While Amelia's current rage towards Hilma Cygnaeus of Eight Fingers made her want to take action immediately, she found herself unable to do so. Especially since her role in the Espada didn't allow her to leave for several days. So in order to keep herself busy, and after working towards getting some time to go "visit" Hilma, she decided to show Cthalpi around E-Rantel. Since that was one of the reasons she came to the mainland to begin with.
Amelia attempted to do this over the course of several days, but she saw most of her efforts hampered by the ever-watching eyes of the city's population. Cthalpi was simply too beautiful, too exotic and good-looking to be ignored by the general population. Already rumors were spreading of another beautiful foreign woman living with the Espada. This only added to the well-known fact that the mercenary company employed beauties that could rival the Kingdom's "Golden Princess" Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself, or the "Beautiful Princess" Nabe of Adamantite Adventurer Team "Darkness".
Even if she didn't seem too bothered by this, Amelia wasn't pleased by the ever-present ogling and murmurs. It also didn't help that E-Rantel was rather underwhelming in Amelia's eyes, and not really what she wanted to show this "god". Of course, she was aware that Cthalpi had spent most of her time on some island asleep, so perhaps the city might be enough to interest her. Even if Amelia wasn't too convinced of this.
After a few days of showing Cthalpi around as best as possible, Amelia pulled a few strings to allow both herself and the "god" to make their way to the top of the city walls. Having reached their destination, Amelia wasn't all that impressed by the view. However, as she looked upon Cthalpi, who was now wearing a fabulous dress they had bought just the previous day, she was certain that she saw some fascination and awe in her eyes as she looked at the horizon.
"Did something catch your eye?"
"Well... now exactly. It's just been some time since I've seen the sun shining over such a vast stretch of land." Cthalpi replied in a whimsical tone of voice.
"I see. I suppose it makes sense that you wouldn't have seen something like this in a while..." Amelia remarked in comprehension, before continuing.
"... Still, how did you spend so much time in one place doing, exactly the same thing? Didn't it get boring? Didn't you want to do anything else?"
"At the time, I took it upon myself to take care of those women, providing them with the means to live in safety seemed like the best option. Now... I wish I had kept a more hands-on approach with them. I could have made them better..." Cthalpi began with a tone full of regret, just for Amelia to speak over her.
"There's no point in lingering on the past. Just know that now we will make sure you do make them better."
"And I am thankful for that."
After a few more minutes of taking in the sights, the duo returned to the Espada's manor. There they were greeted by Juno, who handed Amelia a letter with her family's crest on it. Right away she knew that it could not be anything good. Opening it, she took in its contents, and learned that her father wanted her back home, and was to get back to work after having indulged in her "hobby" for far too long.
It was infuriating to see that her father had not changed at all since they left. Expected, but still annoying, given all the effort she had put into this. Still, this was also useful since, with her father's reputation, she could come up with a viable excuse to leave her duties earlier than planned, and go "visit" Hilma.
"Hehe... It seems I need to return home." Amelia remarked, with a weak chuckle.
"Orders from your father?" Juno asked softly.
"Indeed... We should begin preparations to leave. Get everything in order, and make sure whoever stays behind can keep this place safe. I also want word sent to all of the remaining Espada about this." Amelia informed, going back to her office as Juno replied with a shallow, but dutiful bow.
"As you wish."
In the southern nation of Kokka no Shinku-Kokai, the mercenary group Yasei no Kari members of Vali, Arisuke, and Yama were making their way through a forest, their destination being a road they could see several feet away. Eventually reaching it, they waited for their last member Kusumi to arrive. She had promised to get them a method of transportation to take them to the home of the Goto Clan, which was one of the Nine most dominant clans in the nation.
"Seems she's not here." Yama remarked from under his cloak.
"There is a carriage approaching." Arisuke pointed out as he looked in the opposite direction.
"I guess my ears aren't as good as yours, Sengoku-kun."
"Why do all of us have to go on this, boss?" Arisuke asked Vali in curiosity, ignoring the Oni altogether.
"That is what they requested."
"Hmm... Is it possible that we will be tested?" The vampire asked in thought.
