Chapter 17: Ainz's decision and Albedo's Resolve. (Rewriten)

Two beings were sitting in a lavish room, facing each other. One is a Skeleton wearing a marvellous jet-black academic gown adorned with golden and violet edges. This Skeleton that emitted an air Majesty had his head down, and his bony fingers traced over the papers in front of him. Opposite him sat a handsome young man who wore an ivory-colour priest outfit. His brown hair swayed slightly with his head as he nodded off while being embraced by the softness of the chair. 

"Wake up, you asshole. Are you showing off the pleasures of the living to me? Are you asking me to blast you with a spell?" said Ainz to Lemon, annoyance seeping into his voice. 

Ainz had been working all day grinding away at this paperwork, but his friend Lemon as soon as he came inside the room started nodding off to his dreams. Giving a tired sigh, he put down his pen, his work finally finished for the day.

Maybe because of Ainz's voice or the sound of the falling pen, Lemon stirred, opening his brown eyes sleepily.

"Are you done with your paperwork, Ainz?" asked Lemon, straightening out his body. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't even realise I fell asleep, but don't hold it toward me 'cause seeing a skeleton doing paperwork can amuse a person so far." 

Ainz also relaxes his shoulders on hearing this casual retort and presses his back on his chair, replying." I am glad my struggle with paperwork brought you amusement. Ahhhh, *Creaking bone sound* My work for today is over, so let's get down to the business."

"Finally, so we are exchanging how we spend our outing," Lemon said excitedly, to which Ainz nodded in agreement, his eyes betraying his calmness.

Lemon had returned to Nazarick to spend the three days of downtime he had stolen, so his team returned to base only leaving the people necessary to gather information in the capital. He was planning to spend some quality time with Akeno after dinner, but hearing his return, Ainz called him to his office rooms.

Entering the room, Lemon was greeted by a scene of Ainz struggling with his paperwork, so he sat opposite him to wait it out. After he was seated and heard Ainz's reason for calling him, he relaxed as the sound of pen meeting paper became his lullaby. Let's get something clear up first. Lemon's report written by Yuri had already reached Ainz's table, and like any of the other reports, he skimmed it, not really getting the full picture. On the other hand, Lemon has not heard any of Ainz's exploits in E rental.

"I will start it off, Ahm. Me and Nabe are Mithril class adventure now," announced Ainz, in a matter-of-fact manner but with a tinge of superiority mixed in. His eyes then quickly glanced at his friend's face and, seeing the kind of face he hoped for, started to chuckle loudly. The feeling did not last, as his passive kicked in, ruining his happy mood.

Lemon though, genuinely felt astonished by his friend's rapid ascent through the ranks and suddenly regretted not accepting Irona's invitation to make his team an adamantine rank. 

"So, how did you do it? Did you use some Mental manipulation on the Guild staff?" asked Lemon curiously. 

"No, you already know mind manipulation magic is not so convenient. And for how? We took care of a rouge mage and a warrior by the name of Clementine. They seemed to be planning to turn the citizens into undead." (Ainz)

Ainz's tale of this short adventure in E-Rantal gribed Lemon's attention. The meeting with the adventure party "Sword of Darkness", his meeting with the Alcamist Nfirea Bareare, the fighting with the Hamster, the current state of Carne Village and the eventual tragedy of Sword of Darkness. Ainz also explained the details of the graveyard incident and the things leading up to it, and Lemon, feeling as if they were reading up the lore of a raid boss, listened attentively.

"Dame, and I thought I had an eventful day," he lamented as if losing to a fight. "And all that happened yesterday night. Oh, what happened to the corpse of the woman? She did see your true form, right?" (L)

"Hmm, I left her there because I needed evidence to identify the offenders. Why do you ask?"(Ainz)

"Well, we don't know the full extent of this world's magic right? So, shouldn't we retrieve the corps or at least burn it?" (L)

Hearing Lemon's words, Ainz fell into contemplation, and after a few moments, he nodded, agreeing with him.

You are right. I will ask Demiurge to find out where she is being kept. We can decide what to do after that. 

"Another thing I wanted to ask." Seeing Ainz's casual sign, Lemon continues. "The Alchemist Nfirea Bareare was it? Is it true that he has the power to use any Magic items?"

