Part 4

He had walked through this corridor quite a few times as Momon, and he passed by the guildmaster’s room -- though he did not enter, but was instead taken to the room beside it. That room was used for entertaining guests.
通过了作为飛飛时经过了好几次的走廊，经过了工会长房间——但却并没有进去，而是被带到了隔壁的房间。那是作为接待室而被使用的房间。

A powerfully built man came out to meet him -- the guildmaster Pluton Ainzach.
出来迎接的是一名精悍的壮年男人——工会长的布尔敦·艾因扎克。

Ainz had met him as Momon several times before -- he had dragged Momon with him to adult establishments in the past. However, this was the first time he had encountered the man as the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, so he had to be deeply aware of his words and actions.
作为飛飛时有过几面之缘——是个曾经把飛飛强制带去过风俗店的人物。但作为魔导王安兹·乌尔·恭与其会面这还是第一次，必须要深刻注意言行举止。

“Oh, it is Your Majesty, the Sorcerer King. As a citizen of this country, nothing could delight me more than to receive you within my humble abode. Please, come in, and though this is a dirty place, I bid you take a seat if it pleases you.”
「这还真是，魔导王陛下。您愿大驾光临这样的寒舍，我作为生活在这个国家的臣民，实在是没有更胜于此的喜悦。来快请进、虽然是个简陋的小地方，但如果您不嫌弃的话，还请上座」

Ainz sat down at the place where Ainzach had indicated.
依照艾因扎克的招待，安兹坐在了椅子上。

Fifth stood behind Ainz, while three of the angels followed Ainz inside. The rest remained outside the room, awaiting orders.
菲斯站在了安兹的身后，跟进房间的天使有三只，其余的则在房间外待命。

“By right, I should have been the one to visit you, but I am deeply grateful that you came all this way to see me.”
「本该是由我前去拜访的，但却让您劳驾过来，实在是万分感谢」

Ainzach genuflected, and bowed his head deeply.
单膝下跪的艾因扎克深深的低下了头。

Ainz smiled bitterly as he saw Ainzach putting on that act.
对于他的这种态度安兹脸上浮现出了苦笑。

It was completely different from how he had been when speaking to Momon. His kind voice was tinged with respect, but that was just a front. Ainz could not help but smile after realising that all this was just professional technique at work. Of course, his own expression had not changed at all.
与和飛飛谈话时声色完全不同。虽然有着亲切的声色与恭恭敬敬的口吻。但也仅仅如此而已。明白了对方这只不过是营业手法后，不经想要露出苦笑。嘛、当然，安兹的表情还是完全没有变化的就是了。

Ainz turned his eyes toward the other door in the room, the one which was not the entrance.
安兹把视线朝向了与入口不同的门。

That door led to the guildmaster’s room. He would probably be talking in there if he was Momon. The fact that the guildmaster had received him here made Ainz aware of the distance between the two.
那道是门是通往旁边的、工会长房间的门。如果是飛飛的话，现在应该是在那个房间进行会谈的吧。然而现在却是在这接待室里，这一点也让安兹感到了其中的隔阂。

“Is something the matter, Your Majesty?”
「请问是怎么了吗，魔导王陛下」

Ainzach had raised his head to peek at Ainz, who seemed to have ignored him in favor of looking at the room to the side. Ainz could not help but snort at his foolishness.
艾因扎克把头抬了起来、观察着安兹的举动。似乎过于把注意力放在旁边的房间，而忽视了艾因扎克的样子。安兹不由得为自己的愚蠢而嗤鼻一笑。

Ainzach’s face froze. Perhaps he thought that laughter was directed at him..
是以为这是在嘲笑自己么，艾因扎克的表情僵住了。

Ainz felt disgusted by his rudeness, but the Sorcerer King could not apologise. Instead, he decided to push ahead with the conversation in an attempt to gloss it over.
虽然对自己采取了失礼的态度感到了自我厌恶、但魔导王是不能谢罪的。安兹企图用推进话题，从而把这件事给搪塞过去。

Still, what sort of attitude should he take toward the guildmaster?
但，到底该对冒险工会会长采取什么样的态度呢。

Ainz was still feeling out the proper way to be a king, and did not have any knowledge in that field. The only thing guiding him was a vague feeling of “this should be right”. With that, he decided to try something.
对于还在摸索要怎么做王的安兹来说，并没有那方面的知识。大概是这样的感觉吧，也只能这样估算出了个大概便开始了尝试。

“I think you should have heard about it by now, Ainzach, but I have a proposal for you.”
「我想事情你应该已经听说了吧，艾因扎克，我对你们有一个提案」

“--Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I am unsure of what you speak. If it is possible, could you start from the beginning?”
「——非常抱歉，陛下。我并不清楚您说的是什么事，如果可以的话，能否从最初开始说明呢？」

From his previous interactions with the man, Ainz knew that Ainzach was a capable man who was also capable of lying through his teeth. There was a high chance that he already had a firm grasp on the situation. That was probably why he had not been alarmed by the angels.
从作为飛飛与其的交往来看，安兹非常清楚艾因扎克能干的人，同时也是个能够面不改色的撒谎的人。目测、有相当高的几率，他其实已经把握住了事情的情况。对于天使们完全不露出惊讶的神色也是这么回事吧。

That being the case, there was no need to beat around the bush. Ainz decided to speak directly.
那么就不用拐弯抹角了，安兹直接了断的开口道。

“I intend to incorporate this Adventurer’s Guild into the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
「我想把这个冒险者工会，纳入我魔导国的麾下」

“...Is that so. I do not think anybody will object to that.”
「…………是这样么吗。我想没有人会反对此事的吧」

“Hoh. I have heard that the Adventurer’s Guild has always held itself to neutrality. Are you truly fine with this?”
「嚯。我可听说冒险者工会一直都是处于中立状态的啊，真的没有问题么？」

