I prepared the ingredients—bread flour, water, and salt—while waiting for Albedo to arrive. To be precise, I had been waiting for this exact moment. A major event had concluded, Momonga had returned to his room to work, and the other Guardians were gathering to discuss the Black Scripture. This tiny window of time was a gap I had engineered. I needed to face Albedo one-on-one, without any interruptions.
Soy sauce, sugar, mirin, dashi base...
I'll be honest: I felt a flicker of fear. Albedo was far stronger than me. If I played my hand poorly, she could kill me without a second thought. But this was something I had to do. I kept my hands busy to steady my nerves. I placed the sliced fried tofu into the pot with the seasonings, set a drop-lid on top, and let it simmer over medium heat. I also quickly mixed a batch of vinegared rice with sugar, salt, and vinegar, then set it aside to cool. The prep was done. It was done too quickly.
"I should have moved more slowly," I muttered.
My thoughts weren't fully organized yet. Albedo was the most dangerous of the three "geniuses" in Nazarick. With my head full of nothing but recipes, there was no way I could outthink her in a battle of wits. I had started prepping to calm myself down, but my body's muscle memory had finished the job before my mind could catch up.
"Master Kawasaki? May I enter?"
Albedo's voice drifted through the door following a polite knock. There was no turning back now. I gave a wry smile and told her to come in.
***
What answer did Master Kawasaki want from me? That was the only thing on my mind as I showered and washed away the grime of the Lizardman village. He called this my "first and last chance." The weight of that statement was terrifying.
Master Kawasaki is frightening...
He carried immense weight with Lord Ainz and was beloved by the Guardians and NPCs alike. If I failed to give him the answer he sought, would I incur his wrath? Would he deem me unfit to be the Overseer? It was a crossroads for my entire future. Even so, I couldn't ignore his summons. I purified myself, tied back my hair, changed into comfortable clothes, and headed to his kitchen. I took a deep breath before knocking.
"Enter."
The response was clipped. I took one more breath and stepped into his domain.
"Glad you're here. Sit down."
He led me to a small room in the back of the kitchen—just a table and two chairs.
"Yes, but as a servant, I—"
"I said sit."
"Yes!"
The sharpness in his voice made me flinch as I took my seat. He was a small Cookman, yet the pressure radiating from him made it feel like I was facing a titan. He felt more imposing than that gargantuan tree monster from earlier.
"This room," Kawasaki began, "is a place where even Momonga cannot look in. Not even Aureole, who manages the security of Nazarick, can see or hear what happens in here. It is, quite literally, my castle. I want the truth from you. No lies, no evasions."
A room completely cut off from the outside world. The realization that anything could happen here without anyone knowing only amplified my fear.
"I don't like beating around the bush," he said, staring directly into my eyes. "Momonga is waiting for his meal, so let's get straight to it. Who do you choose: 'Momonga' or 'Ainz Ooal Gown'?"
"I... I don't understand the question."
Lord Ainz and Momonga were the same person. How could I choose?
"I'll rephrase. Do you love the kind-hearted Guild Master, Momonga, or the cold-blooded magic caster, Ainz? They are different, Albedo. Their logic, their hearts... they are almost two different people."
I went silent. I had felt that difference too. When he was with Kawasaki, he was Momonga. When he was on the throne, he was Lord Ainz.
Is this a test of loyalty? Or...
My answer was already decided, but I hesitated to speak it aloud.
"I hate 'Ainz Ooal Gown,'" Kawasaki said, his eyes glowing with an intense, frightening light. "I have history with Momonga. I owe him, and he owes me. But I have nothing to do with 'Ainz Ooal Gown.' That is just a guild name. It represents forty-one people, and most of them are gone. It's a title. It's an idol. It's not my friend."
He leaned forward. "I intend to kill 'Ainz.' My friend isn't a dark overlord; he's Momonga. I won't acknowledge the monster. That's why I use cooking and humanization—to bring Momonga's heart back."
His voice rang with a sincerity that pierced my chest. It was so similar to what I felt.
"I hope the other guild members never show up here," he continued. "Peroroncino, Ulbert... those two especially. They've known him longer than I have, and they would love the 'Demon King' persona. They'd encourage it. That goes against everything I want. I think people like Touch Me or Bukubukuchagama might agree with me, but honestly, it's better if they stay gone. Now, I've told you my goal. I consider you Momonga's wife. But if you choose the monster 'Ainz' over the man 'Momonga'... you will be my enemy. Answer me. No lies."
