Momonga was talking to Genji about the information he had learned about the village, including currency, writing, and other basics. As they spoke, he noticed that the village chief was talking to several villagers, and they seemed a bit nervous.
Momonga looked over and walked towards them slowly. "What's wrong, Village Chief?"
The chief glanced at him with a worried expression. "Oh, Master Ainz, a man on horseback—looks like a warrior—is approaching."
"I see." Momonga nodded, giving the chief and villagers a reassuring look. "Leave it to us."
---
The approaching warriors looked rough, with mismatched armor and weapons. They didn't seem like a professional army, just a small group of about twenty men, cautiously watching the Death Knight. They lined up neatly in the village square.
One man stepped forward, tall and sturdy, standing out among the group. He glanced around, sizing up the situation, then looked toward Genji.
"I am Gazef Stronoff, warrior captain of the Kingdom of Re-Estize. By order of the king, I'm patrolling villages to protect them from the Imperial Knights."
Genji smiled. "I'm Genji, and this is Ainz Ooal Gown, a magic caster. We saw knights attacking this village and came to help."
Gazef, surprised, dismounted and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for saving the village. We owe you greatly."
Momonga was taken aback, not expecting such a humble response from a warrior captain in a world where rank mattered so much. It revealed something about Gazef's character.
"There's no need for thanks. We're just doing our job," Genji replied. "Besides, we expect a reward."
"Oh? You're adventurers?" Gazef asked, curious.
Genji took out a bronze adventurer's badge. "We're recently registered," he explained.
Gazef looked surprised. "Only bronze? I wouldn't have guessed." He couldn't help but be impressed by their skill.
"As adventurers, protecting the village and its people is what we're here to do," Genji continued. "Most of the knights who attacked have been dealt with, so they shouldn't be a problem for now."
"Really?" Gazef looked puzzled. "You took them all down…?"
"Yes," Genji replied, nodding toward the Death Knight standing nearby.
Seeing his concern, Genji added, "The Death Knight is Ainz 's servant."
Gazef was taken aback by the power on display, though he couldn't help but look at the mask on Momonga's face. "Could he take off his mask?" he asked, curious.
Genji shook his head. "The mask helps him control his servant. Removing it could cause problems."
Gazef, noticing the unease in the villagers and Genji's serious tone, nodded in understanding. "In that case, it's best to leave it on."
As evening fell, Genji suggested, "It's getting late. Why not take a rest? We can discuss this further."
The village chief, seeing things had calmed down, stepped forward to welcome them. But before they could sit, a knight rushed over, panting.
"Captain! There are people surrounding the village, slowly closing in!"
Gazef's expression hardened. "What kind of people?"
"They look like magic casters!"