12 страница. Crusch moved her tail slowly, tangling Zaryusu’s tail

Crusch moved her tail slowly, tangling Zaryusu’s tail. The black and white tail entangling together looked just like two snakes mating.

Zaryusu looked at Crusch quietly, and Crusch was looking at him too, their reflection could be seen in each other’s eyes.

Zaryusu uttered something softly. No, it wasn’t words, but a cry. That was the cry he uttered when he first met Crusch.

— A mating call.

Zaryusu didn’t do anything after the cry. No, he couldn’t do anything except letting his heart beat intensely.

Moments later, Crusch made the same sound— a cry. The same emotional cry while shaking her tail, that was— the cry to accept the mating call.

An indescribably seductive expression appeared on Crusch’s face, Zaryusu could no longer pull his eyes away from Crusch. Crusch pushed herself onto Zaryusu, the position was similar to the one they had while sleeping.

There was almost no distance between their faces, their warm breathing mixed together, their heartbeat synchronized through their chests that were touching, and two of them became one—

“Oh! Getting busy!?”

The door was opened strongly and Zenberu charged in.

Crusch and Zaryusu froze like ice sculptures.

Zenberu looked at the two of them in confusion— at Crusch who was riding on Zaryusu. He tilted his head and asked.

“What, you haven’t started yet?”

They understood what Zenberu was saying and silently moved away from each other and stood up, approaching Zenberu without a word.

Zenberu looked down at the two of them confusedly and leaned forward.

“—Gahhhh!”

He took two punches to the stomach. After exhaling, Zenberu’s giant body collapsed onto the floor.

“Wooo... What powerful punches… especially Crusch… Gahh… that really hurts…”

Leaving Zaryusu aside, the punch of wrath from the female lizardman could even win against Zenberu. That wasn’t enough to vent their anger, but no matter how much they beat Zenberu up, that atmosphere would never come back.

They held each other’s hand— It was a strange substitute for beating Zenberu up. Zaryusu asked Zenberu one thing to ease his worries.

“Forget about that for now, I have questions for you. I heard some of it from Crusch, but could you tell me what is the situation right now?”

Zenberu didn’t care about the two of them holding hands and answered:

“Don’t you know? All the tribes are having a victory party.”

“My older brother is hosting the party?”

“That’s right. Anyway, the hunters scouted the region and did not find any signs of the enemy, and no traces of reinforcement or ambush. It would be difficult to hide such a large army. We are still on alert, but your brother has already declared victory. I am here on your brother’s orders.”

“My brother’s orders?”

“Yes, your brother said —’Shahaha, just let the two of them sleep together. They might already be getting it on, shahaha. It’s a bit embarrassing to interrupt, but I am curious, shahaha’.”

“Don’t bullshit! What’s with the shahaha?”

“Oh… There wasn’t any shahaha…”

“There’s no way my brother will laugh like that, really…”

“I am just expressing it more vividly…”

“— You are the worst.”

A chill that could match 'Icy Burst' came out from Crusch’s mouth along with these words. That frightening voice even gave Zaryusu goosebumps. Zenberu who was being lectured shivered and stiffened.

“So, why are you here?”

“Ermm, I am here to disrupt…”

“If you dare say you are here to be the third wheel, I will let you taste all the magic that you can think of.”

Zaryusu and Zenberu were pretty sure that Crusch wasn’t joking.

“Eh… I am here to invite you guys to join the party. We are the key figures in this victory, right? We can’t miss the party. And we need to discuss about the future of the lizardmen too…”

“I see…”

After hearing Zenberu’s roundabout explanation, Zaryusu smiled wryly after catching on what he wanted to say. Zenberu meant to say: There might be another battle, now was the time to display their strength.

“I got it, are you going too, Crusch?”

The unhappy Crusch puffed her cheeks, looking just like a Delmas frog residing in the wetlands. But Zaryusu thought she was much cuter.

“So, are we going?”

Zenberu casually asked Zaryusu and Crusch who were looking into each other's eyes.

“Ah… Yeah, you are right, let’s go.”

After the two of them acknowledged, the trio walked out together. When they walked down the stairs and stepped into the wetlands, Zaryusu suddenly disappeared from Crusch and Zenberu’s view. Something large suddenly knocked Zaryusu down.

— Bang voom voom splash.

That’s roughly how it sounded like.

Zaryusu disappeared from their view, and was replaced by Rororo’s figure. Its four heads twisted around energetically, pushing their noses at Zaryusu who had fell into the wetlands.

