Chapter 33: Strongest vs. Strongest (3)
Ainz fell into deep thought.
According to Kaiser's investigation, the incident was most likely accidental, and Shalltear had probably struck first. Neither Demiurge nor Albedo had given such a report. Perhaps they had considered the possibility but dismissed it as unlikely.
But Kaiser, on the other hand, judged it highly plausible and shared his deduction.
"As the Guardian of Humanity, could he be hiding humanity's fault because he fears I might retaliate?"
The possibility existed.
In truth, Ainz had no intention of forgiving whoever had used mind control on Shalltear.
Even if the culprit was a Player, he would feel not even a grain of closeness.
In fact, he felt more familiarity with Kaiser, the otherworlder he had shared drinks with.
And Kaiser's deduction was extremely logical—
making Ainz hesitate.
"Albedo, what do you think of Kaiser's speculation?"
"I believe it is entirely possible, Ainz-sama. I too considered the idea, but I did not form a detailed hypothesis as Kaiser did. It is vexing… but given his age and accumulated battle experience, I must admit I fall far behind him."
Albedo swallowed her humiliation.
To think she, created by a Supreme Being, was inferior to a mere human…
What a disgrace.
Even if the man was no ordinary human—an existence legendary even in his own world—
Albedo could not wipe away her shame.
Perhaps she should ask Cocytus to train her so she could gain real combat experience…
As she thought so, Ainz gave a quiet hum and resumed thinking.
"Is there any chance Kaiser fabricated his theory to protect humanity, as their guardian?"
"I believe that possibility is low. If he lies in such a way, he indirectly proves that he prioritizes humanity, and if the lie is discovered, the risk is tremendous. If it were me, I would present a truthful deduction to gain trust."
"I see. In that case…if Kaiser's deduction is correct…
blaming the other side would feel somewhat awkward."
Shalltear struck first on Ainz's orders, and the mind control used against her could be interpreted as self-defense.
Moreover, the caster of the mind-control item was likely dead or near death, since no further commands had been issued.
Considering Shalltear's attacks involved anti-regeneration effects, it was possible the caster had died outright.
Under normal circumstances, Ainz should have been furious.
But if the blame lay entirely with Shalltear… it became difficult to express that anger.
Not that his anger had disappeared—but venting it at the wrong target would be unreasonable.
If the other side sent a complaint saying "We were just passing by and were attacked," he would have no counterargument.
"Perhaps I should discuss this with Kaiser… We keep each other in check, but he's easier to talk to than guardians who worship me absolutely… Even though I'm no longer human, he's still someone I can speak openly with."
Kaiser understood Ainz's situation to some extent.
It wouldn't be bad to ask his opinion.
Ainz had gathered information about this world, but there was still much he didn't know.
It might be wise to consult Kaiser about Shalltear's mind control incident as well—even though Kaiser, as the Guardian of Humanity, might lie to protect people.
Ainz simply needed to distinguish truth from falsehood.
"Entoma, you conducted the investigation with Kaiser. How was he? Did he mention anything about Nazarick? Even something trivial is fine. Or your personal impressions of him."
"Well—personally, he seemed extremely cautious. He did not rely solely on our information, but conducted his own investigation and reconstructed the situation using small clues. In terms of battle experience accumulated across centuries… our NPCs cannot compare."
"I see."
NPCs, strictly speaking, were like newborns with little real combat experience.
Ainz himself had been skilled at PvP, but that was only a game.
He could not compare to someone who had fought real battles for hundreds of years, wielding a sword to protect humanity.
Even if the reality differed, treating Kaiser as such was essential for caution.
"And regarding the massacre Shalltear-sama is believed to have caused, Kaiser said nothing."
Oops! I completely forgot!
He had left Entoma alone with Kaiser without telling her anything.
Fortunately, nothing had happened.
If Kaiser had been enraged by the massacre, Entoma would have died instantly.
