Momonga left the confines of the old church a couple of hours later, one small gym bag full of bills richer and poorer by several million nerve cells… At least if Momonga had still continued to be stressed in the same way as before, he probably would have lost most of his nerve cells, or maybe died in the church of a heart attack.
'I haven't had time yet to see exactly what kind of God Raynare has begun to think I am, and everything has escalated from there. I'm not ready to declare my own commandments and write a holy book!' Momonga's stress was suppressed just as it had been several hundred times in the last hour, leaving him calm, at least for a while.
'Umu, I never got to answer anything specific when Raynare started asking me, so I had to answer with vague words like 'not much changed,' or 'I still need time, I'm not ready to answer these questions yet'. Luckily, Demiurge had appeared at the right moment and relieved me of the need to answer, 'I want to wait and see how this world lives', how vague is that!?
Demiurge just started smiling and nodding as if he understood something.
Raynare, looking at Demiurge's action, stopped asking me for answers to questions at least… I don't even know how this world lives, I don't want to come up with some strange religion that is out of the norm in this world! What's more, I have little understanding of what is acceptable for religion in this world and what is not!'
The remnants of stress swung around in Momonga's soul and mind one last time, suppressed finally, before Momonga turned back to his thoughts. 'Umu, like that guy on the cross and those weird red paintings next to him… I don't know what the paintings were made of, but I would definitely be stressed finding a crucified man in a church in my former world! Who knew that was totally normal in the past, no one had even paid attention to something like that the whole time I was in that church, it never came up. I couldn't even think of a decent way to ask Raynare about exactly how sacrifices are made in her religion, at least not without looking like someone who knows absolutely nothing about Christianity…
Umu, in my past world, such a cultist display was cracked down heavily by the police and the megacorporation, even harder than normal religion even! In YGGDRASIL, almost all religions involving human sacrifice were proclaimed as evil, but it turns out that in the past such things were apparently practiced openly and without much trouble… Or is this a special Christian sect of the Fallen Angels?
Not that I know much about it, but I always thought Christianity was more about forgiveness and repentance…?
Though, on the other hand, in Christianity sinners were supposed to suffer, so maybe this is all normal, and it's just a case of my morals from the past world colliding with the norms of the current world? Hmm, in that case, I should get used to the fact that I am now a god of a religion that practices human sacrifice.
Umu, and the fact that I am now a god, is strange to say the least, but what can I do?
The situation with Raynare has come to this, now the main thing to do is to hold this situation stable and start spreading this religion slowly. I mean, it can also be treated simply as a business, taking money as payment, and offering… Um, spiritual enlightenment as a product?
No, that's like selling air, very profitable in the future, probably wouldn't work here, better to start selling… Say, protection, like with what Raynare already doping.
But then I'd quickly enough run into the problem that I just wouldn't have enough strong Nazarick creatures left to cover everyone at once. Demiurge can cover the church from an attack by a few dozen creatures like Serafall without difficulty, but if the church is attacked by someone like the Great Red Dragon? Demiurge would at least need the support or a World Class Item to protect the church, and even so, it probably wouldn't end without casualties…
Not to mention the possibility of a multipronged attack – with an expanding business, it would also increase the targets an enemy could attack. Although Demiurge is quite strong in person, he is only one Demon, he cannot appear in three dozen different places at once, and so it is likely to end in casualties on the part of those he couldn't protect.
Those killed could, of course, be resurrected, but that would require the expense of materials to resurrect them. And even then it would be 'compensation' for inadequate service, and such a thing would, in turn, be a blow to my business reputation. Better than not being able to meet my obligations, but still worse than meeting my obligations without problems.
In that case, I need to send help Demiurge's way, at least in the form of a couple dozen creatures above level seventy to protect the church from a decent attack…
And that's just one location.
A dozen or two such locations more, and Nazarick would run out of high level creatures that I can donate without putting Nazarick at risk. Ideally, I would want much more than just a dozen stores in my commercial network, that is, the churches of my religion…
I'd say I need more people, but I can't just walk up to the nearest passerby and suggest he convert to my religion. I need to think about where to get subordinates from, while being loyal and strong enough, by the standards of this world, at least Serafall level, but better, certainly stronger.
