course, proper clothes meant her maid clothes.

Wearing maid clothes. It was not an overstatement to say that as a battle maid, this was the uniform one should wear.

Exchanging greetings with the other battle maids, Yuri and Lupusregina, Narberal went down to the 9th Floor.

What greeted Narberal when she came down to her master’s room to report were several individuals. Apart from the owner of the room, it was the first time so many people had came to the room.

The first on the list were the Guardians Shalltear and Aura, followed by the Chief Librarian, Titus Annaeus Secundus. And a mostly naked female demon with bat wings were assembled in front of Ainz. She was probably Demiurge’s subordinate.

Behind the sitting Ainz was the head maid Pestonya and two powerless maids. The existences on the ceiling were exempted from the count.

Narberal instantly looked around the room, understood and was about to lower her head. However, Ainz was faster and stopped her.

“Welcome back, Narberal. I was thinking of hearing your report later. Line up first.”

“Ha, understood.”

Ainz turned perpendicular to his table, and pointed at the head of the line. Narberal deeply lowered her head, and stood next to Aura.

“Now, Chief Librarian. How was the combination result of the parchment Demiurge got?”

“Yes. The results are that it can hold a first to third tier magic with no problems, but anything highers fails.”

“I see...However, this solves the problem of making low level scrolls.”

“Yes, there are currently no problems, and so I believe it will be the correct decision.”

“You worked hard, Chief Librarian.” Ainz’s gaze moved, and faced the prostrating demon.

“You worked hard as well. Tell Demiurge he did well.”

“Understood.”

“Now, about the parchment Demiurge discovered. This is different from what is normally used right? What type of sheep was this taken from?”

“Aberion Tar.”

Receiving the instant reply from the demon, Ainz’s eyes sparkled, and nodded several times.

“Hmm. I see...Aberion Tar...Does it have any special abilities?”

“It is a simple animal from the tar race. I believe it does not have any special abilities.”

“I see, got it.”

With an expression as if he understood everything, Ainz ended the topic. But, Ainz himself knew that he could not have known about this species of sheep, Aberion Tar. A question mark remained in his heart.

It should not be a problem as it would be a little embarrassing for him to reveal his cluelessness in front of his subordinate. Although he might not have known this species of sheep, he considered that since this task was given to Demiurge, there should not be any problem.

To not let others notice this, he looked at the surrounding subordinates.

Ainz is all knowing, that is what was in every one of his subordinate’s thinking. Honestly, please let me go. Ainz was only acting all regal and absolute. His non-existent stomach began to hurt.

Ainz personally wanted a subordinate that was not instantly ‘As expected of Ainz-sama’, could notice that he did not know, ask about the object and indirectly teach Ainz. However, there was no such subordinate in Nazarick.

As the price for their absolute loyalty, a smart mind was almost non-existent. Likely, he had to rely on Demiurge to figure out something...

Ainz sighed quietly. He then turned towards the female demon.

“For that Tar, you have to be careful when raising it. If they go extinct, it would be hard to obtain another source of scrolls.”

“Understood. I will relay this message to Demiurge-sama.”

Ainz nodded. He then raised his hand to wave at the succubus to convey his message. The demon once again bowed deeply before leaving the room quietly.

“Then, next, I shall hear Narberal’s report.”

“I obey.”

Narberal from where she stood earlier, took the spot that the succubus previously occupied somewhere not far from Ainz’s desk, a place where the person who was sitting could still see an entire kneeling figure. She then began her report.

Ainz quietly listened to all the details in Narberal’s promotion examination. The report was detailing what he already knew. However, he did not interrupt Narberal, displaying a clueless demeanor.

As she reached the end of the report. He raised his voice as he laughed.

“I see. It should not matter. Drinking a glass or two of celebratory wine. If you are equipped with any anti-poison equipment, you won’t be able to get drunk you know.”

“But...”

“They’re trying to get some information on our end, hoping to forge a connection. You have to be careful of the former. About the latter, we prefer to avoid them if possible. Of course, I do not want to force you if you do not like it.”

