“... That is a valid point. Isn’t that right, Shasuryu.”
“Hmm, Zaryusu… is correct.”
The two tribe chiefs alternatively looked at Zaryusu and Crusch, then both expressed their agreement.
“— There’s nothing unacceptable with that; I also agree.”
After the approval of the final tribe chief Zenberu, Shasuryu could not find any reasons to refuse his younger brother’s request.
“Our decision is thus settled then. I have also thought about it, that it is necessary to have someone survive to lead and bring together the tribes— Crusch should be very suitable to carry out this responsibility. Her albinism may perhaps be a hindrance, but her abilities as a druid are indispensable.”
“Wait a moment. I also want to fight together!”
Crusch shouted loudly, protesting why she was excluded now out of all times.
“Furthermore, if we were to leave one person behind, wouldn’t leaving behind Shasuryu be better? He is the most trusted tribe leader amongst us!”
“And that is exactly why we cannot leave him behind. The opponent’s objective is to demonstrate overwhelming force, probably in hopes that we will despair, so that we will submit to his authority easier. However, what would happen if there was someone amongst the survivors they could pin their hopes on, hmm?”
“And… amongst the tribe chiefs present, the one with the lowest popularity is Crusch.”
Crusch was speechless. It was an indisputable fact that she as an albino had the lowest popularity.
Knowing that nothing she said would convince them, Crusch fixated on Zaryusu.
“I also want to go together. When you called me here, you had already decided let me make my own decision, so why do you still say such words?”
“... Because at that time, everybody would very likely all be killed, but now we have a relatively large opportunity to allow one person to survive.”
“Don’t joke with me!”
The air was shaking as if it were echoing Crusch’s anger. Because of her agitated emotions, the sound of the mud wall being slapped numerous times could be heard as Crusch’s tail went into an uncontrollable frenzy.
“—Zaryusu, you convince her. See you again in four hours’ time.”
Shasuryu threw down these words before departing quickly with long strides, followed by the sound of shattering ice and splashing water. Three tribe chiefs jumped down the mud wall and followed Shasuryu. Zenberu also had his back towards the two as he waved his hand gently to give his regards.
After seeing them off, Zaryusu turned to face Crusch.
“Crusch, please understand.”
“How can I understand! And it is not a given that you will lose! If you had the support of my druid powers, perhaps you may win!”
This sentence was so hollow that even Crusch who said it did not believe in it herself.
“I do not wish for my loved female lizardmen to be killed. Please fulfil this foolish male lizardman’s desire.”
Crusch showed a pained expression, and hugged Zaryusu.
“You’re too selfish!”
“Sorry…”
“You might die.”
“Uh huh…”
Indeed, the chance of surviving was incredibly low. No, rather it could be said with certainty that there was no chance of surviving.
“In just one short week, you’ve already captured my heart, yet you still tell me to watch helplessly as you get killed?”
“Um...”
“Meeting you was my stroke of luck, but also my misfortune.”
Crusch who was hugging Zaryusu’s torso tightened her grip, as if she had no intentions of letting go.
Zaryusu made no noise.
What should he say?
What could he say?
His thoughts all along had been stuck on the same problem.
After a period of time, Crusch raised her head, with her expression filled with determination.
Zaryusu felt uncomfortable in his heart as he sensed that Crusch would be adamant about coming along. At this moment, Crusch spoke a few words concisely to Zaryusu.
“—Get me pregnant.”
“—Hah?”
“Come quick!”
Chapter 5 –
The Freezing God
Translator: Skythewood
Editors/Proofreaders: JcqC, Ferro, TaintedDream, Namorax, Sene9ty, SifaV6, Kaezar
Part 1
Ainz main base was the fortress that Aura was constructing— the place that Cocytus visited yesterday. Faint construction noises could still be heard in the distance.
When they entered a room, Victim who had been following quietly behind said to Ainz.
“emoh gniog m'I ,syug uoy wercS… (Well then, allow me to bid farewell here.)
“Thank you for your hard work. Please defend the first level of Nazarick until we return.”
“amabO sknahT… (By your will).”
“「Portal」.”
Victim went into the door of darkness conjured by Ainz— with the first level of the Great Tomb of Nazarick as his destination.
After seeing off the Guardian capable of activating a deadly powerful movement restriction skill, Ainz turned his attention towards the room. At the same time, he could sense Aura lowering her face.
She must have done everything she could to give Ainz a grand welcome. Traces that showed the commendable effort put into this room could be seen everywhere, but it paled in comparison to Nazarick. Aura probably felt shame from this.
It is not that bad.
For Ainz who was just a salaryman, he didn’t mind it that much. His room in Nazarick wasn’t too bad either, but it troubled him as it was too luxurious. In fact, he felt relaxed and comfortable here.
I want an eight tatami room. I should find a corner to prepare one. Oh, I have to compliment Aura and convey my satisfaction for her work.
If people don’t talk about their trust, gratitude and care, they wouldn’t become successful.
Ainz remembered a quote he saw framed inside the display cabinet of a CEO during a corporate visit. He didn’t know who coined it, but it was a great quote. It felt like something an ideal boss will say.
You have to show your gratitude. People won’t strive for the best if there is no reward… Something like that?
“My apologies Aura, for insisting on using this place. Do not mind the details, I have high praise for what you have accomplished. If this is made by you, then it is as good as Nazarick.”
“... Yes.”
Aura’s eyes slightly widened. I should console her more. Although Ainz wanted to do that, no better words came to his mind, so he covered it up by observing the surroundings once again.