"I do hope so." Yama remarked in an eager tone.
"It is possible, if that is what the Goto Clan wants. Either way, you all need to remember to behave." Vali answered firmly.
Eventually, a large open-air carriage emerged on the road, being pulled by four large black horses. Controlling them were two plainly dressed wolf-type beastmen, both with light-brown colored fur. Sitting behind them was their last member Kusumi, dressed in her usual kimono.
"So, is this them?" One of the beastmen asked expectantly.
"Indeed.~" Kusumi playfully replied, scratching his chin.
"You heard her. Get on." The other beastman said stocially, motioning them to get on board.
Doing as instructed, the carriage continued on its way, and as this went on, the Yasei no Kari took this time to talk amongst themselves.
"Where did you get them?" Arisuke plainly asked.
"Oh, I got them at the brothel. I was finishing my shift when I saw them arrive with some customers, so I decided to convince them to help us.~" Kusumi replied with a mischievous tone and smirk.
"Does that mean this ride is free?" Yama asked in curiosity.
"Indeed, but I wouldn't mind giving them a reward for their services.~" Kusumi coquettishly said, whilst massaging the earlier beastman's ear, which elicited a pleased growl.
"How..." Arisuke went to speak, when Vali interrupted him.
"Behave, all of you. We need to be on our best behavior when we meet the Goto Clan."
"Do you believe this job is important? You seem to be very preoccupied with this meeting." Arisuke pointed out, as he noted his leader's cautious demeanor.
"It's just a feeling. After all, from what I've heard, they've been hiring a lot of people to investigate something, but I don't know what. Kusumi, did you find something out about it?" Vali plainly asked.
"Well, I heard something about someone robbing an important family heirloom, and of course them wanting it back.~"
"Strange... if we're being hired, then it means that these teams failed in their efforts. Perhaps it really is something worth our time." Arisuke suggested in contemplation.
Further down the road, another team prepared an ambush. They were sitting in a clearing, waiting for a newly arrived trio of goblin brothers that had been sent to spy on the approaching carriage. Their names were Durk, Dagre, and Dak, and due to years of mixing with the Goblin NPCs brought to this world by the First Emperor, they looked much better than most others did in the rest of the world. They stood fully upright, with well-built bodies, much healthier and softer looking features and skin, and much more intelligent looks in their eyes.
Leaning against a nearby tree was a hyena-type beastman that had white patches of fur, with lacquer armor covering his legs and torso. Human skulls rested on spikes that decorated the pieces of armor protecting his shoulders, and on his belt rested several darts. His name was Uldar, and he delved in the vocations of pain and necromancy.
Resting on top of a tree was a lean built lizardman, with light colored green scales, wearing light leather garments and armor, with a few daggers, and a red and golden colored bird-shaped pendant on his necklace. His name was Boro.
Finally, sitting down in the center of the clearing with her katana resting on her legs as she was finished meditating was the leader of the group; a one-armed Ronin named Sakome Oda. She had black that was held in a bun, black eyes, a medium sized bust, and an overall well-built and trained body. She still wore a black, brown, and red kimono that exposed her neckline and some of her thighs, along with an armored gauntlet and metal mesh under her clothing.
"We have a report, Oda-sama." Durk promptly informed.
"They're coming. Four of them on a carriage. Two wolf-types manning it." Dagre added.
"That's perfect. We can destroy the carriage, and in the chaos each of us takes a target..." Uldar suggested, approaching the goblins.
"…Each one of you take a dart. Use them on the wolves." He instructed with a cunning grin.
"Boro will use his Roc to destroy the carriage and scatter them. We'll attack them, then and do our best to keep them apart." Sakome stoically added.
"I heard they have a vampire among them. Should I take him?" Boro asked.
"You better. My attacks aren't all that effective on the undead." Uldar firmly remarked.
"Agreed. I'll take the leader. Brothers, you take the woman." Sakome commanded, getting to her feet.
