Tears of Nazarick

By Sebas' request, all members of the Pleiades, barring the seventh sister who summoned Sebas in the first place, had gathered in the halls of the Ninth Floor.

"What is this about anyways, su~? Didn't you tell us Lord Ainz wanted to see us?"

'And I was having so much fun playing with Enri-chan too…'

Lupusregina was the latest and last of the Pleiades to be gathered for this excursion, one could tell most of them were anxious for what the Supreme Being must need them for.

"You're incorrigible as always, Lupusregina." It was Yuri who reprimanded her tanned, feral sister. "Though I am also anxious to follow Ainz-Sama's orders, Sebas has given us enough time to prepare mentally for the task at hand."

'And arriving too early would be inappropriate too.' Yuri was reminded of how she'd seen her Lord sigh at the eagerness some of the maids displayed when they arrived hours before the last one had even finished their shift. Their lord would evermore fine-tune their time-tables after that incident.

Lupusregina could only lower her head in a pout after being reprimanded again.

"What about you, Narberal? Has Ainz-sama hinted anything to you?"

"I...have no idea, actually." Narberal thought really hard about it, but she couldn't think of anything that would put their lord at edge. A bit of terror crept behind her neck as she thought she might have slipped up again while adventuring as the "Beautiful Princess" Nabe.

"W-What about you, Entoma? Weren't you the last to see Lord Ainz?"

Entoma suddenly shivered under Narberal's question. It was true, her lord had given her the instructions to sort out the treasures harvested from the Elf King inside the log cabin before Pandora's Actor came along. She gave all she had to the task at hand of course, but the possibility she messed something up while organizing all of it…

Her voice was a sweet whisper, the trained noble voice of a girl long gone.

"Oh, oh no… Maybe I mishandled one of the treasures Ainz-sama trusted me with? Our lord called Pandora's Actor and dismissed me then, maybe he saw me doing something wrong and didn't have the time to punish me then, maybe…"

The Pleiades came to a stop in their tracks as the littlest of them began shivering in place. Though her face remained unmoving due to her bug mask, her petite form trembled like a great cold had consumed her insectoid soul.

Narberal felt a sink in her stomach. She asked the question because she didn't want to have the blame fall onto herself, but now her younger sister had turned into a crying mess, and it was all her fault.

She cursed under her breath for her social ineptitude. Narberal had no idea of what to say that could relieve Entoma of her turmoil. She only raised a single hand with some apprehension, trying to comfort the trembling bug, the rest of the sisters as uncomfortable as her.

"...It is unlikely Lord Ainz is upset with any of us."

A monotone voice suddenly spoke up, briefly bringing Entoma out of her sobs.

"Pandora's Actor has not reported any anomaly in the treasury. Taking account of Ainz-sama's previous behavior, the chance that he has summoned us to punish Entoma-chan are near zero."

Shizu's kind and calculated words seemed to be enough to bring Entoma out of her stifling shivering, slowly raising her head up from Narberal's head-pats and walking toward Shizu.

"D-Do you really think so?"

Shizu stopped for a moment, running the calculations again and again inside her head.

'Processors nominal, re-running simulations under different circumstances show similar results. Records coherent. Re-running under combat-awareness processors:

No matches. Re-running...

No matches. Re-running...

No matches. Re-running...

Results: 99.985% chance of administrator Ainz Ooal Gown to not bear hostility against Entoma. 60% chance of administrator Ainz Ooal Gown desiring to reward Entoma for services in the Log Cabin.

Closing processor loop.'

After what must have been only a second, Shizu motioned to Entoma once again.

"Affirmative. Come here."

To the surprise of Entoma and delight of the other Pleiades, Shizu suddenly grabbed the bug maid by her hand and started walking forwards again, much like the many times she did the same with Neia.

'I want to see Neia again. Maybe if Ainz-sama rewards me too…'

"T-thanks, Shizu…"

With only a meaningful low hum of approval, the two Pleiades continued their walk towards the Throne Room, ready to serve their master.

Sebas had been quiet through the whole ordeal, letting Yuri, as deputy leader, care for the attitude of the Pleiades. It bothered him when he heard Entoma talk like that, but Narberal and Shizu were quick to support their little sister, which filled him with much pride.

'There is much humanity within the denizens of Nazarick. It's unfortunate that there are those who still rebel against the mercy of our Lord.'

His thoughts led him back to Tsuare. She was living in the world of the humans, yet was spared no such mercy in the home she was given. Such despicable dejects had no place in the Utopia their Lord aimed to create.

