Overlord (Light Novel) Chapter 39

Chapter 6: Prelude to the Royal Capital's Disturbance

Part 1

Lower Fire Month (9th Month) 3rd Day 17:44

The door to the guest room slowly opened.

Its hinges were regularly oiled and it should have swung open smoothly, but for some reason, the motion of the doors seemed unusually sluggish and ponderous, as though the door was fighting a pressure differential between the air on the inside and the outside of the room. It was as though their speed was matching the way Sebas felt..

If the door had truly read his heart, then Sebas would have much rather it had not opened at all. However, it did open, revealing the interior of the guest room to Sebas' eyes.

One was a light blue warrior. He emitted a freezing aura and held a platinum halberd, but was otherwise motionless.

Then, there was an angel in the shape of a fetus, held in the arms of the demon.

“Please forgive my lateness. I am deeply sorry to keep you waiting.”

Sebas was the butler and the head of the manservants, and he occupied a position close to the top of Nazarick's hierarchy. Only one person could make Sebas bow before him in fear and awe. There could be no other.

—Ainz Ooal Gown.

Dim red pinpoints of light played lazily within the hollow orbits of his eye sockets. Even from his bowed position, Sebas could sense those lights sizing him up from head to toe.

“…It is fine. Think nothing of it, Sebas. The fault lies with me, being that I did not communicate my arrival in a timely manner. But let us dispense with these pleasantries. How can you speak from over there with your head bowed? I bid you enter.”

Sebas's head was still lowered as he responded to the solemn voice. He looked up, and then slowly stepped forward — while a trail of frost ran down his spine.

He slowly shifted his gaze. The two Guardians before him did not seem to be paying much attention to Sebas. However, that was from a normal person's point of view.

There was no trace of friendliness in the tense atmosphere. The opposite was true, in fact. Their vigilance was not the reaction one would have to an ally.

“I think you should stop there.”

Sebas was some distance away from his master. It did not make speaking difficult, and when one considered the dimensions of the room and the fact that he was meeting with a superior, it was quite an appropriate distance. However, under normal circumstances, Ainz would consider Sebas to be too far away and ask him to approach. This time, Ainz had not said so. This sense of separation crushed Sebas until he could no longer breathe.

Incidentally, Solution had entered the room with Sebas, but she was standing by the door, awaiting orders.

There could only be one reason for that. The current situation made that very clear.

“Then, I have a question which I would like you to answer in your own words, Sebas. While I did not receive a report from you concerning this matter, is it true that you picked up an adorable little pet recently?”

Sebas' back felt like it had been impaled by several icicles. Then, he realized that he had not answered his master's question. He hurriedly replied:

“…A little slow on the reply, Sebas. Let me ask you again — is it true that you picked up an adorable pet recently and decided to take care of it?”

“Very good. Then, could you explain why you did not report the matter to me?”

Sebas' shoulders shuddered and he stared at the ground. What could he say to avoid the situation developing in the worst possible way?

“What's the matter, Sebas? You seem to be sweating heavily. Shall I lend you a handkerchief?”

“You are permitted to use it.”

Sebas took a step towards Ainz and picked up the handkerchief. Then, he froze.

“Yes… Please forgive my shameful display, Ainz-sama.”

“Then, let us return to the topic, Sebas. When I sent you to the Royal Capital, I believe I ordered you to record any occurrence, great or small, in exacting detail and send it to Nazarick. After all, it is difficult for one person to determine the value of information collected. Frankly speaking, I doubt you omitted a single detail when submitting your reports. Am I correct?”

“Then, Demiurge, allow me to address a question to you as confirmation. After all, you have read Sebas' reports as well. Did those reports mention this adorable little pet?”

“Very good. Then, let us use that point as a premise for my next question, Sebas. Why did you not submit a report on that matter? …I wish to ask why you disregarded an order from me. Is the word of Ainz Ooal Gown not enough to bind your actions?”

Sebas hurriedly answered:

Silence filled the air.