The rather quiet and boring ride was broken when Vali and Arisuke picked up on something disturbing the forest not that far from them. This disturbance was eventually picked up by everyone present, when they saw a massive form shoot into the sky, and into the clouds. It vanished for a brief moment, before coming back down in the form of a massive bird. It was gigantic in size, but what else was to be expected by something said to be able to hunt Oni; the eagle-like predatory bird, Roc.
The massive bird, with Boro riding on it's back, flew right at them, giving no one the necessary time to react as it flew over and sent the carriage flying with massive gusts of wind formed by the creature flapping its wings. Just as this happened, Durk and Dak appeared from the sides, each throwing a dart at the fallen beastmen, just as the Roc came back targeting Arisuke.
As the Roc's beak opened, ready to swallow the vampire in a single move, Yama came to his rescue pushing him onto the ground. This saved him, but got Yama himself trapped in the beast's maw as it flew back into the skies. This blunder made Uldar more than livid, as he emerged from the forest, his whip readied for his oncoming battle with the vampire Arisuke. This for him was the worst possible match-up, since his [Death Whip] was made to cause pain and necrotic damage on living targets.
Kusumi managed to land on top of one of the beastmen, and while it softened her fall, it also meant that shortly after it was hit by the dart, she was forced onto the ground as both wolf-type beastmen rose again as zombies. Not only that, but looking around Kusumi found herself surrounded by three goblins, each equipped with daggers.
Vali didn't even have the chance to fall onto the ground from the initial attack. As soon as his hand touched the ground, Sakome appeared next to him with slashing motions. Something that continued as they made their way through the forest, with Vali throwing out a few simple punches and chops as his attacker threw flurries of slashes at him.
Ultimately the duo stopped, hopping on top of two larger trees, with each resting on a branch. Sakome sheathed her blade, as she preferred to begin confrontations with her quick-draw "Iaidō" style. An impressive feat for someone with only one hand. Meanwhile, Vali seemed unfazed by what had just happened as he spoke in a calm, questioning tone.
"Is there a reason for this attack?"
"The Goto Clan asks for your deaths." Sakome matter-of-factly replied, her eyes fully focused on him.
"I see. Very well. Do you have a name?"
"Oda Sakome."
"Vali Kaas."
They shared a brief bow, before then lunging at each other. Sakome executed a quick, lightning fast slice, just for Vali to grab onto her blade, much to her surprise, and followed up by kicking her back into her tree. Taking advantage of the recovery time necessary from the impact to allow his body to land in position, he launched himself right back at her like a loosed arrow. He landed a clean hit to her gut with his knee, sending her through the tree, and several others before she came to a stop on the ground.
As this was happening, Boro found himself unable to get his Roc to swallow Yama. Especially as he continued to violently punch the bird's beak. Understanding that the Roc was not able to swallow Yama in one gulp, Boro instructed his pet to throw him into the air as far as it could, so they could then fly after him, and swallow him as he dangled helplessly in the air.
Yama suddenly found himself being thrown further up into the sky, but wasn't all that worried. He was having fun with their interesting strategy, and also wanted to add a Roc to his kill-list for some time. So much so, that he was willing to show some respect for the beast, and show it a bit of his serious side. He found the perfect opportunity to do so, as it sent him into the air and was now flying at him.
Clenching his right hand into a fist, Yama started to accumulate electrical energy in it, preparing for one massive punch. This was a unique technique he had learned from Vali, where he could channel his "Ki" in such a way as to simulate the elemental effects of magic. In this case, adding a concentrated burst of electrical power to his strike. That was sure to give the Roc the respect it deserved as an Oni Hunter.
"Die!" Boro cried out as the Roc opened its mouth.
"[Komi's Fist: Lightning]!"
Yama brought his fist down on the beast's beak, the impact sending a shockwave of electricity through the bird's massive body. This created cracks in its flesh as the electricity forced its way through its body. The Roc could only let out pitiful, pain filled cries as both it and Boro exploded in a gory and light-filled spectacle. Leaving Yama to crash back into the forest below.
Uldar was also on the end of a rather unfair exchange. His first whip's attack had resulted in his weapon wrapping around Arisuke's left arm, and with the vampire's hand wrapped around it he was unable to retrieve it. Had Arisuke felt any kind of respect for this attacker, he would have at least used one of his swords. However, as he looked at Uldar, and was able to deduce his rather twisted and weak nature, he didn't even bother. Pulling the beastman towards him by the whip, Arisuke used his free hand to slice clean through his neck, beheading him.
