Ainz Ooal Gown: Noble Knight

Sebastian stood there, stunned, radiating an indescribable sense of loss.

Looking at Sebastian like this, Tachimi was at a loss for words. He didn't know why his answer had brought about this result.

But Tapchimi could sense that the old man in front of him was experiencing some kind of loss that he couldn't understand.

The sense of loss was so profound that even a composed man like Lord Sebastian could not completely conceal it.

"Lord Sebastian..."

He didn't know where the courage came from, but he took a step forward.

"However, I don't believe that innate abilities can determine a person's future."

Tapchimi's voice was a little louder than before; he wanted to comfort the old man who had taught him.

He stood up straight, his earnest eyes fixed on Sebastian without flinching.

“The others in the cavalry also possess [innate abilities],” Touchimi said confidently, “but they are far inferior to Lord Rune’s strength. Whether in swordsmanship or tactics, Lord Rune far surpasses them.”

Tapchimi paused, took a deep breath, and said in a more determined tone:

"[Innate superpowers] are merely a gift from a past life, but diligent training is what determines the heights one can reach in this life."

Sebastian looked at the boy who was still awkwardly trying to comfort him, and bitterness gradually accumulated on his wrinkled face.

How he wished that the person in front of him was the one he had been longing for.

They look so alike.

Even the tenderness of awkwardly trying to comfort someone when they are down seems to flow from the same soul.

However, there is no such thing as a "natural superpower".

Sebastian knew that the probability of the boy in front of him being the reincarnation of Lord Touchimi was extremely small, but he still couldn't help feeling disappointed.

He gave a wry smile.

"I never expected you to say something so philosophical."

Tadzimi scratched the back of his head with a slightly embarrassed expression, a few strands of his short, golden hair being ruffled by his fingers, curling up in a small arc in the morning breeze.

"Actually, this is what Lord Rune said when he was comforting me." His voice carried a hint of embarrassment, but more so, it was filled with sincere admiration. "He said that a person's future should not be predetermined at birth."

Sebastian's heartstrings were gently touched by those words.

Oh, right, Rune.

If it's Lord Rune...

This thought was like a spark of light suddenly igniting in the darkness, rekindling a glimmer of light in Sebastian's dim eyes.

Lord Rune is the heir to the ancient noble family of Eindora in the kingdom. Back in the capital, Lord Rune was also his most reliable source of intelligence.

Perhaps Lord Rune knows more about this rumor.

Perhaps there are other ways to confirm reincarnation besides "innate superpowers".

Sebastian glanced at the boy in front of him, still unwilling to give up. Even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance, he wanted to seize it.

"...Thank you, Tapimi."

Sebastian wiped the wry smile from his face and resumed his composed demeanor.

He nodded slightly to the boy and gently patted him on the shoulder.

"That's enough for today. You did a great job." Sebastian's voice returned to its usual calm. "If you need anything in the future, feel free to come to me."

Sebastian turned around, said nothing more, and walked steadily toward the camp.

Sebastian arrived at Rune's main tent.

The guards outside the tent recognized him, immediately straightened their backs and saluted, and without making any announcement, stepped aside to make way for him.

This was as Rune had instructed beforehand; Sebastian could enter the main tent directly at any time without prior notice.

Sebastian lifted the curtain and went inside.

The interior of the main tent was simply furnished, with a simple table, a few wooden chairs, and a cot covered with a blanket.

On the table lay a map marking the battle lines in various parts of the Dragon Kingdom. The ink was still damp, clearly indicating that it had been marked after the latest battle situation was learned yesterday.

Rune was sitting in a chair, staring at the map on the table.

He looked up and saw Sebastian enter, a smile naturally appearing on his face.

"Sebastian, is there something you need from me so early in the morning?"

Sebastian sat down opposite Rune.

“Lord Rune,” Sebastian said with a serious expression, “I would like to ask you something.”

"It's not really asking for advice," Rune waved his hand. "Sebastian, just ask away."

Sebastian met Rune's gaze.

"It's the legend about [innate superpowers] and reincarnation."

Sebastian said, "I've heard that after the strong die, their souls return to this world, and [Innate Abilities] are proof of the reincarnation of those strong souls."

After he finished speaking, he looked quietly at Rune, waiting for his reply.

Rune was secretly pleased to hear this question, but he remained outwardly calm.