"Amm, Yes it is true. On the way back, I let him use an item exclusive to a Necromancer, and the item reacted." (Ainz)

Shifting his seat forward, Lemon, with a face that had just discovered a priceless item, spoke to Ainz. "Oi Oi, isn't that broken, that a [Talent] of his."

"Yes, it is indeed a broken [Talent], your point?" Ainz asked dismissively. Trying to move past this line of questions.

Lemon noticing Ainz's reluctance on the topic, re-seated himself on the chair, then spoke to his friend in a questioning manner. "Is there a problem with what I am suggesting?

"Amm, It's nothing like that. I know what you are trying to say. And I agree his [Talent] is too precious to be left alone. At that point, I have also done something." (Ainz)

"Do you mean bringing him to Carne Vilage as our exclusive Alchemist?" Seeing Ainz nod Lemon continued. "That's a great move if you want the person, but I am talking about the [talent] you know."

Signing on the aggressive argument of his friend, Ainz started to speak of the reason for his reluctance.

"Well, I don't want to bring him to Nazarick only for him to be, well dissected to know how [Talent]s work." (Ainz)

Hearing the reason stated by Ainz in such a Serious manner, Lemon burst out in laughter, his hand going to his stomach.

"Hahahaha, dude, you were worried about something like that. I mean dissecting someone, we are not some Mad scientist or, some.....no you are right, Demilgaus will definitely do that....shit." An awkward silence hung between the two, but as if to shake out of it, Lemon deliberately spoke in a jovial tone.

"Well, leaving aside that problem, I am not thinking of dissecting the guy." (L)

"Hmm, you are not, then how are we going to find out how this [Talent] works?" asked Ainz, his puzzlement showing in his skull face.

"We just use the "Shooting star". Stated Lemon, as if asking why is the guy even asking.

Shaking his head at his friend's answer, he placed his finger on his temple.

"I also thought of that, but will it even work? We will lose a usage if it misses you know. Ainz told him in a cautioning tone." (Ainz)

"Guess that's the risk we have to take. Besides, we have like what? four pieces of the item inside the vault, right?" Lemon asked, slightly shifting his posture in the chair.

To which Ainz nodded his head. "Two from us, one from Yamaiko and the other from Shizyudensuzaku, though he used one of his wishes," said Aniz, counting the members that obtained the ring with his fingers.

"Perfect then. We have *mumble mumble* 11 wishes. It's more than enough." Jumping off from his chair as he said so. He then looked at the dumbfounded Ainz, urging him to follow him to the vault.

Ainz was having none of it, however. Shaking his head in denial of that reasoning, he spoke in a chiding tone. "I can agree if you want to use your own ring, but don't add the others to your calculation."

"Come on man. You know they all gave you those items. So, what's the harm in using some of it?" Lemon Protested, his arms rising to the sky.

"No, they did not give it to me. They entrusted them to me. There is a difference." Ainz voiced in an exasperated tone, his posture non-moving.

Seeing the sudden melancholy mood. Lemon returned to his seat, he then looked towards his friends and Guildmaster and, with a sceptical voice, said.

"Ainz,.....come on. I know we agreed to search for them in this world. But honestly speaking, I highly doubt any of our guild members are here." (L)

The flames inside Ainz's eye extinguished on hearing Lemon's words, and the voice of a man holding on to dwindling hope sounded as the atmosphere around him grew gloomier and heavier.

"I know, from your perspective, this might seem stupid, and to some extent, I agree, but You know Lemon, I can't help but remember those days when we fooled around in Yigdrasil so, keeping those items untouched is a kind of solace for me. I mean, I can hope that we can be reunited again in this new world. (Ainz)

'Ahhhh, shit, I've done it again. Man, you idiot, I already knew our guildmates were a taboo topic, and I just had to open my mouth. Now look at him. He looks like a real corpse now'. 

Lemon felt a wave of regret for his careless remarks since he understood how much Ainz valued their guild's glorious history, and his remarks only served to bring him face to face with harsh reality. But at the same time, he also dreads how he will fare after he is gone.

Lemon, now in a much gloomier voice, spoke to him "I am sorry man, I crossed the line there. We do suspect there were other players out there, so it's not like it's a hundred per cent certain they didn't teleport to this world like us. I am just saying to keep your expectations low, that's all." 

As the air around them grew denser, Lemon suddenly remembered a topic on the back of his head and seriously spoke to Ainz, hoping that a serious matter might take his mind off things.