'It would be optimal if Tsuare was still alive to witness it, but few are the humans who live to ten thousand years…'

"Say, Lupu-chan, what do you think Lord Ainz is calling us for~?"

The blonde beauty of dissolution was the one to break the tense silence. Seeing how her sister had been in a low mood after being called out, she figured she could use a bit of friendly teasing.

"Gee, I don't know Sol-chan! Maybe he'll switch us around to help broaden our horizons!"

The wolfish maid said carelessly with her hands hanging behind her head. It was an interesting proposal, at least in Sebas' eyes, but he couldn't imagine any substantial truth to it.

"Oh, really? Hopefully I get your place then, I'd love to take care of those little toys of yours, especially the naughty ones that break the rules…"

Solution had a big, perverted smile as she thought about how sweet it would be to put on a show in Carne village. She could come on as a little lost adventurer without any money, beg some uncouth men for a place to stay in exchange for "favors", and then delight herself in their dissolving screams.

'I prefer the innocent, but ridding the world of these pests would fit better for Lord Ainz's plans.'

Lupusregina, seeing the lewd expression on Solution's face couldn't help but feel a tad bit protective over the village, like a little dog who doesn't want to share her chew toys. But the maid had fantasies of her own.

"Well, in that case Sol-chan, I would take Narberal's place! I'd be the beautiful magic caster healing and tending to the legendary Momon's wounds, coming to save him in his time of deed. Oh, I could even turn into a big bad wolf for him to "defeat", su~!"

Narberal's eye twitched when hearing of her sister idea of stealing her rightful place besides Momon, letting a cold air out that would send shivers even to Lupusregina's spine before remembering Ainz-sama mostly has Pandora fill-in the role.

She wouldn't ruin her sister's fantasy though, it'd be more fun imagining her dealing with Pandora's shenanigans on her own. Such woes for poor Lupu-chan…

Then, in a shy protest, a monotone voice rang out and brought everyone's attention to their opinion on the topic.

"… I hope not. I don't want any of you near Neia."

There was a big moment of silence. One could even hear a pin drop in another room before a certain Dullahan, of all members, would break the silence with her laughter.

"Oh my, Shizu-chan, don't be so mean to your sisters." Yuri brought a hand to her mouth to hide more of her laughter.

"Yeah Shizu! My poor werewolf heart can't take such accusations, su~"

"Are we really that bad, Lupu-chan? Compared to us, Shizu is the first I've seen that made our big sister laugh."

"That's right, Sol-chan! Shizu must be a monster to make that happen, su~"

The group mirthfully continued their walk while teasing each other, even Sebas hiding a sly smile from them. While Shizu understood their sibling's form of teasing as a show of sisterly love, she felt embarrassed enough to lower herself and focus her processing power on another task.

'Processor nominal. Re-scheduling combat-awareness processors…

Listing available research topics:

>The Supreme Beings and their lore  [41% done]

>Momonga-sama [Redacted]

>How to please Ainz Ooal Gown-sama [90% done]

>Neia Baraja's preferences [88% done]

>Nazarick's Defense Systems  [File Corrupted, Locked by Administrator]

>Show more? [Y/N]'

Shizu scrolled down the list of research topics until she found an option pending analysis.

>'Ainz Ooal Gown's Marital Status [Pending data]

>Would you like to run analysis on this? [Y/N]

>>'Yes.'

>Running simulations with data pool provided. Please do not restart the system…'

Shizu's eyes flashed as she processed the information gathered in her system at an accelerated pace. To put less of a strain on herself, she assumed her Lord to be heterosexual, limiting the data entries by a severe amount.

The simulations ran her view of Ainz's interactions and his reaction to several of the tombs female inhabitants, the Supreme Beings and even few members of the New World.

>'Neia Baraja': Incompatible.  Administrator AOG likely finds her "off-putting"

'Hum…' Shizu didn't know why she felt relieved then. Maybe it was better that only she found Neia to be cute.

>'Pleiades Seven Sisters': 50% [Harem] It would be inappropriate for the Supreme One to not form a Harem, after all… But would she or any of her sisters make do for a head wife?

>'Solution Epsilon': 51%  Between all of the Pleiades, Solution has the body most beautifully sculpted to serve a Supreme Being. Interactions between the two would also indicate Ainz's preference for her body, but personalities are at a mismatch.

