(damn, half the community just died over a glorified nft shame...I didn't get her either, but at least they took pity on me because I did a sad roll on the friend points and got Artoria Lily...all is good-said the author who is seething)
Ainz: wah, the lizardmen have made great progress.
He arrives at Neu Aztlan through the waystone Albedo next to him admiring the city nearby lizardmen notice him and kneel down in worship
Ainz: no need for such actions go along with your schedules...
The lizardmen get up and resume with their own things spotting the tallest structure to be the step pyramid he begins his trek towards it
Albedo: young lady Sif had truly outdone herself don't you think so, Lord Ainz?
Ainz: hm, yes...she has...perhaps too much.
He stares up the step pyramid impressed, but grows weary at the number of stairs he's going to need to climb in order to get up there
Ainz: 'I'm not going to climb those' stay close Albedo I'm going to get us up there.
He waves his staff giving a short glow before it dims out still at the bottom
Ainz: eh, it's really going to make me walk them.
Albedo: is there an issue?
On the third level of the pyramid he notes the designs of the décor climbing the stairs laying hand on the wall his hand following the carvings in the wall
Ainz: this pyramid has multiple anti-infiltration seals of varying types etched onto the pyramids, so we're gonna have to walk our way up...'damn it, (Y/n).'
At the top of the pyramid the interior was akin to a lobby for a corporate building resting areas dotted around the room sitting at one of the areas tapping a pen against of your horns
(Y/n): mass flow, acceleration, and Mercury's wings...what if I add reality warp to distort time I'm gonna need Ainz to teach me that one...
You write down the formula down on paper trying to figure out a way to solve your issue when it comes to running on unstable grounds
(Y/n): Nergal's gift...hm, don't need help with summoning undead.
Ainz: if I weren't undead I would be by the end of the stairs, but the fact that I still needed to climb them wasting precious time irked me.
(Y/n): Ainz, sorry about that as the centerpiece of Neu Aztlan I had to take every measure even against us...
You answer him still writing down the tapping of his staff on the floor followed by Albedo's heels growing louder until they stand behind you
(Y/n): Albedo, you look lovely as ever.
Albedo: thank you Lord Gier, many yearn to see you again at the Tomb.
(Y/n): it has been some time since I last visited the Tomb.
Ainz: yes, your paperwork is piling up.
You grimace at the thought tapping your pencil repeatedly on the table
(Y/n): eh, I can't dump it on anyone...I should get someone-
Ainz: no, management over the Tomb's military is yours and yours only.
The tip of your pencil breaks after tapping it too hard on the table at his words
(Y/n): damn...well, I guess your here to see them.
Ainz: you did say it was urgent, I left Narberal at the outskirts of the Empire's capital so we have to wrap this up quickly.
You stand leading them to the center of the room where a circle is cut into the ground with runes engraved once everyone was within it shifts before lowering down further into the temple
Ainz: I see you've took advantage over rune magic.
(Y/n): it was Sif's idea to use the Lizardmen's knowledge over runes into the architecture, not far there is a bath where the water is heated through runes so she has been very creative with their usage.
Ainz: you ought to reward her with more than just head pats, Gier.
(Y/n): time is a precious gift Ainz, I won't make the same mistake twice.
He stares confused until he realizes what you meant trying to resolve the situation
Ainz: I didn't mean to bring up bad memories.
(Y/n): I know you didn't.
Noticing the somber tone Albedo moves to cheer you up reaching out her with her hand baring the ring of Ainz Ooal Gown on her ring finger hesitating before she fully clasp it with your hand
She holds your hand tightly biting at her lip at the lewd display looking up for a reaction only to meet your eyes gazing down at her
Believing to have crossed a line she pulls her hand back only for you to grab it pulling her closer smiling down at her watching as she raises your hand up to her face
Your armor plates shifting back to bare your hand free of cold metal to rest it against her cheek swooning over the warm sensation
Ainz: hgm, how long is the elevator.
She lets your hand go pretending to dust her dress your armor plates forming your gauntlets
(Y/n): ...not long believe it or not stone elevators aren't really fast.
Albedo: if you mind me asking Lord Gier, where is Sif?
(Y/n): with the witches, just because I let them live doesn't mean I'm not cautious.
Ainz: hm, you said these twins were witches?
(Y/n): yes, they used they're magic to overpower m.
Ainz: they almost beat you?
(Y/n): I hate magic, and you already knew that...
Ainz: you hate that it's unpredictable.
(Y/n): yeah, I could probably run on the water if I'm fast enough, but they pushed the water away leaving mud which is not easy to walk in.
Ainz: obviously.
(Y/n): I slipped on the mud and lost my Moonlight, luckily my blood frenzy kicked in and I managed to kill them.
Ainz: wait, killed?