“Understood, Ainz-sama. I hoped to be treated well by them.”

“I’ll leave it to you, Narberal. But, remember not to kill those people on a whim? Those people are those that hold power within that city.”

“There’s no problem, Ainz-sama. I am beginning to learn more about human society. Now, I’ more confident than before.”

Ainz was observing Narberal closely before moving his gaze away and replying mildly.

“...Is it? If you are feeling like it, then let’s proceed with this...”

“Yes!”

Narberal’s was filled with confidence. Her eyes were squinted as if looking at a dazzling Ainz.

“Then, has the report ended?”

“Yes! Ah! There’s one more thing. But there’s nothing impressive about it. Just that it is a curious new artefact obtained when adventuring in the city. I hope you will find it to your satisfaction, Ainz-sama.”

“Oh?”

Narberal took out a leather pouch from her sleeves. Seeing that, Pestonya gave a directive to the maid standing beside her. The maid was carrying a silver tray as she approached Narberal. However, she was motioned to stop by Ainz with a raised hand gesture.

“I do not mind. Narberal. Bring it over here.”

“Yes.”

Barely able to suppress the bursting happiness in her heart, the blushing Narberal stood up.

In the proper way, a third party was suppose to retrieve the item before delivering it to Ainz. Like before, although the previous visitor was Demiurge’s underling, she also placed the contents she brought on top of the silver tray, carried by the maid standing behind her. The scrolls were then delivered into Ainz’s hand. However, if he disregarded the steps before, he was hinting to the others nearby about Narberal’s position and the level of trust placed on her.

In other words, at this moment, Narberal was as if told by Ainz, ‘I trust you, bring it over.’ Several pairs of envious eyes were directed at her. However Narberal did not take notice of it.

That is because she heard the words, ‘I am your creator. For I am the representative of all the supreme beings. Towards the maid who devoted all her loyalty, Narberal. I shall be generous with my trust. Originally this is not something permissible. But I shall allow this to be delivered to my side, the supreme existence. I shall overlook you for giving me this insignificant object.’

Just like leaping, Narberal arrived at Ainz’s desk. She carefully placed the sack there.

She cared not for the contents but the act was a mark of highest respect towards her master.

Seeing that she returned to her original position, Ainz withdrew a black pearl from it, placing it on his palm before examining the pearl by turning it around. He then activated his magic.

<All Appraisal Magic Item>

“Wow. This is rare.”

Ainz nodded as if moved.

“Similar to a Level 40 item.... Hmm...Within our own Nazarick, the item level is around Level 80. The levels of those placed within the treasure vault are higher. In contrast, it seems that we do not have any Level 40 items. My collector’s soul is fired up. Furthermore, an Intelligent Item?”

Ainz spoke quietly to himself. He tilted his head as he did not hear anything. As if convinced about something he nodded several times.

“Narberal, this an amazing gift.”

“Ha! Thank you very much!”

“For this job, I have to give something in return. First, since I received a Level 40 Magic Item, I will give you Iluan Graybell. And more rewards will follow.”

“Thank you very much!”

Several people faced Narberal with envious gazes. The one with the strongest was Shalltear, and the weakest one was Aura.

“Now, how to make this item speak. Well there are more important things to do, I should first place this in the treasury.”

At that whisper, Ainz was about to place the pearl on the table—

—Please wait, the great Lord of Death.

Ainz stopped his movements. He was surprised at the voice he heard for the first time. However, all of his subordinates looked at Ainz’s hand, and understood who spoke.

“Hmm. An Intelligent Item.”

Ainz lifted the pearl in his hand, in front of his eyes, examining it closely. But there was no sign of any ability to talk. What is going on? Ainz thought. Or should I start with this?

“I allow you to speak.”

—My gratitude. The Great Lord of Death.

The guess was correct. Ainz refocused his attention on the talking pearl. At that moment, the voices of Shalltear and Aura drifted into Ainz’s ear, expressing that the word ‘Supreme’ should be added after ‘Great’. Their quiet voice questioned whether the Pearl overlooked it.

