Bride Costume Is Self-Made

Bride Costume Is Self-Made (花嫁衣装はセルフメイドで) is a game event in Mass for the Dead. It was released on June 1, 2022 to June 15, 2022.

Background
Albedo, a talented woman who is good at sewing and knitting. For her she begins making a homemade wedding dress to prepare for the resumption of the Queen War, consultation on fabric procurement at E-Rantel is offered. In search of new fabrics and inspiration, Albedo goes to work...!

Incident
At the partially ruined Lemegeton, Shalltear Bloodfallen who is about to go on for another day's Chaos Beast subjugation at the Throne Room finds Albedo to be waiting there. Albedo having come from Ashurbanipal to do some research on "sewing" came to the area to greet her peer on a whim. Shalltear observing the the research topic of Albedo's asks if it is part of the protagonist's request for prototype goods. The Overseer Guardian explains that it was actually for a hobby of hers.

Albedo seeing Shalltear's eagerness to continue her duties comments to herself that since the vampire's resurrection that Shalltear has regained her levels and is in relatively good spirits. When Albedo enquires to Shalltear if "it's about time?", the Floor Guardian misinterprets that the Overseer Guardian is asking whether it is time for her to earn foreign currency as an adventurer. But Albedo states that is not the issue, and ass Shalltear to meet her at her room with Aura Bella Fiora for a tea party after subjugating the Chaos Beasts which Shalltear accepts.

Some time after the subjugation, Albedo and Aura meet in the Overseer Guardian's room. Aura is annoyed having been summoned so arbitrarily and demands to know what is it this time? Albedo has some words with the dark elf about Shalltear, as since the incident of her being mind controlled, she finds her to be less pushy and confrontational. Aura though asks what the problem is? The issue of he Queen War is brought. Since the mind control incident, the two competing women have not touched the issue almost holding a truce. Albedo expresses her worry that if the competition is not resolved, then a queen will never be decided and the Sorcerer Kingdom will be left without a successor. As for why Albedo has not initiated the competition, she is wary of the lack support from the other members of Nazarick to restart the Queen War. Thus she wants Aura's honest opinion on the issue.

To Aura so long as Momonga has no objection and that the competition doesn't start sloppily there should not be any issue. Though in her opinion, she believes that the Queen War should not be resumed at least until Nazarick is deemed secure. Albedo sees her point as in regards to the past incidents: the cause of Nazarick's near collapse and Shalltear's mind control incident still unresolved, brining a child into Nazarick at this endangering time would be irresponsible.

Shalltear finally arrives at the tea party. Albedo then fills Shalltear in that she began noticing Momonga being tired of the queen issue, but still the selection of queen is regarded as a vital part of Nazarick's continuity. To prepare for that time, Albedo unveils a roll of high quality fabric from the Treasury. She explains that she received it as a reward from Momonga for the prototype goods and prizes she made for E-Rantel and Casino Resort Nazarick. Her plans for the fabric though are to make a handmade wedding dress to impress Momonga.

It comes together for Shalltear as to why Albedo was researching on "sewing" to prepare for this project of hers. Both she and Aura are supportive of the idea and wish the Overseer Guardian the best of luck before leaving the tea party. Outside in the hallway, Aura asks Shalltear what she thinks on restarting the Queen War, and learns that Shalltear intends to resume the fight with Albedo should it come to that. Aura though asks if the mind control incident has weakened her resolve. Shalltear claims that it has not affected her motivation and intends to win the Queen War against not just ALbedo but also Aura who denies ever being interested in fighting over Momonga. Shalltear does not buy Aura's denials as why else would Albedo have summoned Aura to the tea part? A new Queen War dawns as Aura chases after Shalltear continuously denies her interest.

Albedo is seen in her room, working on her dress though is having trouble designing the product given most of her experience had been with merchandise rather than apparels. Demiurge visits her room and noticing the materials sprawled around assumes that she is working on making more prototypes. He asks her to come with him to Momonga's office where their master and the protagonist and Slimeko have a pressing issue to discuss. At Momonga's office, the Overlord informs her that some issues with the idol project have come up. To elaborate, the protagonist shows Albedo a doll of the Jet-Black Warrior, only unlike Albedo's previous goods it is of poor quality. The homunculus apologizes for the embarrassing piece of junk, though Albedo asks what happened to the product line? It is explained that until now the materials used in the mass production of the dolls came from Nazarick. To improve efficiency, the protagonist tried using local materials in E-Rantel which resulted in the shoddy work they see before them.

