The Bloody Valkyrie

Riding Hamusuke is certainly a bit embarrassing, but I am also quite fortunate that because of this, I don’t have to be riding a horse. However, in the future there may be an occasion when I need to ride on horseback. To cope with that contingency, it’s still better that I train horseback riding.

Ainz jumped down from Hamusuke. After stroking him with the intent of expressing gratitude, Ainz saw Narberal turn the horse back into a statue, and the men leading the horses to one side.

“Then, let’s be off. What kind of formation do you want when entering?”

“We walk in front, you people follow from behind.”

“We won’t mind whatever you want to do, but please show concern for us and be careful in your movements.”

After hearing Igavaruji’s impatient response, Ainz took Narberal and Hamusuke into the forest.

Just like the forest near Carne Village, this deserted forest was extremely difficult to traverse in. However for Ainz who was equipped with various kinds of magical items, it was as if it were flat ground. Also, because he was worried about Shalltear, his footsteps naturally increased speed continuously, and at times even Igavaruji had to request slowing down the pace.

Even if his requests were justified, the profanities used were full of hostility. Narberal who followed on one side almost shouted out in accusation several times, but was blocked by Ainz on every occasion.

“We’re arriving soon. Do not act rashly.”

Seeing Narberal’s wondrous expression made Ainz smile from under his helmet. At this moment Hamusuke felt that something wasn’t right, and continuously moved his ears as if trying to clearly locate the source of a sound.

Ainz, who knew the reason Hamusuke showed such a reaction, whispered in his ear:

“——Stop listening.”

“What? Master, what are you saying——”

“—— If what you are hearing is a metallic sound, that’s just the noise I am making with my hand. Pay no attention to it.”

“Y-yes, so that’s what it is. Forgive me for being rude, master.”

“Then, apart from that, have you discovered any signs of tracking?”

He had already ordered Niguredo to monitor, and in addition had taken many precautions, but still just for insurance he still asked for confirmation.

“None. In addition, it seems that nobody is tracking.”

“Hey—— has something happened?”

The man who was riding beside Ainz before probed with his question. It was not the group representative Igavaruji who came over to ask, for obvious reasons which need not be spoken.

Ainz gave his hand a gentle wave, responding to the other side that there was nothing.

“Is that so?”

The man had a look which showed that he did not accept this answer, shrugged and remained silent after knowing that Ainz had no intention to speak.

Even though I harbour no hatred at all towards you people.

Ainz did not say anything, only whispering this in his heart and silently advanced through the forest.

After journeying some distance into the forest, the sound of successively and hastily unsheathing of weapons suddenly came from the back. Ainz stopped his steps and leisurely looked behind.

“What is it?”

“Still asking that? If you’re walking in front, at least you ought to be a little on alert.”

For the first time, the men showed an endorsed attitude towards Igavaruji’s tone filled with hostility.

“Hey! You fellows hiding over there. Come out slowly!”

In the direction which Igavaruji shouted at, there was a tree sizeable enough to allow a person to hide behind.

In this tense atmosphere, Ainz calmly walked towards the direction of the tree. Although there were panicked voices calling Ainz from behind, he completely ignored them.

Narberal had an unworried expression. Although Hamusuke felt some doubt, he did not stop.

As if in response to Ainz approaching near the tree, a person wearing the same coloured armor as Ainz revealed himself from behind the tree. In its hand, the figure wielded a large battleaxe which emitted a weak sickly glow.

The appearance of a warrior full of vigor shrouded the entire scene with a strange atmosphere. No, it would be more correct to say that only a part of the place was shrouded in the strange atmosphere.

Ainz lightly raised his hand, gave it a wave and greeted:

“Thanks for the hard work.”

“Thank you, Ainz-sama.”

The person who appeared, Albedo, respectfully curtseyed.

“Then, Shalltear——”

“——Who the heck is she? Is she your companion? And what’s with ‘Ainz-sama’?”

This loud barrage of questions came in succession from behind Ainz.