Expand Your Friendships (交友関係を広げてみよう) is the ninety-first chapter of the Overlord: The Undead Oh! series
Summary[]
The chapter beings with a shot of the door of the Bar of the Great Tomb of Nazarick with a sign pasted on it, stating that the establishment has temporary hours as a snack bar. Inside Éclair Éklair Éklare is at the bar table, commenting that the place is now being run by Mama Neuro, Neuronist Painkill, just as before in Overlord: The Undead Oh! Volume 06, when the Sous-chef handed the torturer temporary management of the Bar. The Sous-chef, Clavu who is also present, says that Mama Neuro's consultation is quite popular with everyone in Nazarick, with some even needing it.
Since she had the opportunity to run the Bar, Neuronist wore a new costume, a strapless dazzling sequin dress to show off. Meanwhile Clavu tells Neuronist that he will leave the Bar to her for tonight, so he can spend the rest of the day as he pleases, before the latter wishes him to have a best time.
With Clavu not returning until tomorrow, that leaves Éclair and Neuronist alone in the Bar. Strangley Clavu returns in a second. Éclair calling the myconid by his nickname Piki, asks if he forgot something. Clavu urges Neuronist to listen, and says he is hear for consultation. It apparent that Clavu gave up his Bar temporarily so he could ask for advice.
Neuronist asks what trouble Clavu to which he responds saying he has trouble with a relationship. He confesses that he's been getting bothered by the behavior and actions of someone he's not very good with. Neuronist advises that if he feels like he might not get along with them, then it's probably best to distance himself, and asks if he can do that.
Though the problem is as Clavu says, it's a customer of the store. And it the hard part about working in the hospitality industry. If he bans then then it will cause trouble. Another issue is that the customer is not a nuisance enough to warrant a ban so it's even more troublesome. While nursing a tumbler of alcohol, Clavu states that even though their personalities and values don't match he will keep the customer's name a secret. And while the Bar was a private scene, Clavu often thinks that the person should "at least do it on the Floor they're in charge of!"
Neuronist though quickly deduces that the person Clavu is the Floor Guardian of the Catacombs Floors. Éclair seeing who it is, finds it quite the squeeze. Clavu recalls how he was annoyed when Shalltear Bloodfallen had brought one of her Vampire Brides to the Bar, lecherously touching the latter, and how it was so inappropriate in his establishment. Though Neuronist suggest if it was a Floor Guardian and the other was mistress it's another story.
Neuronist admits that it's difficult to avoid people you don't like, so her suggestion would be to increase the number of communities Clavu is involved with. If one only has one place to socialize, then there won't be an escape route if one isn't good with people. But if there are multiple places, once can distance oneself from them. In other words, Clavu should go release his stress somewhere other than at the Bar. Éclair states that there's the Canteen where Clavu could hang out, having never seen the Sous-chef eat there.
Clavu though says that recently the many of the Floor Guardians have been starting coming to the Canteen to propose collaborative menus. In fact Shalltear is one of them, asking for the drink menu of Peroroncino. In effect as Éclair puts it Clavu's escape route is blocked. It's not a total loss as Clavu have other friendships so it's fine. Éclair thinks they should do another dinner party. Neuronist thinks that right now is a good opportunity for Clavu to broaden his circle of friends.
Kyouhukou is suggested as a possible friend to Clavu. But due to hygiene concerns, the Sous-chef will refrain from associating with that person, to which Neuronist agrees that such factors come into pay in these kinds of relationships. And while Clavu states that there is nothing wrong with Kyouhukou's personality, it's his family and residence that is a concern. But his reservation against the Area Guardian is only to avoid contaminating his store's food and drink.
Neuronist has one last suggestion, on about trying to make friends with the newcomers who have come to Nazarick. But given that they were no created by the Supreme Beings, Clavu doesn't think he will get along with them. That's fine if they don't get along. as according to the acting bartender. If the relationship becomes strained, depending on the race one may die first due to lifespan. This makes Éclair asks indignantly if time can really solve these kinds of relationship problems.
As for the newcomers, Neuronist says that since they swore their loyalty to Ainz Ooal Gown, that surely there bound to be a few who Clavu will get along with. It's mentioned that Clavu is in charge pf procuring produce from the 6th Floor. Surely among the people from the outside, there are those Clavu knows. Clavu does indeed, as he talks a lot with the dryads ad treants who worked at the apple orchard. So it would seem Clavu gets along with plant-type monsters. However Clavu states mostly they talk about work. And is worried if they think will find him annoying for suddenly acting all overly friendly.
It's a hassle and a drag, but Neuronist underlines fiercely that Clavu should at least try. Though Clavu argues that if they interact as part of their work, then their relationship will becomes too casual, something that might not be good. Seeing the two argue, Éclair tries to calm everyone down.
Clavu seeing that Neuronist solution is not suitable for his situation, thanks the torturer for her advice, as he turns to leave the Bar. Before the myconid leaves, Neuronist shouts that if he doesn't show some courage his circle of friends won't grow.
Meanwhile Clavu in his thoughts tells himself that he really doesn't like Shalltear, but thankfully she doesn't come to his store every day, so he guesses he just has to be patient when dealing with the Floor Guardian. Clavu then goes to Ashurbanipal to borrow a book to help him create a new drink.
There by coincidence he spots Shalltear, dressed in one piece skirt, glasses, and a beret, hiding behind one of the shelves and looking suspicious. Clavu reacts by quickly passing her, pretending not to see her. But his ploy fails as she soon grabs his hand, stating she has been waiting for him. The truth is Shalltear is looking for a book and needs his help. Clavu tries suggesting calling for a librarian, but the idea is rejected by the vampire, as she vehemently doesn't want the librarians to know what book she is planning on borrowing. But the Sous-chef says that moot as the librarians will eventually know what book she borrowed when she checks it out at the front desk.