(Y/n): I did, but then they got back up...I don't know if it was because of the relic or something they could do, so I was hoping you knew something.
The elevator stops leading them down the hall further into the temple, an improvement over the design they were inspired by instead of building the step pyramid over an old one the area and height were prechosen that way even the inner pyramid had a function as it now does with an atrium with connecting rooms
Ainz: hm, shouldn't be too hard.
(Y/n): you say that, but...
Ainz: nonsense, I pride myself in knowing all of Yggdrasil's mobs.
(Y/n): nerd.
Ainz: my extensive knowledge has helped us countless times.
Albedo piqued at the insult you called him repeating the word
Albedo: nerd?
(Y/n): don't repeat that.
Albedo: apologies, my Lord.
You smile at her when you reach the main atrium
(Y/n): we're here now, Stheno Eurayle!
You open the door calling for the sisters revealing themselves next to Sif bowing before you two
Ainz: what is this thing?
The sisters stay silent one focused on you and the other focused on Ainz if they were they're own separate reptiles Ainz could've assumed what species they were, but they were conjoined where they're thighs meet
Sif walked over to Albedo who promptly patted her head as you two walked around the bicephalic sisters
(Y/n): a naga? lamia? I can tell you for sure they ain't gorgons.
Ainz: yet you named them Stheno and Euyarle?
(Y/n): did you want me to name them India and Libya?
Ainz: no, I guess the names you gave them are fitting...my name is Ainz Ooal Gown, I am Gier's Overlord.
Stheno: we ssserve Lord Gier who ssserves Lord Ainz...
Euyarle: ...thusss we ssserve Lord Ainz.
Ainz: you almost bested Gier, that is rare I can count only few who almost achieved and only a couple of those managed to do so they were our comrades.
Stheno: did we sssurpasss your...
Euyarle: expectationsss Lord Ainz.
Ainz: no, you are merely the seventh to do so, what is your expertise in magic.
Stheno: water manipulation.
Ainz: that's a small number of spells, but effective in wet environments like this lake...do you have any...martial art?
Euyarle: yesss, Ourobo-
Ainz/(Y/n): OUROBOROS!!!
You two step forward shouting at the same time the poor sisters curling around themselves at your outburst even Albedo gives a small jump with Sif folding her wolfen ears
Stheno: i-it allowsss usss to...
Euyarle: come b-back after we are killed.
(Y/n): this martial arts doesn't let you alter reality?
Stheno: why would a martial artsss...
Euyarle: do that?
Ainz: that hardly sounds like a martial arts, you mean a talent?
Stheno: oh yesss, we apologize...
Euyarle: for disssapointing you, my Lordsss.
Ainz: Gier...can I talk with you for a moment.
He grabs the jagged end of your shoulder pauldrons pulling you to the side leaving the witches with Sif and Albedo
(Y/n): see what I mean, I made them a priestess to the growing religion in order to keep an eye on them.
Ainz: Gier, I respect your choices and the city is great I love the Aztec dinosaur thing you got going on, but I think this religion thing is a bit too far.
(Y/n): ...I think it's smart have them worship us to instill loyalty into them without force.
Ainz: the Tomb already worships us and I don't want the outside world to do the same, I mean the city thinks your their Royal-Deity it won't be long before I'm attributed to I don't know a God of Justice?
(Y/n): your actually they're God of Death.
Ainz: hm, that is fitting for someone like me...we're getting side tracked you said they had a relic?
You offer him the wooden band taking it off your hand
Ainz: [All Appraisal Magic Item], Band of the Kudzu tree, this tree was parasitic.
(Y/n): like a leech?
Ainz: in a way, saps the life force of the user when the user dies it releases all the life force back not a full resurrections, but like a second wind kind of redundant on them.
(Y/n): think we can regrow the tree?
Ainz: not unless you want to go full Aztec with this whole pet project you have here.
(Y/n): damn, very well...blood sacrifices it is.
Ainz: you probably shouldn't, have you been wearing your ring, Gier?
(Y/n): my what?
Ainz: your ring, the one that suppresses your blood frenzy?
(Y/n): every now and then...
You raise your hand the index digit's armor plates shifting back to reveal a silver ring with a blue gem
(Y/n): any reason you'd ask such a thing?
Ainz: I'm gonna need you to turn over your vials.
He didn't mean it to sound threatening, but to you it did especially since he was asking for you to hand over what essentially wins all your fights
(Y/n): I'm going to refuse.
You stare him down noticing the small streams of steam escaping your armor plates
Sif: um, Stheno Euyarle this is Albedo she is steward to our Lords and thus must be respected as such.
