The Cardinal of Sin

Spoils of War

Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ninth Floor, Ainz' Office

"We are nearly ready, my Lord."

Ainz nodded to the undead who had relayed the message. He was in his office, working through papers that had spawned in his absence. Every time he left, they somehow multiplied. He would think it was magic, but he knew, from his time as a salaryman that this was normal.

The fight in Kami Miyako had been yesterday. The Cardinals and other guests had spent the night in Nazarick. Aura was asleep in her bed. There were a whole host of monitoring spells on her, as well as undead watching her. If she woke up, there would not be a repeat of yesterday.

Now, however, the Cardinals were being gathered, along with some of the other guests. Not the animals who had attacked Aura, or those they loved. They would be dealt with soon enough but not today.

"Please send Shalltear in," he instructed, still working. These weren't important decisions. They were routine things but he still had to attend to them. He didn't bother listening to the undead's reply. It would obey. That was one thing he was assured of.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Pestonya answered it. "Shalltear Bloodfallen, my Lord," she announced a moment later.

Ainz looked up as the vampire entered. The Cardinals and the others were being gathered and he intended to hand the Black Scripture to Shalltear today. But they were not to see her beforehand. She had been disappointed in his orders only for a moment before she realized what it meant but he could see she was confused about being called now. Pleased, because every member of Nazarick loved being in his presence, but confused.

"Shalltear," he greeted her. "You are ready?"

"Of course, my Lord!" she replied with a smile. "I am pleased I can finally face those who caused my betrayal."

Ainz nodded as he sat back in his chair. He let his eyes examine Shalltear. She was wearing her regular dress. The ruffles accentuated her shape but did leave it clear that she was flat chested. Peroroncino really did have many fetishes. That wasn't what he wanted to think about now. "You are garbed for the encounter?" He asked as delicately as he could.

Shalltear frowned. Ainz had to admit it was an odd question and was thankful that his undead face could not show his embarrassment. "Yes, my Lord," she told him, looking down at her dress. She was obviously checking to see if it was dirty.

"I have something more suitable," Ainz said, pulling out one of the drawers of his desk. He reached into it and placed a box on his desk. Usually this would be in the Treasury, but he wanted it for today and no one was going to deny him this. He undid the ribbon on the box, and then took the lid off. There was tissue paper in the box. It rustled as he moved it aside to reach in and pull out the soft garment that was folded within.

"I think you would be better in this," Ainz said, holding up the white fabric. It seemed to glow, even in his hands.

Shalltear's blood red eyes widened. She recognized the garment. "My Lord?" she breathed incredulously.

"I think that for this meeting, it is the most appropriate garment for you."

A smile spread across her features. It was bright and vicious and her canines caught on her lip with the motion. She reached out with trembling hands to take the offered garment. "You are too generous, my Lord." Her small hand fixed on it. The fabric shimmered as Ainz let go. The garment became longer. It was a World Item.

"On the contrary, I think this is just right," Ainz replied, waving one hand. "I will let you get changed," he said, dismissing the vampire.

"Or course, my Lord!" Shalltear said, going to one knee briefly. She rose, and practically skipped out of his office.