-Nazarick Ainz’s office-

Ainz leaned back in his leather chair, pondering on the problem at hand, mainly his lack of information so far. The big question plaguing his mind was his lost friend still in this city of E-Rental. Something which, after much consideration, he had decided Velvet was not lying.

Even the name in the vault had changed with Jade's name crossed out and Velvets in its place. He couldn't figure out how? Back in YGGDRASIL, nothing like this was possible. Or at least it had never popped up before to his knowledge. Velvet’s explanation of where she had been was even more confusing than whatever allowed this to happen. After having Albedo test the maid, she had reported back her complete loyalty. Though it was a lie to say he wasn't worried about how she had tested Velvet, he trusted Albedo to not go too far.

"How about the next report."

"Here, Ainz-sama."

Scanning over Aura’s report of the nearby forest area and foothills of the mountain range. Which had reported back negative on a more significant concern another player. Already he had gotten confirmation Kyuketsuki was here with him. Even if he had appeared somewhere different, which brought its own issues and questions.

It stood to reason if both of them had been transported here, so had others. Maybe even hostile guilds. Not just lone players who would be problematic, the longer Kyuketsuki was not found. This is why he had to be careful, and even if it was infuriating how childish or scattered brained his friend could be at times. He was pretty smart. If even the residents of Nazarick could not track him, neither could other players.

A quiet knock came to the door, gaining both of their attention as Albedo went to answer it. Albedos expression soured at verifying who was at the door. But replied back on the visitor

"Shalltear and Velvet are requesting a visit."

"Those two? It's fine, please let them in."

At receiving permission to enter, both of them walked in,

Despite Velvet being clothed in the form-fitting armored maid uniform, her dress boots clicking on the stone ground. Ainz could still perfectly remember Velvet in her natural glory. Which he had trouble banishing from his mind, only helped by his emotion suppresser kicking in.

Next to her was Shalltear in her ballroom dress though somehow the vampire looked different even a little older than before. But maybe it was just his imagination he couldn't be sure. Pushing the line of thought out of mind for now.

"Greetings Ainz-sama." They both answered.

"Hello, what did you need coming to my office."

"Naturally, it was to admire your handsome features, lord Ainz."

Whereas Velvet just blushed. "Actually, we came here to report before the departure on Shalltear’s mission, which I shall be accompanying her on as per your orders. I was hoping that if we succeed. You would allow me to return to finding lord Kyuketsuki.”

Ainz was glad he could not show a grimace on his face as much as he wanted to believe her. This situation didn't add up, so he would err on the side of caution for now. Until he could determine the cause of his message spells failing to connect to Kyuketsuki or Kathrin and what caused this situation with jade. Kyuketsuki would hopefully forgive him later; till then, he had to think of Nazarick’s safety.

"I'm sorry, but at this time we are not sure of E-Rental’s location. when we find it, I will be the first to tell you, for now, keep up your good work."

Even as Ainz spoke, he could see the faint quaking of her body and slightly slumped shoulders. As her eyes dulled a little, no one else seemed to notice yet, he wasn't sure what to make of this. Already she seemed to be asking at every appropriate time masking her desperation to find her creator. Did she know he was lying to her? Velvet was one of the hardest NPC's to get a read on.

"I see than I shall strive to work harder."

This response was starting to worry him a little. Ainz had heard Velvet utter this response almost robotically over a hundred times now.

"Don't worry dear, we will find the other supreme ones as fast as possible."

Shalltear's encouragement seemed to brighten her gaze a little though her out word appearance was Neutral.

"Well, now you two have seen Ainz. You may go as we are discussing the future of Nazarick."

"It is polite to greet the person before launching into something else or are you-

"Shalltear would it not be better to prove your worth and loyalty to Ainz-sama with action. Rather than launch into an argument in front of the supreme ones presents like children."

"What?!" Both of them glared at her.

"Ainz-sama, as an apology for Shalltears acts, please allow me to properly apologize for this! [rabbit ears] [bunny tail] [rabbit's foot]"

Using all three low tier spells, the redhead was now dressed in a bunny girl outfit. Standing in a provocative pose, it was terrifying just how good Velvet was at pulling this off seamlessly. Even using a seductive voice, but now there was at least no doubt, it was one of Kyuketsuki’s creations.

Ainz was happy for once that he couldn’t get flustered about this. Even if he could still correctly remember Velvet in her naked glory. He coughed into his palm to play it off. Already albedo looked jealously as his attention was on Velvet in such a provocative pose.

He still couldn’t believe the dev’s put such a feature in if one combined those spells.

