The Two Leaders

Only after sealing the memo pad with such secure item, he put the item in the pocket space. His pocket space also had countless other rare items. However, a high level thief would be able to steal items from it. Just because a rogue could, did not mean said rogue could just immobilize his opponents and rob them dry. The limit would have been one or two items per player. Still, the possibility of being robbed even once or twice made Ainz —who should experience no fear as he was undead— shudder in terror.

In this New World, there were unknown factors such as talents as well. That was why he placed the box in such a way so that others would go for the rare items instead of the box. After he stored it, he checked again. He checked the box repeatedly like a housewife making sure the door was locked before leaving on a trip. Only after he satisfied himself that it was there did he allow himself to sigh in relief.

Ainz finally left his bedroom. The place he was headed to was the room he regularly used as the study. The ones who bowed deeply to him there were the regular maid, Albedo, and Mare.

There was nothing surprising about the maid or Albedo being there, but he was surprised that Mare, who very rarely came around, was there. Ainz cut across the room, turned around at the table and sat in a motion that he had practiced for over thirty times. The key point was not to step on the robe and not push the chair out of the way.

The next pose he took was one that had him lean back in the chair. It would not look good if he leaned back too near or too far. The kings had a kingly way of — maybe — sitting down.

I don’t know how kings take a seat... I should talk with a king from somewhere...

It was recommended for company men to lightly sit in the middle of the chair without leaning on the backrest. But Ainz Ooal Gown was no longer a company man.

Thus, Ainz practiced the postures of the ideal king in his mind.

“Raise your heads.”

The three raised their heads. The fact they would not raise their heads without a command felt like a waste of time, but he could not ignore their intention of wanting to display their utmost loyalty every time. That was why Ainz controlled himself and went through the same ritual every time.

“Then I shall ask you first, Mare. What is your business?”

“Ah, yes!”

Whether it was because he was nervous, Mare let out a squeaky voice. Ainz smiled, but since there were no muscles on his face, nothing moved. However, it still made the atmosphere seem warmer.

As if sensing this, Mare breathed easier. He seemed less tense as well.

“I, uh, brought that, uh, thing.”

Ainz did not go “What are you talking about?” like a boss with a bad personality. Instead, he simply took it from Mare. It was because of the possibility that he could have forgotten what he had ordered.

“Is that so —- No, it’s fine.”

Ainz stopped the maid who was preparing to receive the object from Mare with a wave of his hand.

“Mare, bring it directly to me.”

“Yes!”

Mare straightened his back, approached Ainz and presented a folder to him. Ainz slowly opened the folder.

This… it’s the memo folder.

All three Guardians had taken up Ainz’s offer and circled the “Participating” box.

“Considering the order of names, it would’ve been fine if Cocytus’ subordinate came instead. You worked hard, Mare.”

“No, no. I’m happy to serve! Besides, since Cocytus-san was working, I came here instead. Plus—”

Mare gently caressed the ring on his left ring finger. It was an action filled with care and love.

…Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown. I’m happy that he likes it, but wearing on that finger is a bit... And whyis he looking at me with that kind of look…

Ainz felt a sudden chill and glanced over at Albedo. She had her usual beautiful smile on her face.

Ainz looked at her left ring finger. Just like Mare, there was a ring there, like that was the right place for rings to be.

What was it, an ancient Greek story?

He remembered hearing that putting rings on different fingers meant different things from Yamaiko in the past.

There was a vein leading directly to the heart in the left ring finger or something, right? They wouldalso mix medicine with the left ring finger because if there was something poisonous in there, itwould affect the heart... does the sous-chef do something like that, too? Ah, I got distracted...

They’re still looking at me.

Ainz clasped both his hands on top of the desk.