"Speaking"
(Thoughts)
{Message Spell}
[Author Notes]
Onomatopoeia
Carne VillageThird-Person POV
We see Sesshōmaru walking through the battered village of Carne. Though his face remains serene and regal, a look of quiet remorse and empathy flickers beneath his golden eyes. He walks with the grace of a war-born aristocrat, yet a subtle heaviness lingers in his posture.
By his side walks Albedo, adorned in her obsidian armor—both imposing and alluring. Her gait is confident, equal parts guardian of the Tomb and devoted partner. Yet within her, envy and disdain boil as she watches her mate.
Albedo(thinking): He looks so torn… these pitiful humans and their sob stories are dampening my lord's radiance. These uncouth swine!
Just as her thoughts reach their bitter peak, Sesshōmaru halts, noticing a passing villager struggling under the weight of a large timber.
Random Villager: "Your Highness…"
Albedo(thinking): This human dares to speak to him so casually? Insolent vermin...
Sesshōmaru's POV
As I walk through the village, I spot a man wobbling beneath a heavy beam of lumber. His body trembles, his face slick with sweat.
Random Villager: "Your Highness…"
I step beside him, placing a clawed hand on the beam. His eyes dart toward me in confusion. With a calm smile, I speak softly.
Sesshōmaru: "Allow me. You've endured enough for today. Show me where it belongs."
I lift the beam effortlessly—like a feather in the wind. The man stares, slack-jawed, before leading the way.
We walk in silence at first, but soon, idle conversation opens a window into his past. His name is Kellen Kovach, and his tale is harrowing. A nobleman once defiled and killed his wife. Powerless, he fled here to begin anew. The pain in his voice is heavier than the timber he once carried.
This world... is so much crueler than I imagined from behind a screen.
Kellen: "My lord… are you alright? You're crying…"
My fingers touch my cheek—wet with tears. I hadn't noticed.
(Why…? Why am I crying...? I've read the fanfics, seen the anime—but this? Hearing their stories, feeling their pain firsthand—it's so much more. The despair… it's real. No fiction can prepare you for this. I can't let Ainz massacre innocents. I'll see justice done… but only the guilty will pay.)
Sesshōmaru: "Your story… aches my heart. I swear to you, Kellen. I will protect this village."
He nods, gratitude shining through his fatigue, and leads me to others rebuilding. I help them, brick by brick.
[Time Skip]Third-Person POV
As the final roof is laid and hammers still, the villagers embrace Sesshōmaru in quiet reverence. Dirt stains his robes, but his composure remains untouched. He steps aside and turns to Albedo.
Sesshōmaru: "I've been meaning to ask, Albedo… you seem to detest humans. Why?"
Albedo folds her arms, expression unreadable. Though her gaze remains stoic, her mind races. Her lover's presence—even dirtied from labor—makes her thighs press together involuntarily.
Albedo: "What's to like? They're weak. They couldn't rebuild a shack without you. Pathetic little insects, meant to be crushed under heel."
Sesshōmaru's POV
Albedo: "Pathetic little insects…"
Her words strike a nerve. I clench my fists.
Sesshōmaru: "Tell me, Albedo… what does a human skeleton look like?"
She stares at me, eyes uncertain.
Albedo: "I… I know what one looks like."
I cross my arms.
Sesshōmaru: "Then imagine placing a human skeleton over Lord Ainz's frame. What do you see?"
The moment hits her. Her eyes widen in shock. Her lips quiver.
Albedo: "I-It can't be…"
I step forward, wind brushing past me, rustling the grass at my feet.
Sesshōmaru: "Ainz was human once. But when those he cherished were taken from him, I offered him a choice: embrace godhood and cast aside mortality… or remain a broken man. He chose divinity."
Albedo's POV
My knees tremble as I behold my lord in the wind, his silvery mane billowing like silk. The sheer grandeur—he is divine.
(If Lord Ainz was once human... then perhaps these creatures—)
His voice slices through my thoughts.
Sesshōmaru: "With the right artifact from Yggdrasil, or enough demonic essence… even a human can pose a threat to Nazarick. Never forget—"
Sesshōmaru & Albedo (in unison): "—There is no greater danger than underestimating your opponent."
I look upon him with renewed purpose.
(I finally understand. He protects them not out of sentimentality… but strategy. These humans are pieces—useful, powerful pieces. He will build an unstoppable kingdom. Oh, Lord Sesshōmaru!~❤️)
Sesshōmaru's POV
I avert my gaze from Albedo's now flushed face and turn toward the village chief, who waves me over.
Sesshōmaru: "Kellen, is everything alright?"
Kellen: "My lord, scouts report that knights are approaching fast!"
I hum thoughtfully, fingers brushing my chin.
(Hmm… Gazef. This could be intriguing.)
Sesshōmaru: "Chief, gather the villagers in the storage house. I placed runes there earlier—warding sigils to block even fifth-tier magic. It's safe. Treat the injured inside. You should remain here too. If these knights are friendly, they'll need your leadership."
A cheer breaks out among the villagers.
Village Chief: "Of course, my lord. Thank you!"
[Time Skip]
A line of knights approaches on horseback. I stand with Albedo and the chief. Dust trails rise behind the steeds.
The lead rider halts before us.
Gazef: "I am Gazef Stronoff, Chief Warrior of the Re-Estize Kingdom. I've been ordered to hunt the knights responsible for these attacks. Fear not—your people are safe now."
I step forward to speak, but the village chief beats me to it.
Village Chief: "Thank you, General Gazef. But we're already protected—by King Sesshōmaru, here at my side."
Gazef: "...King?"
(Well… that's new. But I can work with it.)
Third-Person POV
Sesshōmaru: "Yes." He bows gracefully. "Sesshōmaru Bartlett, King of the Kingdom of Light—an overseas realm seeking peaceful trade and alliance. I defended these people from the rogue knights and swore to safeguard them."
Gazef's eyes widen. He dismounts, offering his hand.
Gazef: "Then we are in your debt, Your Grace." He kneels.
Sesshōmaru chuckles softly.
Sesshōmaru: "Such courtesy! But please, do not kneel. You owe me no fealty. And yet, you show honor to a stranger. That is the mark of a true knight, Sir Gazef. I am unworthy to stand in your presence. Rise."
Gazef laughs as he stands.
Gazef: "No, my king. You honor me."
Just then, a panicked knight rushes forward. Before he can speak, I cut in.
Sesshōmaru: "There's no need to report. I know we're surrounded. Gazef, bring your knights to the storehouse. My strongest mage approaches even now. He will handle the enemies. We'll plan strategy inside."
The knight's jaw drops.
Gazef(laughing): "Incredible. You knew this already? And to think you handled those knights alone… I believe you, Your Highness. Lead the way."
Sesshōmaru and Gazef walk side by side, their silhouettes fading into the twilight.
Sesshōmaru: "And so it begins…"