Momonga stood at the entrance of the mausoleum, gazing up at the stars that dotted the night sky.
"[Fly]." he casted and soared straight towards the clouds. Behind him trailed Narberal who had used her own spell instead and Demiurge who transformed into a bipedal frog, sprouting wings to fly.
Reaching the peak, just above what few clouds remained, Momonga removed his helmet, and allowed his eyes to devour the view beneath him.
Up above the night sky littered countless stars that shone like jewels. Illuminating the lands beneath. Green as far as the eye can see, with mountains peeking from the horizon. A few rivers dotted the place with a lake not far into the forest and a few embers of light flickering in the distance.
"Beautiful..." he remarks while his attention shifted to the stars. They reminded him of a friend. Someone who had always smiled at the very topic of nature. And dreamed of the beautiful world they once had.
His adoration had inconvenienced a lot of people within the Dome. That some had considered his adoration borderline obsessive. But he kept himself in check, not wanting to be deported from the Dome... away from what little nature remained.
"You would have loved this place Blue-Planet...."
Casting the spell [Soul Reflection] he shifted to his human form once more. And shook his head as if not believing how different the air felt against his face.
'Amazing... far from the artificially manipulated winds, weather and temperature. This place.... it feels so, natural.'
He said nothing as he looked down at the world.
Enjoying the blue-white light of the moon and stars that chased away the darkness of the land. The glowing grasslands ruffled by the wind. The countless stars and the moon that shone brilliantly against the light coming from the earth.
Momonga could not help but sigh, "This is beautiful… no, beautiful would not begin to describe this… what would Blue Planet-san say if he were here?"
What would he do if he saw this world whose air, land, and water had not been polluted? Momonga recalled his comrade from the past, the man who had showed up for the guild's offline meetings, whose stony face had broken into a delicate smile when he was praised as a romantic — that gentle man who loved the night sky.
"...To be able to see so far just by the light of the moon and the stars… it's hard to believe that this world is real.... this world is like a box of jewels."
"Perhaps it is. I believe the beauty of this world exists to adorn you, Momonga-sama." Demiurge said in a reverent voice.
Momonga was amused at the Guardian's words. Noticing how he failed to realize the true meaning in his own. But also alarmed at how badly they could take his words in the wrong direction.
His mind flashed to the Vow of Fidelity, and felt a shiver down his spine.
"It is indeed beautiful. You say these stars exist to adorned me... Whether they are worth that much or not... I shall see it for myself."
"If you wish my Lord, then by your command. I shall lead Nazarick's forces to make this world worthy of your glorious self."
Momonga chuckled at his bold words and felt the childish ignorance in them. "As interesting as that sounds Demiurge, I have no intention of opening the Gates of Hell just so they may use it to invade my home."
'Yes, this is the right way. I need to prepare first. And for that to happen, I need the full strength of Nazarick at my beck and call.'
"But do not fret Guardian. Should these stars prove worthy, I shall share my conquest with you."
Seeing he frog faced Demiurge smile from ear to ear made him felt assured of man's acceptance at the very least, one he thought to one day turn to loyalty. Not realizing that his guardian had made up his mind before his caution could be raised.
His interest in conquest, and 'a world worthy of the Supreme One...'
"...an unknown world... Not for long."
"My Lord?" asks Narberal as she floated next to him
"Nothing Narberal."
A growing light of green caught his attention, and as he looked down, he saw surging earths, unevening the ground as it rose and fall like waters. And as soon as they steadied, grass grew, and from grasses grew plants and among plants grew small trees.
Seeing a familiar blonde elf made Momonga give a satisfied nod. "That is Mare for you, it appears camouflaging our selves is an easy task for him."
"Indeed my lord. Mare had recruited several tireless Golems and Undead to aid him. However their progress is hardly Ideal. Even with the ground now mixed with the extended nearby forest, growing the trees would still be a time consuming tasks."
"It always has been." Momonga assures him. "My concern is his safety. What steps have been taken to ensure he is not discovered while carrying on his tasks?"