Sebas did not fear death. It would be his utmost joy to die for Nazarick. Yet, the thought of being executed as a traitor terrified even the stoic Sebas.

After some time, and after much sweat had beaded on Sebas' forehead, Ainz spoke.

“Yes. It is as you say, Ainz-sama. Please forgive my foolish mistake!”

As Sebas lowered his head in apology, Ainz's emotionless voice filtered into his ears. The fact that Ainz had not ordered a summary execution slightly eased the tension in the room.

“Solution. Fetch Sebas' pet.”

The door quietly closed behind Solution as she moved to carry out her orders. Sebas' keen senses informed him that Solution was heading away from the door.

Ainz, Cocytus, Demiurge and that strange angel were here, for a total of four heteromorphic beings. While Demiurge looked vaguely human, the same could not be said of the other three.

The denizens of Nazarick had only one method to keep secrets from spreading — by killing everyone who knew them.

Sebas mentally shook his head. It was too late to think of that now.

—What should I do?

Once she arrived here, Sebas would have to make a choice. And there could only be one answer he could give.

There was knocking, and then the door opened. As expected., there were two women there.

“I have brought her.”

The Guardians' displeasure intensified as Tsuare made her appearance. That was because to some extent, Tsuare was the physical incarnation of Sebas' sins. It would seem she was trembling from the hostility directed at her.

Sebas did not look back, but he could clearly feel Tsuare's gaze boring into him from behind. Her reservoirs of courage were derived from Sebas himself.

As Ainz's quiet voice echoed through the room, there was a change in the room's mood. No, it would be better to say that the hostility direct at Tsuare had vanished. After reprimanding the two Guardians, Ainz slowly extended his left hand to Tsuare. Then he turned his palm to the ceiling, and beckoned her over.

As though controlled by those words, Tsuare took step after step forward on trembling legs.

Tsuare was shuddering all over and did not answer. Sebas felt the gaze directed at his back grow stronger. Said gaze made Tsuare's will abundantly clear, more than any number of words could explain.

Tsuare grabbed the corner of Sebas' coat. Sebas suddenly recalled how she had clung to his clothing in that alley. At the same time, he was filled with regret. If he had handled things better, the situation would not have come to this.

“『Kne-”

Demiurge understood the meaning behind his master's gesture, and said no more.

“My sincerest apologies.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ainz Ooal Gown, the master of Sebas over there.”

Ainz Ooal Gown — one of the 41 Supreme Beings — was the great entity who controlled every aspect of Sebas' existence, including his life and death.

As Sebas was pondering this matter, both sides were still conversing.

“It is fine, Tsuare. I know a little about you, and I have no interest in learning more. Stand there and remain silent. Soon you will know why you have been summoned.”

“Now then…”

“…Sebas, I have a question for you. I told you not to attract attention with your actions, did I not?”

“And despite my clear instructions to you, you got yourself into trouble because of this meaningless little woman — am I wrong?”

The word “meaningless” made Tsuare shudder, but Sebas only answered the question and made no other response.

“Yes. My thoughtlessness has displeased you, Ainz-sama. I shall reflect upon my sins, be more careful in the future, and I shall not make the same mistake ag—”

“Huh?”

Ainz shifted, and the chair creaked once more.

“—Thank you, Ainz-sama.”

The air in the room suddenly grew tense, and the temperature felt as though it had fallen by several degrees. No, that was not it. Only Sebas felt that way. The others — the denizens of Nazarick — remained serene and still.

What did his master mean by “death”? No, that went without saying. The thoughts “As I expected” and “I hope not” weighed heavily on Sebas, but still, he asked:

“Hm… what I mean is that I expect you to eliminate the source of your mistake in order to wipe the slate clean. How can you be the representative of everyone else when you leave the origin of your error untouched? You are the butler of Nazarick, and one who stands at the head of the manservants. If you do not handle the matter appropriately…”

Even when faced with a mighty foe, Sebas' breathing remained calm and regular. Yet, it was now frantic, like a small animal that had run into a predator.

