“That’s right, it would be bad to keep her waiting. I’ll head over.”
「说得也是呢 , 让人家久等也不好，那就走一趟吧」

“Then, I shall have one of my people show you the way there.”
「那么直到中途为止，就由我的人来为您带路吧」

Led by one of Hilma’s servants, Philip set forth toward the room of the Sorcerous Kingdom’s emissary, Albedo.
菲利普被希尔玛叫来的佣人领着，向着魔导国使者的雅儿贝德所在的房间迈开了步伐。

He knocked on the door, and then opened it.
敲了敲房门 , 然后将其打了开来。

What he saw behind that door was a woman whose beauty knew no equal.
在门后出现的是一位美丽绝伦的女性。

She wore a jet-black dress, though not the same one from their encounter in the Royal Palace. Her bare shoulders gleamed like alabaster, and while her necklace consisted of large gemstones linked together, it did not seem tacky, but instead accentuated her beauty.
身上所穿的与王宫时所不同的、漆黑的礼服。裸露的肩膀绽放出白垩的光辉，虽然颈上佩戴着由大颗的宝石所相连起的项链，那却丝毫不显得品格低劣，这种程度也只是为了衬托她的美貌而已。

How beautiful...
（真美……）

Philip blushed in spite of himself.
菲利普也不自觉地脸红了起来。

“--Then, shall we?”
「——那么就走吧？」

“Yes. Please permit me to be your escort.”
「是的。就由本人来为您保驾护航」

Philip took a hand that was sheathed in a black lace glove, and helped Albedo up.
菲利普接下那戴着黑色蕾丝手套的手，搀起了雅儿贝德。

A fragrance came from his side. What kind of perfume is this, it makes my heart feels so light. Although he subconsciously wanted to sniff at it, that would have been terribly rude.
从旁边传来一阵芳香，这是什么香水呢，真是令人心情愉悦的香味啊。虽下意识地想要再好好地闻一闻，但是不管怎么说那样的行为也太失礼了。

While the two of them were already walking side by side toward the ballroom, proceeding in silence like this made the air seem heavy. Philip struggled to think of an appropriate topic to bring up, but by the time he had come up with something, they were already near their destination.
虽然二人正并排地步向会场，但若像这样保持着一直沉默的话，气氛未免也有些太沉重了。拼死地思考着有没有什么适合的话题，而当菲利普想到时他们已经来到派对会场的附近了。

“There are many nobles in the ballroom. All of them have gathered to see you, Albedo-sama.”
「会场聚集了很多的贵族。各位 ,都是为了与雅儿贝德大人见面而来的」

It seemed a little rash, but it nevertheless received an immediate response.
虽然有些唐突，但回应还是马上响了起来。

“Is that really true? Thank you for your assistance, Philip-sama.”
「是这样的吗。感谢菲利普大人您的帮助」

Albedo smiled tenderly to him, and Philip’s heart pounded.
雅儿贝德向他露出了亲切的笑容，菲利普的心脏大大的扑腾了一下。

While this probably was not the case, could it be that she was starting to like him?
虽然是应该不是这么一回事，但难不成她对自己也抱有些微的好感吗？

He was a man who would soon stand at the top of a great faction. In contrast, the Sorcerous Kingdom wielded overwhelming military power, but for now it was little more than a city-state.
自己用不了多久，便会成为站在大派阀顶点的男人。而纵使魔导国有着压倒性的武力，但毕竟现在也只是区区拥有一座都市的国家。

When one thought of it that way, he was quite the catch himself.
这样一想的话，自己岂不是也有着十分好的条件吗。

Not to mention, he was unmarried too.
而自己正好也没有妻子。

“Come to think of it, are you already wed, Albedo-sama?”
「话说回来，雅儿贝德大人已经有丈夫吗？」

Albedo froze. He had seen her gentle smile several times already, but this was the first time he had seen that expression on her.
突然雅儿贝德愣住了。虽然那温柔的笑容已经见过好几次了，但这样的表情却还是第一次见呢。

Philip felt shame creep up through him as he realised that he had asked an inappropriate question.
理解到自己问了奇怪的问题 , 菲利普稍微感到有些羞耻

“What a strange thing to ask, Philip-sama. Regretfully, I do not yet have a partner in that capacity, and I am sadly single.”
「这还真是奇怪的问题呢 , 菲利普大人。虽然十分遗憾，但小女目前还没有那样的对象，仍是孤独的单身」

“Is that so? Given your beauty, I would have expected the suitors to come thick and fast, Albedo-sama.”
「是这样的吗？我还以为如雅儿贝德大人这般美丽的人，即使不作出任何表示也该会有追求者飞扑而来的呢」

“Fufu -- it is quite a surprise that no such suitors have come my way. Still, such offers would be quite troubling for me, so it is hardly a bad thing, in my opinion.”
「啍啍——真的十分不可思议呢，并没有这类的事情传到我的身边呢。话虽如此，就算来了也只是会令我感到困扰而已，所以这对我来说也不是一件坏事哦」

“Is that so...”
「是这样的吗？」

Before he reached the door, Philip placed his hand on Albedo’s fragrant shoulder, and made to slowly pull her over to him.
来到门前 , 菲利普将手搭上了雅儿贝德的香肩，并慢慢地向自己拉拢过来。

There was a strange gichiri sound. The walking corpse looked to his right to see where it came from.
咔唧、响起了这么一声奇怪的声音。菲利普为了找出声音的源头，而左探右探的看了看。

“Did something happen?”
「发生什么事了吗？」

His tiny doubts faded away as Albedo asked him that question with a smile on her face.
但一被露出笑脸的雅儿贝德这么问道。小小的疑问便随之淡去。

“No, it’s nothing. Then, please allow me.”
「不，什么事都没有。那么还请由我来为您护航」

***

What exactly did their eyes see?
他们的眼中所看到，究竟是怎样的景色呢。

How did this scene appear to these fancily-dressed nobles?

