Lucian returned to Carne Village with Mei Mei and Shiraori. This time, Mei Mei did not remain within Lucian's shadow.
There was no longer any reason for her to conceal herself. She was Lucian's second-in-command and his personal maid. If she continued hiding, the others would never become accustomed to her presence. And by "the others," Lucian primarily meant Momonga and the Guardians standing behind him.
At least, the two Guardians who remained.
When Momonga had first arrived, he had brought nearly all of Nazarick's Guardians with him. However, after speaking with Lucian, he had sent most of them back. Only Albedo and Sebas were still present.
Momonga's gaze shifted toward Mei Mei, "So you are here as well, Mei Mei-san."
Mei Mei looked at him with barely concealed disinterest, "Yes."
She gave him a small, elegant bow. "Wherever Master is, I will be there. Whether that place is heaven or hell." Her tone was perfectly calm, as though she had merely stated the weather.
Then she looked at him again, a little more warmly. "It is nice to see you doing well, Momonga-san."
Mei Mei had met him before. She knew he was one of Lucian's friends, and that alone was enough to earn him a basic level of courtesy.
"Hehehe…", Momonga laughed awkwardly, "It is all thanks to Lucian. He has been taking care of me since Yggdrasil began losing its popularity and players."
Mei Mei nodded, "I hope you will also take care of my Master.", Her expression remained calm, but the atmosphere around her subtly changed, "He may be clumsy at times, but he is the person I love most."
Her eyes seemed to deepen. The pupils in her eyes spiraled like bottomless abysses as she looked into the hollow sockets of Momonga's skull. The red flames within them flickered nervously.
Momonga's body stiffened. Right, he thought. 'I remember now. This is the one Lucian warned me about.'
He had heard many strange stories about Lucian's maid, from Lucian himself and from Bukubukuchagama as well. He had also met Mei Mei in Yggdrasil.
It had happened during an event that required a party of ten players. Lucian had desperately wanted the winning item as a gift, so he had assembled a group specifically for the event.
Mei Mei and another angel player had joined him. Bukubukuchagama had been among them as well. Momonga had thought she had already quit the game, but Lucian's request had somehow convinced her to return.
Momonga also knew that Bukubukuchagama and Mei Mei were both involved with Lucian. Their relationship was complicated, but after listening to Lucian speak about them, Momonga had come to understand the general situation.
Lucian loved all three: his maid, the angel player, and Bukubukuchagama. The three of them were most likely involved with him together.
Momonga had never asked for details. Some things were better left alone.
"Umu..." He changed the subject with all the grace of a man steering a boat around a rock. "Now that I remember, where is Suzune-san? She should be here as well, correct?"
He wanted to know whether Lucian's other companion had arrived as well.
Momonga already knew that Bukubukuchagama was not with them because of the conversation with lucian earlier that day. She had been away from the others when the transportation occurred, despite still being in the game.
The thought saddened him.
"She is here," Lucian replied. "But she is sleeping right now. Angels are apparently rather sensitive." Lucian did not tell Momonga what had actually happened.
He did not mention that Suzune had used an ability limited to once per week, or that this was the reason she was sleeping. He also did not mention what had taken place in the throne room.
"I see…", Momonga lowered his gaze.
Lucian had two of his companions with him. Two people Lucian had known in Yggdrasil and real life. Real people, whose voices, habits and personalities he remembered. Momonga, however, was alone.
None of his guildmates had appeared in this world. None of his comrades had come to greet him.
Herohero had arrived, but even he had left after only a few minutes of awkward conversation.
Momonga slowly raised one hand and touched the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown. His bony fingers rubbed against the ring as he remembered the guild members of Ainz Ooal Gown and the many memories they had all shared.
"I'm glad you have companions to keep you company during this eternal life we have now," he said and meant every word.
Their bodies now possessed supreme power. Momonga had become an immortal Overlord of Death, while Lucian was also an hetermorph, an Immortal Vampire. They both had an eternity ahead of them.
But their circumstances were not the same.
Lucian still had a humanoid body. Momonga did not.