塞巴斯即使直接面对强敌也平顺如常的呼吸，如今却像是碰到捕食者的小动物那般紊乱不堪。

“This—”

Sebas closed his eyes, and then opened them again.

After that long, interminable moment, Sebas finally made his decision.

Sebas was the butler of Nazarick.

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His foolish hesitation had brought about these consequences. If he had pleaded with his master earlier, the outcome might have been different.

♦ ♦ ♦

The hand clinging to him let go. Its fingers clutched briefly at empty air, wavering for a moment before falling powerlessly.

She smiled, and closed her eyes.

Sebas' movements did not waver. His heart had long since descended into the abyss. In his place stood a steely servant who had pledged his utmost fealty to Nazarick. That being the case, there was no reason not to obey the absolute order handed down by his master.

Sebas' hand formed into a fist, and then he struck at Tsuare's head, seeking to grant her the mercy of an instant death.

♦ ♦ ♦

“—What are you doing? Why are you interfering with me?”

“…”

Cocytus had reached out a hand from behind Tsuare — whose eyes were still tightly shut — and stopped Sebas' fist.

And then, the doubts in Sebas' heart were immediately answered.

Sebas was anxious and doubtful, but he was still halfway through another punch when he heard Ainz's order. The strength he had channelled into his hand dissipated in an instant.

Indeed, all this had had been planned ahead of time. The fact was that his master wished to verify Sebas' intentions.

What else could he do, now that things had come to this? What right did he have, given that he had left her to her fate?

“Cocytus. Was that blow intended to take that woman's life?”

“Then I declare that Sebas' loyalty is no longer in question. Thank you, Sebas.”

Sebas bowed, his face stiff.

“—Demiurge, any objections?”

“Cocytus?”

“…Victim?”

“Very well. Then, let us move on to the next item.”

“Thanks to the efforts of Sebas and the others, I feel we have gathered sufficient information. There is no reason to linger in this place. We shall vacate this property immediately and return to Nazarick. Sebas, I will leave the disposal of this woman to you. Since I have already verified your loyalty, I will not object to whatever you wish to do — or at least, I would like to say that, but some considerations must be made before releasing her. Allowing her to go free and speak of Nazarick would be troublesome, do you not agree, Demiurge?”

“Then, what should we do?”

“Indeed… Sebas, we will decide Tsuare's fate later. I would prefer not to kill her, but I cannot guarantee that. Please keep that in mind.”

“Ainz-sama. Are we retreating from this house — from the Royal Capital — because of my mistake?

After taking the fetal angel — Victim — from Demiurge, Ainz cast a spell.

Ainz flourished his cape in a theatrical fashion as he cast the spell, as though he were an actor. Then he was engulfed by a sphere of blackness which then vanished inward, taking his body with it.

“That's right, she looks a little tired. I would like to take her back to her room to rest. I trust there will be no problems if I take her there, Demiurge?”

A thin, fiendish smile appeared on Demiurge's face, and he gracefully gestured to the door, as though to say, “Please, carry on.”

“Please come with me.”

After leaving the room, the hallway echoed with their footsteps. The two of them walked in silence, and soon they reached the door to Tsuare's room. It was nearby, but the journey there seemed to have taken a very long time.

“I will not apologize.”

“However, the fact that my master ordered me to dispose of you was my fault. If I had dealt with the matter in a better way, it would not have come to this.”

“I am a loyal servant of Ainz-sama — of the 41 Supreme Beings. Even if the same thing happens again, I will respond in the same way… so I hope you will stay in the human world and find happiness there. I will try to seek Ainz-sama's approval… given that Ainz-sama can modify memories. Let Ainz-sama erase your unpleasant memories and then live well.”

“…I will ask Ainz-sama to erase your memories of me as well. After all, remembering me will do you no good.”

Sebas sensed a fierce determination in Tsuare's voice, and turned around.