The three stare each other, she did not forget when they spied on your battle against the witches that they desired to provide you a child
She didn't fear the competition it was already agreed that it wouldn't make sense for the heir to the throne to only have one wife, the real competition was who would become the first wife that's what concerned her
Shalltear wasn't on a good start with her punishment being she would never be able to ever receive your lips upon hers
Evelyn was a homunculus maid and thus knew her place
The Pleaides only goal in life is to provide service to their Lords the Supreme Beings a relationship between master and servant
The human women that tried to win your affection couldn't hold a candle to her or any of the females...most of the female residents of Nazarick
The Pale Lizardmen was already spoken for so she didn't have to worry about her interfering
Yet that last thought did remind her that something about reptilian attributes seemed to activate something primal in you whether it was your old Lizardmen race or the fact that as a dragon anything with scales would do it
Which is why the witches provided a bigger challenge than the rest dare she say it, the witches while nowhere near her level of beauty didn't lack in what men desired in women and due to the witches more larger stature had Albedo beat in the chest department
Albedo: yes, Lord Gier spared you and brought you into our ranks, meaning you are at the bottom so if your ever wish to even stand near Lord Gier you must work your way up
Sif: Albedo...
Stheno: I think the little girl is jealousss...
Euyarle: why ssshould ssshe? we are merely hisss preissstesssesss...
Stheno: tasssked in ssspreading hisss name.
Albedo: and this is all you need to be, I already won his affection it is only a matter of time before he blesses me with a child.
Stheno: Lord Gier isss no onesss...
Euyarle: he ownsss usss...
Stheno: only he decidesss who isss worthy it could be you...it could be usss...
Albedo: ph- impossible, Lord Gier would never lay with one such as you.
Stheno: that isss true...
Euyarle: he could choossse neither.
Sif: I am a child yet I...seem to be the only one acting like an adult.
Stheno: worry not, young lady...
Euyarle: we are are not trying to antagonize.
Albedo: Sif, you too must understand should anyone be your father's first wife it should be someone from the tomb...like me.
Sif: who my father chooses is up to him, I am his squire he my master...at the moment you are a steward and you a high priestess act like it.
Stheno: hm, I guesss we teasssed her a little too much sssissster...
Euyarle: yesss, we apologize we only want a child...
Albedo: well...if Lord Gier is to create a lineage more children would be acceptable...if I was to be the only one it would be lonely without a sibling even if half-related.
Sif: I am still his daughter, you know.
Ainz who was too focused on trying to calm you down, ignorant to the conversation going on in the background
Ainz: Gier...'I don't need him angry'...I only want to study them and find a better remedy.
(Y/n): it's elven blood, the most mana infused blood out there there's no better nor cheaper remedy.
Ainz: we won't know until we try.
(Y/n): I refuse, now tell me where Narberal is at so we can meet up.
He stays quiet trying to figure a way for you to hand over the blood vials when he remembers the way you acted back in the Treasury room
Ainz: really? well, once we have a superior blood vial we can mass produce them and sell them on the market as an actual health potions...what a shame you said no, we could've made a lot of money.
(Y/n): whose getting the income?
Ainz: ...they are your vials so...I guess you and since their unique to this world only rich adventurers will be able to afford.
(Y/n): only the rich? I'm better off turning it into wine no adventurer is considered rich...wait yes, I should turn them into wine that way they also have an extra kick, have Sou-chef use them to make the finest wine.
Ainz: eh? -yes, of course hand them over...all of them.
(Y/n): ...I'm gonna be running dry, but here.
You reach into your messy inventory space taking a couple minutes before finally finding your blood vials handing them to Ainz
Ainz: now, we should head to Narbe- oh, your still here.
He turns around facing the others who have been waiting a short silence growing looking to the architecture then back at them
Ainz: you should give them some colorful feathers to wear really try to stick with theme, I wish you the best in this endeavor Gier now it is time we return to Narberal.
He teleports away kneeling down to Sif to ruffle her hair at scratch at her ears
(Y/n): Sif...
Sif: can I return to the Tomb?
(Y/n): you have proven you can take care of yourself so yes...unless Albedo wishes to keep monitoring you?
She nods Sif smiling at her
Sif: acceptable.
(Y/n): your growing into such a responsible young woman, my little pup.
You stand back up staring the twin witches down, just because you were talking with Ainz you didn't ignored what was going on behind you
(Y/n): Albedo is a prominent member of the Tomb she manages the Tomb whilst I and Ainz are away conducting espionage without her our progress in understanding this world would be hindered, I would appreciate it if your payed her the respect she deserves...
The sisters lower their heads Albedo smiles as you discipline the twins quickly disappearing when you turn to her
(Y/n): and the same could go for you, they are going to assist Cocytus in managing the city's more economical side while he handles the military while not as glamourous as your position I at least expect you two...three to get along.