"Ah, Ainz, on the topic of [Talants], I wanted to ask you something. There can be many forms of [Talent], right?"(L)

Looking at Lemon with hollowed eyes, Ainz waited for his next words.

"You see, I met someone who I suspected was a [Talent] holder, but I dismissed it cause I thought [Talent]s are mostly powers of perceiving something that exists, like our MP or HP." (L)

"Well, to answer your rhetorical question with a question, where are you taking this?" asked Ainz, his flames returning to his sockets.

"Ya Ya, I am coming to that. This guy Kasho, showed some weird behaviour when he had a conversation. I can't say for certain but it felt like he could see my intent. Does a [Talent] give such power to a person?" (L)

Ainz was now fully recovered. His mind shifted from his melancholic gears, hugged his arms around and taped his bony chin.

"It is highly possible, Yes. Nenya, the adventure I told you about, had a [Talent] that makes her learn magic skills twice as fast, so [Talants] are not limited to any category or boundary. So, a [Talent] that can let you see the intent of someone can exist." signing at this topic, he continued. "Truth be told, [Talents] are seep in mystery. To us who have concrete limits to our power, such uncertain powers are a very real threat."

"Thought so. Guess that guy just sifted to the 'watch attentively' category, but seeing that he did not react to the shadow demon attached to him, it must have its limits." He mumbled under his breath." (L)

*knock Knock*

In the interim between their talk, there was a knock. Looking at each other faces, Ainz permits the person outside to enter. Albedo came into the room, her figure ever graceful. She bowed to the two omnipotent beings and spoke in her bell-like voice.

"I am sorry to intrude on your talks, Ainz-sama and Lemon-sama, but I am here to give an urgent update on the Black Scriptures. On gaining Ainz's signal to continue, she started to report." (Albedo)

"We have been observing them for about a day as they move towards the forest of Tob, but just now, I received information that they have entered a yet-undiscovered cave. From my and Demiurge's estimation, their target must be inside." Finishing her report as a well-practised secretary, Albedo's Eyes landed towards Ainz, seeking his thoughts on how to proceed next.

"Mm, Do we still not know what they are after or their capability as fighters? How much have you learned about their background Albedo?" (Ainz)

"Yes, from what Neuronist managed to extract from the soldiers we captured, they seem to be the elite forces of the Slane Theocracy and consisting of thirteen members estimated to be at least strong as an adamantine-ranked adventure. But those humans knew very little about the mission they were on, other than rummers of a dragon's revival and the black scriptures being deployed to deal with it." (Albedo)

Hearing this news, Lemon was impressed by the efficiency and quickness of Nazarick's intelligence united for being able to squeeze out and act upon the almost negligible intells he gatter about the Black Scripture.

'To think that little info from Hekkeran's gang turns out to be such a big deal. But, a dragon resurrection, haha, that's something I want to see, but knowing Ainz, he would go for the wait-and-see approach. Guess I will push him a little. This could also lead to his peace of mind after I am gone.'

*********************************

Ainz was torn on this sudden development. On one hand, he was curious about the movements of this elite group from the Slane Theocracy. He did not harbour any ill will towards them, but his view of them can't be said to be positive. On top of that, if the news of the black scriptures coming out here to slay a dragon is true, it's an opportunity to observe a battle between the top powers of this world. On the other hand, they did not have any concrete information on the targets, and if they were not careful or if this was a trap, they could suffer a devastating loss. 'Is his curiosity worth risking the lives of his friend's children?' Such thoughts tussle in his mind, and seeing Lemon seated with a composed face, he asked for his opinion.

"What are your thoughts on this Lemon?" (Ainz)

As if waiting for that question, Lemon with a grin and a pump-up tone, said, "I think we should, at the very least, observe them inside the cave. Whatever their goal, there's a chance that a battle will break out because, if it didn't, they wouldn't be so heavily armed. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to observe the power level of this world. In addition, we can swipe in after they're exhausted and take all the rewards if this really is a dragon hunt."

Ending his words, Lemon observed the bony countenance of his friend, fishing for the apparent hesitation he would show to his words and, seeing the hesitance in his flaming sockets, spoke again.

"You are worried about the denizens of Nasarick, right?" (L) 

Thoughts of worry and guilt pass through Lemon's mind for the direction he was about to lead this conversation, but an even greater sense of determination to help his friend break out from his self-made cage of sentimentality and nostalgia.