It was true that Nazarick was a wonderful place, and one could say it was a land blessed by the gods. But the only ones who thought that way were Sebas and the other people who had been created by the 41 Supreme Beings, as well as the vassals of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.

“…I want you to find happiness in the human world.”

Sebas felt that Tsuare was quite pitiable as he heard her ironclad statement.

She had seen the worst the world could offer, so she had taken joy in even a slightly less wretched environment. That was all. However, Tsuare laughed at his observation.

For a moment, Tsuare glanced into the distance. Then she recovered, and looked straight at Sebas.

“—I understand.”

What she had seen and lived through was not all of the world. Yet, to Tsuare, that was the sum total of the human experience.

What should he do? No matter how he thought about it, there was only one answer. But that answer would anger his master. It might even make him order Tsuare's death.

“If I must die by the hand of Sebas-sama, by the hand of the one who showed me kindness when I should have died in that place…”

“I understand, Tsuare. I will plead with Ainz-sama to let me take you to Nazarick.”

“It is too early to thank me. If I plead for you, Ainz-sama may order me to kill you—”

“Is that… so.”

There seemed to be a look of expectation in those eyes. That was what Sebas' instincts told him, but he did not know what she was hoping for. Still, he remembered that he had to confirm one thing first.

Even being taken to Nazarick did not entail being completely separated from human society. That was because he was not taking Tsuare there to be a prisoner. However that possibility could not be entirely ruled out.

“I understand. Then, go to your room. I will go and meet Ainz-sama once more.”

Tsuare let go of Sebas' clothes, and then she wrapped her arms around Sebas' neck.

And then, Tsuare's lips met those of Sebas.

“It was a little prickly,” Tsuare said as she stepped back, touching her lips with the fingers of both hands. “It was the first time I was so happy to be kissed.”

“Then, I shall wait here. Thank you for your concern, Sebas-sama.”

♦ ♦ ♦

That was the first thing Sebas heard when he returned to the room. Upon hearing someone comment on the redness of his face, Sebas calmed his breathing back to a deep and even rhythm. If he allowed his consternation from just now to show on his face, what right would he have to receive his master as his servant? Sebas resisted the impulse to touch his lips, instead putting on the expression of the perfect servant.

“There is no need to address me in such a formal manner, Sebas. Just as you did in front of Ainz-sama — in front of our master of incomparable worth — you may address me by my name alone. How about you, Cocytus?”

After hearing from the two Guardians, Sebas indicated that he understood.

By the time the distortion had faded, someone stood in its place. Naturally, that person was Ainz. The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown he had been carrying just now was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Victim.

“Thank you for the warm welcome.”

“You may rise.”

“Let's get down to business. Demiurge, this just goes to show you were worrying too much. I didn't believe for a moment that Sebas had betrayed us. You are all too cautious. Besides, I verified it myself in the Throne Room.”

“That's fine. I also make mistakes from time to time. However, I can relax when I know you are paying attention and checking, Demiurge. Besides, you made that suggestion because you were worried about me. I am not so petty as to censure you for that.”

“Now then, Sebas. It is time to discuss how to deal with that human girl.”

The silence continued, and then Ainz spoke, in what sounded like a suggestion.

Demiurge nodded under Ainz's gaze.

“We shall alter her memories. Then… give her some money, and dump her somewhere.”

Solution nodded at Demiurge's suggestion. After seeing their reactions, Ainz sank into contemplation. Since the two of them felt the same way, he should probably do it… perhaps.

Once his master made a decision, asking him to change it would not be easy. While Ainz had forgiven Sebas, Demiurge, Cocytus and Solution would surely think very poorly of him now. Carelessly voicing his opposition would definitely incur their ire.

Sebas opened his mouth, preparing to speak in opposition to Demiurge's opinion. However, he ended up not doing so, because Ainz spoke first.

Sebas swallowed a sigh of relief. Tsuare had not yet been condemned to death. That said, it was still a possibility.

“Oh, I recall you were breeding Chimerae. That's right, have you considered mincing them and using them as rations? We need to improve the quality of Nazarick's provisions.”