My to-do list already seems endless, and yet it just keeps growing.'
'Also that… Mittelt? Remembered the name.' Momonga sighed sadly. 'She noticed Katase kissing me and decided to question me. Apparently this 'god' hasn't done this kind of thing in the past, so I had to make excuses… And all I got out was 'well, it's not the first time', something between trying to justify myself and bragging, because a day ago I had sex for the first time in my life. And just had my first kiss, what, three days ago? Four? Jesus, it's only been four days, and I'm already swamped with women problems!'
Another suppression of emotion cleared Momonga's mind once more, allowing him to cover his eyes in embarrassment as he continued forward, not even paying attention to the pleasant twilight and nature around him.
'Isn't this punishment for declaring myself a god? In YGGDRASIL, the gods came in various levels of power, but in this world they could be really powerful. Was it some kind of curse or something like that affecting my luck? If only I could find whoever set up such a thing, I'd spend a lot of energy and time getting decent revenge on such an opponent many times before… Even if they're stronger in direct combat against me, which was often true in YGGDRASIL, I have quite a few different trump cards up my sleeve. One of them, [Goal of All Life Is Death] has almost fully recharged, only six hours left, and then I can go out and just kill someone, no fuss, just to relieve some stress.'
Chuckling at the ridiculous thought, Momonga dismissed the idle thought away.
'Never mind it being a complete waste – with my cursed luck, and with the current situation, I wouldn't be surprised if the random person I killed would be some big shot or something, giving me more headaches. I'll probably kill someone important, or attract attention, or have to pretend to be a god, or a false god and everything will end up falling apart even more than at the moment… Hah, even my mental toughness as an undead has its limit!'
Finally, making his way to Miki's house, which Momonga was already used to thinking of as his own, Momonga opened the door and entered, taking off his street shoes in the foyer. In the past world almost everyone did this, given the contaminated dust clinging on shoes, unless you want to contract some novel form of cancer, you keep the outside the best you can.
Momonga was glad that he didn't have to change some of his habits in this world, as he sucked in the pleasantly scented air, he instantly felt a little of his mental stamina return to him. 'Huh, Miki's cooking something, a little bit of home taste is definitely what the doctor ordered…'
Momonga walked into the kitchen a moment later, looking around only to see Miki busying around the stove, Pandora's Actor silently studying some magazine… And Albedo and Shalltear, casting embittered glances at each other.
Momonga silently cursed the unknown god that had jinxed his luck.
A moment later, as soon as Momonga appeared on the threshold, all four interrupted what they were doing instantly, kneeling down on one knee before greeting him in unison.
"Greetings, Lord Momonga."
"Umu," Momonga, not even wasting energy in surprise, merely nodded slowly. "Rise and return to your deeds."
Momonga then made his way to the table, watching as Pandora's Actor returned to reading the magazine, Albedo and Shalltear were instantly beside him, and Miki, placing food in front of him… And then kneeled down next to his leg with her head on his lap, just as she had been doing this morning.
'Umu, in contrast along with everything that's been happening to me this morning, this doesn't even seem that unusual. Why am I already used to the fact that she's sitting at my feet' Momonga noted mentally how easily he went along with the situation. 'Genjiro said something like that – De-sen-si-ti-vi-sa-ti-on, and so quickly too… I wonder if I'm just that kind of person, just going along with whatever situation came my way – I have a lot of practice there at least.'
A moment later, Momonga felt someone nestle against his leg on the opposite side. But unlike Miki, who had only pressed their cheek, the other person rested their whole head on his leg, touching the inside of his thigh with her chin – dangerously close to his groin.
Momonga shifted his gaze to the one who had come so close and dangerously close to his dignity, to discover Shalltear's face, half composed of lust and half… Of even more lust.
'Perhaps Albedo is less of a succubus than Shalltear… somehow – I blame you for this, Peroroncino.' Momonga ran his gaze over the young vampire's beautiful face, her pale face, silver hair framing her neat features, its pallor accentuating her red, blood-colored eyes… And her cat ears.
