Ainz Ooal Gown: Noble Knight.

Chapter 41: Traveling Together

Rune added before Sebastian could refuse again.

"Of course I won't let you do this for nothing."

Rune slightly raised his chin, his tone carrying a just-right gentleness, like a young man who was used to giving but did not take pride in it.

"I will provide assistance with what Mr. Sebastian will be doing in the capital. Aindora's name carries some weight in the capital."

The words were cleverly chosen. They pointed out Sebastian's purpose while subtly highlighting Sebastian's own value.

A nobleman who is prominent in the capital is someone worth befriending for anyone who needs to do business in the capital.

Under the moonlight, Rune's expression was frank and sincere.

But as soon as Rune finished speaking, the atmosphere became tense.

It was a kind of indescribable change, like the air suddenly freezing, or like some invisible weight pressing down from above.

Rune could clearly feel that heavy sense of oppression.

It's like when prey is being scrutinized by a higher-ranking predator, the instinct etched into its genes sends out a frantic alarm.

A fine layer of cold sweat seeped from his back, but his facial expression remained unchanged.

This was expected.

Rune quickly reviewed his judgment in his mind.

Sebastian, the steward of Nazarick, is a level 100 dragon-human with a justice value of 300. He is an extremely rare "good" being in the entire Great Tomb of Nazarick.

Rune's act of pointing out Sebastian's purpose at this moment is extremely risky, but Rune needs to break the ice and also leave the other party with an image of wisdom.

If it were Demiurge or Albedo, Rune would never have used this method.

But Sebastian is different. This dragon-human with a justice value of 300 has a natural positive response to "goodwill".

As long as Rune's "goodwill" is sincere enough, Sebastian will not take direct action.

Rune didn't wait for Sebastian's response, but continued speaking in a calm and confident tone, as if stating something perfectly natural.

"Mr. Sebastian doesn't know me, so he's probably not from the kingdom."

He raised his hand, his long, slender fingers pointing to the winding road leading northwest under the moonlight.

"This route, however, is an internal route of the kingdom, leading directly towards the capital. Few outsiders travel this route. Mr. Sebastian's ability to navigate this route so precisely suggests he must be on his way to the capital."

Rune spoke slowly, enunciating each word clearly, both explaining his reasoning and demonstrating his value.

A person who can determine the destination by the route is a useful source of intelligence.

Rune tilted his head slightly, his gaze casually sweeping across the gap in the carriage curtain, his tone carrying just the right amount of confidence.

However, this confidence stems from Rune's knowledge of the plot's direction, which is to shoot the arrow first and then draw the target.

"As for your safety, don't worry."

Rune turned his head to face Sebastian, his smile fading slightly, replaced by a calm seriousness.

"I will accompany Mr. Sebastian. I am quite confident in my ability to use force."

Rune paused, as if considering his words: "Even if the bandits attack, we can guarantee the safety of Mr. and Miss Sebastian."

When Rune said those words, he himself felt they were somewhat absurd.

Saying "protect him" in front of a level 100 dragon is like an ant telling an elephant that it will shield it from the wind.

But Rune acted very sincerely.

What he wanted Sebastian to see was a capable young nobleman who would kindly help those he perceived as weak.

Sebastian did not respond immediately.

He stood there, his eyes, deep in wrinkles, silently watching Rune, as if scrutinizing something.

Rune met his gaze calmly, his heartbeat steady and his breathing normal.

A moment later, Sebastian's lips twitched slightly.

It was an extremely subtle curve, a smile.

A smile that held a hint of appreciation for the younger generation.

It's not an acknowledgment of ability, but an acknowledgment of that "goodwill".

"In that case," Sebastian's voice was calm and gentle, like an elder responding to a junior's request, "I shall ask Miss for her permission."

After saying that, he nodded slightly and turned to walk towards the carriage.

The car door closed gently behind him.

Successful.

Rune breathed a sigh of relief.

Sebastian is Soliuxiang's superior, so it's impossible for Soliuxiang to make the decision. This so-called "request for instructions" could only mean two things.

One possibility is that Sebastian made the decision himself, but only superficially maintained the "butler and lady" persona, going for a short while in the carriage before coming out.

Possibly, Sebastian was in the carriage asking Ainz Ooal Gown for instructions...

Given Ainz Ooal Gown's cautious nature, he might very well refuse the goodwill of a nobleman of unknown origin.

but……

Rune had planned all of this, including this particular moment.

Ainz Ooal Gown is currently busy rescuing Enfreya and fighting Clementine. He did not pay attention to the "message" from Antema in the original story, so naturally he will not pay attention to the "message" from Sebastian now.

The final outcome will only return to possibility one, where Sebastian makes the decision himself.

For Sebastian, it's hard for him to refuse a "kind" person.

Moreover, Rune gave Sebastian a reason to accept that even he himself could not deny.

The Eindora family's reputation and connections in the capital would be a real asset to Sebastian's subsequent intelligence-gathering mission. Accepting this goodwill was essentially paving the way for the mission assigned by Ainz Ooal Gown.

This is a carefully designed "open conspiracy" by Rune.

Sebastian must find a perfect balance between "accepting the kindness of a young man" and "completing the task more efficiently."

The car was quiet for a moment.

That moment of silence felt very long to Rune.

Rune could hear his own heartbeat, the rustling of leaves in the night wind, and the low hooting of owls in the distant woods.

Then, the car door opened.

Sebastian stepped out, his wrinkled face as calm as ever. But Rune noticed that the old man's gaze had softened somewhat.

"My young lady has agreed."

Sebastian's voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

Rune paused for a moment, then a smile bloomed on his face. The smile shone brightly in the moonlight, carrying the unique joy of a young person whose goodwill has been recognized.

"Very good."

Rune's voice carried a genuine enthusiasm, as if he were truly happy to be able to help.

Rune turned and walked toward the cavalry behind him. After a few steps, he turned back and said to Sebastian:

"Mr. Sebastian, please wait a moment while I go and make the arrangements."

Sebastian nodded slightly.

Rune strode toward the cavalry. Gehrman was the first to approach, his scarred face etched with disapproval.

"My lord, you're going to protect them yourself? This is too—"

"German".

Rune's voice wasn't loud, but it made the burly man's words catch in his throat.

"Follow behind with your brothers, keeping your distance."

"But--"

"That's an order."