When Chu Lian led Enri down toward the village, on the other side, after waiting for a while at her house, Nfirea also stepped outside. He was going to confess everything to Ainz.
On a mountainside, Ainz was watching the scene unfolding in the distant Carne Village while discussing the humans of this world with Narberal. "Quite capable, aren't they?"
"Is that so?" Narberal's expression did not change, seemingly unconvinced.
"Though it can't be called astonishing skill, those people couldn't even use bows ten days ago. Their spouses, children, or parents were slaughtered. The determination to act so that such tragedy will not repeat itself—shouldn't that at least be worthy of praise?" Ainz folded his arms across his chest. He genuinely felt a sense of admiration for their resilience. Humans might be weak, but at the same time, they were also the race that advanced the fastest.
Hearing Ainz's words, Narberal turned slightly and bowed. "My deepest apologies. I was short-sighted."
"These villagers were once unarmed and defenseless, and now they already possess the ability to protect themselves. The humans of this world have tremendous potential to grow from weakness to strength."
"Before I was transported here, my strength had already reached its limit. Whether I can continue to grow is uncertain. If, before my arrival, another player from Yggdrasil had been transported to this world and taught them techniques, allowing them to develop at a rate far beyond normal, then the emergence of extraordinarily powerful humans would not be impossible."
"Therefore, while our intelligence remains incomplete, both we and Nazarick must proceed cautiously. We cannot afford to provoke any potential enemies prematurely."
Ainz quietly explained these matters to Narberal. As the leader, he did not necessarily need to do so. However, circumstances were now different. With Deloris's unclear plans in motion, they needed to maintain communication at all times to avoid any misunderstandings.
While the two were conversing, the voice of a blond youth drifted over from the distance. "Momon-san..."
Turning to look, Ainz saw the breathless boy running toward them. "Is there something you need?"
"Momon-san, I'm very sorry. When I entrusted you with the request, I had my own selfish motives." After catching his breath, Nfirea lifted his head and looked at the tall figure of Ainz.
"I'm aware. It's not a major issue. Strangers approach one another because they each have their own purposes. I simply didn't know what yours was. I assume you had no intention of harming us, correct?" Ainz nodded. They had already anticipated this; only the reason had been unclear.
"That's because two days ago, at the apothecary, I encountered an adventurer who came to sell something called the Blood of God. From her, I learned of your existence. So I wanted to commission you and take the opportunity to investigate the origin of the Blood of God..." Nfirea did not conceal anything and stated his reason directly.
"Blood of God?" Ainz himself did not understand what this so-called Blood of God was and asked in confusion.
"The Blood of God refers to a life potion without the slightest deterioration or impurity. Due to production techniques, when we craft life potions, some degree of degradation occurs. As time passes and depending on the craftsmanship, that degradation increases. Eventually, what should have been a perfect potion becomes the inferior blue life potion."
"The Blood of God, however, is said to have no degradation or impurity whatsoever. It can restore injuries with exceptional effectiveness. Because no one knows who has ever successfully produced such a potion, it exists only in legend. So..." As Nfirea spoke, he noticed Narberal's face had already grown icy, as though she might strike at any moment. Frightened, he trembled slightly.
"I see. So the potion given to that female adventurer was leaked? I didn't expect her to sell it instead of using it herself. It seems that day truly frightened her. She instinctively wanted to sever any connection with us." Listening to Nfirea's explanation, Ainz quickly understood where the problem had arisen.
"Very well, I understand. I will not disclose the origin of the Blood of God. It would be best if you also refrained from investigating further. After completing your commission, we likely won't have any further interactions. Let's leave it at that." Ainz restrained Narberal, who seemed ready to eliminate the human, and spared Nfirea.
He said this, of course, to distance himself from the name Ainz Ooal Gown in the future. After all, Nfirea possessed a rare innate talent that allowed him to use any magic item. Ainz had considered that he might also be capable of wielding the magic items of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. He intended to conduct tests later to determine whether that was possible.
"Thank you for your magnanimity, Momon-san." Seeing Narberal restrained and Ainz showing no intention of holding him accountable, Nfirea finally relaxed. After hesitating briefly, he said, "Then I'll take my leave."
"Very well. We'll be gathering herbs with you shortly, so assemble quickly." Even though the other party was his employer, Ainz still looked down at him from a higher vantage point. After all, the boy was likely terrified by now.
With Ainz's permission granted, Nfirea felt as though he had been pardoned. After bowing, he stepped back a few paces, turned, and ran off at full speed.
"Ainz-sama, why did you prevent me from killing that dangerous human? You had already ceased caring about his ulterior motives, and yet he still dared to approach you directly. That is exceedingly disrespectful. His ability is dangerous—he could pose a threat to the Great Tomb of Nazarick." Narberal could not understand. If they killed him now, no one would know. Eliminating a potential threat in its infancy was far simpler than dealing with problems later.
