Sitting on his throne in the Holy Palace, Momonga looked down at everyone before him with calmness, but it was this calmness that made everyone shudder in fear. If his aura or even his attitude was clear, everyone would have felt better, as they would at least know what he was thinking. However, this uncertainty of his thoughts created an infinite amount of possibilities as to why they were called in for a meeting.
They had some ideas in mind, but they weren't too sure they were correct.
Kneeling before Momonga are the Fairy Queen, Titania, the leader of the Grim Reapers, Ryuk, and the leader of Paradise Military, Aziel, who had their heads lowered, not daring to look up. There would have been one more person kneeling, but circumstances change without plans able to accommodate them.
At Momonga's right side, Blue Planet stood with a guilty expression on his face. He still felt regretful for what he did, though it was necessary. His weakness was becoming a burden. The rate at which he regained his power has not changed, and the fact he was currently a human poses a problem. Momonga did not say anything about his strength, but he couldn't rely on his status as friend to leech off him. Thankfully he could use Super Tier Spells , so technically, he was still of use.
"You should know the reason why I summoned you, but first, Titania, tell me what you did wrong? Of all my subordinates, I chose you to be in charge of Paradise. Tell me, was I wrong in choosing you?" The air seemed to chill as the eyes of their Lord, their God, bore into her.
The pressure seemed to gain a will of its own and pressed on her body. The very bones that held her body up, seemed to be on the very brink of breaking.
Titania's body shook at her name and felt cold. She had never seen her Lord like this, as he is usually very composed, but today, all she felt was terror.
As to her Lord's question, how could she answer? She didn't know what she did wrong? That would be a lie. As the highest-ranking official underneath, what is essentially God, her duties are pretty clear, let Paradise operate without relying on her Lord. However, she knew he was not talking about that, he was talking about the attempted invasion of Paradise. Still, even with all the measures put in place, the invasion was not detected, which meant the enemies had ways to bypass Paradise's defense.
That being said, she could not say any of this to her Lord as that would be making excuses. All she could do was attempt to get off easily.
"My Lord, I apologize that I could not live up to your expectations. If you give me another chance, I will remedy this."
Momonga shook his head with disappointment, "That's not the answer I'm looking for. I'm not without knowledge of the enemy's capabilities. If the enemy operated on Yggdrasil rules, Paradise will hardly face this invasion, but that doesn't mean you are blameless. As a leader, you must think about all possibilities and have countermeasures prepared for them, yet you did not do so." What Momonga didn't say was that if he, Blue Planet, and Yael could sense the rift, then Dojin could too. Yet, he did not tell his daughter about this or attempt to deal with the enemy. Though, according to Blue Planet, the enemy never exited the rift, meaning Dijon's detection ability might have been hindered. If he did sense it and remained passive, he would face the highest punishment, Death.
None were blameless when his home, his domain, was threatened. Betrayal is the greatest sin that deserves no mercy.
Momonga's eyes glowed, and he turned his gaze to an old friend, "Ryuk, tell me why have I gotten reports that the Grim Reapers have remained an indulgent force within Paradise? I have given you permission to remain jobless if you desire, but why is it that you are enjoying our resources without work?"
Though he did not want to force others to work because he remembered his life as a drone, that did not mean he would allow them to enjoy the benefit of those who did. How would that be fair? Even he will think something, let alone his hard working subordinates. Resentment will form, and the unity of Paradise he came to love will collapse.
Looking up at the person he once called friend, Ryuk was not sure it was the same person. This person was one who ruled above two realms without equal. The other was a silent and otherwise friendly person.
Sighing, Ryuk said, "I have no words to say about this, my Lord. I was given the position of leader just recently and have not been able to exercise my power as there is opposition within us Shin..Grim Reapers."
Calling them Grim Reapers was an attempt to distance the Shinigami from the memories of the Shinigami Realm, however bad they were. There is no guarantee they would not rebel if not treated well, but he was not scared.
Unless the King of Death returned, even then, he could remove the Shinigamis. Sometimes kindness is a weakness. If not for the fact he thought they were useful and he needed more subordinates to scope this universe, he would not have 'conquered' them.
He could use his magic and items to summon more subordinates, but why waste resources when there is already a work force readily available? One with good potential too?
"Titania, is this true? Why has there been no report or a means to squash this? Paradise is a place of unity and purpose, carrying out my orders. If there is opposition, what should be done?" The atmosphere seems to freeze as the aura of death surrounds everyone.
Titania trembled, "My Lord, this is the first I've heard of it, forgive me. No reports have reached my office, and definitely none from the Grim Reapers." Taking courage, she raised her head, "And for you question my Lord? if there is opposition, we should destroy it, lest it fester and grow. I just need another chance, and I shall address the problems immediately."