The group did not account for the short-coming of human quality when they invested in this project. Albedo thought she accounted for this as while knowing humans produced inferior fabrics there should at least be some adequate materials to use. Such higher grade fabrics are available locally but material is given priority to clothing rather than excessive consumption like doll making which in not a daily necessity. Demiurge worries that this problem will halt the idol project and wonders what they can do to put it back on track.

Albedo voices her idea that it could be possible to devise embroidery to reduce the difficulty of the manufacturing. But it will still lead to the quality of the good deteriorating and may still adversely affect the idol plan. Caught in a quandary, the protagonist makes a suggestion that they could perhaps switch back to using Nazarick's materials? Demiurge though states that while Nazarick can still afford to spare materials, their supply is not infinite and that they should take countermeasures as soon as possible. For this Albedo proposes that they search or develop new fabrics. In other words create a foundation of local industry specializing in fabric making.

The idea is novel to Momonga though he questions it feasibility. Albedo believes it to be as there is amble literature in the library detailing fabric being made from spinning animal hair, plant fibers and weaving them. And their greatest source of material is the Great Forest of Tob which the Sorcerer Kingdom has under its control. She is supported by Demiurge who argues that the development of a new line of fabric could be incorporated into E-Rantel's industry and benefit the city. Momonga processes their arguments, wanting to conserve as much of Nazarick's resources as possible and weighing use of the Tobb Forest which has been made inaccessible to humans due to the Cracks. Momonga adds that they could find some insight from the humans of Carne Village as they lived near the forest and must have some idea of useful materials for fabric materials. To do this, Momonga orders the protagonist and Slimeko to gather information from Nfirea Bareare at the E-Rantel Magic Research Institute. Albedo then goes to do her own research in fabric production in preparation her initiative drawing praise from Momonga.

Nighttime in E-Rantel, Darkness arrives at the E-Rantel Magic Research Institute and meet with Nfirea who they ask on whether the Tob Forests had any pant fibers that could be made into fabric material. Sadly Nfirea's knowledge only covers herbs and agricultural products which he did when wholesaling for Carne Village, not fabric. While Carne Village was situated next to the forest, it was a humble village and centered on tending crops. The villagers did not excessively take the blessings of the forest in fear of bringing the wrath of the Wise King of the Forest. Still the protagonist presses that perhaps it is because no one was looking for a usage of the materials in the forests. To satisfy the adventurer's curiosity, the pharmacist tells him what little he knows. And in exchange asks that they capture a strong slime. Both adventurers are initially confused as the pharmacist doesn't want the longevity nuts that strengthen slimes, however Nfirea states that the request is for Sophie Noia.

Later the adventurers are seen walking out into the cemetery. Slimeko asks their leader if they will head to the Tob Forests, though the homunculus states that the information that gathered is still insufficient and plans to head to the Adventurer's Guild to speak with other adventurers. The slime agrees and hopes that they can finish early to return to Nazraick. They group is intercepted by a band of skeletons which Soi takes as a sign that the graveyard needs to be cleaned up. Slimeko sensing that the undercover maid wants to go all out asks if that is wise, but Soi assures her that there are no prying eyes around and begins her task to cleanse the undead.

Once the protagonist returned to Nazraick, a meeting is held at the Round Table Room to share the information he obtained from E-Rantel with the Floor Guardians and Momonga. So far his inquiry on whether the Tob Forest possessed any useful materials beside herbs was answered by adventurers that it was recognized as a place where monsters dwelled. Demiurge and Albedo are disappointed to hear that the humans kknown so little of the bounty in the forest due to their fear of the unknown. The group then turns to Aura and her resource assessment of the forest who reports that she is using summons to collect samples from plants to determine if they can be used in weaving.

Albedo seconds the plan, and also adds that they might reduce the time for trials by acquiring information on how to make fabrics from the locals as the material in the library left by the Supreme Beings while comprehensive aren't written according to the standards of the New World. Her choice of locals to ask would be their "neighbors", the Lizardmen Alliance. Cocytus finds her suggestion to be reasonable as the demi-humans do have evidence of clothing in their culture. Momonga though finds that it would be appropriate for them to ask the lizardmen for help since they have a trading relationship.