Hilma was interested in the answers to those questions
在穿着华贵的贵族们眼中，这舞台又究竟是怎样一番景象呢？希尔玛对此被勾起了些微的兴趣。

First-class cuisine, first-class servants, first-class utensils, first-class music, and below third-rate trash nobles.
一流的料理、一流的佣人、一流的日用品、一流的音乐，以及三流以下的垃圾贵族们。

The people gathered here were largely good-for-nothing wastes of food, third sons and below who were the spares of spares. They had been forced to bow their heads to the world for various reasons and were filled with resentment.
聚集于此的人大多都是吃白食的人，三男下的后备中的后备，由于种种原因而被按下低头，抱
有着不满的人

The looks on their faces said everything.
只看他们的脸也足以得知。

Many of them expressed the carefree joy of liberation. Many others were consumed by the flames of desire. To these people, this place was one where they could fully indulge their vanity.
因解放感而露出无忧无虑、十分开朗的表情的人有很多。被欲望之火所焚烧之人也非常多。
对这些人来说，这个会场可说是能满足自己的虚荣心的地方吧。

Then again, this place had always been intended to be a feeding ground.
可是，本来这里可是饵场才对的。

Noble society in the Kingdom was now in a state of chaos.
现在王国的贵族社会正陷于混乱之中。

It had been several months since the war with the Sorcerous Kingdom, but the scars it left behind were large and could not fully heal. Several factions had dissolved because of this and new ones had risen to take their place. The upper-class noble houses had been displaced by the those families which had previously been lower-ranking.
即使已经过数个月，但因与魔导国之间的战争所留下的伤痕依旧很大、没有办法完全愈合。数个派阀亦因此瓦解，而有新的派阀又正在诞生。立于人上的贵族家，正被位于下处的家族所取代。

The current chaos in the Kingdom was an incredibly good chance for all those people who were unaligned to any of the factions. No, it might be their last chance. If the factions established themselves again, they might find themselves banished to the sidelines once more.
现在王国的混乱，对于因各样理由而没有所属派阀的人来说，正是个绝好的机会。非也，这才是最后的机会了吧。要是派阀再次被构筑起来的话 ,他们又只能被赶至一角了。

Because of that, this gathering was a gigantic feeding ground for them.
正因如此，这个集合对他们来说理应是一个巨大的饵场才是。

It was one where hungry fish would lure the small fry into their bellies.
企图将小鱼收入腹中，而行动的饥饿的鱼们。

In contrast, would the small fry be eaten without them ever noticing? Or would they realize something and skilfully disengage? Or perhaps -- would there be nobles filled with desire who would turn their tables on their would-be devourers?
而与之相对，小鱼们是会毫不察觉地、被眼前的对手一口吞噬呢？还是会有所察觉，而顺利游走逃脱呢？又或是——反过来咬紧对手，充满欲望地将对方吞食的贵族又是否会出现呢？

After studying this scene for nearly an hour, Hilma concluded that there were no nobles here which could be considered first-rate, the kind which she wanted to ensnare with all her might.
希尔玛持续数十分钟眺望会场动向的结果，这里并没有能被称为一流的、让她想全力地去笼络的贵族。

Even so, she was not disappointed by this outcome. Indeed, she would be worried if there were any first-rate nobles parading themselves in a dangerous place like this.
但是，对于这个结果她并没有失望。若在这危险的会场中，还有能自然地展示其身姿的一流贵族的话，那才让人担心是间谍摸进来了呢。

She had been quite careful when sending out her invitations, but Hilma did not think she was perfect. There would surely be someone from one of the factions in here.
虽说在送出招待函时便已经相当慎重了。但希尔玛可不认为，自己有做的天衣无缝。绝对会有某个派阀的人摸进来才是。

Still, that would be interesting, she thought.
但如果是那样的话，不也挺有意思的吗。她这么想到。

The more she had to say in her report, the more her own value would rise. This was not a bad thing at all for her.
随提出报告书内容的增加，自己的价值也会相应地提升。这对她而言绝不是一件坏事。

Then, it’s about time, no?
（那么 ,差不多是时间了吧？）

It had been an hour and a half since the ball started, so it was the appointed time.
从舞蹈会开始至现在已过了一小时半，是指定的时间了。

Hilma’s real work was only beginning.
希尔玛真正的工作现在才刚刚开始。。

--It was frightening.
——可怕。

Her previous arrogance vanished as if it had been nothing more than a lie.
刚才的傲慢就像是谎言一般消失的无影无踪。

Perhaps a gentle term like “frightening” would not be able to encompass the sheer terror that welled up from her stomach. She thought of fleeing with all her might as she imagined the hell that awaited her if she displeased them.
用可怕这样温柔的词语、根本就概括不了的恐惧正从胃袋里涌了上来。一想到如果令他们感到不快，那个地狱便有可能正等着自己，她便会想从这里全力地逃出去。

Of course, if she actually did that, she would assuredly suffer a fate which would make that hell feel like blissful paradise.
当然，若做了那样的事的话，就会有令她觉得连那地狱也会像天国一样的，使她痛不欲生的未来在等着她吧。

As a member of the Eight Fingers, she had handed down many assassination orders to her underlings. She had also ordered people to be tormented before they were killed. But compared to what those monsters had done, her orders overflowed with the milk of human kindness.
作为八本指的一员，自己曾经多次向部下发出过杀人的指示。有时候也会发出让其品尝痛苦的滋味后，再杀掉的命令。但无论是怎么样的命令，若与被那些怪物的所作所为比起来，都能算的上是充满慈悲的了。

“--Hilma.”
「——希尔玛」

The voice from behind startled her, and her shoulders twitched.
声音从背后传来、使她吓地肩膀差点颤了一下。

When she turned around, she saw the stupidest man in this hall.
转过头去发现站在那里的，是这会场中最愚蠢的男人。

“Hm? Is something wrong?”
「唔嗯？怎么了？」

“No, Walking Corpse-sama, nothing is wrong.”
「不、菲利普大人，什么事都没有」

Hilma concealed her true emotions within her smile. Among those emotions was anger at being surprised by a piece of trash like him.
希尔玛将真心隐藏在了笑容里。并对被这样一个渣滓吓到的自己，而感到火大。

“Albedo-sama wanted to rest for about ten minutes, so I came to find you.”
「雅儿贝德大人想要休息十分钟左右，所以我正在找你呢」

“That is quite reasonable, given that she was speaking with all those guests. I understand; then, I shall accompany Albedo-sama to the break room.”
「毕竟一直都在与各位贵族谈话呢，会那样也是属正常吧。我明白了，那么由我陪雅儿贝德大人去休息室吧」

“Really? Then, I shall go too.”
「是吗，那么、我也一起去吧」

What the hell is he talking about? That was the reply Hilma wanted to give. No, it might be that he had sensed something.
这是什么蠢话啊，希尔玛真的有些无语了。不，还是说他察觉到什么了吗。

With caution in her heart, Hilma continued her act:
怀着警戒心，希尔玛将演技继续了下去。

“I feel it would be better not to do so.”
「我觉得还是不要这么做会比较好」

“Why is that? I was by Albedo-sama’s side until just now. It shouldn’t be strange for us to go together, right?”
「为什么呢？我从刚刚一直都在雅儿贝德大人的身边，就算一起去也应该不奇怪才是啊？」

Now, Hilma was sure that this man had not suspected anything.
希尔玛确信了，这个男人是当真没有理解。

In other words, he was a moron among morons, a good-for-nothing with neither the knowledge or the etiquette to be a nobleman.
也就是笨蛋中的笨蛋，是完全不具备作为贵族的礼仪和知识的无能之辈。

“I fear that if a lady is accompanied to the rest area by a gentleman who is not her husband, it might lead to the spread of… inappropriate rumors for both parties.”
「不是丈夫的男性同伴在女性休息的场所这件事，我认为会给诸位来宾提供各式各样不恰当的话题呢」

