Ainz Ooal Gown: Noble Knight

"However, regarding the information Mr. Sebastian wants to know about dragons..."

Rune's tone became more serious.

“It is precisely related to the Dragon Kingdom.”

Sebastian's eyes flickered slightly.

"This kingdom was founded two hundred years ago by a powerful true dragon king."

Rune's voice was slow, and he pronounced each word clearly.

"And the current ruler, Queen Draco, has one-eighth the bloodline of a true dragon king."

He paused, then met Sebastian's gaze.

"Some of the hidden information I learned about these powerful dragon kings was obtained by chance during the process of assisting the Dragon Kingdom."

The rain and mist outside the window seemed to have thinned a bit, and the outlines of the flowers in the courtyard became clear again. Fine water droplets clung to the petals, shimmering in the dim light.

"so."

"As long as Mr. Sebastian is willing to aid the Dragon Kingdom, some information about the dragons can be obtained immediately."

Rune looked at Sebastian with a calm gaze.

"With a strongman like Mr. Sebastian around, we will definitely be able to protect more citizens of the Dragon Kingdom this year and prevent them from being eaten by the orcs."

The words were spoken sincerely, without any trace of scheming.

Sebastian remained silent.

The reception room was so quiet that you could hear the raindrops sliding down the eaves outside the window. One drop after another fell onto the stone floor, making a soft, crisp sound.

Rune did not urge him.

He knew what Sebastian was thinking.

This dragon-man, with a justice value of +300, could not possibly remain indifferent when he heard that humans in the Dragon Kingdom were being eaten by orcs.

That compassion for the weak was something etched deep in Sebastian's soul.

But Sebastian could not agree to it on his own.

He was Nazarick's steward, and such important decisions had to be approved by Ainz Ooal Gown.

Rune's fingers gently rubbed the rim of the teacup.

really.

After a moment of silence, Sebastian spoke.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Rune.”

Sebastian's voice carried a hint of genuine apology.

"This matter requires my young lady's consent."

He spoke calmly, but Rune could hear the helplessness in his voice.

Sebastian really wanted to agree and go help the humans being ravaged by the orcs. But duty prevented him from making the decision on his own.

Rune showed no disappointment.

He simply nodded slightly, his tone conveying understanding.

“Of course. After all, Mr. Sebastian is Miss Soliuxiang’s butler, and such an important matter certainly requires Miss’s approval.”

Sebastian raised his eyelids and glanced at Rune.

"I will try my best to persuade my daughter to agree."

Sebastian's voice carried a newfound certainty.

"I believe that with Miss's kindness, she will agree."

Rune smiled and didn't say anything more.

Sebastian stood up.

"Well then, Mr. Rune, I shall take my leave now."

He bowed slightly to express his gratitude.

Rune also stood up and returned the greeting.

"Take care, Mr. Sebastian."

He did not try to stop him.

Sebastian turned around and walked steadily toward the door.

Rune stood there, watching the upright figure disappear into the shadows of the porch.

The footsteps gradually faded into the distance.

The reception room fell silent again.

Rune sat back down in his chair and picked up the cup of black tea that had gone completely cold.

The sky was a bit brighter than before.

Rune finished the last sip of the now-cold black tea.

The tea was icy cold, with a slightly astringent aftertaste, sliding down the throat and leaving a cool sensation in the chest.

Inside another mansion.

Suo Liuxiang sat by the window, with a copy of "The Travels of Aindora" open in front of him.

Her fingers gripped the edge of the page as she turned it, the paper making a soft rustling sound.

Suo Liuxiang's expression clearly showed his disgust.

His brows were slightly furrowed, the corners of his mouth turned down, and his eyes swept over the lines of text with an almost agonizing patience.

It's like being forced to eat a dish that doesn't suit your taste; every bite is hard to swallow, but you have no choice but to.

This is Sebastian's order.

Before she set off, the meticulous Nazarick steward called her to his side and calmly explained the matter to her.

Since the intention is to impersonate an imperial noblewoman interested in Mr. Rune's works, one should at least have some knowledge of the contents of these books.

In case Mr. Rune asks, we must not reveal any flaws.

Soliu Xiang wanted to retort immediately. Why should she, a battle maid of Nazarick, a level 57 being, waste time reading a boring travelogue written by a human?

Suo Liuxiang finally agreed.

In order to complete the task assigned by Lord Ainz, Miss Soluka made a sacrifice.

But that doesn’t mean she can’t be picky.

Suo Liuxiang's gaze fell on a description of a sunrise in a valley.

What about "the morning light cascading down like a golden waterfall," what about "all things awakening in the light," what about "at that moment, I felt the sacredness of life"?

She rolled her eyes.

Humans are such boring creatures. It's just the sun shining on a rock, yet they have to write so much meaningless nonsense.

If these words were describing the screams of someone on the verge of death, they might be more interesting.

But she continued reading anyway. The pages turned rhythmically between her fingers.

Just as she felt she was about to be overwhelmed by these words, footsteps sounded in the corridor.

A familiar rhythm. Steady, with a certain composure characteristic of an old-fashioned gentleman. It was the sound of Lord Sebastian's footsteps.

Suo Liuxiang closed the book almost instantly.

The book, "The Travels of Aindora," was slammed shut, squeezing out the air between the pages and creating a slight breeze.

She placed the book on her lap, folded her hands over it, and switched her expression from disdain back to that of a maid.

The door was pushed open.

Sebastian walked in.

Suo Liuxiang raised her eyes and looked at her superior at the door, her eyes filled with a relieved anticipation.

Those eyes were clearly saying, "Can this end now?"

Sebastian glanced at her, his gaze lingering on the book on her lap, his wrinkled face expressionless.

But he nodded slightly, as if to confirm that Suo Liuxiang hadn't been slacking off.

Then he spoke.

"So Liuxiang, contact Lord Ainz."

Suo Liuxiang's expectant expression vanished instantly, replaced by the respect and seriousness befitting a combat maid.

"Yes."

She took out a magic scroll and activated the [Message] spell.

A moment later, the communication was established.

Sebastian lowered his head slightly, connecting his consciousness to the [Message] connection.

"Lord Ainz."

His voice echoed in my mind, carrying the same unwavering respect for Lord Ainz.

"Are you calling me now because there's been progress in intelligence gathering?"

Ainz Ooal Gown's voice came from the other end of the communication, deep and authoritative.

"Yes, Lord Ainz."

Sebastian's voice was steady as he began to report methodically in his mind.

After Sebastian finished speaking, there was a moment of silence on the other end of the communication line.

Next, Sebastian offered his own suggestions.