for you. Five years I have adventured for your sake, slaying dangerous monsters and the vile forces of evil. Four and a half of those years have been spent under the rulership of the Sorcerer King. And all that time, I have labored on your behalf, tirelessly working to ensure your safety, your happiness, and your prosperity. The Sorcerer King has ensured to uphold his end of the bargain I made with him all those years ago. Just as your world changed five years ago, so must it change again. I am here to announce that the Darkness is leaving E-Rantel for a while."

The gathered crowd exploded into chaos and panic. The cries came out for Darkness to stay, even a bit longer. Momon spoke again, but the pandemonium drowned him out. He turned to Nabe, who cast a spell on him. "[Amplify]." Momon spoke again, his deafening voice silencing the panicking masses.

"I give you this promise, citizens of E-Rantel. We will return! It is time for Darkness, like the rest of the Guild, to return to its adventuring roots. But before I go, I will promise you this as well. I will know if the Sorcerer King fails to uphold his end of our bargain, and if that happens, I will return, and put him and his ilk to the sword for their deception!"

{A dayroom of the VIP Villa, E-Rantel, at that same time…}

Albedo looked out the window, barely containing her feelings of disdain towards the petty little humans gathered in the Central Plaza, enthralled by Momon's charisma.

"Momonga-sama," said Albedo, darkly. "I have concerns that some of the ingrateful who are foolishly displeased with Your rule will attempt to provoke us, given the promise Pandora's Actor will make to them. It may then arouse suspicion when Momon either fails to return or does not punish us." Ainz shifted in his Throne, putting a hand up to stroke his chin.

"It is definitely possible. If that is the case we will crush any insurgents post haste, and ensure minimal collateral damage. Momon is still useful to us, so it would be a waste to kill him off so soon. Let Pandora's Actor act, Albedo. It's what he was made for."

The Pure-White Devil chuckled at Momonga's jest. "I trust Your eternal plan, Momonga-sama, and the denizens of Nazarick. I mistrust the inferior beings involved in that plan."

{A road heading northwest, towards the Argland Council State border, several days later…}

Two figures on horseback made their way along the road, alone. They were in no hurry. The preserved ruins of the city of Re-Estize lay behind them, the smoke, fire, and ash from its destruction long ago dispersed.

Momon, astride a black horse, kept his eyes on the road. Since the takeover of the Kingdom, the Sorcerer Kingdom's undead labor force paved roads all the way across it, making use of various magic techniques to ensure safety and ease of travel. The rainclouds in the sky parted over the road, and the wind was still. They passed a rest stop, an area with access to drinking water, seating, and even some mats for the weary to rest. Stop 1, it was called. Momon knew that he had just passed the five-mile mark away from Re-Estize. They didn't need any of the amenities the rest stop provided, so on they went. Momon looked over at his companion, the spellcaster Nabe, astride a chestnut horse. She was staring, blankly, at nothing, lost in a sort of silent solitude.

"Nabe. What are you looking at?"

"Hm? I beg your pardon, Pandora's Actor-sama. I… I do not know."

"Please, Pandora is fine, for now. But remember, when others are around it's-"

"Momon-saa-n."

"Aren't you stressing the -san too much?"

"I apologize, Pandora-sama. It was a bad habit I fell into when I traveled with Ainz-sama. It feels unnatural to address such an exalted being as Ainz-sama as an equal."

"An equal… Hohhh… incredible!"

"Pandora-sama?"

"Haven't I said before? Not even I have that privilege! As I would while away the glorious hours in the treasury, counting and sorting and organizing, I couldn't help but think that I am the envy of Nazarick. You understand why, of course." Nabe bowed her head forlornly.

"that I understand. You feel compelled to address Him as politely and deferentially as you can. The Supreme Beings deserve our very best."

"Forgive my impertinence, Pandora-sama, but may I ask something of you?"

"Ask away, my fine lady."

