Chapter 25: Chapter 25: I See Justice
"What a spectacular battle," Demiurge remarked, gazing at the distant image displayed in the scrying mirror.
"Truly befitting the Supreme Beings. Throughout the entire battle, Shalltear only managed to touch Lord Ainz once, and that was with a special skill," Cocytus said with admiration.
"The coordination between the two Supremes was flawless. Shalltear had absolutely no chance to resist," Albedo added.
Through his Eagle Eye ability, Peroroncino spotted Aura in the distance.
"Aura, have you detected any enemies nearby?"
"Lord Peroroncino, I haven't found any enemies in the vicinity," Aura replied.
"Looks like my guess was correct," Peroroncino said thoughtfully.
"Shalltear must have killed her controller during the struggle to free herself from the mind control."
"Let's return to Nazarick and revive Shalltear," Momonga declared.
"Understood!"
I have a feeling things aren't that simple, Momonga thought to himself.
Peroroncino and Momonga teleported to the throne room on the ninth floor.
Peroroncino opened the status menu and commented, "I wonder if reviving her will also restore her to normal."
"Lord Peroroncino, if Shalltear remains rebellious after revival, we will handle her accordingly," Albedo assured.
"Alright."
Peroroncino glanced at Momonga, who picked up the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown. Using the staff's guild permissions, Momonga summoned 5 billion gold coins from the treasury.
These funds had already been prepared in advance by Pandora's Actor and could be transferred instantly.
"Shalltear, rise again!" Momonga declared, raising the staff high.
In the grand hall, the 5 billion gold coins melted into golden liquid, which slowly began to take the shape of Shalltear.
Completely unclothed, Shalltear lay quietly in the center of the hall.
"Albedo," Momonga said, looking toward her.
"Lord Ainz, Shalltear's mind control has been completely lifted," Albedo confirmed.
Momonga immediately took out a spare cloak to cover Shalltear.
At that moment, Shalltear opened her eyes, looking around in confusion.
"Why am I here?"
"Shalltear, do you remember what happened?" Peroroncino asked.
"I remember bidding farewell to Lord Ainz and meeting with Sebas. At that time, you instructed me to escort a human girl."
"I handed her over to Pestonya on the ninth floor. After that... I don't remember anything."
"What exactly happened?" Momonga mused, seated on the throne.
"Shalltear, do you realize the gravity of your actions? Do you know how much grief you caused Lord Ainz and Lord Peroroncino?" Albedo scolded sternly.
"Huh?" Shalltear responded, her expression one of confusion and defiance.
"As a Guardian, you have disgraced yourself," Demiurge added, his tone critical.
"Shalltear, you committed an unforgivable act against the two Supremes," Aura said, piling on the reprimands.
"Huh?" Shalltear was completely bewildered, unable to grasp what was happening.
"How do you even view your duties as a Guardian?"
One by one, they took turns criticizing her until Shalltear, overwhelmed by the barrage, grew silent. She began to feel as if she had committed an unspeakable offense.
Momonga, observing the exchange, drifted into thought.
"What's on your mind?" Peroroncino asked.
"They remind me of the arguments I used to have with our guildmates. Thank you, Peroroncino... Thank you."
"We're friends. No need to thank me," Peroroncino said, patting Momonga on the shoulder.
Momonga smiled warmly—or at least as warmly as a skeletal face could manage, though it came across more as menacing.
"Lord Ainz, Lord Peroroncino, please reprimand Shalltear yourselves as well!"
"This incident was my fault. I had gathered so much intelligence but still failed to anticipate this situation.
I'm the one who should be blamed, not Shalltear."
"Thank you," Shalltear murmured, still unsure of what had transpired but grateful that Momonga had chosen to take responsibility.
"Demiurge, please explain the entire incident concerning Shalltear," Momonga requested.
"I suddenly remembered something important I need to attend to," Peroroncino said abruptly and teleported away.
Still not used to being in a leadership position, Peroroncino thought as he reappeared on the ninth floor.
The timing coincided with the maids' lunch break.
"Should I select a few promising ones to bring back to my quarters?" he muttered, shaking off the mischievous idea.
"Focus on the task at hand."
Peroroncino pushed open the dining hall doors.
All eyes turned toward him.
The maids immediately set down their utensils, dropped to one knee, and spoke in unison:
"Welcome, Lord Peroroncino!"
Being the center of so many gazes made Peroroncino feel uncomfortable.
"Carry on with your meal; no need to mind me. I'm here to see Pestonya."
At that moment, a dog-headed maid stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Lord Peroroncino, are you here about the little girl that Lady Shalltear brought earlier?"
"That's right."
"Please follow me, Lord Peroroncino."
Pestonya led Peroroncino to a small room. Inside, the little girl, dressed in a maid uniform, was diligently cleaning.
"Lady Shalltear mentioned that you like lolis, so I trained her for you. She's very obedient now," Pestonya explained.
"Pestonya-sis, I'm doing my cleaning very seriously!" the girl chirped.
"Pestonya, have you misunderstood something?" Peroroncino asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Weren't you going to make her your slave?" Pestonya asked matter-of-factly.
Peroroncino recalled a phrase often said online:
"This looks criminal. Very criminal."
"While I may be a bit of a pervert, I'm not desperate enough for this."
"My apologies, Lord Peroroncino, for misunderstanding your intentions."
"Forget it. This works fine too."
"What name do you intend to give her?"
"A name? She doesn't have one?"
"I asked her, and she said she doesn't have a name."
"A name, huh? Let me think... Actually, why don't you name her?"
"How about Nana?" Pestonya suggested.
"That's a nice name."
"Lord Peroroncino is now your master. Your name will be Nana. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand," the girl replied.
"You must always follow Lord Peroroncino's orders!"
"Yes, Pestonya-sis! I promise to obey Master Perorojiluo's commands!"
"It's Peroroncino," Pestonya corrected, repeating the name.
"Peroroncino…" Nana murmured the name three times in her head.
"I've got it memorized."
"Good. Thank you for your hard work."
"Lord Peroroncino, it's an honor to serve you."
"Alright, I'll take my leave. You can return to your work."
"Please take care, Lord Peroroncino."
"Nana, let's go!" Peroroncino said, glancing at the girl who was still standing in place.
"Yes!"
Dressed in her petite maid uniform, Nana jogged a few steps to catch up with Peroroncino.
End of chapter
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