He could not eat or sleep. He could not experience the ordinary functions of a living person. Even his emotions were forcibly suppressed by his Overlord body. An eternity spent alone would be a heavy burden.
Lucian was highly perceptive when it came to emotions. Even when speaking with an emotionless Overlord, he could understand what Momonga was truly feeling.
He stepped forward and took Momonga's bony hand in both of his. His thumb brushed over the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown.
"You speak as though you have no comrades left.", Lucian smiled up at him gently, "Am I not enough?"
For a moment, Momonga's mind went blank. If he still had a human body, his face would have gone red to the ears.
Lucian's smile and words had struck him with unexpected force. If Momonga had remained human, he might even have fallen for him.
Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, his current body did not allow him to blush.
"You are right… I'm sor—", Momonga nearly slipped into the informal speech they had used with one another in Yggdrasil."
He stopped himself,"My apologies."
He quickly corrected his words and pulled his hand back.
Lucian's smile was something Momonga treasured.
Momonga considered Lucian his comrade as well. In fact, it would not be inaccurate to say that Momonga had spent more hours playing alone with Lucian than he had spent with many of the other members of Ainz Ooal Gown. Those memories were precious.
Lucian was right, he was not alone.
"Would you like to come to Nazarick?" Momonga asked. "We could have some tea while we talk."
Lucian nodded immediately. "I'd love to."
He raised one finger. "But first, I need to clear up a few loose ends."
Before Momonga could respond, Lucian flicked him lightly on the forehead. The sound was strangely comical against his skull.
"You don't need to speak to me so formally, as if we're feudal lords," Lucian said. "Just relax and act normally. I'm sure your subordinates won't object to you speaking casually with someone like me."
Lucian looked behind Momonga.
Sebas stood there with his usual dignified composure. Beside him stood Albedo, clad in black armor. Her wings were folded behind her, and her golden eyes behind her black helmet, were fixed upon Lucian.
"Am I wrong, Sebas and…", Lucian allowed the pause to linger. Then his tone became slightly sweeter as he turned toward the woman in black, "Albedo?"
A shiver ran through Albedo's body. Her wings fluttered violently, as though someone, or rather her beloved himself, had stroked them with bare hands.
"Y-yes!", Albedo clasped both hands together, "You are absolutely right, Lucian-sama!"
Sebas gave a slight bow, "It is as you say, Lucian-sama. It is only natural for the Supreme Beings to speak however they wish, without concerning themselves with the opinions of their servants."
"Hm…", Momonga glanced toward Albedo. Was she afraid of Lucian?
He wondered whether there was something about Lucian that frightened her. Albedo had been watching Lucian every time he appeared, and her reactions seemed increasingly intense.
But fear did not seem to explain it. Perhaps there was another reason. A possibility emerged in Momonga's mind.
He immediately judged it to be untrue. Still, he would have to ask Albedo about it later.
"Momon-kun," Lucian said, "I'll speak with you in a bit, after I deal with these matters."
He pointed behind him toward the Dominion Authority. The angel floated behind him in the village square with its enormous scepter held upright.
The villagers had already begun praying before it. Some called it the emissary of Lucian-sama, while others simply stared at it with reverence and fear.
Lucian turned his attention toward the angel.
Momonga watched him silently.
The Dominion Authority's presence had already changed the atmosphere of the village.
Whatever had happened before Lucian's return, it was clear that Carne Village now possessed a guardian unlike anything the people of the surrounding region had ever seen.
Gazef Stronoff and his troops had settled near the center of Carne Village, where they were taking a brief rest. Since night had already fallen, they had asked the village chief for permission to sleep in the grain house until their departure the following day.
Gazef himself remained outside. He sat near the square and let the cold night wind wash over him as he surveyed his surroundings.
Darkness had already covered the world. Yet, strangely, the area around him was as bright as day.
The source of that light was the angel floating near the village square.
The Dominion Authority radiated a soft, bluish-white glow that illuminated the surrounding houses, streets, and fields. Its six wings remained spread behind it, and its enormous scepter was held upright in one hand. The creature's presence was overwhelming.
