Published at 26th of March 2019 2:14 am

Volume 10, Chapter 1 The Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown Part 2

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

After their business was concluded, the three of them left the room with the Elder Liches, leaving Ainz and Fifth. And, of course, the Eight Edge Assassins on the ceiling.

Frankly speaking, this was the end of Ainz’s work for the day. The rest was all free time. While there were some matters which were best settled earlier on, once they were finished, he found himself quite free. As he mused on what to do with his time, Ainz suddenly thought of something and rose to his feet.

“I will be seeing Pandora’s Actor next.”

With that order, Ainz strode forth. Fifth followed in silence. Naturally, so did the Eight Edge Assassins.

Once he left his home, he found that the outdoors was still quite cool, as befitting the season. The wind had a hint of chill in it, but Ainz was completely immune to the cold. After glancing at Fifth to make sure she was all right, he continued walking.

This district contained three kinds of buildings: Ainz’s own residence, all manner of government structures, as well as guest houses. Pandora’s Actor ― no, Momon lived in one of those guest houses.

Normally, he would have summoned Momon before him as befitting his status as a ruler, but what he did now was because he had changed his mind.

“―Hm? What’s this?” Ainz muttered as he neared the guest house. He was looking at the stables which adjoined the guest house in question. The word “stables” implied that it would be used to quarter horses, but now the only one in there was Hamsuke. Or rather, that was how it should have been.

Somewhat confused, Ainz drew near to the stables, and heard a quiet hyu~hyu~ of snoring. Sleep was a privilege of living creatures, so Hamsuke should be inside.

The sun was already quite high in the sky, but Hamsuke was still asleep.

Hamsuke could see in the dark like a cat, but according to Hamsuke, she was neither diurnal nor nocturnal. She ate her fill and then slept until she was hungry. That was her way of life.

When Ainz first heard of this, he wondered, “What part of this sounds like a Wise King of the Forest”. He felt like a fool for expecting her to behave like an intelligent being.

“She hasn’t noticed us even though we’re so close. Did she lose her feral instincts? Really… what a degenerate fellow. No, perhaps it worked all night last night.”

“That is not the case. Hamsuke-sama was here the whole of yesterday as well.”

“...I see.”

Ainz wanted to speak to Hamsuke despite Fifth’s merciless words, but he could not think of anything to say.

Well, she was just a pet anyway. I shouldn’t have expected anything from her. Doesn’t matter if she allowed herself to fall to that level… still, I’m busy with all sorts of things, but she’s here taking it easy. It really pisses me off… although I know I’m just taking my anger out on her.

He peeked his head into the stables, and the giant hamster was sleeping on the ground in an unguarded manner. All she needed now was a giant bubble from her nose and it would be the very picture of a sleepyhead.

However, there was something else which drew Ainz’s attention, apart from the way Hamsuke was sleeping like a middle-aged uncle (although her body should not have allowed for it).

There was a Death Knight that had Hamsuke’s tail wrapped around its waist. That undead creature must have been what drew Ainz’s attention to this stable in the first place.

Since it was an undead creature which he had made, there was a bond between them and so he could judge its approximate location. However, there were too many undead in E-Rantel, so that particular sense had grown confused.

In all honesty, it was very difficult for him to finely discern the location of the undead he had made. Even so, Ainz did not recall stationing one in the stables, hence his confusion at picking up an undead reaction here.

“Wake up, Hamsuke.”

“Muuu, yes....”

Her eyes blinked like those of a human being as her big face moved, and then she caught sight of Ainz.

“Ohhhh! I was wondering who it was, but as it turns out, it is milord!”

“It doesn’t matter who I am. Normally you should be calling me Ainz-sama, right? After all, you are Momon’s steed, not mine.”

“Of course I am, milord!”

“Is that so… well, as long as you understand…”

That said, Hamsuke’s reaction made Ainz think, Do you really understand?

In addition, magical beasts were not particularly resistant to mind control. Hence, Ainz lent an item to Hamsuke which made her impervious to mind control, but he was still uneasy that someone might try to manipulate her through means other than magic.

