Kapitel 7: Words Of Worship
[ Capitano POV ]
Momonga stared down at Shalltear, his aura dark and menacing as a purplish hue radiated from his bony form. The oppressive energy that surrounded him seemed to chill the air. "First, Shalltear," he began, his voice cold and authoritative. He turned his skeletal head toward the vampire standing next to me. "What kind of person am I to you?"
Shalltear's crimson eyes sparkled with reverence as she stepped forward, her hands clasped delicately in front of her. "A crystallization of the Supreme Beings—the mightiest of them all," she declared with unshakable conviction. "A being filled with mercy for staying behind for us..." Her voice softened as she glanced briefly in my direction, her tone almost reverent. "For us loyal subjects."
I froze for a moment, caught off guard by her answer. Wait… that wasn't her original line. The shift was subtle but undeniable. A change so soon was certainly not ideal. I hummed softly, mulling over the implications.
Momonga moved on without pause. "Cocytus," he called out, turning his piercing gaze to the frost-covered warrior.
Cocytus shifted his towering form slightly, his rumbling voice echoing through the room. "Stronger than all of the Guardians. A man worthy of being the absolute ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick." His tone was unwavering, the reverence unmistakable.
Momonga nodded before turning toward the Dark Elf twin. "Aura."
Aura's face lit up with a confident smile. "A merciful leader who excels at foresight," she said, her voice crisp and clear. Short and simple, just like her demeanour. I found myself appreciating her straightforwardness. Maybe I should keep mine short too.
"And Mare," Momonga continued, shifting his gaze to the shy twin.
Mare fidgeted nervously under the attention, his pointed ears drooping slightly. A faint blush dusted his cheeks as he looked up. "A-A very kind person," he stammered, his voice soft but earnest.
I couldn't help but smile at his response. Mare's awkwardness reminded me of a child trying to impress an older sibling. It was endearing, even charming in its innocence.
"Demiurge," Momonga said next, addressing the Arch-Devil.
Demiurge adjusted his glasses, his expression calm and composed. "A man who makes wise decisions and acts upon them with unrivalled efficiency," he began, his words deliberate and thoughtful. "A man who truly embodies the word 'inscrutable.'"
I shook my head at Demiurge's effusive praise. Classic Demiurge, I thought with a smirk. Still, I had to admit, Momonga was much sharper than he gave himself credit for. Few could adapt to a situation like this as quickly as he had.
Great. Even I'm starting to join the "Momonga Praise Squad," I mused dryly.
Momonga turned to the butler standing at his side. "Sebas."
Sebas inclined his head respectfully, his voice calm and steady as he replied, "The head of all Supreme Beings and a merciful leader who stayed behind with us until the very end." While his words were reverent, they lacked the almost poetic fervour of Demiurge's response.
And then it happened. Momonga's gaze landed on me.
"Capitano," he said, my name ringing out in the cold, emotionless tone he carried so well.
I stiffened, feeling the weight of his gaze as though the world had come to a standstill. My mind raced, desperately searching for the right words. I couldn't deliver anything as reverent as Demiurge or Shalltear. Think fast, I urged myself. You can do this.
Finally, I straightened and raised my head to meet his gaze. "The mystical being of legend," I began, my voice steady despite the pressure. "A figure so extraordinary that he will never be forgotten. A name and legacy destined to be carved into the walls and pages of history for all eternity."
I paused briefly, choosing my next words carefully. "A merciful leader who stayed behind even when others departed. To me, you are the true and greatest of all Supreme Beings."
As the words left my mouth, I blinked in surprise at myself. Holy hell, where did that come from? I couldn't tell if it was my settings acting up or some hidden talent for theatrics I hadn't realized I had. Either way, I'd managed to deliver my lines with a straight face.
Momonga paused, his skeletal head tilted slightly as if to process my answer. Then, without missing a beat, he turned to the last in line. "And lastly, Albedo."
Albedo's eyes widened in delight, and a massive grin spread across her face. I grimaced inwardly, bracing for what was to come.
"The highest-ranking of all Supreme Beings and our ultimate master," she began, her voice brimming with adoration. Then, after a slight pause, she added with unrestrained emotion, "As well as the man I love!"
I chuckled softly, her words a reassuring sign that not much had changed from the anime. That was good—it meant some of my future knowledge might still prove useful. But as I slumped slightly, I reminded myself: Not much has stayed the same. My presence has already altered everything.
Momonga leaned back slightly, and I caught the faintest hesitation in his otherwise steady tone. "I-I see," he muttered. Regaining his composure, he addressed us all. "I have heard your thoughts. Continue working faithfully in my name."
"Yes!" came the resounding response from all the Guardians, their voices echoing their unyielding loyalty.
With a final glance over us, Momonga vanished from sight. I remained bowed for a few moments longer, daring not to move until I heard the soft shuffling of Shalltear beside me, her delicate hands patting down her dress. Only then did I straighten, towering over her by several feet.
I glanced around the room, noting the Guardians as they began to converse quietly among themselves. My height left me towering over most of them, save for Cocytus, who easily dwarfed me. It was hard to imagine how I'd supposedly defeated him in my lore. Shaking my head, I refocused on the moment, letting the buzzing conversations fill the air around me.