“Ahhh. However, my plan is to immediately return once I get there.”
「啊啊——。但是，我打算到了之后马上回来哦」

“Even so, it is not quite appropriate. I understand your concern for her as the host of this event. However, I am also the provider of the venue, so please allow me to take on this responsibility and escort Albedo-sama safely to the rest area.”
「即便如此、也不恰当呢。我明白作为您作为主办者的担心。但我也是提供提供会场的人，就由我来负起责任，将雅儿贝德大人平安无事的送到休息室吧」

“Ahh…”
「啊啊……」

It looked like he was going to say something else, so Hilma waited in silence for him to finish.
似乎还想要说些什么的样子，为此希尔玛默默等待着接下来的话语。

The truth was, she wanted to get this over with as soon as possible, but unfortunately, this imbecile was also the driving force behind this gathering. She could not be too rude towards him.
说真的想要让他快点把想说的说完，但好歹这个笨蛋也是主办者。不能够采取太失礼的态度。

“What do you think I should do in order to join myself to her in matrimony?”
「你觉得如果想要与她缔结婚姻关系，应该如何是好呢？」

“Haaaah?!”

Hilma had completely forgotten to stay in character because of his words.

“Eh? Say what?”
「哈阿！？」希尔玛因他接下来所说的话，不禁完全忘了演技「诶？您说什么？」

“As in, a way to have Albedo-sama marry me.”
「是能让雅儿贝德大人与我结婚的办法」

Seriously?!

Hilma desperately fought the urge to shout those words. She could hardly believe anyone could actually be that stupid. According to Hilma’s information, the person he was courting was the Sorcerer King’s right hand -- in other words, someone who held a position equivalent to that of a prime minister. It was unthinkable for a low-class noble from a neighboring country to actually utter those words to someone like her..
「认真的吗，这家伙」、希尔玛拼命压抑想要喊出的心情。没想到竟会是这种、笨到无药可救的笨蛋。由希尔玛收集到的情报显示，对方可是那位魔导王的左右手——身处宰相的高位。而对着那样的对手，这些话可不是能从邻国的下级贵族嘴里蹦出来的。

Perhaps if he had asked to marry Princess Renner instead, Hilma might have been less shocked.
如果问的是与拉娜公主结婚的方法的话，希尔玛所受到的惊讶还会更少一些的吧。

“Ahhh, but you see, I’m a man who managed to gather this many nobles too. I don’t think I’m that far behind her, what do you think?”
「咿呀，你看我不是也能够聚集这么多贵族的一号人物嘛。我认为我是也决不输给那位女士啊，如何」

Without her realizing it, Hilma’s throat had contracted tightly.
希尔玛不自觉地、用力地收住了喉咙口。

Even though she knew those things would not be sliding down her throat, the unease and terror of the trauma she had suffered drove her to do so.
即便知道那个并不会从喉咙滑落下来，但被刻印的心理阴影而来的不安和恐怖，导致她采取了这么的行动。

No, that was not a thing which could be summed up with the word “trauma”.
不，那可不是用心理阴影就能概括得了的。

What if that person heard those foolish words, which held zero appeal to women? What would happen? It would be good if only the walking corpse had to bear those consequences. But if she was to be punished for it as well, that black hell might well be waiting for her.
以女性来看完全无法感受到魅力的男人的戏言，万一被那位大人听到的话又会究竟会怎么想呢。如果那是只针对菲利普的话，那就最好不过了。但是如果朝向自己的话，那个黑暗地狱就很有可能在等待着自己。

“In, in any case, it’s hardly workable. I heard she holds a position equivalent to that of a prime minister in the Sorcerous Kingdom. That is to say, she would be a duchess in the Kingdom.”
「再、再怎么说那也是没有办法的事。我听说那位大人的身份是相当于魔导国的宰相地位，也就是说以王国的地位换算的话，即使被看作是公爵也不为过啊」

“But isn’t the Sorcerous Kingdom a tiny marble of a city-state?”
「但是，魔导国不是只拥有一座都市的弹丸小国吗」

“No, no, you can’t speak of it that way.”
「不、不是，话不是这么说的呢」

Those words, which seemed to sneer at the Sorcerous Kingdom, made Hilma break out in goosebumps.
这仿佛俯视魔导国般的发言，令希尔玛不禁汗毛直立。

It was true that in terms of territory, the Sorcerous Kingdom was not large, even with the Katze Plains factored in. However, was their military power not overwhelmingly superior? Regardless of how much effort one put into trade, diplomacy and other fields, relationships between nations were still decided by their comparative military strengths. It did not matter how large a nation’s territory was, because once that nation lost, it would all be taken away.
确实就领土来看的话，即使把卡兹平原算在内也实在称不上广阔。但是，那个武力不是压倒性的吗，就算在贸易、外交等方面费劲全力，最终国与国之间的关系还是由蛮力的大小来决定的。就算领土再怎么大，只要打输了的话便会被全部夺走。

If he did not even understand that fact, then how could she possibly explain it in a way that this twit could understand?
就连这都无法理解，那么到底要怎么说明才能让这个笨蛋接受啊。

Hilma pondered deeply, but could not find an answer. After all, wisdom and stupidity were two sides of the same coin.
希尔玛不断思索但也无法得出答案。毕竟常识与笨蛋可是相反的存在啊。

In the end, she had to reason it out for him.
所以只好说出结论给他听。

“It cannot be done. There is no chance that woman would wed you, Walking Corpse-sama.”
「办不到的，那位女士与菲利普大人能够结婚的可能性是完全没有的」

“...But I thought the mood was pretty good. Didn’t the two of us look good together when we made our entrance?”
「……我还觉得气氛相当不错呢，我和那位女士一起进入会场时不是挺融洽的吗？」

So that’s what he was thinking, Hilma thought in surprise.
在那个场合这家伙原来在想这种事啊，希尔玛为之感到惊讶。

Could it be that he was trying to get people on his side by acting like he had the Sorcerous Kingdom’s backing? This fellow is the ultimate moron… seriously, spare me, I’m begging you. Please don’t make that person angry.
（我可是有魔导国作为后盾哦、该不会是想要摆出这种态度将客人们纳入自己的派阀中吧？这家伙、是究极的笨蛋啊……真的饶了我吧。求你不要刺激那个人了呀）

Hilma felt something sour rising up from her stomach.
希尔玛感觉从胃中涌上了一股苦涩的东西。

Yet, at the same time, she wanted to let this fellow feel what it was like to have something squirming into his stomach.
但与此同时，她也有着想要让这家伙也尝尝、流入胃中的那个触感的滋味。

“...Perhaps I’ve said too much. Please allow me to escort Albedo-sama. You should stay here and enjoy yourself as the man of the house, Walking Corpse-sama.”
「……似乎闲话说的有点多了呢。就由我与雅儿贝德大人同行吧。菲利普大人就留在这里，作为主办者让各位来宾好好享受吧」