“Well, since you haven’t made any mistakes to date, I shall trust you. Then, onto the main topic. What’s with that Death Knight?”

“Ohhh! He is a friend who trains with this one, milord!”

It was then that Ainz remembered.

He had conducted an experiment in learning martial arts while Hamsuke was training to be a warrior. In other words, he used this Death Knight to see if it could continue gaining levels as a warrior.

He had equipped the Death Knight with artifacts that increased XP gain but that would greatly weaken it. However, in the end the Death Knight did not gain any levels. Ainz had anticipated that outcome, so he was not angry. Still, for some reason, Hamsuke had been going on and on about the Death Knight, so in the end, he took back the artifacts and left the Death Knight with her.

So that’s the one… Come to think of it, the spikes on its armor look rounded down… I didn’t loan it out to be a hug pillow, but because I wanted it to become a warrior, or perhaps master something… Well, it doesn’t matter. There’s enough Death Knights to go around. Giving it one won’t matter.

In fact, there were more than enough Death Knights, so much so that Ainz no longer made Death Knights when he created undead every day.

“Is that so. I understand. Still, no matter what, you used to be a wild magical beast. It’s quite problematic that you let someone get so close without noticing. We’re not as stealthy as Aura, are we? Shouldn’t you be taking this a bit more seriously?”

Hamsuke looked depressed, and her whiskers drooped down.

“This one sincerely apologizes. This one used to be the strongest creature in that forest. This one never needed to be on alert because this one was never ambushed before.”

“You should have had a childhood… period… or something, right? But before that, wasn’t there the Giant of the East and the Serpent of the West?”

“Who are they? These gentlemen… East? West? Of whom do you speak?”

A question mark appeared over Ainz’s head.

“...They were beings who laid claim to the forest, just like you.”

“Hoho~ I did not even know such people existed in that forest! As expected of you, milord! Your insight is indeed keen. This one knew little outside of this one’s territory.”

“You… you call yourself the Wise King of the Forest and you still…”

“In the past, a human warrior who trespassed in the territory of this one addressed this one in such a way. Speaking of which, this one spared that warrior and that warrior alone because this one thought the name sounded quite impressive. Ah, how nostalgic―”

Ainz felt that he had finally solved the mystery.

After that warrior returned alive, he must have greatly exaggerated the tales of his enemy, Hamsuke. It was probably some way of justifying his own survival when all his comrades had perished.

That too was not hard to understand. The fact was that Hamsuke was very strong. Of all the human warriors Ainz had met, perhaps only Clementine and Gazef could have beaten Hamsuke.

Ainz suddenly recalled Gazef.

“Ohh? Is something the matter, milord?”

“No… it’s nothing. Just… yes… it’s just that you don’t qualify as a Wise King of the Forest, just a Hamster of the Forest.”

“Hamsters, you say ― indeed, you have spoken of those creatures before, milord! So is this one truly a hamster?”

“Umu. You are a Giant Hamster.”

“Ohhh! So this one was actually a Giant Hamster! Then, do you know where to find other members of this one’s species, milord?”

“That, I do not know.”

After that curt reply, Hamsuke fell into despair once more. Was I too harsh? Ainz thought and tried to comfort her by saying:

“I have guaranteed all who serve Nazarick that they will be rewarded appropriately for their service. As long as you continue working for Nazarick, I shall someday find fellow members of your species for you.”

“Ohhhh!”

Hamsuke’s whiskers bounced as they stood up.

“Although this one was already loyal to milord, this one shall serve milord even more loyally from this day forth!”

“Umu umu. Then, Hamsuke, is Momon ― no, is Pandora’s Actor within the guest house?”

“Milord’s double? This one is not too confident in that regard. After all, he often rides the coaches and wagons which the humans of this city prepare for him, and he does not always take this one with him.”

“Ah, I seem to recall that he takes such transport to share information.”

Kuku, Ainz chuckled evilly.

Everything had developed as he had anticipated. Under the guise of sharing information with him, people would say things to Momon which they wanted to keep secret from Ainz, or perhaps they might plot to drive a wedge between Momon and Ainz. However, the truth was, they were the ones who would be unknowingly poisoned by the thoughts of Pandora’s Actor.