And if Kaiser had hid the truth and infiltrated Nazarick afterward, the damage would have gone far beyond Shalltear's mind control—if the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown had been destroyed by mere accident…it would have been irreparable.
Ainz felt as though his nonexistent heart dropped.
It was fortunate Kaiser had said nothing about the deaths of criminals and bandits.
But Ainz would have to clarify things.
Perhaps Kaiser tolerated it because the targets had been criminals.
He needed to understand where Kaiser drew the line—the "good" he protected.
Perhaps the title "Guardian of Humanity" was just that—a title.
Maybe Kaiser was actually a "Guardian of the World," someone who sought peace among humans and other races alike.
If so, then maintaining friendly relations was ideal.
If I remain friendly enough, Kaiser might see that I am different from other undead, and lower his guard!
If that happened, everything would become easier.
At that point, Kaiser would practically be an ally of Nazarick.
A legendary figure of another world siding with them—the merits were immense, and the risks minimal.
After witnessing legends like Clementine of the "Hero Class" and the "Wise King of the Forest," Ainz understood clearly—
Kaiser truly belonged to the realm of legends.
"Ainz-sama, I will say this honestly—Demiurge will most certainly oppose it. He is far too loyal. He would prioritize your safety above all else."
"I see… that too is a form of loyalty. Just as you treasure my will above all, Demiurge worries for my body above all else."
Perhaps Demiurge was terrified of losing the last remaining Supreme Being—Ainz.
Albedo had once spoken the same way before Ainz convinced her otherwise.
To them, even if it meant disobeying Ainz's direct orders, even if it meant burning their own bodies, preserving Ainz's form was the ultimate expression of devotion.
"I will return here alive. But… even I must be prepared for death."
Shalltear was strong.
Among the Guardians—excluding Gargantua—there was no NPC who could defeat her alone.
Yes, if the Guardians took turns exhausting her stamina, she could be beaten.
People called her the "Strongest Guardian," but the gap was actually small.
And that strategy was safe—it protected against ambushes and unforeseen interference.
But none of that mattered to Ainz.
They were excuses.
Thin veils covering the truth.
"I don't want to watch my children kill each other…"
Should he leave the lookout to Kaiser?
If Aura and Mare assisted, their vigilance would be perfect, and Ainz could fight with peace of mind.
But the opponent was human.
He could not predict Kaiser's reaction.
"Ainz-sama, Kaiser-sama has requested an audience."
An audience…?
Awkwardly, Ainz told him to enter.
Should he exclude Kaiser from this matter?
It would be ideal if Kaiser fought instead—but what would Kaiser gain by doing so?
Nothing.
Instead, Kaiser might grow wary, fearing Nazarick would strike when he was depleted.
Ainz did not yet have enough trust from Kaiser.
His failure to answer Kaiser's questions promptly had been a painful mistake.
Even a lie would have been better than hesitation.
"Ainz, I'm here to make a proposal."
"Kaiser, you should show more respect to Ainz-sama—"
"Enough. He is not my subordinate."
Not a retainer.
Not an enemy.
Not quite an ally.
Something like an equal—a unique bond that defied easy description.
This fragile relationship, maintained only by mutual caution, could collapse with the slightest push—
resulting in either absolute alliance or a war to the death.
There was no middle ground.
"So? What is your proposal?"
It must be about Shalltear.
Perhaps he would offer to find the one who used mind control on her.
Or perhaps he would offer to guard the area while Ainz fought.
If Kaiser made the proposal, Ainz would not hesitate—even if humans were involved.
So Ainz braced himself.
He steeled his heart once more.
Shalltear was extremely strong, and he would have to fight her without World Items.
He had a plan, and he knew her skills well enough to prepare counters—but his affinity against Shalltear was terrible.
If Shalltear fought cautiously and did not underestimate him, Ainz would have no chance.
Tension tightened his body—
And Kaiser, still relaxed, smiled.
"May I fight Miss Shalltear?"
"…Eh?"
"What… did you say?"
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