Departure, with a Nazarick Follow-Up Poll at the End

Ainz stood up.

Go pack your bags. We're leaving first thing tomorrow morning.

"Yes."

Narberal turned and walked towards the door.

She stopped at the door and turned around.

"Lord Ainz."

"Um?"

You look... a little more relaxed than usual.

Ainz paused for a moment.

"Yeah?"

"Yes."

Narberal bowed slightly.

Your subordinate is very pleased.

She pushed open the door and went out.

The moment the door closed, Ainz leaned back on the sofa and let out a long sigh.

Although he has no lungs, this action has become a habit.

"I feel a bit more relaxed..."

He repeated Narberal's words in a low voice.

Perhaps she's right.

Perhaps leaving Nazarick and temporarily setting aside those heavy responsibilities did indeed make him feel a little lighter.

Even if it's only temporary.

"Higashino..."

As he uttered the name, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

If a skeleton can be considered a "laugh".

"You really are..."

He didn't finish speaking.

Because he didn't know how to describe Higashino Makoto.

Friends? Not really.

Allies? Not quite.

A person who can tell the truth?

Maybe.

In this world, there are very few people who can tell Ainz Ooal Gown the truth.

Higashino Makoto is one of them.

The next morning.

The Great Tomb of Nazarick, Exit.

The morning light streamed in from the horizon, turning the earth a golden-red hue.

Ainz stood at the exit, wearing his signature black full-body armor, with two greatswords hanging at his waist.

A full-face helmet covered his skull face, leaving only two thin slits through which a faint red light shone.

Narberal stood half a step behind him, dressed in simple adventurer attire.

Black leather armor, a dark cloak, and a rapier hanging at his waist.

Her expression remained indifferent, but a barely perceptible hint of expectation flickered in her purple eyes.

Albedo stood before the two, her hands clasped in front of her lower abdomen, her long black hair swaying gently in the morning breeze.

"Lord Ainz."

Her voice was gentle yet solemn.

Please take good care of yourself.

"Um."

Ainz nodded.

"Nazarick is now in your hands."

"Your subordinate will certainly not fail in your trust."

Albedo bowed slightly, then looked at Narberal.

Narberal.

"Exist."

"Protect Lord Ainz."

"Understood."

Narberal's answer was concise and firm.

Albedo said nothing more.

She stepped back, making way for them.

Ainz strode forward, heading towards the distant town.

Narberal followed behind him, her steps light and steady.

After walking a dozen steps, Ainz grinned happily.

Although others cannot see it.

"They're gone."

He turned around and continued walking.

Narberal glanced back at Albedo, then quickly followed.

The two figures gradually disappeared into the morning light.

Inn in a small town on the border of the Slane Theocracy.

Higashino Makoto leaned against a pillar at the entrance of the hotel, arms crossed, his golden eyes gazing at the distant horizon.

Tokisaki Kurumi stood beside him, her black twin tails swaying gently in the morning breeze, her right eye half-closed, and a half-smile playing on her lips.

The black cat "Zafkiel" crouched at her feet, its tail swaying gently.

"Sir, they've arrived."

Kurumi said softly.

Higashino Makoto's lips curled up slightly.

In the distance, two figures were walking towards them.

A heavily armored warrior in jet black, his steps steady and powerful.

A slender female adventurer followed behind the warrior, her posture both aloof and elegant.

It was Ainz and Narberal.

The two stopped at the hotel entrance.

Ainz looked up and peered at Higashino Makoto through the gap in his helmet.

"Have you been waiting long?"

"Not long after."

Higashino Makoto stood up and patted Ainz on the shoulder—the metal armor made a dull thud.

"It's not easy for you, on the other hand, to have survived the 'care' of your guardians."

Ainz was silent for a moment.

"... Don't even mention it."

Higashino Makoto smiled.

"Let's go inside and talk."

Five people.

Higashino Makoto, Kurumi, Ainz, Narberal, and a black cat entered the inn.

Four people sat around a round table in the room.

Kurumi poured tea with elegant and fluid movements, as if she was born to do it.

Narberal sat beside Ainz, her gaze warily sweeping across every corner of the room.

This was a habit she developed as a combat maid.

Ainz removed his helmet, revealing his skeletal face.

His scarlet eyes were fixed on Higashino Makoto.

"Higashino, what's the plan for next?"

"Simple."

Higashino Makoto picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

"We'll enter the Slane Theocracy as an adventurer's party. You and I will handle the combat, Kurumi will handle intelligence and support, and Narberal will... well, keep quiet."

Narberal glanced at him expressionlessly, as if she were about to turn into some kind of insect.

"Just kidding."

Higashino Makoto put down his teacup, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Your magic is very powerful; we'll need your firepower when we run into trouble."

Narberal's expression softened slightly.

"What's the team's name?"

Ainz asked.

Higashino Makoto thought for a moment.

"Just keep using 'pitch black' as you do in the Re-Estize Kingdom."

He said.

"Your name is Momon, and my name is Higashino Makoto. Kurumi uses Kurumi, Nabe uses Nabe."

Ainz nodded.

"Can."

"Then it's settled."

Higashino Makoto stood up, walked to the window, and opened it.

Sunlight streamed in, falling on his face and making his golden eyes appear as if they were burning flames.

In the distance, the land of the Slane Theocracy stretched out in the morning light, towns, farmlands, mountains, rivers—everything awaited them.

"Ainz."

Higashino Makoto did not turn back.

"This trip wasn't just about seeing the scenery."

"I know."

Ainz stood up and walked to his side.

Crimson eyes and golden eyes gaze side by side into the distance.

"Let's go find the answer."

What's the answer?

"What are we 'players' in this world, really?"

Higashino Makoto glanced at him sideways, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Let's go.

"Walk."

The two of them started walking towards the door at the same time.

Kurumi put away her tea set, lifted her skirt, and followed him.

Narberal pulled up her hood and silently followed behind Ainz.

The black cat "Zafkiel" leaped down from the windowsill and landed lightly at Kurumi's feet, its tail held high.

The four figures disappeared into the morning light.

On the streets of the small town, several early-rising residents watched the strange procession with curiosity.

A warrior in black armor.

A swordsman in silver robes.

A maid with twin ponytails.

A cold-faced magician.

There was also a black cat.

Who are they?

"I don't know. Perhaps an adventurer."

"Looks pretty strong."

"Whether they're strong or not, I don't know, but those two female adventurers are really beautiful..."

"Keep your voice down!"

Whispers drifted in the morning breeze.

Meanwhile, Higashino Makoto and his group had already embarked on their journey deep into the Slane Theocracy.