Ainz was a trustworthy king, a merciful being who thought of the people, and so on.

“I understand. However… you seem to be able to wear armor now. If you have nothing to do, how about putting it on and training in it?”

The prototype armor should be complete.

“This one understands, milord! Then, this one would also like to see those lizardmen-donos, if possible.”

“Very well. I shall grant your wish. I will speak to Cocytus afterwards and have him send someone here.”

“You have this one’s undying thanks, milord. Come, Death Knight-dono! Let us work hard together!”

Ainz paid no heed to the burning friendship between a beast and a corpse and moved on.

Behind Ainz was a voice which said something along the lines of “Really ― how annoying!” but he could not think of what the Death Knight might have to say. Although Ainz was vaguely interested in what Hamsuke was up to, he soon cast the thought away.

Speaking of which, some time ago, I think I gave Hamsuke… it feels like I’ve forgotten something. Oh well, if I can’t think of it, it couldn’t have been that important, I guess.

Ainz’s head was filled with these thoughts, which he could not quite articulate. It felt a bit like waiting for a sneeze which would not come. He arrived before the door to the guest house, but he would not do anything like knock. Fifth, who had been following behind Ainz, immediately advanced before him.

“Open it.”

“Understood, Ainz-sama.”

Fifth looked terribly serious as she opened the door, but the corner of her mouth seemed somewhat relaxed. This must have come from the satisfaction she felt at being able to help Ainz in some way.

It seems I was right to observe Jircniv. I have truly become a proper ruler. Granted, that’s not exactly the right way to treat him, but I’ll continue studying him from now on. After all, it’s to help me learn how it is to be a king.

Ainz did not thank Fifth, but looked to the open door.

“―Eight Edge Assassins.”

“Yes! Ready for orders!”

The Eight Edge Assassins that were following behind Ainz swiftly formed up into a line.

“―Go.”

“Yes!”

Their jaws opened and closed, and then the lined-up Eight Edge Assassins responded with a voice that seemed more forceful than usual before entering the building. Only Pandora’s Actor was supposed to be in this guest house. On occasion, Narberal was here, but for the most part, she was in the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, carrying out Ainz’s orders.

He could have stationed a regular maid here, but it could be troublesome if people who came to visit Momon thought they were being observed. Thus, it had come to this. However, if Pandora’s Actor stayed here alone, there was the possibility that the people who had brainwashed Shalltear might infiltrate this place. Thus, Ainz felt it was better to set up some countermeasures.

...Still, in order for that to happen, someone would need to infiltrate all the way in here. Well, only fools don’t prepare enough. ...Mm ― still, how long should I wait here? Or should I move forward? By common sense, I should wait here. After all, the Eight Edge Assassins will return to me. However, is a king really supposed to wait at the door?

After hesitating for a bit, Ainz thought, ah well, forget it, and entered the guest house.

He advanced, using the regal, proper bearing he had practiced dozens of times, in a way which he felt best fitted a ruler.

However, within less than 20 paces, one of the Eight Ege Assassins returned and genuflected before Ainz.

“Ainz-sama, we have summoned Pandora’s Actor-sama. He will present himself to you soon.”

“Is that so. Then I shall wait in the guest room.”

Ainz had been to this guest house before, so Ainz had a rough idea of its layout. After Fifth opened the door for him, Ainz moved without hesitation to the main seat in the guest room.

This violated much of the manners he had picked up as a salaryman and felt wrong to him. However, this was an easy task for Ainz, who had spent much time practicing to be a ruler.

Shortly after, a knocking came from the door. Ainz nodded to Fifth.

Having received permission, Fifth opened the door, and Pandora’s Actor entered the room. He was not using magic to appear as Momon, but was in his usual military uniform.

“Oh Supreme One, my creator Ainz-sama―”

“No need to greet me. Sit.”

“Yes!”

He clicked his heels together before marching in.

His movements were as smooth and crisp as that of a soldier’s, but to Ainz, they were entirely unnecessary. The best word to describe this was “overacting”.

