The Overlord Descends

The crisp night air of Orario carried with it the faint hum of bustling activity. Ainz walked toward his mansion, his skeletal visage concealed beneath his mask. Beside him, Hestia kept pace, her usual bubbly demeanor subdued as she nervously glanced up at him. The goddess, while chatty moments before, had grown quiet, her hands gripping the hem of her dress tightly.

Ainz, ever observant, noticed her unease. Though his [Emotion Suppression] kept him calm, he recognized the implications of their conversation.

"You do not need to be so tense," he said, his deep voice reverberating with calm authority. "I intend to fulfill my promise to assist Bell. You will find that I honor my agreements."

Hestia flinched slightly but nodded. "I-It's not that. I just… I didn't expect you to be so… generous. Most gods wouldn't have given me the time of day, let alone agreed to help."

"Generous?" Ainz thought to himself. The notion amused him. His decisions were calculated—strategic moves to secure valuable allies in this unfamiliar world. Still, outwardly, he nodded, choosing not to dissuade her perspective.

"Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement," he said, his tone even.

As they approached the mansion, a familiar figure stepped out from the shadows—Albedo. Her radiant black armor gleamed under the moonlight, and her eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of her master.

"Ainz-sama," she greeted, bowing deeply. "I have prepared everything for your return. Shall I escort this… guest?" Her gaze flickered to Hestia, her smile unwavering yet predatory.

Hestia instinctively stepped back, sensing the intensity of Albedo's presence.

""No need, Albedo," Ainz said, raising a hand. "She will be staying in one of the guest quarters. But first, she will return to her home to collect a few belongings. Ensure someone escorts her back here safely afterward."

Albedo's expression softened slightly, though her posture remained rigid. "As you command, Ainz-sama. I will personally see to her accommodations."

Hestia gave a quick, nervous nod. "Th-thank you! I'll, uh… I'll be going now!" She turned and hurried toward her rundown church.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Hestia stood in her small, run-down church, staring at the few possessions she had managed to accumulate. The familiar creak of the floorboards beneath her feet echoed in the silence. It was a bittersweet moment—this place had been her home since coming to Orario, but now she was leaving it behind to start a new chapter in her life.

With a determined nod, she stuffed her belongings into a small bag: a few outfits, her favorite memories, and, of course, the tools she used to make Jagamarukun. Bell had gone to bed early after an exhausting day in the dungeon, blissfully unaware of the changes coming his way.

Hestia sighed, glancing at the simple wooden altar that had once served as the heart of her Familia. "I'll make things better for us, Bell. I promise."

A knock at the door broke her thoughts. She opened it to find a tall, armored figure standing in the moonlight—a maid dressed in black and white, her posture impeccable and her expression neutral.

"Lady Hestia," the maid said, bowing slightly. "I have been sent by Lord Ainz to escort you to the mansion. Your accommodations have been prepared."

Hestia's cheeks flushed. "Ah, right! Ah, I, wait a moment please!" She then went to find bell and whispered and softly woke him up. "Bell, Bell. Wake up. We will be moving to the mansion Infront."

"Huh...Kami-Sama?" Bell woke up groggily. He took a moment to understand what was said then opened his eyes wide.

"I will tell you what happened when we arrive there. We must hurry as a maid is already waiting for us. I don't want to delay longer." She explained "This is all our belongings." Hestia said as she took a bag with all the things she had packed

Bell took it and slung the bag over his shoulder as both of them stepped outside, giving their church one last wistful look before following the maid into the night.

The path to the mansion was eerily quiet, save for the soft crunch of their footsteps. Bell glanced back at their former home, his heart heavy with uncertainty but also brimming with a flicker of hope. Ahead, the mansion's grand silhouette grew larger with every step. The mansion loomed like a castle, its grand architecture a stark contrast to the dilapidated church Hestia and Bell had called home. Warm lights glowed from the windows, and the air smelled faintly of freshly polished wood and blooming flowers from the surrounding garden.