Shalltear explains that ever since she asked about the book Ainz borrowed, the librarians have been wary of her. Though Clavu again points that the borrowing history is personal information. The Floor Guardian though has obtained the titan of the book via another source which Clavu is mortified that personal information was leaked. Though Shalltear claims that she was just searching for the book herself, as part of a little strategy---pretending to find a book that just happened to catch her eye and seemed interesting before borrowing it. As for her outfit, she boasts that it was designed by Peroroncino as the Book-Loving Heroine Outfit.
Shalltear has never been to Ashurbanipal. In truth, she had no idea what kind of books were there and where they were kept. Clavu finds this all to be troublesome, and too much of a hassle to be held back any longer. So he opts to just tell Shalltear where to look and leave. The myconid agrees to help Shalltear to her glee, smiling that they are such good friends to his silent confusion. He didn't expect her to say that and is genuinely surprised that Shalltear views him as a friend.
Clavu thinks this is a lie that Shalltear is saying about their relationship. Although he remembers what Neuronist said, that sometimes, even if there is someone he doesn't get along with, he can act friendly towards them if he just says something. Clavu now exasperated thinks that since he normally tries to be politely and not cause friction as the Bar owner, his other emotions and attitude must not have gotten through to Shalltear.
Clavu follows Shalltear in the maze of book shelves. She explains to the myconid that when looking for a book, in a library, the quickest way is to understand the genre which the library is sorted by as Clavu observes. Taking out a piece of paper from her pocket, Shalltear explains this is the title of the book she is searching for one that is unfamiliar to her: What Is An Evolutionary Arms Race. The vampire wails of being unable to determine where such a book is located in the library. Clavu says that is expected of Ainz, as the books must be really difficult as even he can't tell what genre it's from.
Shalltear though thinks it might be related to military expansion, so it would be in the war and politics books. Clavu recommends first they check it out in the dictionary just to be sure. Through a dictionary, Clavu states that if they understand what the term "evolutionary arms race" means they should be able to guess the book's genre. He finds it, and simply put the definition is that when one organism volves, other organism evolve in a competitive manner, which is the basis for coevolution. For example if prey like gazelle were to evolve faster, then predators like cheetahs would follow suit. But the question Shalltear still has is what kind of genre does What Is An Evolutionary Arms Race belong to? To which Clavus supposes that it would probably be a difficult book that even Shalltear would never be interested in, even if she accidentally laid eyes on the cover, which Shalltear expects of what Ainz is studying.
According to the library's director, this type of book should be placed somewhere around the Biology section. As the two search for the book, Clavu curiously asks how the Floor Guardian learned of the title that Ainz was reading. Shalltear tells Clavu that she heard it from a general maid who has experience as an on-duty expert on Ainz. Apparently, when making the bed, the maid found the book that Ainz read all night from under the pillow. Thus now the maids know Ainz's favorite book. And on how she acquired this knowledge, Shalltear did not force it out of the maid, she just told her during a casual conversation, so Shalltear is completely innocent.
Clavu had no idea that she was so close to a general maid, but to his shock Shalltear didn't really know the maid much. She just ran into her while at the Canteen where the general maids gather. Whoever it was, Shalltear just asked the maids randomly to find out if they respond with any new information with small talk. This leaves Clavu stunned on how Shalltear is so familiar with a strong social community. He understand that Shalltear doesn't think too deeply about the feelings of others when she meets them, and is so careless that she can talk to anyone casually, even if they cry. And now understand what Mama Neuro was trying to teach him about making new relationships, but to be honest finds this social tactic rude.
Shalltear eventually finds the book, much to the Sous-chef's joy as he is now free separate from the former. Oblivious to his dim view of her, Shalltear thanks Clavu for his help, saying he is very kind. When she was feeling down she remembered Clavu reached out to her when she was depressed in the hallway of the 10th Floor. In reality the Sous-chef was doing as professional courtesy as Shalltear he didn't think it was appropriate for her to be left in such a despondent state. Though later he regretted his decision as she acted drunk at his Bar.
The Floor Guardian thanks the Sous-chef for his help as she goes to leave to borrow the book to read it, promising to visit his Bar for another delicious cocktail. Touched by this, Clavu decides that he will try to interact with Shalltear little by little. Thus the Sous-chef learned to be point things out without holding back.
So the next time Shalltear came with her Vampire Bride, and started to grope the latter, Clavu sternly told the Floor Guardian if anymore lewd actions occurred then she will be banned. Shalltear sad, relents allowing her Vampire Bride to enjoy some sake.
Character Appearance[]
In Order of Appearance[]
- Shalltear Bloodfallen
- Peroroncino (Cameo)
- Ainz Ooal Gown (Cameo)
- Éclair Éklair Éklare
- Clavu
- Neuronist Painkill
- Shihoutu Tokitu (Cameo)
- Kyouhukou (Cameo)
- Aura Bella Fiora (Cameo)
- Mare Bello Fiore (Cameo)
- Elven Slaves (Cameo)
- Pinison Pol Perlia (Cameo)
Locations[]
Chapter Notes[]
- This chapter first appears in Monthly Comp Ace November 2025 Issue.
- In the side notes, Mama Neuro's spangled dress is said to have an open back.
[]
| Overlord: The Undead Oh! Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Volume 1 | |
| Volume 2 | |
| Volume 3 | |
| Volume 4 | |
| Volume 5 | |
| Volume 6 | |
| Volume 7 | |
| Volume 8 | |
| Volume 9 | |
| Volume 10 | |
| Volume 11 | |
| Volume 12 | |
| Volume 13 | |
| Volume 14 | |
| Volume 15 | |
| Not in a Volume | |