"I wish to understand more of Ainz-sama."

Momon laughed. Nabe looked confused.

"With respect, Pandora-sama, I fail to see the humor in this matter."

"You may as well try to count every grain of sand on your fingers, or pour an ocean into a sieve."

"A sieve? With my abilities being dedicated to spellcasting for the protection of Ainz-sama, magic artifacts are not in my field of expertise."

"Really? The Sieve looks simple and innocuous at a glance, and on its surface, it is merely a culinary instrument, but a grander, more meaningful purpose lay behind its creation, for the Sieve is a creation of the Supreme Beings Themselves! I myself have yet to divine its true mysteries, but I intend to ask Ainz-sama for His wisdom once there is time. My current hypothesis is that it is an analogy to explain to us lesser servants our true mission to the Supreme Ones."

"It must be an item of tremendous power and majesty if the Supreme Beings saw fit to create it. Have you seen this Sieve before?"

"I have! It is an example of the genius of the Supreme Ones at work! The work of mighty hands, economized into a form of absolute simplicity! It takes the form of a hemisphere, crafted of any number of materials, and in various places it is marked with holes of varying shapes. Such elegance! Such efficiency!"

"You said that this was an analogy to explain the differences in our minds and the Supreme Ones? I regret that I am too limited in my mind to grasp its true wisdom, Pandora-sama."

"Ah, fear not, my lady, for I shall explain all! For you see, the physical object represents our own minds. Tangible, solid, but flawed. Trying to pour the full extent of the Supreme Ones' wisdom only results in it being lost upon us, in due to our many flaws, represented by the holes, as well as our limitations, as even if there were no holes, we are too limited to understand the Supreme Ones completely. The wisdom of the Supreme Beings, represented by water, escapes from the Sieve. Therefore, it delineates for us our grand mission: to cover these holes and gaps, enabling us to receive as much of the Supreme One's greatness as possible, and in return, be of use to Them. Incredible in every aspect!"

"Amazing…" said Nabe. "I will strive to overcome every limitation that I possess, so I may receive the full extent of Ainz-sama's wisdom, and more importantly, serve Him as best as possible."

"He would be pleased by that statement, I think. Tell me, where do you feel yourself to be most lacking?"

"Everywhere." She didn't hesitate.

"I see… hmm, is there somewhere you would like to start?"

"Humans. Those insects see Ainz-sama, and they react with disgust and disrespect. I fear to ask this question, because it is disrespectful on my part however, however."

"Go ahead and ask. This is something that troubles Ainz, it seems. Our blind obedience and acceptance of His decisions, and our reluctance to think for ourselves. If I cannot answer your question, I can, with your permission, mention it to Ainz-sama."

"Please don't!" Nabe suddenly turned anxious. "It would seem disloyal to ask such a question. I am a fool for having mentioned it."

"I venture that perhaps Ainz-sama would consider your question as a sign of higher loyalty."

"It is not our place to question the Supreme Beings. I do not wish to stain my memory with acts of disloyalty."

"It is your place to serve Them to the best of your abilities, is it not? Then is it not to the Supreme Ones' benefit if you critically analyze what They do and say that you do not understand? Please tell me what is on your mind."

"But surely you must answer to Ainz-sama and tell him everything that was said here. He will have every right to punish me for such thoughts."

"Do you remember when Ainz-sama conquered the Lizardmen?"

"I do. How does this pertain to our conversation, Pandora-sama?"

"Ainz-sama put Cocytus-sama to the test, hoping to cause any sort of independent thought on Cocytus' part. This proved possible. When Ainz-sama ordered the extermination of the Lizardmen, Cocytus asked for them to be spared and subjugated, which He eventually chose to do."

"But that was then, Pandora-sama, and with Cocytus-sama, a Floor Guardian. Ainz-sama was testing only him."

"Do you really think so? Was Ainz-sama's test really that limited in scale? Do you think Cocytus-sama was the only subject of the test? Do you think the test was ended? Will it ever truly end?"