And so, Pandora’s Actor advanced to the place beside Ainz and sat.

Don’t people usually sit opposite each other?

Everyone possessed an area around them called their personal space, but Ainz could not help but stare at Pandora’s Actor’s remorseless blitzkrieg upon him.

...Well, I guess it’s all right. Still, he’s really close...

Ainz closely inspected Pandora’s Actor as he sat down. He no longer felt the same shock he had when he had first seen him in the Treasury. Perhaps the passage of time and meeting him several times to give orders had softened the impact on him.

“May I ask―”

“No, it’s nothing, don’t worry about it. All right, I have some things to ask you. First, I’d like to know about Momon’s condition. I know what you’ve reported to Albedo… so, are there any problems?”

“It would seem that there is nothing spec―”

“Is that so. Good. Then, I’d like to ask you, as Pandora’s Actor ― are there any problems on your end?”

The mood in the air changed.

“In truth, Ainz-sama!”

Ainz leaned back, as though the tremendous presence of Pandora’s Actor was crushing him.

“I, I have suffered greatly!”

Who’s the one suffering here?!

However, Ainz did not have the time to shoot back with that before Pandora’s Actor continued speaking.

“During this time, I have not once been able to touch magic items. I have been unable to maintain the various magic items created by the Supreme Beings. The sorting of data crystals has ground to a halt as well. Please! No matter what, Ainz-sama! I beseech you to grant me some time with those items!”

“...I, did I design you that way?”

“Of that there is no doubt! These feelings were bestowed upon me by yourself, Momonga-sama!”

“...Ahhhhh.”

Ainz desperately tried to recall the way he had designed Pandora’s Actor. He could recall giving him a backstory that stated he liked managing magic items and the like. Ainz’s original intent was to design him in such a way that he would not find it strange to be alone in the Treasury ― indeed, one could consider being surrounded by the things he loved to be a heavenly job. So it would seem that Ainz’s personality settings were the source of the problem. However, for some reason, it seemed to have reached the level of a fetish.

“Did I not permit you to return to Nazarick every day?”

While half of Nazarick’s undead were made by Ainz, the other half were made by Pandora’s Actor. Granted, the undead made by Pandora’s Actor were weaker than those made by Ainz, to some extent. Still, that was within acceptable parameters, and there were adequate frozen corpses on the 5th Floor for that purpose.

In fact, there were so many of them that the two of them working together could not use them up.

“However, I have not received permission to return to the Treasury!”

What could he be feeling that made him omit his usual theatrics?

“I understand. Then, I shall inform Shalltear and have her give the Ring to you. In addition, I grant you permission to work on my comrades’ weaponry and equipment. Don’t damage them.”

“It shall―”

“Stop that. Speaking normally will be fine. Didn’t I tell you this before, hm, Pandora’s Actor?”

“Yes!”

“The relationship between us is one of creator and created. The fact is, I am very happy with the way you have worked hard to show me the being I intended to make. However, sometimes I wonder; should children not work to exceed their parents?”

“Ohhhh… Ainz-sama. To think you would refer to me as your child!”

“Umu, umu. You are, er, my son, or something like that. That, er, how shall I put this, should most likely, er, that should be the case. Therefore, there’s no need to use German or salute or be so dramatic in front of me. Since I made you, I want to see the parts of you that I did not make, as proof that you have grown.”

Ainz glanced behind at the sound of sniffling, and saw that Fifth was dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.

What?

Isn’t she crying too easily?

Just as Ainz was feeling confused, Pandora’s Actor bowed his head.

“I understand ― Father!”

“...Oh.”

“I shall show you what you wish to see, Father!”

He was wrong. He had been too reckless. Although it was impossible, Ainz felt a headache assailing him.

“Pandora’s Actor. You must not tell anyone else of what has happened here. Understood? If people know that you’re receiving special treatment, it might result in friction with the others. Also ― in fact, because of that, I will be placing you lower on my priorities. If the time comes when I have to choose between helping you or the Guardians, I will abandon you.”

“But of course! Please, sacrifice me as you see fit!”