I looked into those piercing eyes. I knew I couldn't deceive him in this room. I took a slow breath and spoke.
"I hate the other Supreme Beings. I loathe them. How could I respect those who abandoned Momonga and left him in such sorrow? I was there. I saw him sitting on that throne, looking so lonely until you arrived. I heard him whisper of his sadness."
I gritted my teeth, the words pouring out of me.
"I... I hate the name 'Ainz Ooal Gown.' I know it is a sin for a servant to say, but I hate it. I don't want him to bear that name. I want the kind Momonga. I know it's a 'wrong' thought for a servant, but I don't care. The only one I love..."
I looked him in the eye, my voice steady and proud.
"The only one is Momonga."
Kawasaki let out his breath and uncrossed his arms. A soft, gentle smile replaced the terrifying mask. He reached over and patted my shoulder.
"Good. That's it. That's exactly what I needed to hear. You aren't wrong, Albedo."
He patted me again, his smile widening. "I knew calling you here was the right move. Will you help me? Will you help me bring Momonga back for good?"
I didn't think about rank or etiquette. I reached out and gripped his hand.
"Please... let me help. I want to call him Momonga again."
"Me too," Kawasaki laughed. "Pandora's Actor said the same thing."
"Now that that's settled, let's get his meal ready."
He handed me an apron and a bandana. "Get changed and get in the kitchen. We have work to do."
I watched him walk out, my heart overflowing. He had acknowledged my feelings. He told me I wasn't wrong. I bowed deeply to his retreating back, filled with a profound gratitude.
***
Albedo was on our side now. That left Demiurge as the last major hurdle. Ulbert's definition of "Evil" and Demiurge's were different beasts, and honestly, I just found Demiurge hard to deal with. He was polite, but his tone reminded me of the lawyers who had seized my restaurant back in the Arcology. It made my skin crawl.
"Right, just like that," I said, directing Albedo. "Use the spatula to cut through the mixture... no, don't literally cut it! Just a folding motion!"
I was teaching her to make handmade Udon and Inari-zushi (fried tofu pockets). A second ago, she had tried to "cut" the dough and ended up slicing the glass bowl in half with a plastic spatula. A Level 100 warrior's strength was no joke. I have no idea how plastic cuts glass, but I wasn't going to ask.
"Once it starts to come together, use your palms to knead the edges in. Like this."
I demonstrated the movement. Albedo watched with clinical intensity.
"Like this?"
She mimicked me perfectly. Her learning curve was staggering. I decided it was time for the next step. I grabbed a thick plastic bag and two heavy wooden boards.
"We put the dough in here, and you step on it to stretch it out using your body weight."
The kitchen was filled with rhythmic thuds. The dough was flattening perfectly. When the resistance faded, I took it out and folded it.
"We do this several times to give the Udon its 'koshi'—its firm, chewy texture. Your turn."
Albedo picked up the bag and the boards. "This might be a bit... unrefined to look at. I shall perform this task over there."
I didn't mind, but I figured it was her feminine pride. I went back to the simmering tofu.
Looking good.
The liquid had reduced, and the tofu had taken on a beautiful golden-brown color. They'd be perfect for the rice pockets. I checked the dashi pot—the kombu and dried sardines had been simmering, and I pulled them out just before the boil.
"Now to shave the bonito flakes—"
"HYAH! SHALLTEAR! SHALLTEAR!! HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU STEP ON MY FACE! DIE! GRRR!"
Violent thuds and screams of rage shook the floor. My entire kitchen was vibrating. Whatever she was imagining while stomping that dough, she was putting a terrifying amount of power into it.
"Well," I muttered, "that's going to be some very firm Udon."
I shaved the bonito with a plane, packed them into a sachet, and tossed them into the pot.
"Master Kawasaki... I have finished," Albedo said, returning with the dough. "However... I am afraid the boards have cracked."
"It's fine, don't worry about it."
The bag was intact, which was a miracle. Those boards were made of high-density enchanted wood. A Level 100 warrior really is a force of nature.
"We'll let the dough rest now. While we wait, let's finish the Inari-zushi."