—Firstly, please let this one express its sincerest respect and worship for the supreme ones deathly aura.

“Well, you are forgiven.”

—My gratitude. In this world, there’s nothing else stronger than death. To be able to meet such a supreme existence, this one is grateful for all the death in this world.

Ainz felt that the flattery was excessive, as if a sudden itch appeared at his back, he straightened his back.

“Other than this, what else do you have to say?”

—Yes, this one regrets its own blasphemous outburst. Please I beseech the great one to help this one achieve its dreams.

“What is the matter?”

—Yes, all this while, this one thought that spreading death in this world was the sole purpose for this ones existence. However, after meeting thy, the Supreme King of Death, this one was enlightened.

“Hmm?”

—I was born into this world to serve you.

“...Oh”

—O’ Great King of Death, please receive this ones pledge of fealty. For this one hopes to be one of thine loyal subjects. Please grant me a place at your side.

If the pearl possessed a head, it would be bowing now. It sounded serious with its request. Ainz placed his left fist by the side of his mouth as he began to think. The pros and cons of accepting him as a subordinate, and whether itself could be trusted.

The Supreme King of Death finally decided.

Narberal herself joined in, ignoring the loud chatters of Shalltear and Aura.

“....Good. Shalltear!”

“Ha!”

“I’ll give this to you. The item’s ability to control the undead is suited for you.”

However, Shalltear only displayed a rather apologetic expression. She asked Ainz.

“......My apologies. I am truly happy that Ainz-sama is bestowing a magical item to me. But for a Level 40 magical item would be damaged by my [Destruction of Low Level Item] curse due to my ability as a Cursed Caster and Cursed Knight.”

“Hmm...True. I will give this to you, Narberal.”

“Eh? Can I?”

“Small matter, this is something that you obtained. Use it when the occasion calls for it. Just like the iron gauntlet, think of it as I am lending it to you.”

“Yes!”

“It matters not?”

—I have no objection nor rebuttal on this matter. I only hear and obey.

“...What would you like to be called?”

—The name does not matter, o’ great undead king.

“...If you insist, then I shall call you the Pearl of Death in lieu of the magic you possessed.”

Ainz lifted the pearl in Narberal’s direction.

“Narberal, take this.”

The flying orb drew a parabola as it was thrown, as if falling into a predetermined position, Narberal’s hand.

“Then, Narberal, is this all you want to report?”

“Yes!”

“Is it, Narberal? You may excuse yourself. For any future intelligence, I will leave it to you.”

“As ordered!”

Narberal exited the room. After the door closed behind her, she heaved a big sigh as if she was emptying all the air remaining in her lungs. She slumped her back and her limbs appeared lethargic.

If someone was to put a title on that posture, it would be ‘Freed from Tension’.

If the one standing at the Pinnacle of Nazarick, the last remaining supreme being, Ainz was to be perceived as someone arrogant. It would be be difficult not to feel nervous, standing in front of a being whom they dedicated their all.

During that moment, being praised greatly moved Narberal who felt as if she was soaring through the sky.

With her tension released, Narberal immersed herself in that happy memory of being praised. One of her hands was holding onto a throbbing pearl.

—Narberal-sama, for not knowing your loyalty towards such a great person, please forgive this one for his previous ranting.

Narberal was slightly uneased by the pearl, which repeatedly praised Ainz after it regain its self-semblance. However, that unease disappeared as it came.

“Well, if you did not grasp the greatness of Ainz-sama, take a look, left and right in order to understand your surroundings.

—Truly grateful.

Narberal was overlooking the pearl on her hand. She was trying to figure out where to put the pearl in terms of hierarchy within Nazarick.

Ainz did not say anything on this. Was it ok to place him at a position similar to someone directly created by the 41 Supreme Beings? This was a rather tough question. Now then, who should she ask for guidance.

—Narberal-sama, as a servant to the great Ainz-sama, please use me. I will be in your care.

“Understood, then I shall enlighten you about the hierarchy within Nazarick itself.

As Narberal spoke, she was displaying a rather proud-look.