As Ainz watched him thrust out his chest while speaking, a sense of guilt grew in Ainz’s heart.

“I am sorry. And… Fifth. Do not speak of what has happened here.”

After seeing Fifth nod in acknowledgement, Ainz nodded as well.

“Then, I will be on my way.”

“Ah, about that, could you hold on a little? Since we meet rarely, there is a matter I would like to ask you, Father. May I know how you intend to rule this Sorcerous Kingdom?”

“What?”

“Many humans have their doubts about the path upon which you intend to take this country, Father. For instance, if you wish to adopt a policy of expansion, they fear that they will be sent onto the battlefield, and so on.”

Ainz froze in place.

Where was he going to take Ainz Ooal Gown?

To begin with, Ainz was just a regular person, yet he had stated a nigh-unreachable goal like conquering the world. Ainz had stopped thinking about it. He felt that it would be better to hand this matter to intelligent people like Albedo or Demiurge.

That said, the matter of how to run this country was a question which he could not evade.

“Is, is something wrong, Father?”

“...I intend to let you know, but I’m still drafting it up in my mind. I shall discuss the matter with the various Guardians of Nazarick and then inform you.”

“Yes!”

Ainz rose silently.

“Then that will be all, Pandora’s Actor.”

After hearing Pandora’s Actor bid him farewell, Ainz left the room.

Before he left through the main door, he sent a [Message] to Shalltear before he forgot, informing him of Pandora’s Actor’s request. If he put it off, he would probably forget it later on.

Once he reached the door, Ainz moved faster than Fifth and opened the door before she could do so for him.

Then, he looked to the sky.

It was a clear, blue sky.

“I’ll be flying,” Ainz curtly said. Although the people behind him began to panic, Ainz chose to pay them no heed.

Ainz floated into the sky thanks to the [Fly] spell, and then landed on the roof of the guest house.

Because E-Rantel was a city protected by three layers of walls, from this vantage, half of his field of vision was blocked by the city walls.

“I can’t see from here, huh? Looks like I’ll have to go for a walk.”

He might be able to think of something if he walked the streets. Staying here meant that there was no way he would be able to think of anything.

Just then, the forms of the Eight Edge Assassins ― who had climbed the walls ― appeared before Ainz as well.

“Ainz-sama, please wait! It’s dangerous to go alone!”

He could not simply laugh off the Eight Edge Assassins’ words.

Someone standing in the middle of a wide-open area with good visibility in all directions was practically asking to be sniped.

“That’s true. I’d make a good target if my opponent was Peroroncino-san.”

Peroroncino the archer ― who was the most specialized in ranged combat within the guild Ainz Ooal Gown ― would probably be able to hurt Ainz very badly. That man could easily attack from even two kilometers out. His favorite tactic was concealing himself and then sniping his opponent ― albeit with a bow. That said, even if his opponent was Peroroncino, Ainz had no intention of allowing himself to be toyed with until he died.

Ainz was confident that he could use various means to defend, escape, or counterattack. He had honed his skills through PVPing, and he would definitely not die with no means of responding. However, if he had to be wary of attack methods which only existed in this world, the Eight Edge Assassins had a point.

Ainz could not die now. At the very least, before experimenting with resurrecting players, he had to assume he only had one life, and prepare a meatshield for himself.

His best and safest option for that job was Albedo, whose defensive strength was the highest among the Guardians. However, he would need people to protect her as well, which would necessitate a large deployment of forces. He did not want to do that unless it was for the purpose of baiting an enemy attack.

If that was the case, the best choice would be disposable and high-level vassals, but―

I don’t have any high-level vassal monsters. Even if I wanted to use mercenary monsters, I spent a lot of money summoning Albedo’s subordinates, so I don’t have the cash out of pocket to casually summon monsters.

He had decided to make a big show of spending to prove his generosity, and now he vaguely regretted doing so. All he could do was comfort himself by saying that he had to maintain his image as her boss.

Hang on, let’s think this through step by step.

Ainz listed various possibilities in his mind.

Mercenary monsters. He had no money, so they were out.

