Overlord (book 1)

Momonga must also assess them highly on their job.

If the Guardians and NPCs that the guild created, felt betrayed and disappointed after trying to

maintain a perfect performance, it would be Momonga’s failure as a leader. That was why he

always had to pay attention, and maintain the attitude of a ruler in front of them.

“... You can understand my thoughts right, Mare?”

“Yes! Momonga-sama!”

Although he was wearing female clothing, looking at Mare’s tense face you could clearly see he

was male.

“Very good, then for your excellent work, I want to give you a reward.”

“Ho-, how can I! This is my duty!”

“... According to your work performance, it is only proper to present you with a reward.”

“No-, no! Our sole reason to exist is to serve the Supreme Ruler, so our hard work is the most

natural thing to do!”

With such a back and forth discussion, the opinions will never intersect, so Momonga came up

with a compromise.

“How about this. Giving you this reward, I also hope that you wil continue to be loyal to me, that

way there shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“Is, is there real y no problem?”

With a strong attitude Momonga took out the reward——It was a ring.

“Momo-, Momonga-sama… You took the wrong thing!”

“No——”

“——Wrong! That is the ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, only the Supreme Rulers can hold it! I cannot

possibly accept such a thing.”

Mare trembled at the unexpected reward, and Momonga was also surprised at his reaction.

Indeed, this ring was only for a dedicated member of the guild to use, there were only one

hundred of these special items. These rings were already distributed among the 41 other

members, so there were another 59 rings——No, 58 rings who did not have an owner. This was

indeed a valuable item, but to give this as a reward, there was the hope it would be properly

utilized.

In order to calm Mare who wanted to run away, Momonga solemnly told Mare:

“Calm down, Mare.”

“No, no, no way! How could I accept the ring that only the Supreme ruler can have——”

“Think calmly Mare. In the Great Tomb of Nazarick, not having the ability to teleport would bring

about a lot of inconvenience.”

Hearing this, Mare slowly started to calm down.

“I hope that in the event that an enemy attack, each of the Guardians could act as a commander

for every floor, when it comes to that time, if you cannot freely teleport or escape, it would be too unsightly; that is why I am giving this ring to you.”

Momonga held the ring in his hand. Under the moonlight, the ring seemed to emit a glorious

shine.

“Mare, for your loyalty, I feel very happy: I also understand why, as a subordinate, you wouldn’t

want to accept the ring that represents us. However, if you understand my feelings then you will

accept my command and take this ring.”

“Bu-, But, why me…. Could it be the other Guardians received one…?”

“Although I intend to give one to them, you would be the first. Because I am satisfied with your

work, if I gave it to someone who did nothing it would devalue the ring as a reward. Do you want

me to reduce the value of this ring?”

“No-, I would never dare!”

“Then take it, Mare. After taking this ring, continue working hard for both Nazarick and me.”

Mare nervously extended his hand, and slowly accepted the ring.

Seeing Mare do this, Momonga felt guilty. Even though he wanted to give the ring as a gift, he

also had another selfish reason.

If others were able to teleport as well, it would become easier for Momonga move unnoticed.

Once Mare put on the ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, it instantly changed its size to fit Mare’s slender

finger. Mare started intensely at the ring on his finger, relaxed a little and sighed. Then he

bowed deeply towards Momonga… “Momonga-sama, thank-, thank you very much for giving

me this gift… From now on, I wil work harder in order to not disappoint the expectations of

Momonga-sama!”

“Then forgive me for troubling you, Mare.”

“Yes!”

Mare resolutely answered, his young face showing off an unwavering resolve.

The one who designed Mare, Simmering Teapot-san, why did you make him wear this kind of

clothes?

Was it to create a contrast to Aura’s attire or was there another reason?

Just as Momonga was thinking about this, Mare asked a question.

“If-, If I may ask Momonga-sama… Why are you dressed this way?”

“... Eh, Wel …”

Because he wanted to sneak away——Of course he could not say that.

Mare looked up with sparkling eyes and watched the troubled Momonga. How would he deceive

him? If this fails, then his act of being a dignified superior would go to waste. There was no

subordinate who would approve of a superior who wanted to sneak away. Momonga tried to

come up with an excuse but was unable to think of anything, but at that moment a voice spoke

up behind them.

“It is simple, Mare”

Turning around Momonga was immediately entranced.

She could be seen as a beautiful lady standing in the moonlight. The bluish moonlight

illuminated her, making her shine as if a goddess had descended. Her black wings were waving,