Through the water-mirror-like image floating in front of him, Rei Ao could see every detail of Blue Rose's heated argument in the side hall.
He lounged lazily on the throne, one hand propping up his chin, the other idly stroking Renner's hair as she once again curled up at his feet.
Renner, like the most docile of pets, kept her eyes closed and simply enjoyed her master's touch, completely unmoved by the conversation about her in the projection.
"How interesting."
The corners of Rei Ao's lips curved into an amused smile as he murmured, "They're even more entertaining than I expected."
His attention was especially drawn to the petite member called Evileye.
As for their leader, Lakyus—
Rei Ao chuckled softly. "A textbook idealist, all passion and righteousness."
"Unfortunately, in a world this real and cruel, that kind of trait tends to get you killed the fastest."
There was no praise or mockery in his tone; he was merely evaluating her the way one would comment on a game character's stats.
"Master."
Renner tilted her head up, looking at him with eyes full of adoration.
"They seem to be at odds with each other."
"That Lakyus wants to help the kingdom, but the others are stopping her."
"Do you need Renner to do anything else to push them along?"
She volunteered eagerly, longing to make herself more useful to her master—perhaps by presenting Rei Ao with a nice little show of internal strife.
Rei Ao shook his head, his fingers lightly brushing her cheek.
"No need."
"It's much more fun if they struggle and decide for themselves."
"If we force things, it ruins the fun of watching."
He preferred plots that unfolded naturally, enjoyed watching these "characters" make their own choices under pressure and in desperate situations.
He was very curious where Blue Rose would end up with such a huge rift inside the team.
Would Lakyus manage to persuade her teammates and march resolutely down a tragic, doomed road to "save the kingdom"?
Or would Evileye's rationality win out, leading the group to retreat for now and plan for the long term?
Or would some unforeseen crack open up between them?
Whatever the outcome, it would be a satisfying bit of entertainment for him.
"Albedo."
He called softly.
"At your service."
"Keep watching them. Once they've made their decision, whatever it is, don't interfere. Let them leave the palace."
"If anything comes up, you can report it to me through the chat group."
"As you command, Rei Ao-sama."
Albedo bowed to accept the order, then, a little tensely, asked, "Rei Ao-sama, are you going back?"
Go back?
Renner looked up in puzzlement.
She had no idea where Rei Ao would "return" to.
Rei Ao nodded. "Well, things on your side are more or less wrapped up."
Naturally, he couldn't stay in this world forever.
A faint, almost imperceptible expression flickered across Albedo's stunning face, something very different from her usual composure.
It was a complicated mix of nervousness, anticipation, and even a hint of shy embarrassment.
She drew in a soft breath, as if steeling herself, then stepped forward half a pace with practiced grace and bowed slightly.
When she spoke, her voice was as velvety smooth as ever, but now with a barely noticeable tremor.
"Rei Ao-sama…"
Rei Ao's thoughts were pulled back.
He tilted his head slightly, turning his gaze to Albedo.
He could sense that she was in a slightly different state than usual—a tension that bordered on suppressed excitement.
"Mm?"
He made a brief sound in response, signaling her to go on.
Albedo took a deep breath and lifted her head, her prismatic eyes meeting Rei Ao's gaze with uncharacteristic boldness.
If one looked closely, they could see the faint flush at the tips of her ears.
"About… the terms of the deal this subordinate made with you before… there's still one last, most important part… that hasn't been fulfilled."
"A deal?"
Rei Ao paused for a moment.
Then he remembered that Albedo indeed had not yet paid the price she had promised.
His gaze involuntarily traced the breathtaking curves perfectly outlined by her tight white dress.
That figure that put all others to shame seemed all the more alluring now, colored by her tension in front of her master.
A glint of comprehension—and a similar spark of interest—flitted through Rei Ao's eyes.
Until now, he'd been immersed in the pleasure of controlling a kingdom and watching its "characters" react.
So this private matter had been pushed to the back of his mind.
Now that Albedo had brought it up of her own accord, and seeing that rare blend of nervousness and longing on her face, a more primal kind of pleasure—different from the joy of conquest and power—quietly rose within him.
"Ah… right."
Rei Ao's tone returned to its usual calm, though if one listened carefully, there was a faint warmth there that wasn't normally present.
"If you hadn't reminded me, I really might have forgotten."
"In that case…"
He paused, letting his gaze move over Renner, still nestled obediently at his feet, then down to the blood-smeared hall below.
"Things here are more or less settled. It's about time we went back to Nazarick."
And he could take Princess Renner along to let her get used to it.
He rose to his feet, every movement unhurried and composed.
As he stood, an invisible pressure naturally radiated out from him.
Renner immediately stood as well, bowing her head in deference, like the most loyal of shadows.
"Albedo."
"Yes, my lord!"
"Make preparations to return to Nazarick."
"And also—"
His gaze settled on Albedo, carrying a note of unquestionable command.
"Find an appropriate place for the… payment of the agreed price. I'd like somewhere one can really relax."
Albedo's heart gave a violent thump, and a rush of color immediately spread across her cheeks.
She bowed her head deeply to hide the excitement that was almost overflowing.
"Yes! I shall obey your will to the letter, Rei Ao-sama!"
"I will make sure everything is arranged perfectly, so that you can… completely unwind!"
Her voice carried a faint tremor, overflowing with anticipation and a determination to devote herself entirely.
Rei Ao nodded and said nothing more.
With a casual wave of his hand, a spatial gate glowing with a dim blue light opened up before them.
From the other side came the faint, familiar aura unique to the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
He stepped through the portal first.
Albedo followed right behind him without the slightest hesitation.
Renner took one last look at the throne room that had just been conquered, with not a trace of reluctance in her eyes.
~~~
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