You snap your fingers following after Ainz to the Empire
---
Looking around the city you looked disinterested at all having spent three days in Neu Aztlan the first in training and the last two day celebrating the quick victory this capital of the Empire looked bland in comparison
The only portion that interested you even slightly was the Colosseum, but even that poor excuse of entertainment still looked mediocre to the one you've seen in pictures of the one in Italy before it was destroyed in the war
Some women stop to look at Ainz passing by ignoring their gaze as he kept walking the sound of your spurs clinging drawing their eyes to you giving them a wink Narberal glaring at them forcing them to keep moving as she pressed into you
Making sure you two were keeping up with his long strides Ainz turns to look back
Ainz: forgive me, I seem to be walking a little too fast.
(Y/n): no worries, I am merely keeping Nabe company.
Ainz: is that so...
Narberal merely nods, you and Narberal have bonded over the false sibling relationship you two shared and Ainz felt a little left out trying to figure a way to engage in conversation with her yet nothing coming to mind
Ainz: '(Y/n) has been doing a lot of management, so he's had multiple chances to talk with everyone...me? Albedo and Demiurge, that's about it...screw it' ...Nabe...what do you think of my voice.
He raises his hand pressing against his throat where his vocal cords would've been feeling a squishy sensation through the metal with a strange moistness
Narberal: I pray you will forgive my frankness, but I do not quite like that voice not because it sounds strange I find your usual voice to be quite marvelous Momon and I truly understand why you can't do so I find it a shame.
Ainz: Huntman?
(Y/n): eh, sounds fine...
Your voice changes to match his voice
(Y/n): ...nothing special.
Ainz: no need to rub it in, in truth I did not know I could use it like this...
He speaks of the lip bug attached to one of the disc of his neck, the same kind Entoma used before it was killed you had the fortune of having [Polymorph] Ainz did not so he had to find a substitute
In truth, [Polymorph] back in Yggdrasil worked similar to the Doppelgangers base transformation lazy devs hgmAuthorhgm, yet again you shouldn't even be a dragon to begin with so they had to cut corners to at least make the race worthwhile for you to invest into
Even then when you looked at the spells you couldn't use a few of them were new to Ainz which was odd since he tended to know all the spells in the game [Dawn break] being one he was interested in as it sounded like an evolved version of [Blackout], so the devs weren't truly lazy ghmAuthorhgm
(Y/n): this city is lame.
Ainz: I don't think so, the streets are lively and people pass with a gleam in their eye a certain ambience of a city truly in it's golden age.
(Y/n): a polished turd is still shit, Momon.
Narberal: it is as Huntsman says, this city is no different than E-Rantel.
Ainz: you two are no fun...yet again you two being similar is in-character.
You three finally arrive at the inn you were recommended back in E-Rantel an inn was judged by it's age the older the betters, which Lady of the Knight proved wrong as your inn is booming in income, and juts like your inn this one as newly opened with a luxury look
Ainz: Huntsman your the expert what do you think?
(Y/n): it's not bad, they're obviously overcompensating.
Ainz: didn't you buy two buildings?
(Y/n): for the extra rooms, but yes.
This inn had to two guards like most inns that can afford it to keep the scrap out reaching for their weapons at the sight of Ainz calming down when they not the adamantite plate dangling on his chest
???: is...is that the real thing?
???: please forgive me if I offend you adamantite ranked warrior, but may I please see proof of your identity?
Ainz: does this inn not take walk-in customers?
???: yes, unfortunately in order to maintain the appropriate tone our establishment does not accommodate guests who have not been previously introduced, but of course you would be an exception, adamantite adventurer.
Ainz offered his plate the guard wiped his hand bowing as he reached for the plate reading the name on the back
???: Momon...the black?
Ainz: indeed.
???: I have verified it and there is no doubt! thank you for offering us the proof of your adamantite rank.
They gingerly return it back, you recall the story they gave you when they first gave your plates, to believe someone could lose their plate from a crow like bird and then have to pay the price for losing it and then for a new one
Once Ainz took it back the guards felt relieved since now they weren't liable to losing it
Ainz: then, may I come in?
???: of course, Sir Momon please allow me to escort you to the concierge.
Ainz: I see, then by all means.
(Y/n): Sir? I was the one who became a noble.
He shrugs his shoulders following the man past the lounge to the more dressly man sitting at the counter
???: I have with me the adamantite ranked adventurer Sir Momon and his companions.
The concierge looks to the man bowing returning to his post before gazing upon Ainz
???: I bid you welcome Sir Momon please accept my sincerest thanks for choosing to reside at our humble establishment for the duration of your stay in the Imperial Capital.
Ainz: no, it's fine I'll be staying for a night.
???: very well, then may I trouble you to sign our guest register?
He smiled...sort of...the illusion smiled as he grabbed the pen and wrote the name Momon in the Kingdom's language with ease having practiced it over
???: thank you very much, may I know what sort of room you would like?