Nabe pondered Momon's words.

"I understand now, Pandora-sama. I apologize for my stubbornness. I will ask my question. Why is Ainz-sama so kind to humans and the like? Why does He treat them as if they were worth anything? I can see the anger and the resentment in their eyes when they see Him, when they should be praising Him for His greatness. Even if they bow before Him as He passes or speak politely to Him, I know that they hate Him, and yet He forbids me from defending His sacred honor by gouging out their disdainful eyes. Why?"

"A very sensible question. I do not believe Ainz-sama will be offended by it, were He to hear it. Furthermore, I believe I can answer it, somewhat. Ainz-sama is a very patient man. He does not punish or accuse without good cause."

"Is not the will of a Supreme Being the greatest cause?"

"It is, and it is His will, as He mentioned before, to spread His name around the world, and to make Himself a living legend. To that end, He desires to be perceived as a just ruler. The best means to cultivate this perception is to act in a way that would make people crave His rulership. He is patient, generous, reasonable, and He forgives many slights against Him that the lesser kings of this world would not tolerate. Many people are unsure about Him or hate Him, because He is undead, but a growing number of people, especially in the Holy Kingdom, are taking a step in the right direction, revering Him as a God. To force such reverence out of everyone at once would cause His reputation to plummet, as most living beings resist drastic change. Ainz-sama is immortal, so He cares not if it takes one year or a thousand, He will eventually succeed. And He needs everyone of us to trust that goal, and to do their best to bring it to completion, according to His command.

Nabe gazed into the eye-slit of Momon's helm, her dark eyes burning with resolve. "I cannot thank you enough for this fleeting glimpse into the mind of Ainz-sama. If Ainz-sama ever has me accompany Him again, I will remember this."

"I think Ainz-sama is proud of you for asking your question, even if you felt it was a trememdous risk. Nishikienrai-sama, who created you, loved taking risks and doing dangerous things… from what I gather. In fact, I think Ainz-sama mentioned to me that it was Nishikienrai-sama who first discovered the Great Tomb of Nazarick."

"Discovered… Nishikienrai-sama… he discovered Nazarick for Ainz-sama?

"Indeed! He… it seems He delighted in scouting ahead and attacking dangerous enemies wearing only minimal armor, risking His life all the time for the sake of His fellow Supreme Beings. You seem to have displayed a somewhat similar quality just now, albeit in an intellectual fashion. It's this kind of display that causes Ainz-sama to deeply cherish each of us, He tells me, for He sees a little piece of our creators in each of us."

Nabe seemed like her world had just been turned on its head. And perhaps it had.

"I will endeavor to be more like Nishikienrai-sama, so that Ainz-sama will know that I cherish His friends too. Pandora-sama, what does Ainz-sama see when He sees you?"

"I am unsure. He loves me, but He seems to feel embarrassed at some of the things I say, especially when I speak German, or salute Him. He taught me the language himself, when he made me."

"German? What does it sound like?"

"Hallo, mein Name ist Pandora's Actor. Ich wurde gemacht von Ainz Ooal Gown."

"An amazing language… truly foreign to my ears, but amazing, since it was spoken by the Supreme Beings… What did you say just now, Pandora-sama?"

"'Hello, my name is Pandora's Actor. I was made by Ainz Ooal Gown.'"

"Pandora-sama. May I ask another favor of you? Please… teach me this language, even a few words, so that Ainz-sama can see that I have grown in some way, on my own."

"We'll see. He has forbidden me to speak German in His presence, so I do not know how He would react to that. I would ask Him first, but I suppose a few basics wouldn't hurt. To begin with, Ja is 'yes,' and Nein is 'no.'"

"Ja… Nein… and how about 'Ainz-sama?'"

"Hmm… His actual name is the same regardless of the language, but 'Lord' is… Herr.

"Herr Ainz-sama?"