Kusumi found herself in a rather troublesome situation. While the goblins were easy enough to dispose of with her snakes, she couldn't use them against the two zombies. While she could summon some help, that felt like a bit much. Though luckily for her, this predicament was brought to a swift end when Arisuke took it upon himself to behead the two undead, freeing her from any bother.
"My hero.~"
"Be more careful next time." Arisuke groused with an annoyed glare, as Yama then emerged from the trees.
"Did any of you see that!?" He asked with pure excitement in his tone.
"No." His comrades both replied in unison in a deadpan.
"Damn. It was so fun."
Shortly after, Vali emerged from the forest, with Sakome's motionless body resting on his right shoulder. Stopping in front of his comrades, he looked briefly at them, and at the bodies that surrounded them, before moving his shoulder so she would fall onto the ground.
"She's still alive." Arisuke remarked in some measure of surprise.
"She told me the Goto Clan told them to kill us. This was a test, to see if we were worthy for whatever job they want to ask of us. I'm certain that if we had been killed, they would have been given said job." Vali informed with a weary tone.
"Should we do something about the Goto Clan? You know, for trying to kill us, boss?" Yama asked with a hopeful tone.
"No. We continue on foot. And we will take her with us. Kusumi, if you will."
Upon Vali's command, Kusumi summoned several snakes to bind Sakome, or simply to wrap around her neck or limbs ready to bite in case she tried something. The rest of their journey was naturally done on foot, until they eventually reached the main gates to the main Goto Clan residence.
Along with the four guards keeping watch over the gate, several archers and ninja appeared on top of the wall, as soon as their approach was signaled. It made for an impressive display, which served to show to some extent the power of the clan. Especially when compared to the one they had destroyed not that long ago.
"State your business." One of the guards firmly declared, his scrutinizing black eyes narrowed on them.
"The Yasei no Kari have been called upon to meet the head of the Goto Clan." Vali informed.
At this the guard raised his hand, and everyone on the walls relaxed, with the gates opening shortly after so they could be led deeper into the compound. Eventually, they arrived at an area of the large garden where a waterfall rested. The water was provided via magical means, and from under the water appeared the lord of the house, Hirooki Goto.
He was a man in his late 20s, with short black hair and piercing black eyes. His body was that of a fighter, which was not what one normally saw in people in positions like him. He stood in place, only wearing a what is called a "fundoshi", as several women dried him, and an older man, most likely his master, watched over the scene.
Seeing the approaching mercenaries, Hirooki dismissed the women, gave the elder a bow to send him away, and put on a large piece of white cloth, almost a skirt, to cover his lower body, along with a black shirt, and Haori to cover his upper torso.
"Kaas-dono." Hirooki cordially greeted.
"Goto-sama." Vali said, dropping a now conscious Sakome.
"Ah, I see she survived. Good. She has useful skills. Could you untie her?" Hirooki casually asked, as he motioned some guards to approach.
"Of course~" Kusumi replied with a smirk, calling back her snakes which all went back under her kimono.
"Take her." Hirooki commanded, prompting his guards to pick up the woman and leave.
"Now, if you will Kaas-dono, follow me. We have much to discuss."
Commanding the rest of his team to standby, Vali followed Hirooki into a deeper and more isolated area of the garden, reaching a forested area with only a single path leading to it. From what Vali could tell, several individuals were hidden in the trees, ready to attack if need be.
"First, I would like to apologize. I understand that Oda-dono and her people might have given you some trouble..." Hirooki apologetically began, but Vali politely spoke over him.
"Not at all. They were nothing but a brief stoppage."
"Hoh... I was led to believe that they were among the top in your field."
"I'll have to take your word for it. However, I can assure you that we are the top. The distance between everyone else and us is vast."
"I see... Well, I offer my apologies either way. A test was necessary. You see, we have called upon several others for this task, but they have all failed. That's why we called upon you and your people."