"An early warning-net has been constructed and dispatched. Allowing us to monitor any intelligent life that enters within a five kilometer radius."
"Anti-Divination precautions?"
"In place Momonga-sama along with our own specialists to gather information for possible retaliation."
"Good. I assume your Elite Guards, Wrath, Greed and Lust oversee this network."
"Indeed my lord."
Despite hearing Demiurge's answer, his paranoia demanded another set of precautions over his existing precautions. The mere thought alone nearly made him laugh. Defense of defense isn't the only way to defend after all. No, over the course of Yggdrasil's evolution, he had known the value of retreat. And for him to be an effective leader, he has need for both.
"Plan an evacuation."
"My Lord!?" Demiurge asks startled at the very idea of allowing intruders so close to their domain.
"At the off chance that he does face a being more powerful than he is, or someone far beyond what your network could hold back. A plan must be put in place that would allow our major assets to retreat back into Nazarick without being followed." Momonga noticed the arrival of another blonde haired elf, assuming it to be Aura followed by a group of blue armored elves.
"Momonga-sama... to give ground to an enemy!-"
"Is part of the plan." Momonga turns to Demiurge. "Sad as it is to admit. We know too little of this world. Marking this playing field as hostile environment. Should we face an opponent of challenging and unknown power, I want our best assets provided with the means to better utilize their skills and powers under better terms. Fighting at the opponents behest is not one of them."
"I-I... Forgive my impudence my Lord. I understand now." Demiurge replies with reverence. "I shall discuss this with Albedo and combine her suggestions with your orders. Also Momonga-sama?"
"Hmm?"
"May I ask about what you plan to do next."
"For now... I will go see Mare. What suitable reward do you believe I should give him?"
"If it is Mare, your presence alone would be suitable enough Momonga-sama.... my deepest apologies, I suddenly remembered something I have to do. As for Mare-"
"It is fine Demiurge, go. I have a lovely lady to keep me company."
He froze just like everyone else. And in his peripheral, he could see an ear to ear smile adorning the demons face as he bowed deeply and said. "Of course my lord...." before flying away.
*ahem! He felt Narberal jolt at whatever reverie she may have been in.
Putting on his helmet to hide his own embarrassment, he commanded. "Come Narberal."
"As-as you command! Momonga-sama." the poor maid squeaks out.
He flew with great speed yet landing softly right next to the dark elf twins, who ran to his side as they greeted him.
"Momonga-sama!" "Mo-Momonga-sama. We-welcome!" Aura and Mare happily greeted bowed.
"Mmm.. Aura, Mare, good to see the both of you."
"Hehe! You as well Momonga-sama!" "Th-thank you..."
"There is no need to be nervous Mare." Momonga placates, kneeling on one knee closer to the child's level. "Take your time, and speak slowly. If you're not used to it, we can dispense with the polite language... though only when we're in private of course."
"I, I can't do that, how could I not speak respectfully to a Supreme Being… actually, Nee-chan shouldn't be doing that too. It, it's terribly rude…" Mare reasons while looking pointedly at Aura who simply stuck out her tounge in response. Making Momonga chuckle softly.
"If you insist, I am fine with it. However, know that I will not force you to do so."
"Y-yes! Al-although may I ask why you came here? Did I make a mistake Momonga-sama?"
"In truth I came to praise how well you've done so far. Both of your work is so important, that seeing such progress made puts my mind at ease. Knowing that this place... that our home would be safe."
Aura and Mare's eyes beamed with joy. ""Th-thank you! Momonga-sama!""
"Now tell me, what reward would you like for your service?"
"No-none of that Momonga-sama! I am just happy to serve!"
"What he said!"
"Service demands payment.... but one of pure intentions such as yours. It deserves a reward lest we diminish the value of honest work altogether." Momonga reasons, hoping the guardians would understand.
And with a shy smile and a bit of fidgeting with her staff, Mare asks. "... uhm... do. Do you have anything of-of Buku-Bukuchagama-sama...?"
Aura's eyes widened while her jaw dropped at her brothers courage. And despite believing it disrespectful, she chose to keep quiet hoping that Momonga would answer.
