Ainz Ooal Gown: Noble Knight

He paused.

Please understand.

A breeze blew between the two, ruffling Rune's golden hair and Sebastian's graying temples.

The hustle and bustle of the camp seemed to fade into the distance at that moment.

Chapter 103 The Promise with Sebastian

Sebastian had actually been aware of this for some time.

Lord Rune is an extremely perceptive person, a fact he had confirmed from their very first meeting.

The young man was able to deduce so much information from the slightest clues, so he must have noticed the many flaws in himself as the "imperial merchant steward".

Moreover, after arriving in the Dragon Kingdom, Sebastian almost never deliberately concealed his strength, whether it was annihilating the army of the Bearmen tribe or confronting the Orc army head-on.

These actions were all too conspicuous; an ordinary old butler shouldn't possess such power, and it's impossible to explain them.

Sebastian had thought that Lord Rune probably already guessed something, but just hadn't said it yet.

So when Rune finally asked that question, Sebastian wasn't surprised; instead, he felt a sense of relief, as if "it's finally here."

But it's not a big problem, Sebastian thought.

Lord Rune was someone Lord Ainz admired, and even more so someone Lord Touchme respected and relied on.

Therefore, Lord Rune must be one with Nazarick.

It's just a little earlier than expected.

Sebastian was simply curious: why now?

Why did it have to happen right after Lord Tapimy awakened his innate superpowers?

Sebastian awaited Rune's answer.

Dusk deepened among them, and the sounds of soldiers clearing the battlefield drifted in from afar. The low groans of the wounded and the clatter of timber being moved mingled together like a discordant melody.

Rune was silent for a moment, as if he was organizing his thoughts.

Those light green eyes looked unusually serious in the twilight, a stark contrast to their usual easygoing and gentle demeanor.

“Sebastian,” he finally spoke, “when we were in the Dragon Kingdom, you asked me about reincarnation and [innate abilities].

Sebastian nodded slightly, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards Tapimy before returning to his own.

“I told you then that [innate ability] is the core basis for confirming reincarnation,” Rune’s voice was slightly low, “but I didn’t tell you another point.”

“It’s also possible for innate abilities to be awakened later in life.” Rune looked directly into Sebastian’s eyes. “Some people never discover their innate abilities in their entire lives, but they may be triggered under the stimulation of certain extreme emotions.”

Sebastian's breath hitched slightly.

After listening to Rune's words, he suddenly realized that with Rune's extensive knowledge, he must have known that there were cases of undiscovered [innate superpowers], but he hadn't explained it to him in detail at the time. Why was that?

Rune noticed the change in Sebastian's expression, and a bitter smile appeared on his lips.

He didn't explain immediately, but instead asked, "Sebastian, you've confirmed it, haven't you? Touchmy's [innate ability], and that person you respect...?"

Sebastian paused for a moment, then nodded firmly. His voice was a little softer than before, but utterly resolute.

"That power that severed space... it's exactly the same as that great one's, there's no mistake."

Rune let out a long sigh, the sound particularly heavy in the twilight, as if something that had been pent up for a long time was finally being poured out.

He remained silent for a moment before speaking again.

“Sebastian, when you asked me about this in the Dragon Kingdom, I didn’t tell you these things. One reason is that there are very few people who possess [innate abilities], and even fewer who haven’t been discovered for a long time. I didn’t want to give you too much unnecessary hope, so that you would keep holding onto your fantasies only to be disappointed in the end.”

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, but he didn't interrupt Rune.

“But the more important reason is,” Rune said, slowing his pace as if he were making a decision after careful consideration, “I don’t want Touchmy to be the reincarnation of that man.”

Sebastian was slightly taken aback: "Why?"

Rune's gaze passed over Sebastian's shoulder and landed on the boy not far away.

“Sebastian, you must be part of a rather powerful force,” Rune said with a hint of melancholy. “Someone with your strength, who is also accompanied by Miss Solusian who needs care, must have a very special background.”

Sebastian did not deny it, but nodded slightly.

“A large power will inevitably lead to countless disputes and struggles.” Rune showed the worry that a brother concerned for his younger brother should have. “I don’t want Tapchimi to get involved.”

Rune paused for a moment, as if reminiscing about a warm and cherished time.

"No matter who Tapimi was in his past life, to me, he is just Tapimi, the child who studied in the school in the territory of Aindora and sweated on the training field. Nothing more."

Sebastian's lips moved, as if he wanted to say something.

