-Kyuketsuki’s Room-

Both Shalltear and Velvet swiftly enter the room, taking a seat at the table. Following them close behind was Kathrin with Ritana both in battle maid outfits Bardic was mesmerized by the place. Next was Clementine mere steps behind Kyuketsuki taking a seat at the one end of the table. Scanning over each person, not showing the torrent of emotion by his neutral face.

As Aveda came in last to awaiting her master to say if any of what he required her to fetch. Quietly watching them all with an almost hidden smile.

“Let us begin first with the punishments. Even if I don’t think either of you needs one, you both seem to think differently by your forlorn faces, correct?”

Sitabus asked he would rather not have to do this if such could be avoided altogether. Never was it his intent to see them both so depressed only raising his wroth wanting to track down the user of the Downfall of Castle and Country.

They both lowered their heads softly, saying yes.

Standing up, Kyuketsuki’s eyes landed on Shalltear as he traced around the table. Taking in the changes to Shalltear’s body thinking about what might have caused the slight differences. Making her look slightly older and c cup breasts when they were A cup before. Before taking the flask, from Aveda handing it to Shalltear. “Then, for Shalltear as punishment, I will need you to drink this potion, you will see its effects quickly.”

Shalltear gently takes the concoction before drinking it in one quick gulp. Dropping it seconds later as memories filled Shalltear's brain. Along with the emotion, not her own swelling up inside. Unable to describe the battle she was seeing or what to say as it was not her view, but lord Kyuketsuki she was viewing it from.

“What your seeing is my memories of the fight, and remembering those will be your punishment. As I so eloquently put it in our fight, my weakest form is a blood slime. Part of what makes me a master of blood; my ability to manipulate it to do something few can share my mind and heart for but a few moments with you.” Sitabus voice echoed an almost unnoticeable sad tone to it.

The view of Shalltears crying eyes and trembling lips pained him, but this was the fastest way to ease the guilt. If not, show how much he cared and how much they need to destroy this single world item the most. Perhaps it was his own hatred of it, but at this point, the longer it was around, the more of a danger it presents to Nazarick.

“I see then I shall bear it with honor, thank you lord Kyuketsuki,” Shalltear commented through teary eyes. Giving Shalltear a light kiss on the cheek.

Then he turns to his long-lost creation. “Velvet your punishment shall be different, seeing as this is the second time this has happened. You are not to leave my side unless I allow it, I will not see you afflicted by this world item, do not allow yourself to be controlled by it a third time.”

Velvet agreed without words; thankfully, it wasn’t so much a punishment as protection. She knew he was unwilling to offer any other sentence as it hurt him deeply to see her in pain. Even if she didn’t understand, she was created in the image of a dead friend.

Only after letting the mood settle and sitting back down in his chair did Sitabus continue.

“Now, with this out of the way, let us get to the next part of this talk. Every one of you here will help me with my two main goals for the future. The first is to hunt down the group known as the covenant of crows. The second goal is not to be said to anyone, but us is to destroy the Downfall of Castle and Country."

All of them feel like the air was pressing down on them. As Kyuketsuki let a dark, cold rage filled his eye. A nasty sparkling shone in his eyes at the prospect of destroying it. A long-term goal as the user of this item had fled far away.

Kyuketsuki gestured for Aveda as she pulled up a clipboard looking over it. Listing what an autopsy of the slain follower of the covenant of crow. Surprised to hear this, they appeared to be infected by some kind of parasite. It was impossible to tell which type, With the death frost damage done to them by Kyuketsuki super tier magic. Sighing at his loss of control in the battle, even knowing there were limited options to force Shalltear to use up her death saving gear.

Sitabus put all his effort into thinking of which way the assailants would have gone. Even with teleporting, there were limits, scanning over the crude map in front of him. For any details that would help only making him nervous with these three options at hand, the forest near E-Rental was a crossing point between the RE-Eztie kingdom, Baharuth Empire, and the Slane Theocracy.