The skill, [Undead Lieutenant]. It required XP, so he decided against it.

Using the summons from the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown. The very fact that he had to carry the Guild Weapon with him meant that it was out of the question.

The skill, [Create Undead]. Even if he created upper-tier undead, they would only be level 70, which he would not even trust to escort the Guardians.

No, I still have a trump card in store.

He had enhanced his undead creation skills through the use of a dark ritual.

He could only create upper-tier undead four times a day. However, if he divided those up into two uses, he could make undead of roughly level 90.

Ainz stroked his chin, and wondered what sort of undead to make. The thief-type Eternal Deaths, or sensory-focused Eyeball types...

Granted, the Eternal Deaths were excellent undead to use, but they had a passive skill called [Aura of Death and Decay] which was constantly in effect. It was a potent skill which combined the effects of Ainz’s [Despair Aura V (instant death)] and [Despair Aura I (fear)], making it a creature that could inflict instant death and stat penalties upon the enemy. In particular, the stat penalty was not a mind-affecting ability. This allowed the skill to bypass immunity to mind-affecting effects, which made it very hard to deal with.

That said, if this ability was used when friendly fire was enabled, it would swiftly paint a hellish picture of suffering and misery. Of course, he might be able to order them to suppress the ability, but bringing undead like that onto the city streets was complete insanity.

Several other scary monsters appeared in his mind, but he shot all those ideas down.

...How should I say this… they’re very capable, but they all look ugly.

None of them were at all suitable as guards which a king would have with him when walking the streets.

Just as Ainz was puzzling over the matter, he noticed Fifth beneath him, trying desperately to climb the wall.

Without another word, Ainz jumped off, using [Fly] in mid-air to slow his descent, and he landed gracefully on the ground below.

Fifth ― who was gripping a window frame and whose face was flushed red ― hurriedly assumed her position behind Ainz.

“Fifth.”

“Yes!”

“I will be going out to the city after this.”

“Understood, I shall ready the carriage immediately!”

“No, there is no need for that. I intend to observe the conditions in the city. I rule these streets, so I plan to go on foot.”

“Eh?! But that would only stain your precious feet! Please order us to clean the streets for you! And we must prepare the followers!”

Few roads on E-Rantel were cobbled, so after the rain, the rest became stretches of mud.

“There is no need for that. I have lived in this city before.”

That said, after checking into the inn, he immediately returned to Nazarick to make undead.

“In addition, I intend to summon followers with magic, so there is no need to send over people from Nazarick.”

“...If that is the will of the Supreme One.”

Still, the question of what to summon remains. If I call up demons or undead, it will lead to bad rumors and vicious gossip. So I’ll need to summon something pretty, to raise opinions of me. What fits the bill...

As he thought of that, Ainz found the answer.

“I will be summoning angels after this. Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Although Ainz’s karma value was extremely negative, he would not have a problem summoning angels, whose karma values were highly positive. There were some classes which had the penalty of not being able to summon monsters whose karma values were too different from their own, but Ainz did not have such classes.

Incidentally, the monsters summoned by those classes got stronger the closer the monsters’ karma values were to their masters.

In YGGDRASIL, any disadvantages would have matching advantages as well.

Ainz headed toward the courtyard.

As expected of a place used for putting horses through their paces, training hunting hounds and other such activities, the expanse of trimmed grass which made up the courtyard was vast indeed.

“Then, let’s begin. This may take a while, so talk with me in the meantime.”

“W-who, me?”

“Exactly. In other words, I want to know everything about Nazarick’s 9th Floor ― right. Tell me about your work. Is there anything about the rooms you are cleaning?”

Ainz did not wait for Fifth to reply. After changing out parts of his equipment, he cast his spell.

This spell was the super-tier spell [Pantheon], which was similar to the 10th tier spell [Armageddon - Good] and the super-tier spell [Nibelung I], and which was diametrically opposed to the super-tier spell [Pandemonium].

He listened to Fifth’s words as he waited for the super-tier spell to take effect. If there was a sudden need to take urgent action, he would naturally use a cash item, but doing so at this time would have been terribly wasteful.

