The Clashing of Two Worlds

Fishy Disappearance

Oh shit.

That was the first two words that came up from Ainz's mind.There's no doubt about the current situation. Not only were they unable to spy on the situation at all, but not one lizardman came back through the portal alive. Not even one.

He could send in another unit to check, but being the cautious person he is, he would rather not constantly poke around the bush. Rather, he would confront the situation head-on.

But maybe me personally going there is too reckless. The Floor Guardians would definitely oppose me for doing such a thing, and probably volunteer to do it in my stead.

Ainz looked up into the ceiling. He had to think up something. Well, it didn't seem like those lizardmens' lives were significant, but their disappearance defines that there is some sort of danger across the portal.

In other words, his plans are in desperate need of revision.

Demiurge suddenly used <<Message>> on him out of the blue.

<Ainz-sama. It seems that the lizardmen's "investigation" mission went wrong.>

<Umu, it seems like so. Has Cocytus done anything to ameliorate the situation?>

<So far, not yet.>

<Mmm ... I see ...>

I need to send in someone fast.

<I assume Ainz-sama wants to send stronger individuals to investigate?">

<Mmm...>

Sending individuals other than lizardmen and are too strong is definitely a no-go. He would rather just forget the lizardmen, bury the portal, and forget about it. Even though he did state earlier that other monsters meant to protect the lizardmen would be ideal, now's too late to undo anything.

But that would show him as an incompetent leader to the residers of Nazarick. He didn't want to paint that sort of image about himself. Plus, their disappearance means this "portal" is probably more troublesome than he thought it would be.

<Thank you, Demiurge. However, you and Cocytus are aware that there is punishment for failure, right?>

<I understand, Ainz-sama. We shall we receive any punishment for our incompetence.>

The <<Message>> cut short immediately.

Ainz had a hard decision to make. He had to send someone strong across. Maybe a few super-strong, obedient monsters would do. Or maybe just a few hanzos to bring them all back, just as he initially planned.

Ainz couldn't make up his mind.

This is too much for me. I should have someone else more capable to handle the matter. Maybe ... someone with strong diplomatic capabilities?

Ainz's mind suddenly lit up. He immediately opened two <<Message>> channels.

<Yes, Ainz-sama?>

Albedo and Shalltear replied in unison.

<Albedo, do you currently have time?>

There was a slight hesitation. A rustling sound could be heard.

<I-indeed, Ainz-sama. I do have time on my hands currently.>

What was that rustling noise I just heard, then?

<Umu. Shalltear?>

<No problem ~ arinsu. The <<Gate>> transports are currently going as smooth as they can be. There is nothing much for me to do at the moment.>

<I see. Shalltear, I will talk to you soon, I was just confirming your situation. I will call on you later.>

Shalltear's <<Message>> was cut off, leaving only Ainz and Albedo.

<So, Albedo, do you know why I have called you?>

<I apologize, Ainz-sama, but I am not sure.>

<That is fine. I never informed you of anything yet, after all. What happened to the lizardmen seems to be dangerous, and I wish you to bring them back.>

<But Ainz-sama, why should we save those puny lizardmen? I get they are loyal to Nazarick and all, but are they really important?>

So that cocky attitude still hasn't faded, huh?

<You see, Albedo, the disappearance of the lizardmen may suggest that there might be some sort of hostile nation on the other side. I cannot say for sure, but we must find ways to end this diplomatically assuming there is a nation.>

<So Ainz-sama wishes me to go to the other side of the "portal" and find out whether it's a nation or not, and negotiate peacefully to get the lizardmen back?>

<Exactly, Albedo.>

I could've sent in Demiurge, but considering his scheming attitude, I think it's best if we stick with Albedo. Plus, he did technically mess up big-time this time around. Her diplomatic mission towards the now non-existent Re-Estize Kingdom shows that she is capable.

<By the way, Ainz-sama...>

<Hm?>

<Why did you call Shalltear earlier?>

<Ahhh ... don't pay attention to that. I was just going to order her to do other tasks later.>

<I see ...>

What's with the doubt?!?

<A-Anyways, I might send in a partner with you to go on the diplomatic mission. Just keep an eye out. We shall meet in E-Rantel sooner or later.>

<I understand, Ainz-sama.>

Albedo's <<Message>> cut short.

Now to contact Shalltear.

Ainz opened the <<Message>> channel to Shalltear's.

<Yes, Ainz-sama?>

<Shalltear, since you currently have nothing to do, may I bother you to come to the E-Rantel castle soon?>

<I understand, Ainz-sama. By the way, is there any reason ~ arinsu?>

<Yes. I plan on sending you through the "portal". You got no objection, yes?>

<O-of course not! This is a direct order by Ainz-sama, after all!>

<Umu. Also, one extra person will be accompanying you. I will explain the details later.>

<Yes, Ainz-sama!>

Once again, the <<Message>> cut short.

Ainz gazed at the ceiling.

Now, shall we begin?