“...Well, since it’s like that, it can’t be helped. I’ll leave Albedo-sama to you, then.”
「……既然是那样的话也没有办法啊，雅儿贝德大人就拜托你了」

I’d do that without you having to say it. Hilma lowered her head, keeping those words in her heart. Then, in order not to hear any more of that nitwit’s babblings, she made a beeline to Albedo’s side.
不用你说、没说出这句话，希尔玛轻轻的低下头。然后为了不再听到这笨蛋的蠢话，而一直线地走向了雅儿贝德的身边。

Albedo was speaking to a nobleman. Under normal circumstances, Hilma might have watched the mood and bade her time. However, dealing with that nincompoop had exhausted her, so she immediately cut in and addressed Albedo:
雅儿贝德正在与一名贵族谈话。如果是平时的话，还是会看气氛选择比较适合的时机的吧。但是由于那个笨蛋而相当疲累了的希尔玛，立刻便上前搭话道。

“Forgive me, Albedo-sama, it seems it is about time for you to have a rest.”
「失礼了，雅儿贝德大人，我想您差不多到了休息的时候」

“Indeed… My apologies, do allow me a short break.”
「也是呢……。很抱歉，请让我休憩一会」

Taking Albedo by the hand, Hilma led Albedo out of the ballroom.
引领着雅儿贝德的，希尔玛从会场中走了出来。

“Fu~ ...Ahh, how disgusting.”
「呼……啊阿、好恶心」

Hilma turned around as she heard the voice from behind her. If things were really that bad, what should she do?
由于身后发出的声音希尔玛回过了头。如果，真的情况很差的话该怎么办呢。

As she turned around, she saw Albedo dabbing at her shoulder with a handkerchief.
看过去的话，之间雅儿贝德正用手帕擦拭着自己的肩膀。

Albedo’s eyes met Hilma’s.
雅儿贝德和希尔玛的视线交汇。

“A disgusting man touched me. Only one man in this world is allowed to touch my body in a lustful way… Shit. That piece of brainless dogshit…”
「被恶心的男人碰了啊，唯一能够带着欲望触碰我身体的人，在这世上明明就只有一个人……。狗屎、那个欠缺知性的狗屎啊」

Her words were accompanied by a gnashing of teeth. To think that her face, which typically bore a gentlel smile, would actually display her displeasure so openly. Was that an indicator of how unhappy she really was?
发出嘎吱嘎吱作响的磨牙声，不论何时都浮现优雅笑容的她居然会显现出不快感。这也就意味着，是不愉快到了这种地步的吗。

Hilma hesitated. Should she speak to her? Or was this a prelude to her punishment?
希尔玛犹豫了起来。现在是否该和她说话呢。还是说这个是为了降下处罚的预先准备呢。

“...What should I do? Say something.”
「……怎么了呢？说些什么吧」

“Ah, y-yes…” Hilma replied as her heart filled with an incomparable terror. “I can understand how you feel, Albedo-sama.”
「是、是的……」希尔玛在内心感到无比害怕的同时开口道。「我能够体会到雅儿贝德大人的心情」

“Ara, if that’s the case… can you get rid of that creature and then prop up another human in his place?”
「啊啦，那就然这样的话……能把那个舍弃、然后再重新在扶持别的人上台吗？」

“If it is your wish, then I shall immediately prepare another puppet for your strings, Albedo-sama.”
「只要雅儿贝德大人是如此期望的话，我立刻就去准备别的人偶」

Albedo opened her mouth, and then closed it. She repeated that action several times.
雅儿贝德张了开嘴，然后又闭上。然后用重复了数次这个动作。

It was a very attractive suggestion, one which would make anyone hesitate.
那是个不禁会让人迟疑的、相当有魅力的提案。

That said, it did not matter what she chose. Only hell would await him. Still, whatever happened to that idiotic walking corpse, one could only say that he had asked for it.
虽然不管选择哪一边，等待着那家伙的都有地狱吧。但无论那愚蠢的菲利普最后会变成怎样，也只能认为是他在自作自受而已。

“Hu… Never mind. He was just a regular nuisance. That person’s foolishness made quite an impression on the nobles at the royal dinner, so switching him out now would be a bit of a waste… Hm, it might be fun to follow up on that. But no, probably not”
「呼……。不用在意，不过是单纯的牢骚罢了。那个人笨蛋的程度在王宫的立餐晚会中，让多数的贵族们都留下了印象，就这点来看，现在交换的话未免有些浪费了呢。……如果是考虑到这些的基础上进行行动的话，倒是个相当有趣的对象吧。但应该没有这种事吧」

Hilma recalled the conversation from just now, the wild fantasies and ravings of the absolute madman who wanted to marry Albedo.
希尔玛回想起刚刚的对话。那妄图与雅儿贝德缔结婚姻的、疯子的戏言。

What would change if she told her that?
如果告诉她的话，又会变得如何呢。

No, that was too scary. She could not possibly bring herself to tell Albedo. After all, she might get caught up in that as well.
那太可怕、根本就没法对雅儿贝德说。毕竟自己也有可能会受到牵连。

“He did nothing, but believes that he’s the only special one. He has truly reached the ultimate level of incompetence.”
「明明什么都没有做，却以为只有自己是特别的。真是个究极的无能呢」

“Indeed. Soon I’ll be able to splatter him all over the ground. He must be punished for the crime of touching this body of mine, which belongs to Ainz-sama, with his filthy hands.”
「说的是呢。过不久就能将那个狠狠地打落在地面上了吧。对属于安兹大人所有物的我的身体，用肮脏的手触碰的这份罪过，不给予惩罚可不行」

They did not speak after that, nor did they meet anyone else. Hilma brought Albedo to a certain room.
就那样没再张口、也没有再与人见面。希尔玛将雅儿贝德引导到某个房间的前面。

Once she reached that room, Hilma nearly collapsed due to her legs going soft in relief. Handling that woman alone -- who was a confidant of that demon king who could even subdue that Jaldabaoth -- had drained an enormous amount of her stamina. However, not being able to remain standing was absolutely forbidden.
到达门前的希尔玛因为安心，而差点一个腿软没站稳。面对她的就自己一个人——连那个亚达巴沃都能够支配的魔王的侧近作为工作对象，究竟磨损了她多少精神呢。但是、站不起来什么的，是绝对不可能被允许的。

Hilma gathered up all her strength. In her heart, she resolved to sleep for a full day after all this was over.
希尔玛动员了全心全力。并在心中决定道等这结束后，要睡整整一天。

“This way, please.”
「这边请」

After Hilma opened the door, the men seated on the chairs within rose as one. All of them were as skinny as Hilma. They were Hilma’s colleagues; the five branch leaders of Eight Fingers and their chairman, making a total of six people.
希尔玛将房门打开后，坐在椅子上的男人们一齐起立，不管哪个男人的体型同希尔玛一样消瘦。
那是她的同事，八本指的各部长五人和议长合计六人。

