The Bloody Valkyrie

Although there were obstructions from the nobles who did not wish for the strengthening of civilian status, and almost all of the established institutions were dissolved, the broad range of acquainted people and the people who received her grace all gave a high evaluation of her efforts.

“Then I shall listen to you attentively when we return to your room.”

“However, father, it is now time for your daughter’s walk. Climb and I shall wander about the nearby surroundings then return.”

Hearing the Princess indicate that her walk was more important than a discussion with the King, Climb’s expression became even stiffer. Gazef felt some pity for him.

However, Princess Renner has always had her own way of doing things. As an attendant, he could not complain.

“Is that so? Then go, and come find me in my room to discuss this when you return.”

“I understand. Let’s be off, Climb.”

“Pardon me.”

As a warrior, Gazef spoke to the deeply bowing Climb:

“Climb, you also need to diligently improve your swordsmanship, to be able to protect Princess Renner under any circumstances.”

“Yes!”

Climb nodded vigorously. Conversely, Renner let out a discontented voice.

“Climb is fine. He will definitely be able to protect me at any moment.”

Those words were unfounded. However hearing the Princess say it seemed to give it an element of truth.

“Then we shall be off, Climb.”

Renner’s slender fingers tugged the corner of Climb’s clothes. Although it was just an unconscious gesture/act, Climb’s expression became even more rigid after noticing it, becoming as hard as a diamond.

“Yes, Princess.”

Even though Climb’s face was expressionless while he was being pulled away by the princess, sadness and resignation could be seen in his eyes.

Although the two people forgot to pay their respects, the King did not appear to mind and was only silently looking at the two as if looking at something he had long lost in the past.

“...As King, feeling pity cannot be a good thing.”

Climb was of unknown origin. He was a poor child picked up by Renner when she had ventured outside the castle.

Only skin and bones, he was a small child almost about to die from starvation, continuously striving to protect his saviour. No, merely striving was not a sufficient description.

He had no talent in either the sword or magic nor was he blessed with any particular outstanding athletic ability.

However, he did diligently train bit by bit. Of course, his talent was not at Gazef’s level, nor did it reach the level of heroes. Even so, his strength forged by hard work and practice still reached the highest level of all of the Kingdom’s soldiers. However, there are still some things which cannot be surpassed.

Those would be status, power, and also being a man of value.

Princess Renner’s value as a person was extremely high, and Climb simply could not match up.

“My lord’s heart is very considerate.”

“Although I know it is foolish, I still wish for at least one of my daughters...to be able to attain freedom. No… my other daughters will definitely scold me… I’ve really become old, thinking about these kinds of things.”

The King gazed at an empty space, as if there was someone there:

“Perhaps, I must also allow this daughter to fall into misfortune.”

If the Princess were to be married at this moment, the groom would definitely be someone from the Great Nobility Faction.

Gazef, who shared similar thoughts, did not speak. It was because he did not know what to say. The only people who were able to understand the king’s troubles were those in a similar position, and Gazef was not one of those people.

A surge of silence filled the space between the two men. To shake off this silence, they strode forward once again .

Chapter 3 - Confusion and Control

Part 1

After the transfer, Ainz saw a hill in front of him. No, it wasn’t high enough to be a hill, it was just a mound with a mere six meters of elevation from the base to the top.

Short vegetation with pointed leaves grew lushly on the mound, giving it the appearance of having been there for a long time. Looking around, there were many similar protrusions, giving the impression that the general vicinity was of this terrain. However, this was obviously untrue.

This terrain had been created through magic by Floor Guardian Mare. Buried under this layer of earth was the Great Tomb of Nazarick’s stony surface.

Ainz activated 「Flight」 and instantly flew over the mound. In his broad field of vision he saw a single piece of land, overgrown with weeds. Not even the tiniest bit of the Great Tomb of Nazarick was visible, as if it was entirely covered by the mounds.

Ainz didn’t linger over this scene and maintained his original speed as he continued his flight.