He seems to have grown even older.
Although only half a month had passed, that was Gazef’s impression after comparing the King’s current appearance after his return with the one from before his departure.
His own beloved monarch. That head was already scattered with pale white hair, the emaciated body was beyond being described as healthy even as a compliment, and his facial complexion was also very poor. The hand holding the scepter was as thin as a twig, and the crown on his head seemed quite heavy.
After his reign of thirty-nine years, he was now sixty years old. Originally it was already time to abdicate the throne to a successor, but the problem lay in the fact that there was no suitable successor to choose from.
It was not that there were no princes who could be the successor. Although there were two princes, they were not qualified by far . If his abdication were to happen now, they would definitely become a puppet of the greater nobles.
The old man announced in a weak voice:
“Warrior Captain, it is truly splendid you were able to return safely.”
“Yes! Thank you very much, your Majesty!”
Hearing these words of concern, Gazef bowed deeply as he replied.
“Ah, of course we have already received the report, but we would still request the Warrior Captain to personally give a detailed explanation of the incident, and what exactly happened.”
(TL-Note: Gazef’s proper rank amended to “Warrior Captain”.)
“As your Majesty commands.”
Gazef explained in depth the events that took place in Carne Village after he had left the capital to the King. He went into particular detail about the mysterious magic caster of the name of Ainz Ooal Gown, but didn’t mention the suspected espionage by the Slane Theocracy. This was because in Gazef’s judgment, only a few individuals needed to know about this, and the circumstances were not appropriate to reveal it here.
Therefore Gazef talked extensively about the heroic deeds of the man he encountered and how that man risked his life to save the villagers from danger.
“This really is a beautiful story. Selflessly placing himself in danger to rescue the weak…”