“All shall proceed as you desire, Your Majesty. This nation is governed by the laws which you have set down. If Your Majesty wishes to subordinate the Adventurer’s Guild below his banner, nobody can gainsay that decision.”
「万事如您所愿，陛下。这个国家是在您所建立的法律系统下的。如果陛下您想要将冒险者工会纳入麾下，是没有人能够反抗的」

Ainz snorted again. That reaction seemed to get a rise out of Ainzach. Ainz sensed that he had gotten to the guildmaster, from the look deep in his eyes.
安兹再次嗤鼻一笑。而这反应似乎也有刺激到对方的样子，在其瞳孔深处能感到有什么情感动摇了一下。

“Indeed, it shall proceed as I desire. However, do you truly intend to go along with it? Or perhaps you intend to warn off the adventurers and send them to the Empire and the Kingdom before handing over an empty shell of a guild to me.”
「确实会变成那样。然而你却是打算这么做的吧？先劝说冒险者们让他们前往帝国、王国，然后再把变成空壳的工会拱手上交给我」

Ainzach looked intently at Ainz, and then he rounded his shoulders, as though to say, “So that’s as far as I go, huh.”
紧紧地盯着他，艾因扎克带着只能走到这一步了吗感觉，垂下了肩。

“As expected of Your Majesty. To think you would not only claim and rule this city, but even see through my innermost thoughts… did you read my mind with magic?”
「真不愧是魔导王陛下。不仅君临、统治了这座城镇，竟然连我的想法都看得这么透彻……是用魔法读取了我的心思吗？」

“No, I did not use magic. It was nothing more than experience.”
「魔法什么的我才没用呢。不过是经验罢了」

“Because you have lived a long time, I take it. My my, what a fearsome lord you are. Then, what is to become of me?”
「因为活了很久吗。呀咧呀咧，真是位可怕的大人啊。那么我接下来会被怎么样呢？」

“Nothing will happen to you.”
「什么都不会有」

“...I will not thank you for that, you know?”
「……我可不会感谢您的哦？」

“I do not need your thanks. More than that, I want your opinions. I have heard that adventurers exist to defend the people. Thus, they do not wish to be used in the wars of humanity and have maintained a degree of independence from any nation. Is this true?”
「我需要的才不是什么感谢。比起那些，我想听听你的意见。听闻冒险者是为了从怪物手中保护人民而存在着的。因此为了不被人与人之间的战争所利用，才会保持着独立而不从属于某一国家之下的。这是真实的吗？」

“It is as you say, Your Majesty. In truth, when Your Majesty laid claim to this town, we had no intention of offering any resistance.”
「陛下、正如您所说的那样。实际上，当陛下您占领这座城镇的时候，我等也未有过打算参战的意愿」

“And yet the man called Momon stood before me…?”
「可那个名叫飛飛的男人，却挡在了我的面前哦……？」

Ainzach grunted, “Oh.” Well, there was no point giving himself a hard time. Ainz decided to continue speaking, and of course, he had to help cover for Momon.
艾因扎克呜的、呻吟道。嘛，自己在这里掐自己脖子也没什么好处。安兹还是决定继续说下去。当然了，还不能忘了替飛飛擦屁股。

“Ah, I won’t pursue that matter. After all, we are working together, in a sense. Indeed, that cooperation is one of the reasons I can peacefully rule this place.”
「嘛、那件事我就不再追究了。毕竟基于某一个共同点上，我们现在正处于合作关系。没错，那便是和平地统治这里，这一方面的事」

Ainzach seemed to be on the verge of saying something, but Ainz ignored him and pressed on.
艾因扎克好像表现出了想说些什么的样子，但安兹无视了他继续说道。

This was the real meat of the issue.
从现在开始才是正题。

He had to bring Ainzach over to his side, and make him want to aid the Sorcerous Kingdom out of kindness.
必须要说服艾因扎克，从而让他带着善意来协助魔导国。

After recalling the various gripes and complaints he had heard during his time as Momon, Ainz said:
回忆起作为飛飛时所听到的各种各样抱怨和不满，安兹这么说道。

“...Then, I have a question after hearing your words. You were quite certain that ‘Adventurers exist to defend the people’. However, who exactly are these ‘people’?”
「……那么，听到你的话后我突然有了一个疑问。你刚才是这么肯定了的，『冒险者是为了从怪物手里保护人民而存在』，但这个『人民』的范围又是什么呢？」

“May I know what you mean by that?”
「您的意思是？」

There was a baffled look on Ainzach’s face.
艾因扎克的脸上显露出不明所以的表情。

“In other words, does the word ‘people’ encompass all humanoids, or just human beings? Are Elves, Half-Elves and other species that live in harmony with humanity covered by that word?”
「也就是说、这个『人民』指的是人类种吗，还是只是单纯的人类呢？森精灵、半精灵[Half Elf]这些与人类共同生存着的其他种族也在那个范围内吗？」

“Well, about that, yes, they are included.”
「这个、嘛，确实包含在这其中」

“How strange, then. I seem to recall that Elves are slaves in the Empire, are they not? That being the case, can you really say that you are protecting them? Are they not slaves because they ran afoul of the Empire’s laws?”
「那可就怪了啊，我记得在帝国森精灵是属于奴隶的吧？即使是那样，你也能说这是在保护吗？他们也不是因为触犯了帝国的法律，才堕为奴隶的吧？」

Ainzach lowered his head. Then, he looked up to face Ainz again.
艾因扎克低头向下看去。然后再次重新面对安兹。

“...I am but the master of the Kingdom’s Adventurer’s Guild. Thus, I do not know what the Empire’s Guild has in mind.”
「……我是王国的冒险工会长。因此并不清楚帝国的工会是怎么想的」

“So you’re just trying to get out of it with weasel words, then…”
「含糊言辞从而逃避过去了吗……」

AInzach’s eyes went wide, and there was clear anger there.
艾因扎克睁大了眼睛，可以清楚的看见其眼中的怒火。