Momonga shifted his gaze to the cat ears that he had somehow not noticed when entering the room, then blinked. He then tried his best to determine if they were real or if even his undead mind, protected from all mental influences, had finally given up and started seeing hallucinations.
The small cat's ear twitched slightly, as if reflexively, but before he could admit to himself that his mind had failed, Momonga used a spell to check – [Silent Magic: All Appraisal Magic Item].
After a moment, Momonga was able to sigh in relief a little, his mind didn't just start seeing things that were not there. 'Peroroncino, of course, you damn pervert! A cosmetic object [Neko-ears for Shalltear], who else but him would dare to spend so much effort and valuable [Data-Crystals] to create such a thing… Huh, thinking about it, Peroroncino has repeatedly boasted that he would create his 'most perfect waifu!', and given that he had created a total of, how much? Dozens or even hundreds of different outfits, seemingly lifelike cosmetic items for Shalltear, 'neko-ears' are probably the most innocuous thing he could think of…'
Shivering as he recalled the bio he had read out of curiosity, Momonga was glad that it was not one of the more 'fetishistic' ones.
'Um, and considering that the fetishes he didn't give Shalltear can be counted on the fingers of one hand, I myself can only recall 'cheating' because, quote, 'a waifu must be faithful!'… That is only the 'waifu' needed to be faithful, Shalltear has also a fetish of being cheated on because, quote, 'a waifu is everyone's private business, stay out of my fetishes!'. Considering all that, she's probably just happy to be sitting on my lap like a pet right now… Maybe she even wanted something like that in the first place, it didn't even have to do to her, whatever I did to Miki.'
Momonga felt a nice soft pressure on his shoulders a moment later, then heard Albedo's voice, quiet, tickling his ear a little, and more than a 'little' tickling his insides, causing his body to react in the most expected way. "How was your day, Master?"
'Am I in Heaven or Hell?' Momonga thought for a second before he put his hands down, stopping to struggle with a completely ridiculous reality, deciding to do what he'd been doing all along. Treat everything calmly and pretend that what was happening was completely normal.
"Pretty good…"
***
When Shalltear Bloodfallen heard that Lord Momonga, Lord of all Nazarick, the Last of Supreme Beings, had gone to battle, Shalltear was delighted. The opportunity to watch Lord Momonga fight does not come every day, and yet, at the same time, she was frightened, deathly so. How wouldn't she?
Was the situation so dangerous that it demanded Lord Momonga's personal intervention?
And, of course, as much as it might be taken as treason, she was frightened because of the danger that the battle might bring to Lord Momonga.
Shalltear did not doubt the power of her Lord, even as she was aware, as any true servant of the Supreme Beings', of their indescribable power and strength beyond understanding for mere creatures like her, she still feared. That is 'mere' compared to the Supreme Beings, of course. It was simply her loyalty, where a worm of doubt and fear for the life of the Last of the Supreme Beings, the one whom Shalltear had sworn eternal and absolute allegiance, existed.
Not that it required an oath from her, Shalltear could not fail to appreciate the gesture of the power and majesty of the Supreme Being. The strongest, smartest, and most beautiful of all.
After Lord Peroroncino, of course, but in the current situation, Shalltear did not think it was necessary to bring that up.
The battle ended exactly as one would expect, Lord Momonga defeated the enemy, as she would later learn, a Great Red Dragon, and returned with the body of the defeated enemy. His action showed His great love and mercy even to the defeated enemy – honoring him as it served as a stepping stone to Lord Momonga's ascendancy.
Shalltear did not know exactly what ability Lord Momonga had used or for what purpose He had sacrificed the red dragon's body, but Shalltear had no doubt that Lord Momonga had done absolutely the right thing.
And, as might be expected, Lord Momonga had once again exceeded all expectations.
The vanished dragon's body was soon replaced only hours later by the body of another red dragon, defeated within moments of its appearance, of course, whose body then honored as material in the treasury of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
No, Shalltear certainly knew without a doubt that Lord Momonga was the Greatest of the Supreme Beings, but the opportunity to behold how magnificent He really was? It certainly allowed Shalltear to assuage her doubts and fears about Lord Momonga's possible opponent – how could anyone compare to the untainted splendor of the Supreme Being?
