The Two Leaders

“The Giant of the East and the Serpent of the West are unknown monsters. It would be better to start with a chat. They are precious monsters that didn’t exist in the game after all.”

“Ainz-sama is so kind.”

Aura wasn’t being sarcastic.

“Re-really? I am only kind to those who I can make use of— and the residents of Nazarick… If they are equals with Hamsuke, they should have some use, that’s how I see it. Rare items are worth collecting.”

“I heard what you mentioned just now, but is Hamsuke really that valuable?”

“Of course. As a guinea pig.”

Hamsuke was undergoing intense training as a warrior under the tutelage of Zaryusu. By the way, an undead created by Ainz was also one of those disciples. Would the two of them —one a beast and one a corpse— be able to master warrior skills? If the undead could be taught to use martial arts, the combat potential of Nazarick would increase tremendously. Ainz didn’t think it was possible, but he would never know unless he did the experiment.

“It is important enough to warrant the blacksmith making a suit of armour for it?”

“You are well informed. This is one of the reasons. We will be sending Hamsuke out to battle in the future, so improving defence is necessary.”

If she learned martial arts, Hamsuke would be able to wear full plate armour. However, evasion and mobility would be lowered if the armour was equipped right now... In order to counter this—

If Hamsuke learns martial arts, that would allow for smooth movements, even while wearing fullplate armour. If we were in the game— No, even right now, I am unable to wear metal armour.

Considering that, we are a long way from success… If there was another Hamsuke, we could testanother method…

Overall, the exact differences between this new world and the game rules were still a mystery.

Demiurge would be able to find out by experimenting thoroughly, but Ainz didn’t feel like doing so for some reason.

Magic, something that runs contrary to the laws of physics, exists in this world. The concept thatnothing is true, everything is permitted might have been forced onto me…

“Is something the matter, Ainz-sama?”

“Hmm? No, nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Because you looked as if you were thinking about something, I was just wanted to know if that was the case.”

“Ahhh, that so? Just pondering trivial matters, nothing important.”

“I see.”

Aura faced the front once again in relief, her silky blonde hair swaying with the movement. Ainz shifted his gaze down that slender back— at his hand that was wrapped around that petite waist.

What a slim waist. That’s how kids are...

Ainz didn’t have any children himself and was curious. He tapped her waist and back lightly, as if to confirm something. Ainz did so gently since they were on Fenrir, but Aura still jumped and turned around with a jerk.

“Uwah! What-what is it Ainz-sama?!”

Her entire face was red, something even someone without night vision would be able to tell.

“Ahh, nothing, I just felt that your waist was really slim. Are you eating well? You might have equipment that sustains you without having to eat, but you can still eat if you wish to, right?”

“Ye-yes. Eating won’t grant any buffs, but I am still eating properly.”

In the game, humans and demi-humans, who had limited lifespan, would grow and age normally. In contrast, heteromorphic races with unlimited lifespan would stop growing after a certain stage. If this world was like this, Aura and Mare would have room to grow further. Since they were still growing, Ainz hoped they could have a diet as nutritious as possible. With his comrades gone, Ainz was responsible for the growth of these children.

“Eat your meals properly, alright?”

“Yes! I’ll eat until Shalltear despairs!”

Why did she mention Shalltear? Ainz decided not to worry about it too much.

“...Equipment that allow subsistence without food might not be good for growth, switch it out if the situation allows it. In the future, both of you may meet someone you love…”

Aura and Mare were cute kids, and when they grew up, they would become a beautiful young lady and a handsome young man, respectively. Ainz imagined the two of them being surrounded by members of the opposite sex professing their love for them… Although he had never experienced this before, Ainz felt embarrassed just imagining it. And, probably from the influence of the conversation earlier, a large number of Hamsukes appeared in his mind.

“—Huh?”