Although there was a day of preparation time, for Iri, it was basically superfluous, so Iri used this day to return to Nazarick and report on the Demon Tree.
This time, Iri happened to meet Ainz-papa, who she hadn't seen in a long time, at home. After reporting to him, Ainz-papa also showed an interested attitude.
Seeing this, Iri became uneasy and expressed that she would resolve this incident herself and that Ainz-papa did not need to 'intervene'.
Ainz-papa also smiled and agreed, even saying that Iri just now was like a child whose toy had been snatched away. Since Iri requested it, he wouldn't interfere.
However, after the matter was resolved, she had to report the result to him again. Iri naturally agreed. In fact, there was only one outcome for that thing: it would turn into experience points.
After greeting Ainz-papa and having a little cuddle, she went to the Lizardmen's village to find Cocytus and get some exercise.
After finding Cocytus, they put on a training session in front of the Lizardmen that, to them, was no different from gods fighting. She also took the opportunity to learn a little from Cocytus about what to pay attention to when fighting the Demon Tree.
However, Iri had asked the wrong person. Cocytus said there was nothing worth noting; just cut him down with one slash.
Judging by Iri's current strength, she was a little happy to hear Cocytus flatter her, as Cocytus's warrior 'nature' would not praise someone to their detriment.
At least it proved that Cocytus also acknowledged her strength, to the extent of being able to cut him down with one slash... Then, when going to subjugate the Demon Tree tomorrow, she would need to be careful to adjust her strength and not overdo it in front of Blue Rose.
After exercising with Cocytus, she returned to Nazarick again to take a bath and change clothes, then headed to the Bahaus Empire. Although she had only been gone for a short time, it was essential to keep track of the situation there at all times.
Upon returning to the Empire, after listening to the reports from her Doppelganger and You Li-ane, Iri was speechless. What did it mean that the Blood Emperor, that bastard, was neglecting his duties and running over to her side all day?
Was he trying to monitor her? If so, he could just send someone else, right? There was no need for him to come personally!
Moreover, from the Doppelganger's description, the Blood Emperor's visits to her were almost entirely for play. He barely mentioned anything related to the Empire and didn't inquire about Nazarick-related matters; he was simply coming to flirt.
This was completely out of character for the Blood Emperor! Just as Iri was pondering the Blood Emperor's intentions, he showed up again.
Naturally, as the Doppelganger had reported, the Blood Emperor's visit was purely for fun. He first invited Iri to have afternoon tea in the garden, and their conversation during that time was all about trivial matters.
Furthermore, whenever the Blood Emperor had a chance, he would say all sorts of 'flirty' remarks that made Iri's skin crawl, acting completely like a gigolo.
Hey, hey! You're the wise, astute, and very capable Blood Emperor! Is it okay to shamelessly say such 'flirty' remarks to a loli who looks only twelve or thirteen years old? If the Blood Emperor's fans saw this, they would probably cry directly.
But in the current situation, those fans weren't crying, but Iri was about to cry.
Because... it was too embarrassing. Iri regretted coming back to the Empire to check on the situation, and she couldn't change the subject too obviously.
After all, Iri's persona in the Empire was that of a 'casual' and not-so-bright sheltered princess. Although she knew very well that the Blood Emperor was flirting with her, she could only pretend not to know and graciously accept it.
This situation was as uncomfortable as it could get. Uh... it seems I need to come here less often from now on.
After seeing off the Blood Emperor, Iri changed out of her dress and quickly left. Although You Li-ane expressed a strong desire to come along, Iri politely refused her. If You Li-ane wasn't there, it would definitely arouse the Blood Emperor's suspicion.
The next stop after leaving the Empire was E-Rantel. In E-Rantel, she naturally continued her door-to-door service. Having been tricked by Lakyus into going to the Royal Capital, none of the accumulated requests had been completed.
However, upon returning to her inn in E-Rantel, she found that all those requests had already been handled by Wolf Sister, Lupusregina.
Your efficiency is simply too fast, isn't it? Is guarding Karn Village such an idle job? You've solved all those long-accumulated requests in such a short time.
Uh... Wolf Sister's initiative cannot be underestimated. Since there were no more requests, the rest was healing time. Iri immediately set off for Karn Village.
Her purpose in going to Karn Village was clear: to play with Arshe's younger sisters, Kutilika and Urelika.
Now, what could heal Iri, besides cuddling with Ainz-papa, was this. Indeed, her decision to save Arshe back then was correct. Even if Arshe herself didn't have much use, at least these two adorable creatures that came with her were a huge profit.
Upon arriving at Karn Village, Iri was once again welcomed by the villagers. After all, Ainz-papa was like a god in Karn Village, so it was normal for the daughter of a god to be welcomed.