"So I've heard. You want us to find something for you, correct?" Vali asked, taking the master of the house aback with how much he knew.
"Umu... Yes. We had something stolen from us... B-But we better discuss this when we get there."
Soon enough the duo arrived at a shrine, and upon entering it Vali was greeted with an interesting vision. On the opposite wall to him was the massive statue of a serpentine dragon. Not something he normally found as the center piece of a place of worship. Especially when there were no other figures about.
He also noted the clear fact that he had never seen a statue with this particular design, which made sense, considering that the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord had "never" been to the south. In the center of the shrine was a base where something would have rested upon and kneeling in between the base and statue was a woman. The woman was of average height, with extremely long black hair, and a well-shaped pale skinned body, covered by ceremonial garments.
"Kaas-dono, you understand that you will need to keep everything that happens in this room a secret, correct?" Hirooki asked, almost as if in fear of something.
"I do."
"Very well... I have brought the..." Hirooki tried to inform the woman, just to have her raise a hand to silence him.
"You can sit down now." She softly commanded, to which he obeyed.
"Welcome, Kaas-dono. I am Goto Koromi."
The woman said this as she slid back to her feet, turning to him as she fully revealed her vampiric nature. This wasn't all that surprising for Vali. After all, in this nation vampires and similar beings were allowed to live among the general population as long as they behaved and followed certain established laws.
Arisuke was one of those cases where they preferred solitude in order to hide some of their less than legal actions. What really got Vali's attention, was her name which was well-known to be the name of the clan's ruler during the era of the First Emperor. The woman that, through her fiery and determined personality, was able to bring her clan back from the brink of extinction. Basically, had it not been for her, Hirooki likely wouldn't be here today.
"Goto-sama." Vali greeted, taking a bow towards this historical head of her house.
"I heard your conversation as you approached. It seems that our current predicament is known to the outside world." Koromi hissed, looking at Hirooki.
"My apologies. I do not know how something like that happened." He contritely said with a bow.
"You are a fool, Hirooki. Had it been your predecessors in charge of our clan, we would not be going through this... But that matters little now. Kaas-dono, as you can see this base is missing something." She hissed, motioning to the piece in the center of the room.
"You see, my successor thought that some northerner by the name of Solomon Ozzik Gantz was enough of a 'friend' to learn of this place, and that the statue that was once placed here was magical. Just for that 'friend' to steal it and vanish." Koromi informed, visibly displeased by the situation.
"It was a mistake on my part. But the man, he felt so trustworthy..." Hirooki tried to explain, but she was having none of it.
"Which was exactly what he wanted you to think. Now, Kaas-dono I want that statue back and the man killed if possible." Koromi said, handing Vali a scroll with information on the statue.
"I understand. Though I must ask, if so far you've been unable to find him, how do you know we will do any better?"
"I don't. However, we have new information. We believe that this Solomon went back to the north, and we found out where he lives. On that scroll you have the location of his house. You will go there and get the statue. If it isn't there and he is you will make him talk. If neither are there you will take his family in order to... convince him. Understood?"
"Understood, Goto-sama."
"Now leave us."
Giving a bow, Vali left, so now only Koromi and Hirooki were left, the vampire motioning to her successor to rise.
"It seems that team you hired were useless."
"Indeed." Hirooki said without hesitation or argument.
"I told you it was a pointless waste of money."
"At least they brought the leader back alive. She has skills that we can use."
"At least that. Now, you better hope they are quick to find the statue, before the Master finds out."
Vali was quick to rejoin his team, who had been offered some drinks and food to help them pass the time. This was clearly shown by the several servants walking away from Yama with empty bowls in their hands, since the Oni's appetite was considerable.
"Boss' back." Yama casually informed.
"So~? What do we do next?" Kusumi asked teasingly asked.
"We..." Vali paused in some apprehension, which surprised his underlings.
He was unsure of what to feel or even think. Not because of what they were tasked to do, but because of the fact he had to return to the north. It simply did not feel right to go back after all that had happened, and how far he had gone to try and separate himself from his former life. However, part of him felt like it was inevitable. He was born in the north, and no matter how much he tried, it seems that he was fated to go back.
