Gazef Stronoff

Eventually the party rode right into the square, about twenty men. While keeping an eye on the death knight, they formed a magnificent row before us.

One of them, still on his horse, came forward. He appeared to be their leader and was more robust than the others. He practically overlooked the headman, and started observing the two outsiders.

This man had the air of one who made violence his occupation, but Ainz took his gaze and just stood there. One look wasn't enough to disturb him.

Satisfied with his observations, the man addressed them in a dignified manner. "I am captain of the Royal Select of the Kingdom of Re-Estize, Gazef Stronoff. We've come on the king's orders to subdue the imperial knights terrorising this region."

"You must be the village headman," said Gazef, turning to the headman. "So then, if you would be so kind as to tell me who exactly that is next to you?"

The headman's mouth was half open, but Ainz stopped him and gave a brief self-introduction. "That's not necessary. It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain. I am Ainz Ooal Gown, a caster who saw this village being attacked by knights and came to save it and this is my companion."

In response, Gazef jumped off his horse and landed with a clatter of armour. He solemnly bowed his head. "There are no words to express my thanks that you have saved this village."

"No, I was doing it for the rewards, anyway. Don't worry about it."

"Oh! A reward? Then, you're an adventurer?"

"Something like that."

"Hmm, I see. You seem quite strong... I'm sorry to say I haven't heard your name before."

"I'm on a journey, just passing through, so my name may not have spread so much."

It was then that a lone cavalryman rode into the square. His rough breathing foreshadowed the seriousness of the news he'd brought.

He loudly announced an emergency. "Captain! Several figures spotted in the area! They're surrounding the village and approaching!"

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"I see. Yes, indeed..." Gazef confirmed the reported figures from the shadow of a house, they were probably casters.

What made that completely clear were the glowing, winged figures lined up next to them—angels.

Angels were monsters summoned from another world that many people— especially people from the Slane Theocracy—believed served the gods.

These ones wore gleaming breastplates and carried long swords of crimson flame. He'd never seen this type before, so he couldn't guess how strong they were.

The men had already known who the attackers were thanks to Sukuna's interrogation exposing the Theocracy. As Ainz and Gazef stood inside the headman's house, their eyes met.

"You've got some enemies, Captain."

"I suppose there's no helping it because of my position, but this is...a rather large problem. We knew that the theocracy was behind this, but to think they deployed one of the scriptures."

"Are those flame archangels? They sure look like them, but...why would the same monster be here? Is it because the summon magic is the same? If that's the case..."

Gazef looked at the muttering Ainz and said, with a glimmer of hope, "Sir Gown, if it's alright with you, we'd like to hire you."

There was no reply. Gazef just felt an intense stare coming from behind the mask.

"I can promise you any amount in compensation."

"I think I'll refuse."

"I-i see, then I'll take your leave. Once again, thank you for saving this village. I shall be heading into battle now."

"I see. Your analysis is worthy of your position, Captain. You have my admiration. May you be victorious."

"May your journey continue, Sir Gown."

Ainz watched until Gazef's silhouette grew small.

"Sukuna, inform our forces nearby to get rid of any ambushing troops."

"At once, my lord."

"Also, be prepared for a battle."

"Understood. However, why go so far for a single human?"

"Hmm… An interesting question. I feel nothing more toward a human I'm meeting for the first time than I would for a bug, but...once I try talking to them, I start to get attached as if they were cute little animals. I suppose much like you throw them a bone, I want to provide them shelter for a while"

"So that human intrigues you, Ainz-sama."

"Is that why you swore on your honour along with your sacred name?"

"Maybe…"

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Gazef just stared ahead, clasping his sword in trembling hands, focused on his hateful enemy even as his vision seemed about to blur. He was so focused he couldn't even see the angels surrounding him ready to attack.

"...Such a pointless endeavour. You're just too foolish. After we kill you, we're going to kill the surviving villagers. All you've done is bought them more time to be tormented by fear."

"Heh...heh-heh...," Gazef laughed in response, a grin spreading across his face.

"What's so funny?"

"Gah... The foolish one is you. There's someone in that village who is stronger than me. There's...agh...there's no way you'll be able to kill the villagers if he's protecting them."

"Stronger than the kingdom's most powerful warrior? You think a bluff like that will work on me? That's the height of stupidity."

Gazef smiled faintly. What will Nigun look like when he meets Aim Ooal Gown? That thought would be a good souvenir for the next world.

"Angels, kill him." The beating of countless wings sounded over his heartless words.

As Gazef was about to make a run for it, prepared to die in the process, he heard a voice right next to him:

"Seems about time I swap you out."

The scenery before Gazef changed. He was no longer on the crimson-dyed plain. He was in the corner of some kind of humble dwelling with perhaps a dirt floor.

His men were scattered around him and villagers were there, looking at him with concern.

"Wh-where am I...?"

"This is a storehouse that I put a magic barrier over." Ainz answered.

"Gown-dono! How come- I see… but what shall we do about the theocracy?"

"Do not worry. My most capable soldier is on it."

On hearing this, the tension he'd been desperately trying to maintain went out of his body. He'd done everything he could do. The villagers rushed over to him as he collapsed to the ground.

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