“Rororo! You are alright!”

Zaryusu who was covered in mud stood up and walked up to Rororo, gently caressing its body and observed it. It seemed to have received magical treatment, all its burn wounds from before had been healed, it was as if it was never hurt in the first place.

Rororo whimpered as it entangled Zaryusu with all of its heads, almost covering Zaryusu completely in its tight embrace.

“Hey hey hey, stop that, Rororo.”

Zaryusu laughed as he restrained Rororo with his voice. Rororo only cried happily, but didn’t let go.

Splash splash splash.

Zaryusu suddenly heard this rhythmic sound of water splashes, and was baffled when he found the source.

It was Crusch. She was watching Zaryusu and Rororo with a gentle smile, but her tail was hitting the wetlands with a fixed rhythm.

Zenberu who was standing beside Crusch shuffled away slowly with a stiff expression.

Rororo stopped moving too. It probably sensed that something was wrong.

“What is it?”

“No, it’s nothing…”

Zaryusu looked at Crusch who asked him the question and was confused. No matter how he looked at it, Crusch was smiling and happy that Zaryusu and Rororo were reunited. But somehow, it gave him a chilling feeling.

“How strange—“

Crusch smiled again.

Rororo released Zaryusu and he regained his freedom. Zenberu seemed to be fearful of something. Zenberu probably couldn’t stand this strange atmosphere anymore and changed the topic in a hurry.

“Alright Rororo, you and I will move on ahead.”

Of course, Rororo couldn’t understand the language of the lizardmen, but it obediently allowed Zenberu to mount it and ran off with amazing speed.

After those two had left, a strange atmosphere fell between Zaryusu and Crusch.

Crusch hugged her head as she shaked it.

“Ah~ really, what am I doing. It feels like my heart isn’t my own. Even though it is irrational, I couldn’t help myself. This is like a curse.”

Zaryusu understood how she felt. Because he felt the same way when he met Crusch for the first time too.

“To be honest, Crusch— I am very happy.”

“— What!?”

Splash, a loud sound of water erupted. Zaryusu then moved to Crusch’s side.

“Listen, can you hear it?”

“Hmmm?”

“The things we successfully defended are also the things we have to protect from now on.”

Sounds of rowdy laughter were carried here with the wind, they should be holding a banquet right now. The banquet was meant to bid farewell to the ancestors, celebrate their victory and to mourn the dead.

Wine was originally an expensive luxury. But they managed to have several banquets thanks to Zenberu’s tribe bringing one of the four treasures that supplied unlimited wine. And because all of the tribes were gathered here, they could enjoy this unbelievably joyous atmosphere.

Zaryusu listened to the joyous cheers and said to Crusch with a smile:

“This might not be over yet, that Supreme One person might still attack, but even so… we should relax for today.”

Zaryusu then put his hands on Crusch’s waist.

Crusch followed the flow and stuck onto Zaryusu, resting her head on Zaryusu’s shoulder.

“Shall we go?”

“Yeah…” Crusch answered and after hesitating for a moment, she called out:”... My darling.”

The two lizardmen walked together, disappearing into the noisy crowd—

Chapter 4. The Dawn of Despair

Translator: Ferro
Editors/Proofreaders: JcqC, Skythewood, TaintedDream, Namorax

Part 1

Cocytus treaded with extremely heavy footsteps towards the Throne Hall. As if they were affected by a contagion, the servants following behind him likewise had footsteps which were slow and heavy.

The reason for these heavy footsteps was because of the defeat they had swallowed as a result of the war against the lizardmen. As the commander of the glorious Nazarick army, he had allowed failure to stain its reputation.

Sure, being created as a warrior, Cocytus himself held a lot of respect for outstanding warriors like the lizardmen.

However, this was a completely different matter.

Nazarick does not tolerate failure. Furthermore, this instance was not a defensive battle like those in the past, but was the first expedition. Anyone who was decorated with defeat in their first battle could not possibly be in a positive mood.

Recalling Demiurge's words, the army assigned to this task had been weak indeed, but was just an excuse. Even if there is a possibility his master planned for the expedition to fail from the very beginning.

Eventually, the Throne Hall lay ahead, and the room just before it, named “Solomon’s Gate”, was already within eyesight. As such, the closer they became, the heavier their footsteps became, as if they were under the influence of some kind of magic effect.

