After the meeting, which went from rewarding some of the NPCs to them exposing their wishes for world domination, and ending in the proposal of forming an independent nation, Alucard and Ainz were the first to leave the Throne Room. Albedo was accompanying Ainz, and Talia was with Alucard, the Overlord was walking behind his vampire friend, his mind was still fixed on what Albedo had told him, to be honest it had been bothering Ainz during the entire meeting.
"A-Alucard-san." he spoke out, getting his friends attention
"Yes?" Alucard asked
"…Albedo told me about the punishment you have decided to give Clementine." Ainz replied, pausing as if not knowing what to say next
Alucard and Talia stopped, the True Vampire turned around to look at the guild master, Talia only turned to her side so she would be able to eye the two Supreme Beings.
"I apologize if I have spoken of something I shouldn't, Alucard-sama. But, as the Guardian Overseer I thought that I should inform Ainz-sama on the current situation of Nazarick's denizens. Even if such denizen is one of the outsiders Alucard-sama brought in." Albedo informed, a subtle hint of disgust layered her final phrase
"You did your job, Albedo, I understand that." the vampire said
"Albedo told me, you were putting Clementine to good use and…to satisfy your needs."
Alucard's face turned somewhat red, as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, Talia had also formed a slight blush at the mention of her master's needs.
"Did you really need to ask that out loud? And in front of everyone?" Alucard asked, in a playful manner
"S-Sorry, I was couldn't stop thinking about what Albedo told me." Ainz replied, with a weak laugh
"I understand. But there is no need to think too much into it, I just decided to try a hands-on approach with Clementine, since all the other attempts at disciplining her have failed. And yes, the way I worded it when Albedo came and talked to me wasn't the best way to put it, but at that moment I was more angered than anything else. So, I apologize if I gave you the wrong idea." Alucard said, with a small bow
"There's no need for that, Alucard-san. You are talking as if I was interrogating you, I was just a little curious, that's all."
"Don't explain yourself, it's fine. Let's get going, I ordered Tsuare to meet me in my room after the meeting was over. She's going to be delivering Clementine's meal, and I prefer to be the one to give it to her." Alucard said
"Then you should get going. I already feel like I'm slowing you down, with how slow I walk compared to you." Ainz said
"If you don't mind it. Talia, let's get going."
Arriving at his room, Alucard saw that Tsuare was already waiting for him, with a tray in her hand which had a plate with a simple stew on it.
"Alucard-sama." she greeted
"Like always, thank you for the meal, Tsuare." Alucard said, taking the tray from her hands
"T-Thank you, Alucard-sama." taking another bow, Tsuare left
Alucard and Talia entered his room, with the Bride closing the door behind them, the Supreme Being entered his training chamber where Nyx and Touka were guarding Clementine, who was sitting at a corner.
"Touka, Nyx, Talia will inform you on the topics discussed during the meeting." Alucard announced
Talia motioned her sisters to follow her outside the chamber, leaving their master alone with Clementine, the woman was still sitting in the corner, of course she wasn't bound by chains at the moment, the rags that sufficed as her clothing were still stained with her blood and her hair was a mess. This was all just a cover, mostly one, under the guise of her being punished Alucard kept her close by just in case Albedo would try something against her, whatever punishment she truly deserved had already been given at this point.
Alucard looked down at her, who replied by looking up at him, getting back to her feet and bowing to greet him, once more a disturbing thought came to his mind, one that he knew would have never crossed his mind when he was human. Clementine's messy appearance, the hair that covered her face a long with some lingering bruises which made her look submissive, in his eyes, in the eyes of his vampire self, it was beautiful.
Ignoring the unwanted thoughts, Alucard placed the tray on the floor and both individuals took a seat, it wasn't rare for Clementine to be eating and Alucard to be watching her, they sometimes talked, but it was mostly to make sure she behaved.