"Whoa…" Both murmured, their eyes wide as they stepped through the enormous front doors. The interior was just as extravagant, with intricate flags adorning the walls and a grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

The maid led them down a long hallway to a cozy yet luxurious house that was apart from the main building. The house was large and had many rooms that were equally luxurious. The maid Opened a room where the bed was large and inviting, draped with silk sheets, and a small writing desk sat by the window overlooking the garden.

"This will be your room, Lady Hestia," the maid said. "If you require anything, please use the bell to summon me." She gestured toward a small bell on the nightstand.

"T-This is for me?" Hestia stammered, overwhelmed by the opulence. Hestia's heart raced as her eyes darted around the room, each detail hammering home just how different this was from the modest church. The lavishness felt like a dream—and one she wasn't sure she deserved to live in.

"Yes," the maid replied with a polite smile. "Lord Ainz has instructed that you are to be treated with the utmost care as his guest."

Hestia's heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and guilt. "Thank you. This… this is more than I deserve."

The maid then faced Bell. "Follow me." The maid bowed and excused herself, leaving Hestia alone to marvel at her new surroundings as she led bell to his room.

Hestia looked like she wanted to call out to them but hesitated. She set her bag down and sat on the edge of the bed, running her fingers over the soft fabric.

"Bell could have slept with me, the room is big enough and even the bed is big we could have shared it." she muttered with a small laugh

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Later that night, Ainz sat upon the Throne of Kings, surrounded by the Guardians. The room's opulence felt almost suffocating compared to the simplicity of Orario.

Demiurge stood at attention, his ever-calculating mind already piecing together the situation based on Ainz's recounting of the Denatus. Cocytus, Shalltear, and Mare listened intently, while Albedo remained at his side, her eyes glowing with adoration.

"The gods of this world have accepted me as one of their own," Ainz began. "They believe I am a god maybe its due to the divine aura emitted by my items or a certain aura I emit . For now, this misunderstanding works to our advantage."

Demiurge adjusted his glasses, his voice calm yet thoughtful. "Ainz-sama, this presents a golden opportunity. By integrating into their society, we can establish Nazarick's influence over Orario. However, we must tread carefully—these gods wield abilities and influence that differ from our own."

Albedo nodded. "Indeed. Their existence is fascinating, yet pitiful compared to your magnificence, Ainz-sama. Still, we must take measures to prevent any threat to you."

Ainz raised a hand, silencing further discussion. "The immediate concern is the alliance's plan to build a base on the 18th floor. This will serve as a foothold for us to monitor the dungeon's activity while gaining insight into this world's resources and weaknesses."

Cocytus stepped forward, his deep, rumbling voice resonating through the chamber. "Shall I mobilize forces to protect the construction efforts, Ainz-sama?"

"No," Ainz said. "For now, we must maintain the illusion of cooperation. Instead, I want Nazarick's crafting division to assist with the materials. We have an abundance of monster drops and rare resources from our expeditions. These can be exchanged for local goods and services, further embedding us in their economy."

Mare shifted nervously. "W-What about the guardians? Should we interact w-with their gods?"

Ainz paused, considering this. "Not yet. It is essential that we maintain our mystique. Any direct interaction could expose us. However, I will assign select tasks to each of you to strengthen our position."

"Ainz-sama If I may be so bold." Shalltear said "Ainz-sama, do you truly intend to take on this goddess as an ally?" she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.

"For now," Ainz replied. "Hestia is harmless, but her gratitude and loyalty may prove useful. The boy she protects has potential, and through him, we may gain further leverage in this world."

Albedo smiled, her admiration for her master unwavering. "As expected of you, Ainz-sama. Your wisdom knows no bounds."

"But Ainz-sama," Aura interjected, her youthful voice breaking the reverent silence. Her inquisitive eyes gleamed with curiosity as she tilted her head slightly, hands on her hips. "This boy, Bell Cranel—he seems so ordinary. What exactly is it about him that caught your attention?"

Ainz leaned back in his imposing chair, the Throne of Kings. His skeletal fingers interlaced before him, the dim glow of his crimson eyes intensifying as he considered the question. The room seemed to still, the air thick with anticipation as the Guardians awaited his answer. "His potential lies in his unique growth ability. It allows him to adapt and improve at an accelerated rate. In a world where strength is power, he could become a significant asset. Moreover, his loyalty to Hestia ensures her compliance. Together, they are a package deal that serves our broader strategy."