They were also the people she most trusted in this world. In the past, they had feuded over profits, but now they no longer thought that way. After learning about the link between Jaldabaoth and the Sorcerous Kingdom, their fates were now linked. They had no choice but to work like slaves until this country was consumed and they were liberated.
同时也是她在这个世界上，最为信任的同伴们。虽然过去曾经为了利益而争吵过，但现在已经完全没有这想法了。在知道了亚达巴沃与魔导国的关系后，他们便已经成了一个绳上的蚂蚱了。直到这个国家被整个并吞、被解放之前不得不作为奴隶一同努力工作。

These close friends of hers lowered their heads deeply as they beheld the very incarnation of terror (Albedo). The fear they could not hide made itself visible in the trembling of their shoulders.
令她涌现出亲切感的同伴们，在一见到了恐怖的化身[雅儿贝德]后深深地低下了头。藏也藏不住不住的恐怖在肩头显露出哆嗦。

Hilma closed the door to the room, and Albedo took the highest-placed seat in the room. The men and Hilma did not sit down, but remained standing as they awaited their orders.
希尔玛将房门关上，雅儿贝德坐在了房间内的上座中摆放着的最为高价的椅子上。男人们和希尔玛并没有坐下，而是维持着直立不动的姿势，等待即将发出的命令。

“Now then, an order for you lot. You are to transfer resources to the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
「那么、我对你们下令，首先是将各式各样的物资运送至魔导国」

“Understood, I am eager to serve.”
「遵命，很乐意效劳」

The head of the Smuggling Division did not waste a moment in replying. How could he delay? Once they had been summoned like this, the only possible response to any order they were given was “Understood”. There was nothing else they could do apart from that.
走私部门的部长连一瞬间踌躇都没有，立刻回答道。怎么可能会迟疑，当他们被呼唤至此处起无论怎么样的命令，他们能回答的选项就只剩下「遵命」而已了。除此之外根本做不到。

The Smuggling Division’s leader had lost a lot of power in the traders’ guild during Jaldabaoth’s disturbance, when much of his resources had been stolen away. Even so, there were advantages to being in his position. This was because his dealings with the nobles that had taken part in the war against the Sorcerous Kingdom had been taken place entirely in cash terms. Or perhaps, it would be more accurate to say that his power was slowly returning now that the merchants -- who had extended credit to the nobles -- were now agonizing about repayment.
身为走私的部长的他在亚达巴沃的骚动中，被夺去众多的物资因此在商人公会中失去了力量。但即使如此他的地位仍有如盘石。那因为在与魔导国的战争中与参战的贵族交易之时，全部彻底执行了现金支付的缘故。在当时允许了事后支付的商人们正苦思烦恼着的现在，才使得他的力量再次浮现出来，这么说或许才更为正确。

“I am not referring to that. All you need to do is conduct trade at an appropriate price. After that, you will use the money earned to import food in preparation for the upcoming famine in the Kingdom. Buy the rations which the Royal Army could not move out in time -- no, start by trading in grain futures. After all, Ainz-sama has already begun large-scale food production.”
「我指的不是这么回事。你们只需要用适当的价格卖出即可。然后用得到的金钱，为不久后即将到来的、王国的粮食不足事先购入口粮。王国军当时没能运出去的大量兵粮——不，先进行食物的期货交易吧。毕竟安兹大人已经开始着手生产大量的粮食了」

The future of which she spoke would surely come to pass, given the massive loss of labor in the Kingdom.
在王国丧失了众多劳动力后，她所说的无疑是即将会到访的未来吧。

“Understood. I shall mobilize the traders immediately.”
「遵命。马上动员商人们」

“These are especially important. Make sure they’re in the first shipment to come over.”
「特别想要的是这些哟。记住这些要第一批运过来」

The man carefully, graciously accepted the piece of paper that she had tossed out.
恭敬地接过被抛在桌上的纸张。

“Yes!”
「是！」

“Then, what news is there about magic items?”
「然后与魔法道具相关的情报如何了？」

Another man seemed to jump into the air.
另一人彷佛弹跳般马上动作。

“My deepest apologies!”
「万分抱歉！」

He bent his waist and pressed his head against the table, with a startling amount of force.
他弯曲腰部，将额头重重地叩在了桌上，发出的声响大的惊人。

“My subordinates are currently infiltrating the Magician’s Guild to conduct an in-depth investigation on them. If I can be allowed a little more time -- no, if you are willing to accept an in-progress report, I can deliver one right now!”
「现在正让部下潜入魔术师工会、进行详细地调查！如果能再给我一些时间——不、如果只是中途报告的话，现在也能够立刻提供！」

“Never mind, then. Just speed your actions up. In addition… yes. Have you decided on your new colleagues yet? If so, we’ll need to bring them back for baptism.”
「那就那样吧，尽量赶紧行动。另外，也是呢。你们的新同事决定了吗？如果决定了的话不带回去进行洗礼可不行啊」

The colleagues in question were meant to fill the empty seats of the Eight Fingers as their new division heads.
所谓的同事指的是为了填补空缺的席位，新的八本指的部长。

As she recalled exactly what that baptism entailed, Hilma choked back the urge to vomit. Similar expressions to hers appeared on the faces of her friends, who were desperately trying to keep their facial nerves under control.
回想起所谓的洗礼指的是何种行为，希尔玛硬是忍住了呕吐感。拼了命想要压抑面部神经的同伴们也露出了相同的表情。

It was a demonic baptismal, which broke the will and completely erased any inkling of resistance within its subjects. If any of the people in this room were told they would have to undergo it again, there was no doubt that they would start bawling like children.
使内心屈服、完全丧失敌对意识的恶魔洗礼。在这里的人们如果被说要再接受一次的话，绝对会像是孩童般哭泣吵闹吧。

“I am very sorry, but we have not yet decided,” said the Chairman.
「非常遗憾，目前还没有决定」

议长开了口。

This was the truth, and it was also a lie.
这是事实，同时也是谎言。

The reason why he said so was because the divisions which the newcomers would head were now meaningless. The empty seats belonged to the chiefs of the Security and Slavery divisions. There was hardly any trade in the latter, so there was little benefit to having someone fill that position. As for the former position, the very need for its existence was in doubt. In addition--
 之所以会这么说，是因为让新人占据领导的位置也已经没有意义了。现在空缺的席位是警备的部长和奴隶买卖的部长。后者已经几乎没有在进行交易，就算找人接替也没有益处。而前者的话，甚至连是否有必要继续存在都让人有些怀疑，而且——

“The gentlemen we were allowed to borrow have performed very well. It might not be out of the question to have them serve as division heads themselves.”
「从您那借用的那些阁下都非常优秀，由他们担任部长也未尝不可」