Ainz: 'I can't eat, so a room without meals would be fine...'
This was a luxury inn, meaning they could have meals unique to the Empire different spices and flavors compared to the Kingdom...only watch as you and Narberal tried different dishes, who could not refuse when you offered her a taste
Ainz: '...appetite and the need to sleep...this body of mine has a lot of benefits, but I've lost a lot of things as well what a shame...(Y/n) appears to enjoy his time in this world at least...'
He grumbled mentally, as he remembers back in the pyramid when you and Albedo held hands before interrupting
Ainz: '...I know what I did is messed up, but why should he get the benefits he's already married...is this my punishment for messing with Albedo's settings...yet again there isn't much I can do if I was at the opposite end of her love.'
He pushes those thoughts away to answer the concierge
Ainz: pardon me, just gives us an appropriate room...by the way, since we don't have the common trad currency, can we pay with Kingdom coins?
???: of course, the Kingdom's currency and the Empire's currency has always been exchanged on a one-for-one basis.
Ainz: I see, then we shall impose upon you.
???: very well, then we shall prepare a suitable room for you Sir Momon could I trouble you to wait for a while in the lounge bar?
You turn to the lounge where a bard is performing then to the bar critiquing it
???: the food and drinks there are free of charge, so please feel free to relax at your leisure.
(Y/n): 'free? who in their right mind makes things free?!'
Ainz: understood, let's go.
You joined him in the seating reading the drinks menu, having to run an inn you needed to stock your own bar out of curiosity you tried each one before you bought a stock breaking multiple brewer's pride when none made you feel drunk returning empty handed realizing that it was just your resistance to poisons before returning to buy their alcohol
This meant that when you read through the menu you recognized a few of the drinks so now you could order some of the ones you didn't know
Ainz: Sebas...Tsuare, huh.
He whispers it, but your acute hearing pick it up
(Y/n): something come up?
You peek at him flipping through the menu to many it looked like he was browsing, but you knew he couldn't read any of them
Ainz: no, it's nothing important...I was just thinking about how she had adapted to all of this.
(Y/n): hm, I'm pretty sure working as a maid is better than a whore, so I believe she'll do fine.
Narberal: currently...the head maid is in confinement, so Master Sebas is teaching her how to be a proper maid after she learns the appropriate etiquette she will be taught how to cook and how to perform other duties, once we have determined what duties suit her she will be officially assigned a position.
She hesitates before answering both your curiosities when it came to the girl Sebas saved
Ainz: very well, it should be fine handing the matter to Sebas also...I think it's about time we released those two from confinement...Albedo's anger should have cooled by now.
Seeing your conversation die down the waiter walks over to receive your orders
???: have you decide what you wish to order?
Ainz: I'd like an ice macchiatia, Huntsman?
(Y/n): your strongest alcohol.
Narberal: ...I shall have the same as Huntsman.
(Y/n): I don't think you can handle alcohol too well.
Narberal: no, I want the same.
(Y/n): very well...water it down a bit.
You whisper to the waiter who nods leaving
---
Many adventurers lounging about the lounge watch in amazement as you finish your fourth drink, poor Narberal rolling her head back and forth on the bar table mumbling the glass next to her indifferent to when it arrived the liquid probably higher due to the ice melting
Ainz: doesn't alcohol count as a poison?
(Y/n): yeah...don't know why she's drunk.
He whispers to you overlooking Narberal
Ainz: I guess the Empire knows their alcohol.
(Y/n): or that the sisters don't really party that much, another please.
This time the waiter just gives you bottle
(Y/n): much obliged, so what are we doing in this...fine...city?
Ainz: I plan to spend to days seeing the sights of the Imperial Capital, I hear that the central markets have a wide variety of stock to browse so that should interesting, and then there's the northern markets which seem to contain a majority of shops stocking magic items, adventurers go there regularly.
(Y/n): this city is such a knockoff...bet I could build a better Roman-ish city...
You proceed to drink from the bottle still not feeling drunk, but disappointed from the city once again
Ainz: Huntsman, be kind...on the third day we'll proceed to the Adventurer's guild, I'd like to meet and get to know the Empire's adamantite ranked adventurers, but if that's not possible we'll just take a simple quickly completed task to spread our fame...if all goes planned, we will leave the city within seven days any suggestions?
(Y/n): do you plan to rest on the seventh gh...hgm.
You laugh at your own joke lifting the bottle to drink more only for nothing to come out motioning the empty bottle to the waiter who nods no
(Y/n): 'sad...just when I was starting to feel something.'
???: here you go Sir Momon, all your currency has been transferred into the Imperial coin I have also rented out the room as you ordered.