‘Each one is a possibility, but the Slane Theocracy is the least likely for something like a demi-human or Heteromorphic. Which owl mask most definitely was one by the way his cloak moved in inhuman ways underneath.’

Still, it would be a gamble as to which of the two they would pick to head. Sitabus needed a lead, or else he would miss this opportunity turning to Kathrin and Clementine. “Do either of you have any ideas where this masked covenant member would go?”

Both of them glanced at one another before both staring at him. “Well, they have to be nearby listening to see how the deadly trap went. It is what I would do unless I were sure the trap killed you master.” Clementine chimed eyes sparkling with glee.

Kathrin sent a subtle glare at the assassin standing. “We have gotten no suspicious sighting in or around E-Rental. Even after I had Xennessa widen the area of surveillance after the battle with Shalltear; however, they may already know about us and be avoiding the city altogether.”

Hearing both of them, a plan began to take shape in his mind, a fanged grin over his face. ‘This only leaves one good option and one risky one. Which, while safer to hide would make, any second attempt to kill them much harder.

“Keep our agents in the city on high alert for any followers of this covenant. Also, move up our plans to integrate the city fully. If I'm right, this assassin is here!” Sitabus pointed to the map at the nearest city in the Baharuth Empire close to the border.

Before he ended the meeting, Sitabus gestured Aveda this time, handing out one luxurious and expensive looking papers to only five Clementine, Velvet, Shalltear, Ritana, and Kathrin. All of them reacting to the document differently, some pleased like Kathrin’s prideful smirk. Others like Shalltear glaring at Ritana and Clementine.

"As all of you can see, these documents officially make you as one of my five and only wives. Along with the structure of command between each of us. Should anyone get separated during the mission." Sitabus tried to smooth it over hopeful this solution satisfies all the promises he made to each of them.

"I understand why Kathrin is second in command. And why Velvet is third, but why am I at the fifth place under those two!" Shalltear pointed, at Rita and Clementine Panting with rage and jealousy.

Ritana slides closer to Kathrin, and Clem smirked, putting her feet on the table. Velvet just watched them statically with disinterest.

"Because both dear Rita and Clem-chan earned their spots. Rita has been loyal, brave, and understanding. Clem-chan has been of great help in helping stopping Velvet."

In truth, he had no idea what the assassin was doing most of the battle. Only she was helping in some way by the joyful feeling, she sent through there link. Which he guessed probably meant she was cutting loose on Velvet.

Kyuketsuki felt relieved Shalltear took his answer without further questioning. Because there was a more personal reason for this. One he hoped never to have to use. “Besides Shalltear, we will still get some private time after we get to know one another better.”

-Nazarick Guild Member Meeting Hall-

Sitting down in front of Ainz, Kyuketsuki felt awkward to see him still cornered for his risky actions. Both of them were friends so they could work past this. Even if he didn’t regret his actions, only regret he worried Momonga, who was sure to enjoy the surprise he had planned.

“So how has Nazarick been since I was away.” He smiled at Ainz, hoping to ease into things. Enjoying the excellent talk, they were having

“Don’t change the subject, Kyuketsuki! You almost died, and we don't know if we can be revived. You may not care if you perish, but I do, which is why I’m ordering Shalltear to protect you!” Ainz shouted before calming down, most likely the emotions suppressor.

“I get it ok I shouldn’t have underestimated the situation. Still, you could have told me about Velvet instead of trying to deal with it on your own.” Sitabus rebutted glad to have Shalltear close by.

Ainz's skull was impossible to read; it would take some getting used to. “Like you did even after finding out the Situation. At least I had a plan to deal with Shalltear and Velvet. What about you!”

Sitabus cringed at this cursing the fact Momonga was better at bluffing. While he was guessing at what Momonga was thinking. “Because you were apparently planning world domination and failed to tell me. I felt like I would be useless. I'm not even sure what my future will be in this new world, and here you are planning world conquest!” Snapping at Momonga, cringing at the angry outburst. With most emotion dulled, the only few which stood out where like waves washing over everything else.