Momonga smiled, and from his inventory, two identical bracelets were pulled out. Each was a single silver band with a clear glass displaying a digital clock.
"These... are personally crafted alarm clocks, forged by Anohamahitotsu, programed by Peroroncino and added the finishing touches by Buku-Bukuchagama. Set a time and hear for yourself what it does."
The twins nodded in acceptance with eyes shining as if they had stars in them.
"Umm... Mo-Momonga-sama?"
"Yes Mare?"
"May I ask why are you dressed like that?"
"Isn't it obvious Mare?" they all turned to the the newly arrived voice, and saw Albedo flying not far from them. "It is because the Supreme One does not want to disturb us as we work. Isn't that right Momonga-sama?"
Momonga inturn laughs softly while extending his hand to the floating beauty.
Her image looked ethereal, with her skin reflecting the light of the moon. Sweat glistening like sparkling jewels against her as if competing against her pristine skin and her unkempt hair showed a sense of dedication and discipline that rivaled even her beauty. Made even more appealing as her scent hit his nose as he gently guided her close, flowers and sweat... like a sweet and salty mix.
"Nothing so grand my dear." he says, making Albedo's heart leap and her eyes widening with her smile as she stepped a little closer. "It may surprise you, but it is so mundane that it may seem insulting to someone who works as hard as you." Momonga adds, while gently tucking a stray hair to the back of her ear.
"Tha-that would never happen Momonga-sama." Albedo reassures him, while fighting off the widening smile on her face.
"In truth Mare." Momonga then banished his helm, revealing his handsome human face.
"I find comfort in this form. It is that simple."
The guardians were at awed at his words. Mostly because they thought something along the lines of his greatness being beyond their understanding, for him to be able to find comfort in something as fragile as human skin.
「Must you?」-Eliza asks.
「What better way to lessen their hostilities to humans?」
「I was referring to the risk you had just taken. But no matter...I shall see to your discipline...personally.」
Feeling a slight bit of trepidation, he turned away and set his eyes to the moon and stars. Trying to ignore the images conjured by his mind, reminding him of the last time he was... reprimanded.
Unbeknownst to him, his plan succeeded, just not entirely the way he hoped.
As Albedo sighed, her eyes caught a glint of light and in her peripheral vision, she saw a ring... 'His' ring wrapped around her 'ring' finger.
"Then, I have taken up much your time. I shall be taking my leave. Good luck on your respective duties, Guardians."
"""Thank you! Momonga-sama!!!"""
Momonga then vanished, unknowingly leaving behind a slightly crazed Overseer who leaped at the unsuspecting maid.
Narberal yelped in surprise, as Albedo tackled her on her back and straddled her thighs with her hands intertwined with her own.
Narberal gulped slightly at the dark visage of the Guardian Overseer looming over her. Her eyes glowed gold as they stared widely at her, with lips parted as puffs of pink smoke left them. But her attention is what set alarm bells on her head.
Albedo's eyes trained solely on the ring wrapped around her finger.
"...thief!" she accused.
"N-No!"
"He wouldn't." Albedo said coldly in disbelief.
"He...he did Lady Albedo. He... he put them on me himself- hmmpff!!!"
Aura and Mare blushed while Demiurge looked away as Albedo suddenly kissed Narberal square on the lips. Running her tounge all over it.
And with a smack of her lips and a slow lick across them, she sneers down at the poor maid and gritted out. "I can barely taste him from you... But!" Albedo grabs her to a sit and hugged Narberal against her body. *sniiffff~ *puwahhh~ "His scent!!!" Albedo nearly yelled in a crazed manner. "He held you close!!! Fufufu~ yes...his scent will do."
*Kuhum! "I have matters to address Mare.... and Aura, I leave this matter to you."
"Ehhh!!! Demiurge!!!"
Demiurge flew away. Leaving behind several blushing elves, and a poor maid powerless under the lips and tounge of a manic guardian who giggled with every taste and scent that she devoured off of her.
"YOSHHHAAAAAAAAA!!!"