"Then let's continue, Demiurge, how are the preparations coming along?"
When Ainz's father asked this, Iri, who was sitting on Ainz's lap, immediately knew that this was another one of Ainz's father's little tricks, which was to make Xiao Di report the next plan.
"Reporting to Ainz, just as Ainz expected, the seeds have been planted; all that's left is to wait for them to mature and harvest," Xiao Di replied.
Ainz's father had no idea what you were talking about when you spoke so ambiguously, Xiao Di! Although Iri herself didn't know either.
"Very good, then Albedo, what were the results of dealing with the other invaders?" Ainz's father shifted the topic to Albedo, and by mentioning invaders, he clearly intended to question Albedo, then make Albedo question why the Four Strategists were still being kept, right? Ainz's father is truly easy to understand, Iri thought.
"Aside from those who died in battle on the spot, all the others who were still alive were sent to where they were needed," Albedo replied.
"Very good, then the future defense of Nazarick will be entrusted to you, Albedo. Now, Demiurge, Albedo, do you have any other questions?" Ainz said. Here it comes! Such an obvious hint, isn't he just trying to make Albedo ask a question!
"Ainz!" See! However, to Iri's surprise, Xiao Di and Albedo spoke almost simultaneously.
"One by one, Demiurge, you first," Ainz said, waving his hand.
"Ainz, your subordinate has one thing he doesn't quite understand. Why did you entertain those remaining rats?" Demiurge asked.
Tsk... It was Xiao Di who asked it; this is a bit troublesome!
Iri's original plan was to wait for Albedo to raise this question first. Ainz's father would definitely throw this question to her, and then she would throw the question to Xiao Di, letting Xiao Di come up with a self-consistent explanation. But it doesn't matter... there's still a way.
"You don't understand, Demiurge?" Ainz asked.
"Yes, I don't understand. I hope Ainz can enlighten me," Xiao Di replied.
"Then what about Albedo?" Ainz's father was indeed playing this game again. If Albedo couldn't answer either, then it would be her turn, right?
"Ainz, actually, I also have questions about why those few rats were kept. Of course... of course, I don't mean to question Ainz's decision; I simply don't understand," Albedo also expressed her view.
"Of course, there is naturally a reason for keeping them. Did none of you truly see it?" Ainz emphasized his tone to confirm once more, and his gaze lingered on Xiao Di. It seemed Ainz's father still hoped Xiao Di could figure it out.
"Please enlighten us, Ainz," Xiao Di bowed to Ainz's father and replied.
"Alright, since none of you have figured it out, let Iri answer you," Ainz's father said with a rather regretful tone. See? Ainz's father is truly easy to understand!
"Eh? Little Yi?" Albedo was quite surprised, and Xiao Di's eyes lit up as he looked at Iri. Hey, hey! Don't be like that, it's a lot of pressure!
"Actually, it's very simple. Ainz's father kept them all for information, and they can also play a certain role in the subsequent plans," Iri said, organizing her thoughts before replying.
"Information? What information can be obtained from those few rats? If you want information, let the inquisitor or…" Albedo naturally raised a question.
"Albedo, you don't understand this. This is where Ainz's father is so amazing. Do you know Ainz's father's intention in agreeing to let me go out alone for such a long time?" Iri said.
"Eh?" Albedo was very surprised, letting out a gasp. Ainz too... Ainz didn't expect Iri to bring him up. When he let Iri go out alone, wasn't it because Iri snuck out alone and even claimed it was for his plan? What plan did he have?
"Ainz's father let me go out because he wanted me to integrate into human society and gather information," Iri said.
"I don't understand. What's the difference between this and directly capturing a few humans, torturing them, or brainwashing them to obtain information?" Albedo expressed her confusion.
"Albedo, during my time out, I discovered that humans are quite interesting creatures. While your method can indeed obtain information, that method can only acquire the information we specifically want to know at that moment, which is a 'question-and-answer' approach. However, the way information is obtained by integrating among them and becoming their companions is different. Although the information obtained at the time might not be what we initially wanted, through daily interactions, we can acquire information that we wouldn't normally think of, but which will prove very useful in the future," Iri said, of course... this was all nonsense.
"Uh..." Albedo looked confused, appearing somewhat unable to accept it. Of course, Iri also knew that this nonsense alone would be very difficult for Albedo and Xiao Di to understand.
"The purpose of Ainz's father disguising himself as Black Warrior Feifei and establishing prestige among humans also lies in this. Ainz's father chose to become a hero to humans, and I... I learned from Ainz's father to become their companion. And... there's another advantage to doing this," Iri paused, then glanced at Xiao Di. This was intentional, as she needed to trick Xiao Di here.
"Ainz's father kept them because of my suggestion. Of course, it was largely Ainz's father's idea; I merely selected these few individuals according to Ainz's father's wishes. Just like the spies Demiurge has infiltrated into the Kingdom, who can constantly gather information, I too can constantly gather information from those few individuals I've chosen." Iri continued, then sighed inwardly, truly a destroyer of seniority!
"Elizabeth, I generally understand what you're saying, but I still have one question: what kind of information can we possibly obtain from these few humans who have no status or position?" Xiao Di asked.
Perhaps from Iri's words, Xiao Di felt that the information obtained from his spies infiltrated in the Kingdom was making Ainz dissatisfied, right?
"Humans are quite selfish creatures, especially the smarter ones... Information obtained over a long period from selfish humans is always somewhat unsettling, isn't it?"
Iri deliberately showed a very "cute" smile and glanced at Xiao Di, clearly intending to give Xiao Di a hint.
Heh heh! Knowing the script allows me to do as I please. Here, I'm subtly hinting to Xiao Di to keep a close eye on the Golden Princess. Although that fellow hasn't caused any trouble yet, you never know what might happen later.
"No... It's truly Ainz; he saw through everything! Indeed, nothing can be hidden from Ainz! I will definitely strengthen my surveillance of her!" Xiao Di looked shocked, then bowed very respectfully to Ainz's father.
"It's alright, Demiurge, I forgive you. You are also thinking for Nazarick," Ainz's father said, waving his hand. At this moment, Ainz's father must be utterly bewildered!
Ainz's father knew that Xiao Di had spies in the Kingdom, but Ainz's father did not know who the spies were.
"Thank you, Ainz! So, how should those few be arranged next?" Xiao Di asked after expressing his gratitude to Ainz.
"Let them all go," Iri naturally couldn't miss this opportunity and spoke first.
"Let them all go? Those few rats who dirtied Nazarick? Let them go? Abso—" Albedo said, quite displeased, but she was interrupted by Ainz's father.
"Albedo!" Ainz's father turned his head and looked at Albedo.
"V-very sorry." Albedo immediately cowered. Albedo's reaction, given her dislike for humans, was within Iri's expectations. Of course, Iri had also prepared the words to persuade her.
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