(Y/n): hey, do you take these coins? some merchant said he got them from a city in some swamp.
???: I am afraid I don't recognize those coins, Sir Huntsman.
(Y/n): no worry, just curious.
Narberal mumbles once more
Ainz: I think you should take her to our room.
(Y/n): yeah, I agree...come on little sister.
You pick her up slinging her over your shoulder grabbing her drink chugging it many behind you staring at Narberal's rear end dropping her into a bridal carry glaring at those behind you turning their gaze away Ainz chuckling before his nullifiers kicked in
Narberal: I'm...shorry...Gi-Hunt...sman.
(Y/n): no need, it wouldn't surprise me if they cooked up that alcohol with magic to give it the effect of strong alcohol...even I was slightly affected.
You finally reach your rooms opening the door amazed at the decor before laying her on the bed
Narberal: yourse...the best...brother...
You chuckle at her drunken stupor as she rolls in the bed stopping her to roll her onto her side your face close to hers staring at her for a while
Lowering your head you open your mouth around her neck before heading lower pulling at her arm biting into her wrist
---
Ainz: Huntsman...calm down...
Transportation was set two large carriages drawn by two sleipnirs each within of the carriages you sat on a makeshift table reeling your fingers on the wooden top your claws piercing through your glove grating against the wood Ainz stood next to you with Narberal sitting opposite
Outside a very pompous prick dress in oriental armor interrupted the conversation between a blonde fellow in light leather and a rounded man in full plate
What angered you was the fact that behind the pompous prick were three elves emaciated in rags their ears clipped, your wife played an elf...and while you doubt you'll find her in this world...seeing the race she so fondly imitated both in game and real life treated like animals angered you
???: I'm glad to be able to team up with a sword genius who can rival the mightiest warrior of the Kingdom, the great Gazef Stronoff.
???: thank you, however shouldn't you say that he can rival me, Eruya Uzruth?
You listened with your heightened senses continuing to dig into the table with your claws
???: oh, bold words...
The prick smiled coldly it almost broke the blonde fellow into beating him with his bare fist
???: well then, I look forward to seeing your swordsmanship on full display in the ruins.
Eruya: yes, you can leave that to me I hope there'll be a monster in those ruins who can give me a challenge.
He patted the side of his weapon, it looked cheap in your eyes
???: we don't know what kind of monster may emerge for all we know, we might even encounter a Dragon!
Eruya: now that would be a frightening sight perhaps a powerful monster like a Dragon might challenge me...however, I'll win in the end.
???: really now...
(Y/n): I call his head...
Ainz: noted...
You listened intently when the pompous prick left leaving the rounded man and the blonde fellow alone when an elderly way past his fifties joins their conversation directing it to the latest gossip in the kingdom and supposed high ranking people in adventuring
Raising your head in amusement as they start talking about you
???: really? some adventurer was turned into a noble?
???: yes, heard they too were apart of the fellow who slew the fiend.
???: wah, I guess I should pay more attention to what happens in the Kingdom.
???: to believe some lucky person managed to become a noble...from nothing...
???: seeing is believing as they say, wish I could meet the person myself then again, maybe not.
The other two were about to agree with the elder when a strike upon flesh is heard followed by a women's fighting back the pain to scream
They turn to the noise battle ready only to witness the pompous prick holding his hand over one of the elves laying on the ground begging for forgiveness
The Blonde fellow could only look in anger turning to his team where one of their members a half-elf stares with a blank face her two other teammates ready to hold her back
You stand up shocking Ainz trying to reach for you, just out of reach as you exit the carriage towards the elven woman past the prick kneeling down just as you offer your hand to her
Eruya: huh, hands off my property.
The prick calls you out just as your hand graced the elves wrist tilting your head slightly to look at him your fingers grazing against the elven woman who stops trembling at your touch
Eruya: I'll cut you down where you stand!!
He reaches for his weapon the blonde fellow rushing to prevent just that
???: let's not get carried away I'm certain he's...she's never seen an elf before so she's curious right.
(Y/n): let's go with that.
You help the elf up giving you a meek thank you before shuffling to the other elves
???: sorry, see he meant no harm.
The prick glares at you before raising his chin giving you a fake smile letting his weapon go pushing the blonde aside
Eruya: sure, no harm we're going to be working as a team so we need to get along, right?
He rests his hand on your shoulder shaking you a bit, whether you were worker or not didn't concern him
You look down at his hand then back to him your human yellow eyes turning into your dragon slit ones
(Y/n): get your forepaw off my shoulder.
Eruya: fo-forepaw?!...
The prick backs off he tries to say something back, but nothing comes to mind fortunately his intelligence was as dull as his blade missing your eyes change back to human
Eruya: tsk, bastard come along.
