Ainz Ooal Gown: Noble Knight.

The morning light slowly spread from the eastern ridgeline, first gilding the treetops with a pale gold edge, then flowing down the trunks and landing on the clearings in the forest, making the night dew shine.

The carriage moved slowly along the forest path, its wheels creaking rhythmically as they rolled over pebbles and fallen leaves.

Rune did not ride a horse, but sat side by side with Sebastian on the driver's seat.

"So Mr. Sebastian and Miss Solus are from the Empire."

Rune's voice carried a hint of realization, as if he had finally resolved a minor but significant question.

"No wonder they take this route. Most merchants from the Empire take this route to the capital."

As he spoke, he glanced at Sebastian.

The old man sat upright in the driver's seat, his back ramrod straight, his hands loosely gripping the reins. The morning light fell on his wrinkled face, making the lines of time exceptionally clear.

"Indeed." Sebastian nodded slightly, his voice steady. "My lady has been living in the Empire all along, and this is her first time returning to the Kingdom."

Rune nodded without asking any further questions.

The conversation between the two proceeded at a leisurely pace. Rune spoke of the changes in his territory over the past few years, the children studying in the school, and how this year's harvest was good, allowing the people to have enough to eat.

Rune spoke in a flat tone, as if he were chatting casually, but occasionally he would "inadvertently" reveal some of the dynamics of the royal aristocratic circle, which family had recently become close, which minister had recently lost power, and what problems the royal family's finances had encountered.

Sebastian listened, occasionally responding with a few words, and asking very ordinary questions, such as, "Is that person still in the capital?" and "I heard that the Adventurers' Guild in the capital has been quite lively lately."

Rune answered each question casually, as if he were chatting about everyday things.

But he could sense that Sebastian was carefully writing down every single word.

Rune didn't care if this information was relayed back to Nazarick. Anything he mentioned could be obtained from any merchant in the capital for a few silver coins. He wouldn't utter a single word of what was truly important.

"Speaking of which," Sebastian suddenly spoke, his tone still unhurried and calm, "if Mr. Rune finds those bandits, what do you plan to do with them?"

Rune was taken aback.

This question came somewhat abruptly. It wasn't that the topic itself was particularly sensitive; they were already tracking down the bandits, so discussing how to deal with them was perfectly natural. What surprised Rune was that the person who asked the question was Sebastian.

Logically, Sebastian should have deliberately avoided topics related to those bandits.

The horrific state of those people will soon be discovered; their deaths were clearly not caused by humans.

Anyone who showed "extra concern" for the bandits afterward could be noticed by those with ulterior motives. Given Sebastian's cautious and thorough nature, he shouldn't have asked such a question that would leave a trace.

Rune chuckled to himself.

Knew it.

These NPCs summoned from YGGDRASIL are not entirely rational machines. Like humans, they act on impulse and can be driven by emotions for a moment, asking questions that are not entirely "rational".

However, Rune didn't mind. Even with unexpected topics, he could still demonstrate his stance to Sebastian in his answers.

"It depends." Rune considered for a moment, then his tone became serious. "Those who have killed or raped people, I will execute them directly."

Sebastian tilted his head slightly, glanced at him, offered no comment, and simply listened quietly.

"As for those who just want to make a living and survive..." Rune paused, "I will take them back to the territory and settle them in the newly reclaimed area. There is a shortage of manpower there, and they can work, have food, and a place to live."

Rune thought for a moment, then added, "Mr. Sebastian may not be aware of the situation here in the kingdom. In some noble territories, taxes can reach 80%. After a year of farming, 80% of the produce has to be handed over, leaving only 20% that's barely enough to feed a family. To avoid starvation, they have no choice but to become bandits. Many bandits aren't actually vicious people at all, just starving farmers..."

Rune spoke, his tone slightly hesitant, as if he were feeling sad about something.

But he knew what kind of image these words would project to Sebastian's ears.

A just, benevolent, capable, and responsible young lord. He will severely punish crimes, but is willing to give a way out to those unfortunate people who have been forced into poverty by the world.

Every word is sincere. It's just that choosing when and to whom to say it is itself a form of expression.

Sebastian was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Mr. Rune is kind and benevolent."

The sentence was spoken in a flat tone, revealing little emotion. But Rune noticed that Sebastian's eyes showed more approval, perhaps because Sebastian was thinking of Touch Me.

As the morning light grew brighter, the mist in the forest gradually dissipated in the light. Birdsong drifted from afar, crisp and short, echoing through the open woods.

Just as Rune was about to say something, he suddenly noticed that Sebastian's eyebrows twitched slightly.

It was an extremely subtle movement; the wrinkles between Sebastian's brows seemed to be gently touched by something, and then immediately smoothed out.

If Rune hadn't been deliberately observing, he wouldn't have noticed at all.

Then Suo Liuxiang's voice came from inside the carriage.

"Sebastian".

The voice wasn't loud, but it was very clear. Through the thin car door, Lu En could tell that Suo Liuxiang's tone was different from before; she had less of the spoiled young lady's airs and more seriousness.

Sebastian turned slightly and nodded to Rune: "Excuse me."

He lowered the reins, pushed open the car door, and slipped into the carriage. The door closed softly behind him with a slight click.

The carriage continued its journey, its wheels still crunching rhythmically over the gravel. A morning breeze blew through the woods, carrying the scents of earth and vegetation.

Everything seems to be the same as before.

But Rune knew things were different now.

The carriage was too quiet.

It was just a thin wooden door, so the soundproofing couldn't be very good. Just now, Suo Liuxiang's voice could still be clearly heard from inside, but now, even with his ears straining, Rune couldn't hear anything.

There wasn't even a sound of footsteps.

Once Sebastian entered, the carriage was like a sealed iron can, swallowing up all the sounds without letting out a single one.

Rune's breathing was very even.

"Soundproofing magic," he murmured to himself.

There's only one possibility that could make Sebastian and Solius so serious, even going so far as to use magic to block out sound.

Ainz Ooal Gown has sent a message.