On the wilderness road leading back toward E-Rantel, thirty members of the Tiger Knight Order escorted a floating magic carriage pulled by a dragon-horse.
The formation moved at a measured pace. No haste. No tension.
Their lord had not ordered speed.
A ripple of space distorted the air.
Lock and Vier appeared inside the carriage.
"Master," Vier asked calmly, "do you intend to return directly to your territory… or make another stop?"
Her thoughts were unusually heavy.
The encounter earlier had shaken something fundamental. Until now, she had believed Lock stood utterly beyond comparison. Yet she had seen it with her own eyes—Ainz Ooal Gown and Albedo were beings who could stand against him, even briefly.
If she did not grow stronger, she would become a spectator rather than a blade.
That was unacceptable.
Lock considered her question for a moment.
"We've already sent our message to the Slane Theocracy," he said evenly. "Someone must remain in the territory to receive whoever comes in response."
He turned his gaze to her.
"Vier. You and the Tiger Knights will return first. Stay alert. If there is any movement—any at all—you inform me immediately."
"I understand," she replied without hesitation.
The communication necklace at her throat pulsed faintly. With it, distance and time were meaningless.
"Next," Lock continued, a trace of resignation touching his voice, "I'll go see Catherine. If I don't, she'll cause trouble later."
Vier allowed herself a small smile.
Among all noble families she had observed, the relationship between these siblings was… abnormal. No scheming. No rivalry. No hunger for inheritance or authority.
Trust.
"Please extend my greetings to Lady Catherine."
"I will."
With that, Lock activated teleportation magic. Space folded, and he vanished.
Carne Village
A golden giant dragon lay sprawled in the village square, its immense body radiating pressure with every slow breath. Its slit pupils occasionally shifted toward a nearby warehouse, causing villagers watching from afar to tremble.
Inside the warehouse, wounded soldiers lay on makeshift bedding. Among them was Gazef Stronoff, his condition grave but stable.
The door opened.
A girl with golden hair stepped inside, holding a staff crowned with a heart-shaped ornament. Behind her followed Ainz and Albedo.
"Tsk tsk, how miserable," Catherine Cort Albert muttered, eyeing Gazef's battered body.
She withdrew a short staff glowing with holy light and activated it.
Radiance enveloped Gazef.
Bruises faded. Torn flesh knit together. Blood ceased to flow.
Moments later, Gazef's eyes snapped open.
"You are…?"
"Catherine Cort Albert," she said brightly. "You're lucky you ran into me."
Gazef stared for a second, then struggled upright, awe plain on his face.
"The Starlight Witch…! Thank you. Truly—this is an honor beyond words."
"Hmph hmph~ If it weren't for my older brother's message, I wouldn't even be here," Catherine said smugly. "So don't forget to thank him properly."
"I will remember Baron Lock's kindness for the rest of my life," Gazef said solemnly, saluting.
Satisfied, Catherine turned on her heel. "Well then, I'm leaving."
"Please wait, Lady Catherine," Gazef called out. He stepped forward, expression earnest.
"His Majesty Ramposa III has long wished to invite you to the Royal Capital. On his behalf, I extend that invitation."
Catherine visibly wilted.
"So troublesome…" she sighed, then brightened. "If I have time, I'll go."
"That is more than enough," Gazef said gratefully.
Moments later, Catherine was already in the square, vaulting onto the dragon's back.
"Annea, let's go!"
With a thunderous beat of its wings, the golden dragon ascended, vanishing into the sky.
"She's… lively," Ainz observed quietly.
Gazef smiled wryly. "She's only twenty-three. And extremely indulged at home."
Ainz watched the sky long after she disappeared.
Two overwhelming individuals—encountered in a single border village.
And the masked man from before…
"Don't go too far."
The words echoed in his mind.
High above the land, Catherine rode the turbulent winds, finally relaxing.
"Phew… escaped," she muttered. "All those royal invitations are exhausting."
Her necklace suddenly warmed.
"Catherine," Lock's voice echoed, calm and familiar. "Are you speaking ill of me?"
"Of course not!" she replied instantly. "You're my most beloved brother!"
"Enough nonsense. I'm waiting. Come here."
"Okay!"
The golden dragon roared with excitement, accelerating sharply as Catherine pointed ahead.
Far below, the Kingdom remained unaware.
Unaware that its borders had already brushed against forces capable of crushing nations.
Unaware that what was called the strongest… was merely standing at the threshold.
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