-Momonga’s office-

Entering Ainz’s office, which before now never served any purpose other than ascetics. Looking around it now, it still had a few papers on it even if Albedo and Ainz were nowhere in sight. Chuckling at the odd behavior, it seemed Albedo followed Ainz like a lost puppy now. Or was it because it was just Albedo acting naturally? Still, it was strange he wasn’t here unless something came up. Turning to the two guards of the room, both beetle guards seemed to share a glance.

“Sorry, Lord Ainz got a message from Albedo about something urgent before you arrived.” They both apologized. He waved off their worry. There was nothing to panic over.

“It is fine. Keep up the good job. Please have Ainz message me when he has time to talk.”

Kyuketsuki ignored the praise of the guards as his mind wandered to the issue of what he could do for the future. ‘For now, maybe the best option is the drop off the world item.’ Sitabus couldn’t believe he forgot to do this before letting his mind cool down.

Grabbing Clementine's hand before teleporting in the treasury with a vast towering mountain of gold before them, Clementine seemed mesmerized by it all. “Where are we master.” wonder-filled her voice.

“The treasury of Nazarick, this will be your first time here. Though you won’t be able to enter here without a ring of Ainz Ooal Gown,” Sitabus answered before turning to the black marvel, almost mirror-like surface in the corner. ‘Now what was the password again.’

“Do I get one if I do well enough?”

It had been a while since he was last here, ignoring Clementine’s question. “GLORY TO AINZ OOAL GOWN” In response to these words, Clementine could not read what appeared, as Kyuketsuki spoke up. And the archway cleared to reveal the entrance to a grand narrower hallway. Clementine followed him through the long hall lit by green bars along the wall, unable to tell what magic-powered them. Scanning over the weapons lining the hall on display shelves in the wall.

Finally, coming up to a room with couches, a table, and a desk with what looked like lord Ainz only Albedo was no were in sight; however, somehow, the unimaginable power around him seemed dimmed.

Not that Clementine needs a reason to dislike Ainz, the only master she would bow to was lord Kyuketsuki. Clementine reaches to draw out her stilettos. Stop by Kyuketsuki hand singling for her to wait, which confused her greatly.

“Hello, pandora actor. I believe this is only the second time we have met.” Sitabus gave a fanged smile.

Clementine could only watch as Ainz in wonder as the imposing overlord's body shifted and changed into a yellow military uniform, which she had never seen before. As Pandora stomped his feet together, saluting them. “grüße herr Kyuketsuki und seinen lieben freund, it honors me for you both to have come to the treasury. Pandora Actor, the guardian of the treasury, is at your service.”

Bowing with grace and posing dramatically. Clementine shared a look with her master for clarification. Who only beamed happily back? “Don’t mind him; he is great to hang around even if I get the feeling Ainz doesn’t like him for some reason. Even though he created him.” Muttering the last part and patting Clem-chan’s hair before turning back to the floor guardian.

“I am here to drop off a world item. [Hel's torch]” pulling out the blue flaming lantern from his inventory and handing it over to Pandora, who was thrilled to be inspecting it.

“Wunderschönen to think I would see another world item. Give me but a moment, and I shall catalog this item at once.” Pandora salutes before quickly leaving to put it away with an overjoyed face.

Glancing at Clementine, it was funny to see her bewildered expression. Patting her head to gain her attention, “Don’t get too surprised this is just how energetic pandora can be most of the time. Frankly, I find him pleasant to be around along with a very powerful greater doppelganger.”

It was easy to read the agitated exertion on Clem-chan’s face “If he is a floor guardian, why haven’t I seen him around like Demiurge or Albedo.”

At the inquiry, Sitabus sighed, “That would be two-fold. One because Momonga is embarrassed about him for a stupid reason and second because Pandora loves his job of overseeing the treasury. At least I think he does, or Ainz doesn't want others to know too much about him.”

Before they could talk more about this, a message rang picking up Kyuketsuki was answered by Kathrin. “Hold this thought, my dear.”