He motions for the elves to follow him your eyes tracking him
???: Eruya is from the Theocracy...so you know how they are, names Hekkeran leader of team Foresight.
(Y/n): Huntsman, von Cainhurst.
Hekkeran: a noble? that explains the brooch...and the spurs...what is a noble doing in this line of work?
(Y/n): hobby...
You leave him with that returning back to carriage sitting back on the table with Ainz and Narberal
Hekkeran nods his head thinking the name over the sound of your spurs clinking before turning to his team the half-elf's eyes following you
Ainz: you have to calm down.
(Y/n): sorry...got carried away.
Ainz: don't let it happen again...
---
(Y/n): bastard...making me stack the luggage like some mule.
Narberl: you instigated the fight, Huntsman.
(Y/n): I don't like you getting more independent...it wasn't even a fight.
Narberal: I do agree with you, that worm is rather obnoxious.
(Y/n): yeah, I can hear it.
Ainz made you stack the workers luggage in the carriage while he dealt with the prick this time himself as he kept yapping outside about the merit of your skills
(Y/n): he better shut him up before I snap him in half.
Ainz: Huntsman...Nabe.
He calls your names dropping the crate of rations motioning for her to exit first before following her out
Many whispered at Narberal's appearance as usual when too many eyes are drawn on her she retreats into your coat directing their attention to you not many whispers heard this time since this is the second time they've seen you
Most of the whispers were concerning the relationship you shared with Narberal or rather the relationship between Huntsman and Nabe two siblings from far South...god damn it, many dancing on the thread of taboo
Ainz: before we mingle...I have a question to ask you, why are you going to the ruins?
The question baffled many of the workers
Ainz: I know you've been hired, but you're not like adventurers who find it difficult to refuse a strongly worded request why would you whose actions are not bound choose to accept this assignment? What drives you to do such a thing?
A worker is not like an adventurer who is bounded to follow every guideline under the guild they work at, a worker is not apart of a guild they are entitled to seek their own jobs to act honorably or dishonorably for different reasons
???: for money, of course.
And most reasons were for money, an ideal you could respect...but one that would cost their lives
The other workers murmured amongst each other agreeing with the man from the elder's group
Ainz: that is to say if your client pays you a great deal of money, it's worth paying with your lives?
He played on their fate greed have earned many treasure, but it ha also cost them their lives
???: indeed, our client offered us recompense that satisfied us in addition there might be a further prize depending on what we find within the ruins it is my contention that such largesse warrants the risk of our lives.
The answer came from the round man in full plate whose name you've heard is Gringam...Gimli...hm...
Ainz: I see...so this is what you have all decided then? I understand, please forgive me for asking such a worthless question.
Gringam: such a trifling matter requires no apology...do not allow it to weigh upon thy heart.
The old man, Palpatra laughs drawing Ainz attention
Palpatra: hahahahehe, well if you've finished asking, might I ask a question in turn?
Ainz: please do, old sir.
Palpatra: I wish to verify a rumor I've heard they say your strength is extraordinary, I can tell from your stature to be true...but your companion, the noble, they say his speed is immeasurable, may I see if those rumors are factual?
Ainz: Huntsman?
(Y/n): seeing is believing after all...
You speak the same phrase he did earning a toothless grin from the old man
(Y/n): ...but that would be difficult, seeing as not many could keep up at such levels of speed, but you may try if it sates your curiosity and means you'll accept our protection...is it a race your looking for?
Palpatra: no, that wouldn't suffice, a spar would do better...of course, I will be the one sparring that's right me.
(Y/n): you do seem like one who can keep up.
Palpatra: ...mighty kind of you, not something I expect from an adamantite no less a noble usually high and mighty to be compared to the likes of me.
The persona you wore as Huntsman was an enigma rather than playing on the stereotypes that have been proven true among nobles and high ranking adventurer groups you chose to act opposite humble rather than prideful
It built upon your mystique, it spooked him
Palpatra: no, I think I rather duel Sir Momon, instead.
(Y/n): aw, what a shame...scared of a woman are you.
You taunted the old man as your voice's pitch flowed into that of a woman cocking your hip out to show off the feminine body your morphed into
Palpatra: hahahehehe, there's that attitude your lot tend to have...perhaps I can learn a thing or two, though these carriages will get in the way, can we borrow that patch of empty ground?
He asks the butler who nods, leading everyone to courtyard the workers and adventurers following to witness the duel
The old man readied his staff gaze steeled in concentration, you nose twitch picking up the scent of a dragon following the staff to the blade made from a whittled dragon tooth
Ainz: make it fair, Huntsman.
You smirked at the old man through your scarf deciding that you would do as he said
Removing your coat handing it Narberal planting your great sword into the ground twisting the hilt retrieving the straight sword inside amazing the workers at the mechanism raising it like a rapier
Palpatra: then shall I go first?