“…Unfortunately, the quality of their meat is poor, and they are not up to standard. Using them in glorious Nazarick would be a little…”

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“Still, we can chop up the dead beasts and feed them to the others. Of course, they will not eat the meat if you feed it to them directly, so we have to mince it up first.”

“You are correct, Ainz-sama. Still, that is what makes them foolish, cute and suitable as toys. The thing is that they are omnivorous, so they will also eat grains and the like. Therefore, may I trouble you to grant me some grain if there is any left over? Given the current situation, our plundered supplies are somewhat insufficient.”

“Understood. Given the quantities required, I wish to rent a small warehouse and store the grains there. How shall we transport the grain to Nazarick?”

“Yes. We will handle the transportation from there.”

“Thank you very much for your kind words, Ainz-sama! They serve as immeasurable encouragement to your humble servant!”

Demiurge was all smiles. Sebas had never seen that expression on him before — it was a smile that lacked any malice whatsoever and endeared him to all who looked upon it.

“I see, I see.”

Sebas and Demiurge were both servants of the Supreme Beings, and Sebas knew Demiurge's personality well. Someone like Demiurge would never run an ordinary ranch. The same would apply even if he were raising creatures like Chimerae—

This was because he had guessed what sort of creatures Demiurge was raising.

Just then, there was a lull in the conversation between Ainz and Demiurge. This was the only time for Sebas to cut in. After deciding on that, Sebas addressed his master:

“Hm? What is it, Sebas?”

He held his breath. This was a gamble — an extremely risky gamble. Yet, it was one he had to make.

Silence descended upon the room, and all eyes converged on a single point in the room. Ainz calmly asked Sebas:

“To begin with, Tsuare can cook. In all of Nazarick, only the head chef and the sous-chef can prepare food, excepting Yuri and the others. After considering the future needs of Nazarick, I feel that it would be better if we had more people who could cook. I also feel that it would be very beneficial to test the ability of humans to work in Nazarick. It would set an excellent precedent to show that even inferior lifeforms like humans can render service unto Nazarick. In addition—”

Ainz raised his hand to interrupt Sebas' non-stop rambling about the many uses of Tsuare.

“But Ainz-sama, can she really prepare food which is worthy of Nazarick?”

You bastard — Sebas swallowed the curse before he could speak it.

“He does have a point. What do you think, Sebas?”

“Basic dishes. I doubt Nazarick will require steamed potatoes or the like.”

“Then I would love to have her help prepare food in my ranch. Making mincemeat is hardly a trivial task.”

The two of them bickered back and forth. Ainz watched their conversation.

♦ ♦ ♦

“The Fire Giants—”

“…Hm. Ulbert-san, I believe we agreed to farm the Fire Giant boss Surtr for his rare drops. Did you forget?”

“…Indeed, that is so. But Yamaiko-san needs the drops to get stronger.”

“Are you referring to the Primordial Fire? Then the Primordial Ice is just as essential, no? That being the case, we should hunt the Dragons—”

“So you're telling me to shell out for a cash item, then?”

“…How about fighting lewd monsters like Succubi in the Abyss?”

“Well, if we're going after demon-types, we ought to fight the Seven Lords of Sin. Granted, we might need to make a lot of preparations.”

“You're the selfish one, Ulbert-san. Besides, games aren't all about efficiency.”

“They've always been like that. Ever since they recruited me.”

“…Chagamsan, Peroroncino-san, could you please put your weapons down? I'm invoking my Guildmaster's privileges.”

“Someone took out Pride. There was a post online.”

“Speaking of World-Class Items, let's use the [Caloric Stone] to make a super-powerful golem.”

“I think a suit of armor would be pretty good too.”

“That's right, Momongsan.”

“Ahhhh, we can't get it unless we have sole control over the mine. What a pain.”

“So we sell it to the Alliance and let them kill each other? That's our strategist Punitto Moe-san for you.”

“Eh? Why's that?”