That's why when Shalltear Bloodfallen heard that Lord Momonga had departed with His creation, Pandora's Actor, whose existence Shalltear knew but had never seen in person, to the human world, for some unknown reason called Earth. 'Earth,' who ever thought of such a name? Why not call this world 'Dirt' or 'Dump?' It's pretty much the same thing – although, quite an appropriate name when you think about it, garbage should be in the Dumpster and worms should be cowering in 'Earth'.
Have humans, of all possible races, really shown their understanding regarding their position in the food chain?
What was Shalltear thinking about again… Ah yes, when Lord Momonga departed for Earth, Shalltear was sad not to be able to be in the same world as her Lord, but she was not too upset. As Guardian of the First, Second, and Third Floor, Shalltear Bloodfallen was blessed with the sacred duties of being the first shield to any possible invasion of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Alongside being the sword to punish any idiot who dared trespass on the sanctified grounds of the Supreme Beings.
Shalltear spent most of her time on patrol in her small fiefdom, devoting the little free time she had to bathing, entertaining her harem of Vampire Brides, or touring the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Her whole time abiding in that sublime state of joy available only to creatures of the Supreme Beings, blessed with understanding, awareness, and work…
However, according to Nigredo's reports, there was only the inhospitable void for thousands of kilometers around the Great Tomb of Nazarick. And given the fact that Nazarick itself was protected from teleportation directly inside, this implied that an attack on Nazarick was virtually impossible, making her role virtually needless.
Nigredo did state she spotted something unusual several thousand kilometers from Nazarick, a strange flicker of colors and shapes. But even that anomaly was not showing any movement approaching Nazarick at the moment.
Something which in turn meant that Shalltear Bloodfallen, while carrying out her sacred service, was denied the opportunity to prove herself in combat by showing Lord Momonga her usefulness and demonstrating her strength and skills to Him.
Certainly, Shalltear Bloodfallen would have traded any such opportunity to keep the abomination of the outside world out of Nazarick, preventing them from defiling the Sanctuary of the Forty-One with their presence. But, with no opportunity to prove herself as a loyal servant to Lord Momonga, Shalltear could not advance in her fight against Albedo.
The fight for Lord Momonga's heart…
Shalltear certainly had absolutely no problem with Lord Momonga having a large harem. Even more so, ten, a hundred, or a million heated naked bodies of girls desiring her Lord seemed more than an arousing picture to her.
But, when it came to the first wife's cherished place, such erotic images gave way to aspiration.
Lord Momonga could have, no, He should have, unless, of course, He wished otherwise, a multitude of wives, concubines, mistresses, sex slaves, playthings, pets, and maybe she could even… Um, Shalltear was getting off-topic again.
Lord Momonga may have had many women, but, unless Lord Momonga heralds otherwise, only one first wife. And here, Shalltear was not about to yield to Albedo – even if the latter outranked her in rank as Head of the Floor Guardians.
Her rank meant nothing in such a matter, unless Lord Momonga indicated otherwise, of course.
And so, when Albedo suddenly appeared on her floor, a wide, smug, smile on her face, Shalltear knew that the following news would not please her at all. Shalltear wasn't the smartest, nor did she possess any prophetic powers, but she was one hundred percent right with that assumption.
Albedo had only appeared on her floor once before, when she had relayed Lord Momonga's order for a general meeting on the Sixth Floor. That was a few days ago, when Nazarick had left its previous location in the marshes of Helheim.
And so, it didn't take great intelligence to know that her appearance again, after so little time, carried news of incredible importance… And what news it was!
Shalltear realized everything the moment she saw Albedo hovering above the floor, literally. It was extremely rare for Albedo to use her wings to fly, in fact, Shalltear could not remember a moment at all when she had heard of such a thing.
And the fact that Albedo was soaring at the moment meant only one thing.
Shalltear understood it all by one look, the confident look and the arrogant smile on Albedo's face, but Albedo just had to say those very words.
"Lord Momonga has bestowed His love upon me."
If [Blood Frenzy] could happen by any other method than blood, Shalltear would have activated it at that moment…
Not seeking to kill Albedo, of course, killing any creature created by the Supreme Beings was not allowed – she simply wanted to destroy her room.
