Overlord (book 1)

"Where did the Angels come from? And what's their objective? This village isn't worth attacking, right?"

"Master Gown, I have no clue... If they're not after possessions, there can be only one reason

for their presence."

The twos' gazes meet.

"Is it because they have a grudge against Sir Knight-Captain?"

"Since I assumed the position of Knight-Captain, dealing with grudges is something that can't be helped. But... ...This is really troublesome. Since they have so many Magic Chanters who’re

able to summon Angels, it seems very likely that they belong to the Silian Theocracy... ... And

since they're carrying out this kind of shady activity it's pretty clear that they're from one of their special intelligence teams... ...The so called Six Scriptures. From both the numerical and

proficiency standpoints, they have the upper hand."

Gazef, who was analyzing this thorny situation, forcibly relaxed his shoulder muscles. Although

he appeared calm and collected on the surface, in his heart he felt very anxious and wrathful.

They actually forced me to leave my sacred treasures behind by using the nobility faction; I

must have troubled them too much. However, if that venomous man remains in the palace it

would be an even bigger problem. This opportunity to find out why he wants to kill me should be

a stroke of luck. In any case, I would've never thought the Silian Theocracy had set its sight onme as well.

Gazef let out another "Hmmph!"

However, he lacked manpower and was absolutely unprepared. Normally he would be at the

end of his wit, but perhaps he still had a joker up his sleeve.

"Is that an Archangel of Fire? It looks like one, but... why would a such a similar looking magical being appear... Is it because of a summoning spel ? And if that’s the case... ...?"

Gazef shifted his gaze toward the muttering Ainz and inquired with a sliver of hope:

"Master Gown, are you willing to be employed?"

There was no response, but Gazef could perceive Ainz's general mood.

"With respect to payment, I can guarantee your satisfaction."

"Please forgive me for declining."

"Even if you only lent us the knight you summoned, that would be fine as well."

"Please forgive me for declining once again."

"Oh... ...Then as decreed by the Kingdom's law, can I subject you to conscription?"

"That's a dumb alternative... ...I wasn't planning on saying these words, but if you intend to use the Kingdom's authority, then I would have to resist a little bit."

The two stared at each other; the first to avert his gaze was Gazef.

"...To have been wiped out before even engaging with the Silian Theocracy's men, how

frightful."

"Wiped out...You sure know how to jest. In any case, for understanding my position in this

matter, I am very grateful."

Gazef closed his eyes, carefully examining the bowing Ainz who was expressing his thanks.

Gazef wasn't jesting when he said "wiped out." His intuition screamed at him that this Magic Chanter putting up a little resistance would result in a somewhat dangerous situation.

Gazef believed it was better to trust intuition than to rely on half-baked ideas, especially when

facing a life threatening situation.

Who is he really?

While thinking, Gazef looked toward Ainz’ bizarre mask. What the hell is underneath this mask?

Is he a person I know? Or...

"Is something wrong? Is there something on my mask?"

"Ah, no… it’s nothing, I was just thinking that this mask is very special. This mask can be used to control a Magical Being like that... in that case it should be a powerful item... right?"

"Well, this is a very rare and expensive item that is unique in this world."

If someone had a high-tier magic item, it also meant that the ability of the individual in question

was very high. By this reasoning, Ainz’ chanting and magic abilities should be fairly strong.

Having been unable to solicit Ainz’s assistance, Gazef felt a bit dejected.

Deep in his heart, he had hoped Ainz would accept this commission since he was an adventurer.

"...... Continuing this is meaningless. Well then Master Gown, please take care. Thank you once again for saving the village."

Gazef removed his metal gloves and reached out his to grab Ainz’ hand. Normally, Ainz should

have also politely taken off his own metal gloves, but he did not do so. Gazef however didn’t

care and tightly held Ainz’s hands, speaking his inner thoughts:

"I am very grateful to you for protecting innocent vil agers from being massacred. Also...... I don’t want to ask this of you, but I hope you can protect the vil agers here again. I don’t have anything