The Bloody Valkyrie

“Let’s end this discussion here. Everyone here didn’t gather in order to argue amongst yourselves, right?

Hearing the last fueee sound, Igavaruji sat down deflated. However he still held eyes full of angst against Ainz. To this appearance, the two Guild Leaders reluctantly shook their heads.

“I can understand the feelings of those who value strength, but this is not the main issue at this time. We’d better resolve the question quickly, alright?”

“Mayor, thank you.”

“Ah? Although I do not know why you wish to thank me, please continue. Truth be told I’m not too clear either about what is going on.”

“Very well. If it could be immediately reported then, it would have been better…”

“Don’t worry about it. I was also busy at the time dealing with a matter relating to Stronoff-san.”

Another ‘fueee’ sounded out.

“Then, addressing the main point——”

“Before that, at least some basic etiquette is needed. Shouldn’t you take off your helmet?”

With an ironic tone, Igavaruji once again interrupted. Even if it were justified, it was still aggravating, and the other adventurers almost frowned.

“It doesn’t matter, what he said this time is correct, I have indeed been disrespectful.”

But when Ainz calmly removed his helmet, he revealed a fake face created with magic. The appearance was ordinary, not that of a handsome man.

“Because I come from a foreign country, in order to avoid trouble, I’ve been wearing my helmet. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“Che, a foreigner.”

“Give it a rest, Igavaruji. Adventurers who protect mankind from the threat of monsters are not divided by country boundaries. Your outspoken complaints against the guild’s unwritten rules since its inception truly makes me ashamed as a fellow adventurer.”

Just as Igavaruji was about to interrupt with another rebuke, he realized everyone present shared the same opinion, so he reluctantly remained quiet.

“...Because I am an outsider, being treated with prejudice has been commonplace.”

Ainz’ statement made several people smile wryly. Igavaruji’s face changed color out of anger, but when Ainz once again wore his helmet, there were no more complaints.

“Well then, I hope there are no more complications on that topic. I wish to immediately tackle the main issue.”

“Because someone was late, I have yet to hear the contents.”

“I am very sorry about this, please forgive me.”

Ainz lowered his head in a genuine apology. When he was an office worker, he often had similar experiences where meetings would only begin after the boss declared that all members were present, and as a result he was had to suppress his urge to go home. Because of that he was truly able to relate to their feelings.

With his frank and honest apology, in stark contrast to the constantly cynical and sarcastic Igavaruji, Ainz came out to be more noble. A sigh sounded out, causing Igavaruji’s face to become more repulsive, because he understood that his own self-evaluation had reached a new low.

However there was one person even more livid than Igavaruji.

“...Enough of this. If there are more interruptions, get out of here.”

That person was of course Issac. With his eyes full of anger and not even half of the steadiness in his voice as earlier, the one he glared at was of course Igavaruji.

Igavaruji gently bowed his head in apology.

Seeing the other side’s candid movement, Ainz was puzzled. From the hostility shown towards himself, it would not be surprising if at this moment Igavaruji were to display an attitude similar to the rebellious nature of middle schoolers towards their parents. Why then would he withdraw now?

After a brief moment of thought, Ainz arrived at a hypothetical conclusion.

At this gathering of mithril ranked adventurers, if one person was kicked out, what kind of criticisms would he provoke? Even if the truth was let out, there would still be the possibility that others would think he was chased out because he was worthless. With this, his position amongst adventurers would plummet. This should be the reason why he shut his mouth.

“First a brief report. About two nights ago, adventurers patrolling the roads on the outskirts of Re-Lantier came across a vampire. Of these adventurers who met the vampire, five were killed. Everyone’s gathering this time is because of this.”

After listening to the description of the vampire’s appearance, Ainz’ hopes were easily shattered.

Due to being too afraid, the surviving adventurer only vaguely remembered the vampire’s outfit, hair color and appearance. However, what remained was the strong impression of a “silver haired large mouth”

Even if they only had a vague recollection of its appearance, anyone who knew Shalltear and overheard this would quickly connect it with her. In his heart Ainz was already certain of who the vampire was.