Okay, maybe she wanted to punch Albedo some – her emotion was simply that out of sorts.
But before she could even swing once, she was stopped dead in a simple sentence by Albedo.
"Oh, and how would Lord Momonga feel if you were to attack his First Wife?"
Such a thought caused Shalltear, already pale due to her vampire race and the appearance bestowed upon her by her Creator, to retreat in horror, and at the same time to grasp the only saving thought. If Shalltear had indeed dared to attack Lord Momonga's first wife, she would instantly repent her sins to her Lord and commit suicide if in His great mercy He had granted her the right to do so.
So, the fact that she was not chastised or censured yet, only means one thing.
Yes, Lord Momonga bestowed physical intimacy on Albedo, but did He declare her His first wife?
To Shalltear's great pleasure, as soon as she asked, Albedo's smug face immediately fell.
No formal decision had been made by Lord Momonga – Shalltear could almost whoop in joy.
And while it is true that Albedo's intimacy and her progress with Lord Momonga were tremendous, it opened a path for Shalltear, an opportunity for her to seize.
That's why she immediately departed for Lord Momonga's abode on Earth, using the excuse of the need to strengthen Lord Momonga's defenses. But of course the big-mouthed gorilla had to intervene and declare that her duty as the first wife was to be by her Husband's side at all times and everywhere!
And then, as if on purpose, most likely on purpose, to twist the knife in Shalltear's wound further to say that she wished to be by her Master's side. Albedo knew exactly what Shalltear wanted to call Lord Momonga and what she dreamed of when she spent the days and nights with her harem of Vampire Brides – and Albedo couldn't help but trample on Shalltear's dreams!
But still, no matter how she looked at it, the situation didn't look too good as it was. Shalltear was far behind Albedo in terms of accomplishments on her love front, and so was forced to make concessions. So she had to go with Albedo to a house that, as Pandora's Actor reported, turned out to be Lord Momonga's abode on Earth…
To be confronted in it by a female human.
Fortunately, before Albedo or Shalltear would commit the unforgivable act of destroying the woman for daring to dwell in Lord Momonga's residence, poisoning His habitat with her presence, Pandora's Actor informed them of the necessary and extremely important information. That Miki Hyoudou was to play the role of the adoptive mother of Lord Momonga in this world – and more importantly, as His chosen pet and object of care.
Needless to say, it caused considerable confusion among the two candidates for the role of Lord Momonga's first wife. Here they were, fighting for the coveted position as First Wife, only to have another, almost equally coveted position, snapped from under them.
The position of Lord Momonga's personal pet was incredibly coveted within the Great Tomb of Nazarick. And if the possibility arose that Lord Momonga was looking for one, all of Nazarick's denizens would have fought to the death for the right to be His pet. Yes, even the first level maids, who had no chance of winning.
To learn that a creature of this level, much less a human, was given this honor was… More than unusual, puzzling even.
Shalltear was more deserving of that role than some human! Even if this 'Miki' person didn't look that bad. What was the proper title that Lord Peroroncino used again, um, 'meelf'? Anyway, how could this human snatched that position away, it was pretty much made for her!
Of course, Albedo disagreed with her arguments, and the both of them got into another argument.
Something which almost caused them to miss the moment Lord Momonga appeared in the house!
Fortunately, Shalltear managed to get herself together in time, falling down on one knee in front of Lord Momonga to show the proper respect the Supreme One deserves. Lord Momonga in his benevolence decided to ignore their squabble, and not punish them for falling to greet Him immediately, allowing them to return to their duties – that is, serving Lord Momonga.
Shalltear was somewhat jealous that some human woman was given such an enviable and coveted place as Lord Momonga's pet, but Shalltear had something that Miki didn't. Cosmetic items bestowed by Lord Peroroncino!
Besides, Miki clearly worked for very different fetishes, the 'meelf' and 'adoptive mother', while Shalltear could use the 'lolee', and, if Lord Momonga prefers it, 'daughter'.