"Cough! Its fine Velvet no harm done. I do believe she is correct; I remember telling you two not to fight around me."

"Sorry, Ainz-sama."

Now he felt worse for this truly he wanted to believe her, but he would like to have a second opinion of his friend first to verify this wasn’t a trap. Maybe he could at least make them feel just a bit better before they left.

"-and Velvet."

"Yes, Ainz-sama."

"Carry out this task with efficiency and I will personally bring you along on a lead I'm working on in regards to your question."

A small smile graced the maiden’s face at this, which at least lessened his stress he was feeling right now.

"Of course, we shall not fail Ainz-sama."

Ainz watched them depart out of the room with albedo behind him, showing a neutral face with a clenched fist. Memorizing the three-spell combo for later.

-Alleyways in E-Rental-

Hurried breaths could be heard as Sotoram ran through the shadows looking over his shoulder. Falling over exhausted after hours of trying to outrun them. Still trying to figure out how he ran into this guy. The descent lives in a hidden away part of the city Squeezing his now uncovered hands, remembering the shame of having to flee.

“~hello, bull-chan, I see you had a workout. ~”

The childishly sweet voice gave him a realization turning to the double-crossing clown, rage in his eyes. If he were not so tired out, his fists would already be swinging.

"You set me up!" Shaking his fist in outrage.

It was not a question, and the way Jester only tilted his head chuckling. Which only made it much worse. It made sense now playing along with the mission, slowly starting to see those devious eyes behind the mask. Blank would have to hear about this when he got back from this fubar of a task.

“~Not very nice, and I'm keeping those nice fangs from seeing us. It would be a shame. If I don't know, they suddenly found you?” Teasing like it was fun.

Taking a step back at this, he wouldn’t do it, right? Yet he didn't even know how jester’s or his own artifact worked. The blasted magic items he also hated how complex they were if only...

"You can't kill me. Remember, this would anger the boss!"

The madness was the only way to describe the laughter followed out of this lunatic's mouth. Feeling the perspiration roll down his fur, he could take jester, but if that vampire found him again, he was dead. This monster was a nightmare to deal with. He barely got away alive, even having to sacrifice the [god of death fists].

“~Oh, Sotoram, you are so silly who said I would kill you. After all, you were so mean to vampire-kun it would be just a shame if he found you again so soon. I would just have to report your abject failure, but brave actions in finding your target only to fall testing out mister vampire. ~”

Panicking, he tried to grab the betrayer by their collar only to pass right through them. Falling on to his face and freezing, not daring to move as the red eyes lurking in these shadows snapped to the sound.

“~ oh, did I fail to mention this is a complicated trick of mine I'm still following vampire-kun. So, I would be careful if this copy disappears, so would your cover. vanishing, just like your hope of living. ~”

It was official bull hated that childish singsong tone! Even if he could not do anything to them right now. Carnival would pay for this humiliation after this was all said and done with. Pushing off the ground with a snort of rage glaring at the red and black cloak.

"What do you want then." Huffing out with hatred in his veins.

Jester circled around Sotoram. Which only made him more uneasy about all this trying to figure out this person's plans.

~Oh, nothing much bull-chan, but you were so wimpy I think we need to run through all this again. Lady luck seems to like you~

"That makes no sense I already-

“~what's that sound I hear crawling closer hehe it sounds like hungry bats. ~”

Shakely, he glanced back to see the vampire brides indeed seemed to be creeping closer. Cursing out this double-crossing thrice-damned fiend turning back to them with haste.

"Fine! Fine! I will play along brat, but once this is over. I'm killing you myself if blank doesn't." Hate-filled gaze locked on to jester’s merry dance.

“~yeah, I knew you would understand, and look here comes our help now. ~”

Scanning over to the direction they were pointing were two adventures judging by their copper plates, one in full dark plate armor with gold trim, red cape shifting around them. Two huge swords on his back would be a challenge for even Sotoram to use at the same time.

Next to them was a female with an ax on her back and covered in armor herself with odd horns at the front. Of the helmet, with an air of superiority to all the crowd around her. Getting looks of interest and distrust. Clinging to the knight's arm like it was a lifeline, it almost looked like the man was trying to keep some distance from her for some reason and failing.

"What are you mad if I reveal myself... do I look like a fool the whole point of our mission was stealth not-

“~Oh, my, you really seem to fail to realize something. My dear sweet bull-chan so naive sigh. ~”

"Stop calling me that! You insufferable little traitor! I'll-" Barely holding in unbridled rage.