“Your Majesty, such mockery--”
「陛下，讽刺的话——」

“Mockery? Is this not the truth? ...I shall ask you again. Are you not trying to get yourself off the hook by being ambiguous?”
「讽刺？这难道不是真实的么？……我再问你一次。你难道没有含糊其辞、企图逃避吗？」

Ainzach lowered his eyes.
艾因扎克伏下了视线。

“...It is as you say.”
「…………如您所说」

“You say that you will defend Elves and Half-Elves, but you have not done that at all. Why is that?”
「虽然嘴上说着，不管是森精灵还是半精灵都会予以保护，但却完全没有做到吗。这是为什么呢？」

Ainzach gave his explanation, beginning from the position that he was unclear about the intentions of the Adventurer’s Guild in the Empire.
在以、自己对帝国冒险工会的情况也不怎么清楚，为开场后后，艾因扎克开始了说明。

“Though we are an Adventurer’s Guild, we cannot fully escape the bonds of countries. While the Adventurer’s Guild proudly declares itself to be above their rule, we remain obedient to the laws of the nations. We are an armed organization. It would be very dangerous if a group with our strength were to turn that power against the nation. I believe the Empire’s Guild thinks along the same lines.”
「虽说是冒险工会，但果然无法完全从国家的束缚中摆脱出来。虽然冒险者打着自由的旗号，讴歌着不被支配，但果然还是得处于国家法律的法律之下。我等是武装组织。正因如此若是将我等的力量对向国家的话，那实在是太过危险了。帝国的工会也应该是这么想的吧」

“That is what I mean. Since you are bound by a country’s laws, then there should be no problem with being incorporated into that country. That being the case, why do you dislike that?”
「就是这点啊。只要还处于国家的法律下，就应该不存在什么不能被收编进国家的问题。但为何、你却不喜欢这么做？」

“Both the Empire and the Kingdom covet our strength. After all, only adventurers like ourselves can fight on an even footing with powerful monsters. Because of that, nobody has made any difficult requests of us until now. However, that point is moot where Your Majesty is concerned. If we are made subordinate to you, there is a chance that our strength may be directed against the people.”
「无论是帝国还是王国，都非常看中我们的力量。毕竟能和强大的怪物势均力敌战斗的，果然还是只有我们冒险者。正因如此，至今为止才没有被要求过什么难题。但对陛下来说，这点并不通用。如果作为组织被收编了的话，我等的力量或许有可能，会被要求向人民挥下」

“And so, you seek to resist assimilation into the country because you fear being made to use force against the common man, am I correct?”
「你们想方设法的想避开被收编的理由，就是因为『害怕自己的力量将会向人民挥下』吗？」

“It is as Your Majesty says. We do not wish to be made to suppress people or to fight wars. It would make us accessories to many deaths.”
「正如陛下所言。我们不想成为在镇压或战争，这种会令大量死者出现行为的帮凶」

Ainz could not help but laugh at this. Well, I knew that already. But of course, he could not actually say that.
安兹不由得对取得了承诺，这件事笑了出来。嘛，这种事我早知道了。这句话当然是不会说出口的。

“Then sit. I shall now explain what I intend for you in the future.”
「坐下吧。那么，现在开始我就来向你说明、我打算接下来让你们干什么吧」

Ainz had to tell him to sit again before Ainzach finally complied, taking a seat out of fear. Then, Ainz began his explanation.
安兹再一次向艾因扎克下达了坐下的命令后、他这才惶恐不已的坐了下来。而后安兹便开始了说明。

“I am considering the possibility of having adventurers take on other, more meaningful types of work. I want adventurers to discover the unknown and explore this world.”
「我正考虑要让冒险去从事些别的、更具有意义的工作、我想要冒险者们做的是，发现未知、并去探清这个世界」

Ainz felt Ainzach looking directly at him for the first time.
安兹第一次感觉，艾因扎克正面看向了自己。

“For instance, there is a patch of wilderness in the south, between the Theocracy and the Holy Kingdom. But do you know the details of the terrain and what manner of monsters live there?”
「比如说南方之地，教国与圣王国之间有一片荒野。但你知道那详细的地形和生存着什么样的怪物么？」

“No, because there are many demihuman settlements there. The Adventurer’s Guild of the Kingdom has sent people there, but none have returned in one piece. Therefore, we know next to nothing about it.”
「不，由于那里有着各种各样的亚人的部落。王国冒险者工会的人去了那里后，还没有能无事生还。为此我们几乎没有与之相关的情报」

“Then, there is a mountain range to the southwest which serves as a natural barrier between yourselves and the Theocracy. What do you know of that place?”
「那么，在这个国家的西南方有着与教国隔绝的山脉，对那里你又有所了解么？」

“No, we do not have any detailed information about the region.”
「不，并没有什么详细的情报」

“Are you not ashamed of that ignorance? No, perhaps it must seem unavoidable, from the point of view of an adventurer. After all, you are an organization that protects the people, so there is no need to know about places which do not contain any people. Although, there is the chance that lifesaving herbs might grow there.”
「你难道从未对那份无知，而感到过羞愧吗？不对，从冒险者的工作来看，这或许是没有办法的事吧？毕竟是保护人民的组织对吧。所以不需要没有人民的地方的知识嘛。虽然那里或许也可能生长着、能够救人一命的药材就是了啊」

Ainzach’s mouth tightened into a straight line at that provocation.
面对这讽刺艾因扎克的嘴抿成了一直线。

“Once I take the Adventurer’s Guild under my banner, I plan to fill in all the blank spaces on the map.”
「从将冒险者工会纳入我的麾下那天起，我便打算让他们把那类空白区域的知识，全部都填补上」

“...Would it not be better to hand that task to the people close to Your Majesty?”
「……交给陛下的亲信们，不是更好么？」