Message spell

{Sorry to interrupt my love, but we have a problem it has come to my attention a powerful vampire has popped up near E-Rental. Ainzach, the head of the adventure’s guild, has personally asked for the vultures of darkness to handle this matter. Alongside three other mithril teams}

{I see, have you informed Momonga about the situation yet}

{No, I would have, but he has been unresponsive to any messages I had sent. Should I try again.}

‘Odd still, this was strange to be sure if nothing else this was a situation I can handle.’ Smiling this was perfect, Sitabus could sway this vampire to join them and if it was a trap better not to get Ainz involved in the matter anyway if he wasn't taking messages.

{No, we will be there shortly I need to prepare first.} Ending the message locking eyes with Clementine.

“Master?” Before they could talk again, Pandora returned, “Is there anything else I can do for you today great one perhaps enhances for the lieben weapons.” Elegantly tipping his hat, taking a pose and hand gesturing to Clementine.

“Yes, I will need my quick change sticks the red ones and a few of my healing potions I have a vampire to tame. Also, please inform Aveda I will be away for a short trip.”

Pandora actor was all too happy to help the supreme being as Kyuketsuki formulated plans for the battle to come.

-Adventurers guild-

Ainzach intently stared at Kathrin, Clementine, and Kyuketsuki with trepidation. Though Ainzach was keeping his end of the deal, he was still coming to terms with the truth of someone he once trusted greatly, not just as a friend but as an adventure. This complication would make it harder to get what he wanted to work out of this situation. He knows the agreement meant he couldn’t kill the three leaders of the mithril, adventuring parties in front of him.

Because Kathrin herself sent out scouts to confirm this vampire was indeed strong, none of the mithril teams here would be strong enough to face it or the other person waiting. Worse, SItabus couldn’t have them killed. He would lose the adventures guild followed by the magic guild because of how close-knit they were. So, he would either have to convince them he could handle it or use other means to get them out of the fight early. There is a strong possibility of using memory altering spells to make sure they didn’t spill the beans after. Kathrin already wanted to kill them all and be done with it.

Kathrin, while effective at leading, was far too overzealous to please his wishes, which would be fine. If this didn’t include murdering everyone in the room, which disagreed with him. ‘It great she has gotten levels in a ruling class to handle the city management better. Now, if only she weren’t so quick to take the most effective option, Regardless of human life.’

Kyuketsuki was Leary to try to get her to change her thinking after how well it went the last time he tried. Gauging the three leaders seated across from them. Just off of their out word personality, two of them didn’t seem like they would be too stubborn, but by the glare, one of them was sending him. Sitabus knew he would be troublesome about this mess.

What did it mean to be a supreme being it was a question he stilled didn’t have an answer to even after thinking about it, the whole way to the guild? No matter how he spent ruminating on the subject, he didn’t feel like he deserved such a title. What was the difference between the other four in this room and him was it just his inhuman power? Now was not the best time to be thinking about this. Still, the question gnawed at the back of his mind.

No matter the answer, Kyuketsuki had to prove he could do more than slay his enemies. Even if he hated the fact, this was almost sure to get him stuck doing more paperwork and getting involved in politics again.

‘I couldn’t protect one of you how can I protect more.’ In spite of those thoughts, Kathrin’s gaze only held love and devotion, as did Clem-chan.

“I am glad you could all make in on such short notice. Igvarge leader of Kralgra, Bellote Leader of sky wolf, Moknach the leader of Rainbow and Kyuketsuki from darkness vultures in place of Momon.” Ainzach voice gathered their attention.

“Hold up! How come your leader isn’t here, what too lazy to show up.” Igvarge snidely commented, though, by the hateful eyes, the man Cleary didn’t like Kyuketsuki either.

“There is no need to be rude. I’m sure there is a good reason.” Bellote scolded him.

Each of the three passed an odd look his way, knowing this would be complicated to explain. Still, it was better than tieing them down in the same team. “Momon agreed to join teams; however, when the need arises, we split teams again between the vultures and darkness.”

After accepting the explanation, they nodded and moved on.

“It has come to our attention a silver-haired vampire with lots of sharp teeth has appeared near E-Rental killing an adventuring team- the more the guild master of the adventures explained the situation, the more he had a sinking feeling about this. Though in case it did turn out to be Shalltear, he needs to find out what was going on. Second, he would need to make sure this vampire did not connect to Shalltear.

