Indolent Overlord

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Overlord, obviously - Kugane Maruyama-sama does. Although the drawing above is how I picture Adalbert to look like, I also do not own it.   

The Staff Canteen, unlike the last time he was here, was now packed with the many denizens of Nazarick, all enjoying their breakfast peacefully together without fussing about mundane things such as race or occupation.

Adalbert remained standing at a shadowy part of the entrance, simply gazing at the NPCs' bright expressions as they chattered and ate. It made his heart soften (and ache) at such liveliness.

Truthfully, he was torn with indecision.

The reason why he hesitated to enter was because he did not want to break such a homely atmosphere. Adalbert knew that the second he was seen, all would fall to their knees in worshipful respect - just like when a company's president was to enter the karaoke room, the subordinates would inevitably quieten down.

Demiurge remained a silent shadow, hands folded neatly behind his back as his metallic tail moved languidly behind of him. Adalbert wondered if the Arch-Devil knew of his thoughts and was being tactful. He wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.

Despite Demiurge being created as an ideal presentation of evil, the very definition of a cruel demonic being, Ulbert made sure that his son would care deeply for those who were of Nazarick origin. The chuuni was fond of 'soft only to those they care about and diabolic to those they gave no shite about' twisted characters.

".egruimeD ,amas-trebladA ,yaled eht rof ezigolopa I" [I apologize for making you wait, Adalbert-sama, Demiurge.]

Adalbert needed to blink twice in order for his brain to properly interpret the language of Angels, Enochian. As soon as he did, however, he gave a big smile (hidden by his mask) and shook his head at the bright pink, one-meter floating fetus with an angelic halo above his head and a pair of featherless stick wings on his back.

Victim was an NPC he was deeply fond of. His most precious child and an important trump card in defending the Great Tomb of Nazarick (despite many of the other guild members, Momonga-ani included, feeling discomforted over the deliberate martyr status).

Victim was also the most undervalued Floor Guardian in the opinion of those who tried to conquer Nazarick, and in the end, they paid a heavy price for underestimating their enemy. Those 1500 arsehats were proof of how godly the fetus's buffs, debuffs, and movement restriction skill (the best AOE disable skill to be more precise) were.

With just this sole NPC's sacrifice, it was possible to turn the tide against thousands of other Players. Victim was both 'weak' and 'strong'. But ultimately, Adalbert did not wish for Victim to sacrifice himself in this New World without first confirming that revival was possible.

The second Victim was within easy reach, Adalbert grabbed the Angel and hugged him to his chest like a teddy bear. This was the norm back when YGGDRASIL was a game - to use this particular Guardian as a pillow or a doll whenever he visited the 8th Floor. At times, he would even amuse himself by allowing his avatar to hang off of the floating fetus in a similar manner to a leech.

"You have nothing to apologize for. How are you, Victim?" He tried to make his voice as gentle and soothing as possible, but, as per usual, it came out flat and dry.

"?droL ym ,uoy tuoba tahW .gniksa rof uoy knahT .llew ma I" [I am well. Thank you for asking. What about you, my Lord?]

"I am doing well as well, thank you. Now that you're here... Demiurge, would you be so kind as to get me a plate of cherry pancakes and a pot of matcha tea?"