"We have to go to the north and recover the heirloom they are missing. A dragon statue."
"Are you serious?" Arisuke asked, stunned by the prospect of having to travel so far.
"The boss doesn't joke, Sengoku-kun." Yama replied, sounding excited at the prospect.
"Indeed. The statue was stolen from them, and the man who did it fled north. We are to go to his house, and try to retrieve it, or force him into giving it up if need be." Vali explained in an empty tone.
"Still, that'll take us a lot of time. Just to find a ship to take us there..." Kusumi pointed out, just for Vali to interrupt her.
"No need. I have a teleportation item that can send us there. We just need to go back to our base to get it, and to prepare."
"Do all of us need to go? If some stay behind, we could take on other assignments." Arisuke suggested.
"We do. We know little of the north as it currently is, and while I doubt we'll face any kind of considerable opposition, I feel we should not take any risks."
"As you wish."
With that the group returned to their hideout, and after making the necessary preparations, Vali used an item that had been given to him during his days as one of the "Thirteen Heroes", to transport himself and his team north.
While their target Solomon wasn't aware of the Yasei no Kari teleporting to the north, he was made aware of them coming after him and his family. He was not the type to give up easily, or was he the type to face danger head-on. Especially when he had other business to do. Still, he knew he needed to protect his family, and the statue he kept in his manor. For that, he saw no one better to protect them than the Espada. In this case, his own son and the 8th-Espada, Cayo Ozzik Gantz.
Later on in the evening, within the enormous and opulent confines of Ainz's study, Demiurge's elegant form appeared as he bowed deeply to the seated Overlord and leader of the Supreme Beings. He then nodded in deference to Cocytus and Mare, who were standing by to the side, and even spared the maid assigned to Ainz's needs a glance of respectful acknowledgement.
Ainz likewise gave the demon a respectful look and nod of acknowledgement as he relayed his instructions via [Message] to Entoma, to ensure that Lupusregina completed her task without fail. Since this was the night that the hoard of monsters, under the command of the "Serpent of the West" Ryraryus Spenia Ai Indarun, would attack Carne Village to test both the Battle Maid in question, as well as the defenses of Carne Village itself.
Demiurge's stylish stride as he walked up, free of worries, honestly made rather Ainz envious as he idly thought to himself.
'Uwah~! Every move he makes overflows with confidence. Is it because his back is very straight?'
"Thank you for coming, Demiurge." Ainz regally said, coming back from his musings as he noticed the named demon waiting for his master's word.
"Ah, there's no need for thanks, my lord. Incidentally, have you finished speaking with Entoma?"
"Yes. Everything is fine. She reported back to me, and Lupusregina seems to have passed her test."
"Wonderful news, my lord. And I thank you for making time for me."
"Pay it no heed, Demiurge. It is only fitting I make time for the man who has done the most for Nazarick. Now then, what is on your mind?"
"Yes, Ainz-sama. I was wondering about those Espada, with whom you have entrusted the task of gathering information. Since they are performing a service to your glorious self, I had wanted to ask for your permission to perhaps capture one or two of them for study. Since, according to the reports from Sebas, they are notable specimens."
"Hmm... I see..." Ainz hummed in contemplation as he interlaced his marble white fingers.
Indeed, he had read Sebas' reports on the notable deeds and accolades that the Espada have been garnering since before their arrival in this new world. Frankly, a part of him still regretted turning down their offer of joining them. It could have been useful to him to be a part of them, but what's done is done. Now though, he was intrigued by Demiurge's idea.
He already had the lizardmen tribes under his control, and had them training with Hamsuke and a Death Knight in order to gauge the process of learning [Martial Arts]. He doubted the Death Knight would be able to do it, but Hamsuke's progress with the lizardmen was yielding some results. Of course, the lizardmen "elites" could hardly hold a candle to what he'd heard of the Espada. Especially after testing them during his battle with Shalltear, so the benefits were rather obvious to him.
