"Although you've only just begun following me, and the effort you contributed in this battle wasn't much, I've already rewarded the centaurs. It wouldn't be fair not to reward you as well. Let's do this—take these. I hope you'll work harder in the future. Next time, earning a reward won't be so easy."
As Chu Lian spoke, she searched within her spatial storage and finally found what she was looking for—several energy-infused gemstones taken from Nazarick.
"I'm not sure whether you can absorb the energy within them on your own, but since this is your reward, I hope you can make good use of it. After absorbing the energy, your strength should rise by one or two tiers."
"I'll be leaving Carne Village soon. You'll remain here, together with the centaurs, to protect this village. When the time comes, find an opportunity to digest the energy properly."
"As for the magical beasts who didn't participate in battle, there will be no rewards this time. In the future, when war breaks out again, those who take part will naturally receive theirs." Chu Lian condensed a Hand of Wind with her magic power, lifting the gemstones one by one and placing them before the magical beasts.
Because the treasures of Nazarick had originally been game items before the transmigration, they had clear level classifications. The gemstones she had taken out this time were all of the same grade and matched their respective attributes.
"Alright, you may leave for now. Continue protecting the village from the shadows. If enemies infiltrate, kill them without hesitation. If you encounter an opponent you cannot match, avoid them as best you can. I will personally come to snipe them when the time comes."
Chu Lian lowered her head and stroked the peculiar two-headed wolf crouching before her. Watching it narrow its eyes in contentment, she suddenly felt amused.
"I hereby name you Hachiko. From now on, you will temporarily command these magical beasts."
"Of course, if anything goes wrong, I'll hold you responsible. Interested?"
Her words startled the two-headed wolf for a moment, then it nodded eagerly, afraid she might retract the order. But as it nodded, its two heads bumped into each other. Its entire body lost balance and thud—it fell to the ground, struggling for quite a while before managing to stand again.
Then, sitting properly once more, the two-headed wolf looked at Chu Lian with four aggrieved eyes, feeling that its earlier behavior had disappointed its sovereign.
"Uh..."
Chu Lian didn't know what to say. This two-headed wolf truly lived up to the name she had given it. Hachiko—it really was that silly. Still, since she had personally named it, unless it committed some grave mistake, there was no need to replace the leader.
"In any case, work hard. When I see you next time, I expect significant improvement. The rose crest I carved onto your bodies carries an inheritance of knowledge. If you want to unlock your initial growth, strive to reach Level 25."
After saying this, she waved them away.
The magical beasts rose to their feet—some gripping their gemstones in their mouths, others holding them in their claws. After bowing respectfully to Chu Lian, they followed behind Hachiko, their newly appointed leader, and departed.
"I didn't expect them to possess such strong intelligence. It seems the growth potential of magical beasts in this world is far higher than I imagined. With that dead hamster in front and these magical beasts behind, once they grow, they'll surely present a scene that even surprises me."
Watching them leave, Chu Lian walked over to Ainz's side and slowly let out a breath.
"What, feeling the burden of leadership already?" Ainz asked, glancing at her.
"It's manageable. Giving orders and having other beings act according to my will—it still feels a bit unfamiliar. I'll get used to it."
She nodded. Now she understood—being in a higher position did not necessarily mean being more relaxed.
Perhaps once these magical beasts and subordinates matured, she wouldn't need to plan everything herself. But until then, she had to become a qualified—even outstanding—leader. Only then could she quicken her own pace of advancement.
"Heh. It's about time you learned how to manage. It's exhausting at first, but once you're accustomed to it, it gets much easier. Wasn't I the same in the beginning? And what I manage isn't even on the same scale as you. Every detail in Nazarick, large or small, ultimately requires my attention. When your subordinates increase in number, you'll understand the hardship. Unless you find capable people to help you manage things, you'll be buried in affairs every day. Only once everything can operate independently will you truly relax."
Ainz watched as Narberal gently wiped the sweat from Chu Lian's brow and offered the reminder.
"Don't worry, big brother. Deloris isn't like you—without anyone who likes her. I have countless harem members. With them around, management will be easy."
Hearing this, Ainz burst into laughter. "Indeed. With your extraordinary charm, attracting a group of people willing to assist you won't be difficult. It seems I worried unnecessarily."
Chu Lian smiled faintly without replying. She knew the "harem" she referred to was entirely different from what Ainz imagined.
Enjoying Narberal's service, her gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, as though piercing through the barrier of spacetime to see the girls waiting for her awakening in another world.
Are you all doing well? Even though I've been in this world for less than twenty days—and perhaps not even two days have passed outside—I already miss you.
'Everything I do here must be handled cautiously. Every word I speak must be weighed carefully in my heart. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture or glance must be performed with convincing realism.