“Don’t be foolish. I heard that you used to be an adventurer, Ainzach, so let me ask you again: When you think about the word ‘adventurer’, really ponder it, do you think you exist merely to fight monsters? Before I researched adventurers, I believed that they were beings who turned the unknown into the known.”
「别说那种无聊的话。我听闻艾因扎克你原来也是冒险者，那就让我再问你一次么？把『冒险者』这个词放在心上再仔细地思考下，你们只是为了和怪物们战斗而存在么？在调查冒险者之前，我一直都以为冒险者是化未知为已知的存在啊」

Ainzach bit his lip, so hard that it seemed as though he was trying to draw blood.
艾因扎克紧咬住了嘴唇。那力度强到像是，要将其咬出血来似得。

“--We must protect the people.”
「——我们必须保护人民」

“There is no need for that. In this Sorcerous Kingdom, I will protect the people as their ruler. Given the sharp drop in requests, you should be able to understand the truth of that, am I wrong?”
「这不需要。在这魔导国将由我这个支配者来保护人民。就委托量激剧减少这点来看，你应该就可以理解这是真实的吧？」

Ainzach answered in the affirmative, in a pained voice that sounded more like a groan.
艾因扎克用像是痛苦呻吟般的声音，做出了肯定。

“Then what will you do next? Will you move to the Kingdom or the Empire to protect the people? That sounds a lot like what a specialized monster-hunting mercenary would do.”
「那么接下来你们要怎么做？为了保护人民转移到王国、帝国？简直就像是专门为了和怪物战斗的佣兵嘛」

Ainz paused here. The next step would be persuasion, He had to devote the full capacity of his mind to what he said next.
安兹在这里暂时顿了一顿。接下来就是劝诱了。一言一语都必须让自己的头脑充分运转起来不可。

“Earlier, you said ‘my subordinates should do it’. From a certain point of view, that would be a good solution. It is true that my subordinates excel at slaying the enemy. However, many of them raise serious doubts in my mind about whether or not they can build good relationships with the beings they meet in this unknown world. It is a great mark of shame for me. Therefore, I want to leave this task to you adventurers.”
「先前你说过『让我的部下去做就好』。这个意见从某一方面来看，确实是正确的。可是，虽然我的部下对杀敌这件事很是擅长。但要是论起能否在未知世界里，与碰到的物种们友好的进行交流的话，他们中很多人就让我留有疑问了啊。真是惭愧之极啊。正因如此，我才想尽可能的把这个任务交给你们冒险者」

While he was quite interested in the silent Ainzach’s reaction, his presentation was not finished yet.
虽然非常在意沉默观察着自己的艾因扎克的反应，但演讲还并未结束。

“Well, since I plan to have them do such a dangerous job, I will naturally give them my full support. Do you not think it is necessary for me to assimilate the Adventurer’s Guild for that?”
「嘛，既然要让他们做这么有风险的工作，我自然也打算对其进行全面的支援。为此你不觉得，我有将冒险者工会纳入麾下的必要吗？」

“...All you have to do is hire us.”
「……您只要委托我们不就可以了吗」

“I see. So you are quite confident in your strength. I do not dislike that courage.”
「原来如此。看来你们对自己的实力相当有自信嘛。我并不讨厌你们这份勇气哦」

“What, what do you mean, Your Majesty?”
「您、您这是什么意思，陛下」

“Discovering the unknown means the possibility of making unfortunate encounters with other civilizations. If that happened, do you not think the Sorcerous Kingdom would disavow you? In addition, the Adventurer’s Guild would then be solely responsible for dealing with any problems which arose, am I wrong? Since you claim to be an independent organization, do you not think that is to be expected? After all, any contracts I make with you will not incur any loss to the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
「发现未知，那也就代表着可能会与其他的文明发生不幸的接触。那么如果碰上这种情况，魔导国就可以舍弃你们冒险者啰？而且之后所产生的问题，也得由你们冒险者工会来独立解决了吧？既然你们是作为独立组织而存在的，这应该是理所当然的吧？我会事先要求你们订下，不会对我魔导国产生任何损失的约定的哦」

Ainzach fell silent.
艾因扎克沉默了。

“That is what it means to act independently, free from any nation’s control, is that not the case? And if a situation escalates to an international level, you would thus have to deal with it yourself… is what I am saying so laughable?”
「不在国家的支配下，而作为独立组织而行动，就是意味着这么一回事吧？万一对方将其抬高到国与国之间的问题时，也务必请你们要独自解决啊……我有说什么可笑的事么？」

“Certainly not, Your Majesty,” Ainzach nodded deeply, to show that he understood. “Every word you have spoken is correct.”
「绝对没有那样的事，陛下」艾因扎克重重的点了点头，以表同意的证明。「您所说的一言一语都没有错」

“Just so. But if that happens, valuable adventurers -- who are professionals that possess special skills -- will end up being depleted. As it takes human beings a long time to mature, the death of any talented individual will be a great loss. Because of that, I wanted to acquire the Adventurer’s Group. And then, they would receive my full support as the price of having to carry out my orders.”
「就是这样。但是如此一来，贵重的冒险者、有着特别的技术的那份职业的人数将会被损耗。只要人类成长需要花费大量的时间，优秀人才的消耗就将是巨大的损失。而正因如此，我才会想要将冒险者工会纳入麾下。然后作为命令他们的代价，我将约定全面支援他们」

“That is a very attractive proposal… However, I have a doubt I wish to clarify. Once we have understood the unknown, does that mean we will then become invasion forces for the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
「这真是充满魅力的提案……但我还是有一个疑问想要确认一下。了解到的未知，是否又将会成为魔导国侵略的工具呢？」