"Is something wrong, Alucard-sama~?" Clementine asked, as she ate
"Not really. Why you ask?" Alucard asked back, being brought back from his less than healthy thoughts
"You were staring at me~ With such a lewd look in your eyes~" she replied, with a shy tone
"You're delusional." Alucard growled back
"I apologize, Alucard-sama~" Clementine said, in somewhat mocking tone
"But if you wish to have me, please do not hold yourself back~ Even if saying I am your "play thing" was just part of the plan, I don't mind if you wish to use me like one~"
Dropping her silverware, Clementine began to crawl towards him, with the hair hiding her eyes only her seductive smile could be seen, when she was at arm's reach of him Clementine froze in place. His expression was enough to tell her that she was going too far, that even if he was interested nothing would be happening, and she should go back to her meal.
"My apologies~" she said, going back to eating
"Alucard-sama, your equipment is ready." Talia announced, entering the chamber
"Equipment~?" Clementine asked, looking up from her plate
"Yes. Me and Ainz decided that we should get Abraham's information as soon as possible. I will be leaving to see him after your done eating. Of course, once we get what we want from him, you will be released back into general population."
"Will it be safe for me to go back~?"
"Should be. The only reason I've kept you here for so long, was because I feared Albedo might want to get rid of you, in order to hide any relation Nazarick might have to the attack. But now that Ainz knows killing you would be pointless, and if you did die it would bring unwanted attention from Ainz."
"Guess it makes sense~"
When Clementine finished her meal, Alucard got up and walked away, taking the tray with him. Placing it on his desk, he changed into his black armored and picked up Shi, before opening a portal.
The portal lead into the clearing, making his way through the forest he quickly arrived at the Helsing manor and knocked at the door, after a small waiting period Claudia opened the door.
"Welcome… And thank you, Alucard." the maid said, taking a deep bow before him
"Don't think anything of it. I was just trying to help." Alucard said, trying to dismiss her gratitude
"Even so, please accept my honest gratitude. For someone who barely knows us, to go to such great lengths to help us. I am truly grateful."
"Claudia, we already talked about this. At least let him enter the house." Abraham laughed, coming down the stairs
"My apologies. Please enter." Claudia said, quickly moving to the side
"I'm glad to see you two are already in so high spirits." Alucard pointed out
"We have to be." Abraham remarked
"I take it you are here for the information I promised you?"
"Indeed I am."
Abraham motioned the vampire to follow him as he lead Alucard back into the underground cave. Walking up to his desk, Abraham used an ancient looking key to open one of the drawers and from it take out two books, they had roughly the same size and one was locked with a padlock.
"Here it is. These are the diaries of Gustave Helsing, everything I know that can be of some use to you is placed in these books." Abraham announced
"What's with the padlock on that one?" Alucard asked
"These are the secret thoughts of Gustave Helsing, something so secret that he said much never be touched…Unless the one who did it was like himself, a being from another world."
Alucard couldn't help but let his eyes widen with surprise, it was just like Ainz had suggested about Gustave haven't left "out of character" information behind, at least that was the only reason Alucard could think off for only someone from another world being allowed to read it.
"C-Can I take those?" Alucard asked
"No. These books will not leave my house." Abraham replied, in a stern manner
"Make copies?"
"No. These are unique, and I wish for them to remain that way."
That was a slight problem, Alucard was hoping he could at least make copies of the information so he could go through it at Nazarick, alongside Ainz.
"Take notes?" Alucard suggested
"Fine. If, you make sure no one else has access to, or can read them. This represents the beginning of my family, I don't want it to fall into the wrong hands."
"It won't, you can trust me on that."
"Then, take my seat by the desk. There is paper on one of the drawers, with pen and pencil if you need them." Abraham informed, distancing himself from the desk
"Thank you." Alucard said, taking the hunter's seat
Taking several pieces of paper and a pencil from the drawer, Alucard placed them to his left, while positioning the first book to his right. Taking a look at the first page, he saw it was written in English, so he chose to write his notes in Japanese, hopefully Abraham wouldn't mind him doing so.