Gazef had already seen Lucian return after dealing with the enemies who had pursued them. However, Lucian had immediately begun speaking with Momonga.
Gazef had not wished to interrupt the conversation between his savior and the person he assumed was his friend. Therefore, he had waited. He had not even asked what had happened to the attackers.
There was no need. Gazef knew that no matter how powerful Lucian's enemies were, they could not have survived their encounter with him.
When Lucian returned with the enormous angel following behind him as though it were his obedient servant, Gazef had understood that the creature demanded absolute respect.
One glance had been enough. No matter what he did, he could not imagine himself so much as scratching it.
The villagers had gathered around the Dominion Authority almost immediately. Some prayed before it, while several children placed food and other small trinklets nearby as offerings.
'An angel of that power, being given sweets', Gazef thought, and a faint smile crossed his weathered face. 'I never thought I'll see a sight this crazy.'
After Lucian finished speaking with Momonga, Gazef stood and approached him.
"Lucian-sama," Gazef said, bowing deeply. "I am truly sorry that I did not thank you the moment you returned. Please allow me to express my gratitude once again."
He raised his head, "I cannot properly express how thankful I am. You saved not only my life, but also the lives of my troops."
Gazef glanced over his shoulder. Although his soldiers had been resting, they were already standing at attention now. Lucian's presence alone was enough to make them remain alert.
"Do not worry about it," Lucian replied. "I have already dealt with your pursuers." He gave a small, unconcerned smile,"It seems you are rather loved, Warrior Captain."
"Please, just call me Gazef.", Gazef offered a modest smile.
"I am the strongest warrior of the Re-Estize Kingdom, so it is only natural that enemy nations would target me. However, as much as I would like to devote my life to every duty required to protect the people of the kingdom, I still have a responsibility to the crown." His expression became solemn, "I must remain alive if I am to help our kingdom prosper."
"Haha…",Lucian chuckled softly, "Delightful, isn't it?"
Gazef looked at him in confusion.
"The thrill of living on the edge of death," Lucian added.
After a brief pause, Gazef turned his attention toward the Dominion Authority, "If I may ask, Lucian-sama, what do you intend to do with that being?"
"Oh, the Angel?", Lucian pointed toward the floating Dominion Authority. "I intend to leave the Dominion Authority here as a guardian for the village. I have grown rather fond of this place, even though less than a day has passed since I arrived."
The statement was only partly true. Lucian had not developed a deep emotional attachment to the village in such a short time. Rather, he had claimed it.
Carne Village had entered the sphere of his protection, and Lucian did not abandon things he considered his own. However, he had no intention of explaining that to Gazef.
"If I may ask," Gazef continued carefully, "would it be possible to borrow the angel in the event of an emergency involving the kingdom?", He was testing the waters.
Lucian's eyes narrowed immediately and the smile on his beautiful face vanished.
"Gazef.", The atmosphere around them changed.
An instinctive shiver ran down Gazef's back. Lucian had not attacked him or made any movement, but a pressure had spread through the area, carrying a clear warning.
"I may be kind," Lucian said, "but that does not mean I am gullible."
His gaze remained fixed on Gazef, "The Dominion Authority will protect these villagers. Do not attempt to involve it in the affairs of your kingdom."
His voice grew colder, "Otherwise, things will turn out badly."
Gazef bowed deeply at once. "I apologize. I did not mean it that way. I will not raise the subject again."
"I do not mind, Gazef." Lucian's expression relaxed slightly, and the pressure vanished like a lifted veil. "I have no intention of involving myself in your kingdom's politics or foreign affairs."
"I would never dare ask that of you," Gazef replied. He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "However, I would be honored if you visited the capital. I would do everything within my power to repay what I owe you, and I am certain His Majesty would wish to thank you personally."
Gazef meant every word. He genuinely wished to repay Lucian, but he also wanted to learn more about the mysterious being who had saved him and his troops.
"Indeed," Lucian replied. "I would like to visit your capital and become more familiar with this country."
He began walking toward the Dominion Authority, "But not immediately."
"I see…", Gazef's disappointment was genuine, "That is unfortunate."