The gentlemen in question referred to the undead which had been lent to them, each of which possessed unbelievable power.
那些指的是由她们所提供的不死族，而且每一具都有着令人难以置信的力量。

Once they realised that the Six Arms were dead, a group of subordinates -- the leaders of which had originally been Workers -- began plotting a violent overthrow. As a result, they sent out one of those undead creatures. In the end, that entity had eliminated nearly 40 people without letting a single one escape.
察觉到到六腕已死的事实后，以工作者出身的部下曾出现过想要跳反的情况。为此他们便派出了一具不死者，而结果仅凭这么一具便将接近四十人、在没让任何一人逃亡的情况下，全部将其抹杀干净了。

There was another reason for doing so, quite a laughable one, in fact. That was because nobody here wanted anyone else to go through the same thing as them. These hardened masters of the underworld who could calmly order the death of a man did not want anyone else to taste the same despair they had. This was how they protected them
另外之所以要这么做，还有着一个引人发笑的理由。那便是在这个场所里每一个人都不想要让其它人与自己遭受到相同的事，能够平静的发出杀人命令的黑社会的支配者们，不想要让其它人品尝到那种程度的绝望而袒护了他们。

“...I understand. It will be fine as long as the organization can function as normal. Then, do you have any particular requests for me?”
「……我知道了，如果那样组织也能够照常运转的话倒也无所谓。那么你们有没有什么想要拜托我的呢？」

“I fear to ask, but we have discovered that the Skeletons have produced outstanding results in the mines I have acquired. If possible, we would like to hold on to them for a little longer.”
「诚惶诚恐、在以我的权利拜借来的矿山中，骷髅们[skeleton]展现出了相当出色的工作成果。为此能否将那些再少许借我一段时间呢」

“Hmm, of course. If you can pay the appropriate fee, there will be no problem.”
「诶诶、当然。如果能支付适当的金额的话，那就没问题」

“My deepest thanks.”
「万分感谢」

The speaker’s forehead began sweating profusely. He wiped at it with a handkerchief which was so wet it had changed color.
开口的男人额头渗出了汗水。只见他用湿的几乎变了色的手帕擦了擦。

The frightening thing about the Sorcerous Kingdom was not simply the whip that it wielded, but the sweets which it offered.
魔导国之所以可怕并不仅仅是因为鞭子，而是在于他们还会给予糖果。

They did not take everything away like the strong would do with the weak, but they conducted business like skilled traders and played by the rules. As long as they did not show any signs of betrayal, they might even feel the peace of mind that came from being protected by powerful beings. Of course, if the chance presented itself, they would still choose to flee in terror.
不是作为强者将弱者所有的一切夺走，而是像个精干的商人一般进行交易，并遵守着规则。只要实际上不展现出背叛的意愿的话，甚至能够感受到被强大存在守护着的安心感。当然，若是像这样正面站立面前的话，还是会因恐怖而想要逃跑的就是了。

“Then, there’s not much else for me to say in front of you. I believe I’ve mentioned this before, but do work your hardest to help the Sorcerous Kingdom swallow up the Kingdom in the future. In preparation for that day, you would do well to start making inroads at becoming legitimate businessmen.”
「那么、我在你们的面前直接出席就不用多说了。我想之前应该也有说过，为了使魔导国将来并吞王国，就全面的协助我们吧。为此你们现在赶紧在表面的社会扎下根吧」

“Understood!”
「遵命！」

All of them nervously bowed to her.
全员慌慌张张地低下了头。

None of them would possibly object to the Sorcerous Kingdom devouring the Kingdom. Since these monsters had made their declaration, it was only a matter of time before it surely came to pass.
对于魔导国并吞王国这点，根本不可能会有什么异议。既然那些怪物们如此断言的话，就只是早晚的问题，毫无疑问会变成那样。

At first, they had considered asking Blue Rose, Red Drop and Darkness for help. However, after hearing of the awesome power of the Sorcerer King, who counted Jaldabaoth as one of his minions, they realised that there was no hope. All they could do was lower their heads and wait for the end to come.
虽然一开始也不是没有想过向苍蔷薇、朱红露滴和漆黑要求救援的方案。但当听闻连亚达巴沃都其部下的、魔导王那压倒性力量后，他们已经明白希望什么的在哪里都是不存在了。他们能够做到的就只有俯首称臣，等待着终结的到来而已。

“Oh right, right--”
「对了对了——」

Hilma and all the other members shuddered.
无论是希尔玛，还是其它的成员都被吓到颤了一下肩。

“There’s one more thing I wanted to say. There’s a magic item that I want you to use your intelligence networks to locate for me. Record your findings on a parchment at regular intervals and send them to Albedo in the Sorcerous Kingdom. However, I don’t know anything about its external appearance, so there is that.”
「还有件事忘了说。我个人有一件，想使用你们的情报网来找的魔法道具。每隔一段时间将结果记录在羊皮纸上寄送给魔导国的雅儿贝德。虽然关于外观方面的情报我也完全没有、就是了呢」

“...What sort of magic item would that be?”
「……那个是什么样的魔法道具呢？」

“It’s a magic item that can control a target’s mind.”
「是具有能够支配对方精神的道具呢」

“Mind control… a wand of charming or the like?”
「支配精神……是魅惑之类的魔法短杖吗？」

“No, it feels like it should be something stronger. I’m looking for something not in general circulation, a legendary item, or at least news about it. You must let me know anything you find, however insignificant it might be. Do you understand?”
「不、我觉得是更强的东西，想要搜集的是一般不会流通的传说级道具的相关传闻哟。不论事情多小也要记得传给我哦，明白了吗？」

The mind control of which she spoke was a terrifying effect.
所谓的精神支配有着非常恐怖的效果。

It was obvious why she would be wary of such an item, and so they immediately showed that they understood.
她会对此有所警戒也是理所当然的，为此他们马上就表现了解的意思。

***

“Pri-Pri-Princess-sama!”
「公、公主大人」

The maid opened the door and barged in, clearly panicked.
女仆态度慌张的打开门闯了进来。

She had not knocked, which was hardly an act that was worthy of praise, but that implied something had happened which had flustered her to the extent of not doing so.
没有敲门，虽然这并不是什么值得褒奖的态度。但这也就意味着发生了足以让她如此慌乱的事吧。

Renner immediately saw through what was going on. However, in front of the maids, Renner was an innocent princess. Because of that, she put on a suitably clueless impression and asked in an equally air-headed voice:
拉娜立即看穿了发生了什么事。但在女仆的面前拉娜是位天真无邪的公主大人。为此她露出了与之相符的表情，和同样胡涂的语气向其询问道。

“What’s going on?”
「发生了什么事么？」

The maid’s eye twitched.
女仆的眼角微微的跳动了一下。

That tic had probably come from her anger within. Why was this princess so daft while she herself was so worried?
这恐怕由于心中涌现出的愤怒所至吧。明明自己都是这么慌张了，眼前这位公主大人却还是这么心不在焉的。

