The Bloody Valkyrie

After passing a certain point, the scenery changed with the sensation of piercing through a thin membrane. The hilly terrain disappeared and the familiar sight of home was reflected in Ainz’ eyes.

That was the proof of having broken through the protective Illusion barrier..

Without reducing the speed of 「Flight」, Ainz’ destination was the large and solemn mausoleum at the centre, because it was the only entrance leading into the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

Flying straight to the stairs of the grey temple and finding numerous figures below him, Ainz repressed his anxiety and landed in front of them.

“Ainz-sama, welcome home.”

Along with a woman’s tender voice, many other voices arose as well to welcome Ainz back home.

Standing at the front, dressed in a gown of pure white, was Albedo, the Great Tomb of Nazarick's Overseer, who was also the person with the greatest understanding of the current situation.

The four maids tending to her were battle maids, and standing a little farther behind were level eighty servants.

After Ainz finished his conversation with Albedo using 「Message」, he immediately ordered Narberal to use teleport. Not even five minutes have passed since the end of 「Message」and Albedo was able to organise this many people to greet him upon his return allowed one to glimpse at her organisational abilities.

Feeling impressed, Ainz waved his hand gently in response to the servant’s greetings. He was supposed to say a few words in appreciation, but it wasn’t appropriate under the current situation.

“Albedo, about the issue discussed over 「Message」…”

Did Shalltear really betray us?

He was about to say these words, but hesitated. Because deep in his worried mind, he was afraid that saying them would turn Shalltear's betrayal into irrevocable fact.. Furthermore, discussing a topic like this in front of the servants was too dangerous.

“Yes. Would you like to discuss this issue elsewhere?”

“You are right… let us discuss this in the Throne Hall, alright?”

“As you wish. Well then Yuri, present Ainz-sama’s ring.”

From amongst the battle maids standing behind them, a spectacle-wearing maid quietly stepped forward.

Although the combat maid outfit she wore was the same as Narberal’s, there were some differences in the details.

Narberal’s maid outfit was intended to protect her, whereas Yuri’s clothes emphasized ease of movement. This was confirmed by the lack of a metal plate on the front of her skirt.

Her metal gauntlets had prominent spikes. With clenched fists, they would become lethal weapons.

The top of the wide blue necklace was decorated with small translucent gems which didn’t reflect light, but sparkled like a swaying flame.

With her hair tied into a low-cropped bun at the back of her head, and proper-looking facial features that were both sharp and cold, she gave an intelligent impression

This was Yuri Alpha. Vice-captain of the battlemaids. Sebas, who served as the leader of the battlemaids, was a man, therefore it was said amongst the maids that the person responsible for holding the team together was Yuri..

She was carrying a tray covered with purple cloth with both of her hands. Resting on the purple cloth was a ring—— a ring of Ainz Ooal Gown.

Ainz picked up the ring and placed it on his ring finger.

Since the ring would allow the wearer to move around the Great Tomb of Nazarick at will, every time Ainz went to an outside city he would leave his ring behind, because he was worried about having it stolen from him.

Looking at the ring on his skeletal hand, Ainz nodded in approval. The unease of not wearing the ring for several days disappeared, filling him with great satisfaction.

“Well then, let’s go Albedo.”

Because they couldn’t teleport to the Throne Room directly, he activated the ring’s power to move to the room right before it.

Accompanied by Albedo, Ainz opened the thick, heavy door and headed deeper inside, towards the direction of the crystal-like throne. As they walked, Ainz voiced the question he wanted to ask earlier.

“Before we start, I wish to ask several questions. You said that Shalltear betrayed us. What was the reaction of Sebas, who was at the same place? He didn’t turn traitor too?”

“Yes, he did not show any signs of betrayal.”

“Well then, have you asked Sebas for related details?”

“Yes, we have already completed our inquiry. According to Sebas, they encountered bandits. After that, Shalltear supposedly went ahead to the opponent’s lair to capture more bandits. During this period of time, nothing suspicious occurred. She even repeatedly expressed her dedication towards Ainz-sama.”

“So, that’s to say, whatever happened afterwards was what instigated her rebellion.”

“Yes… in addition, it seems that she also brought along two vampire brides, but they appear to have been exterminated.”

“...Is that so. Those were just minions… no, this means something happened which was sufficient to exterminate them. Well then, my turn to explain what has happened on my side.”