“Wah— your tongue is vicious like usual. You really hate nobles—”
“I know some of the aristocrats are honorable men, but because of that pig who snatched my elder sister away, I can’t help hating them.”
“…We are going too far off-topic! These aren’t things we should be saying in front of Momon-san and Nabel-san who will be fighting alongside us.”
Attempting to get back to the main topic, Peter faked a cough and said:
“That’s all, we will explore the surrounding areas. Because it’s near the newly developed region, there might be no monsters that are too strong. Will Momon-san be unsatisfied with this?”
Peter took out a parchment and laid it on the table, it appeared to be a map of the nearby region. Information about villages, forests and streams were marked simply on it.
“Basically, we are exploring the southern parts.”
From the center of the parchment he dragged his finger to the forest in the south.
“We are mainly hunting monsters in the forest near the borders to the Slane Theocracy. The only monsters who can use ranged weapons to attack from the rear will be goblins.”
“But the rewards for disposing such a weak monster isn’t high.”
Ainz was suspicious of the group’s easy-going attitude.
As far as Ainz knew, YGGDRASIL’s goblin had all sorts of names and ranged from level 1 to 50. Their differences in strength varied widely, you couldn’t just lump all goblins together. It could be disastrous if you weren’t careful.
Was their relaxed attitude due to their conviction that high level goblins won’t turn up, or were the goblin in this world only that powerful?
“…Won’t powerful goblins show up?”
“There are powerful goblins, but they won’t show up at the forest we are heading to. The strong goblins are usually tribal leaders, they won’t activate the whole tribe.”
“The Goblins also know the human’s area of influence, so they understand attacking en masse would be disastrous. Especially the powerful goblins that are intelligent.”
"Nabel-san can use rank 3 spells, so there are no problems even if we do encounter them, right?"
"I see. But I have to remind you, there are goblins that can use rank 3 spells as well. Can you tell me what kind of monsters we might encounter for reference?"
The Sword of Darkness members turned to Ninya. Understanding their intentions, he assumed a teacher’s expression and started to explain:
"We are likely to meet goblins and their wolves. As for other monsters, there are no records of strong enemies showing up in the region. The most dangerous monsters in the plains are probably ogres."
"We won't enter the forest?"
"Yes, because the forest is dangerous. Jumping leeches and jumping bugs are still manageable. But Execution Spiders that shoot webs from treetops and forest snakes that attack from below with gaping mouths are hard to handle."
So that was the reason.
Ainz nodded in comprehension. They were hunting monsters that wandered from the forest into the plains.
"That's the plan Momon-san. What do you think? Willing to lend us a hand?"
"… Yes, please take care of me then… but before that, can I confirm the wages?"
"Ah, that's right, wages are important. In principle, Momon-san's team will be cooperating with our team, so we will split the earnings."
"Considering the number of members, this arrangement seems very generous."
"But Momon-san’s team will need to handle half the monsters we encounter. We can only use spells up to rank 2. Taking this into consideration, it’s a fair arrangement."
Ainz pretended to consider for a moment before nodding in agreement:
"This arrangement is fine, let’s fight together. Since we will be working alongside each other, I will let everyone see my face."
Ainz took off his helmet after finishing, surprising the four of them with his looks.
"Black hair and eyes just like Nabel-san, you don't seem to be from around here. I heard people like Momon-san are common in the south, do you hail from there?"
"Yes, we came from a land faraway."
“He is older than expected, old enough to be called 'uncle’.” “That's rude, a warrior on the level of a 3rd tier magician like Nabel should be about this age.” “Nabel-san is great.”
Not only was Ainz's hearing good enough to hear Peter, he was also able to hear everything the other three men were whispering to each other"
Ainz felt uncomfortable being referred to as an old man, but that would be normal in the eyes of these youngsters. If sixteen was old enough to be considered as an adult, then Ainz was indeed an uncle.
"Now that you’ve seen what I look like, I’ll continue to hide my face. We might get into unnecessary trouble if others learn I’m a foreigner."
Ainz said as he put his helmet back on again.
A gleeful smile surfaced under the helmet. To be on the safe side, Ainz casted an illusion spell earlier. Although it was a low-grade spell that was broken by any physical contact.
"Since we will be hunting together, it would be best if we sort out any issues. Do you have any questions for us?"
"Me!"
Hearing Ainz's question, Lukeluther's shot up strongly:
After confirming no one other than him had any queries, Lukeluther asked Narberal in a clear voice:
"Please tell me what’s the relationship between you two!"
The place turned silent.
Ainz didn't know the intent behind this question, while Peter's team knew exactly what Lukeluther was after.
"…We are companions."
After Ainz answered, Lukeluther's next question caused an uproar.
"I have fallen for you! It's love at first sight! Please go out with me!"
Everyone looked at Lukeluther, knowing he wasn’t trying to deepen their relationship with a joke. Ainz shifted his gaze onto Narberal, who was now the focus of attention, as she took a deep breath and said:
“Shut up, you lower life form (slug). Learn your place, or do you want me to rip out your tongue the next time you open your mouth?”
The silence became even deeper.
“Ah, no…”
Ainz wants to soften the mood, but Lukeluther spoke first: “Thank you for your firm rejection! Let us start as friends!”
“Die, lower life form. How can I be friends with you (maggot)? Want me to scoop out your eyes with a spoon?”
As everyone looked away from the bickering couple, Peter and Ainz bowed towards each other and apologized.
“… My teammate caused trouble for you.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing.”
“Let’s just assume there aren’t any problems, will that be alright?”
Peter said while looking at everyone, ignoring the gleeful Lukeluther and the cold Narberal.
“Momon-san, let’s move out when you are ready. We are already prepared.”
When Momon heard the term ‘prepare’, Ainz suddenly remembered.
He had bought only the minimum necessities from the tavern owner. Although Ainz and Narberal didn't want to waste space with food and beverages they wouldn't need, it would be suspicious if they never ate anything, therefore they should prepare some.
“Okay. We can move out as soon as the preparations for the food supply are done.”
“You just need food? If you don’t have any specific shop you want to patronize, want to buy some dry rations over the counter? They will prepare it for you immediately.”