Ainz Ooal Gown: Noble Knight

The first type is where dragons possess only primordial magic, not world-class items.

The second type is that the dragon possesses world-class items, but the strength of its primordial magic has not yet reached the level of world-class items.

The third, and worst-case scenario, is that the dragon possesses both a world-class item and primordial magic with effects comparable to a world-class item.

Ainz's knuckles clenched unconsciously.

Either way, it means Nazarick will need to go all out to cope.

However, Nazarick's intelligence network is still too weak, and it has no idea about the distribution and specific strength of the true dragon kings.

Ainz put his thoughts aside for the moment and returned to his communication with Sebastian.

“Sebastian.” His voice regained its usual authority. “This intelligence is extremely important. Nazarick and I will remember your contribution.”

“…Thank you, Lord Ainz,” Sebastian replied in a low voice.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the communication.

Logically, Sebastian should feel genuine joy and satisfaction at being praised so earnestly by Lord Ainz.

But Sebastian found that he didn't feel much emotional reaction.

He was indeed happy, but that happiness felt veiled, not truly real.

He savored Ainz's praise in his mind, but couldn't help but think of another face.

Lord Taqimi.

If Lord Tapimy were here, what kind of praise would he offer?

She'd probably smile brighter than the sun, and shout, "Sebastian, you're amazing!"

Sebastian's thoughts drifted in that direction unconsciously. He quickly snapped back to reality and scolded himself inwardly.

How can I let my mind wander at a time like this?

Lord Ainz is praising him; he should accept this praise wholeheartedly.

Chapter 123 Results

Sebastian snapped back to reality.

He had actually been distracted when Ainz praised him, his mind filled with how Touch Me would praise him.

This loss of composure caused a cold sweat to break out on his back. Although Lord Ainz couldn't possibly have noticed it through the [message], the guilt of dereliction of duty still made his breathing quicken.

"...I only did what I was supposed to do, and I don't deserve such praise from Lord Ainz." Sebastian tried to keep his voice steady and forcibly suppressed the unwanted thoughts in his heart.

On the other end of the communication, Ainz's voice rang out again, with the composure typical of a superior: "Very good. Sebastian, you and Solusan will remain in the capital and keep an eye on any intelligence regarding dragons."

Sebastian replied in a low voice, "Yes, sir."

"Furthermore," Ainz seemed to suddenly remember something, "the information you brought back this time is very important, and the reward will be given to you when you return to Nazarick."

"Thank you, Lord Ainz."

The communication was cut off, and the magical connection slowly faded from the edge of Sebastian's consciousness.

Sebastian opened his eyes. Solus was standing a few steps away, silently watching Sebastian.

"Lord Sebastian," Solius blinked, "what did Lord Ainz say?"

“Continue to stay in the capital and gather intelligence,” Sebastian replied briefly, raising his hand to straighten the collar of his tuxedo to conceal the guilty look that came from his absent-mindedness.

"And Lord Ainz said that our reward will be given when we return to Nazarick."

Sebastian naturally attributed his credit to Soliuxiang.

Upon hearing this, Suo Liuxiang nodded, as if he had thought of something pleasant, and a crooked smile appeared on his lips.

Meanwhile, in the throne room of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz sat alone on the enormous throne.

He closed the [Messages] interface, and the semi-transparent light curtain dissipated in front of the throne.

Ainz gently stroked his jawbone with his finger bones, adopting a thoughtful posture.

In fact, he didn't think the capital city could gather any more crucial information about dragons.

The queen of the Dragon Kingdom has already revealed quite a few secrets.

The core information about Primal Magic, the True Dragon King, and Soul Consumption has been obtained. Subsequent intelligence will likely only provide supplementary details and will not yield any groundbreaking progress.

But he was unwilling to give up the public identities that Sebastian and Soliuxiang had painstakingly established in the capital.

After all, those two are now operating under the guise of imperial merchant ladies, and have already established a certain network of connections within the noble circles of the capital. Once these resources are withdrawn, it will take much more effort to re-enter the market.

Ainz made a decision to keep them around for now, as a way to maintain an intelligence source.

As for Sebastian's reward... Ainz's gaze fell on a certain spot in the void.

This is the main reason why Ainz is not letting Sebastian return for the time being, because he has not thought it through at all.

Gold coins, equipment, power—Sebastian doesn't seem to care much about any of these things.

Moreover, the value of this intelligence is indeed very high. Giving too little information would seem perfunctory, while giving too much might disrupt the internal balance of Nazarick and cause dissatisfaction among other guardians.