Demiurge nodded, his mind already calculating ways to incorporate Bell into Nazarick's plans. "Shall I begin strategizing how to best leverage this relationship?"

"Yes," Ainz said. "But proceed with caution. For now, they remain unaware of the true scope of Nazarick's power. Let us maintain that advantage. And we won't be using too much of Nazarick's power unless neccessary so we need allies we can use."

"As you wish, Ainz-sama," Demiurge replied, bowing deeply.

Ainz's gaze shifted toward the grand window behind the throne, where the city of Orario stretched out beneath the night sky. Lanterns flickered like distant stars, and the faint murmur of life carried through the still air. "This is merely the first step. The real work begins now."

_________________________________________________________________________

The following morning, sunlight filtered through the ornate curtains of Hestia's new quarters, painting the room in warm, golden hues. The goddess stretched languidly, marveling at the comfort of the bed beneath her. It felt almost criminal to have slept so soundly after months of enduring creaky floors and drafty nights.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Lady Hestia?" a voice called out—it was the maid from the night before.

"Yes, come in," Hestia replied, sitting up and straightening her hair.

The maid entered gracefully, carrying a tray laden with breakfast. The aroma of fresh bread, fruit, and a steaming pot of tea wafted through the room. "Lord Ainz requests your presence in the main hall once you have eaten."

Hestia nodded, her appetite momentarily forgotten as nervous anticipation settled in her stomach. "Thank you. I'll be ready shortly."

Across the hall, Bell stood in his own room, fumbling awkwardly with the intricately tailored clothing laid out for him. The outfit, clearly designed for someone more accustomed to high society, felt alien against his skin. But that thought was totally opposed to reality. The outfit was something that they had gotten from their storage. A Item with no value as it was clothing from the previous world where Ainz-governed. The Industries were well developed so they made things that seemed of high value but that was only in the eyes of mortals. In the eyes of the denizens of Nazarick it was trash, something that they wouldn't even think of wearing.

"This is way too much," he muttered, tugging at the stiff collar of his shirt.

A knock on his door startled him. He opened it to find Hestia standing there, dressed in a flowing gown that made her look every bit the goddess she was. Bell blinked, momentarily speechless.

"Wow, Kami-sama… You look amazing," he said, his cheeks turning red.

Hestia beamed at the compliment but quickly waved it off. "Oh, stop it, Bell! We have more important things to focus on. Are you ready?"

Bell nodded, adjusting his outfit one last time. Together, they made their way to the main hall.

____

The main hall was a vision of grandeur, its vaulted ceiling adorned with shimmering chandeliers. At the far end of a long table, Ainz sat, his imposing form framed by the regal throne-like chair he occupied. Albedo and Demiurge stood on either side of him, their expressions composed but watchful.

Hestia and Bell entered hesitantly, their steps echoing on the polished marble floor.

"Good morning," Ainz greeted, his voice resonating with calm authority.

"Good morning, Ainz," Hestia replied, bowing slightly. Bell quickly followed suit, his movements stiff with nervousness.

Ainz gestured for them to sit. "I trust your accommodations were satisfactory?"

"Yes, thank you," Hestia said earnestly. "You've been more generous than I could have ever imagined."

Ainz inclined his head slightly. "As I said, I honor my agreements. Now, let us discuss the arrangements moving forward. Bell Cranel, your growth potential is intriguing. I will be giving you a [Collar]. This Item will be helpful in getting stronger quickly but it has an impact on your strength and that is you will be greatly weakened when wearing it. You will have to be careful on how you traverse the dungeon. Go where it is more likely people will be passing as in case of you needing help you will be found. This will ensure your safety while maximizing your development."

Bell's eyes widened. "Y-You're helping me too? Thank you so much, Lord Ainz!"

"You have your goddess to thank," Ainz replied smoothly. "Her determination to support you is admirable."

Hestia smiled, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I only want what's best for him."