'Even with World Affinity at S rank, I can still feel a malice in this world watching me. I don't know whether it is the world's own consciousness, a mutated awareness born after the cosmic storm due to my arrival, or some powerful and mysterious existence. But evading every probe, gaze, and inquiry is undoubtedly a trial for me.
'Fortunately, the most difficult initial period has already passed. Now is the stage of laying down foreshadowing. At this moment, as a willing chess piece, what exactly is my relationship with the so-called chess player?
'This time, aside from completing various tasks, I do not seek especially high returns. Everything will begin to bear fruit after my next return.
'Right now, I only want to finish matters here as quickly as possible and return to the real world—to be with you.
'Such a fragile thought, isn't it? I've simply been busy for too long. I'm tired. I just want to rest properly. I imagine you'd like the sight of me lying on your laps, chatting softly with you.
'It's already summer. When I go back, during the next holiday, I'll take everyone to the beach. Hmm... no, that won't do. Going to the beach would mean exposing our bodies directly to those men. I refuse. It's not just me—there's also you.
'Forget it. Let's just use the pool on the rooftop of my building instead. It's very spacious—perfect for the four of us to play...
'Do not think. Do not dwell. I'll be back very soon.'
A thin white cloud drifted past her eyes. At Narberal's call of "Lady Deloris," Chu Lian's wandering thoughts returned to the present.
Looking at the maid before her, Chu Lian asked in confusion, "Nabe, what is it?"
"Your Highness, it's time for us to return," Narberal repeated.
Hearing this, Chu Lian nodded. She took Narberal's small hand and looked toward Ainz beside her.
"Big brother, there's nothing more to handle here. Let's head back."
"We should have left already. If we delay any longer, we won't make it back to E-Rantel tonight," Ainz replied. Then he turned to the hamster, which had once again resumed clutching its head after the battle. "By the way, Deloris, it knows about us. Should we kill it?"
Even knowing Ainz was joking, Chu Lian cooperated. "Although it fought quite bravely just now, to avoid any information leaking... perhaps we should kill it."
Hearing their exchange, Narberal—who had long been dissatisfied with the hamster—drew her sword.
"Then allow me to end its life."
"Please, absolutely do not kill me! I protected you just now!"
The coordinated performance between Chu Lian, Ainz, and Narberal terrified the plump hamster. With tears welling in its eyes once more, it pleaded desperately.
It did not dare to flee. Having personally experienced Chu Lian's strength, it still felt its body trembling from the memory. How could it possibly have the courage to run?
"Shall I kill it?" Aura's voice came from a nearby tree. "If so, I'd like to skin it. We should be able to obtain a high-quality pelt."
"How can you all be like this?" The hamster felt utterly deprived of rodent rights. These outrageously powerful people either wanted to stew it into a dish or skin it for fur. They were clearly bullying it for being weak.
"No need. Are you aware of what happened here just now?" Ainz rejected the suggestion and gestured around them.
"I am aware, my lord. We will prioritize investigating those unusual areas and uncover the origin of these monsters as soon as possible. Please rest assured," Aura replied seriously, immediately standing at attention.
"Good. We'll be leaving first. Take care of yourself," Ainz said, waving his hand as he began walking away.
The hamster, feeling as though it had received a pardon, hurried after him, terrified that Chu Lian and the others might truly carry out their threat.
"Aura, see you next time."
Seeing Ainz depart, Chu Lian also pulled Narberal along and followed. Before leaving, she did not forget to bid Aura farewell.
"Lady Deloris..."
Looking at the devastated surroundings and recalling the fear that had risen from the depths of her heart earlier, Aura felt even greater awe toward Chu Lian.
"So this is the Wise King of the Forest?"
At the edge of the forest, the members of Swords of Darkness and Nfirea—who had exited early after gathering herbs, worried about being attacked—stared at the enormous hamster calmly gazing at them while being stroked by Ainz. They cried out in shock.
"You may rest assured. It has already been subdued by me. It won't cause trouble again," Ainz explained.
As for why it wasn't Liliana who had subdued it—well, if he didn't want this hamster to truly end up as a dish, it was better not to mention that.
Hearing his words, the hamster quickly echoed, "Just as my lord has said, I, the Wise King of the Forest, have pledged allegiance to my lord. From this day forward, we shall share fortune and misfortune alike and advance together. I will never cause trouble for any of you."
"Incredible... what a formidable magical beast..." Ninya murmured.
Compared to the four giant dragons yesterday—imposing yet unable to withstand even a single slash from Chu Lian—the shock brought by this enormous hamster was undoubtedly greater.
"Alright, it's time to enter the village."
Behind them, Chu Lian and Narberal appeared riding together on Rania. When the others turned to look, they realized that the girl seemed somehow different once again.