『You understand! Right!! I swore to protect her with my own name! They kidnapped her despite that. This is an insult to my name and everyone else in the guild! There is no excuse, even if they didn’t know.』

The rage suddenly subsided at the end of the sentence. Because his emotional threshold had been exceeded, the calming effect had activated.

『... I’m sorry. It seems I became too angry at those scumbags. Forgive me, Albedo…』

Due to the master’s remorseful voice, she could finally calm herself down enough to speak. The Supreme Being’s rage affected even Albedo. Even if it was not directed towards her.

“T, there is nothing for Ainz-sama to apologize about.”

Albedo bowed deeply even though there was nobody standing in front of her.

『... Then I’ll entrust this to you, Albedo. Rescue Tsuare unharmed.』

“I shall do as you command! While rescuing her, I shall make sure to exterminate the vermin who annoyed you!”

『Then I’ll entrust this to you. Speaking of which, Demiurge should still be in Nazarick to receive the wheat shipment. He will be the one in charge…』

“I shall go myself—”

『No, Albedo. You need to protect Nazarick. Send Demiurge. Make sure their identity does not get revealed as well. I shall leave this matter in the Kingdom to you and Demiurge. Be cautious.』

“I understand!”

The ‘Message’ ended and silence returned. Albedo slowly stood up and proceeded to put the cushions away.

“...But I really don’t understand.”

In Albedo’s eyes, there was an unnaturally rigid look. She looked towards a corner of the room.

The reason she did not let any maids in the room was to make sure she could monopolize her Ainz dolls and that nobody could touch them. But there was another reason as well.

That was a flag with the emblem of “Ainz Ooal Gown” embroidered on it. The flag which should have been visible as soon as someone entered the room, laid crumpled in a corner of the floor. There was no sign of admiration or respect towards it, only hatred and hostility.

“Ainz Ooal Gown… How boring.”

In place of the flag of Ainz Ooal Gown, Albedo had raised a different gigantic flag instead. A flag so large, it resembled an opera curtain.

“This, Great Tomb of Nazarick is only yours. I, Albedo wish to only serve you. Ah… One day, I want to hear your great name once again…”

Chapter 7. Attack Preparations

Translator: Rockgollem

Editors/Proofreaders: Ferro, TaintedDream, Namorax, Skythewood, SifaV6, JcqC

Part 1

Lower Fire Month (9th Month) 3rd, 18:27

Brain stuck around until the guards Climb called for arrived. When he started to head back to Gazef’s house, the sun had already set and his stomach stung in hunger.

...If I kept Stronoff hungry, I’d feel bad.

He pushed open the doors as if it was his own house, but it was only because he had permission from Gazef to do so.

As he started to walk towards the room Gazef loaned to him, Brain heard footsteps heading towards him. He thought it was probably Gazef, and confirmed it when the footsteps were heard coming downstairs.

“You’re late Unglaus. Where did you go?”

There was no hint of criticism in his voice. Seeing that Brain didn’t reply and fell into deep thought, Gazef’s eyes beamed with curiosity.

“If you’re okay with it, do you want to tell me about it over a meal?”

It was a true sight for sore eyes. Brain replied as he rubbed his stomach.

“That sounds like an amazing idea. So, where to?”

With a slightly surprised expression, Gazef guided him to the dining room.

“Do the servants cook for you? Or do you cook the meals yourself?”

Gazef smiled bitterly at the empty question.

“No, I’m quite terrible at cooking actually.”

He continued after pondering a little.

“Maybe the servants are getting old, since the food always seems under-seasoned. After a day of hard work, you want to have something strong, but the servants don’t seem to be too understanding.”

“The Kingdom’s mightiest Warrior Captain is forced to eat under-seasoned healthy food?”

Brain smiled as he teased Gazef, but Gazef replied tensely as always.

“Unglaus, I would love to present you with the gourmet under-seasoned healthy food of my home, but we’ll have to do with food I bought from outside.”

“If it is so, I must thank you for being so considerate.”

Seeing Brain smile, Gazef broke into a little laughter. However, his counter-attack commenced.

“But what about you, can you cook?”

Gazef’s sword of rebuttal missed and slice through thin air.

“Nothing complex and only simple stuff. It’s a big problem if you can’t cook during training trips or expeditions.”

Nodding slowly, Gazef brought a little basket that was tucked away in a corner of the dining room. The basket was big enough to fit a baby and a smell that stimulated the nose and stomach wafted into the air.

The two men sat facing each other.

After taking out several dishes from the basket, they filled their glasses with wine and raised them for a toast to each other. There was no particular reason they shared a cheers and gulped down the wine in silence. Brain took two big gulps before setting down the glass.

He let out a deep sigh and murmured with shaky heart.

"... It’s been a long time since I had a drink.”

“It’s the same with me. I haven’t had a meal in my house lately either.

"... The palace duties must be difficult.”

“Ever since I became the Warrior Captain, there seems to be always something.”

“Defending the royal family as well?”

“That too. As a matter of fact, that’s the main duty.”

After hearing Gazef’s stories Brain could feel how puritan Gazef was. He could afford to stray around from time to time, but he kept moving forward in a straight line.

‘A person like this is sure to be hated by the nobles.’