But here, too, Albedo had to get her gorilla self in the way. When Shalltear took a seat at Lord Momonga's feet, inwardly smiling at the fact that Albedo could not, the big-mouthed gorilla only threw back an arrogant smirk at Shalltear. She was acting as if not upset at her inability to sit at their Lord's feet – well, Shalltear would get an answer to Albedo's plan.
The gorilla pressed her mounds of useless fat against Lord Momonga's back and began to talk with Him in a half whisper!
Shalltear wanted to bite her nails, and she wanted to bite Albedo's head off even more. They might be able to share Lord Momonga's bed together in the future, but until Lord Momonga chooses one of them as first wife, there will be no peace between them!
Fortunately for Shalltear, Lord Momonga was not seduced by Albedo's charm, unfortunately for Shalltear, it seems, neither was he seduced by hers. Instead, He just ate calmly giving compliments to the chef – and much to Shalltear's dismay, Miki cooked the meal for Him.
Shalltear was disgusted that Lord Momonga was forced to choke on a low-level human's food, having decided to show mercy to His pet. But she didn't dare gainsay her Lord's decision either, so she hoped that at least Miki's food wasn't disgusting to her Lord's taste.
Lunch continued for another dozen minutes, during which time Shalltear kept her head on Lord Momonga's thigh, occasionally rubbing her face against His august body. She could only praise her Creator's foreknowledge, all her knowledge on how to act as a pet were all thanks to Lord Peroroncino, so she knows more on this matter than Miki or Albedo. Occasionally, she would be rewarded for her actions with a pat on the head, which made Shalltear purr involuntarily, now getting into her role as a pet.
Eventually, however, when Lord Momonga had finished eating and set His cutlery aside, He rose from His seat – and as she looked with one eye to see that Miki did not shame her part of being Lord Momonga's pet. Miki behaved quite well, stepping aside at just the right moment, as did Albedo, allowing Lord Momonga to leave the table without any of them blocking his way.
As Lord Momonga stood up. He looked at Albedo, asking her an unexpected question,- "Albedo, umu… Aren't you confused by what's happening?"
"Is something happening, Master?" Albedo had not been given the right to be His pet, so how dare she address Lord Momonga in such a manner?!
"Umu, I see." Lord Momonga nodded slowly before He glanced at Albedo again, looking at her with love, and at the same time with an appealing emptiness beyond the comprehension of lower beings in the depths of His eyes. Surely, he was contemplating a hundred thousand incredible plans beyond the understanding of the lower creatures.
"And we… Umu, do you think that we are in a relationship? I mean, romantically?"
Shalltear nearly flinched hearing these words, as she watched Albedo's eternally polite smile trembled slightly. Albedo was in a romantic relationship with Lord Momonga by right of the Supreme Being, if the Supreme Being decided that they were in a relationship, they were, and if the Supreme Being decided otherwise, then they were not.
Lord Momonga's next words would decide who would win the position of First Wife, Shallterar could barely hold herself together – it was so soon!
"Do You not wish for a romantic relationship with me, Lord Momonga?"
"No! I mean, umu…" Lord Momonga said, causing Shalltear to blink in surprise for a moment, could her Lord really allow himself to be led astray in His thoughts, or was this all an act serving an entirely different purpose?
"I'd like to be in a relationship with you, if that's what you want…"
"YES!" Albedo shouted so loudly that Shalltear wondered for a moment if she'd done her some sonic damage – although Shalltear understood that reaction. She too would be reacting the same way. "If that's what you want, then I'll sacrifice everything for what…"
Shalltear had lost. But before she could wallow in despair, Lord Momonga Showed his benevolence again.
"Umu, enough," Lord Momonga said calmly, before nodding slowly. "And suppose I, umu, che… I mean, specifically, have sex with another girl at this moment?"
Albedo silently continued to await Lord Momonga's question, just like Shalltear was, listening intently to Lord Momonga's words.
However, after a few seconds, Lord Momonga did not continue His question. And although Shalltear was not as intelligent as Albedo, by her Maker's decision, even Albedo, judging by her slightly furrowed brow, tried to unravel the mystery of Lord Momonga's question. Before, after a few seconds, giving up, her head bowed, afraid of seeing the disappointment in Lord Momonga's eyes.
