The Sorcerer Kingdom's orphanage remained the same as ever, without any noticeable changes.
If there was one difference, it was that Albedo-sama, the younger sister of the orphanage's director, Nigredo-sama, seemed to have been in an exceptionally good mood lately.
In truth, most of the orphans and staff regarded the director's younger sister with a mixture of reverence and awe.
It was not because they found her difficult to approach. Quite the opposite, she was actually very easy to speak with.
Albedo-sama was a beautiful woman dressed in a pure white gown, and she left a striking first impression on everyone she met.
Her delicate face possessed the sacred beauty of a goddess, while her long black hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist, contrasting sharply with her white gown.
She always wore a gentle smile, and her speech was soft and elegant, filled with the grace of a true lady.
Many even believed she was an Angel or goddess who had descended into the mortal world.
Yet that was precisely why everyone regarded her with such reverence and dared not approach her casually.
She was like a lotus blooming in the mud, beautiful, but only to be admired from afar, never profaned.
That was how everyone truly felt, and it was exactly the result Albedo wanted.
Like many of Nazarick's NPCs, Albedo regarded humans and Demihumans as nothing more than "trash" and "ants."
Young children were especially irritating. They were always overflowing with curiosity and energy, and their constant noise made her restless.
However, these children were precious assets belonging to the Supreme Beings, future crops waiting to be harvested, and an important source of Herohero-sama's daily "buffet."
For that reason, Albedo did not mind showing them a certain degree of patience. Of course, avoiding contact with them altogether would be even better.
Rather than waste time on these ants, she preferred to devote her energy to other pursuits.
For example, improving her charm and femininity, honing her skills as a woman, and preparing herself for married life in the future.
...
Inside one of the orphanage's rooms, Albedo was completely absorbed in one of her little hobbies.
As a creation meticulously crafted by Tabula Smaragdina, she was exceptionally skilled at traditionally feminine work, especially anything related to homemaking.
Whenever she had spare time, she devoted herself to activities such as knitting and cleaning.
A beautiful woman in a pure white gown sat intently knitting the object in her hands.
It should have been a picturesque sight, yet there was something strangely unsettling about it.
If someone had to describe Albedo at that moment with a single word, "lewd" would probably be the first thing that came to mind.
"Hehehe... Momonga-sama... Momonga-sama..."
She was a complete and utter nymphomaniac.
That was the only way to describe Albedo now.
Her face radiated indescribable satisfaction and pleasure, as though she were immersed in endless ecstasy.
Her normally exquisite features had become slightly distorted. Her eyes were half-lidded, filled with intoxication and unrestrained indulgence.
Several months had passed since Naohara-sama had forcibly placed her on leave. To be honest, Albedo was undoubtedly beginning to feel anxious.
Every time she remembered that she could not see Momonga-sama, her entire body felt uncomfortable.
At first, she had managed to distract herself by helping her elder sister, Nigredo, with her work.
Members of Nazarick also visited from time to time. Lupusregina, for instance, had brought her a music box on her last visit, and its beautiful melody had greatly soothed Albedo's mind and body.
Albedo also held regular tea parties of her own.
Besides the indispensable Pandora, Sephis, and Solution, along with various other members of Nazarick, she would occasionally invite Renner, the Prime Minister, the Empire's Bloody Emperor, Fluder, the Dragon Princess of the Dragon Kingdom, and Enri, whom she had met before.
Since they had fused with the blood of a Supreme Being, they were qualified to receive her invitation.
However, as time passed, Albedo soon grew bored again, and the longing in her heart became increasingly unbearable.
She even began to feel a slight dissatisfaction toward Naohara-sama.
She had no need for a so-called vacation in the first place, and this one had gone on for far too long.
If it had been Herohero-sama who had ordered it, she might have entertained other thoughts.
But Naohara-sama was Momonga-sama's dearest friend and one of only two Supreme Beings who had never abandoned Nazarick or its NPCs from beginning to end.
Albedo would never truly resent him. At most, she occasionally grumbled to herself.
Fortunately, that did not last long.
Everything that happened during Nazarick's festival instantly swept away all the anxiety in her heart.
"I wonder how much longer this vacation will last. Perhaps I should submit a request to Naohara-sama. Refusing the kindness of a Supreme Being would be terribly disrespectful, but I can't remain like this forever."
Albedo hugged the small Momonga doll pillow she had been knitting to her chest. Her expression returned to normal as she considered the matter.
She had stayed here long enough. It was time to return to her post.
Just as Albedo was considering how to phrase her request, a peculiar sensation passed through her mind.
[Message]
"Pandora's Actor?"
"It's me."
Albedo froze when she heard those two steady words.
From what she knew of Pandora, that tone was completely unlike his usual manner.
He sounded far too serious.
For someone who was normally so theatrical and unserious to suddenly speak that way, something major must have happened.
"What happened?" Albedo asked hurriedly.
"I've discovered traces of other Supreme Beings. Should we take action?"
Pandora's grave voice struck her mind like a bolt from the blue.
"What!?"
Albedo's pupils contracted sharply. Her thoughts immediately ran wild, and she did not even notice the doll slipping from her arms.
Supreme Beings. Traces of other Supreme Beings!
"Where are they? Which Supreme Being is it?"
Albedo shot to her feet and demanded an answer.
They had to act immediately.
She knew they needed to finish the battle before Momonga-sama, Naohara-sama, or Herohero-sama discovered anything.
Those people had abandoned Nazarick. They had abandoned all of them.
What right did they have to shamelessly return and enjoy everything Momonga-sama had worked so hard to create?
"They're near the Rhynd Sea. This Supreme Being's identity is rather unusual, so I'm having difficulty determining exactly who it is."
"So, Albedo, are you truly planning to make your move...?"
Pandora's indistinct voice continued to echo through her mind like a ghost, seemingly carrying some deeper implication.
"Now that it has come to this, is there any reason to hesitate?"
Perhaps because her emotions were running too high, Albedo only vaguely sensed that something was wrong. She did not dwell on it and answered without hesitation.
"...Very well. I'll handle contacting Rubedo and the other NPCs. We'll meet at the designated coordinates."
On the other end, Pandora ended the Message after saying that.
He shook his head. He had given her one final opportunity.
It was truly baffling. She was usually exceptionally intelligent, so how could she lose her judgment at such a crucial moment?
Could this be the peculiar foolishness of a woman in love?
At that thought, Pandora could not help but smile.
"Well then, let us see just how far your resolve will take you, Albedo."
His eyes gleamed, filled with anticipation for what was about to happen.
"Will you choose your lover... or your father~?"
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