NOVEL WEB Chapter 75: Novel
In the capital palace of the Re-Estize Kingdom, in a secluded banquet hall.
The kingdom's most esteemed third princess, Princess Renner, known for her title "Golden Princess," stood silently by the wall. The lighting in the hall was poor, and slanted sunlight fell on her upper body. Princess Renner appeared somewhat reserved, her hands clasped in front of her, as if she were a maid waiting for her master's call.
The person who could make her adopt such a stance was neither King Lambos III nor Prince Zanac, but rather an entity from the shadows of this banquet hall, beyond the reach of human beings.
A stunningly beautiful woman stood where sunlight could not reach. Her figure was slender and graceful, dressed in a pure white, form-fitting gown. Her flawless beauty made her appear as if an angel had descended to the human world. Behind her were two black wings, and on her forehead grew two horns with strange, twisted curves, reminiscent of a demon from hell.
Angel and demon, these contrasting characteristics were perfectly blended in her, without the slightest hint of incongruity. It was as if the great creator had brought her into the world to prove that even demons could possess the beauty of angels.
Albedo, the Guardian Overseer of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and an envoy of the Sorcerer Kingdom, stood in the banquet hall, her golden eyes focused and leisurely reading a small red book with a gilded cover.
Princess Renner stood to the side, waiting quietly for her to speak.
After turning the final page of the red book, Albedo closed it and looked at Princess Renner, as if just noticing the presence of this esteemed third princess of the kingdom. "Sorry to have kept you waiting."
"May I ask, esteemed envoy, what is it that you need from me?" Princess Renner asked, neither servile nor arrogant, though her gaze was lowered.
"Rumor has it that you've been getting close to an adventurer named 'EeDeChi.' Is that true?"
"Yes, I've hired her and her adventurer team." Princess Renner's mind was in turmoil, but her expression remained composed and cautious.
The Sorcerer Kingdom knowing about her was not surprising to Renner, as she viewed them as almost omnipotent.
However, why would a high-ranking figure like Albedo inquire about EeDeChi? Although EeDeChi had easily defeated the strongest swordsman, Brain, she hadn't reached a level that would attract the attention of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, had she?
"Hmm, you hired her?" Albedo sneered disdainfully. To her, this was as ridiculous as if Princess Renner had hired Sebas Tian, the butler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
As someone who had fought both Sebas and Cocytus without showing signs of defeat, EeDeChi was recognized by all members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick for her combat prowess.
Since Ainz was unaware of EeDeChi's stance and she had not shown strong hostility towards the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the Overlord Ainz still harbored thoughts of recruiting her.
In response to Albedo's mocking laughter, Princess Renner remained silent. She stood quietly, her pretty face still showing tension and confusion, but her mind was racing.
"Since you've hired EeDeChi, you should interact with her more often. If she says anything about the Great Tomb of Nazarick, especially concerning the Supreme One, Lord Ainz, make sure to report it all to me!"
For the first time, a serious expression appeared on Albedo's proud face, and she emphasized "concerning the Supreme One, Lord Ainz."
"I will relay her words to you faithfully." Princess Renner nodded in agreement, though she still felt puzzled. "If I may ask, why does the Great Tomb of Nazarick place such importance on EeDeChi, this 'orichalcum-level' adventurer?"
"Your curiosity is excessive. This is an internal matter of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and it's not something you need to pry into." Albedo flashed a faint, sinister smile, her lips parting like those of a succubus from the abyss, whispering:
"Beware of meddling in the Master's world, or you might lose your life."
Princess Renner shuddered, a cold sensation traveling from her tailbone up her spine. A terrifying thought crossed her mind: could it be that the adventurer, who was a stickler and only cost 3 gold coins per day, was of the same level as Albedo and her team? But that adventurer had never shown any intent to kill. Could Albedo be threatening her?
Seeing Renner's fearful expression, Albedo's face softened into a gentle smile, momentarily warm. "Don't be afraid. In this world, you are the only human I hold in high regard. As long as you remain loyal to the Sorcerer Kingdom, we will always support you."
Saying this, she opened her palm, and a faint blue light swirled as a ring with a simple design appeared in her hand. The ring was entirely gold, like Albedo's pupil.
"Here, take it. This is your reward."
Princess Renner took a deep breath, her heartbeat steadying, and stepped forward to take the ring. "May I ask what this ring is?"
"It's just a ring, naturally," Albedo answered lazily. "But it's made by the Great Tomb of Nazarick. If you have Brain wear it, it can increase his power by 10 levels. This should improve your chances of having your subordinate win the Warrior Captain position."
"Thank you for the Supreme One's grace." Princess Renner bowed respectfully.
She then asked cautiously, "I've heard that my royal brother seems to have also received an item from a high-ranking individual in the Sorcerer Kingdom."
Princess Renner had established her own independent intelligence department, and some of the information she gathered suggested that nobles close to the second prince had also made deals with someone from the Sorcerer Kingdom.
"Is that so? Maybe someone like me, who is bored, enjoys watching lower life forms tear each other apart," Albedo shrugged, unconcerned. "Goodbye."
In a flash of white light, Albedo's graceful figure vanished from the shadows, leaving.
Princess Renner stood holding the ring, dazed, her eyes somewhat stunned.
At the moment Albedo left, the magical light illuminated the small book in Albedo's hand. It was the book she had been focused on reading in the dim light before talking with Princess Renner.
By the magical light, Princess Renner barely made out the title on the cover. The red leather cover displayed a line of gilded calligraphy: "The Extraordinary Demon Lord's Exclusive Love for the Proud Princess."
Princess Renner had secretly read this book as a child, having begged a young maid to give it to her. The story mainly revolved around a young girl breaking free from societal constraints to fall in love with a terrifying demon with a skeleton body.
This... seems to be a romance novel... Princess Renner looked at the golden ring in her hand, feeling somewhat confused.