Shizu loved Ainz-sama like every other inhabitant of the Tomb did. She would gladly give herself to him if asked, and would feel proud for any of her sisters if they were demanded instead. But she knew there were others far more likely to take the place of Mistress…

>'Bukubukuchagama-sama': 90%/Unavailable.  Excerpts of stories and diaries from other Supreme Beings hint at a possible relationship budding between the two. In raid pictures or "screenshots", Bukubukuchagama-sama kept oddly at close with Momonga-sama, and other guardians and inhabitants often mentioned the same using "flirting emoticons" behind Momonga's back. Unfortunately, Bukubukuchagama left to another world with the rest of the Supreme Beings.

Shizu paused her analysis for a second, her processors caught in a thought-loop of grief-pity-grief when reminded of the others who had left.

'Being ruled by a pair of Supreme Beings… It must be nice.'

Finally, it came down to the most likely two.

>'Shalltear Bloodfallen': 90%. The creation of Peroroncino-sama. When mind-controlled by the enemy, Ainz-sama fought her on his own, without making use of his subordinates. Ainz-sama's top area of knowledge is combat-awareness, if Ainz knows a being so in-depth that he can counter and defeat her so effortlessly, even when she should hold a natural advantage over him, is that not the truest form of Love? It was Ainz's number one priority to resurrect Shalltear, and records of past Nazarick invasions show a lot of players were stopped right at Shalltear's floor, with Ainz by her side. Knowing Ainz's declaration on the Roble Holy Kingdom of strength equaling Justice, one could say Shalltear is the correct choice for Ainz as she is just the strongest of the Floor Guardians.

'She's also Solution-chan's bride of choice. Shalltear could earn a 1-yen sticker, if she wasn't so perverted at least…'

Then the last one came...

'Albedo': ###% [DATA MISSING]<

WARNING: NO DATA FOUND<

ATTEMPTING DATA BLOCK RECOVERY<

'Albedo' has not been seen in the requested time-frame.<

'Albedo' has not been found in the requested data-pull.<

ATTEMPTING DATA BLOCK RECOVERY<

>>>CRITICAL FAILURE REACHED – DO NOT RESUME OPERATION – FEEDBACK LOOP DETECTED.<<<

"Shizu-chan?"

It was Entoma's lowly voice that whispered to her. She was the first to notice as the sister that had been holding hands with her suddenly stopped dead in her tracks.

"Hey, Shizu-chan…"

Entoma started tugging on Shizu's hand like an impatient child would to a parent. Her adorable struggles worked out in the end as the light in Shizu's eyes booted back on.

"… Entoma?"

The bug maid suddenly held her arms up, celebrating she had brought her sister back to her senses. She hugged into Shizu's waist and looked straight up to her head.

"You've been out for a minute."

Shizu nodded on while checking her last coherent data records.

Sebas tasked her to follow him to meet up with the rest of the Pleiades.

They had been summoned to the Throne Room for a meeting with Lord Ainz.

Her sisters were teasing each other and them…

"Ah, right."

Shizu patted Entoma's head, the bug maid letting out a hiss of satisfaction as she near melted into the automaton's arms.

'It would be disrespectful to place a sticker on her now, maybe after the meeting.'

"Come on, we're lagging behind."

"Seriously, Sol-chan! You've been on spy duty, haven't you? Do you really have no idea what Lord Ainz might be calling us for?"

'You're getting me impatient, su!'

"I have no idea of what you're talking about, Lupu-chan." She said with a sly smirk. Technically she did have a mission to go undercover on the Argland Council Sate, but it had been put on hold last minute for some reason.

'In fact, Ainz-sama seems to have put all outside activity on hold. Even Narberal hasn't left on any missions with Pandora these last few days.'

"Grr, fine! If I get another mission from Ainz-sama, I'm not telling you any of it either!"

It amused Solution seeing her sister putting on such a dramatic act, closing her arms together like a certain villager chief did and turning her face away with a pout.

"But if I could hazard a guess, maybe Ainz-sama will finally declare to us whom he chooses to be his bride"

This innocent comment from Solution put all the other maids at a stop. Even more so Shizu, who had ran her calculations moments prior before blacking out.

Yuri, who was thankful her undead nature didn't let her face flush, began scolding Solution for her inappropriateness before they were all interrupted by a strong voice.

"We've arrived."

Sebas announced as they were behind the massive doors leading to the Throne Room. The more astute of them could even hear the sounds of [Gate]s being formed, probably leading the Floor Guardians in.

"Remember to show respect to Ainz-sama above all else!"

