The Bloody Valkyrie

“This really is frustrating, and the forensics were not complete… is the secret shrine under the spirit temple the only thing left that may still have a clue?” It would be great if there is any evidence left behind there.”

“Hearing you mention this, it seems that Momon-san did not go inside there. If any valuable items of unknown origin are discovered there, can we give it to him?”

“Ah. If those items and their ritual is moved aside, just adhere to the adventurer rules and hand them to Momon-san.”

Part 4

Ainz sprinted along the street.

Warm air rushed through the helmet’s gap, blowing into the spot where his eyes were. If he had eyeballs, perhaps he would be blinking non-stop, but since Ainz lacked organs he only felt that ‘some wind was blowing’.

Looking down, the ground flew by as fast as an arrow. Maybe it was because the distance from the ground was small, or because of other reasons, but the feeling was faster than the actual speed being travelled at, although having said that it was not terrifying in the least. Every time the body sprung up, like reflex there would be increased strength exerted below the feet.

Despite the fact that Hamusuke was adept at maintaining his balance, apart from the humongous size, it was basically a hamster. It was also quite a difficult mount to ride because Ainz had to spread his legs very wide, and this unstable posture had to be maintained without the assistance of a saddle or horse armor. Even Ainz, who had superior balance over other people, had to be careful not to fall off.

It would be quite difficult to draw swords while riding Hamusuke. Perhaps I should make a saddle and stirrups for him as soon as possible. When I am crafting this, perhaps a nearby armor blacksmith might come and help with its preparation.

What made Ainz think this, apart from the unstable ride, was more importantly because of the figure moving parallel to him.

Riding parallel to him on horseback was Narberal. She was riding on top of a giant horse donned with a heavy metal armor, summoned by the item ‘Statue of Animal - War Horse’.

The heroic sight of Narberal skillfully controlling the giant horse as they sprinted along the road was awe inspiring. Her upright figure, ponytail swaying with the wind, and coffee coloured gown billowing because of strong winds from the front, looked just like a scene out of a movie.

The difference was like heaven and earth compared to himself, who was riding an overgrown hamster. Feeling depressed, he looked forward and saw a group of men.

It was a four-man group. The armor they wore was more complete than the Swords of Darkness members’ with whom Ainz journeyed together with before.

Ainz pushed the incident with the Swords of Darkness to the back of his memories, freed himself from his tangled thoughts and looked at the four men on horseback in a trance.

Majestic horses.

Ainz did not have much knowledge of horses, but that horse coat was a beautiful shade of colour, and the body shape looked quite sturdy. It should be some kind of famous horse.

The four men on horseback rode in an isosceles triangle formation, also like in a film scene.

I am so very stupid, looking like a moron riding Hamusuke.

His mood was dismal, but only Ainz had this feeling.

“The monster you ride is quite amazing.”

One of Igavaruji’s companions who was riding alongside spoke to Ainz. The tone was different from Igavaruji’s, lacking hostility. Perhaps it was because of an adventurer’s curious nature that was stimulated, that the tone was filled with wonder and curiosity.

“What is that monster called? Is it famous?”

“... It’s called the Virtuous King of the Forest.”

“Huh? What? That’s the monster in legends!”

The man shouted out with wide eyes.

I still cannot get used to this reaction. Is there a need for such a fuss over a hamster.... ah?

In the corner of Ainz’ vision, he saw Hamusuke pridefully sway its beard and twitch its ears. A stronger momentum was transmitted from the waist. He had half of his attention turned towards the conversation between Ainz and the others.

After Ainz used his gauntlet to mercilessly chopped at Hamusuke’s head, he heard a deeply emotional voice.

“No, it’s just that Igavaruji mentioned it before… so that’s how it is. He was jealous.”

“How did he describe me? Ah, never mind. It’s fine if you don’t say. I can roughly guess just by looking at your expression.”

“Hahaha, sorry. That fellow… isn’t actually that bad. It’s just that sometimes he covets immediate interests.”

“...With that kind of companion, your group is lucky to remain unharmed so far. Or is it that your group has changed many members?”