Rune didn't give him that chance and continued, "So, Sebastian, I hope you can pretend you don't know anything about Touchi and reincarnation. Although I believe Sebastian is a good person, the forces behind him are not necessarily all good people. If Touchi's identity is exposed, he may face mortal danger."

He paused here, as if remembering something, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

"Sebastian, do you remember what happened in the capital?"

Rune's voice fell completely, each word sounding as if squeezed out from between his teeth.

"Those people were still bound by blood ties, and they could still bring themselves to do it. Sebastian, what makes you think those in your faction who have no connection to Touchi would treat him well if they knew of his existence?"

After saying this, Rune fell silent, simply looking at Sebastian and waiting for his reply.

Sebastian remained silent for a long time.

He recalled what Rune had said: the second son of the baron in the capital killed his wise elder brother in order to inherit the title.

Killing one's own blood relatives for personal gain is not uncommon among humans.

But the Great Tomb of Nazarick is different.

The trust the Supreme Beings had in each other, their cherishment of their creations—those things etched deep within Sebastian's soul—were fundamentally different from the base squabbles among nobles.

"Lord Rune, you are overthinking it. Lord Touchimi is the reincarnation of that lord, and will only receive the highest honors in Nazarick."

Sebastian spoke with certainty, trying to dispel Lord Rune's concerns with his confidence.

“The Guardians will respect him, and the Supreme Being will cherish him. Nazarick is completely different from what you imagine.”

Rune did not back down; his light green eyes remained fixed on Sebastian, his seriousness undiminished.

"Sebastian, can you really guarantee that?"

Sebastian met his gaze.

"I guarantee with my life and dignity that the thing you are worried about will never happen."

Neither of them backed down. The twilight formed an invisible barrier between them, and the air seemed so still that they could almost hear each other's heartbeats.

Just when the atmosphere was about to reach its limit

"I will obey Lord Rune."

A clear voice interrupted from the side, like a pair of scissors, deftly severing the tension between the two.

Sebastian and Rune turned their heads at the same time.

Touchimi had somehow gotten up and was walking towards them. He was still holding Leno's body in his arms, but his steps were no longer as unsteady as before.

Those azure eyes were still a little red and swollen, but their gaze had become firm again.

He walked up to the two of them and stopped.

“What Lord Rune said is exactly what I was thinking.” Tapimy’s voice was slightly hoarse, but his meaning was clear.

"I was picked up by Lord Rune from the capital. Lord Rune raised me and taught me principles. If Lord Rune doesn't want my identity to be exposed, then I won't expose it."

As he spoke, his gaze was fixed on Sebastian, filled with the stubbornness and sincerity unique to young people.

Rune was waiting for this moment when Tachimi's wishes clashed with the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

So, Sebastian, what will you choose?

Sebastian looked into Tapchimi's eyes.

'Indeed, no matter how many times Lord Touchimi reincarnates, the noble essence of his soul remains as radiant as ever.'

Sebastian lowered his eyes.

Silence spread among the three, as the wind blew from the direction of the valley, stirring up fine dust.

then

Sebastian knelt down on one knee.

His movements were so light that the sound of his knees hitting the ground was swallowed up by the wind.

But that gesture carried more weight than any words; the hem of his black tuxedo fell into the dust, and his gray hair hung slightly low.

"Yes, Your Excellency Tapimi."

Rune's heart skipped a beat as he looked at the old man kneeling on one knee in front of him.

He tried his best to suppress the smile that was about to well up in his mouth, keeping his expression taut and instead showing a relieved look.

'It worked, Sebastian agreed.'

Rune knew better than anyone what this promise meant.

Unlike Sebastian's promise to resurrect the girl Reno, this time Touch Me's request is for Sebastian to conceal something from Nazarick, which the other Guardians would consider a betrayal.

But Sebastian still firmly chose Tachimi.

This means that for Sebastian, Tachimi is a higher priority than Nazarik.

Sebastian's knees were still covered in dust as he slowly stood up, his gaze still fixed on Tapchimi.

The boy stood in the twilight, cradling Leno's body in his arms. His short, golden hair fluttered in the evening breeze, and his azure eyes were filled with seriousness and determination.

Sebastian looked at that young face, his heart filled with complex emotions.

He had just promised to protect Lord Tapimi's identity.

This means that he needs to conceal almost all information about Touch Me from Lord Ainz.

Sebastian knew very well that with Lord Ainz's wisdom and keen insight, even if he only reported a little bit of information about Lord Touchme to Lord Ainz, Lord Ainz would immediately realize the connection.

Lord Ainz will definitely ask more questions.