"Deloris was aware of his hidden motives even earlier than we were, yet she did not act. On the contrary, during the battle she deliberately protected the Swords of Darkness and Nfirea. She must have her own plans. For now, we will observe what Deloris intends before making any decisions."
Ainz chuckled softly. His little sister was clever—far more forward-thinking than he was. Since she had not taken action, she was undoubtedly planning something. They only needed to wait and see.
"Understood..." Narberal quieted after hearing this. So it was Lady Deloris's intention. She must have her own strategy. She had nearly disrupted those arrangements just now—how reckless. Ainz-sama was correct. There was no need to be overly tense. They should assess the situation clearly before deciding what to do.
"Come, let us descend. Deloris has likely finished her own affairs. Soon we'll head into the forest to search for the so-called Wise King of the Forest. I admit I'm rather curious—what sort of creature it is, and what use it may have for Nazarick." Ainz nodded. Before leaving the cliffside, he placed the item Deloris had instructed him to set there, saying it was a preparation for the future.
Standing on the cliff and gazing at the peaceful village in the distance, Narberal's emotions gradually calmed. The longer she followed Ainz-sama and Lady Deloris, the more unfathomable they seemed to her.
Not only in the direction of their thinking, but in their arrangements for the future and their manner of dealing with others—everything carried profound intent. As expected of a Supreme Being and a future Supreme Being. Such far-sighted vision was something she, as a subordinate, could never hope to reach.
Her heart felt as though it might take flight. To remain by that girl's side, to listen to her soft, intimate voice, to watch her confident smile, to follow her—always, always.
Ainz noticed Narberal's state. While inwardly lamenting that he had effectively lost yet another maid, he also felt pleased at his little sister's charm. With attachments like this by her side, no matter her identity, she would never betray Nazarick, nor would she leave them.
The afternoon was tranquil. Fine strands of sunlight filtered through the trees and fell into the forest, scattering patches of dappled light. The lush greenery and restless hearts alike were gently soothed beneath that quiet radiance.
"We're about to enter the forest. I'll have to rely on your protection," Nfirea said to the members of the Swords of Darkness as he stood at the forest's entrance.
He did not ask Chu Lian, Narberal, or Ainz to protect him. He knew they undoubtedly had their own arrangements. Besides, so long as they did not venture too deep into the forest, there would generally be no danger. They simply needed to remain cautious.
"Young man, the three of us have our own matters to attend to, so we can't protect you personally. However, since you are our client, we must fulfill some obligation. In that case..." Chu Lian tilted her head slightly, looking up toward the forest canopy. The reflection of green leaves in her eyes was strangely soothing.
As she spoke, she lightly flicked her finger.
A sudden burst of chaotic noise erupted from within the forest. Five magical beasts swiftly emerged from the shadows, stopping before Chu Lian and lowering their heads in respect.
"They will protect you from the shadows. As long as you don't venture too deep or approach any inexplicably dangerous areas, there shouldn't be any problems."
The five magical beasts she had summoned consisted of a brown bear, a tiger, a peculiar half-meter-tall gorilla, and two black rabbits with a third eye growing at the center of their foreheads. All of them were level 24—strength enough to roam this forest unchecked.
For safety's sake—and because the disturbances had already begun—Chu Lian still offered a few words of warning. If the boy foolishly provoked some unknown creature or ventured into genuinely dangerous territory, she would still need to rescue him.
Until her objective was achieved, Nfirea could not die. That would be far too wasteful. Though it might be troublesome, it was better than suffering significant loss.
Seeing Liliana take such care of him, Nfirea responded cheerfully, "Yes. I definitely won't wander off recklessly. I wouldn't want to trouble you, Liliana."
"I simply don't want my mission to fail. It's my first adventurer request. If it ends in failure, that wouldn't reflect well on me." Chu Lian covered her mouth lightly and let out a small yawn, clearly not taking the matter too seriously.
After that, she paid them no further attention. She bent down and gently stroked the heads of the five magical beasts. Only after seeing their contented expressions did she turn and walk deeper into the forest.
Ainz and Narberal followed closely behind. They were now going to subdue the so-called Wise King of the Forest. Naturally, they could not travel together with Nfirea's group and had no choice but to part ways.
Watching their figures disappear into the forest entrance, Peter scratched his head helplessly. "Miss Liliana is quite willful. But she's adorable. At moments like this, she really looks like a girl her age."
"Yeah..." Nfirea lowered his head and responded softly, too quiet for the others to hear. Then he took the lead and walked into the forest, beginning their herb-gathering.
The forest seemed to have always been this quiet...