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With the lively buzz of conversation surrounded me, the Guardians chatting animatedly among themselves, but I found little reason to join in their discussions. Instead, I made my way to the staircase nearby, lowering myself onto the third step. I leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on my knees, my legs spread just enough for comfort. My thoughts wandered briefly, and with them, an odd consideration surfaced.
If it hasn't rotted away already.
I tilted my head back with a faint sigh, my fingers lightly tapping against my gauntlet. A check-up wouldn't hurt… later, perhaps. Privacy would certainly be preferable.
My idle musings were interrupted by the unmistakable sound of light footsteps approaching. I glanced up to find Shalltear standing before me, her crimson eyes shimmering with mischief. Her expression was playful, bordering on smug, as though she had already planned her next move. Without saying a word, she turned her back to me and gracefully lowered herself onto the step between my legs, nestling herself comfortably in the space I'd unwittingly left open.
Of course.
I exhaled softly, shaking my head ever so slightly. This is what I get for sitting like this. Better this than—well, better than squashing anything important, if that's even still relevant.
Shalltear leaned back against my chest, her petite frame fitting effortlessly against my armour as though she belonged there. She tilted her head just enough to catch my gaze, a coy smile playing on her lips.
"Is there something you need, Lady Shalltear?" I asked evenly, lowering my gaze to meet hers. My tone was calm and formal, though I already suspected what her answer might be.
"I wish to feel the warmth of my husband," she purred softly, her voice dripping with sweetness. Her slender body shifted, pressing further into me as though seeking a warmth my undead form could scarcely provide.
I sighed inwardly, suppressing any outward sign of my growing exasperation. She never misses an opportunity, does she?
"I do not recall our marriage," I replied with a slight shake of my head, my voice steady and unaffected. "Would you care to regale me with the tale of when this union was supposedly made official?"
Her response was immediate—a playful pout that quickly gave way to a grin brimming with satisfaction. She lightly traced a finger along the edge of my armoured gauntlet, her touch delicate.
"Why, of course!" she exclaimed, her voice lilting with exaggerated fondness. "It was when Peroronchīno-sama himself declared our marriage. He even made us kiss, remember?"
Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly, her fingers now clasping together as if holding on to the memory. "Oh, what a wonderful moment that was... You looked so handsome, even in that helmet of yours."
I resisted the urge to sigh again, though my gaze softened just slightly. "An interesting recollection," I remarked. "Though, I fear my memory does not align with yours. Still, if it is a moment you cherish, who am I to question it?"
Shalltear turned, reaching for my hands with her own. Her pale fingers gently guided mine until they rested lightly against her waist. The fabric of her gown was impossibly smooth beneath my gauntlets, though I dared not tighten my grip.
"Your face was simply… divine," she murmured dreamily, her crimson eyes locking onto mine once more. Her tone was soft, reverent even, as though she were speaking of something sacred. "So smooth, like the finest marble, and so beautifully sculpted. Would you let me caress it once more?"
I allowed a soft chuckle to escape me, though my tone remained measured and calm. "Perhaps when Nazarick is secure from any outside threats," I replied, deflecting her request with the same diplomatic grace I always employed.
She let out an exaggerated sigh, her lips forming an exaggerated pout as she glanced away. "But that could take forever," she protested, her voice tinged with frustration. "We'd have to conquer the entire world for Nazarick to be truly safe!"
"That is certainly a possibility," I said evenly, inclining my head slightly. "Though I suspect you would grow restless before such a feat could be accomplished. Perhaps you would prefer to amend the condition?"
Her eyes lit up at the suggestion, the pout vanishing in an instant. She turned to face me more fully, her expression now filled with eager determination. "Then how about this?" she proposed, her voice growing softer, almost conspiratorial. "If there's no war or danger to Nazarick for a time, you'll let me see your face again."
I paused, considering her words carefully. It was a minor concession, and one that seemed unlikely to come to pass anytime soon. Still, her enthusiasm was difficult to ignore.
"Fine," I said at last, inclining my head slightly in agreement. "If there is peace, I will grant your request."
Her reaction was instantaneous—a radiant smile spreading across her face as her hands tightened slightly around mine. She leaned further into my chest, as though trying to absorb what little warmth my undead body could offer.
"Thank you, Capitano," she whispered, her voice soft yet brimming with triumph.
She truly is relentless.
As the chatter of the Guardians continued around us, Shalltear tilted her head slightly to rest against my armour, her scarlet eyes half-lidded with contentment. "You know," she began, her tone shifting to something softer, almost tender, "I could stay like this forever. Just the two of us, away from everyone else."
"An idyllic notion," I replied calmly, my tone betraying neither agreement nor dissent. "But Nazarick's safety must come first, as you well know. The needs of the Great Tomb outweigh our personal desires."
Her lips formed another pout, though this one was less dramatic. "Always so serious, Capitano," she said with a small huff. "It's part of your charm, I suppose… but wouldn't it be nice to relax, just once?"
I allowed a faint smile, one that went unseen beneath my helmet. "Perhaps when the time is right," I said simply. "Until then, I shall remain as I am—a knight sworn to duty above all else."
Shalltear hummed softly, her expression thoughtful as she rested against me once more. For a moment, the lively buzz of the Guardians' conversations faded into the background, leaving only the quiet exchange between us.
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A/N : With this chapter done, I've got a question to ask you. How are you guys finding this book so far, I also need to know what you guys think of the conversations between Capitano and Shalltear. With that said and done, it's time for me to sign off and write another chapter.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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Stein