"Yes! I will do my best!"
She looked so cute and motivated now. I really wondered what kind of face she was making while she was "killing" Shalltear in her mind earlier.
***
Having secured the loyalty of the Lizardmen, I had brought several of their warriors back to Nazarick for leveling experiments. They were much more durable than humans and had a higher physical ceiling. Things were going well.
"Now, only the Black Scripture remains," I mused.
If we could neutralize them, our external operations would be much smoother. I could even fulfill Kawasaki's wish of opening a restaurant. The remains of the giant tree were secured as bait. Now, I just had to wait for Demiurge's proposal.
Sigh.
I leaned back in my chair. Everything was moving in our favor, but a small part of me was anxious.
"Maybe I'm just a natural worrier," I muttered.
A knock came at the door. "Lord Ainz, I have brought your meal."
It was Albedo. I sat up and gave her permission to enter.
"Handmade Udon and Inari-zushi."
"Ooh... that looks delicious."
White, glossy noodles sat in an amber broth, topped with red-and-white fish cakes and scallions. Beside the bowl were three brown, triangular mounds.
"Let's eat."
I picked up the chopsticks and lifted the noodles. They were steaming and beautiful. I blew on them and took a bite. My eyes went wide.
It's incredible...
This was nothing like the Udon I had back in the Arcology. That stuff was mushy, and the soup was like flavored water. This had a firm, elastic snap, and the noodles were coated in a savory, rich broth. Handmade, he said. Had he really made these by hand?
I picked up a spoon and tasted the amber soup. It was crystal clear and fragrant.
What a comforting smell.
Kawasaki once told me that Japanese people naturally feel at ease with the scent of miso and soy sauce. I finally understood what he meant. The soup was salty-sweet, with a deep, lingering umami that I assumed was the "dashi" he always talked about.
"The fish cakes are excellent too," I noted. They had a pleasant chewiness and a smooth texture. Fish cakes were quickly becoming one of my favorite ingredients.
"And these brown things... Inari-zushi?"
"They are fried tofu pockets simmered in a sweet and salty sauce, stuffed with vinegared rice," Albedo explained.
I picked one up and bit into it.
Ooh... this is good.
The sweet juice from the tofu exploded in my mouth, pairing perfectly with the tartness of the rice. It was the perfect bite-sized snack. I realized that "sushi" wasn't just about raw fish.
I finished the meal in record time. I was genuinely hungry.
"Thank you for the food." I wiped my hands with a warm towel and put my hands together. Kawasaki had turned this into a habit for me.
"Did... did it suit your palate, my Lord?" Albedo asked, looking bashful.
"Yes. It was excellent, as always."
"Actually... Master Kawasaki taught me, and I was the one who prepared this meal. Did you truly enjoy it?"
I was stunned. I thought Kawasaki had made it. "You made this, Albedo?"
"Yes."
"It was magnificent. Truly. I'll count on you again."
"Yes! Of course!"
Albedo's wings fluttered with joy, and she gave a radiant smile. I felt a sudden warmth in my chest, but I made a mental note never to tell Kawasaki. He'd start campaigning for our wedding immediately.
***
"Alright, Cocytus. Ready?"
"I. AM. PREPARED. MASTER. KAWASAKI."
Cocytus's voice was different. He was currently in his human form, a result of my skill. He stood nearly two meters tall—a muscular man with spiky blue hair and eyes like frozen lakes.
"Does it feel strange?" I asked.
"IT. IS. NOT. AN. ISSUE."
He was wearing human-sized gear: a mix of leather and iron chainmail, with two legendary-tier katanas at his waist. He looked like a master swordsman.
"What about you, Master? You look... different."
"Tell me about it," I laughed. To play the part of Solution's father, I had tweaked my humanization to give me blond hair and blue eyes. I was wearing an expensive-looking white suit with gold embroidery. "I feel like a total fraud."
"Master Kawasaki, the Gate is ready," Shalltear announced.
"Alright. Let's go."
Shalltear snapped her fingers, and a black portal opened. I stepped through, followed by Cocytus and Shalltear, as we prepared to infiltrate the city of E-Rantel.
Next — Side Story 3: Solution's Despair / Demiurge's Plan / Kawasaki's Clenched Fist
***
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