Afterward, Iri found Arshe's younger sisters, Kutilika and Urelika, and had a blast playing with them...
Don't misunderstand, it was just playing with them. When they saw Iri arrive, they were also very happy.
Every time Iri came, she would bring a large pile of snacks and various toys. Moreover, she was considered the 'savior' of their older sister and mother, so Kutilika and Urelika also liked Iri coming to see them.
However, during the process of playing with the two adorable creatures, Iri always felt like something was missing. But now was healing time, so she didn't care. By the time Iri remembered, it was already almost dinner time.
"Ah, ah, ah! Sorry, sorry! Arshe, I left you here." Iri teleported, smoke and fire trailing, to the Blue Rose's inn in the Royal Capital, burst open Arshe's door, and immediately apologized to Arshe.
She had said something was missing; it turned out she had left Arshe behind, leaving her alone in the unfamiliar Royal Capital. Plus, Blue Rose had already misunderstood Arshe as Iri's attendant, so they hadn't paid much attention to Arshe either.
"I am merely an attendant. Illy-dono is a person who handles important matters; it's quite normal for her to forget about me at any time. I haven't taken it to heart," Arshe said expressionlessly after opening the door and letting Iri in.
And she says she hasn't taken it to heart... Isn't she pouting? Although seeing Arshe pout is a good thing, it at least shows that Arshe truly considers her a companion.
Iri doesn't like that kind of superficial flattery, people who are stood up but still smile and fawn. Such people, if kept close, will cause trouble sooner or later. This was indeed Iri's mistake, and Arshe's anger was understandable.
However, Iri still had a way to appease Arshe, and that was her two younger sisters. As soon as her sisters were mentioned, Arshe's expression softened considerably.
Then, she explained that the reason she left in such a hurry was to go back and buy gifts for the two adorable creatures. With that explanation, Arshe was basically won over.
After appeasing Arshe, the members of Blue Rose also returned. It seemed they had a tough day today. Gaguran was carrying a large cloth bag of unknown contents.
The Twin Ninjas, each holding a large bag, also had unknown contents inside. Lakyus and Irubyue, on the other hand, were empty-handed.
Upon inquiry, they learned that the item Gaguran was carrying was a special cloak soaked in 'medicine', and the large and small bags the Twin Ninjas were carrying contained similarly made 'towels', masks, and the like.
They also said that these were the necessary equipment for this request. Iri didn't understand. Wasn't it just a tree demon? Was it really necessary to be so troublesome?
Gaguran explained to Iri that when dealing with plant-type monsters, resistance to 'poison' is especially important. These cloaks, 'towels', masks, etc., were prepared to prevent inhaling or directly contacting the poisonous mist or powder of plant-type monsters.
Moreover, various antidotes and alchemical 'potions' must all be properly prepared. After all, this time they were not facing ordinary monsters. At this point, Iri somewhat understood the meaning of that phrase, "We are different."
Although she didn't know if her constitution had poison 'resistance', she herself wore a Ring of Protection, and as long as abnormal statuses didn't exceed three times, she could basically ignore them.
The members of Blue Rose, however, were different. Except for Evil-Crushing Lolita... the others were ordinary humans, so being careful was appropriate.
Even a Steel Rank Adventurers team, whose strength was "outstanding" among the natives, had to be fully prepared. Even with her as a strong ally, they showed no slack. Could it be said that they were worthy of being Steel Rank?
Afterward, the Blue Rose members checked and prepared all sorts of items. They even prepared portions for Iri and Arshe, which touched Iri a little. Her favorability increased by one.
After the inventory was completed, everyone gathered again in Blue Rose's exclusive meeting room for a meeting. Although it was called a meeting, it was actually just about the route.
Tina was the one speaking for this part. The last reconnaissance mission was undertaken by her alone. Not only that... she also prepared a hand-drawn map for everyone. Needless to say... Iri couldn't understand it at all.
Probably to accommodate Iri, Tina explained very carefully, mostly describing where certain monsters were lurking, where they encountered small demon trees, the best retreat points if the request failed, and so on, in great detail.
This once again made Iri reflect. It was very similar to when she was still alive, staying up all night with friends she met online, strategizing and pioneering online games. They would prepare everything in advance, explain all the precautions, then everyone would charge forward with one burst of energy, only to be immediately wiped out... Those times were quite enjoyable too.
Just as Tina finished explaining to Iri and Lakyus asked if anyone had any questions, Arshe's hunger pangs unsuitably rumbled.
Arshe was very embarrassed, but there were basically no more issues. Everyone laughed and dismissed the meeting. Afterward, Lakyus treated Iri and Arshe to a good meal.
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