Before he could apologize, Ainz mandible dropped before he panicky asked. “Who told you this?” The confusion in the skeleton’s voice only made him realize something.

Kyuketsuki laughed as he facepalmed, right so apparently, he wasn’t the only one dealing with these miscommunications. “Demiurge when I asked what your plans where. Now I see my fear was unfounded.” Kyuketsuki chuckled as relief filled his mind even if it didn’t change what demiurge thought Ainz planned.

“No, this is not my idea at all, and why do you find this funny. What am I going to tell Demiurge! When did he get the idea this is what I wanted?” Ainz rattled, shifting between staring at Sitabus and second-guessing where demiurge got the idea?

Kyuketsuki waved his hands, holding back chuckles at the irony. “Because Kathrin seems to think I want to create a kingdom and I chickened out of correcting her. I think you have similar problems with our subordinates’ expectations.” They shared a look before letting out a worried laugh.

“So, where both straddled with high expectations have you tried telling them the truth.” Ainz posed the question, hopefully.

‘Oh, if only you knew my friend, they might hate me then.’ Sitabus thought about telling them the whole truth, not just about his goals but where they were from. The very image looks of utter disappointment, terrified him when they realized how much he didn’t deserve to be a supreme being. About how even as just an average human, he couldn't save anyone, only watch them die.

“Sure, sure right after you.” He nodded with vigor sagely staring Ainz down. Daring him to try. ‘At least you have a chance at redemption. my past is better left forgotten and dead.’ Pushing down the guilt as it rose like a phantom pulling at his heart.

Both of them sat there, unable to make eye contact only brave enough to speak up.

“So, since neither of us wants to find the courage and tell the truth, what will you do?” Ainz sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“I guess we'll just have to make sure we don’t disappoint them. Why did you say Darkness and Vultures can work separately anyway? Nabe told me about what you told the guild.”

Glad to be off the old subject Kyuketsuki smiled even if it might not be visible. The problem could have huge effects later. Ainz probably didn’t see it yet, but if they did the math. Money in any world could only go so far.

“Because adamantite adventures take up a lot of money having eight in one area is straining the pool of money we earn. Also, you may not have noticed it, but with both of us in E-Rental, most of the high-end jobs have all but vanished. Kathrin has seen the complaints of other mithril groups can barely find any jobs on their rank or higher. This will make relations with other adventures far harder.” Sitabus pulled out a stack of papers of the financial report of E-Rental. A second smaller stack of complaints sliding over both to Momonga.

Watching as he read over the papers, both of them could efficiently juggle finances. Only Sitabus got a bit higher a choice he regretted making even now. If Momonga knew how many connections and control corporations back in the old toxic world, it was disturbing, to say the least.

‘I will make sure this kind of world doesn't happen again. If for no other reason than her.’ Gazing at his reflection in the mirror surface of the table.

Awakened from his depressed state by Ainz coughing into his boney hand. “I see what do you suggest then. We go to different cities?”

At the comment, Kyuketsuki snapped his fingers as an illusionary map appeared with one city circled named Barune Hubert. “Not quite, I have something else in mind.”

Ainz gave an inquiring gaze wondering what Kyuketsuki plan was going to be.

“Simply put, I want to hunt my ambushers and show them Ainz Ooal Gown will not be trifled with. This and I can take the Baharuth Empire as my kingdom. You can focus on Re-Etzic, and E-Rental can be our middle ground should anything arrives. We will know for certain if there are any other players here.”

‘And I can check if any administers are here without you worrying. Players are one danger, but admins are another entirely. If they really are our enemy, I will cut them down!’ Resolving to continue being Nazaricks hidden blade so far, he seemed to be the main target of them if his theory was right. Still, he had to know for sure, and this would prove it.

“Sounds like a good idea. why the empire specifically, they could be anywhere?" Ainz's flaming eyes glowed.

Kyuketsuki proudly smirked this trap of his would show their hand for sure. "If they are players who know [gate], then yes. I am sure none of this covenant of crows are players. Limiting there range and abilities still, you should be careful of them just in case."