"Herr replaces -sama."

"Herr Ainz?"

"Wunderbar!"

"Wunderbar?"

"It means 'wonderful.'"

"Herr Ainz ist wunderbar."

"Excellent, Nabe, you learn fast!

"Thank you, Pandora-sama. While I cannot assume various forms as you can, as a Doppelganger, I still have some affinity for imitation, such as language. Thank you for teaching me even this much. I will remember well. Where will we go now, Pandora-sama?"

"I think there's a good spot up ahead, nice and isolated. Let's go there."

"At once, Pandora-sama."

The two travellers gently turned off the main road north, heading through some sparse forest before happening upon a glade.

"This seems like a good place. Shall we send the horses back to E-Rantel, Pandora-sama?"

"Not yet. Let's set up camp first."

Darkness pitched a humble camp there, a simple but spacious tent, the horses feeding on the grass in the clearing. By the end of an hour, Momon sat in the tent on a simple folding chair that had been packed. Nabe stood guard by the tent entrance on the inside. The black knight had his gauntlets' fingers steepled.

"Nabe."

"Pandora-sama?"

"How would you like to cast a 10th tier spell?"

"10th tier… That is just above my capabilities. I apologize deeply for my limitations."

"I have a scroll here." Momon drew one out from his inventory, handing the roll of paper over to Nabe. "I counted these myself in the Treasury. Only a hundred of them are in our hands. Albedo-sama and Demiurge-sama used one when they visited the human empire. I hope this is the last time we need to use these. They are priceless, even in Nazarick."

"I will handle this with the utmost care, Pandora-sama."

"Danke, schne Prinzessen."

Nabe smiled weakly, before bowing respectfully, and passing through the tent entrance. A few seconds of silence, the rustling of parchment being unrolled.

"Pandora-sama! I don't understand! This is not a 10th tier-" Nabe peaked her head in through the entrance flap, before stopping herself. Ainz sat there, where Momon sat, in his glorious purple robes with golden and red trims. Nabe brought herself fully inside the tent, kneeling on the ground.

"Ainz-sama… I apologize for my-"

"Relax, Nabe. I may resemble Ainz-sama, but I am still Pandora's Actor. He gave me the ability to imitate Him, if needed."

"I apologize, Pandora-sama. I simply saw the majesty of Ainz-sama, and it would be wrong to not honor that presence."

"I know what you mean. I would have done the same in your place."

"As should all true servants of Nazarick."

"Ja. But now, to business. I apologize for handing you the wrong scroll. I am good at organizing things in the Treasury, but I have yet to develop an orderly system for my personal inventory, as I rarely make use of it. That's fine."

Ainz stood up. "[Mirror World]" A translucent bubble of energy appeared momentarily, expanding to encompass the whole clearing. It then vanished.

"We're safe now, Narberal Gamma. Now, while we're in the Slane Theocracy, remember. Our goal is to force a battle with the stronger forces of that nation, so we can supplement our intelligence files with first hand records of their abilities. Even if we only collect information on one or two of them, He will be satisfied. Ainz-sama has ordered me to give you my Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, so that you can return to Nazarick and deliver the vital intelligence we will gather. He has also informed me that temporary or minor defeats are acceptable, as long as there is intel to show for it. Draw out the enemy, analyze his strength, tactics, and then retreat. Do you understand?"

Narberal nodded attentively.

"Excellent. First, I want to give you something useful. I am going cast the spell [Mana Siphon,] and transfer all of my current mana to you, except for the mana needed for [Greater Teleportation] and [Perfect Warrior]. You can activate it to restore your mana if it gets low and you are in a fight. Now, we're going to teleport to the prearranged location in the Theocracy, where we'll start pest control." The sorceress grinned at this.

"Wunderbar, Herr Pandora's Actor."

"Alright then. [Mana Siphon]. [GREATER TELEPORTATION]! [Perfect Warrior]."