Looking at the current situation, Ellie's heart was incredibly conflicted at this moment.
What's going on? Why did things turn out this way?
Ellie looked at Ainz's father (Momon version), who had already taken a battle stance, and the incredibly calm Chao Lu, completely bewildered.
Rewinding a bit, after everyone had finished their cordial greetings, Ellie roughly understood what was happening.
Ainz's father, to avoid work, had taken Nabe out, using the excuse of gathering information to wander around.
As for why he came to the Evaluation Country, it was also easy to understand: the Kingdom had nothing left to do, the Empire was mostly handled by himself, the Dragon Kingdom was mostly tricked, the Orc Country was scared by himself, the Elf King had just been killed by himself, the Dwarf Kingdom had just been dealt with by Ainz's father, Ellie had just returned from dealing with the Slane Theocracy, and the Holy Kingdom had Demiurge taking care of things.
So the only one left was the Evaluation Country, which he had never visited. He must have just arrived and coincidentally stumbled upon the Zhiranong siege, just like himself. Then he just happened to see himself there, so he hid to the side and watched him in action. Then, fearing exposure, he probably waited a night to come and greet him, after staggering their timings. How could Ellie not know Ainz's father's little tricks?
But just as they were about to end their conversation and go their separate ways, a disagreement arose... Ainz's father, using the excuse of being concerned for his sister's safety, suggested they travel together.
Honestly... Ellie was naturally very happy to go out and "play" with Ainz's father. However, her purpose for this trip was to meet Bai Xia and retrieve that level-up necklace.
It was important to note that the existence of Bai Xia and the equipment that could raise levels were both pieces of information Ainz's father didn't know. This could be considered withholding information, right?
If Ainz's father knew that his trip was for these things, wouldn't it be over? So Ellie really didn't want Ainz's father to come along this time.
Just as Ellie was trying to come up with a polite excuse to send Ainz's father away, Chao Lu spoke up at a very inappropriate moment.
"As for Lady Ellie's safety, everyone needn't worry. My presence is enough. It's not that I'm saying... everyone here is tra... *cough*... that's what I mean. So it's fine for me to be by Lady Ellie's side."
Chao Lu said this quite bluntly. If Ellie hadn't glared at Chao Lu, the consequences would probably have been even more severe. Ellie was also very surprised. Although she knew Chao Lu had a venomous tongue, she had been very well-behaved until now. Why did she speak like this the moment she opened her mouth?
Naturally, Chao Lu's words immediately succeeded in mocking Nabe. If Ainz's father hadn't directly intervened to stop Nabe, a spell would probably have been cast.
But honestly... Nabe was really no match for Chao Lu. After all, when Ellie was studying in Nazarick, she had sparred with all the older sisters in the maid squad. In one-on-one situations, she could almost completely defeat them. Of course... that was provided they didn't use level-restricted equipment and skills.
However, against Chao Lu, although she hadn't directly fought her, Ellie could sense that she was probably no match for Chao Lu right now. She couldn't defeat any of the max-level NPCs in Nazarick, even when familiar with their skills and moves, let alone Chao Lu, who was a complete mystery regarding her trump cards.
"Hehe! May I ask for this young lady's name?" Ainz's father asked with a polite smile.
"Chao Lu, Chao Lu Belmondo. I am Lady Ellie's personal attendant. I will naturally be responsible for Lady Ellie's safety, so there's no need for Brother Ainz to trouble himself," Chao Lu said, bowing and nodding politely to Ainz's father.
"Personal attendant, huh?" Ainz's father naturally turned his gaze to Ellie, clearly wanting to confirm the truth with her. This indeed put Ellie in a difficult position. After all, she still needed Chao Lu to deal with the Platinum Dragon Lord later, so she couldn't deny it. But if she confirmed it, how would she explain Chao Lu's situation later?
What a headache... So Ellie could only respond with a very awkward smile. This was neither a confirmation nor a denial, a vague answer!
If a judgment had to be made, Ellie was more inclined to let Chao Lu and Ainz's father spar a bit. This way, she could get a better grasp of Chao Lu's true capabilities.
As mentioned before... Chao Lu's unpredictability. If Bai Xia could really be rescued later, and if they were to become enemies... PVP heavily relies on information warfare. Because it's very important, it's being said again.
"In that case, Miss Chao Lu, would you be so kind as to grant me a spar?" Ainz's father finished speaking and extended his hand to Nabe behind him. Nabe quickly placed the greatsword she was holding in Ainz's father's hand. Then, Ainz's father raised the sword at Chao Lu, looking as if he wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Very well, if Brother Ainz is interested, I'd be happy to oblige." Chao Lu agreed quite readily and stepped forward slowly from behind Ellie.
Thus, the opening scene occurred. The demi-human guards consciously made way, and the open space in front of the inn was wide enough. However, for individuals of Ainz's father and Chao Lu's caliber, if they were serious, destroying the entire town at any moment wouldn't be a problem!
But since it was under the guise of a spar, they should restrain themselves. Moreover, Ainz's father was currently in Momon's equipment, unable to use magic. Fighting Chao Lu in this form, it felt like Ainz's father was at a disadvantage.
"Please allow me a moment to prepare..." Chao Lu stepped forward and once again bowed slightly to Ainz's father, saying.
"Please, take your time. I can wait that long." Ainz's father then plunged the greatsword into the ground, watching to see what Chao Lu would prepare. Ellie was just as curious.
The previous few times she had seen Chao Lu take out very modern items, such as pistols... and rocket launchers.
But she had also seriously mentioned her name's pun. Logically, her main weapon should be something like a whip, right? Yet all the equipment she had used before were firearms, just like Shizu's.
However, this time facing Ainz's father, who was clearly a warrior, wouldn't a gunner be at a great disadvantage without a front-line protector? This, however, should be able to compensate for Ainz's father's Perfect Warrior form's inability to use magic, right?
Then, just like the last time she took out the rocket launcher, Chao Lu said, "Excuse me," and then lifted the hem of her maid's long dress with both hands. With another clang, a very strangely shaped rifle-like object fell out from under her skirt.
It must be said... Bai Xia really had a twisted sense of humor.
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