‘No matter what I won't let Shalltear be revealed here and revealing too much might lose the trust of Ainzach, this will be tricky.’ Taking a deep breath to clear his thoughts.

“I think my team should take care of this vampire personally. I'm something of an expert on the matter.” Kyuketsuki forced back the grimace off his face. Too late to change the start now.

“Hold on! You have only been an adventure for a few weeks!” Igvarge stood up, glaring hatefully at him.

Sitabus smiled at this.“I have been adventuring a lot in my travels long before I came here. Vampires are a specialty of mine. I can guarantee I will stop this monster before it kills more. If you all will trust me enough to handle it? with minimal loss of life.”

Ainzach narrowed his eyes almost unseen by the others at the true vampire. This tipped his hat but would help his cause. He needs to finish this quickly. The other two were more than happy to take the explanation, but Igvarge was dead set on making this a challenge.

“You expect us to hand this task over to your team. I refuse my team is going on this too!”

Kyuketsuki would have preferred for it not to have come to this, but people like Igvarge were glory hounds. Nothing could be gained by killing him no matter how tempting the offer was. “Alright, but I warn you this will not end well for your team. As for compensation, allow me and Ainzach to discuss this in private.”

“I wish you luck then.” Two of the others commented before leaving, the last one takes his time sending one final glare before leaving.

Finally, Kyuketsuki turned to the guild master who did not look pleased by the topic at all. They were both silent before the guild master finally spoke Unfolding His hands, “Why do you want to take on this quest so much?”

The distrust was palpable in the air the very fact Ainzach wouldn’t even say his name spoke volumes about how much faith he lost between them. Still, he couldn’t back out of the bargain, not without risk. “This vampire, regardless of origin, is a threat to my city. What more reason do I need? Don’t you trust me anymore?”

The glint of venom in the guild master's eyes didn’t diminish in the slightest. “You had a demon ask. No demand my help after having the city attacked by undead, with someone for that matter who is supposed to be dead in your company from said undead attack! I might add. Don’t think just because she changes her look doesn’t mean I don’t see the resemblance!”

Sitabus winced at this would not help his case much. His eyes hardened, remembering Jade bringing back his resolve. “Because I will not lose another servant Jade was enough. I will burn whoever I must to keep them safe. Would you not do the same if you could save your loved ones or your family?”

Ainzach face was hard to read; still, his eyes softened slightly. Looking down in thought, which gave us both time to think before he stood and turned to the window. The guild master was deep in thought; sadly, he couldn’t read his friend's mind like Clementine since they are not converted.

It almost seemed like this might turn sour before Ainzach turned back to them. His face set like a stone as he scanned over then before finally breaking the silence of the room. “I still don’t agree with your methods, and I think this is a bad idea, but...you won't harm the adventures in my guild!”

“Yes, you have my word. Have I ever broken my word before? I have let you all run the guild like normal in return for your loyalty.”

At this, Ainzach gained a small smile before it vanished again. If nothing else, Sitabus had his respect, for now, not his trust, though.

“It wasn’t your fault, you know, right? I have lost people adventuring myself. It happens. All we can do is honor our losses.”

Kyuketsuki was already leaving because there was no point in answering. Of course it was! Ainzach was a good man, but he didn’t understand he would make up for this here. Along with finding answers to this mess.

-Forest Near E-Rental-

As Kathrin moved her hands, losing their green glow, she moved back from the last of Igvarge team. Now knocked-out on the grass under the shade of the trees pinned down by bark restraints. Not one of them would remember how they got here. Only they had failed to provide support to the mission and got knocked out early in the fight.

“Great work Kathrin now onto the real challenge. Rita, you and Bardic, will guard our rear once we arrive.”

Both of them agreed with grimaces, not liking the idea of sitting out the fight. They understood caution is needed if this turned out to be Shalltear. He couldn’t take any chances.

Sitabus mind raced to figure out if this actually was the nightmarish vision in his mind or just a rare convenience of a powerful vampire showing up. It almost made him sick with worry at best he could be walking into an ambush with little info and minimal preparation. His hands brushing over the red sticks on his pouch. Glancing at them, all Bardic and Ritana looked pensive at the prospect of the upcoming fight.