Renner lazily replaced her cup on its saucer.
拉娜悠闲地将杯子放回杯垫上。

The sound of doing so seemed to jolt the maid back to reality, and she hastily sprang into action.
彷佛因那声音而回过神来的女仆，急忙开始了行动。

“A-a-about that--”
「那、那、那个——」

“It’s okay, It’ll be fine, Calm down, take a deep breath.”
「好的。没问题的哟。冷静下来，深呼吸」

The maid did as Renner told, taking several deep breaths to regulate her panting. After regaining a measure of calm, Renner asked, “What happened? Is it demons again?”
女仆遵照拉娜的指示反复地深呼吸，以平静慌乱的呼吸。然后见其取回一定程度的冷静后，拉娜这么问到「怎么回事？又有恶魔出现了吗？」

“N-no, that’s not it. The Sorcerous Kingdom’s emissary-sama says she wants to meet you, Renner-sama!”
「不、不是的。魔导国的使者大人说想要见拉娜大人！」

“Is it a lady?”
「是女性吗？」

“Yes, a very beautiful lady!”
「是的，是位非常美丽的大人」

Renner’s question should have been strange, because there was only one woman among the envoys from the Sorcerous Kingdom. If someone pressed the point, they might wonder what she was on about. However, the maid was currently confused, and answered in earnest.
由于魔导国的使者只有一人才是，所以拉娜的提问本应该是很奇怪的。如果深入追究那点的话，会让人觉得这家伙到底在说些什么啊。但正处于混乱状态的女仆，还是很认真的做出了回答。

Well, it’s fine, Renner thought. The more silly things she did, the more she built a reputation which she could use. It was all just setup, anyway.
嘛、也没关系吧拉娜这么想着。毕竟像这样的傻事越是积累，就越是能和可利用的评价相互连接在一起。这一切全都是布局。

Climb had been standing by her side. His armor clattered in response.
侍奉于一旁的克莱姆的铠甲，发出了嘎嘎做响的声音。

He must not have been able to follow what was going on.
想必是有些摸不着头脑了吧。

His adorable actions, like an innocent puppy, filled Renner’s heart with a surge of maternal love.
那如同可爱的小狗般天真无邪的举动，不禁使拉娜的胸口涌起了一股慈爱的感情。

There was probably no way he could figure out why the emissary was coming here to meet Renner. He had already seen her exchange greetings with Renner. That being the case, speaking with the Third Princess -- who was little more than an ornament -- would not bring any benefits to the Sorcerous Kingdom. At least, that was what Climb should be thinking.
如果推测其思考的话，他一定是没有办法理解，为什么使者要来拉娜的这里吧。他已经目睹了拉娜与她相互打招呼的情景。正因如此与不过是装饰的第三公主无论再多说些什么，应该也不会为魔导国带来什么益处才是。克莱姆大概是这么想的吧。

Renner smiled warmly in her heart.
拉娜在心中露出了温柔的微笑。

What they said about children being cuter the dumber they were was most assuredly true. Or rather one should say that one loved them despite their shortcomings. Well, it was probably true however you looked at it.
所谓越笨的小孩越可爱肯定是事实。不、应该说是痘痕和酒窝才对吗。大概，不管哪一个都是正确的吧。

If someone other than Climb had done this, other emotions would have come to the fore.
如果这是克莱姆以外的人所做出的举动的话，会涌出的应该是更多其它的感情吧。

Although she was driven by the impulse to look into Climb’s sparkling eyes forever, she had to bear with it for now. At least, until the moment she was enveloped by that delicious sugary candy.
虽然被想要一直看克莱姆那闪耀双眼的冲动所驱使，但现在还是忍耐吧。直至被那甜甜的砂糖点心所包覆那一瞬间为止。

“Why exactly would Albedo-sama want to meet me?”
「雅儿贝德大人究竟、为何、会来与我见面呢？」

Tilting her delicate little head was very important. Doing so would induce a negative reaction in a worried party. Its effectiveness had been proven after several experiments.
倾斜着小小的脑袋是很重要的。因为这样的举动，能对着急的对象带来不怎么良好的感情。这件事在经过好几次实验之后是已经被证明了的。

And the fact was, weak flames flickered in the maid’s pupils.
而事实上，女仆瞳孔的深处也摇曳起了微弱的火焰。

They were flames of anger. At the same moment, Climb’s armor clattered softly.
是愤怒。而与此同时，克莱姆的铠甲再次发出细微的声响。

He must have sensed that maid’s feelings and thought of something. But the sound soon stopped, and he returned to his upright and locked position.
是察觉到女仆的感情，从而有着什么想法吧，但声音很快便停止，再次回到了直立不动的姿势。

How adorable.
好可爱。

He was like a puppy that was confused over whether or not to step forward, in order to protect his mistress.
为了守护主人而犹豫是否该上前的困惑小狗。

That was because it would be better not to move if Renner had not noticed. The maid was the heiress of a good family, and no matter what Climb said, one word to her parents and Renner might be in trouble. Climb had probably thought of that.
这是出于如果拉娜没有注意到的话，还是不要行动会比较好的判断吧，女仆是家世良好的贵族千金，来历不明的克莱姆不管说什么，只要话传到了父母的身边，结果就很可能会给拉娜带来困扰。克莱姆大概是这么考虑的吧。

He was probably crying inside, since he believed so much in Renner. If only he had a good upbringing, this sort of thing would not be happening.
毕竟可是信赖着拉娜的他，恐怕是在心中流着泪吧。如果自己的家世良好的话，明明就不会让这种事发生了。

Renner resisted the desire to turn at look and Climb, who was standing behind her. This was because the interfering maid opened her mouth to speak:
拉娜忍住了想要看向、站在身后的克莱姆的欲望。这是因为碍事的女仆开口干扰的缘故。

“I do not know the reason, only that she wanted to meet you.”
「这个我也不明白。只是、说想要会面」

“Is that so… Albedo-sama’s a woman too, so maybe it’s girl talk... is it about makeup?”
「是这样子的吗……。雅儿贝德大人也是一位女性，说不定有着女性之间想要说的事呢。……是不是化妆的事呢？」

She asked that question in an innocent -- or perhaps in a flat-out brainless way.
天真无邪——或者不如说像是笨蛋似得的这么问道。

“I do not know about that either. Then, may I bring her in?”
「这个我也不清楚，那么可以带她过来吗？」

“Of course you may!”
「当然可以！」

After her reply of feigned delight, Renner turned to look at Climb.
拉娜在作出了看似很开心的回答后，便转身朝向了克莱姆的方向。

“Hmmm~ Climb, I’m sorry, but since this is a matter between ladies, could you step out of the room for a while?”
「那个、克莱姆。虽然非常抱歉，但由于这是女性之间的话题，所以可以请你暂时离开房间吗？」