The Pleiades all bowed in sync, respecting Sebas' and Yuri's authority, and eager to serve their Lord together.

Sebas turned back to the door, only letting a glimpse of a smile show itself to Solution. If his guess was also correct, she may not be too far away from the truth.

Finally at his destination, Cocytus grabbed onto the handle locking away Nigredo in her room.

'An. Interesting. Predicament.'

The doors opened themselves with a thunderous rumble, revealing a somber figure sobbing in a blue-tinted corner.

The black lengths of her hair covered most of her body, but most importantly hid away the giant pair of scissors she used as a weapon.

"It's not right...It's not right...My baby...My baby...My sis-"

"Nigredo. I. Have. Arrived. As. You. Asked."

Cocytus honored his subordinate. He knew what would come next, but it was how she was designed by the Supreme Beings. He'd hold no angst against her.

"You. You took her. You took her from me-! You, you, took HER AWAY!"

The beauty with a visceral face twisted her neck up, revealing the exposed muscle that laid beneath. Her eyes shined with twisted determination as she darted over Cocytus, a giant pair of scissors determined to cut him down.

"GIVE HER BACK TO ME!"

The scissors opened and tried slicing through Cocytus' jaw, but his gleaming Halberd kept the blade restrained.

He didn't need to parry the strike. 'I. Wanted. To. See. It. For. Myself. Perhaps. That. Is. Rude. Of. Me. Though.'

"Here. Is. Your. Child!"

Raising one of the arms he had lowered, Cocytus gave the baby plushie to the angered Nigredo, a wave of calmness soon washing over her, like she never had been triggered at all.

"Ah, Cocytus-sama. Please, let me thank you for answering my summons."

A satisfied wave of frost was exhaled, he much preferred seeing his comrade acting like this rather than her awful blood-lust.

"It. Is. My. Duty. Lord. Ainz. Would. Have. Done. The. Same."

Nigredo seemed to shrink at the mention of their Lord's name, which didn't go past Cocytus.

"Nigredo… Why. Have. You. Called. Me. Here?"

She seemed to ignore him at first, deigning instead to arrange a chair for her to sit on, and offering the same to him.

"I...I did something terrible, Cocytus-sama."

Looking through Nigredo, Cocytus could easily discern Albedo's features in her, how different yet similar they were as sisters. The thought unnerved him.

"What. Do. You. Mean?"

'Could. She. Share. Albedo's. Awful. Plan?'

"I… I betrayed my sister. My lovely little sister, Albedo…"

Nigredo hung her head low, hiding her face within her hands and sobbing. Her pained whimpering brought both discomfort and relief to Cocytus.

'So. That's. How. It. Was.'

"Nigredo…" A bitter wave of frost rushed out of him. "You. Were. The. One. To. Tell. Lord. Ainz. About. Her. Plan?"

Her body shook once more before the whimpering stopped. She let one eye peer through the fingers hiding away her face.

"So, Lord Ainz...What did he...What did my little sister…"

It was clear to Cocytus that Nigredo was torn up. Someone had to bear the burden of the truth, and it was on her shoulders that it landed on.

"She. Has. Been. Banished."

Nigredo's head hung low again, but she didn't cover her face this time, instead, she let her arms drop alongside her shoulders.

"He didn't...My sister still lives?"

Cocytus turned his mandible away, looking far beyond the walls of the Frozen Prison.

"Lord. Ainz. Ooal. Gown. Is. A. Merciful. Ruler."

Nigredo could almost tear up at that, even with the questions she had, if she knew her little sister was still alive…

"She. Is. Still. Here. Just. Outside. Our. Reach."

Cocytus wouldn't divulge more, fearing he'd accidentally leak information he shouldn't. In truth, he already said more than enough.

Still, his last words crept up bit by bit in Nigredo's spine. If Albedo had been banished to the irradiated landscapes that Spinel crept in...

'No. That was her choice. I did everything I could for Albedo, my little sister…'

"Cocytus… Did I make the right choice?"

"Nigredo…"

Cocytus had already turned to leave, having heard what his subordinate wanted of him. She needed someone to know the truth, he gave her the last bit of closure that had been eating away at her.

"You. Served. Our. Lord. Well." He turned his face to her just one more time.

"I'm. Sure. Part. Of. Albedo. Would. Have. Wanted. The. Same."

Before he could make his steps away from the resolute sister, another voice rang out in his head.

A voice that would soon open up a [Gate] for him.

[Floor Guardians, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama has summoned each of you for a meeting in the Throne Room. Please step through.]