“That is a very complicated question. I cannot rule out that possibility entirely. After all, if we learn that an enemy which exists in unknown lands plans to launch an invasion, it is quite reasonable to use that information to take the initiative and strike the first blow instead. Said enemies might include demihumans like Ogres or Orcs who live in the wilderness. Or perhaps, it might be necessary to launch an invasion to show them the difference between their strength and ours. If there was a ferocious monster beside you which was sharpening its fangs, would you not want to strike first instead?”
「这是个非常难的疑问啊。我不可能断言绝对没有这种可能。毕竟如果存在于未知之处的对手正筹备着侵略的计划，那么用得到的情报打个先手也是可以的吧。像是生活与荒野之类地方的亚人种族，像是食人魔[Ogre]或豚鬼[Orc]那样的种族。或许就会根据情况，为了让他们见识下力量的差距而发动侵略。如果在你的身边有磨着爪牙的凶暴怪物，你难道不会想打个先手作为对应吗？」

“I see, it is as you say, But--”
「原来如此，确实如您所说。但——」

“..Hm.”
「……唔嗯」

“Is something the matter, Your Majesty?”
「请问怎么了，陛下？」

“It’s nothing, forgive me for interrupting you. What were you going to say just now?”
「没什么，抱歉啊打断了你的话。你刚才是想继续说些什么吧？那就由你先接着说吧」

“...Understood. However, what troubles me is whether or not it is right to subdue by force those races who are living in peace.”
「……遵命。但我所畏惧的是，将正和平生活着的人们以武力的方式将其吞并的这种行为，这是否有那么些不合适呢」

“What races are you thinking of? Elves, perhaps?”
「你所想象的是那种的种族？森精灵什么的？」

“Well, perhaps.”
「嘛，可能是这样的吧」

“...The details of this sort of thing are top secret as they are linked to national policy, so I cannot discuss this openly. If invasion and conquest are advantageous to the Sorcerous Kingdom, we might end up doing so, If they bring only disadvantages, we will not do so. This is quite common among countries, am I correct? However, if it comes to the simple matter of invasions, I can plainly state that I have adequate military forces at my disposal. I do not expect adventurers to collect information on enemy nations, nor do I need them to scout routes for me. As I said earlier, I simply desire them to explore the unknown and discover all sorts of things. I give you my word on this.”
「……由于这方面的详情与国家计划有着紧密的关联，所以不太好一概而论啊。如果侵略并支配对魔导国有好处的话，或许就会那么做。如果带来的只有坏处的话，那就不会这么做。这对国家来说是极其常有的事吧？但如果单纯论侵略的话，我可以和你坦言、我已有了足够的军队。我期待冒险者们所做的既非收集敌国的情报，也非事先调查侵略路线。正如刚才所说的那样，单纯的只是寻求探寻未知，发现各种各样的事物而已。对于这点我可以向你保证」

However, right after saying that, Ainz asked Ainzach:
不过话说回来，以这样一句话作为前置后，安兹向艾因扎克询问道。

“Still, it does seem you treat races differently depending on how attractive they are. Why did you not say that line about ‘whether or not it is right to subdue by force those races who are living in peace’ when the topic of invading Orcs and Ogres came up?”
「你们对外观美貌的种族，这待遇可真够不同的啊。当我说要对食人魔和豚鬼发动侵略时，你为何没有说『对和平生活着的人们，用武力吞并是否有些不合适』这句话呢？」

“That, that’s because they’re demihumans--!”
「那、那是因为他们是亚人——！」

“Hahahaha. I see, I see. So that is what you think. I understand, I understand. So, what is your answer?”
「哈哈哈哈。原来如此。原来如此。是这种想法啊。明白了。明白了。那么你的回答呢？」

Ainzach seemed to want to say something, but he immediately shook his head. That was probably to change his mind.
艾因扎克露出一副想要说些什么的表情，但却马上又摇了摇头。这是为了切换心情吧。

“Must I answer that question immediately, Your Majesty?”
「这件事，我必须现在马上答复吗？陛下」

“Certainly, I would like you to answer right away. However, this matter is of weighty importance, and you must prepare for it by discussing it with others. That it takes time cannot be helped. However, I would like to know what you think, Ainzach.”
「虽然我确实很想让你现在回答的。但毕竟事情重大，你也得做些事前准备并与其他人商量商量的吧。会花点时间也是无可奈何之事。但是，在那之前就先让我听听你的想法吧，艾因扎克」

Ainz leaned forward, so he could look right into Ainzach’s eyes from close up.
安兹将身体前倾，在至近的距离下盯着艾因扎克的眼睛。

“I am very angry. But more than that, I am saddened by the fact that you are nothing more than simple monster exterminators. How dare people like you call yourselves adventurers? Ainzach, what do you think? Are you willing to adventure under my rule? It is my hope for you all that--”
「我很愤恨啊。对于你们只不过是单纯的怪物退职工一事。我更是惋惜啊。对于那样的你们居然也敢自称冒险者一事。艾因扎克，你是怎么想的？有在魔导国的——我的统治下进行冒险的意愿吗？我可是期盼你们的啊——」

Here, Ainz paused for a beat. Then, he let the strength flow into his eyes and his voice.
安兹在这里稍微停顿了下。然后将力量汇入了自己的视线与声音中。

“--That you will all be able to become ‘Adventurers’.”
「——你们能够成为『冒险者』的啊」

Tension filled the room. As though observing an opponent who had been slain by his finishing move, Ainz held his breath -- although he could not breathe to begin with -- and awaited Ainzach’s response.
紧迫感充斥着整个房间。就像是观察着吃了自己的必杀一击而倒下的敌人一样，安兹屏住呼吸——虽然本来也没有在呼吸就是了——等待着艾因扎克的反应。

“...I feel this is a very attractive proposition.”
「……我觉得这确实是一个非常有魅力的提案」

The lights within Ainz’s empty orbits dimmed. It seemed like he would find some reason to refuse.
安兹眼眶骨中的光芒暗淡了下来。看这个样子，接下来他大概就会找出些理由来婉拒的吧。