"Pardon me, Lord Momonga, but I cannot understand your question…"
"If I had sex with another girl, what would be your reaction to that?" Lord Momonga again asked a question that made no sense from Shalltear's point of view. Although it was only Shalltear's point of view, as she could not comprehend the depth of Lord Momonga's plans.
"Do I have to have a reaction?" Albedo answered Lord Momonga's question with a bit of surprise, before she recoiled, realizing that she had asked Lord Momonga a question at a time when she should have been answering. "I beg your pardon, Master…"
"Oh, I see," Lord Momonga only interrupted Albedo's excuses with his next question, "Would you like to have sex with another partner?"
After a moment, Shalltear saw Albedo's smile fade before she answered – the thought of another man, or woman, touching her also caused Shalltear to recoil. Of course, her Vampire Brides were another matter – as Lord Peroroncino says 'Girls on girls are just hot, and not cheating!'. Besides, they were only toys.
But, if Lord Momonga were to order it, she would abide as a matter of course.
"If it pleases you…" Shalltear understood Albedo – wives in the same harem belonging to one man might well have fun with each other, but intimacy with another man while belonging to another was one of the few things that Shalltear didn't find sexy… Netorare is a shitty fetish! As Lord Peroroncino would say.
"No, it's not." Lord Momonga spoke out, instantly interrupting these thoughts, causing Shalltear to exhale slightly, relieved, although she didn't need to breathe at all.
"But, umu… So, you're okay for me to have sex with anyone, while forbidding you to do the same?"
Albedo thought for a moment, trying to hear the question with Shalltear, both confused at the question. Before, realizing after a second of reflection that, a similar question was already asked before, and so, the same answer should suffice.
"Everything in this world rightfully belongs to You, those who own anything own it only by Your grace. It's the only natural order of things."
Shalltear nodded, agreeing, feeling a complex emotion all the while, somewhat relieved at being asked such an easy question, and yet still worried that it was actually a trick question.
"Oh, I see," Lord Momonga nodded before turning his gaze to Shalltear, who had not risen from her knees all this time, making her inwardly wince. Had it actually been a trick question? Has she failed?
"Shalltear, do you think so too?"
"Absolutely, Lord Momonga." Shalltear might have been embarrassed by the simplicity of the question and the request to confirm Albedo's answer. But the answer was so simple, so self-evident and natural, that it was not even a question, just a fact of life.
"Umu, and does everyone in Nazarick think the same?" Lord Momonga asked the question again, a third time, causing Shalltear and Albedo to nod in unison.
"Miki?" Lord Momonga suddenly turned His attention to His pet of honor, causing Shalltear to perk up her ears slightly, the slightest insult on her part would leave a stain on her reputation forever to the denizen of Nazarick.
"If there's only one truth in the world, it's this one." Miki, however, to Shalltear's surprise, answered correctly, as if she really was aware of the truth in this world.
'Hmm, maybe I was being too harsh on her? Are there really Humans that are not all dirt-eating heretics?'
"Oh, I see, I think I get it." Lord Momonga nodded once again, coming to some incredible conclusion in his deep thoughts, before asking another easy question.
"In that case… Albedo, Shalltear, why exactly did you show up here?"
"It is the duty of a wife to help her husband, and the duty of a dog to follow its Master."
Albedo strode over to Shalltear's side again – though why was she the only one not on her knees before Lord Momonga this whole time!?
"To be of service to you and to have sex with you." Shalltear couldn't beat Albedo's eloquence, but she could use her two chief advantage! Openness and directness.
Shalltear smirked slyly at the angry look that Albedo threw her, unhappy that Shalltear had managed to outdo her in some way, before Lord Momonga spoke again. Though, for some reason, Lord Momonga had some strange expression on his face as He looked at Shalltear.
"Ok… In that case, you can have the house, but don't leave it, and I… Umu, I need a shower… No, a bath. A nice cold bath…"
"Alone." Lord Momonga, in His great wisdom, instantly anticipated Shalltear's thoughts, Albedo's and perhaps Miki's, too.
"And don't peek."
At that last order, Shalltear inwardly winced, she'd wanted to…
But an order was an order.