After the teleportation was complete, Sig and Shalltear arrived at the outer perimeter of Nazarick. Rolling hills covered in dense vegetation made it seem as if this place had always been like this.
But in fact, this place was a flat plain just over ten days ago; it was thanks to Mare's Earth magic that it was disguised into its current appearance.
The surface parts of Nazarick were all concealed, leaving only the final entrance, the Central Shrine, with an illusionary barrier set up around it.
Even if someone specializing in reconnaissance came to investigate, they would likely not find any clues.
"It's quite well done," Shalltear commented, then a red light flashed around her, and she giggled sweetly, "This humble one shall cast a flying spell on Lord Sig, so that no dust gets on your clothes."
Since she said so, there was no need for Sig to refuse.
Because of his main warrior profession, his MP recovery was relatively slow, and Dominion Spell was a skill that consumed a lot of magic power, so he simply did not refuse Shalltear's kind gesture.
It is worth mentioning that using flying magic and wings, there is not much difference in sensory perception; no matter which method is used, the flying state achieved is similar.
Actually, Sig flying with wings was probably also because he had innate flying magic, as it still required magic power consumption.
"Thank you, Shalltear."
"It is this humble one's honor to share Lord Sig's worries. What's more, one must work hard after receiving a reward."
"Since you have completed the task outstandingly, it is what you deserve. If you don't like its appearance, wearable items can usually have their appearance changed using data crystals."
"This subordinate will certainly live up to the name of the World Item, [Downfall of Castle and Country]. Thank you for your generous gift, Lord Sig!"
Because she was flying in the air, Shalltear, for the sake of her manners, could not kneel, but her words were still full of respect.
Vampires inherently possess decent mind-control type skills. With such a well-matched item, tasks will become even more convenient, and more ways to play can be developed.
"Hmm... as long as you like it. However, if the Guildmaster asks, just tell him I gave it to you privately," Sig instructed, "But remember not to show it off to others, okay?"
Especially Albedo, just thinking about it gives him a headache.
"Ah, could this be a little secret between Lord Sig and me?" Shalltear cupped her cheeks with both hands.
Sig looked at the Central Shrine in the distance, and his flying speed suddenly decreased.
He said earnestly, "Shalltear, if I hadn't been present this time, there was a very high chance you would have been controlled by the enemy. I don't need to say more about the consequences of betraying Nazarick, do I?"
Shalltear's tone was extremely firm, and because her pitch was too high, it sounded more like a roar, "I will not betray Nazarick! Lord Sig!"
"That's why I bestowed this World Item upon you. Your positions as Guardians are the same in my heart, and I don't want any animosity to arise among you because of this. If others knew you received special treatment, they might collectively request the reward be revoked."
Sig lowered his voice, "You understand what I mean, Shalltear."
Shalltear was startled, clutching the hem of her skirt tightly, somewhat at a loss, "This subordinate understands..."
"But since I have bestowed this item upon you, it means you deserve it. Not only did you suppress Blood Frenzy, but you also perfectly completed the mission. I can't think of a better reward."
A total of seven useful individuals were captured: the old woman who could use [Downfall of Castle and Country] and five members of the Black Scripture. Six people were let go. The 'nail clippers' barely counted as one. All in all, the harvest was quite abundant.
Sig looked at Shalltear's exquisite attire. The hand he intended to use to pat her head only lightly patted her back, "Let's go, Shalltear-chan."
This way of addressing her should be fine; after all, no one would correct a Supreme Being's mistake, right?
In a place unseen, Shalltear's eyes flickered with red light, seemingly on the verge of falling into Blood Frenzy, but quickly returned to normal.
She wiped her mouth, "Oh no, just bear with it a little longer. I can't make a fool of myself in front of a Supreme Being."
Although she could suppress Blood Frenzy, constantly holding it back easily reached the threshold. She would vent properly on her own territory once she returned.
"Welcome back, Lord Sig."
Albedo happily flapped her wings, a bright smile on her face. Yuri, who was following behind her, also greeted him.
"Albedo, thank you for coming to greet me personally. Where is the Guildmaster?" Sig looked around.
Albedo understood immediately and said, "Lord Ainz has already returned. Demiurge is currently reporting on the mission progress. Lord Sig, please proceed to the Throne Room."
"Let's not disturb them yet. We'll wait in the lounge for a bit. Shalltear, if you have nothing to do, you can go back first," Sig said, turning his head.
Albedo's voice became a little colder, or rather, more serious; it was no longer that gentle tone, "Shalltear, do you have anything to report to Lord Ainz?"
"No," Shalltear snorted. In the past, she just told Demiurge what had happened. How would she know how to report mission status?
She lightly lifted the hem of her skirt, "Lord Sig, this subordinate shall take her leave first."
Sig nodded, "Go back and rest."
Using a ring to teleport to a lounge, Yuri stood at the door as a servant. Sig looked at the fidgeting Albedo and spoke, "Sit down, Albedo, you've worked hard too."
Albedo originally wanted to decline, but seeing Sig's smiling face, she couldn't help but sit next to him, "As you command."
Although Sig himself felt that this half-human face was not handsome, which was true from a human perspective, in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, any form was perfectly beautiful.
Even Shalltear admitted this, though she was stubborn due to her preferences.
Feeling the sofa next to him sink, Sig smelled a peculiar fragrance. Was it body scent? It felt quite magical, and somewhat familiar.
Albedo stretched her wings, accidentally brushing against his tail. She quickly leaned over to ask, "Lord Sig, you didn't feel uncomfortable, did you? I am very sorry, it was my mistake."
"It's fine, my tail isn't sensitive. If you don't believe me, you can touch it."
Sig only felt a very slight touch; if Albedo hadn't said anything, he wouldn't have noticed. On the contrary, with her this close, the fragrance was impossible to ignore.
"May I?" Albedo touched his scaly tail, a very faint laugh escaping her lips, as if she was suppressing something.
Five minutes later, Sig couldn't help but say, "Albedo, that's enough, isn't it?"
Albedo reluctantly withdrew her hand, then gasped in surprise as if she had done something wrong.
"What's wrong?"
"I was so engrossed in touching Lord Sig that I felt it was very rude. Would you like to touch my wings too?" Albedo picked up Sig's hand with anticipation.
"Hmm..."