Ainz's Resolve, Nazarick's Foundations

Had he really done well?

No!

Feeling Lord Ainz's reassurance, Mare was at a loss, his blue and green heterochromatic eyes filled with self-reproach.

In the original story, Shalltear had no memory of fighting Ainz after being resurrected because of the effects of the World Item [Downfall of Castle and Country].

Mare did not have that condition.

He retained all his memories up until his death. Compared to the pain he had felt while dying, what he truly could not accept was the loss of the precious treasures Lord Ainz had personally bestowed upon him!

The equipment granted by Bukubukuchagama, the Supreme Being who had created him, had been lost as well!

This guilt—

It was proof of his own uselessness, and a betrayal of the Supreme Beings' trust!

"L-Lord Ainz."

Mare's shoulders trembled as his entire body turned icy cold. He wanted to kneel again, but Lord Ainz held him tightly, leaving him only able to plead, "Please punish your subordinate severely. Whether you strip me of my position as a Floor Guardian or throw me into prison—"

"Mare!"

A commanding voice cut him off.

—I knew this would happen.

Ainz had already anticipated what Mare wanted to say. Or rather, this was what the other Guardians thought as well.

For example, Albedo had directly proposed severe punishment!

Demiurge's suggestion had been milder, but it still involved stripping him of his position as a Floor Guardian and a series of other punitive measures.

"I already told you. You did very well!"

Ainz repeated himself, tightening his hold around Mare's shoulders. "You completed the mission of destroying the Draconic Kingdom."

"What happened afterward was not part of the plan, but you still delayed the enemy for a sufficient amount of time perfectly."

He was now extremely glad that, in a