Still, the former salarymen within the Overlord of Nazarick, Suzuki Satoru, felt conflicted about the prospect. It seemed like poor business strategy and etiquette to essentially "poach" talent from them, in both a metaphorical and very literal sense. Plus, they are doing work for him right now, and could do more in the future if the need arises...
'What to do? Demiurge has a good idea, but I really don't want to dismiss it out of hand without a good reason. I have their expectations to live up to after all. Still, the Espada are doing a job for me, and I don't want to be the sort of shitty businessman I've seen in my old world. A deal is a deal after all...'
With that in mind, Ainz straightened up with regal bearing that elicited awed "Oh"s and "Ah"s from the NPCs present. Their display was both amusing and embarrassing to him, but he powered through though feelings as he spoke with commanding aplomb.
"Leave them be, Demiurge. They are doing a service for Nazarick, even if they don't know it. Furthermore, there may come a time where they could be used again to covertly further our goals in this new world, and doing as you propose might very well hamper that. That is most certainly the case right now, when they are still a month away from completing their task, and that could end up sabotaging those efforts. Do you understand?"
"Ah, of course, Ainz-sama. Forgive this unworthy one for his excited shortsightedness. I should have known that you would have planned things out so far in advance." Demiurge replied in a mix of awe and shame.
"Hehe... What are you saying, Demiurge? The fact that you proposed the idea is a testament of your loyalty to Nazarick. There's nothing for me to forgive." Ainz said in amusement.
"Your wisdom and mercy knowns no bounds, my lord." Demiurge said with a cunning smile as he pushed his glasses up.
In truth, what Ainz did not know or realize, is that Demiurge wanted members of the Espada for the "breeding experiments" he was conducting. If humans with high levels of strength, at least by this world's standards, could somehow be crossbred with demi-humans and heteromorphs, then that would have served to further strengthen Nazarick. Still, his master brought up some wise points, and his word was law after all...
Meanwhile, a feeling of discomfort crept up Ainz's spine as he looked upon the smiling visage of the Arch-Devil before him. A feeling that he had missed something important. A feeling that he hated, but ignored as he lightly shook his head and then handed a sheet of paper to Demiurge.
"Ahem... now then, I'll be having some guests over. This is a menu. The meal is for a human male and female, and possibly a child. Tell me what you think."
"Hmm... I think that a human must consume whatever you deign to provide for them without complaint, Ainz-sama. However, that is likely not the answer you seek. Hm. If there is a child, they might not enjoy foie gras. If that is so, then lighter dishes might be more ideal."
"I see. That does bear consideration. As always, I thank you for you input."
"Your words honor me, Ainz-sama. And I can see that you intend to be hospitable."
In truth, it was not so much hospitality as entertaining them as a form of coercion, backed by fantastically immense wealth. Nfirea Bareare's research into new potions bore fruit, and Ainz intended to keep him on good terms. Or rather, a leash bound in gratitude and indebtedness.
"Pardon me, my lord, but is that wise?"
"Hm? Is there a problem?" Ainz inquisitively asked with a head-tilt.
"Oh! No, none at all. After all, whatever you speak is correct, Ainz-sama."
"..."
Ainz could only internally sigh at the demon's words. When this had all been in the game, the Great Tomb of Nazarick had played host to very few non-guild-members. They had invited the little sister of the guild-member Yamaiko, whom they called affectionately called "Akemi-chan", a few times. There really was nothing forbidding anyone from inviting others. It was just that no one thought to do so.
'Ah~ah... My friends ought to have no issue with me inviting Nfirea and the others. Invaders are a different matter of course. Hm? That reminds me... What was the name of Akemi-chan's own guild-master? Cath-something? Oh, I can't remember... Their all-female guild was interesting though, and had Players of several different races. I wished I could have seen that...'
Ainz then ceased his inner musings as he turned to Demiurge, who seemed to be thinking about something himself, and the other two Guardians who had been silently waiting before he then spoke in a relaxed fashion.
"Well, enough of that for now. Guardians, are you ready to enjoy the baths?"
There was a chorus of eager acknowledge from the NPCs, before Ainz settled to end his day in a relaxed fashion. Perhaps the unknown worries that buzzed in his consciousness like a fly could be just his stresses catching up to him...