(Y/n): it would be fair, still there are unknown riches awaiting your so don't pull anything, old ma-
He interrupts you with a quick step that no old man no less in their eightes should have with such smoothness, speed, and power
Palpatra: [Dragon Fang Thrust]!
The tip of the staff moved past you as you sidestepped it gracefully without hassle
Papatra: [Gale Acceleration]...[Dragon Fang Thrust]...
Four consecutive swings follow you neither even close to grazing you as you step away from each attempt, before taking a step back pointing his staff at you
Sweat formed on his brow not from exhaustion, but from the mere threat of stepping on deadly ground
(Y/n): [Acceleration].
Your natural voice echoed calmly as Palpatra rested his staff on his shoulder accepting defeat your sword resting against his neck before he uttered a word
Palpatra: ...that is fair, I interrupted you first, my skills couldn't even land a scratch on you, no less beat you.
You lift the sword off his neck speaking again in a masculine pitch
(Y/n): that is the way, strength matters not when what can't be touched dances around you.
Ainz chuckled under his helm as the crowd debated amongst each other over your short duel trying to decipher your technique which was quite simple, your just too fast
(Y/n): though old man you tend to pause between your attacks, you are fortunate I did not end it after your first strike, is that how you start most of your fights?
Palpatra: hahahaheheh, you beat an old man and now you critique his technique, no that was my true power the full extent of my abilities, Sir Huntsman
(Y/n): if you truly wish to use your speed to your advantage I do recommend footwear with a flexible sole and a sturdier toe cap, the less contact you make with the ground the better I do recommend riding boots.
Palpatra: I see, I shall take your advice into consideration you truly know what your talking about...eh, that sword? how does it work.
(Y/n): that I will not offer for free, I did enjoy our duel not often do I partake in one no less for fun, I bid you ado...I still have luggage to stack.
Palpatra: moving luggage is a trivial task you could hand it to someone else right? surely this can't be your job.
(Y/n): while I don't enjoy it, it's what I was assigned and thus must complete it...come along, Nabe.
You leave the old man collecting your sheathe Narberal following after you into the carriage Ainz turning to pick up a crate handing it you
---
(Y/n): they made it over the hill.
As soon as the carriages arrived to the designated spot the adventurers got to setting the camp preparing spells to seclude the area from spotters, and then prepared meals for the workers before they went exploring
You hated working a servant for them, but as the death row goes a meal before death is the last luxury a dead man receives
???: they're all gone, they might be workers, but we did break bread with them and they're our comrades for this job...I hope they'll come back safely, what do you think?
(Y/n)/Ainz: they're good as dead.
You two spoke the same thought your shared, unfortunately it was too direct for the leader of the adventurers
Ainz: eh, what we meant was that we should be mentally prepared for that outcome, these are previously undiscovered and there's no telling what dangers await them inside.
(Y/n): hm, being optimistic is harmful.
???: I see, so that's what you meant...thanks for your concerns.
He accepted your response being adamantite ranked probably played into that, listening to the advice from someone who is better at something than you are
Ainz: then, in keeping with the plan we shall go rest first.
The tent pitched for you three was further away from the others, so that no one tried to snoop around many spread rumors that you three shared the tent so that Ainz wouldn't get any idea with Narberal
It made you laugh when the adventurer leader told you, he reminded you of the rookie you took under your wing before he was killed in the line of duty
Ainz entered first followed by you making sure no one was trying to spy on your tent
Ainz: we are lucky that adventurers hold some sense of honor among other adventurers, so they won't pay attention on us or come near.
He removes his helm exposing his skeletal face following suit pulling your scarf free
Ainz: now then Narberal Gier I shall return to the Nazarick first I plan on having Pandora's actor take my place, should anything happen think of a clever way to deal with it.
Narberal: understood, Lord Ainz.
(Y/n): and what of me?
Ainz: Sebas shall take your place.
Your brows furrow confused how that would work
(Y/n): ...I'm confused....
Ainz: simply give him your Huntsman garb and he shall take your place, many won't raise an eye when you suddenly look different since you like to play dress up.
(Y/n): ass.
Ainz: I shall contact you when you join me, if anything happens contact me immediately.
His armor and sword vanish followed by the helm in his hands wearing his old robes again readying a spell
Ainz: good grief...[Greater Teleportation].
He teleports away leaving you with Narberal taking your cap off you place it upon Narberal sitting down on the cot that was your bed holding your forehead awaiting the headache
Narberal: is there an issue, my Lord?
(Y/n): I'm not going to enjoy these next few minutes
She fixes the cap to fit her better when 'Ainz' returns
'Ainz': Herr Gier.
He roman salutes you groaning into your palm as you wait for Ainz to call you to join in the Tomb's experiment