Chapter 32: Some Interesting People are Coming
The voice belonged to none other than Albedo. Realizing this, Shalltear couldn't help but curse inwardly.
'Shit!'
Shalltear knew that Albedo, the general manager of the guardians of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, had sent a message to get a report on the mission, likely after noticing the strangeness in the situation.
[Ah, Albedo!]
Shalltear called out to Albedo with a trembling voice.
Albedo's presence was the last thing she wanted, but now that Albedo had contacted her, Shalltear had no choice but to explain everything and seek her help. After all, it was her mistake, and even now, if she could rectify it and fulfill her mission, she might still avoid the worst possible scenario.
Normally, Shalltear was in constant rivalry with Albedo for the position of Aurelius's royal wife. However, at this moment, Albedo was her best hope because the mission had been entrusted to her by Aurelius himself.
[What's going on?]
Albedo's voice, both beautiful and worried, resonated in Shalltear's mind.
[That... that's what I mean...]
Shalltear explained to Albedo exactly what had happened up to that point and asked how she could make amends for her mistake. She was desperate and struggled with her mission failure, which should never have happened. In her urgency, she sought Albedo's advice.
[Hang on.]
Even though Albedo knew what was wrong, she pretended to be oblivious and left Shalltear with a voice message, telling her to wait as if she were checking something.
After a moment, her voice returned to Shalltear's mind.
[Aurelius-sama is currently absent, so I asked Narberal. According to Narberal's message, Aurelius-sama doesn't regard that red-haired woman as special. But it's still hard to determine his true intentions because, according to Narberal, he deliberately caused her trouble and gave her the potion himself, which led to a series of events. So it's hard to say anything for certain.]
[Shit! What should I do now?]
[Don't worry too much. As far as I can see, even if Aurelius-Sama had some intentions for her, she isn't someone important, according to Narberal and my own observations.]
[-Really?]
[Yes, but don't kill her. She was bestowed an item upon her by Aurelius-Sama himself. I don't know what might happen if you accidentally kill her.]
[… Phew~ Luckily, I didn't kill her…]
Shalltear finally exhaled, wiping the non-existent sweat from her undead forehead.
However, before she could relax again, Albedo's next words made her whole body tense once more.
[That is fine, but Shalltear, what about the blue-haired human and the other humans Aurelius-Sama instructed you to bring? Where are they?]
[What? He-he….]
Shalltear stuttered, unable to give a proper answer.
She had just barely escaped one pit, only to fall into another swamp. It felt as if the whole world was conspiring against her, trying its hardest to make her fail the mission entrusted to her by her Lord.
[I can't see them anywhere near your vicinity... Tell me, have they run away?]
Eventually, Shalltear could only bite her lip and nod reluctantly.
[Yes… They ran away.]
[Aurelius-Sama asked you to find the blue-haired person on your own. Isn't that human easy to catch?]
Albedo's voice was sharp.
[It's just a matter of time before I catch him again with my followers… Just give me some time!]
Shalltear insisted, but Albedo rejected it flatly.
[Never mind the excuses. Since he's nowhere in sight, it's clear he's gone far enough that it will be difficult for you to catch him soon. Besides, I think you won't have the time to catch him. It seems you have company…]
Shalltear was taken aback by Albedo's sudden words.
[Company?]
[Yes, Shalltear, some interesting humans are approaching you.]
[Interesting people? Can't you be clear?]
[They're a little different from the weak humans you've met so far. Several of them radiate strong energy.]
[How strong?]
[Although I can't pinpoint the exact level, I estimate one to be level 80. Most of the others are around level 30. And… there's something even more intriguing.]
[What?! What...?]
Shalltear's voice trembled with unease.
[One of them is an old woman wearing a World Item. It's a World Item designed to control the mind, even those of the undead like you. However, the World Item Aurelius-sama temporarily gave you counters it perfectly. Could it be that Aurelius-Sama anticipated this? Ah... my beloved…]
Albedo's smile widened, and hearts appeared in her eyes.
[What..? So, then this flute…]
Shalltear pulled out a flute, intricately surrounded by snakes.
[Yes. Aurelius-sama gave you a world item that nullifies mind control and turns the target into stone, allowing you to counterattack against the World Item that exerts mind control.]
[Aurelius-sama... was worried about me...]
Shalltear was thrilled that Aurelius had foreseen and cared for her well-being.
[Yes, so leave the blue-haired man and the others for now, and focus on dealing with those humans. With the World Item Aurelius-Sama gave you and your level, you'll be able to annihilate them easily. But please capture them alive if possible. If not, then eradicate them all.]
[Ah, I understand.]
[Good. I'll be watching you from here, and I'll be ready for any emergencies. However, beware, Shalltear; this is your last chance. Aurelius-Sama has already shown his trust in you by giving you this World Item. I trust you're wise enough to understand the consequences if you were to face that mind-controlling World Item alone, especially with your overconfidence and careless attitude.]
Though Albedo's scolding was harsh, Shalltear bit her lip and lowered her head in shame, acknowledging the truth in Albedo's words. She understood the implications better than anyone—being mind-controlled by enemies and becoming a traitor to Nazarick would be worse than eternal torture for her.
Fortunately, her Lord had anticipated her needs and addressed her shortcomings to prevent such a dire situation.
Just thinking about it made Shalltear feel at ease, and she became extremely cautious. Focused determination replaced her frenzied state.
"Haa... my great and lovely lord… I will always follow your will."
Shalltear swiftly moved towards the unknown group of intruders, realizing they were her only chance at redemption in this moment.
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