At the antique desk, Ainz sat regally in his chair.
Well… "regal" might not have been entirely accurate—but it certainly matched how the Guardians saw him. Even something as mundane as reading became captivating under their gaze.
The quiet room was filled only by the soft rustling of pages.
With this skeletal body, maintaining a single posture for hours caused no stiffness or neck pain. Hunger and fatigue were nonexistent, making it all too easy to lose track of time—even when he'd only meant to kill a few idle moments.
Albedo had everything meticulously organized. Demiurge was busy coordinating intelligence and reinforcing Nazarick's defenses. And the rest of the Floor Guardians were diligently carrying out their duties.
Yet, despite the flawless order, Ainz found himself at a loss. Perhaps I should talk to Sieg again, he thought. Two minds are better than one—especially when I'm just brooding alone.
With that in mind, he glanced toward the other occupant of the room.
"Let Sebastian stay out of the way, then. Even if it displeases him, there's nothing we can do. This is probably the second time he's angered him since that solo trip last time…"
Ainz sighed inwardly. But to protect the image of the Supreme Being in the eyes of the Guardians, it's necessary.
"Lord Ainz," Sebastian asked gently, "is there anything you need?"
"Ahem. Nothing for now. Sieg might be coming over later—don't be surprised."
"Lord Sieg is coming?"
Ainz—noticed Sebastian's expression brighten instantly, his smile growing even wider. It gave Ainz an odd sense of déjà vu.
Even accounting for his personality… this level of similarity is uncanny. Touch Me…?
Sebastian glanced at the ornate clock on the wall. "It's afternoon tea time. Shall I prepare some refreshments?"
Ainz opened his mouth to refuse. After all, his undead form couldn't consume food—it would just leak through his bones. He hadn't expected Sebastian, of all people, to make such a basic oversight.
But then it struck him: Sieg isn't immortal.
He froze.
Silently apologizing to his ever-dutiful butler, Ainz quickly amended, "Yes, let's prepare something simple. Pastries should be sweet—salty flavors would taste strange to him. No coffee, but tea is fine."
Sebastian listened with rapt attention, as though mentally transcribing every word. "Lord Ainz seems quite familiar with Lord Sieg's preferences… almost as if you're close friends."
Ainz let out a hearty laugh—forced, but convincing. "My true best friend is probably someone else. You and Demiurge likely know who I mean. Sieg and I just get along well because we're often online at the same time."
In truth, Peroroncino had been his closest confidant in YGGDRASIL. Sieg had been closer to Touch Me and Ulbert. And yet, of all the Forty-One Supreme Beings, it was they—Ainz and Sieg—who remained together in this new world.
What a cruel twist of fate.
Sebastian didn't fully grasp the weight behind those words—but as long as it wasn't just Ulbert causing concern, that was enough. After all, even Demiurge's interpretations couldn't always be trusted.
He bowed slightly. "I'll inform the head chef at once. Is there anything else you'd like arranged, Lord Ainz?"
"You may take your leave for now," Ainz replied magnanimously.
"Yes!" Sebastian strode out with light, swift steps—as if eager to escape before being given more orders.
(Though in truth, he was simply efficient. How could anyone suspect malice from a butler with a Justice score of 300?)
And Ainz? He was more than happy to be alone.
Now that the room was empty, the ruler of Nazarick slumped back in his chair, arms dangling loosely at his sides—a posture suspiciously reminiscent of Ge You's infamous lazy slouch.
"Sigh… finally, all alone."
At first, having guards follow him everywhere had fed his ego—made him feel like a proper dark overlord. But now? It was pure torment.
He had to constantly balance freedom with dignity, grandeur with restraint. Even surrounded by stunning women, his privacy felt invaded.
If only I could slip outside… he mused. If I took Siegfried with me, it wouldn't count as a solo trip. We could just enjoy the scenery…
A knock at the door shattered his reverie.
Ainz snapped upright instantly, voice deepening into his ruler's register: "Come in."
"Master, I'm here!"
The door swung open. Behind Sieg stood a woman whose beauty rivaled Albedo's—refined features, calm demeanor, and an air of quiet authority.
Yuri Alpha.
The eldest of the Pleiades Battle Maids wore her uniform with immaculate precision. Aside from her face and hands, not an inch of skin was exposed. A metal waist brace accentuated her slender yet powerful frame, and spiked gauntlets sheathed her hands. A jeweled choker secured her head—not for fashion, but function.
Ainz noted, with mild amusement, that Yuri fit the "intellectual older sister" archetype perfectly. Whether that held any hidden charm, he couldn't say—but it certainly suited Sieg's tastes.
Unaware of Ainz's internal commentary, Sieg sank onto the plush sofa. Despite the gadgets he carried, he didn't feel physically tired—but the sudden lack of purpose left him strangely drowsy.
Boredom is the real enemy here…
Albedo had become far more obedient after his last conversation with her. Now, they exchanged only polite nods when they passed in the halls before she vanished back into her duties. Always working. Always busy.
Sieg felt both gratified and envious. He'd imagined this new world as a place to finally relax—to do nothing. But without electronic distractions, his workaholic instincts resurfaced. Already, he felt the itch to go out scouting.
Good thing he'd unlocked Level 1 Language Master during his job change—the ability to rapidly learn and master foreign tongues made him ideal for reconnaissance.
Just then, Sebastian returned, followed by a maid bearing an extravagant tea set.
The table was soon laden with delicate pastries on gilded plates, and the teapot—oversized and ornate—looked fit for a royal banquet.
Sieg stared. This is just afternoon tea? The chef's enthusiasm practically radiated off the table. And knowing Momonga didn't eat… did they expect him to finish all this?
He did have a healthy appetite—but this felt less like hospitality and more like being fattened for slaughter. If he left anything uneaten, would they think he was ungrateful?
Before he could protest, Ainz dismissed them with practiced authority: "You may all leave now."
"Yes, Lord Ainz!"
Understanding that the two Supreme Beings needed privacy, the servants withdrew without question.
The moment the door clicked shut, Ainz's regal facade crumbled.
He slumped forward, voice dropping to a desperate whisper:
"What should we do, Siegfried-san…?"