“~What attack me? Did you forget I'm not here right now, and second, you either follow along like a good puppet, or I might just have to cut your strings! ~”

Snarling in Absolut rage and shame, Sotoram could not think of any way out of this situation without betraying the rules of the crows or getting killed by a monster. Swearing he would end this clown trying to punk him like a fool, all he needs was a good plan.

“~Good now with this sorted out. Here is the new plan after all vampire-kun needs a good show partner, right? ~”

-With Albedo and Ainz-

Making headway down the busy streets of E-Rental was tough with all the commotion going on around them, but this was unusual behavior even to these two. Though now Ainz could not believe he was swindled into this plan. He was convinced Velvet planned this, though he could not prove it.

Initially, he was planning on bringing Narberal until Albedo brought up her fact after fact. To force him to bring her along. Hell-bent on not being left in Nazarick. One crucial point still plagued his bewildered mind. When had Velvet figured out, he was planning on leaving Nazarick to Adventure around. He did his best to keep Albedo calm as a few passersby bumped into them forcing him to pull her close with an arm on her shoulder

-Flashback-

"Ainz-sama, it has been brought to my attention why you may not think I am the best choice for this most important task of yours ahead. Which is why I must humbly ask for the honor of explaining why I would be the absolute best option, my love."

Looking at Albedo's beaming face gave the leader of Nazarick a chill up his spine. How did she find out he hasn't even said it yet? Racking his brain for an answer. Wait, she went to talk with Velvet at the last minute. She couldn't have figured it out! The redhead was smart almost as smart as demiurge if he was, to be honest, could it be possible?

'Really Kyuketsuki, even your maids are giving me trouble now!'

"I will hear you out, Albedo, but I already have a plan set up."

In a rush to shut down this, he didn't even want to hear this idea. Stop by the cute face Albedo was giving him, which wasn’t like her. There was no way Albedo should know how to do puppy dog eyes pleading. Was not common among nazarick. Most stuff out of Yggdrasil wasn't familiar. To the NPC's of Nazarick, let along in Yggdrasil just how much did Velvet know.

"I understand my love, but a very concerned worker of Nazarick has notified me of why. At first, I was angry and concerned until I realized you didn't know if my skill will greatly help on our secret private mission together."

Already terror was suppressed just listening to this. It had to be Velvet. There was no one else who could have figured this out. Being just the right amount of humble but wise to figure out far more than she let on.

Thinking up a plan to derail this before he got stuck with Albedo as his traveling companion. As lovely as she was, it just didn't feel right, he had messed with her setting if not for that. None of this would be happening.

"First off, if you are wondering, I gathered the other Pleiades to give you the consensus of our thoughts on humans girls."

"Weak"

"Lesser beings."

"Snacks"

"Pointless"

“…”

Hearing each reply already, he could feel part of his hope fall through. Ok, this could still work though apparently all of them thought alike on the topic of humans. Why was this relevant though it didn't change what he had in mind?

"Ok, it is nice to know Albedo though you have yet to give me a reason. As to why you would be a better option than Narberal, who can change form and act as a magic caster roll. Not to mention someone needs to lead Nazarick, and I can think of no better option than you."

Yes, there was no counter to get around that point. It was why she was overseer of the guardians. No matter how upset she got. She would have to accept this fact.

"I realize my love; however, I got a generous tip on an item that can help with your most glories plan. With this ring of a greater doppelganger, which will allow me to change at will and as for the magic part."

Oh no, feeling his hope of a plan dyeing with each second there. ...no, don't say she had that item set! Watching albedo pull out a book and scepter a set of items that were rare in YGGDRASIL. The scepter had a certain amount of charges per day to cast spells. Combined with the book of spells, non-magic caster classes could use with the scepter to cast spells they normally could not. It would be without meta-magic, and the boost to the spell casting would be dependent on the wand itself, not the holder.

These books could record up to 6th tier spells in them; it was useful if not hard to find. Or buy in the cash shop, but to Ainzs knowledge, only one guild member even got lucky enough to win or find both of these. How to turn this back around in his favor, he would be sweating bullets right now if not for having no sweat glands.

"Uh. Cough it's true, Albedo, but what about Nazarick someone still needs to lead it while we are away, and you are the best option."

"I have thought of as well, my love. Cocytus can lead in my stead, and the Pleiades will give me reports to go over the night, and if they're truly is even one problem, I will immediately switch places with Narberal. Not to mention would it not be weird if there was no one to eat the disgusting slop they call meals. I will gladly fill the role for you or be a pillow at night as I have found out the inns are quite deplorable."