This is misinterpreted by Demiurge that Momonga is offering the lizardmen an opportunity to repay them. Even though the demi-humans trade Nazarick mineral resources from the Azerlisia Mountains, the Sorcerer Kingdom has given them much aid in the past many times over. This instance would be seem as a way to alleviate the "mental burden" the lizardmen have indebt to their benefactors. While not quite what Momonga had in mind, he feels compelled to agree. The protagonist volunteers to lead his team to go to the lizardmen village to collect information before heading to the Tob Forests and collect samples of fiber plants. Momonga allows this though asks the diplomat to take Aura with him to aid him in his investigation of the forest, while leaving Mare Bello Fiore in charge of the 6th Floor. Momonga then is about to recommend a guide to the lizardmen, when Albedo interjects requesting to join the expedition, believing that it would be appropriate for her to go as it will be her who will be handling the fabric making. Momonga is unsure given the security concerns, though he is convinced by Demiurge that it will be fine. For an escort to the lizardmen's territory, Momonga charges Cocytus to act as escort. Albedo is glad for the chance to go out as it be one step closer in acquiring new knowledge to produce fabric locally.

Before heading out, Albedo in her room, meets with Shalltear and Aura where she formally gives the vampire Floor Guardian the duty of protecting the dungeon in her absence. The two female guardians ask about the progress made with the fabric Albedo showed them, though the Overseer Guardians confesses that she has hit a slump on what to design. Lacking inspiration, Albedo hopes that the excursion out into the world will be what she needs to motivate her on her project and also receive Momonga's praise. Aura comments that not only the Overseer Guardian will be able to acquire her materials but also gain diplomatic experience. The two wish Albedo luck and see her off to the surface. Shalltear mentally notes that she must up her game more aggressively to match her rivals passion. Outside it is nighttime and Albedo is guided by the protagonist, Aura and Slimeko who estimate that they will reach the lizardman village by dawn.

The group arrive at the Great Lake region by morning at the southern end. Albedo while surveying the area muses about the area's history, such as the times when Nazraick saved the lizardmen from the abnormal cold front and the mining operation. The area is not doubt vital to Nazarick as Albedo knows it serves as a bridgehead to expeditions into the nearby Azerlisia Mountains and beyond. Albedo endeavors to make this visit to the lizardmen as meaningful.

Upon reaching the village they are greeted by Zaryusu Shasha who comments that it has been awhile since they saw each other, the last time being at the National Foundation Day. Zenberu Gugu also present greets them curious as to where Cocytus is, but the appearance of Albedo distracts him and causes him to inquire who she is. This causes Albedo to be a bit miffed by the lack of formality. Taking a good look at her the chieftain senses that she is different from the rest. Zaryusu though recognizes her and explains to Zenberu that she is one of the highest ranking members in the Sorcerer Kingdom. To Zenberu it translates to being Cocytus superior. Albedo then formally introduces herself as the Prime Minister of the Sorcerer Kingdom. To any misconceptions, Zaryusu apologizes for his colleague's lack of respect which Albedo accepts, but Albedo is not angry and offers her own apology for not informing the lizardmen of her unexpected visit.

The entourage from Nazarick then tell Zaryusu and Zenberu that they have actually come to the village, seeking their aid, which is a strange turn of events to the demi-humans. Nonetheless teh lizardmen agree to gather the chieftains and provide any sort of aid to their guests. Albedo hearing that Zaryusu was a traveler is hopeful that the demi-human can provide her the answers she seeks concerning fabric material. Both lizardmen get a bit of a shock when Albedo congratulates Zaryusu on his marriage, as the lizardmen did not know that the Prime Minister care to know such details about them. Still is is quite happy to introduce his new wife to the visiting dignitary. After the two lizardmen depart to gather the leaders of the village, Aura remarks to Albedo on the sly tactic of giving grace back to the lizardmen, by transmitting that she cares about the personal circumstance of the Sorcerer Kingdom's affiliates and strengthening the image of friendship.

At a hut, the entourage meet with the representatives that include not just Zaryusu, Zenberu, but also Shasuryu Shasha, Kyuku Zuzu and also Crusch Lulu. The sight of Crusch causes Albedo to be astonished, given the female's pregnant condition and so gives her regards which causes the upcoming father Zaryusu to beam with pride. Shasuryu welcomes the visitors from Nazarick to their village which so happened to be also celebrating his brother's union. Not wanting to share all the good fortune, Zaryusu mentions that his brother had another child and offers the group to see it later. After good wishes are exchanged the main issue of Albedo's visit is discussed. Learning that she is seeking plants suitable for fabric from the Tob Forest, the lizardmen in the room turn to their most knowledgeable member, Kyuku for answer, but even the wise lizardman knows very little. Zenberu adds that the lizardmen don't usually collect much from the forest as they don't eat plants and fruits. According to Shasuryu, only hunters enter the forest to cut down trees which isn't very useful fabric material. Sadly the leader of the village confesses that while they know about the Great Lake area, the forest is outside their familiarity.