Even if he were to be blamed by the master, it would not matter. Even if he were to be killed, or ordered to commit suicide, he had already mentally prepared himself for any action necessary in order to wash off this shame.

What Cocytus feared the most, was disappointing his master.

If the last remaining Supreme Being were to abandon him, what would he do?

Cocytus thought of himself as a sword, one which was in the hands of the master and would obediently slice anything when ordered. That was why, being considered useless or ineffective by the master was the most terrifying.

Not only that, if the other Guardians were to be given up on for the sake of shared responsibility, Cocytus would not know how to face them.

There is no way this will be forgiven, if it turns out to be severe to that degree. Even if I were to offer up my life, it would still not be enough for forgiveness.

Furthermore...

If the master became disappointed because of this, and left this place just like the other Supreme Beings, what then...?

Cocytus shuddered. Being someone who had complete immunity to coldness, the cause of the shudder was of course not from external factors but from within. He was under such considerable mental stress and torment that, if he were human, he would have easily been at the brink of puking.

No, that will not happen. Ainz-sama definitely cannot… give up on us.

The last Supreme Being in this great tomb, where all the others had already left.

Even if he was the individual of highest authority, he was also everybody’s supporting pillar.

Therefore, how could such a kind hearted liege give up on us - he comforted himself with these words, but deep down, he still harboured some uncertainty over events to transpire which could not possibly happen.

They arrived at Solomon’s Gate.

Normally, apart from the golems and crystal monsters which guarded the surroundings, this room would be devoid of any person. Right now however, there were many figures. Specifically, these were four Floor Guardians - Demiurge, Aura, Mare, and Shalltear. In addition, the four had brought along their chosen highest ranking servants.

The spectators all had their eyes on Cocytus. Guilt allowed a look of panic to momentarily flash across his face.

Because he felt that everyone was pointing the finger of blame on his failure. No, Cocytus felt that perhaps everyone was blaming themselves. His thoughts from before once again crossed his mind. Would everybody harbour the same kind of thoughts?

Looking closer, he saw that self-blame was silently floating in everybody’s eyes.

“My apologies, I have arrived late. Even Demiurge who was outside arrived earlier than I did.”

“Not at all, not at all. No need to apologise for such a small matter.”

Demiurge replied on behalf of everybody.

His voice was no different from his usual tone, with no negative emotions detectable. However, Demiurge was a Guardian specialised in strategy, extensive control of emotions and concealing inner thoughts, therefore it was impossible to determine whether or not he felt any displeasure.

Therefore when taking this into account, Demiurge’s earlier outburst during his observation of the fight between Ainz and Shalltear was a rare sight. Although, that display also went to show how much of a loyal heart he possessed.

“The other Guardians have already been informed of the matter. This time let me substitute for Albedo as the representative of the Guardians, does anyone else have anything they wish to discuss regarding this?”

“No, there are no issues with you taking on this responsibility.”

Albedo was currently substituting Sebas’ role in serving the master, and as such was not on site.

“That’s great. Then, after the final person has arrived, let us head to the Throne Hall together. However, since Albedo is not present, I would like to first discuss the order in which we are to pay homage. Ordinarily we would have a practice beforehand, but we have no time for that, therefore we shall omit it this time. There will only be verbal instruction, therefore listen carefully everybody.”

Each Guardian and servant expressed their understanding. Cocytus, who had similarly responded, did have one query. All of the Guardians were already present, therefore who were they waiting for?

However, that person’s arrival immediately answered his question.

Cocytus suddenly detected a living being headed towards this place.

Looking in that direction, he discovered an alien-shaped creature floating in mid air heading straight towards Solomon’s Gate.

The outer appearance was that of a fetus. No, it would be better described as an embryo. It had a tail, and its body was an extremely bright pink colour. Above its head was a halo and on its back was a pair of featherless stick-like wings. This alien was roughly one meter in size, and was slowly moving forward.

“That is?”

Demiurge replied to Aura’s question.

“This is Victim, Guardian of the Eighth Floor.”

“So that is Victim…”

Victim turned a circle after arriving at Solomon’s Gate. Cocytus felt that he was surveying the surroundings.

Victim did not have a neck, therefore to survey his surroundings it was necessary for him to turn his entire body.

“Uoy tresed dna dnuora nur annog reven,nwod uoy tel annog reven,pu uoy evig annog reven” [How do you do, I am Victim.] (TL: Victim’s language sounds like gibberish to the ordinary reader)

Demiurge was completely unfazed by Victim’s strange method of speaking, and responded on behalf of everybody:

“Welcome, Victim. I am Demiurge, substituting as representative for Albedo for the first time.”