Leaning forward, Momonga caught something from Titania's words, "So you are saying there is no clear chain of command? Then let me ask you, who rules over Paradise in my absence?"
Titania's brows started to sweat, "That would be me, my Lord."
"So when I asked earlier about a proper change of command, why did you not say so?"
"Forgive me, my Lord, I didn't understand the question."
Momonga tapped his armrest but did not say anything. What was there to say when everything was implied?
Whatever problems happened in Paradise, whether intentional or not, are her responsibility. If she can't stand up now to face him, when will she? When Paradise is no more?
He did not feel bad about this, as this is a learning experience. No harm came to Paradise or Hell, but that will not be the case every time.
Turning to the final person, Momonga asked, "Aziel, tell me, why did you take your entire force into Hell without getting approval from the Fairy Queen? Also, why did you not achieve anything in that battle? I had to do everything by myself as you were told to retreat."
With embarrassment and shame on his lion face, Aziel spoke, "I'm sorry, Father, these were enemies that I, no, we have never encountered before. Our means of attack were effective, but not on that many. I gave the order to defend Hell as it's under your domain. Forgive me if I overstepped."
"I appreciate the motivation to want to please me, but there is a proper way of doing things. What you did left Paradise severely unmanned, worst of all, you left Blue Planet unguarded."
Blue Planet Said trying to ease the situation, "Momonga, it's fine. If they were here, I probably would not have remembered about Super Tier Magic in that situation."
Momonga shook his head again with disappointment, "Blue Planet, you're too kind. Anyway, I have stated everything of importance about what happened."
The aura of the Lord of Death vanished, causing the throne room to become warm and cozy.
Leaning back on his throne, Momonga held a staff in one hand, while on the other, his skull was resting on it. He didn't know why, but all of a sudden, he felt bored. It was one that even his emotional suppression couldn't stop.
Blue Planet did not say anything, but he agreed with what Momonga said throughout the meeting. Even though he was disappointed at how incompetent these people were, he couldn't imagine how Momonga, who put them in leadership roles, felt. If they were the members of Ainz Ooal Gown, he couldn't imagine what efficiency the rifts would have closed at, but probably immediately.
Sighing inside, Momonga looked at his stand-in ruler, "Titania, return to your duties. I have faith you will not make the same mistake again."
Fairy Queen Titania felt relieved and knelt deeper, "As you wish, my Lord." At least her Lord has not given up on her. At least she was given another chance.
Watching Titania leave, Momonga began to talk about the second thing on the schedule.
He did not know who to start, so he imagined he just had to state his question, the worst that could be said is 'No'.
Looking at the out-of-place Shin..Grim Reaper, Momonga spoke, "Ryuk, we have not interacted much since my daughter Yael has been born. It seems a simple action of mine created a lasting imprint on the two of us."
Looking back, when he created Yael, he simply wanted to have some fun by making an anti-book for the Death Note. Who knew he would have so much fun?
Though the fight he imagined did not happen, it was interesting seeing how two humans use books with limited power in such an interesting way. The one he truly admired, though, was Light Yagami.
If the Life Note and, by extension, he did not exist, then Light Yagami would indeed become the God of the New World, but his existence changed the course of the Human World.
That was most likely the cause for those rift enemies. Though weak, if left alone they could become a problem. He was not scared of them, but he couldn't protect everyone at all times.
Ryuk was surprised that Momonga spoke to him like usual, but why? Honestly, the two did not have a deep friendship, but they were friends, perhaps mere acquaintances than anything.
Maybe Momonga never saw him as anything more than a tool, and it was wishful thinking to say otherwise.
"It is as you say, my Lord."
Momonga seemed to be unhappy about something but still spoke, "Ryuk, I have decided you will marry my daughter. Do you accept?"
The throne room got silent, with the sound of teeth grinding. Turning to the source, one would see an angry Angel with a furious expression.
"Father! How can you do this? Is it because big sister is in Hell? Can't you just bring her back!" Aziel was so pissed, as he couldn't believe what he just heard. It's not that he was against the idea of marriage. It was that he didn't like Ryuk. How dare he take away his sister!
"Aziel, are you questioning me? Who do you think you are?" Momonga's aura doubled and covered Aziel, causing him to snap out of his unhappiness. "You will remain silent. I don't want to hear a peep out of you, do you understand?"
Aziel, with a pained face didn't dare to say anything. Sometimes he forgets who his Father is. Sometimes, he needs to be reminded.
Turning back to Ryuk, Momonga asked the shocked Grim Reaper, "Now Ryuk, what do you say?"
Ryuk did not understand how this terrifying room turned into a marriage-matching show. One minute there was tension, now, there was confusion.
Blue Planet looked a bit surprised but thought about it and saw no problem with it. If he did not do what he did, perhaps this would not fall into Ryuk's lap. Funny how fate works with it or without you.
