Overlord - The Lizardmen Heroes - Куганэ Маруяма - Страница 58

Shalltear’s pained voice echoed around the Throne Hall, and Cocytus was exceptionally able to relate to her feelings. No, any Guardian and all fellow creations of the Supreme Beings were able to.

Even if they came under the effect of mind control, they would be unable to forgive themselves, who had turned their Supreme Being into an enemy.

“Is that so… then, Shalltear, come over here.”

Seeing the master’s hand beckoning towards her, Shalltear slowly crawled towards the throne.

To Shalltear who had hung her head upon arriving before the throne, Ainz reached out with his bony hand and warmly stroked her head.

“Ai-Ainz-sama....”

Almost frightened to pieces, Shalltear cautiously raised her head and let out a small voice.

“... The failure that time was my miscalculation, even more so because the opposition possessed a World Class item, therefore things were looking south from the very outset. Shalltear… I love all of you who are loyal to Nazarick, all of you who were created from scratch. Of course, this also includes you. You who wishes for me to impose a severe punishment for something you are not guilty of, how could I do such a thing?”

It was as if the master shifted his eyesight out of sadness. Cocytus had no means of knowing which direction the master had shifted his gaze, but it did seem like the master had slightly opened his mouth. The master’s face was completely skeletal and lacked lips, therefore it was impossible to determine this from the shape of his mouth, but the master should have spoken a name.

“Oh, Ainz-sama! You actually said that you love me!”

Shalltear’s emotion-filled voice resounded across the entire room.

Because he was behind Shalltear, Cocytus could not see her face. However, everything was evident from her reaction. Her voice was choked with tears and her shoulders were shaking.

It was possible to see the master’s other hand warmly caressing Shalltear’s face, and his hand even held a white handkerchief.

“All right, all right, Shalltear, stop crying. This would ruin your pretty face.”

Shalltear stayed silent, merely placing her face… probably her lips… upon the back of the hand that was just now stroking her hair.

Both Mare and Aura were already in tears.

Demiurge also slightly rubbed the corner of his eyes. Cocytus was a bit envious of those who were able to shed tears, and once again turned to look at the back of his companion who had pledged loyalty for life.

The thing that Shalltear was the most terrified about was probably the case where the last remaining and kind Supreme Being had given up on the useless, troublesome and disloyal her.

However, the master had shattered this source of concern.

Shattering it by using the word ‘Love’.

How much joy did Shalltear feel inside? He, Cocytus, who stood on a similar platform as her… no … he who stood on a platform that was slightly worse off than hers, could only carry unparalleled envy in his gaze as he silently looked at her figure from behind.

“Then, Shalltear, you can step…”

“—Ainz-sama.”

A cold voice interrupted the master’s speech. This disrespectful act caused Cocytus to angrily stare daggers at Albedo. Following this, he felt his feelings jump into turmoil, and an unsettling feeling arose inside of him.

“Reward and punishment is a natural part of common sense. I still feel that it is necessary to hand out some form of punishment.”

“... Albedo, about my decision, are you not…”

The master’s words stopped halfway. Cocytus had no idea why kind of reason would cause the master to halt his response. The last speech should have settled the issue with Shalltear.

“Ainz-sama, I also support Albedo’s opinion. Please serve a punishment upon me. This will also allow me to achieve joy out of loyalty.”

“... I understand. Let us leave the determination of your punishment for a later time. Step down.”

“Yes, Ainz-sama.”

Shalltear’s originally red eyes had turned even redder as she walked down the stairs and returned to her place and reassumed a respectful posture.

Afterwards—

“Cocytus, Ainz-sama has a few words for you. Listen carefully.”

A cold chill crawled down his spine.

It was finally his turn.

Cocytus hung his head incredibly low. When attending to the master, this kind of posture which only allowed him to gaze at the floor did indeed demonstrate an attitude of ultimate respect. However, Cocytus was like this because he lacked the courage to look straight at the master’s eyes.

“I have already seen your battle with the lizardmen, Cocytus.”

“Yes!”

“It resulted in a defeat.”

“Yes! This instance was my failure, for which I offer my extreme apologies. Please also punish me—”

Cocytus’ admission and apology was stopped by the sound of a staff striking the floor. Afterwards, Albedo’s cold voice immediately stimulated the hearing sensory organs.

“… Your attitude towards Ainz-sama is too disrespectful, Cocytus. If you wish to apologise, then do so with your head raised.”

“Disrespectful!”

He raised his head and looked up at his master who was seated on the throne.

“… Cocytus, as a defeated general, do you have any words you wish to say? This time you did not personally enter the front lines and only commanded from the back lines. What are your thoughts?”

“Yes, I was in charge of the military power. Since despite that I was unable to obtain victory, and furthermore even lost Ainz-sama’s personally created Lich Commander, I am truly, extremely sorry!”

“Eh? Ah, there is no pity in losing that kind of disposable undead, don’t let this bother you. Cocytus, what I meant to ask about was your thoughts about warring with an army. Do treat this as the main purpose in your reply; I do not intend to blame you for this defeat.”

All of the Guardians and all of the servants standing behind them awaiting orders were thoroughly confused. All except for Demiurge and Albedo.

Oh! As it turns out, Demiurge was correct!

Cocytus felt that the master was about to continue speaking, and frantically pieced together his thoughts.

“Because it was destined to be a defeat no matter who was in charge. Even if it were me.”