「咦？这是为什么？」

“Achya — still, it'll be hard for them to form a high-tier coalition like last time.”

“Sounds good to me. Guildmaster, what do you think we should do?”

“Fine with me.”

“Alright, then, the new coin will represent Ulbert-san while the old one represents Touch-san. Good — everyone, take your coins. We're going to listen to the two of them speak now—”

“—Are. You. Quite. Done. With. This. Squabbling? You. Stand. Before. Ainz-sama!”

Both of them turned to look at Ainz, who was staring at them, and their faces blanched in unison. There was no way to tell what expression lurked within the dancing points of light within Ainz's empty eye sockets, but there was no doubt that there was great power in his gaze.

“Forgive your servant's rudeness in your presence, Ainz-sama!”

The two of them bowed in apology, but neither of them could understand Ainz's reaction.

The room suddenly rang with loud and relaxed laughter.

“It's fine. I permit this! I permit you to argue! Yes! That's how it should be, going back and forth without end. Ahahaha.”

“Ahahah… tch, the override kicked in.”

“I already know what Sebas wants to say. Unfortunately, it is not a good idea to bring humans into the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. That said, I wish to see that Tsuare girl. Bring her to me.”

Sebas was puzzled by Ainz's strange pronouncement, but he immediately left the room and fetched Tsuare.

“Mm, bring her over—”

Has something about her displeased the Master? Sebas glanced at Tsuare from the corner of his eye, but he had no idea why his master would act like that.

“…Welcome, Tsuare. Let me begin by making things clear. I do not warn people twice, because I wish to respect the choices that others make. That applies even if said choice results in disaster for the other party. WIth that out of the way, I wish to ask you something. If you lie, the matter will be over. The same applies if I do not receive the answer I wish to hear.”

“Then, my question is: Tell me your full name.”

He glanced at her again, and saw that Tsuare's eyes were roving all around the room. Her attitude explained everything.

The fact that she had not even told Sebas her real name suggested that it might be very problematic. That said, lying to his master would probably be the worst-case scenario for her.

“Tsu-Tsuare… Tsuareninya.”

“Tsuareninya Veyron…”

His terms were so generous that it made people question why Ainz was going this far for her. However, Tsuare did not hesitate and replied immediately:

Ainz nodded slowly. The crimson light in his empty eye sockets seemed strangely gentle.

Everyone immediately snapped to attention. Tsuare hurriedly made to imitate them.

“Thank… thank you, m'lord. But, but, I would prefer to work with Sebas-sama.”

Solution bowed deeply.

Everyone except Tsuare and Ainz bowed as one.

“None at all. Your word is law in the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. However, I feel many will not understand why we have welcomed a human being to this blessed land of ours. How shall I explain this to them?”

Ainz looked at Solution, who was waiting for orders within the room, and said:

“However, it remains to be seen if an immortal can still be considered human.”

“Your servant understands. I have no further questions.”

Everyone bowed in silence. Tsuare looked around and hurriedly bowed as well.

“Your servant submits that going back with me would save a lot of trouble.”

“Understood!”

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After watching the three of them leave, Demiurge asked Ainz:

Ainz did not answer that question, but slowly rose from his seat. Then he turned to face a blank wall. The way he did so was as though there were someone standing there.

“Demiurge, I am a person who believes in returning good unto good and evil unto evil. At the same time, I feel that debts owed must be repaid.”

“The Head Librarian has already translated it, but this is is the original. It was the diary of a girl who burned with anger because her… elder sister was taken away by a nobleman.”

However, the elder sister was taken away by the lord of the land — a man with a terrible reputation — to serve as his concubine. Perhaps the younger sister might have been able to wish her well with tears in her eyes if her elder sister had been able to live well. However, the rumors her little sister heard made her guess that her elder sister would be used as a toy and then disposed of as garbage once her captors tired of her.

Soon, she discovered that she had a talent for magic, and so she steadily built her strength in order to save her elder sister with her abilities. However, she had met her end before meeting her aim.