Aura though points out that the lizardmen wear bits of cloth on their bodies such as Zaryusu and Zenberu. Not only that they are not just fur but fabric. Albedo who remains silent is noticed by Aura to be studying a woven tapestry of a rough eye hanging on the wall of the hut. Albedo notes that it seems to be canvas fabric made from hemp. Seeing her interest, Zenberu explains that the tapestry is just a piece of fabric not too different from what the protagonist wore. This causes Albedo to mistakenly think he knows more, but Zaryusu intercedes and tells the former Dragon Tusk chieftain to shut up and prompts his wife Crusch to elaborate since she is a druid of Red Eye.

Crusch explains that the tapestry was made from knitted grass that grew near the village of Red Eye which interest Albedo who asks if she can share a sample for her to study. Crusch believes that could be arranged, though warns that the material lacks the softness of normal clothing and mostly used for decoration. That is alright to Albeod who gives her thanks and blessings to her children. From Albedo's study of the fabric, she believes Crusch is too humble on the quality as she found it very decent. to show her appreciation, Albedo offers to make a handmade rug for Crusch when her child is born using the same fabric an offer which Crusch accepts.

The visit to the lizardmen village ends with still much daylight. The group leaves and Aura and the protagonist note to the Overseer Guardian of how she handled the visit; allowing the lizardmen to repay their debt to Nazarick and strengthen the bond of friendship. Albedo says it was nothing, albeit a bit disappointed that she was not able to acquire information on fiber plants, but still she was able to see an actual but somewhat primitive weaving. However Albedo still believes that the best materials for fabric production is within the Tob Forest. Aura asks about what Albedo will do with the knowledge the lizardmen provided, to which Albedo states that though the material the lizardmen is a bit rough, she thinks that it would be suitable for 'amigurumi' production as the technique is useable for doll making. They continue to their next destination, the Great Forest of Tob.

At the Tob Forest, the entourage is met it’s protectors: Hamsuke, Kyuko and the Death Knight. The three hearing of Albedo’s mission, can’t say that they know of any fiber plants that can be useful. Hamsuke knowledge being limited to plants that could be eaten and Kyuko having an inkling that plants could be made into sandals and umbrellas from her experience in her former village. Albedo expected that much but tells them that it’s alright as she has some semblance of where to look using Nfirea’s information.

The three forest dwellers are a bit sadden that it was not a more important mission as they hoped that Albedo came to see them. To cheer them up Albedo lauds the trio for their dedicated service in guarding the forest as its vastness is no mere feat, causing the three to blush with pride. The three motivated to assist Albedo then cooperate with the entourage to gather samples of fiber grass from the forest. Aura also recommends that the collect the furs of uncontaminated beasts in the area. The idea prompts Albedo to examine Hamsuke's fur in consideration to the hamster's dismay.

The search is initiated and several types of grasses are harvested by Hamsuke and furs from various animals collected by the Death Knight. Albedo having been told by Crusch the method of weaving that the lizardmen use, explains the process. To make the fiber usable they must be soaked in water to soften them, and then peeled and individually dried. Though the method was in the literature, thanks to Crusch, Albedo having been actually shown the resulting product feels that she now understands how to proceed with the fabric development. Kyuko dredging up some memories of when the people in her village also treated fiber plants, recommends that Albedo boils a dried fruit with the fibers to make it supple and be turned into threads. Albedo is pleased with herself as the results will see that Nazarick will not waste any resources on this project.

The Death Knight alerts everyone that they are needed to attend the Crack as Chaos Beasts will soon emerge. Albedo and her guides then turn their attention to the spot to cull the beasts. During the battle, Albedo using 3F on the enemy draws awe from the forest dwellers, admitting that the Overseer Guardian deserves the title as Nazraick's strongest shield.