'I understand Ainz's feelings toward the NPCs because I have similar feelings about them, but he needs to stop viewing them as precious beings that could shatter when they face any adversaries. I am sure almost all of them are willing to fight for us, and as for the expansion of Nazarick's influence. Moreover, we cannot avoid them facing risks if we'er going to make our Guild name spread throughout this world.' 

"Was I that obvious?" asked Ainz to quietly. He was slipping into his habit of melancholy again, and realising this, he stood up forcefully, surprising Albeo a little. Walking across the room slowly, he continued.

"Albedo, I am sorry, but can I talk to Lemon alone for a moment? Stand outside the door." (Ainz)

Lemon, seeing that his friend wanted to continue their conversation in private, a plan suddenly arose in his mind. He understood that the way this was moving, Ainz would close himself again, and even if he could bring him out, that would be just a temporary measure. Then, the involvement of his friends' children is instrumental. With his thought settled Lemon turned to the retreating figure. 

"No, Albedo, stay here and listen to our conversation."(L)

"Lemon?" Ainz turned to him confusingly, his face questioning his intention.

"Well, since we're discussing about them, I think that at least one of them ought to be here to listen to our concerns, and it will also allow us to get their opinion." (L) 

On hearing Lemon's reply, Ainz momentarily fell silent, then nodded his head, and seeing Ains consent on the matter, Albedo returned to the spot she stood before. 

She did not understand what her Lords were talking about with such solemnity, only that this would involve her and the many denizens of Nazarick. Thus, she sharpened her mind so no words slipped her mind.

"Ainz, I get you are worried about making these children that can be said to be the last remnants of our friends to danger, especially with opponents that are said to be the strongest in this world without any information about them, but they are also powerful beings that were created by our friends to aid this guild and to accomplish our goal of searching for our friends we all have to take risks." (L)

"Lemon, are you really saying that." Ainz smashes down his fist angrily on the office table, growling as he does so. His voice seeped with anger that he rarely shows to others as he continues to speak. 

"To risk their lives by throwing them in such an unknown situation just to gain some information." As his voice raised again, a soft light enveloped his body, and as if all that anger he just exhibited was an illusion, he spoke in a much tranquil tone.

"|Lemon, since we've come here, these kids have come to life, and I can no longer see them as merely NPCs that we can sacrifice to obtain some information. Right now, they may still be bound by their flavour text, but I am sure they will grow with time and experience." pausing for a moment, Ainz ruminated on Lemon's words. He understood his point of view as even to him, it is the most logical and effective way, but still, he continues. 

"And besides, we have yet to test if the resurrection of NPCs is even possible. The risk is too high. I understand that this is likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ascertain their strength. I also realise, with our forces, there is a high chance we can come out victorious with minimal damage, but as long as we do not have any solid information and this potentially being a trap, I cannot let my friends' children risk their lives." (Ainz)

'As I thought, I couldn't change his mind. However, I suppose that's understandable given that both of us are members of the controlling group if one of us suggested using the controlled individuals in a precarious situation—even if doing so will benefit both groups—to someone like Ainz, who has a strong emotional bond with the people under control, the proposal itself is something to be wholely rejected.' 

'But that is why I insisted on having Albedo here. I am counting on you Guardian Overseer. With your INT stats, you should be able to discern what to do here.'

As the two Superim beings continued their arguments, Albedo listened to them with a composed face however, inside her mind, she was full of doubt. Words like remnant, character traits, and becoming alive confused her, and her mind began to race with questions like: 'Did our creators die? Why do they refer to us as "becoming alive"?' form in her mind, but since she wasn't allowed to express them, her thoughts could only fester.

As if seeing through her internal confusion, Lemon pointed his thumb towards her direction.

"OK, I understand that my trying to convince you is useless, so let's ask the representative of the NPCs. You won't say their opinion on this doesn't matter right?" asked Lemon in a challenging manner.

Ainz, flustered by Lemon's sudden involvement of Albedo, tightened his fist. "Lemon you, I thought you would pull something like this but...haaa, fine." A voice of acceptance tumbled out of his mouth, but hearing Lemon's words, annoyance soon overtook it 

"Haha, I knew you would cave, man, and even if you knew where I was leading, you would have still agreed to let her listen in on us. Saying so, Lemon relaxed into his chair with a smug smile." (L)

Ainz truly wanted to punch into that face of his but with the help of his iron will and the dignity of being the GM ended things with a sign. He signed again to the direction this conversation could lead, then turned to Albedo. 

