Towards the panicking Shalltear, the two others also nodded in agreement.
“Then in the future we also need to become role models, displaying more loyalty to Ainz-sama. I don’t think anybody but you will rebel against Ainz-sama.”
“That is true. Speaking of which, how is it Shalltear? If you join me now, I will grant you an even higher status in the future—”
Eckleya’s started his usual recruitment talk— which would never succeed, but was interrupted by a strange scream.
“Hyaaaaa~~”
Both men’s stares were directed at Shalltear who was covering her head and ceaselessly professing her loyalty.
“...What happened? Her tone is different from normal too.”
In response to the astounded Eckleya, Piki shook his head and shrugged.
“Who knows?”
Chapter 2 –
Gathering, Lizard man
Part 1
Therefore it was not clear which side had a larger population.
Every residence had a flag attached to it billowing in the wind. The flags all bore the Red Eye lizardman mark.
Correct, this was Zaryusu’s first intended destination— the settlement of the Red Eye tribe.
After surveying his surroundings, Zaryusu sighed in relief.
This was because, fortunately for Zaryusu, their place of habitat was in the same patch of wetlands, consistent with previously obtained knowledge. He originally reckoned that they could have moved away as a result of the last war, in which case he would have to begin searching for their tribe.
Zaryusu looked back in the direction which he came from, and although he couldn't clearly see it, just narrowly outside of his line of sight was his own village. Right now, his village should be vigorously making various preparations. Although he left with anxiety, he could be fairly certain that the village would be safe from attack for the moment.
The fact that Zaryusu was able to arrive here safely was proof.
He was unable to determine whether this was a flaw in the Great One’s plan, or whether his own actions were also within its calculations, but in any case the opponent did not currently intend to go back on its word, and did not attempt to intervene in the battle preparations.
Of course, even if the so called Great One moved his hand to interfere, Zaryusu could only act to implement his beliefs.
Zaryusu leaped down from Rororo and stretched his body. Although riding Rororo over long distances made his muscles stiff, stretching his back made the fatigue seem rather pleasant.
Following this, Zaryusu instructed Rororo to remain at this position to wait for him, then took out some dried fish from his backpack for Rororo, to serve as its breakfast and lunch.
Honestly, he wanted it to forage its own meal from around here, but refrained from giving the order due to the possibility of disturbing the Red Eye tribe’s hunting grounds.
After petting each of Rororo’s heads several times, Zaryusu set off by himself and proceeded forwards.
If he brought Rororo with him, the other side could feel apprehensive of the hydra and be unwilling to come out. Zaryusu was here to form an alliance, and did not wish to appear high-handed.
He advanced whilst making splashing water noises.
At the corner of his vision, Zaryusu could see several Red Eye tribe warriors walking in a single file around the inner edge of the spike perimeter. Their equipment was exactly the same as those of the Green Claw tribe, not wearing armour and holding wooden spears made from sharpened bone attached to the tip of a wooden staff. There were also people holding ropes used for rock slings, but since these were not loaded with rocks, it should indicate that they had no intention of immediately attacking.
Zaryusu tried as much as possible to avoid stimulating the other side, so he slowly drew closer until both sides arrived before the main entrance. He directed his gaze to the watchful lizardmen and raised his voice.
“I am Zaryusu Shasha of the Green Claw tribe. There is a matter I wish to discuss with your tribe chief!”
After a while, a venerated lizardman holding a walking cane appeared, with five burly lizardmen following behind him. The old lizardman’s entire body from top to bottom had markings painted on with white body paint.
¦ ¦ ¦
He was brought to a beautiful small hut.
It was even larger than Zaryusu’s older brother’s. The walls were dyed with a rare pattern, proving that the owner of the house was of nobility.
What concerned him was that it had no windows, only a gap for ventilation. Lizardmen could see objects clearly in the dark, but this did not mean that they enjoyed darkness.
Then why would anyone want to live inside such a dark hut?
Zaryusu had many doubts but couldn’t turn to anyone for answers.
Looking behind him, the druid and warriors who led the way earlier were all gone.
When those who led the way had told him that they were leaving, he felt that they were being too careless. He almost let his doubt slip.
But when Zaryusu heard that this was the wish of the leader, of the tribe acting chief, His opinion of the person waiting inside the hut rose.
Although he had promised his brother that he would return safely, Zaryusu was already prepared for the possibility that he would be unable to fulfill that promise. As such, surrounding him with armed guards to pressure him would prove ineffective. In fact, it would only make him feel disappointed by the fact that this was all they could muster.
However, if the other party already knew his thoughts and still displayed generosity...
It should already be considered fortunate if albinos were seen as detestable existences by ordinary lizardmen. There were even some who saw them as a kind of monster, that was why she had a self mocking attitude.
However Zaryusu was not like that.
"...What is it?"
The female lizardman inside asked a surprised question towards the motionless Zaryusu standing at the door. Without reacting to the question, Zaryusu let out a tremolo cry.
Hearing this sound, the female lizardman widened her eyes and opened her mouth, in surprise, confusion and in embarrassment.
That sound was none other than a courtship cry.
Zaryusu came back to his senses and realised what he had done. Just like how a human's ears would turn red, he flicked his tail repeatedly in agitation.
"Ah, no, wrong, wait not wrong, not that, this isn’t what I..."
Zaryusu's frantic movements caused the female lizardman to calm down, and she smiled, making Zaryusu puzzled.
"Please calm down. It’s troubling if you move so violently.”
“Ah! Sorry.”
Zaryusu hung his head, made an apology and then entered the room. At the same time the female lizardman’s tail drooped as if she had finally relaxed. However the very tip of her tail was still fluttering, indicating that she was not entirely calm.
“Please come over.”
“...My sincere gratitude.”
Entering into the home, Zaryusu saw that the area where she was indicating had a cushion woven from an unknown plant. He sat on it, and she sat opposite to him.
“This is the first time we have met, I'm a traveler of the Green Claw Tribe, Zaryusu Shasha.”
“Thank you for your courtesy. I am the acting chief of the Red Eye Tribe, Crusch Lulu.”
After the introductions were over, the two observed each other as if to guess each other's intentions.
The hut was temporarily submerged in silence, but this could not be allowed to continue. Zaryusu was a guest, therefore it should be the host Crusch who should say the first word.
“First, mister messenger, I believe there is no need for us to be so formal. I would like for us to speak freely, so please make yourself comfortable.”
Accepting the proposal to speak without reserve, Zaryusu nodded.
“I am truly grateful for that, since I am not accustomed to speaking with a serious and formal tone.”
“Then do you mind sharing the reason for your visit?”
Although she asked, Crusch already had a rough idea.
The mysterious undead which appeared at the centre of the village. Magic that controls the weather, 4
th
tier magic ?Control Cloud?. And now the male lizardman from a different tribe, one who could even be called a hero.
From here, there could only be one expected answer. As Crusch pondered on how to deal with Zaryusu’s reply— she felt all of her expectations shatter.