“I learned some things about how the world worked from from this diary. So I am in your debt. Let me pay it to your elder sister instead.”

“Ainz-sama, your servant seeks your permission for a matter.”

“I saw the reports which Sebas submitted, and something caught my interest. Might I have some of your time?”

“Yes. There is a place I wish to investigate. I will attempt to return before you must go back, Ainz-sama, but it may take a while because I have to search for the place in question… having you wait for me is terribly disrespectful, but if you could spare me a bit of your precious time…”

“It is fine, Demiurge. You are doing so for the benefit of Nazarick, are you not? Waiting for that purpose is not a hardship. Go, Demiurge.”

Part 2

Dawn came, and with it, Sebas and Solution's busy day began.

He brought Solution with him — she had only met them once before this, when they had just arrived — and announced their return to their homeland to all the traders and to the Guild.

In the end, they spent upwards of half an hour at every location they visited, and after they had finished reporting to everyone, it was already very late.

There were hints of delight in Solution's voice. Sebas could tell that this was because she was pleased; both because she would be able to return to the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, and also because she had fulfilled the orders her master had handed down to her. Since intelligence-gathering had primarily been Sebas' job, she had probably not had much chance to experience the sense of accomplishment which came from serving her master and producing results.

The fact was that her good-spirited conversation with the merchants had led to various negotiations going in their favor. For instance, they had received a huge discount on the rent for the warehouse, on top of the deductions for buying a large quantity of grain.

That was what Sebas thought as he stopped the coach in the yard of the house and led Solution to the main door.of the house.

Then he turned it, as he always did, but he did not hear the clicking that should have followed, nor did he feel like he had opened a lock.

—Was the door open?

Tsuare was the only one left in the house. There was no way she would have gone outside on her own.

Sebas rammed the door open without waiting for Solution to finish. He did not consider the possibility of there being a trap in place. Even if there was a trap, he would crush it underfoot.

However, he could not sense any humans around.

Sebas went through every nook and cranny but could not find her. Not only had he not found her, but there were no traces of her either. It was as though she had vanished into thin air.

Sebas clenched his fists.

In fact, he should never have left Tsuare alone in the house. Having clashed with a criminal syndicate, he felt that it was inevitable that danger would come his way sooner or later.

Even leaving her on the coach might have caused problems as well. It was those worries which made Sebas decide to leave her in the house.

All he could say now was that he had been too naive.

“Sebas-sama, over here.”

How could she be there? Sebas had checked the guest lounge just now. Still, he clung to a sliver of faint hope.

“There seems to be something written on—”

Sebas did not wait for Solution to reply before practically snatching it from her hands. Then he activated his magic item and read through the contents, whereupon he crushed the paper in anger.

Solution's reply was calm and emotionless.

“However, Ainz-sama ordered us to retreat to the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. Should we not prioritize that order?”

“Sebas-sama… your servant feels that acting independently here will incur a great risk. Firstly, where will you go to rescue her?”

“I see. However, it would be best to report to Ainz-sama before heading there. After all, had you not destroyed the brothel, things would not have ended up like this, Sebas-sama. Was that not a violation of Ainz-sama's request that we keep a low profile. In addition, acting on your own again would mean defying Ainz-sama's will once more, Sebas-sama… and also, have you forgotten what Ainz-sama said back then, Sebas-sama?”

“Report to Ainz-sama. Tell him that Tsuare has been kidnapped, and ask him for advice on how to proceed.”

Lower Fire Month (9th Month) 4th Day 15:15

Albedo happily hummed a self-made tune to herself as she pushed a needle through a piece of wool, pulled the thread tight, then pushed the needle back in again, and then tightened it again. After several repetitions of this, she had sewn a piece of black cloth to a ball of white wool. After that, she stuffed the cloth into the white ball to make it even rounder.

“Alright! I've finished Ainz-sama's head!”

The skull's mouth and eyes were patches of sewn-on cloth and they looked adorable. Ainz would surely be embarrassed if he saw this.