“--Therefore, I intend to ask the others if they can accept this proposal. It is true that using adventurers like us for such a purpose is like a dream come true. Becoming agents of the Sorcerous Kingdom is something we can come to terms with at some point. If I might be allowed to speak as a former adventurer… I would be happy to help.”
「——因此，我想试着去和其他人商量下能不能接受这个提案。确实如果是以这个目的来使用我们冒险者的话，这或许会成为一个如梦幻般的提议啊。对于纳入国家麾下这点也能够予以认同的吧。如果让我以一个原冒险者的立场来说的话……我很乐意协助」

--Eh, does that mean it worked?
（——诶，这难道是成功了？）

“Really now…”
「是吗……」

Ainz leaned back against the sofa.
安兹将背靠在了沙发上。

The joy of his speech’s success spread steadily through him. It was like the feeling of leaving a client after clinching a deal, then rushing to a coffeeshop to call up one’s own firm and shouting “I did it!” over the phone.
由演讲成功带来的喜悦不断慢慢扩散开来。仿佛就像是离开客户的公司后，赶忙跑到喫茶店并联络自己的公司，喊上这么一句「太好了」的那样感觉。

He had not expected his experience as an adventurer to end up being used here. No, it was because of that experience that Ainz could come up with that proposal.
真是没想到，当过冒险者的经验会被发挥在这种地方。不，正是因为有了那份经验，才会使安兹想到这个方案的吧。

And just then, Ainz thought of something that was so important it had to be done right away. It concerned the future of the Sorcerous Kingdom which he envisioned.
而就在这时候，安兹突然想到了还有那么件不得不做的事。有关于自己所设想的、魔导国将来的发展。

“Ah, that’s right. One more thing.”
「啊啊，对了。还有一件事」

Ainz raised a bony finger.
安兹竖起了一根指骨。

“When you said you wanted to protect the people, you defined it as encompassing all humanoids. Thus, the purpose of adventurers is to protect all people within that definition.”
「之前你说要守护人民的时，肯定了我所说的人类种的范围吧。所谓冒险者的存在理念即是守护人民」

“Yes. That is true, Your Majesty.”
「哈啊。确实如此，陛下」

“And then, when the topic turned to invasion, you indicated that it would be alright as long as they were demihumans. Is that correct?”
「然后说到侵略的话题时，却又表示如果是亚人种就没有关系，没错吧？」

Ainzach nodded, his expression saying, “so what?”
艾因扎克以一副那又怎么了的神情点了点头。

“The Sorcerous Kingdom will accept all races as its subjects. That is to say, not just humanoids, but demihumans and heteromorphs. Therefore, if the philosophy of adventurers is to protect the people, then you must defend demihumans and heteromorphs as well.”
「魔导国将无差别地接受所有种族为国民。这指的不仅仅是人类种，亚人种和异形种也是相同的。所以如果冒险者的存在理念是守护『人民』的话，也得请你们同样保护亚人与异形」

Ainzach’s eyes went wide.
艾因扎克瞪大了眼睛。

“What are you saying?!”
「您这是在说些什么呢！」

“...What’s wrong? I do not understand why you are so excited. In my country, there is no difference between humans, demihumans or heteromorphic beings. If they acknowledge me as their king, then they shall be my subjects.”
「……怎么了？我不明白你会如此激动的理由啊。在我的国家里，无论是人类还是亚人亦或是异形都没有区别。只要愿意尊我为王，他们就同样都是我的臣民」

“This, this is too ridiculous. This is impossible, Your Majesty!”
「这、这太、这太荒唐了。这是不可能办得到的啊，陛下！」

“Is that so? I have heard of a country to the north of the Kingdom called the Republic. Are there not many races which coexist there?”
「是吗？我听闻王国的北方，似乎有个叫评议国的国家。在那里不是共存着各种各样的种族么？」

“Indeed, I have heard of such a country… no! Do you intend to have us coexist with those races which see humans as little more than food?”
「确实有听说过那个国家是这样的……不对！您是想让我们与，只将我们人类看作是食物的种族共存吗！？」

“I see, it is as you say. The Sorcerous Kingdom will not permit its subjects to eat fellow subjects. I will make that a matter of law. That should be enough, right? However, I will not stop them if they seek to prey upon those who are not my subjects. After all, I am not the sort who will interfere with my people’s dining habits… no, seeing the members of one’s race being butchered and sold for meat is damaging to the mind… perhaps that matter will require further debate.”
「原来如此，确实如你所说。在我魔导国绝不会允许本国国民吃本国国民。我将会把这点定为法律。这样就可以了吧？但如果对象是非本国国民的话，那我也不会阻止。毕竟我也不至于连国民的饮食习惯，也要对其插手……不对，看到自己种族的同胞被分尸贩卖的话，对精神健康也不好嘛……那方面还有一些需要讨论的余地嘛」

According to Lupusregina, the villagers of Carne lived in harmony with Goblins and Ogres. Thus, there was no reason for that to be impossible for this city. That said, the sheer number of people involved would complicate the matter.
按照露普斯蕾琪娜所说，卡恩村的村民和哥布林以及食人魔们和平共处着。那么这座都市也没理由做不到的道理吧。虽然由于人数众多的关系，肯定会变得很麻烦就是了。

“What, what exactly do you intend, intend to do?”
「您、您到底、打算做什么?」

“You certainly do ask a lot of surprising questions. Why not ask why all of you, as fellow living creatures, cannot be united? As one of the undead, I find that point quite difficult to understand. To me, there is no difference between humans and Goblins. All races will be equal under my rule. Of course, I shall be above you as your absolute ruler, as will the subordinates under me.”
「你还真会问一些不可思议的问题啊。倒不如说，你们同为生者为何就不能齐心协力呢。这对于不死者的我来说实在是很难理解。对我来说人类也好、哥布林也好并无优劣之分。在我的支配之下所有种族都是平等的。当然，在你们的顶上还是有身着为绝对者的我、以及直属于我的部下们」