"I will visit your capital in a week or so," Lucian continued. "Until then."
"Then, if I may," Gazef said quickly, hurrying a step to keep pace, "allow me to make arrangements. A week from now, I will send someone to escort you to the capital."
Lucian glanced back at him. "An escort?"
"A carriage, a guide, and a letter bearing the royal seal." Gazef spoke earnestly. "The roads are long, and the nobles at the gates can be... unreasonable. I would not want the man who saved my life to be questioned by some guard who has never heard of him."
Lucian's lips curved. "So you're worried about the guards and not me?"
"That I am, Lucian sama ," Gazef said, with the straight face of a man who meant something else entirely. "Because I know they would be in grave danger if they were rude to you."
Lucian laughed out loud. "You're not as stiff as you look, Warrior Captain."
"It's Gazef for you, Lucian sama" Gazef reminded him, smiling.
"Gazef." Lucian waved a hand. "Fine. Send your escort. But i don't need a parade. One or two people who won't faint if I look at them would suffice."
"I will choose someone worthy of your standards," Gazef promised.
"Then we have a deal. A week from now, at this village."
"I will see to it myself." Gazef said, bowing once more.
He watched Lucian walk away.
"Please remember this, Lucian-sama," he called after him. "The gates of the royal castle will always be open to you."
Lucian waved without turning around, "Certainly."
He continued toward the Dominion Authority.
Lucian did not need to speak aloud. The Angel was already under his authority, and a mental command would have been enough to convey everything. However, he wanted to reassure the villagers personally.
"Hey, everyone."
At Lucian's request, the village chief gathered the villagers. They stood together near the center of the village, illuminated by the Dominion Authority's bluish radiance. Their expressions were a mixture of awe, fear, and reverence.
Enri Emmot was among them, standing with her family, her hands clasped as though in prayer. She smiled brightly when she saw him. Lucian noticed her at once and gave her a small, friendly wink, and Enri's face turned bright red instantly.
Lucian swept his gaze over assembled villagers before speaking, "The being you see at the center of the village is an Angel called the Dominion Authority."
He pointed toward the floating creature, "It is under my control, and I have given it explicit permission to serve as the guardian of this village."
The villagers all looked toward the Angel as their eyes shone with wonder. Some bowed their heads while others began praying more fervently.
"I have grown rather fond of your small village," Lucian continued. "So consider this a gift."
He paused briefly before continuing, "You do not need to worry about it going rogue or attacking anyone. I have given it explicit orders not to harm the villagers."
Lucian's expression became serious, "Even if you attacked it, it would not move against you."
The villagers exchanged glances at his words. The angel's strength had frightened them, but now they understood that the same power had been placed under them to protect them.
"You may also use its abilities for the convenience of the village," Lucian added. "I have given it permission to obey certain instructions from designated people."
Several villagers looked surprised and alarmed.
"However, do not worry," Lucian continued. "No one will be able to command it to harm you or anyone else."
The reassurance eased the villagers' fear. And gradually, the crowd returned to their homes. Night had already fallen, and the villagers normally woke with the sun and slept after darkness arrived. Though that routine might change now.
Once the villagers had dispersed, Lucian turned toward the village chief, "I would have liked to remain here tonight, but my companions and I have already established a base elsewhere. We will be leaving for now."
The village chief seized Lucian's hand with both of his own. His eyes were filled with overwhelming gratitude, as though the god he had prayed to every day had finally answered him.
"We are truly thankful to you, Lucian-
sama," the chief said. "I hope you have a safe journey. Please return to the village whenever you wish.", He bowed deeply. "This village belongs to you.""
"Ehehe…", Lucian laughed awkwardly and gently pulled his hand away.
And at that moment, a shout rang out from behind him.
"Lucian-sama!"
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To be continued...
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You can read 5 chapters ahead on my Patreon/AzazelGrim
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AN: been feeling pretty sick lately. Have been having trouble breathing with rapid heartbeat and all, so I'll be getting a full body check-up soon. Hopefully nothing bad. 😭 I'm so scared.