Ainz leaned back in his chair, the dark red light in his eye sockets flickering uncertainly.

'Forget it, let's put it off for now. We can give it to you when we've thought it through.'

He rose from his throne, activated the [Message] spell, and began contacting the guardians of the various levels of Nazarick.

"Demeurge, come to the Throne Room for a meeting."

"Cocytus, come to the throne room."

“Yawu, Mare…”

After notifying each of the guardians, Ainz sat back on his throne, adjusted his posture to make himself look more dignified as the "Supreme Ruler".

Meanwhile, Ainz mentally organized the information Sebastian had reported, preparing to announce it to the Guardians later.

A moment later, heavy footsteps and the soft rustling of fabric came from the entrance of the hall.

Cocytus arrived first, his enormous insect-like body moving between the stone pillars, his four arms hanging naturally at his sides, his steel-like exoskeleton gleaming coldly under the magic lamp.

Following closely behind were Yau and Mare, the dark elf siblings who walked in one after the other. Yau's steps were light, while Mare kept his head down, the bottom of his staff tapping lightly on the ground, producing a rhythmic tapping sound.

Albedo then appeared, dressed in a magnificent white gown. She first gave Lord Ainz a deep look, and then gracefully walked to the lower right side of the throne.

Demiurge was the last to arrive.

He walked a little faster than usual, the hem of his dark suit swaying gently with his movements. He adjusted his tie, a graceful smile playing on his lips.

"...Everyone's here." Ainz cleared his throat habitually, getting into the zone. "The reason I've gathered you all here is to announce..."

Just as he was about to continue speaking, Demiurge took a big step forward.

Ainz's words stuck in his throat.

Demiurge stopped after that step, and then made a move that Ainz had never expected.

Demiurge knelt on one knee, raising his right hand in front of him with his fingers together, giving a standard German military salute as he knelt.

Ainz's jaw opened up instantly.

On that pale, skeletal face, the dark red light in the eye sockets pulsed wildly.

Ainz looked at Demiurge, who was kneeling on the ground with his right hand raised, and felt as if his mind had been subjected to a time-stopping spell.

“…Um, Demiurge,” Ainz’s voice trembled slightly, “what is this…”

Demiurge looked up, his jewel-like eyes gleaming with anticipation behind his glasses.

"Lord Ainz!" Demiurge's excitement was almost impossible to hide. "After you told me not to perform the previous greeting, I thought hard and, after several days and nights of repeated deliberation and practice, I have finally improved the way of bowing."

He maintained that posture, his tone full of earnest explanation.

"This salute combines the elegant hand gestures of the previous etiquette with the kneeling posture, which more fully reflects the subordinate's respect and admiration for Lord Ainz."

After Demiurge finished speaking, he stared intently at Ainz, the corners of his mouth curving upwards to his ears.

"What does Lord Ainz think?"

Ainz felt a dull ache in his skull.

A green light flashed across his body, and forced calm was triggered.

But when Ainz finally calmed down, he looked up and found that Demiurge was still in the same position.

Then the green light, which had been forcibly calming down, lit up again.

Ainz raised his hands and covered his eye sockets.

"...Demeurge."

"Here," the demon's expectant voice rang out.

Ainz sighed deeply. Although he didn't have lungs, this action had become an unconscious habit for him when he was extremely helpless.

“You… did a good job.” Ainz hesitated for a moment, then decided to praise Demiurge anyway. “However… kneeling all the time isn’t very convenient during operations.”

Ainz felt that if he continued to deny Demiurge, Demiurge might come up with an even more outrageous move next time.

“So,” Ainz continued, “you can continue with the usual etiquette as before. Is that alright?”

Demiurge was slightly taken aback, his excitement at being recognized filling him with pride: "Lord Ainz... you actually considered the convenience of your subordinates' actions..."

He lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly: "Your subordinate... is deeply moved."

Ainz looked at him, and his jawline opened up a little more.

'Why am I getting emotional again?' he silently cried out in his heart. 'I just wanted you to stop coming up with new tricks...'

Demiurge had straightened up, lowered his right hand, and regained his elegant and composed demeanor, though some excitement still lingered on his face.

His gaze inadvertently swept over Ainz's side.

Albedo stood there, the hem of her pure white dress flowing like snow, but her exquisite face now bore an undisguised expression of disdain.

Her lips were slightly downturned, and her golden vertical pupils were half-closed, as if she were watching a poorly made, embarrassing one-woman show.

That look in his eyes practically screamed, "Have you had enough?"

Demiurge noticed that gaze, but his smile didn't fade at all.