“ssa latem ynihs ym etiB.” [I have heard about this matter from Ainz-sama.]

After speaking, Victim turned his body one full circle and once again sized everyone up.

“smaeb leets tlem t'nac leuf teJ” [I have also heard about everybody’s reputation, therefore let us kindly spare with introducing ourselves.]

“I see, understood. Then since everybody has arrived, let us clarify what we were discussing earlier.”

Everybody listened attentively to Demiurge’s explanation, because in a moment they would be paying a visit to Ainz-sama, the integration of all of the Supreme Beings, at the heart of the Great Tomb of Nazarick’s heart. If there was even a slight mistake, surely the only acceptable apology would be through death.

After the explanation and a quick moment for everyone to digest what was said, under Demiurge’s lead the Guardians brought along their servants and entered the Throne Hall.

As they entered, Cocytus, who had only been in this room a handful of times before, felt incomparable joy.

Exquisite architecture, as well as the flags representing the Supreme Beings, and also the World class items placed in the deepest part of the room. This room was truly worthy of being hailed as the heart of Nazarick. It was an eye-catching sight, causing any person to momentarily forget their internal torments.

The Guardians left their servants behind along the way and assembled themselves in a row as they arrived before the steps below the throne. Following this, they faced the guild symbol of Ainz Ooal Gown hung on the wall and saluted, expressing their own respect and loyalty.

Afterwards, they all got down and knelt on one knee, with their heads inclined downwards, and silently awaited for their master to arrive.

Before long, the heavy sound of doors being opened resounded from behind, and single pair of footsteps was heard entering into the large room. Without having to look backwards, they knew that those footsteps did not belong to their master, because the master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick could not possibly make his entrance by himself.

“All hail the arrival of the most Supreme Being of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama, and also Overseer of the Guardians, Albedo-sama.”

That was battlemaid Yuri Alpha’s voice.

Once again the doors made a sound as they were opened, bringing along the crisp sound made by shoes and the repeated sound of a staff striking the floor. From behind those sounds there was also the sound made by someone walking in high-heels.

In general, when the master entered a room, those inside ought to bow in order to demonstrate their sincere respect, but then everybody at the scene did not make any salute at all. This was because they had long already demonstrated their most sincere respects.

However, only Cocytus was different.

Being completely occupied with his internal anxiety caused him to involuntarily make an external movement. The movement was actually extremely slight, but in this kind of situation it had a great impact on the atmosphere.

Through a special ability, Cocytus detected that the other Guardians had directed their attentions towards him. Despite working hard to suppress her anger, Albedo, who was walking behind the master, failed to conceal it. However in this kind of situation, nobody dared to speak out.

The footsteps slowly passed by the row of Guardians, and the sound of stairs being climbed and the throne being sat on could be heard. After this, Albedo’s voice loudly rang out in the room.

“Everybody please raise your heads to gaze upon the noble presence of Ainz Ooal Gown-sama.”

All of the spectators simultaneously raised their heads to look at the master who was seated on the throne, their movements producing a brushing sound made by friction.

Cocytus also raised his head immediately.

With the staff clasped in his hand symbolising the status of a ruler, an eerily frightening aura wrapped around his entire body, and exuding mysterious dark rays from behind his back, this was indeed the Supreme Being of The Great Tomb of Nazarick — Ainz Ooal Gown.

After Albedo, who was standing beside Ainz, inspected all of the Guardians at the foot of the stairs including Cocytus, she nodded in satisfaction then turned to face Ainz.

“Ainz-sama, the Guardians of Nazarick have all gathered before you. Please give us our commands.”

After Ainz gave a low “Un” sound of agreement, he struck the ground heavily with the staff in his hand. This attracted the gazes of everybody, and he slowly opened his mouth to speak:

“Welcome, all of you Guardians before me. First, allow me to express my thanks. Demiurge!”

“Yes!”

“Every time an issue arises, you get called upon. You’ve worked hard, thank you for your dedication.”

“Oh, oh, your words are too kind, Ainz-sama! I am your servant, therefore when called upon I must of course immediately respond duly. This is to be expected.”

Demiurge was delighted to the point that he was slightly shaking as he made a deep bow.

“Is that so. Right, have any suspicious individuals appeared on your side?”

