Chapter 16: Chapter 15: Tangled Threads of Desire
When Ainz opened the study door, a wave of shock nearly triggered his emotion suppression. It didn't, and his skeletal frame trembled faintly.
The previous day, the young master and Solution ventured into E-Rantel for a change of pace. The mansion's meals were exquisite, but they craved variety. Lunch at the elite Golden Radiance Inn delighted the young master's refined palate. On their return, a stop at the Purple Elixir Shop piqued his curiosity only to earn an elbow from Solution when he mused about their wares. (They sold rejuvenation elixirs, nicknamed "Spring.")
A pleasant outing, marred upon return: Albedo had visited, an unprecedented daytime appearance. Regret gnawed at him. Solution snapped, "It's because you fuss over that masked brat."
Fortunately, Albedo left word to be home tomorrow—naked and waiting. Solution, seizing the night, indulged her appetite. "Since tomorrow's off-limits, I'll take extra now."
Meanwhile, Demiurge, Nazarick's cunning demon, pondered in the Ancient Library on the 10th Floor. He had Ainz's permission to educate the young master for Nazarick's benefit, but local books were inadequate, and the library's tomes were in sacred script, unreadable to the illiterate man. Too busy as a demon lord, Demiurge considered delegating to Solution when Shalltear, unusually idle after her recent blunder, appeared.
After a brief chat, Shalltear eagerly volunteered to teach literacy. Demiurge, sensing her desire to prove her intellect, approved.
Ainz, juggling roles as Sorcerer King and Dark Hero Momon, was exhausted. The young master's intelligence, praised by Demiurge, intrigued him. Unlike the loyal but intense Jircniv, the man was a relaxed conversationalist. Ainz, craving a break as Momon, learned from the Golden Radiance staff that the young master and Solution had dined there. Feeling a connection, he decided to visit the next evening with Nabe, who seemed quietly pleased—likely to see her sister, Solution.
He skipped an appointment, opting for a surprise visit.
Evening fell, the sky aglow with sunset. Momon, with Nabe, arrived at E-Rantel's grand mansion, second only to Ainz's residence. A masked figure collapsed in despair nearby, unnoticed. Ainz anticipated a lively chat, armed with tales to entertain the young master. But the welcome was rushed. A Nazarick maid, not a local hire, appeared pale and evasive. When Ainz, as Momon, requested to see the young master and Solution, her tension spiked. She dismissed other maids and led them herself.
At the study door, she hesitated. Nabe's glare didn't budge her. No sound came from within, odd for such a heavy door almost magically silenced. Suspicion flared.
"Something's amiss. Nabe, stay alert," Ainz commanded.
Checking for local maids, he shed his Momon armor, revealing Ainz Ooal Gown, the Overlord of Death, and opened the door.
"He's mine, let go!"
"He's studying with me!"
"I'll teach him!"
"You're too busy, Overseer!"
"He's my meal now!"
"Night's vampire time!"
(…What the—)
Albedo and Shalltear played tug-of-war with the young master's arms. His face was ashen, eyes vacant, head lolling with each yank. Solution trembled in the corner.
"Demiurge told me!" Shalltear snapped.
"Meddling fool!" Albedo retorted.
"Let go and leave!"
"You leave!"
"I was here first!"
"I announced yesterday!"
"Who cares, lustful hag!"
"What, fake-breasted brat?"
"Huh?"
"HUH?"
"Take back your spit, gorilla!"
"You eel-eyed wench!"
(Two beauties fighting over him, yet it's not enviable. If I were human, would I be in that mess? Deadly. Being desired is rough literally, for food. Their pulling's tearing his arms! Notice me already!)
"AHEM!"
"Ainz-sama!?"
Both turned, still gripping. A snap the young master collapsed, blood spraying. Albedo and Shalltear, frenzied by bloodlust, cried, "Delicious!"
"Albedo, restrain her! Nabe, assist! Solution, recover him and heal!" Ainz roared.
Three level-100 beings clashed, an unprecedented brawl. Shalltear's silencing artifact spared E-Rantel's ears. Her frenzy targeted only the man's blood, not Ainz. Albedo's skill subdued her without destroying the mansion. The study, however, was wrecked.
Calm restored, Albedo and Shalltear knelt before Ainz.
"Albedo, I understand savoring a fine meal. I don't eat, but I value food's importance. Overindulgence ruins the treat. Limit it to once a week."
"…Yes, my lord," Albedo replied, inwardly fuming. A week? I haven't eaten in over a week! But Ainz-sama cares for my health. So kind, so beloved. Unlike this greedy, fake-breasted brat!
"Shalltear, Demiurge says you'll teach him to read and write. Your initiative is admirable, but don't force it. Yamiiko-san said willing learners excel."
"Y-Yes… I'm s-sorry…" Shalltear sobbed, barely coherent.
What's she saying? Crying means remorse, but was teaching that important? She's sensitive about being called foolish. I've felt that too.
"Ahem. Start lessons tomorrow, with Solution present to avoid today's chaos."
"Y-Yes…"
"I'll return to E-Rantel's manor for work. That's all."
Talking with the young master was impossible now. Solution confirmed his recovery, but guilt lingered Ainz's subordinates had nearly killed him. A chat would wait.
"Nabe, return to the Golden Radiance or stay here. I'll fetch you tomorrow."
"Understood," Nabe replied.
In a guest room, Nabe, no longer in adventurer garb, paced before the young master's bedroom. Should she knock? Ask about his injury? Recent events? Or retreat? Where was Solution? She'd come to see her sister, yet…
Her raised hand dropped repeatedly, brows furrowing.
"What're you doing?" Solution emerged, blinking theatrically, scanning Nabe.
"Brother's fine, just dazed. What's your deal?"
"Nothing…" Nabe mumbled.
"Albedo and Shalltear left, Ainz-sama's at work. I wanted to stay with Brother, but after that mess, he needs rest. He's alone now."
"So?"
"He's in great shape, thanks to Ainz-sama's potion."
"…"
"I'm off to my room."
"Goodnight."
Solution whispered, "Have fun."
Nabe flushed, turning to retort, but Solution was gone. After deep breaths, she knocked.
"Come in," he called.
She entered.
Solution was elated. Albedo's meals were capped at once weekly freedom between feedings! With gracious generosity, she yielded one night to her dear sister without hesitation.