The first diary was written from the point of view of Gustave Helsing, which was to be expected but it was fully made from the point of view of the "character" not the player. Alucard learned many things from it, Gustave's connections to the Thirteen Heroes and two other members of the group were players much like himself, and how they died much sooner than he did. It also talked about the vampire Landfall, and how she became part of the group and helped them fight the Evil Deities. It seems like Gustave separated from the group deciding he wanted to make a life by himself, however it is noted that he kept in contact with Landfall. The diary told how he, after taking on the role of a monster/vampire hunter saved the daughter of a wealthy man, and from that a relationship formed which lead to marriage. However, his wife died before him, which meant her families wealth was given to him and would be his child's when he dies as well, that being the origin of the Helsing families fortune.
All and all it gave him a lot of information on past events, and of the humble way a player could make his life on this world.
"Did you read the part about Landfall?" Abraham asked, with a slight small
"I did. What about it?"
"I'll tell you, but you can't tell her I was the one to tell you. Landfall, now goes by the name Evileye. You've heard of her?"
"Blue Rose, I have. Guess that would give us a topic of conversation if we ever crossed paths."
Having taken several notes, Alucard directed his eyes to the remaining diary, which Abraham had just opened, reading the first page Alucard felt his heart race with excitement. The first line began much like the one in the first book, however the name was not Gustave Helsing, but Alex Kaine a 20 year old office worker, and a virgin. This book would definably be the most interesting of the two, as it would give him and Ainz the point of view of a player who lived their lives in this world.
The events depicted in the second diary were similar to the first book, however they showed the true feelings Alex Kaine and not Gustave Helsing. Personally identifying with many of the things depicted in the diary, Alucard almost forgot the actual reason he was there for and took less notes than before. Which caused him to go back several pages, read them again and take the necessary notes, since Ainz should be as interested as he was. One of the things that forced an awkward laugh out of the vampire and for him to skip several pages, was the reference to his first time with his wife. Luckily something more interesting came after that, as it seems Alex decided to tell her the truth, apparently her initial reaction wasn't the best but with time she seemed to accept it.
"That…was a lot…" Alucard sighed, finishing the second book
"What can you tell from the second diary?" Abraham asked
"I thought you said, only people from the other world could know what was in it."
"I know. But you read it, what can you tell me, about the founder's secret thoughts?"
"He was a good man and a brave one at that. Braver than I am, for that he has my respect." Alucard replied, in a low tone, picking up his papers and getting up from his seat
"Braver than you are?"
"Yes. I'll be going now."
Alucard found it hard not to feel respect for Alex, he was just a normal person, with no special training just some office worker, who came to a strange world, completely alone, was lucky to find other players and in the end, create a good life for himself.
Arriving back in his room, Alucard was greeted by his Brides giving them a nod, the vampire made his way to Ainz's room, entering without announcing his presence, he was lucky Ainz was already alone.
"Something happen?" Ainz asked
"I have the information." Alucard replied, placing the several papers on the desk
"W-What did you find?"
"Interesting things. Nothing that would help with the idea of going back to our world, but we had expected that much. But I do have a question, who were you before becoming this?"
"Before this? You mean, the human me?" Ainz asked, scratching his chin with his bony fingers
"Yes. I guess we are lucky, that we were transported along with Nazarick and all its denizens, but what about those that are alone? It wouldn't be so easy as it was for us, that is what made me think of who we were before coming here."
"I see. I guess I could tell you, doesn't really matter now. I was Suzuki Satoru, a-a salary man." Ainz informed
"Not too bad of a promotion, wouldn't you say? From salary man to ruler, is not small feat." Alucard pointed out, with a laugh
"What about you, Alucard-san?"
"If I said it was above your paygrade, would that be enough?"
"Not really. Since right now, I out rank you." Ainz replied, with a confident chuckle
"Fair enough. Jack Briefs, I was part of a top-secret intervention team, we dealt with the messes others couldn't be bother to do, or simply weren't skilled enough to do." his answer warranted a surprised gasp from Ainz
"Really!?"
"Yes! What good would come from lying?" Alucard spat back, rolling his eyes at Ainz
"I guess that explains some things." Ainz said, in a thoughtful tone
"If you say so. You better get to reading my notes, if I'm not mistaken we don't have that much time till you leave again."
"Let's get to it then."