“None. I have taken special care in my preparations. If any person gets close, he or she should be very easy to detect…”

“... That is good. However, above everything else you must not slip into laxity during the preparations. This is because the opponent may have some methods inconceivable to us. Apart from that, the skin that you have given to me… according to the conclusion of the Chief Librarian, this can be used to manufacture low rank scrolls. Is there a method to provide a steady supply of such?”

“Yes! There will be no problems at all. We have already accumulated a relatively adequate amount.”

“I see… then, what is the name of the wild beast?”

“Wild beast? … Ha! About the kind of creature that Ainz-sama is referring to…”

Demiurge deliberated for a brief moment, then continued with his reply.

“They are two-legged sheep from the Theocracy. How would you feel about naming them Bellion sheep?”

Demiurge’s elated tone caused some confusion in Cocytus. Basically, Demiurge was a good-tempered, even gentle, person. However, he was only like this to his comrades who were likewise created by Supreme Beings. To others, he was an extremely cruel person.

Under his superficial display of good mood, it was possible to have a brief glimpse of his cruel personality. Although Demiurge’s deep malice was directed towards the wild beasts which were the topic of discussion earlier, would he use such an attitude to talk about beings which lacked sentience?

Judging on the basis of Demiurge’s personality, something felt out of place. However, the current situation rendered it inappropriate to raise this issue with him.

“So that’s what it is… sheep.”

Ainz’s words carried a slightly pleased intonation, causing Demiurge and Albedo to break into smiles.

“Although I would prefer to call them mountain goats… but that name is also satisfactory. Well then, please continue to graft those sheep for their skin… will excessive capturing have an impact on the ecosystem?”

“There should not be. Furthermore, with just the use of healing magic, we are able to immediately repeat the grafting process. That is why as long as the supply required to be produced is not large, it will not be necessary to carry out a large scale capture. All of this is the result of our outstanding tormentor’s hard work.”

“Eh? If healing magic is used, won’t the part that was cut off disappear?”

“About this issue… there is one thing that we now understand through our healing experiments. If, before we apply healing magic, we merely allow that part to undergo a significant change in shape — for example mincing the flesh — then that fleshy body will effectively be preserved. That means to say, if magic is cast after the skin has been removed, healing magic will effectively recognise it as a foreign entity, therefore it will not disappear even when healing magic is applied. This is also the reason why they would not die starve even if they ate the meat. In addition, although this may count as outside the topic, if one aspect of healing magic is rejected by another aspect of healing magic, sometimes it is as if it cannot operate smoothly and results in a scar. Likewise, the lower the rank, the more likely it is that scars will form due to time lapse.”

“So that’s how it is… magic is powerful… very well, continue with your progress.”

“As you command. Henceforth I will proceed with conducting trials according to age and gender. With time, I feel that I will know whether or not a certain species of a certain age’s skin is the most suitable.

“Regarding this… hand the responsibility of this part over to the Chief Librarian. Victim is next.”

“snaem ti kniht uoy tahw snaem ti kniht ton od I.drow taht gnisu peek uoY.” [Yes, Ainz-sama]

“There is only one reason for summoning you here. If an inconceivable event were to occur, your special skill will be required for the protection of me and the other Guardians… sorry about that. I promise that I will immediately assist with your reincarnation, my apologies in advance.”

“siht naht reggib semit eerht …tsael ta eb ot sah gnidliub ehT?stna rof retnec A?siht si tahW” [Demiurge had already told me, please do not worry, Ainz-sama. I am also the servant of Ainz-sama. Furthermore, my death is my raison d'être. If this modest ability of mine is able to assist the Supreme Being, I would be joyful beyond compare.]

“Is that so… please forgive me.”

Seeing the Supreme Being lower his head, Victim exclaimed:

“sihT ekaT!enolA oG oT suoregnaD s'tI” [This humble one would not dare!]

“When encountering an extraordinary situation, in order to prevent the opponent from escaping we may even have to kill you. Even if you are cooperative after accepting this, we would like you to know that we won’t be killing you because of anything personal. Although you are also one of my precious children, and I wish not to cause you any harm, if we allow an enemy we do not fully comprehend to escape, we may experience a disastrous end, that is why…”

“tihs suoires emos ees annog er'uoy...ruoh rep selim 88 stih ybab siht nehw,tcerroc era snoitaluclac ym fI” [Please say no more, Ainz-sama. I fully understand your feelings]

Дата добавления: 2015-07-19