On the other hand, both Clem-chan and Kathrin almost look happy at the challenge they might face. As if death didn’t even scare them in the least, maybe frightened him more than the threat ahead. What if one of them dies?

What if he couldn’t protect them?

What if he was cursed to see them die as well?

Kyuketsuki’s mind was bogged down with so many scenarios of the worst possible outcomes. His body trembled as he fought back the darkness trying to consume his brain. No, he couldn’t lose himself now. He had to focus tightly, gripping his sword handles.

‘This time, it will be different no matter what awaits us ahead.’ The encouragement did little to chase away the fear. With every step, the dread of what he would find only grew the closer they got.

“Is the threat so strong to have you shaken so lord Kyuketsuki.” Ritana’s voice was filled with concern, was it showing how little he believed this would be easy. Or was it just jitters making his stomach feel tight right now?

Either way, he couldn’t be so pathetic to let his fears affect the mood. Doing so was guaranteed to get them killed. If this indeed was as bad as he believed, forcing a smile at Ritana loving the cute blush which found its way on to her cheeks.

“No worries, I'm just overthinking things, my dear just follow my orders, and I will win like always. Before you know it, we will be back at the inn celebrating.” Rita beamed happily.

Right, he couldn’t lose faith in himself even if it still hurt determined to fix this situation. Maybe also get an idea of how he would help Nazarick with Ainz’s plan. No matter how much Sitabus wanted to talk with his friend. If nothing else, Narberal, who was at the inn waiting for Ainz as instructed, was sure to inform Ainz of what was happening.

Meaning if worst came to worst, he would have back up on the way. Scanning the surrounding forest, bushes, and trees, this kind of area would be perfect for ambushes. At the same time, it would also limit the line of sights forcing any ambushers to be a small number or close by. Least they risk exposing themselves by signaling or limiting the effects of large numbers. In such thick woodlands.

What had him panicked was the thought of them having a world item or worse the Downfall of Castle and Country. If this we're the cause of then the only solution would be to end Shalltear quickly, could he really kill her. Sitabus was Nazarick’s hidden blade hunting threats. This would be the second time he had been forced to fight a member of Nazarick.

Clicking his hand shut, it hurt to think about, and this was before they were alive like they were now. What if Shalltear couldn’t come back like Jade, would he be cursed to slay those he cherished most again?

Kyuketsuki snapped out of his thinking as Kathrin's gentle hand covered his shaking one. Her golden eyes stared into his with understanding, banishing the fear and pain. Her smile brightening his mood.

“No matter how strong this vampire, we shall slay them together. Just like old times back when the dreadful dragon rival still lived.” Kyuketsuki softly rubbed Kathrin’s hand as they walked, soothing the dread in his heart.

Finally, after a few more minutes, the group came out into the clearing the vampire came into view Shalltear hunched over holding her spear turned away from them unmoving and close by was Velvet’s beautiful doll-like face void of emotion. Kyuketsuki’s mind almost shut down at the surprise.

He couldn’t move feeling heartache skyrocket how had this happened? How did velvet reappear, when? Why, if it really was the Downfall of Castle and Country, how has it affected two targets? Unable to look away from the horrible site of velvet once again mind-controlled.

It was like he was back in those snowy mountains again. Just discovering the trap was set. The same dread filling his heart only eclipsed by what this meant. Realizing too late why Momonga had rushed off without telling him. Worse with velvet here, most of his strategies for dealing with Shalltear was not going to be possible now.

“Master Kyuketsuki, how is this possible? I thought my sister was dead!” Panic filled Kathrin’s voice as her hand tightly gripped his. Pleading to know just as freaked out as he was at this moment. Sitabus, however, could not form the words to describe this situation. It was one of the worst possible outcomes. Why had both of them been sent out, regretting not asking Momonga about what happened while he was away sooner?

What should he do if he left Ainz would come here and be forced to fight them both? Shalltear was already tough enough, but putting all the attention on her would give Velvet more than enough time to sneak up and attack at the worst moment in a fight.

He couldn’t undo the mind control either-even if he unloaded every charm, enchantment, and illusion spell he knew. With how high level they were, both of the new worlder adventures would be useless, and Clementine would be hard-pressed to get involved without dying in the process. What should he do to guarantee success here? Pulling out switch sticks as a desperate plan started to take shape.

