A long, long time ago, in an era when everyone lived together in harmony, there was a nation in the center called Nazarick, which championed equality for all races.
In this nation, there was no distinction between high and low, noble and common; as long as one abided by the nation's rules, their livelihood was basically guaranteed. However, good times did not last; eight god-like beings swiftly conquered the entire continent. Only Nazarick, thanks to the concerted resistance of its powerful King, army, and citizens, managed to escape disaster.
But, against gods, falling was only a matter of time, and resistance was merely a prolonged struggle. So, one day, the gods used a malicious artifact to curse all of Nazarick, transforming the King, retainers, army, and everyone else into hideous Alien (aberrations). They also spread rumors slandering the entire royal family of Nazarick, causing the populace to question them. Ultimately, Nazarick, having lost the support of its people, quickly fell.
The King, retainers, and generals who had given the gods so much trouble, along with their last city, were all sealed by the gods and submerged underground.
However, before Nazarick was conquered, the Prince of Nazarick escaped with his young sister. Originally, these two should have been a beacon of hope, but their ultimate fate was even more despairing. Before their escape, both had already been infected by the malicious curse, it just hadn't manifested yet.
After the curse activated, the brother became a being unable to endure sunlight, while the sister transformed into a monster that could only survive by consuming blood. As if that wasn't enough, those eight gods still did not intend to spare Nazarick's bloodline, and so...
Later, when the siblings awoke again, they found themselves in an unfamiliar era.
In this era, there was no trace left of Nazarick's past existence, only the fearsome reputation of the god-like beings known as the Eight Greed Kings, who had once swept across the continent.
Due to the prolonged period of being sealed, both siblings had varying degrees of memory loss. To survive in this unfamiliar era and to recover their memories, the siblings relied on each other. The brother took up arms and became an Adventurer, while the sister traveled extensively to understand this world and search for her past.
Gradually, the siblings' memories began to resurface. The sister, having gradually recovered her memories through various investigations, learned the whereabouts of Nazarick. So, the sister, who was in the Empire, intended to return to Nazarick, her rightful home, by herself.
However, the sister learned through some channel that a certain noble in the Empire also had his sights set on Nazarick, and had hired quite a few Black Workers to invade Nazarick. So, while the sister was in a small street shop pondering a solution, she unintentionally overheard a conversation behind her...
The above is the story Iri made up, though upon closer inspection, there are still many flaws.
But, as the saying goes, dead men tell no tales! If you doubt it, go find the Eight Greed Kings, who have been dead for five hundred years, and confront them! And for the vague parts, I can just excuse myself by saying I don't remember. No matter how I think about it, I can stand in an invincible position!
Wahahaha.
"I never thought Iri-meimei had such a background! Don't cry, don't cry…" Imina looked at Iri, who seemed to be forcibly holding back tears as she recounted her "tragic" past. Big sister Imina, with a surge of maternal affection, hugged Iri and comforted her with a pained expression.
"I'm truly sorry for using you all…" Iri put on a very sad and guilty expression as she apologized. A performance must be complete, mustn't it!
"I never thought that bastard noble would make us come to a place like this," Hellank replied. "Iri-meimei, you don't need to blame yourself. If it weren't for you, we probably would have died here."
"Iri-meimei had also been trying to dissuade us from coming in earlier, but we just didn't listen," Roba sighed. "From Iri-meimei's perspective, it was indeed hard for her to explain clearly."
"Even if she had explained the situation to us, before we came in, we probably wouldn't have believed Iri's words," Arshe finally offered her thoughts. After all, if someone just jumped out and said, "This is my home! It's very dangerous inside, don't go in," who would believe them?
"Everyone, please rest assured, I will find a way to persuade my father to let you out," Iri said. "Before that, you will have to bear with waiting."
"It's fine, it's fine, this place is super nice! We don't have to work, and the food is so delicious. I love it here," Hellank comforted Iri. "Instead, Iri-meimei, don't push yourself too hard. When we ventured into this line of work, we were already prepared to lose our lives at any moment. Although there are some regrets, no matter the outcome, we won't blame you."
…
"Hey! Hellank! Isn't what you just said going too far!" Roba glared at Hellank with a displeased expression.
Iri had already left. Soon after Iri departed, Roba unleashed his frustration.
"It is indeed too much, but what can be done! To survive, this is the only way to speak, isn't it? Do you think I want to say this? But Roba, do you have any other methods? Our lives are entirely in Iri-meimei's hands! If we don't give her some guilt and pressure…"
Hellank glanced at Imina and Arshe as he responded. He was the one who initially accepted this commission. At the very least, he had to ensure Imina and Arshe left this place alive.
"…" Roba had nothing more to say. Everyone actually understood that to survive, their only option now was to rely on Iri.
Of course, it wasn't just Iri-meimei who felt guilty; Arshe did too. Arshe had always believed that this commission was reluctantly accepted by everyone because they were considering her financial situation.
"Can we… find an opportunity ourselves?" Arshe gritted her teeth, thinking of her two younger sisters, and said.
"Give up, Arshe… I understand how you feel. Iri-meimei also said it earlier, didn't she? We are on the eighth underground floor, and the vicinity is filled with magic traps. If Iri-meimei hadn't arrived early, Imina would probably have rushed out without listening to advice and fallen into a trap by now. All we can do now is pray here that Iri-meimei can successfully persuade her father," Hellank shrugged helplessly, then quite naturally lay down on the bed.
"Although I feel very sorry for Iri-meimei, this is the only way," Imina also imitated Hellank and lay down on the bed. She felt guilty now, having previously blamed Iri-meimei for attacking Hellank.
"I hope it goes well!" Roba could only sigh, thinking to himself… he just hoped Iri-meimei wouldn't push herself too hard after hearing Hellank's words.
Although he was very reluctant, at this stage, this was the only option.
"Yawn…" As soon as Iri stepped out the door, she let out a big yawn, then used her ring to teleport back to her room.
So tired… I didn't expect acting to be such a physical task. My face is a bit stiff. Remembering what Hellank had just said to her, Iri snorted a laugh and flopped onto her bed without even changing her clothes.
Iri wasn't oblivious to Hellank's meaning; he simply wanted to remind her that their lives depended on her. Wasn't he just trying to add some pressure and guilt to make her work harder!
She would have done it even without Hellank's reminder, honestly… Anyway, it was getting late. Although she knew Ainz did not need sleep, going to him right after fighting him felt too abrupt. She would sleep and talk to him after waking up.
The Four Strategists' lives? Didn't Ainz say he would treat them as guests? They wouldn't die for now, don't worry… After a night of commotion, she would get some good sleep first.
Goodnight… Iri thought, closing her eyes without any tension, and falling asleep in less than two minutes.
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