After the Chaos Beasts are destroyed the group cheer Albedo on her performance. Humbly Albedo passes the compliments to her juniors as they too are crucial to the defense of the forest. From the experience Albedo feels that both parties have expanded their horizons. Everyone is just about to pack up, before Slimeko reminds everyone that they still need to complete one last request from Nfirea, which is to secure a slime for future research.

Knowing where to look for such a specimen, the group head to the grove containing the Longevity Nuts. There they easily subdue a slime that has grown fat and strong from the vitalizing fruit, making it perfect for the researchers at E-Rantel. The mission being finally over, the two undercover adventurers decide to part ways from Albedo and Aura to deliver the slime to E-Rantel and update the Adventurer's Guild on a possible solution to the fabric issue. Albedo promises to begin her own experimentation, using the samples of fibers they collected from the forest. Albedo and Aura say their goodbyes to to the forest dwellers and the adventurers, and together make their way out of the woods.

While walking back to Nazarick, Aura and Albedo hold a conversation about Albedo's wedding dress. Albedo having acquired the necessary materials and knowledge from the forest and lizardmen believes that she can use it in combination with the information from the library. Aura is happy for her though admits she had some reservations about Albedo going out of Nazarick. Unlike the 6th Floor Guardian, who is on assignments, Albedo is always cooped up and managing the dungeon. Aura hoped that the little excursion outside would distract her to enjoy herself. Touched Albedo thanks Aura for her concern, and asks Aura on her stance of participating in the Queen War. Surprised Aura maintains that she has no interest in joining and prefers to stay as a facilitator to make sure the rivalry between her and Shalltear stays under control. Before Albedo has a follow-up question Aura makes an excuse to hurry to Nazarick. However Albedo decides to accept the answer for the time being and returns to Nazarick with Aura.

Aftermath
Shortly after Albedo returned to Nazarick, the Floor Guardians and Momonga reconvene in the Round Table Room for a debriefing session on the protagonist's report from E-Rantel. In the report, Momonga announces that the homunculus worked with the Adventurer's Guildmaster to preparing a fabrication operation with the help of the E-Rantel Magic Research Institute. From the report the operation is a success. After that, the materials obtained by Albedo have proven to be made into fabrics so the manufacturing problem of dolls will be solved. Albedo takes the floor to show everyone a prototype of the new dolls using local materials. The doll invokes an emotion response from Momonga who sees it to be a "amigirumi" type doll. Though the material of the doll is much rougher than its predecessors, its simple to make and can garner buyers. All the Floor Guardians likewise see the ingenuity of the doll, though Albedo gives credit to the lizardman, Crusch Lulu for teaching her this method through hands on experience. Mare notices the sweet scent of the doll, which Albedo explains is emanating from the medicinal herbs that the fiber plants are made from which Demiurge notes will appreciate the value of the dolls.

Momonga is impressed on Albedo productive excursion outside the dungeon, seeing it was a good stimulus for the Overseer Guardian. Mentally though Momonga found the looking too much like a cursed item, though still had some resemblance of cuteness, and wonders if this is the result of Albedo possessing her creator's, Tabula Smaragdina, sense of obession with horror elements.

After the debriefing session is over, Albedo returns to her room to work on her dress. The wedding dress is finally made and Albedo is eager to try it on and show Momonga. Upon wearing the dress Albedo believes that once her master sees her in this gown it will win his heart and convince him to declare her as his queen. She goes to Momonga's office to enact her plan, though to her surprise Albedo hears an all too familiar voice in the room with Momonga.

Shalltear Bloodfallen having a private audience with Momonga in his office reports that the success of the subjugation of the Chaos Beasts and flawless security of the first and third floors. Momonga is proud to know that Shalltear has completed her additional duties whilst Albedo was absent, though Shalltear hints that there is one area where security to Momonga is a danger, which is when he baths and tries to offer her services to guard him. An interruption at the door occurs when Albedo comes charging in. Momonga is shocked by Albedo's appearance, questioning why she is dressed in a wedding gown. Albedo then explains that she made this for him as an expression of her true feelings. Momonga ignoring that it was made for him is more stunned that its handmade. Albedo and Shalltear barely hold a polite conversation of each other's actions with Momonga, before is devolves into a physical wrestle for Momonga both asking him to declare her to be his queen. Tugged between the two Floor Guardians, Momonga is ever confused on what is happening as the truce over the Queen War is declared over.

Luckily Momonga is rescued by the Eight-Edge Assassins from the bickering women who then at a later date are equally sentenced to punishment.