She set the fabric skull down with infinite kindness, then rose from her chair and took up a ball of white wool.

Speaking of personal rooms, Albedo had originally been assigned to the Throne Room as its defender, so she had never had a room to begin with.

Much like Ainz's own room, Albedo's quarters were very spacious. Frankly speaking, it was too large for Albedo, who did not have many personal possessions to begin with.

The first reason was the changing room which Albedo was about to open.

Of course, they were all fake copies of Ainz. There were several dakimakuras of Ainz in various poses, and countless SD plush dolls of Ainz.

“Kuhuhuhuh~”

Albedo embraced the dakimakura tightly and then rolled around the floor. There were many different Ainzs on the floor as well, which ensured that her landing was well-cushioned.

“Kuhuhuhu, this latest dakimakura was made from Ainz-sama's bedsheet… which means I'm sleeping with Ainz-sama. Kuhuhuhuhu~”

“There's no scent… huh.”

Ainz was undead, so he did not need to sleep or use the bedroom. In addition, his body was skeletal, so he had no scent. He would bathe to rid himself of dirt or dust, but by itself, his body did exude any odours.

However, a girl in love could even scent the faint odour that Ainz produced… although her nose might have just been playing tricks on her.

She buried her face into the dakimakura and gulped down great lungfuls of air. This behavior was less fitting of the Guardian Overseer than a pervert.

As the Guardian Overseer of Nazarick, Albedo had many tasks. She had to handle troop assignations within Nazarick and station sentries to man the early warning perimeter. She also had to maintain the defensive posture of Nazarick and wait at the Throne Room to verify everyone's status and so on. It was a set of tasks that would make anyone's eyes ache.

“Ah~ I want to see Ainz-sama. I want to see him. Ah~ I want to see him.”

『—Albedo.』

Albedo broke out in a cold sweat and her face twitched as she looked around, until she was sure that the voice had been generated by magic.

『Just now, Sebas — no, Solution sent a [Message] to me. It seems that Tsuare, the woman which Sebas picked up, has been kidnapped. Therefore, I'd like you to put together a set of reinforcements for Sebas.』

Ainz had set out for E-Rantel in the guise of Momon right after returning to Nazarick, but she had heard the rough details from Demiurge, who had stayed behind.

『No. This situation has nothing to deal with Shalltear being mind-controlled. This matter seems to be the doing of the criminal organization hiding within the Kingdom.』

『Albedo. I swore on the name of Ainz Ooal Gown to help Tsuareninya. Do you understand?』

『Do you understand? Do you understand?! I used that name to guarantee her my protection! But someone dared kidnap her in spite of that! In other words, they are insulting the name that we all chose! They may not know the facts, but I will not forgive this!』

In all likelihood his emotions had reached a certain threshold and had been forcibly suppressed.

It was only after she heard her master's calm voice that Albedo's own heart could return to peace and she could finally speak.

“There, there's no need for you to apologize, Ainz-sama.”

『…Then, I order you to safely rescue Tsuareninya, Albedo.』

『Very good. I'll leave that to you. Also, is Demiurge still in Nazarick to handle the grain transportation? Let him take responsibility for this.』

『No, Albedo. I need you to defend Nazarick. Send Demiurge over. And remember to be careful. Do not allow your true identities to be exposed. In that case, I will turn the matter of the Royal Capital over to you and Demiurge. Carry on.』

The [Message] spell terminated and silence returned to the room. Albedo slowly rose and carefully stowed away the dakimakuras.

There was a hard glint in Albedo's eyes as she muttered to herself. She turned to regard the room once more.

That corner contained the flag emblazoned with the symbol of Ainz Ooal Gown.

“Ainz Ooal Gown, huh… how meaningless.”

Albedo thought of the flag that had replaced the flag of Ainz Ooal Gown. It was too large, and so it drooped like a theatre backdrop.

“The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick belongs to you and you alone. I, Albedo, wish only to serve you. Ahhhh… How I wish I could hear your wondrous name again someday—”

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Chapter end