Before leaving, Sitabus pulled out an amulet that gave off an eerily rainbow glow. Shaped like a skull for one half and a human face for the other.

Tossing it over to Ainz surprising him, "Momonga put this on it should be able to bypass the block on messages.”

Skeptically Ainz did feeling strange blinking as he breathed in sharply. As Ainz's skin touched the cold table. Gasping, as his fleshy human hands came into view.

"KYUKETSUKI, what did you do!" Ainz shouted just as Albedo came rushing in, blushing brightly on her cheeks. Why was his heart racing so fast looking at Albedo?

Snapping over to the vampire who was smiling. "Don't worry, this item curse will wear off after 12 hours. After, you should be able to shift forms at will once a day. Make sure to show your wife plenty of love and take some time off. Bye!"

Kyuketsuki teleporting away with fear and arousal clearly showing on the humanoid face of Ainz. Albedo rushing up to him in worry and lustful gaze at this original form of lord Momonga according to lord kyuketsuki.

-Baharuth Empire near Barune Hubert-

In the dark night of the forest, a light wind blows through the trees and underbrush. Illuminated by a half-moon as the void of darkness opened. Shalltear stepped through the [gate] dressed in a beautiful vibrant white dress embrittled with golden lines, hidden by the red cloak she got after revival hugging it close. Blushing at her husband’s smell, even if it was not lord Momongas, Kyuketsuki scent aroused her considerably.

The vampire scowls as Clementine Stroud out with a hopeful grin scanning the foliage for prey to hunt. Under her cloak, her hands fingered her stilettos hidden from view. As her tentacle hair swayed with her tail. Shalltear could see the gaze of a predator looking for pray with her mismatched eyes.

“Don’t get your hopes up insect Master may favor you now, but this won't last. Soon you will be lapping up my juices where you belong.” Shalltear taunted, glancing back to make sure the supreme being had not come through yet.

Clementine didn't drop her grin at the threat, only smiling wider. “Oh, are you upset I’m ahead of you in command? Don’t be. I don’t even know why the master keeps me alive perhaps he misses Jade? All I care about is getting to break his enemies and feel his love envelop me, ahh.” A blush came over Clementine's face letting out a moan while hugging herself.

Shalltear’s hostility dropped replaced by a curiosity about the answer, Smelling the arousal rolling off the assassin. With a playful glint, Shalltear took of stock of the slim assassins toned body, perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad after all. “My, you may be a better toy to have around then I believed. Still don’t think you can steal all his love, insect.”

Clementine continued to take up the role of century shifting every so often. As they waited for the others to arrive.

Finally, Kathrin came out adorned in a slightly different outfit than usual. Her shoulders guarded by metal vampire wolf heads, on the fur cloak over the shimmering dress which shined bright even in the dark of the night. Under the light of the moon. Like liquid metal made into an elaborate royal dress. Turning into dark red pants padded with armor and fur ending in metal boots crushing the grass underfoot. Kathrin tested her clawed gauntlets, watching them lengthen to long metal claws and return to normal. Allowing both Ritana and Bardic to follow behind almost unseen.

“What's with the new armor trying to look like a barbarian queen now?” Shalltear shouted, annoyed by the gleam of superiority in the werecat's golden eyes. It reminded her a little too much of Albedo’s gaze.

“Unlike some fools, I have been planning to be queen for some time. Thanks to Kyuketsuki-sama, allowing my selfish request, it shall come to pass soon. At least little Rita knows her place.” At being brought up, the redhead blushed, looking away, mumbling, thank you, mistress.

Shalltear growled, crossing her arms, refusing to pitch a fight. Still feeling guilty as she remembered Kyuketsuki punishment feeling his pain as if it was her own. “Just because your queen now doesn't mean I can’t get from 3rd wife to true queen or queen’s mistress soon enough.”

Kathrin just gave a Cheshire-cat smile giggling as if Shalltear told a joke. Turning to Ritana and Bardic with grace and nobility. “Would you be a dear and set up camp while we wait for lord Kyuketsuki to arrive.”

