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Chapter 13 - Chapter 11: Echoes of the Past, Whispers of the Present

"Talking"

(Thoughts)

{Message Spell}

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[Author Notes]

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Sesshōmaru's Dreamscape

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I observe the villagers of Carne bustling about in the early morning. The laughter of children I once saved echoes around me, and a few playful youngsters bump into me as they run past, their joy coaxing a rare, subtle smile from me.

Suddenly, the world darkens, and those I saved begin to disintegrate into dust.

"What is this?"

I glance around as numerous figures of varying shapes and sizes surround me.

Nightmarish Figures: "Why didn't you save us? Where were you when we needed you?"

My expression hardens, a rare flicker of emotion crossing my face.

"I... lacked the power..."

Nightmarish Figures: "Lies! You never cared about any of us, Sesshōmaru."

I step back, the weight of their accusations pressing down on me.

"No... that's not true..."

Nightmarish Figures: "Help us... Sesshōmaru..."

They swarm me, their despair suffocating. As darkness engulfs me, their voices echo in my mind.

"Sesshōmaru..."

"Sesshōmaru..."

"Sesshōmaru..."

"My lord! Wake up!"

(Huh?)

The Great Tomb of Nazarick: Sesshōmaru's Quarters

Sesshōmaru's POV

I awaken, a cold sweat on my brow, as Albedo and Shalltear hover over me, concern etched on their faces.

Albedo: "My lord, are you alright?"

Shalltear: "Gently kisses Sesshōmaru's cheek You were murmuring in your sleep..."

I sit up, realizing I'm breathing heavily.

(A dream... yet it felt so real. The despair... the helplessness...)

I feel the comforting presence of Albedo and Shalltear as they embrace me.

Albedo: "We're here for you, my lord."

Shalltear: "Let us ease your burdens, Sesshōmaru."

I nod, appreciating their support.

"Thank you, both of you."

They hug me tightly, their warmth grounding me.

Albedo and Shalltear: "You're welcome."

After a moment, I rise from the bed, heading towards the washroom. The lavish bathroom reminds me of my past life.

Albedo: "Would you like us to assist you with your bath?"

I shake my head.

"No, I wish for Aura to join me. It's time I spent quality moments with all my guardians."

They smile, understanding.

Albedo: "As you wish, my lord. But don't keep us waiting."

"I won't."

They teleport out, and I begin filling the bath with hot water. As I wait, I reflect.

(This world... it's different. Knowing the future, yet feeling the weight of unforeseen changes...)

A knock interrupts my thoughts.

Aura: "Knock knock M-my lord? You summoned me?"

(I'll ponder this later...)

"Yes, please come in, Aura."

Aura enters, a towel wrapped around her, her face flushed.

Aura: "Blushing Y-your welcome, my lord."

I turn away, allowing her to see my back.

"Would you be kind enough to wash my wings?"

She nods, approaching hesitantly.

Aura: "I-I'm beginning, my lord."

Her touch is gentle, perhaps too gentle.

"Ahhhnnn~..."

She jolts.

Aura: "W-was I too rough, my lord?"

I shake my head.

"No, your touch is just... exceptionally soothing. Please, continue."

She resumes, more confidently this time.

Aura: (Come on, Aura! Focus!)

I sense her tension.

"Aura, are you alright?"

Aura: "N-nothing, my lord. Just admiring your... cloak!"

I raise an eyebrow but let it slide.

(Was she about to say something else?)

She finishes washing my wings.

Aura: "There, all clean."

Without warning, I pull her into a kiss. She freezes momentarily, then responds passionately.

Aura: "Mmmm~❤️"

Our kiss deepens, a connection forming.

We pull apart, breathless.

"Pant pant That was..."

Aura and I: "Amazing~❤️"

We embrace.

Aura: "Does this mean...?"

I nod.

Aura: "YES!! SESSHŌMARU AND I ARE DATING! KYAAAA!!!!"

She runs out, ecstatic. I chuckle.

"She's truly delightful."

I dry myself with a snap, don my attire, and prepare to see Momonga.

"Time to see what Momonga is up to."

Momonga's Office

3rd POV

Ainz sits at his desk, reviewing reports, Albedo by his side.

Albedo: "Aura's report indicates no contact with other Yggdrasil players nearby. She's expanding surveillance to the Great Woodlands near Nazarick. Also, we have information from the captured Slane Theocracy operative; he leads their special ops unit."

Ainz: "The Slane Theocracy... a human-centric nation. Best to avoid contact for now."

Albedo: "Understood. Lastly, what about the villagers we saved?"

Ainz: "Sesshōmaru advised against interfering. He believes they can serve as a testing ground for his experiments. Ensure they view us favorably."

Albedo: "Understood, master."

Suddenly, the air thickens as blood-red particles form a sphere. Red lightning arcs from the guild flags as Sesshōmaru emerges from the orb, the liquid evaporating into steam.

Sesshōmaru's POV

"Apologies for my tardiness, my lord. I was bathing."

Ainz waves dismissively.

Ainz: "No need to apologize, my friend."

I nod, my tone serious.

"Do you have the daily report?"

Ainz hands me the folder. As I peruse it, I notice Albedo fidgeting.

(Is she... aroused by my presence?)

"Excellent work, Albedo. I'm very impre—"

Knock, knock

Shalltear enters, curtsying.

Shalltear: "Lord Ainz, my dearest Sesshōmaru, I hope you're well."

Albedo scowls as Ainz responds.

Ainz: "I'm well, Shalltear. How can I assist you?"

Shalltear: "I merely wished to bask in your presence and that of my beloved Sesshōmaru."

Albedo interjects, hugging me from behind.

Albedo: "If that's all, perhaps you should leave. Sesshōmaru and I are busy."

Shalltear retorts, hugging me from the front.

Shalltear: "Some old hags can't accept their decline."

Albedo smirks.

Albedo: "At least I don't stuff my bra."

Shalltear's aura flares.

Shalltear: "I'll rip your face off!"

Albedo: "REMIND ME WHICH ONE OF US IS A WALKING CA—"

I activate my demonic aura, silencing them.

"ENOUGH! If you two continue arguing, I'm leaving. Ainz, I'm heading to the Re-Estize Kingdom's capital. I'll gather intel and resources."

Ainz nods.

Ainz: "Very well. But remember, this mission is also for your relaxation. Don't overexert yourself."

I nod, disappearing in a red mist.

3rd POV

Ainz remains seated, speaking solemnly.

Ainz: "That was a mistake, ladies. The only time I've seen Sesshōmaru react this way was when..."

Albedo and Shalltear: "W-when what, my lord?"

Ainz looks up, his eyes void of irises.

Ainz: "When he lost the only family he had..."

The scene fades to black.

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