With a Snap echoing as Kyuketsuki’s usual gear was replaced by lavender rusted and jagged armor. Putting off a dark aura dimmed the light around him and chilled the air. The twisted metal plating makes all of them shake under the unholy pressure of the armor. Kathrin's face looked the most concerned of them all.

“My love, it can’t be bad enough to require the Abyss Devils armor?”

“Ritana and Bardic, if things go bad here, you are to retreat back to town at once under no circumstances are you to join this battle. If you do, you will die!”

“Clem-chan, you are to stay close, do not let either of them hit or catch you and finally Kathrin.” Kyuketsuki voice lost all joy his eyes locked onto both of them almost entranced by the two hunched over allies.

Kathrin looked ready to have a panic attack at his mood. As if knowing what he was going to say tightly gripping his armored arm. “No, I will not leave you to fight this alone, lord Kyuketsuki, you could die!”

Sitabus could not help but smile despite the situation they were in; his future queen would not let him fight this alone. Possibly the only time, she would reject an order no matter what he said. It seemed almost comical did she not know how Important her life was to him. “Kathrin, I can’t lose you too.” He softly cooed, rubbing her cheek.

“If you go into this fight and I don’t follow how could I live with myself. It may be selfish, but I will follow you anywhere, my love I can’t be a queen if I can’t even keep my king safe!” Kathrin cooed, drawing him close into a passionate kiss, purring her emotion into the link as their lips pressed together. Unaffected by the rough and menacing armor pressed against her body at painful points.

Absorbed into the moment, Kyuketsuki felt daze by the passionate kiss. As time lost meaning to them at the moment. Parting after an eternity of the rush coming from those sweet lips. What could Kyuketsuki say to change resolution in the eyes of his love, he doubted anything could scare her away? Sighing as he rested his head on her forehead as they locked eyes.

“What if I can’t do this, we could both end up dying here. I don’t know if I have the strength to kill them both it hurts too much just seeing them like lifeless dolls. Knowing the only way to end it is to kill them or the wielder of the world item.” Kyuketsuki whispered.

A bright beaming smile graced her features even as tears filled her eyes. “Then I shall help you, and should this end in defeat, then I shall follow you through hellon itself to see you again if I must. Nothing shall keep me from finding you again.”

…

The silence of the touching moment didn’t last as cloaked figures walked out led by one with an owl mask scanning over them. All of them went on guard at the visitor and the seven others in cloaks with much more simpler masks.

“Ah, you must be the vampire who has been giving us so much trouble. Have you seen Jester by chance I need to have a talk with him?”

“Leave now!” Kyuketsuki growled as his party readied for battle; however, the masked person only laughed with contempt.

“How rude and after we came all this way over to give you one last chance. we will even help you with this situation should you be willing to join us.” The owl mask gestured to the two-mind controlled NPC’s.

“No thanks, I don’t work with scum like you!” Kyuketsuki drew out both his swords struggling not to go into his blood frenzy at the sight of them.

“I see. Too bad. Then what comes next is your own fault. The Covent of Crow's does not forgive those who cross us! [twin: vine arrows]” The owl mask launched her spell from under her robes at both Velvet and Shalltear. As the seven minions rushed into attacked the group.

Sitabus could not stop it as one assailant got in his way, attacking with some strange appendage that looked green and infected. With a single slice, they went down too late to stop it as the vines hit both of Shalltear and Velvet though they did little damage.

Glancing back, Ritana and Bardic were handling them self’s excellently against two each. Clementine and Kathrin had already taken down their attackers. Gathering his wits, Sitabus scanned the area, but the owl mask was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, having vanished the moment they lost sight of him.

Cursing his luck as the damage was already done. His attention drew back to the pair Shalltear now clad in her red armor with wings, javelin raised to attack. Next to her was Velvet clad in a light shimmering armor her floating spike balls ready. Looking their way with a deadly gleam in their eyes.

“Hello lord Kyuketsuki, it is good to see you again too bad I need to kill you." Velvet politely uttered as if such a saying was typical.

-End of Chapter-