He and Momonga were already aware that Ryuk and Yael had feelings for one another and were watching how it developed.
In fact, they were aware of all the major changes in the Human World. Nothing escaped their eyes as they had enough resources. That was even more the case after Hell became a property of Paradise.
Hearing Momonga, Ryuk's thoughts ran wild. This was an odd thing to ask. Would it not make sense for Yael to ask him instead?
"Can I ask, my Lord, why have you decided this?"
"You can stop with the Lord's business. Just call me Momonga. It is simple, my daughter is stuck in Hell and cannot return to Paradise for the time being. So I want someone to be by her side, and I have been watching you. I know you both have feelings for each other. It might be budding, but it's enough."
Ryuk thought about it and nodded. There was no reason to refuse. Marrying someone who is your best friend is not a struggle.
"Good. We will have the wedding in Hell in a couple of days from now. Only those here and her will attend."
"As you wish, Father."
"Yes, my Lord."
Sighing, Momonga suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and turned, seeing Blue Planet looking at him with respect.
'It's not all that bad, at least I have one friend with me. That's enough.'
————
(Three days later)
In Hell, underneath the willow tree, Yael looked at her Father, her Brother, Ryuk and Lord Blue Planet with confusion on her face. She had an ominous premonition that something was going to happen. She was not sure if it was bad or not.
Momonga was wearing a white robe with a staff in his hands, looking oddly divine, a counter to his usual dark and ominous clothing.
Bring his fallen angel daughter into his arms, Momonga spoke, "Yael, I apologize that I did not come see you before this, but the situation did not allow it. Anyway, the reason for my visit is to marry you and Ryuk. Do you have something against my suggestion?"
With her face buried in Momonga's chest, Yael, who was taken aback by his sudden gentle behavior, turned baffled and confused, at his statement. However, why would her Father care about this? She had not thought about marriage as that was something mortals do, not immortal.
Not long ago, not even a week, she thought of how bored she was, so the marriage would eliminate this feeling, but why did Father Gid suggest this? Glancing from the embrace, she could see Ryuk looking shy and not looking at her. So it wasn't something he suggested.
Maybe sensing the confusion, Blue Planet moved forward and explained, which made Yael slowly nod since she really didn't want to remain down here forever. She tried to escape, but every time she did so, lightning and fire would emerge from her body, forcing her to the ground. It was like to Nature, she was a taboo.
There was not much to think about, so Yael agreed. Well, it was either that or being alone, and while 'alone' was good for a while, it was definitely good forever in a world of nothing but destruction and decay.
Momonga nodded and reached into his inventory and retrieve a script. Turning his head, he motioned to Aziel to bring the rings and hand them to the bride and groom.
The expression on the warrior of Paradise was a terrifying one to behold. However, even though he was upset, he didn't dare to say something without his Father say. He was still a little scared of his Father. That aura was nothing to scoff at.
Standing in front of Yael and Ryuk with a script in hand, Momonga looked at his daughter with happiness and guilt, "Yael, do you take Ryuk as your husband and promise to help him in pain, suffering, and in health?"
"I do."
"Ryuk, do you take Yael as your wife and promise to help her in pain, suffering, and health?"
"I do."
"Very well, with the power invested in my, well, by me, I declare Ryuk and Yael husband and wife."
"Congrutalions, sister. Congratulations…brother."
"Yael and Ryuk, though this was on short notice, and considering the situation of Hell, I have a presence for you." Reaching into his inventory, Momonga brought out a demonic statue holding a red ruby in his hand and handed it over.
Blue Planet was actually surprised as he knew what the statue was, "That's..Momonga, are you sure? Isn't that left behind by Ulbert?"
"It's okay. We have to make up for our actions." Handing the statue over, Momonga was surprised to see that the willow tree's branch lashed out, wrapping around the item and fusing with it.
"This.." Blue Planet looked at the tree in shock, he who in all reason or purpose is the Lord of Nature, did not realize it was sentient. The tree was born from the fruit he sent to Hell, so he could control it if he wanted. However, as he attempted that, he felt the tree was reluctant to comply and was showing intimacy to Yael.
The willow tree branches that covered the entirety of Hell began to shake as flower petals appeared and red fruits started to grow. The fruits grew a meter in size and dropped to the ground, turning into demons of all shapes and sizes.
"Well, that solves that situation." That was the reason he gave her the statue but it's obvious that the tree retains the properties of an item that is one-time use. If the tree could fuse with other items and retain their properties, doesn't that mean he bypassed Yggdrasil rules and gained an infinite item glitch?
Blue Planet frowns as his control over the tree grows weaker, though it will never reach the point it escaped his control. His power is what gave it life, so overriding it is essentially death for it.
In no time, Hell was covered with little demons and large demons. This truly looked like the biblical hell, except for the fan fiction account of the seven circles of Hell.