Ainzach’s breathing seemed to shift through a variety of speeds, before calming down in the end.
艾因扎克的表情瞬息万变，但最后还是恢复了平静。

“So you will take Goblins under your banner -- make them into your citizens?”
「哥布林之类也纳入旗下——作为国民吗？」

“Did you not hear what I said before? I said I would take Orcs and Ogres as my subjects as well, no?”
「你之前没在听我说的话么？我说过食人魔和豚鬼都将被收入我的旗下了吧？」

“Forgive, forgive me. I did hear that, but I believed that they would be your slaves.”
「不、不敢，确实是听见了，但我还以为是作为奴隶」

“That answer certainly suits a race which would take Elves as slaves. Let me repeat myself -- all citizens under my rule will be equal.”
「还真是句符合，会将森精灵作为奴隶的种族的发言啊。我再重复一遍，只要是在我治理之下的国民，一律都是平等的」

As he glanced at the way Ainzach was panting, Ainz considered if the man had picked up on his intentions.
窥伺艾因扎克那喘着粗气的样子，安兹盘算起了对方有没有领会到自己的本意。

An extreme interpretation of those words would be that every subject of the Sorcerous Kingdom was a slave of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick and its members. Of course, he would not say that. Nor was there any need to say that. It would be best if Ainzach did not pick up on that at all.
说得极端一点，事实上全部国民都是纳萨力克地下大坟墓成员的奴隶。但这种话自然是不会说出来的，也没有该说的必要。如果没有察觉到的话那就最好不过了。

“There are many Goblins under my protection. In a few days, a group of Goblins will visit E-Rantel. Do try mixing with them. The preconceptions you have of Goblins will surely be shattered. In addition, Lizardmen do not eat much meat, their primary diet being fish. Dryads and Treants love clean water and sunlight, and they only attack humans in self-defense.”
「已有众多的哥布林[Goblin]在我的庇护之下了。大概最近几天，便会有一群哥布林到访这耶·兰提尔的吧。尽管与它们试试交流交流吧，你们心中的哥布林形象毫无疑问会崩坏的吧。还有，蜥蜴人[LizardMan]似乎很少吃肉哦，他们的主食是鱼。树精[Dryad]和树人[Trent]则喜爱清洁的水和阳光，也只有在自卫的情况下才会攻击人类」

“Have you already subordinated that many vassals?”
「已经收服如此众多的部下了吗？」

“There is no doubt about that. There are quite a number of demihumans and heteromorphs which have become my subjects. Oh, it seems we’ve drifted quite far off-topic. Then, Ainzach, I take it you personally approve of the Adventurer’s Guild becoming a part of the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
「毋庸置疑。已有好几种亚人和异形成为了我的国民。哦哦，话题扯远了。那么艾因扎克，关于冒险者工会成为魔导国的国家机关一事，我可以认为你的立场是赞成的吧？」

“--As long as Your Majesty is true to his word.”
「——只要陛下所言非虚」

“You do worry a lot, do you not? I am not lying. Adventurers should seek to explore the unknown.”
「还真是多虑啊。我可没有撒谎。冒险者就应该以探求未知为己任」

If possible, he hoped to put all sorts of races together into parties and send them out.
可能的话，希望能以各种各样的种族混编而成的队伍去挑战。

“Then, I will leave the task of explaining the matter to the other adventurers. If any adventurers do not approve of becoming public servants, then I will have no qualms about letting them leave.”
「向冒险者们说明就交给你了。在我魔导国，如果有谁不赞同冒险者成为国家机关成员的话，让他离开也无妨」

“Will that really be all right?”
「这样合适吗？」

“Forced cooperation will not be effective. That said, one can imagine that large changes to the organization’s structure and sudden deviations from current practices will cause a lot of problems. Therefore, the status quo will be maintained, to some extent. The most obvious change will only be the establishment of an investigative office for the guild and the guildmaster.”
「强扭的瓜不甜。只是，如果组织结构和行事方式突然大幅偏离以往的做法的话，可以想象会产生很多麻烦的事。所以在一定程度上就先维持现行的制度吧。当前明显的变化，就只是在公会会长之上再设置一个魔导国的审查机关这种程度吧」

All that was left was the most important part; the inducements which would make more adventurers want to join the Adventurer’s Guild of the Sorcerous Kingdom.
剩下最重要的，就是增添能够让冒险者想要自愿加入魔导国工会的附加价值了吧。

“The support which the Sorcerous Kingdom offers will primarily include the establishment of a training facility. It would be a terrible loss to blaze a trail into distant lands, only to be slain by unknown monsters. Therefore, a more practical training method than the current model -- that of live combat against monsters -- will be required. Considering that adventurers need to get used to team combat, it might be a good idea to build a labyrinth for them to delve.”
「作为魔导国的支援形式，首先是设立训练所。远赴秘境结果被未知的怪物杀死的话那可就损失惨重了。所以必须比现在更实用的——引入与怪物实战形式的训练所。考虑到要让冒险者习惯于团队战斗，制作一个迷宫让他们去攻略可能也不错啊」

And the part of the monsters would be filled by Nazarick’s POP undead.
完成之后怪物一职，就让纳萨力克自动生成的不死者去担任好了。

“I feel that this is a very good idea. Only, it would surely be a sizeable undertaking.”
「我认为这是一个非常出彩的主意。只是可以预想得到，这将会成为一个相当浩大的工程」

Since the staff would be composed of the undead, who did not require salaries, the operating costs would not be too high. However, there was no need to be completely open with the information. One ought to sell favors without hesitation when the need arose.
因为使役的是不领薪水的不死者，所以成本应该不会太高。但根本就没必要老老实实的将其全盘托出的必要，能卖人情的时候就应该毫不客气的卖。