Admittedly this was something he had not thought about before. Which he didn’t have a real counter for. If he could question Velvet, he might have been better prepared. However, it would sound stupid to shoot down those points without a good counter. He didn’t even have that kind of knowledge about the RE-Estize kingdom. Nor did it seem necessary to know before now.

Thinking about the fact that jade had died and re-spawned here at Nazarick. Meant Kyuketsuki must be raging about it now with how personal he was about his NPCs. He didn’t want to risk bringing albedo along if it was a player who had killed Jade. Wielding [Hel’s torch], an item he assumed was high level to summon the Hellen’s flame wolf packs.

Ainz had to think of a solution presently to answer this somehow. But albedo was making a hard argument to counter. Cutting off his escape routes to just pick Narberal. As much as he hated to admit, it might be less of a risk to have Albedo.

'I need to question Kyuketsuki and figure out how his creation is so insightful about his plans. When every other resident of Nazarick just assumes, Ainz is way smarter than he actually was. In a way, velvet might be a bigger threat then demiurge for this alone.’

"Albedo, I really feel it is unnecessary when it would just be more work for you as overseer of our great tomb. Would it not be better to stay here to maintain order by yourself?"

Those sparkly eyes looked up at him, no she wouldn't. It was difficult enough to turn all this down as it was. Praying, he could just end this nightmare already; he just wants to not be suffocated here as it was.

"It is no trouble at all Ainz-sama; in fact, I realize why you want to go out there now to better understand those who would dare oppose you. As your future wife, I must join you so I might better understand your wish for me to tolerate these lower lifeforms."

Despair rolled over any hope of ending this. Where was Demiurge when he needs him.

"Please, my love, I only wish to help you, and this unworthy servant only wishes to better suit your needs. I beg you."

Defeated, Ainz felt his resolve crumbling at Albedo's depressing look with teary eyes. As his mouth hung open, but no words came out as the silence was deafening in the room.

-Flashback end-

Weaving through the street, as merchants bid for goods and people mingled about, up to the inn where they would be staying. Hesitating to act thinking of the best way to temper his overseer's temper. This would be half as much trouble with Nabe as a cover, but apparently, Albedo had a cover story ready too

Whispering to Albedo, "Now remember we are undercover. I'm Momon and your Abey. We are adventurers. Who are new to town and no-killing unless I allow it."

Sighing at this turn of events, he should have just brought Velvet with him suspicion or not. Then he wouldn't be dealing with this mess right now.

"Of course, my love."

Walking into a very familiar bar (Already went over it once and it is pretty much the same, just imagine a dent still in the ceiling.) looking at all the adventures which looked more on guard than usual. Around newcomers, some of which interested him to a slight degree.

"Hay, another one, do you think it will be like the last one!"

"Quick, clear the table just in case!"

"I bet five copper these two are just being flashy."

Approaching the bartender scarred features as he was cleaning a glass glancing up at them both with a hardened expression.

"Copperplate Hun. Five copper a night and where are currently short on meat, so no meat in the meals."

Speaking up after getting a good layout of the room around them genuinely, it seemed more and more, Velvet's story was not fictional but truthful. Just looking at this grimy place, how Kyuketsuki’s maids hadn't done something overstaying here was beyond him.

"We will be staying for one night, and I would like to request a double room."

angrily the keeper looked at him with evil eyes, but Ainz was unfazed by it staring at the man.

"Tell me, greenhorn, do you know why you were sent to this inn, for Adventurers because mine is the worst one of them. It is where you can learn to build teams to compliment your strengths. Now, do you want a dorm or a double room?

Ainz was unmoved by this though rubbing Albedo’s back to keep her calm. He just wanted to get this over with already.

"A double room! Now could you finish up my love, and I would like to sit down after our long travel."

Upset, the man ticked at the new adventurers, at least the other one wasn't half this rude.

"Fine, it will be seven copper upfront and don’t get too close to other people's rooms; they might get the wrong idea."

Handing over the money, they turned to go up the stairs or at least planned to. Until a foot was put in their way. By a very arrogant iron plate, was it too much to ask to be left alone, Ainz thought? Walking around the foot to hopefully spare this fool's life.

Only for the punk to pretend to be hurt. "Hey, that hurt!"

"My mistake, I must not have seen your foot from my limited view now move."

Ordinarily, he would be a little nicer but much needed to be discussed in a more private setting. Plus, he didn't have time for this though to Albedo’s credit. The man was not a bloody smear on the ground yet so progress.

"Well, how about you make it up to me? Let say give me some time with your woman."

Grabbing the punk by his collar much to Ainz's surprise, it was not him, but Albedo lifting him up with ease. Fear filled him as he quickly thought of a way to keep this from getting out of hand. Though he was beaten to the punch as his partner glared at the fool.

