Chapter 6
Before Genji could take a step forward, Demiurge had already arrived by his side.
Seeing that terrifying face adorned with traitorous glasses, Genji would have thought he was a traitor if he hadn't known better in advance. It was quite a paradox that someone with such a face turned out to be one of the most loyal among the guardians.
"Hmm, I plan to check the situation nearby," Genji replied without hesitation.
Demiurge gently adjusted his glasses and cautiously said, "Would you mind if I accompany you, my lord?"
???
Of course, he minded! Not only did this situation prevent him from freely taking it easy, but even interactions with others became a challenge; one misstep, and he could be forced into world domination.
"Why? I have confidence in my own strength," Demiurge's expression suddenly shifted to one of panic as he hurriedly explained, "I'm not questioning your abilities, my lord; I just can't stand the thought of you being alone."
Oh, I see.
"Cough, how about this: I'll have Leticiel come with me. Does that work for you?"
With that, Genji vanished from the spot. After all, he could set up Leticiel according to his preferences without worrying too much. Besides, it was a good opportunity to cultivate their relationship.
Demiurge watched the fading figure and finally began to relax.
Soon, Genji returned with Leticiel at his side.
"Now, this should be fine," he said.
Demiurge nodded respectfully, "I apologize for interrupting your departure, my lord. I will take my leave now."
"Wait a moment."
Demiurge asked, "Is there something else, my lord?"
Genji looked around, spotting an endless plain. If this continued, they would easily expose themselves.
"Right now, the Great Tomb of Nazarick is exposed on the plain due to its location. Please inform Momonga to expedite the concealment efforts."
"Understood, my lord."
Watching such a loyal subject, it was indeed regrettable that he had never received the ring in the original narrative. Even if he got it later in the side stories, that was far too slow.
Genji produced a ring from thin air and handed it to him.
"Demiurge, this is the 'Ainz Ooal Gown Ring.' With it, you can move freely beneath the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
Demiurge gazed at the ring, deep in thought. Even though he was the smartest among the guardians, he didn't understand what the figure before him was up to.
After all, this was one of the guild's most precious items, one only the 42 Supreme Ones could possess. Why was he revealing it to himself now?
"I'm giving you this ring to facilitate your actions moving forward."
Upon hearing this reason, Demiurge panicked and quickly knelt, refusing, "This ring is meant for the Supreme Ones; I cannot accept it."
"Don't be so polite! Those guys are gone, and there's no use for the extra. It's better to give it to you."
Remembering that the other Supremes had left and never returned made Demiurge even more anxious.
"Even so..."
"Look, Leticiel has one, and there are plenty to spare. It's fine."
It seemed that Demiurge wasn't unwilling to accept it, but rather he felt undeserving.
"How about this: if you accept it, you must dedicate yourself even more to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. How does that sound?"
"No, that's simply what we guardians should do."
"With this ring, your efficiency will increase, saving us all time, won't it?"
"Um…"
"Demiurge, I bestow it upon you in the name of Genji."
Before Demiurge could react, Genji raised his voice deliberately.
Demiurge could sense that the lord's temper was becoming increasingly uncontrollable, and he had no choice but to open his hands to receive it.
"I will do my utmost for the future of the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
Genji nodded in satisfaction.
"Good job, little Di."
He even patted him on the shoulder.
"Leticiel, let's go."
As the two departed, Demiurge slowly lifted his head and stood up.
Looking at the ring in his hand, he pondered deeply. Despite the other guardians leaving one by one, he had stayed behind in the tomb, still believing in the guardians.
"I will give my all."
With that, he put on the ring that Xinyue had bestowed upon him and silently watched the two figures grow distant.
...
On the outskirts of the city.
"My lord, um..."
Since Genji gifted the ring to Demiurge, Leticiel had experienced a subtle change in demeanor.
She kept glancing at her own ring.
Genji sensed this and wondered if giving the ring to Demiurge had caused her displeasure.
"Are you complaining about me giving the ring to Demiurge?"
Leticiel didn't respond directly, but her unease was palpable.
He paused, directing his gaze to the ring in her hand.
"Leticiel, could you lend me that ring for a moment?"
However, she hesitated, reluctant to part with it, though she still resisted, despite feeling somewhat down.
"It's fine; I'll return it to you shortly."
Only after this reassurance did Leticiel reluctantly take off the ring and hand it to Genji.
Taking the ring, Genji removed his own and placed Leticiel's ring onto his fourth finger.
Then, using his reforging skill, he refined his original ring into something more exquisite.
He placed the ring on her fourth finger.
"This ring is unique."
Genji remarked.
Sure enough, upon receiving this "unique" ring, Leticiel broke into a joyful smile.
"By the way, from now on, you don't need to call me my lord in private. You can call me Master."
"Master?"
"Yeah, it's still a title of respect. If you add a cute tone, I might like it even more."
"Master?"