“Indeed, this would require a sizable initial investment. However, that is within the allowable limit for necessary expenses. After all, adventurers are a valuable human resource for the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
「确实这需要相当惊人的初期投资吧。不过那也还在必要经费的范畴内。毕竟对魔导国来说，冒险者可是重要的人力资产」

“I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty.”
「非常感谢，陛下」

“No need to stand on ceremony. Then, how about it? Do you not think the adventurers would be attracted by this?”
「不必多礼。那么，如何呢？这样就能使冒险者们感受到吸引力吗」

“Indeed, the labyrinth would be quite attractive to low-level adventurers… but what if the adventurers decide to transfer to the Kingdom or the Empire’s guilds after completing their training?”
「确实，迷宫对于低位的冒险者而言有很大的诱惑力吧……在那里经受锻炼后的冒险者，如果想要转投王国或帝国的工会呢？」

“Of course that will not be allowed. This is a state organ; misuse of it could well be considered treason.”
「当然是不被允许啊。这可是国家机关，那可属的上是叛逆行为了啊」

“I see… it seems I will need to carefully explain that part.”
「原来如此……看来这一点有必要详细说清楚了啊」

“Then, how shall we attract higher-ranked adventurers?”
「那么，如何吸引中、高位的冒险者呢」

“It would seem remuneration is the best answer.”
「果然还是得看报酬的金额吧」

“Well, it is not as though one can eat dreams.”
「嘛，毕竟光有梦想可是填不饱肚子的啊」

“It is as you say. In addition, without better weapons, armor and other magical items, it will be impossible to defeat powerful monsters. These items are typically very expensive.”
「确如您所说，还有一点，若是得不到更强的武器、防具和道具之类的物品的话，就无法战胜强大的怪物。而这些东西一般都非常的昂贵」

“...Hm. There is that.”
「……哼嗯，果然还是这一点吗」

Mass-production could lower their prices. However, powerful adventurers were very rare. Thus their gear was custom-made, which naturally drove their prices up. In addition, the people who could make these items were very rare, which only contributed to their price. He had to think of a way to deal with the problems which followed that as well.
虽然大量生产的话价格可能变得便宜。但强大的冒险者数量很少。所以他们需要的武装就只能特别订制，为此价格自然节节高升。而且这类东西的制造者数量稀少也是原因之一。也得想办法来解决这之后的问题才行啊。

“In addition, I would like to let more adventurers -- those of the Kingdom and the Empire -- know of this place. Do you have any ideas?”
「另外，我想让更多的冒险者——王国和帝国的冒险者们也知道这里的事。你有什么好的方法么？」

“The Adventurer’s Guild which Your Majesty intends to establish is an unimaginably desirable thing, compared to the Adventurer’s Guilds of the Kingdom and the Empire. Once the news gets out, the Guilds of the various nations might try some means to interfere with it in order to keep their adventurers from being drawn away. After all, each country counts adventurers as their trump cards, and they would not be pleased to see their adventurers go to another country.”
「陛下所建立的冒险者工会和王国或帝国的相比，是形似而神非的东西。把情报散播出去的话，各国的冒险者工会说不定为了阻止旗下冒险者被笼络，而使出什么手段来妨碍也不一定。毕竟各国都有将冒险者有作为王牌藏着的一面，绝不会有人乐意看到本国的冒险者流向他国的吧」

“Indeed, that is correct. What do you think would be a good solution to this?”
「的确如此。那么你觉得怎么做比较好？」

“It is difficult for me to answer promptly. Might I be allowed a bit of time?”
「实难立即作答，可否稍微给我一些时间呢？」

“Come to think of it, that is true. I too must plot a course for the future..”
「说的也是，我也有考虑一下今后行动方针的必要」

The fact was, this lofty goal was a bit too much for Ainz to handle by himself. He had to calm down, think about things, and discuss it with someone else.
实际上安兹也举得如此大规模的项目，自己一个人做的有点太过头了。有必要冷静下来考虑考虑，找其他人来商量一下。

Ainz rose to his feet.
安兹起身站了起来。

“Then, we’ll leave--” Ainz quickly shut his mouth before he could say something rude. That was not how a king should speak. “We will leave matters at this for today. I shall see you again.”
「那么，今天就——」差点说出先失礼了的安兹赶紧缄口，这不应是王者的发言。「今天就到此为止，再会吧」

Ainzach hurriedly rose to his feet and lowered his head.
艾因扎克也赶忙站起身低下头来。

“Understood, Your Majesty.”
「遵旨，魔导王陛下」

Without looking back, Ainz left the room through the door Fifth had opened.
安兹头也不回地从菲丝打开的门走出了房间。

Although he wanted to sigh, he was still in the guild. Doing so right now would be premature.
虽然情不自禁想要叹气，但现在毕竟还在对方的公司内，做这种事还为时尚早。

Ainz led the Cherubim out of the Adventurer’s Guild. After walking a little further on, he allowed himself to sigh quietly.
安兹率领着智天使们走出了冒险者公会。再步行片刻之后，总算轻轻叹了口气。

Ahhhh~ I’m beat...
（啊—、累死了）

While Ainz Ooal Gown could not possibly say that he was tired, Suzuki Satoru was practically crying for a rest for his overheated brain.
虽然安兹·乌尔·恭说不出累死了这样的话，但铃木悟却哭诉着想要让过热的大脑休息休息。

Before I talk to Albedo about absorbing the Adventurer’s Guild, I should take a brief rest. I also need to find some way to convince Albedo of the merits of this plan… there’s so many things to do now...
（在与雅儿贝德谈、将冒险者工会收入旗下的事之前，就让我稍微休息一下吧。也得考虑能让雅儿贝德信服的利点……要做的事堆成山了啊）

Ainz strode forth in silence. He did not use teleportation magic, instead praying that he would hit on a good idea before he returned home.
安兹默默地迈开了步伐。并祈祷着能在回去前想到好主意，而没有使用转移魔法。