In the Throne Room, all the Great Guardians, including Demiurge, were present. Albedo was attending to the Supreme Beings in place of Sebas, who was out, so she was not there. The dark elf siblings and Shalltear stood respectfully below, and Cocytus was naturally in the lineup.
They stood as if trained, the Guardians in a single row in front, and the servants divided into two rows.
"Greetings to the Supreme Ruler of Nazarick, Lord Ainz Ooal Gown, the Supreme Being Lord Sigris Helausvaerger, and the Guardian Overseer, Lady Albedo."
With the heavy sound of the doors opening, three sets of footsteps echoed one after another.
The Guardians had a guess in their hearts: the crisp sound of a staff hitting the ground was Lord Ainz, the clank of armor on the ground was Lord Sig, and the sound of high heels was Albedo.
"Raise your heads."
With the utmost respect, everyone slowly raised their heads.
Lord Ainz, holding his Staff and radiating a powerful aura, sat on the throne. The person sitting beside him was naturally Sig. He had, for the first time in a while, put on his divine armor that shimmered with starlight, exuding an extremely formidable aura.
As for why he was sitting… don't misunderstand, he certainly wasn't sitting on the throne with Lord Ainz.
It seemed Cocytus had suggested it. He believed that a Supreme Being should not stand like their servants; even if Lord Sig didn't mind, they couldn't pretend not to see it. This received the approval of all the Guardians.
Albedo reported this to Lord Ainz, and he immediately agreed.
Soon, a sufficiently luxurious chair appeared in the Throne Room. It was made of soft leather, perhaps from some magical beast, and exuded a fragrant scent. In terms of comfort, it was far more comfortable than the throne.
Sig actually didn't care at all; with his stamina, he wouldn't feel tired even after standing for days. Sitting or standing made no difference. If Lord Ainz wanted him to sit with him, that was also fine; he had no objections.
He didn't need to say much during the meeting; he just had to watch Lord Ainz perform. This feeling was quite pleasant, except for a certain gaze that seemed to be looking at prey… However, he decided to pretend not to see it.
As the questioning progressed, it quickly came to the main event of the day.
"Cocytus, Lord Ainz has something to say to you."
Albedo stood below the throne, her eyes seemingly suppressing anger. All the Guardians' gazes focused on Cocytus.
The atmosphere suddenly became heavy.
When his name was called, Cocytus actually breathed a sigh of relief. The feeling of being slowly tortured was truly agonizing; finally, it was his turn.
Lord Ainz said coldly, "Cocytus, have you found the reason for your failure?"
"Yes, your subordinate was too shallow in thought and underestimated the strength of the Lizardmen. Defeat is a fact, please grant me death…"
"It's too early to talk about punishment, Cocytus," Sig, who had been silent, spoke up.
"You are all valuable subordinates. Both the Guild Master and I love you. The best reaction after making a mistake is to think about making amends. Anyone who dares to think about suicide as an apology again will not be lightly forgiven."
A stern voice echoed through the hall, yet the Guardians, including the servants, were on the verge of tears.
Cocytus's body trembled slightly. Due to his setting as a warrior, he had great respect for excellent fighters. Lord Sig's actions of keeping his word and his moving words made him feel utterly ashamed.
"Please, Lord Ainz, give your command!"
"I originally intended to annihilate the Lizardmen, but it seems they have some value. Cocytus has praised them highly, and I am considering whether to spare them."
After speaking, Lord Ainz kept watching Cocytus, seemingly observing his reaction.
Sig had already told him in advance about Cocytus's desire to spare the Lizardmen's lives, and he was now confirming this point.
"They are merely low-level creatures, most suitable as corpses for summoning Death Knights. I can't think of any other use for the Lizardmen," Albedo said with a gentle voice, uttering the cruelest words.
Those present seemed to have no objection to this statement, as this was their original plan.
"Please, Lord Ainz, grant me one request."
It was Cocytus who spoke. Demiurge's expression was complex; he wanted to speak but did not.
"Cocytus, as a defeated party, you have no right to make demands. You should understand that, shouldn't you?" Albedo displayed the imposing aura befitting a Guardian Overseer. Cocytus, like a child who had done something wrong, knelt there trembling.
"Perhaps we should listen to Cocytus. He might have his own insights."
Sig spoke at the right moment. He and Lord Ainz shared the same idea about wanting to see the Guardians grow, and they couldn't overly suppress their initiative.
He still felt a bit guilty about making Albedo play the bad guy.
Albedo had already returned to her dignified appearance, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "As you command, your subordinate understands."
Lord Ainz also nodded. "I permit Cocytus to speak."
Ultimately, Cocytus, on the grounds that the Lizardmen were excellent warriors, proposed sparing their lives and not wiping them out.
Lord Ainz was somewhat pleased by this; the compassion Cocytus possessed was extremely rare. Although the correct mindset in Nazarick was not to consider creatures outside of Nazarick as living beings, this was not entirely correct, and he would not be displeased by differing opinions.
With Demiurge's encouragement, it was decided to conduct the Lizardmen ruler experiment, with Cocytus in full charge. This matter came to a close, and the Lizardmen were attacked again the next day to demonstrate Nazarick's power.
Sig stood up, his armor making no noticeable friction sound. He had intended to leave quietly, but this action still drew attention.
Albedo came to his side, gently fluttering her black wings. "Is Lord Sig going back to rest? Your subordinate shall accompany him."
Shalltear came to the other side, smiling lightly. "Who would rest so early? This humble one has learned a new game. Would Lord Sig like to join?"
"Don't lead Lord Sig astray!"
"Hmph, I didn't expect your inner self to be as boring as your exterior!"
"Bitch!"
By this time, Lord Ainz was already about to leave, and Yuri followed behind him, seemingly having planned this for a while.
Sig felt a lot of pressure. Suddenly, he remembered something and called out to Lord Ainz, who was about to make a run for it. "Guild Master, there's still something we need to do. Have you forgotten? It seems we won't have any free time tomorrow either."
Lord Ainz paused, wondering what was so urgent.
Sig smiled. "It's about Pandora. The timing is perfect; let's go together."
"Pandora?"
"It's an NPC created by Lord Ainz…"
Lord Ainz, "!"
To repay kindness with enmity, I never thought you were this kind of person, Sig-san!