Ugh… I feel like I've acted in so many plays recently, I'm practically a drama queen now.
But I probably don't need to act anymore; I've already disguised myself well. Now I can officially act as the fifth member of the Four Strategists, Iri thought.
"So, what should we do next, Iri-meimei?" Hellank turned his head and interrupted Iri's thoughts, asking.
"Let me think…" Iri replied.
Although the Four Strategists were now considered Iri's subordinates, Iri did not intend to make things difficult for them. When they were about to leave Nazarick, Iri had clearly stated that they would be free once they left and should no longer get involved in any requests related to Nazarick.
However, all the Four Strategists declared that this wouldn't do. Iri was now their master, and if they abandoned their master and ran off, wouldn't they be dead if they were deemed disloyal?
So they insisted on acting with Iri, and Iri couldn't directly tell them the truth.
After all, that so-called slave collar… was actually just a toy Ainz Ooal Gown received as a consolation prize from his microtransactions. Its only function was to emit a slightly stinging electric current when it received a command; it wasn't fatal.
So she could only keep them by her side. But then again, it wasn't bad to tag along with them.
So, what about the next move? The Four Strategists' storyline should be officially wrapped up now. Next up is the nation-building war.
So the next action will focus on this. It's decided. Iri immediately began to formulate a preliminary plan to get involved.
"So… the next action is, to go collect debt!" Iri said.
Iri's goal was clear: since she had decided to get involved, she might as well see it through!
First, solve Arshe's debt problem. Of course, this wasn't just for money; it was also to meet the Blood Emperor and scare him a bit.
Considering the speed of Aura and Mare's dragon, it should be about time, right? Just as Iri was thinking this—
"Collect debt?" Hellank looked utterly bewildered.
"The request to explore Nazarick this time, are your Black Worker requests usually paid in full at once?" Iri asked.
"Um… Iri-meimei, didn't you say before not to let us get involved in matters related to Nazarick anymore?" Imina asked, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Since you've chosen to follow me, I can only take you on an adventure," Iri replied.
"An adventure? Iri-meimei, do you mean asking for the remaining commission will be dangerous?" Roba noticed Iri's choice of words.
"Yes, it will be dangerous. I was very suspicious when we were coming over. The request to explore Nazarick this time was too strange. I think… there must be a huge force behind it, orchestrating things. It's very likely the Imperial Royal Family itself. Only the Imperial Royal Family can manipulate nobles to make such a request, so we might directly confront members of the Imperial Royal Family." Iri asserted, after all, she had read the script, so of course she dared to assert!
"Is that so…" Hellank also began to think. Confronting members of the Imperial Royal Family, Iri-meimei certainly had a point.
Before receiving this request, he also thought it was too strange, which was why he had Arshe investigate the noble who issued the request. At the time, he hadn't thought too deeply, never considering the Imperial Royal Family, who could manipulate nobles, as the mastermind. Iri-meimei, however, saw through it very clearly!
"If you don't want to take risks again, I won't force you. I already said when we came out that you are free. I can go alone, no problem," Iri said. Anyway, whether the Four Strategists Squad followed her or not, she would definitely go to see the Blood Emperor.
"Then may I ask, why are you so determined to go alone, Iri-meimei?" Hellank asked.
"The reason is simple: don't let my appearance fool you, I'm actually quite petty. How dare they send people to cause trouble at my house, kill so many people, and then expect to sit back and enjoy the benefits? There's no such easy thing in this world!"
As Iri spoke, the atmosphere instantly changed. One could directly feel a pressure emanating from Iri, similar to that of Ainz Ooal Gown, making everyone feel immense pressure.
"Iri-meimei… calm down… calm down a little." Imina quickly tried to calm Iri.
Before, Imina had been very skeptical: could that heartless skeleton really give birth to such a kind and thoughtful daughter? However, after experiencing the Aura Iri had just emitted up close and personally, Imina was convinced that Iri was indeed the skeleton's daughter, no doubt about it.
"Mm!" Iri immediately switched to a smiling face mode. The immense pressure from before instantly vanished, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"And, you really need money, right? Otherwise, I don't think you would take on such a bizarre request for money!" Iri, back in her normal mode, continued.
Of course, this was also one of the goals. Arshe also took risks because she needed money. If not for that, they would have had nothing to do with this Nazarick invasion.
After Iri finished speaking, she saw everyone's gaze turn to Arshe.
"Sorry!" Arshe apologized somewhat guiltily.
"No… we didn't mean that, Arshe. We should be the ones apologizing." Hellank also noticed his impropriety. He couldn't put too much pressure on Arshe anymore.
Arshe had always believed this whole situation was her fault. Now that they had escaped, there was no need to use this excuse to bind her anymore.
"You're short on money… is it related to Arshe-jie?" Iri was clearly asking something she already knew.
After all, they had never mentioned any of Arshe's background here, so she had to feign ignorance.
Of course… it would be great if Arshe could just tell her directly.
"Yes, it's related to my family." Arshe, however, spoke very honestly. This was a good thing; it also proved that Arshe was truly treating Iri as a companion.
So Arshe explained her family situation and the reason she needed money to Iri.
"Is that so…" Although she knew it all along, Iri was still very indignant after hearing it from Arshe, and she immediately turned dark again.
"Iri-meimei! Calm down! Calm down!" This time, Roba was flustered and quickly tried to stop Iri.
"Mm!" Iri switched back to her smiling face mode again. This time, almost no one doubted that Iri was Ainz Ooal Gown's daughter.
"Then… there's one more thing to do. First, collect debts, and second, go tear down a house and get someone!" Iri said with a very cute smile, although the smiling Iri was emitting black Aura all over.
"Since Iri-meimei has decided, we will accompany her to the end. After all, we are also Iri-meimei's retainers, and it's natural for retainers to follow their master into trouble," Hellank said, pointing to the black collar on his neck.
"Exactly… Besides, I also really want to teach Arshe's scumbag parents a lesson!" Imina also expressed her desire to join.
"I also want to meet the mastermind who sent us to such a place." Roba also decided to go.
"Everyone…" Arshe was deeply moved. At this moment, words were unnecessary; just by looking at Arshe's expression, her decision was clear.
"Alright! In that case, let's go!" Iri, full of energy, led the team out.
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