"Then, Sig-san, why have you called your subordinate this time? Could it be that those items can finally be put to use? Your subordinate polishes them diligently every day!"
Pandora's exaggerated body movements seemed as if he was about to burst into song, every action a pretense, almost to the point of a kiss.
How lame!
Ainz once again triggered his forced calm. Even if Sig-san was laughing his head off, he found it completely normal, because this was truly a living black history!
He quickly pulled Pandora further away and whispered, "As your creator, don't embarrass me too much. That's my only request!"
"If my Lord wishes it so…"
"Is that German?! Don't talk like that!"
A startled Pandora obediently answered yes, for the first time not using that exaggerated tone.
"Sorry for interrupting, please continue." Ainz cleared his throat and gave Pandora several meaningful glances.
"It's not difficult for you. I hope you can pretend to be me and then fight against Ilay, whom I'll be playing. I'll be equipped with Lucifer's Divine Artifact, so you must take it seriously, too."
Sig-san said with a narrowed-eyed smile, his words serious yet relaxed, creating an atmosphere as if they were long-lost friends.
"Ah, so it is such an important matter. Your subordinate will do his utmost and absolutely live up to Sig-san's expectations!"
Pandora's boots made a crisp clinking sound, and then he saluted again, exuding a 'I'm the coolest' vibe. Sig-san's expression was actually one of gratification?
Ainz was utterly bewildered by this. Any companion would burst out laughing in this situation, and it wasn't that he was targeting anyone; Pandora was simply set up this way by him.
But this was also a good thing. Sig-san always considered his feelings, which was truly touching.
"Then let's go to the mausoleum to get the items, Sig-san." Ainz had a non-existent smile on his face.
"Yes, let's go." Sig-san took off his ring and handed it to Pandora.
Because the mausoleum contained Nazarick's rarest items, and considering that enemies might invade wearing rings, a setting was implemented where anyone wearing an Anz Ul-Gown Ring would be attacked. Taking it off beforehand was clearly the best option.
Pandora held the ring, "This is the Anz Ul-Gown Ring, a precious item of Nazarick…"
Ainz suddenly spoke, "Pandora's Actor, you wait for us here. I'll send you a message once we come out. You should know that you can't leave here without the ring, right?"
Pandora nodded, still a little unsatisfied, and saluted again, "Farewell, Ainz-sama, Sig-sama."
Walking in the dim room, Sig-san slowly began, "Guildmaster, you shouldn't be so strict with Pandora. Although your own child won't resent you for it, it's not good in the long run."
Ainz had wanted to ask for a long time, and with only the two of them, he couldn't hold back, "Don't you want to laugh when you see Pandora? You seem very familiar with him."
"To be precise, I'm very familiar with the Treasury. Although Pandora didn't used to speak proactively, I have a deep impression of him because I often encountered him, and…"
Sig-san finally broke into a happy smile. He had held it in for quite a while, almost to the point of internal injury, and laughed while clutching his stomach, "Pfft! I can't mock you in front of him."
"Sig-san, you're really a terrible person. I thought…"
"Oh? Thought what?"
Sig-san's expression changed in an instant, and he looked seriously at the expressionless skull face, as if trying to discern his true thoughts.
"Nothing."
Ainz naturally refused to say it, and the two of them happened to reach the place where the armed statues were displayed, immediately changing the subject, "These are undead avatars made to simulate everyone's appearance. They don't look exactly like them, I wonder if you can recognize them."
"I can guess just by looking at the items. Don't ask such simple questions."
Sig-san glanced over, almost all familiar faces. Although they didn't look exactly alike, they truly captured the essence, "Then, is mine in that spot?"
He pointed to the empty spot in the corner, and Ainz nodded, enthusiastically stating, "Mine is next to it, and Herohero-san's is over there."
Following his gaze, there were indeed only four empty spots left.
Sig-san walked to Lucifer's statue and reached out to use Equipment Stripping. A full set of Divine Equipment appeared in his hand. One piece was a pure white robe with a golden cross pattern, and the other was a matching black ribbon with gold patterns that would naturally drape when equipped.
His choice to equip this Divine Artifact was not a sudden whim. A Fifth Tier Magic Caster not having flight magic was already a major weakness, and he had to find a way to compensate for it.
This set of equipment had a very inconspicuous skill that allowed the user to float freely in the air, could enhance magical abilities to some extent, and also had attributes for avoiding critical hits and enhancing instant death resistance. The basic attributes were also quite good.
Sig-san wasn't worried about Pandora being too heavy-handed; he was worried about outsiders stirring up trouble, specifically the Platinum Dragon Lord.
He didn't know the opponent's abilities yet. If they had a skill that completely sealed space, he might not be able to change equipment, and even in his dragon form, he might not win.
What he had to ensure was that the Platinum Dragon Lord would be captured as soon as he appeared, and absolutely not allowed to escape. If he didn't appear, they would just perform the normal act. Better safe than sorry, caution brings new dragon riders, and one cannot underestimate the opponent.
"Let's go, Guildmaster, we can't keep Pandora waiting too long."
Ainz didn't refute, sighing helplessly, "I never thought I'd see a companion's equipment used again. Perhaps this is the best ending."
After they left, the space where the statues were placed returned to its original tranquility. In the dim, quiet environment, it was like a resting place for souls.
Perhaps he should treat his companions as dead. Herohero's logout time was a bit early, and he might truly not have transmigrated. Having one person accompany him was enough; he shouldn't be so greedy.
Sig-san turned his head and asked, "What's wrong?"
Ainz slowly shook his head, "Nothing, let's go. This place doesn't feel very good; I suddenly feel a bit uncomfortable."
Sig-san's face showed contemplation, and a smile that could be described as sinister suddenly appeared at the corner of his mouth, "Your son guards this place all day long. Aren't you going to let him go outside? I think you can hand over some tasks to him to share the burden. The Guardians should also know about Pandora's existence."
Ainz's eyes flashed red, and he triggered his forced calm again, not knowing what he had thought of, "This… I originally had such a plan."
Some things, escaping from them is useless, and Pandora will prove with facts that he is worthy.