After it was all over, Albedo, who had been listening quietly nodded her head in understanding.
Although Ainz wished to ask whether the way he handled the situation was appropriate, there were more important issues that he wanted to know about.
Ainz looked at the throne and chanted the predetermined code words:
“Open Master Source.”
A translucent window opened up in front which looked similar to a control panel, yet distinctly different. The window was divided into several tabs, and each page was filled with densely packed text.
This was the Great Tomb of Nazarick’s management system.
Inside, it recorded the daily required administrative expenses: the current servant types and quantity, the activated magical traps, etc. The settings could likewise be roughly managed from here as well. In YGGDRASIL, this could be viewed regardless of time or location. However, Ainz found out through experiments that in this world, this system could only be operated at the heart of the tomb, the Throne Room.
Having to come here every time is slightly troublesome… but the ring allows teleport… so there is no need to be too concerned about it.
With experienced movements, Ainz opened the NPC tab.
A list of names of all of the NPCs collectively created by the Guild members were recorded on this page. After changing the displayed names from the original alphabetically arranged Katakana to levels in descending order, Ainz browsed the list from the top — and after his eyes stopped on a single spot, he silently turned to gaze upon Albedo’s face.
“Yes, it has already become like this.”
Amongst the series of names in white text, only Shalltear Bloodfallen’s name had turned black.
Ainz knew the meaning behind what the change in the name meant, but nonetheless—
After repeatedly looking it over twice, three times, making sure that he did not observe wrongly, Ainz screamed ‘impossible!’ inside his mind. If skeletal faces could move, his would have an expression of dismay.
“…Is it death?”
Ainz steadfastly asked Albedo. He hoped silently that perhaps the transfer to this world had caused some changes in the systems. However, the truth that Albedo spoke could not be any more cruel.
“If it were death, the name would disappear and leave a blank space. Wouldn’t this mean that she has betrayed us?”
“Ah…you’re right.”
Ainz answered Albedo like this, then recalled the YGGDRASIL days when he had seen this kind of text change.
Although Albedo said it was betrayal, the system’s meanings were slightly different. In a broad sense it was similar to betrayal, but that was the result of being subject to mind control from a third party, causing the temporarily hostile NPC’s name to display a colour change.
Impossible.
Ainz once again denied this reality inside his mind. Like him, Shalltear Bloodfallen was an Undead, which meant that she should have been impervious to all types of mental influence regardless of whether they were beneficial or detrimental. How could Shalltear possibly be affected by mind control?
Shalltear simply betraying Nazarick was relatively more believable. She could, for example, have a particular reason for her betrayal— dissatisfaction with her own treatment or outsiders offering better conditions.
If that was not the case, then after being sent to this world, something beyond Ainz’ knowledge had happened to cause the incident.
Ainz recalled Enfrea’s face. Correct, if there were those with innate talents with unknown powers, perhaps it was possible to influence the mental state of undead.
“…Could it be a special influence from being affected by this world’s peculiar beings and phenomenons?”
“That is uncertain. However Shalltear’s betrayal is an undisputable fact. I recommend we form a subjugation team immediately.”
At this moment, it suddenly occurred to Ainz: the servants, who were welcoming him back just a while ago, could they have been gathered with the intention of subjugating Shalltear? In retrospect, the group had a selection of many servants which were rare in Nazarick, with divine attribute attacks which were which were effective against undead.
Albedo continued in a firm tone:
“I wish to volunteer to serve as the team’s commander. With Ainz-sama’s permission, I would also like to appoint Cocytus as deputy commander, and also to select Mare to be included in the team.”
This selection, which was the perfect lineup to eliminate Shalltear, demonstrated Albedo’s seriousness in the matter.
Shalltear Bloodfallen was extremely powerful. If you were to simply compare her to the other Guardians, with the exception of Gargantua, she was the strongest. To be absolutely certain of victory against her, it was necessary to send the team members Albedo had chosen, otherwise it would be considerably difficult.
“What is your opinion on this?”
“No. It’s too early to arrive at this conclusion. We need to first ascertain the reason for Shalltear’s betrayal.”
“Ainz-sama has a really benevolent heart. However, regardless of her reasons, simply the fact that she dared to stand as the supreme leader’s enemy makes her undeserving of such kindness.”
“That’s incorrect, Albedo. I am not showing kindness to Shalltear, I’m only trying to understand the reason for her betrayal.”
If such a thing could happen to Shalltear, then it was necessary to find a way to resolve it. If it was dissatisfaction with how they’re treated, other servants and NPCs could have the same problem. It was necessary to directly address the future possibility that it would occur to another servant, and to take the necessary countermeasures.
Even if it was forced control from being affected by abilities like innate talent, it was necessary to find a countermeasure.
Hearing the 「Message」 informing him that the NPC created by his past comrades had betrayed him, he felt like his position as Guild Leader was being rejected by his Guild companions, it was a severe blow that almost brought him to his knees. However, this was already beyond the scope of a guild master.
This problem shouldn’t be resolved with his authority as Guild Leader, but as the Supreme Ruler of Nazarick. It was too early to be discouraged. Hypothetically — although it was impossible— if it turned out that Shalltear was actually subject to forced control, then it was necessary to rescue her.
A superior who put on an amazing countenance, yet was unable to hold out a saving hand during times of trouble, would fundamentally be unqualified to be the leader.
As ruler, it was necessary for Ainz to protect his underlings.
“Well then, where is Shalltear at the moment, has anyone determined her whereabouts?”
“Extreme apologies, it has yet to be confirmed. Taking into account the possibility that Shalltear could attack Nazarick, all of her immediate subordinates were locked up. At the same time, to strengthen our defenses, we also dispatched servants to the first floor.”
“Is that so. If that is the case, then first we must determine Shalltear’s location. Let us visit your elder sister”