“Understood.”
「遵命」

It was kind of a shame, but that could not be helped either. Climb did not need to know about bothersome things. All he needed to do was look at her with those pretty eyes of his.
虽然有些遗憾，但这也是没办法的事。不需要去知道什么麻烦的事，克莱姆所需要做的，就只有将那美丽的眼睛对准自己就可以了。

When Albedo entered the room, there was only one person inside.
雅儿贝德进入房间时，里面就只有一人。

Albedo had four objectives in coming to the Royal Capital.
雅儿贝德来到王都的目的一共有四。

The first was the transport of resources. The second was to create a casus belli. The third was to set the scene for her personal objectives. The fourth was to trade with the owner of this room.
一是运送物资、二是制造发起战争的契机、三是为了个人目的的布局、然后四便是与这个房间主人的交易。

No, calling it a trade would not be entirely accurate. This was more of a reward.
不、说是交易的话有一些不正确。该说是给予褒奖才比较合适吗。

Albedo strode across the room and took a seat without waiting for the owner of the room to give her permission.
没有得到房间主人许可，雅儿贝德便横跨房间坐在了椅子上。

Then, she looked to the girl who was genuflecting before her with her head lowered, and said:
然后对在自己面前屈膝跪下、并低下头的少女说道。

“You may raise your head.”
「抬起头吧」

“--Yes.”
「——是」

The girl called Renner lifted her face.
名为拉娜的少女抬起了面孔。

“You have done an excellent job.”
「你所做的工作非常卓越」

“Thank you very much, Albedo-sama.”
「非常感谢，雅儿贝德大人」

“Ara~”
「啊啦——」

Albedo seemed quite interested in Renner’s reaction, which was completely unlike what she had shown thus far.
雅儿贝德对相会至今为止完全不同反应的她，激发出了非常大的兴趣。

This was the Renner of whom Demiurge had spoken.
这才是迪米乌哥斯话中所提到的拉娜。

She had betrayed her family, her bloodline and her people, but there was not a shred of regret on her face. She was human, yet she was inhuman. Perhaps she was a spiritual heteromorph. Her mind comprehended good and evil, but that was all. She was the type who was not bound by the petty constraints of morality, but who quietly worked to advance her own agenda.
即便背叛了自己的家族、血缘、人民，但那个表情却丝毫没有后悔之意。这既是人类又不是人类。该说是精神的异形种吧。在她的脑中虽然理解善或恶，但那也不过只是理解而已。她属于那种不被这类道德观所束缚，而平静地贯彻自己的目的的类型。

“...As a reward for your efforts, I have brought you a gift from Ainz-sama.”
「……为了犒赏你的功劳，我带来了由安兹大人所下赐的奖赏」

Albedo reached into the air, and pulled out the item which her master had given her for safekeeping.
雅儿贝德从空间中、取出自己从主人那里代为保管的道具。

It was a box that bore several layers of seals. It was impossible to open without fulfilling specific conditions.
那是一个被施行了好几重封印的小箱子。在没有满足特定条件的情况下，是绝对无法打开它的。

“This would be…”
「这便是……」

As the girl accepted it with gratitude, Albedo watched her with a cold gaze, as though the girl were little more than a guinea pig.
感激地将之收下的少女、雅儿贝德以仿佛像是看着小白鼠的研究者般的冷酷眼神观察着她。

Indeed, she was a guinea pig. But because of that, both sides shared the same goals.
她的确是小白鼠啊。但正因为如此，双方的利益才得以达成一致。

“You have my deepest gratitude. Please convey my thanks to His Majesty, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama.”
「非常感谢，请向安兹·乌尔·恭陛下也传达我的感谢之意」

“That I promise you. I trust I need not waste words on the other item you want?”
「我向你保证。关于你想要的另一样东西就不用多说了吧？」

“Of course. I shall receive that boon once I have delivered the appropriate recompense. There is nothing more delightful than that.”
「当然，如果当我支付正当的回报之际，能够获得这份恩赐的话。便没有比那更值得高兴的事了」

The girl smiled.
少女微笑道。

It was a very lovely smile.
那是非常可爱的笑容。

That was why she asked:
正因如此才询问道。

“...Although opening that box can fulfil your wish, can you really open it?”
「……虽然开启那个箱子确实能够实现你的愿望，不过你真的有办法将其打开吗？」

What would the others in Nazarick think if they saw Albedo showing concern over a human being? That said, if her wish really did come true, then this could be regarded as preparatory work for her elevation to a status equivalent to that of an Area Guardian. In that case, it was perfectly understandable to show concern over a candidate for a subordinate’s position.
雅儿贝德竟然会担心人类什么的，如果被纳萨力克的其他人知道了话究竟会作何感想呢。然而、如果、她的愿望真的能够得以实现的话，这应该就能成为、她能被授予与领域守护者同等地位的准备工作。那么对于将来的部下候补多少给予些关心也不为过吧。

“Yes, Albedo-sama. The preparations have already begun.”
「是的，雅儿贝德大人。准备已经开始进行了」

“Really now. Then, make sure they’re finished before we invade.”
「是吗，那么就在我们进攻前做好准备吧」

“Understood, exalted mistress.”
「遵命，伟大的至尊」

As the girl lowered her head again, a pair of eyes appeared in her shadow.
再度低下头的少女，她的影子中浮现出了一双眼睛。

The Shadow Demon lurking within slithered forth and lowered its head along with the girl.
潜伏在其中的影子恶魔粘滑地现出身姿，与少女同样低下头。

Albedo considered whether or not to lend her extra reinforcements, but in the end she decided not to mention it.
虽想着是否该给予她更多的追加兵力呢，但雅儿贝德还是将那句话吞了下去。

If the girl’s actions were exposed before the Sorcerous Kingdom invaded the Kingdom, that would mean there was no value in taking her into Nazarick.
如果、在魔导国进攻王国前，这个少女的所作所为便曝光的话，那么也就证明没有将她拉入纳萨力克的价值。

In other words, all this was a test.
换句话说这就是一场测试。

“Then, let us dispense with the formalities here.”
「那么拘谨的话题，就说到这里吧」

There seemed to be a change in Albedo’s tone, and there was a surprising expression on Renner’s face.
雅儿贝德的声线听上去好像发生了改变，拉娜脸上露出了不可思议的表情。

“Ending the meeting here would be too hasty. Is there anything -- let’s chat, then. All right, sit. Can you tell me about your puppy?”
「会面现在就结束的话，未免也太快了呢。有没有什么——就来闲聊好了。那么、坐吧，能让我听听你的汪酱的事吗？」

Albedo was greeted with a full-faced smile.
迎接雅儿贝德的是满面笑容。

“I would love to, Albedo-sama. In addition, if I may, could you tell me about His Majesty as well?”
「非常乐意，雅儿贝德大人。另外、如果可以的话，是否也能让我听听安兹·乌尔·恭陛下的事呢？」