The redhead got to work, putting up tents with a shiftiness and dexterity as her tail swayed a bit. While Bardic started to set up his own. Kathrin turned to Clementine distrust bright in her eyes, before letting out an annoyed breath. “Clem be the uncultured brute you are and fetch us some food for the few that need it. You can even get messy if you want just don’t keep master waiting.”

Clementine gained a wicked smile at getting to taste blood again, dashing into the darkness. Not bothered by the insult at all, which confused Shalltear. Sure, the assassin would have said something to such.

Shalltear glared at the werecat, waiting for some kind of order.

Neither of them said anything Kathrin just looking at the vampire with a knowing gaze.

“Oh, sorry, I don’t have any orders for rebellious or foolish lackeys. Which are even worse then Treacherous one! Master forgives, far too easily.” Kathrin sneered at Shalltear.

Shalltear was unable to comment, looking down in shame she was right. If she hadn’t gotten careless, she wouldn’t have almost killed one of the last two supreme beings. Gritting her teeth in the self-loathing mix with rage at being reminded.

“What about, what lord Kyuketsuki said about getting along.” Shalltear harshly shot back.

To this, Kathrin scoffed, turning to the stars her tail casually swaying from under the fur cloak.

…

“You have no idea how long I have been protecting lord Kyuketsuki from dangers. The Centuries I have kept watch for enemies both seen and not. I know his scars, his goals, his desires better than seductress’ like YOU ever will, floor guardian or not. The only job I was created for is to support and protect Kyuketsuki in every way I can, no matter the trial or enemy.” Pausing with a wishful tone before adopting a much darker air around her.

“I will not let him die so long as I draw breath even if I must fight death itself to bring him back. So, I will warn you once Shalltear Bloodfallen. If you or my sister ever try to kill or betray him again, I will make sure you never come back!” The future queen's hard voice hissed, lacking any warmth as she turned her icy golden eyes to bore into the vampire. Over her shoulder, eye practically glowing with hate.

Briskly walking over to a tree with one swing spending several minutes cutting it into a highly detailed throne for two.

Shalltear could remember lord Kyuketsuki’s promise to her creator. Wondering what drove him and the others to leave them, not willingly because something prevented them from staying. Trying to understand the meaning of leaving such a special memory for her. Why did he choose a spell so dangerous to himself?

Kyuketsuki was different than lord Ainz in a way that confused her and attracted her. Ainz was wise, powerful, and handsome beyond compare. Lord Kyuketsuki, however, was brave willing to fight even when he couldn’t actually win. He is passionate and kind yet filled with regret over Velvet for some reason.

A puzzle to decipher later just in time to see Velvet and Kyuketsuki step through the now closing [gate]. Sharing a sympathetic look with Velvet unnoticed by the others.

“Sorry for taking so long I needed to gear up for this. Looks like you set up without me.” Shalltear watched him take stock of the camp with a cheerful smile.

Seeing the three tents already set up a campfire set with rocks around it. What stood out was not the log seats but the finely crafted wood throne, which was a tree just 30 minutes ago. Kathrin beamed, waving him over with a bright smile snuggling close in the seat.

Shalltear could only wonder why lord Kyuketsuki and lord Ainz stayed? Out of all the 41 supreme beings. While all the others, even her creator seemed to be forced to leave.

Snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of Kyuketsuki beginning their planning meeting. “Alright, so the plan, for now, is to camp here and head into Barune Hubert in the morning. I can’t stress enough once we are in the city, keeping our cover is vital until we can locate the enemy. Find out their goals, both long and short term, and kill them.”

Turning to Shalltear, “You are forbidden to enter combat until I say so. I can’t have our cover blown, or the vampire in E-Rental traced back to us got it Shalltear.” Disappointed, Shalltear agreed with the knowledge the order was for her protection. Mulling over the memories of her supreme being as they waited for Clementine to return with food.

-End of Chapter-