"It is as you have heard Albedo. Give us your opinion on the matter." (Ainz)

Albedo, who was mulling over a sudden epiphany that came to her, made a clueless look when her Lord suddenly gave her the stage. Her mind was occupied with the thought that struck her when she heard Ainz's argument. But, on seeing the faces of her two lords coupled with her high intelligence, she understood that this was her opportunity to speak up.

"Thank you, I, Albedo, am humbled that you allowed me to speak. Ainz-sama, Lemon-sama." (Albedo)

Bowing her head slightly her eyes travelled towards Lemon, on seeing his smiling face, she quickly desirn her role in this conversation as well as the resolve to pursue the incongruity sprouting in her chest. Now turning towards Ainz with her face full of complicated emotions exhibiting doubt, confusion and resolve.

"Upon listening to your conversation, I was assaulted with many questions about the fate of my Creator, and how we came to be. But *Inhail Exhail softly*I can also ascertain that such topics require much time to explain, so please, when time allows, please tell me what happened to Tabula Smaragdina-sama" (Albedo)

Hearing this, Ainz hesitates on how to respond, regretting fully his decision of allowing Albedo to listen to their conversation that being said, in his mind, he also understood this was a topic they had to talk about eventually, so he just nodded. What surprised him was Albedo's following words, spoken with a voice emitting traces of anger and sadness.

"But, Ainz sama, please reconsider your decision of not deploying forces of Nazaric to investigate the cave." (Albedo) 

Ainz was dumbstruck hearing her words, even making a stupid sound. 

This quick slip of his authoritative facade did not register to Albedo. That being a good thing or a bad thing is a topic for the future.

"We, the denizens of The Great Tomb of Nazarick, are the property of the Guild Ainz ..........., we are your sword, your shield, and your power. We live to further your ambitions, so please do not take that away from us." Saying so, Albedo got down on one knee and, looking into the red flames flickering in Ainz, continued. "Ainz-sama, please use us to fulfil your grand ambition." (Albedo) 

Flustered, Ainz walked towards her, his mind dreading the notion of what she said.

"No, No, I can't do that. As I have said before, those feelings are born from the codes...a form of binding placed into you when you were created, and I cannot take advantage of that to send you to your potential deaths." (Ainz)

Placing his hand on Albedo's shoulder, Ainz rejected her words, but Albedo, looking at her caring Master spoke, a smile on her moon-like face.

"No, Ainz sama, our dedication to the supreme beings comes from our heart. That is what I believe, and even if what you say is true, I do not see the problem. We, the NPCs of Nazarick, were created to be your aids. Even if we experience the growth you speak of, I am sure this loyalty and duty will always remain. And I am sure every one of us shares my feelings when I express that we are happiest when we can aid our creatures. So, please don't hesitate. I am sure my creature, Tabula Smaragdina-sama, would also agree with me." (Albedo)

"I..." 

Ainz's heart churned, seeing her unbridled and subliminal loyalty toward them. He keenly felt that denying them this would probably break them, but did he have the right to use his friend's children like that? Can he allow himself such acts? He then looked at the beautiful face of Albedo, filled with resolve, loyalty and love, closed his and sighed.

"I have seen your loyalty, Albedo, and as such, I, the Guild Master of Ainz Ooal Gown, must also demonstrate my resolve. We will proceed with the current plan of observing them inside the cave. Call Shalltear and make her standby at the 3rd-floor entrance. I will summon some Hanzos for the mission." Saying that, Ainz walked towards the door with Albedo by his side, but he suddenly stopped as if he had left something. Turning to his good friend who orchestrated this and had partially fused with the chair, he spoke jovially.

"We will talk later Lemon, and also think of a punishment you want to receive for manipulating the Guild master and the Guardian overseer. I will call you as soon as we know what's going on." with that, the sound of the door closing echoed throughout the room, leaving only his chipper voice and the half-chair half-Vampire being.

"Ahaha. I figured he would see right through that. Though he was not good at it, he always had a mind that could see through such schemes. Well, whatever the important thing is he has broken out of that mindset. Well, what should I do now? I came straight here as soon as we left the pub.....Oh ya, hehe, I haven't finished giving Solution her reward yet, guess I should get to that, Me being a good leader and all." (L)