"Sebastian, you mean this?"

His tone was as relaxed as if he were chatting casually.

As he spoke, Rune reached out, picked up the teacup on the table, and took a small sip of the cooled black tea. The rim of the cup covered most of his face, as well as the subtle changes in the corners of his mouth.

His mind was racing.

Before yesterday, Sebastian's attention was focused on intelligence about dragons.

But this morning, Sebastian came specifically to ask about the rumors of "innate superpowers".

Sebastian must have discussed the topic of "innate superpowers" with Tapchimi.

Rune deliberately slowed down his pace when answering.

He keenly noticed Sebastian's change from the corner of his eye.

The old butler's posture was exactly the same as before, but Rune could feel that Sebastian's fingers were slightly clenched and his shoulder lines were a little stiffer than usual.

This is a sign of eagerness.

For the usually composed Sebastian, this level of urgency speaks volumes.

Rune felt more confident.

It seems that his carefully orchestrated first encounter between Sebastian and Tapie was quite effective.

Not only was it good, but it was progressing even faster than he had expected.

Sebastian had clearly developed some feelings for Touchimi during their interactions, even to the point of being so eager that he would come to him in the morning to verify the reincarnation legend.

This means that his meticulously designed plan is progressing steadily along the predetermined trajectory.

Rune raised his head and met Sebastian's gaze again.

“This legend,” Rune put down his teacup, his tone becoming more serious, “I do know a little about it.”

“It is said that this legend comes from the legacy of the Eight Desire Kings five hundred years ago.” Rune raised his eyelids, his expression revealing a calmness as if he knew the answer. “It came from the desert city in the south.”

Rune immediately distanced himself from the legend and the theocracy, shifting the blame to the long-dead Eight Desires King.

Sebastian nodded. As expected of the learned and talented Lord Rune, he knew so much.

The intelligence he had been gathering these past few days consisted mostly of embellished rumors, none of which could explain their origins and context as clearly as Rune.

“Although the Eight Greed Kings are legendary figures, the history of the Eindora family clearly states that the Eight Greed Kings did indeed exist,” Rune continued. “Therefore, the legends associated with them do have a certain degree of credibility.”

Sebastian's eyes lit up; he had just realized it. Lord Rune's personal confirmation of the legend's credibility meant that reincarnation was indeed a very real possibility.

“Then, Lord Rune,” Sebastian leaned forward, “besides innate abilities, are there other ways to verify a person’s reincarnation?”

When he asked that question, his expectation was practically written all over his face; for the usually composed Sebastian, such an emotional outpouring was rare.

Rune slowly shook his head.

"Unfortunately, in the original legend, there is only one way to prove it: innate superpowers."

Sebastian's shoulders slumped almost visibly.

“To be honest,” Rune paused, as if recalling some long-forgotten record, “there are also some rumors that the reincarnated person’s personality is very similar to that of their previous life, and even their name may be similar to some extent.”

Sebastian suddenly raised his head.

They have similar personalities and the same name.

Tapchimi's face appeared before him, that unwavering resolve in the face of justice, and that identical name—did this mean…?

But the most crucial thing is still the innate superpower.

“Then…” Sebastian’s voice was a little hoarse than usual, “Tachimitta…”

He stopped halfway through his sentence, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

Rune raised his eyebrows slightly. He was somewhat surprised that Sebastian would ask him so directly. It seemed that he had underestimated Sebastian's trust in him.

But Rune reacted quickly.

"That brat Tapchimi, huh?" Rune's tone lightened, carrying the characteristic air of someone talking about their good-for-nothing junior.

“I remember I arranged for him to bring you food yesterday. Did this kid upset you? Sebastian, don’t blame him. He’s actually a nice guy, just young and might be a bit immature in some ways. I’ll teach him a lesson later.”

“No, no, it’s not, Lord Rune.” Sebastian interrupted almost immediately, waving his hand slightly with a rare hint of panic. “…Tatchimi, he’s quite good. It’s me…”

He paused, then lowered his eyes.

"...I think he looks a lot like an old friend I used to know."

The last two words were uttered almost as a sigh.

The tent was quiet for a moment, then the sound of hooves from patrolling cavalry changing shifts came from outside, along with the aroma of cooking smoke wafting from the camp kitchen in the distance.

Rune seemed to have only just understood the purpose behind Sebastian's words.