"Listen here, you minuscule inexcusable maggot, the only one to touch me shall be Momon-san and no one else! Be happy; I have decided you are not worth my personal time to crush. Now get out of our way."

Throwing the punk through the air with a controlled but powerful force as the punk smacked into a wall indenting it, then falling on to the table below. While glaring at the other two, one of them fainted from the sheer force of the glare. As the other one trembled in fright of this person before them.

"No point in wasting time are you coming at us as well."

"No!"

"Then, seeing as how your friend started it, I'm sure you wouldn't mind paying for the damages right."

With both armored people towering in front of the only person still up at the table. Feeling the intimidation of both of them.

"Right!"

"Oh yes, this reminds me we will need adventuring packs as well,” Ainz commented to the barkeep.

Impressed by the show of force, the innkeeper contemplated both of them with appraising eyes. They might be like the last group. Grimacing, he would need to replace more tables again. Right before they could go up the stairs, someone called out.

"Wait a minute!"

Turning to see the irate redhead (Brita, not Ritana just to not get confused) marching up to both of them.

"You just broke my potion!"

"Just a potion?"

This was confusing to Ainz are potions hard to come by here; either way, he was hoping to move on quickly.

"look, Brita, I don't think you should mess with them. I'm still dealing with something like this with how it turned out last time."

This intrigued Ainz. "Last time you mean, this happens a lot."

Shaking his head, the scarred innkeeper looked them over again but decide against telling them too much. He didn't want to stay on bad terms with Kyuketsuki. Letting out an exasperated breath.

"Let's just say the only reason these punks stay here. Is nowhere else will take them. Long story short, you're the second adventures to come in here this month and teach them a lesson of manors."

"Oh, you mean the new guy Ky-

Slamming his hand down on the wood. "Brita, please refrain from sharing too much it is still regrettable. It ended so badly with his group."

"So, I assume my friend was here than I actually came to E-Rental looking for him."

Sighing. "Well, you can ask him when you find him yourself if he wants you to. He is not here now though, if you could just help out Brita with a potion, I don't want to repair this place anymore then I already have to."

Ainz was hoping to get more answers, but it appeared the innkeeper was unwilling to prompt any more info on the subject. He didn't want to start a big scene here if he could avoid it so reluctantly, he pulled out a spare healing potion for allies back in Yggdrasil.

-Double room-

Shutting the door to the small two-bed room, Albedo looked at her beloved with trepidation, trying to get a look under his armor. Not only to see if she has acted appropriately for the role for fear of being sent back to Nazarick. Also, to see his royal features now that they were alone in the room.

"Was this acceptable, Ainz-sama? I was as light as possible with the worm. Though was it necessary to give that woman a potion."

Sighing Ainz turned to the overseer. "Yes, it was Good work, Albedo. also, for the times we are in town, call me just Momon."

"Yes, Momon-san."

"It was an iron plate; it would be unwise to make her appear weak. Besides, we have more pressing issues. You noticed all the shadow demons around town correct along with those others in the shadows."

Since just getting in from the front gates, there appeared to be someone watching from the shadows at every turn. Which didn't fit Kyuketsuki style, but without detaining one, it was impossible to know for sure. What was worrying was it was noticeable if they knew what to look for. But none of the ordinary people about town even picked up on it.

"Yes, I have, and I can sense other demons here in town like the lead guard at the gate."

Taking off his helmet to contemplate this mess. It was looking like bringing Albedo along was the right call. He would need to find information on his friend quickly, but he was a bit paranoid about this being the scheme of another player.

"How many did you sense so far."

"About fifteen so far, but I would estimate a total of forty spread overall, not counting all these shadow demons roaming about."

Taking in this information while going over the most secure places to gather information in town. Possibly detain one of them lurking around to find out who they work for.

"Then I will head out to gather the information you stay here and guard the room in case someone tries to get in and inform Nazarick of the situation."

"At once, Momon-san."

Once Momonga was out of the room, Albedo smiles as she reached out with a message spell to Nazarick. Feeling it connect with Narberal.

{Hello mistress Albedo is everything going ok.}

{Excellent Velvets ideas are working wonderfully now are the others on my side or that lamprey.}

{Well, most of the Pleiades are on your side though Solution is on Shalltears side because of their shared habits. While Entoma is unknown. I'm still unsure if Velvet supports you.}

{Well, see about getting them on our side, and as for Velvet, I'm sure she is. She is just playing the parasite to appear neutral.}

-End of chapter-