Chatting with the maids isn’t bad, Ainz thought.

In addition, this was the first time he heard that Albedo’s room was forbidden to the maids.

“―I see. Well, this was quite a meaningful conversation. Although I just thought about it, go back to my room and bring Nurunuru-kun over. It would be troublesome without him.”

“Understood!”

Ainz watched Fifth’s maid outfit sway wildly as she jogged off, while he remained in the courtyard.

While he waited, he recalled Fifth’s words.

Apparently, Albedo had told the maids that she would handle the cleaning of her own room as part of her bridal training, so she did not wish for anyone to enter her room.

Ainz muttered “Good grief” to himself.

“Albedo, it’s not that I don’t understand your feelings, but the fact is that you’re a busy person, so you should leave the cleaning to the maids. I can’t really say this, but it seems I’m a better ruler than you are, in that sense.”

Before long, Fifth returned, panting and presenting Nurunuru-kun. Ainz smiled, satisfied by his ability to command.

“Thanks.”

Ainz accepted the Lip Bug from Fifth with a brief word of appreciation. Then, he applied the Lip Bug to the base of his bony throat.

“Ah, er, um.”

For some reason, there was a change in Ainz’s voice. Granted, that was the creature’s special ability, but he still did not understand it. All he could do was accept it.

Ainz put his doubts aside and cast the super-tier spell. Six pillars of light appeared around him, and from them came six angels.

These angels had lions’ heads, with one pair of wings stretched out and another pair folded around them, for a total of four wings. They each wore suits of shining armor and held shields with eye patterns in one hand and lances of fire in the other.

These angels were around level 80, and they were called Cherubim Gatekeepers.

Ainz did not know much about mythology, so he did not know why they were called gatekeepers, but he did know about their strengths as monsters.

The Cherubim Gatekeepers were quite well-suited to the task of being a tank, and their considerable sensory abilities also made them very good sentries.

“Protect me. Do not kill my enemies, but render the foe powerless while doing as little damage as possible.”

“Understood, o summoner.”

This order had not been given out of compassion. Although Ainz had no hesitation about killing his opponents, he had to consider that people might be scheming behind the scenes. In addition, he had to let Momon perform the executions, hence his instructions to capture the enemy alive.

“Then, let’s go.”

Once the Angels had taken a defensive formation around Ainz, he immediately strode forth.

Summon spells ― including this super-tier spell ― would terminate after a while. Thus, he had to avoid wasting time.

“Angels, Fifth will be walking with us. Defend her as you would me.”

“Understood, o summoner.”

“Ai-Ainz-sama, how could my body be compared to the precious form of the Supreme One?”

“...Fifth. You might be a maid, but you are still a creation of one of my friends. Thus, you are very valuable to me. Remember that well, because I find it troublesome to repeat myself. Then go tell all of your fellows.”

“Thank, thank you very much!”

Incidentally, he did not say the same thing to the Eight Edge Assassins, as they were beings summoned from YGGDRASIL gold. He might have felt vaguely regretful about having to sacrifice them, but they had no value to him beyond that.

“Let’s go.”

With the six Angels, Fifth, and several Eight Edge Assassins ― the rest were left as sentries ― in tow, Ainz headed for the gate.

There loomed the form of a Crypt Lord, who commanded over twenty Death Knights.

It was dressed in tattered purple robes which were once magnificent, and it wore a crown that shone uncharacteristically bright. It was a level 70 undead creature from Nazarick.

Its commander-type skills could strengthen any Death Knights it controlled, but it could not do so since the Death Knights which were its subordinates were under Ainz’s control. That said, Ainz had put it here because he acknowledged its excellent command abilities.

“I will be heading out after this, let Albedo know.”

After walking past the Crypt Lord ― who was bowing deeply ― Ainz arrived at the streets.

He had no objective in mind.

Rather than taking a walk, it was more like he wanted to find the answer to Pandora’s Actor’s question. He would not be able to sort out what he could normally figure out if he was being bothered from all sides.

Ainz opened up his stride as he imagined the future which the Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown would have under him.

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