Re-Estize Kingdom — Weeks After the Banquet
Lady Talessa Valierrin's estate stood silent beneath a cold evening mist. The once-lively halls, known for their refined music and venomous gossip, were now shuttered. Staff had been dismissed. No guests entered. No messages left.
No body was ever recovered.
Her estate had not burned. No signs of struggle. Only one thing remained at the center of her reading room—a mirror cracked from the inside, and a single raven feather placed on the velvet chair where she used to lounge.
Rumor spread quickly.
Some said she committed suicide after her schemes failed. Others claimed she angered a hidden royal faction. But none dared say what many suspected.
That it had something to do with Rein.
Or rather, with the forces behind him.
House Ritault — Days Later
Lord Jirald's carriage was found overturned at the base of a ravine.
No horses. No driver. Just the shattered remains of noble insignia, and a carriage door torn clean off—not broken, but dissolved.
The official report claimed it was a "natural accident" during night travel. No further investigation was requested. None dared ask.
Alion Ritault, his cousin, vanished two days prior. Some say he left for the border in a panic. Others say he never reached the gates.
In the following weeks, House Ritault quietly closed its estate, citing "illness and private grief." Not even the crown dared press further.
**************
The nobles of Re-Estize were many things—vain, ambitious, proud—but they were not fools.
When Lady Talessa Valierrin, Lord Jirald Ritault, and Baron Xevric Moltarch all vanished within the span of ten days, none of the others said a word.
No accusations.
No mourning.
No mention of Rein.
At a private luncheon, Marquis Raeven sipped his wine thoughtfully as whispers buzzed around him.
"...Simply vanished. No ransom. No demands. Not even a ransom letter."
"The Crown hasn't sent out investigators?"
"And risk provoking whoever did it? Please. Half the court thinks it was some foreign retaliation."
Raeven placed his cup down and spoke softly to no one in particular:
"Or perhaps the very person they tried to humiliate."
The table went silent.
He rose, adjusted his cuffs, and left the room.
Behind him, one noble muttered:
"From now on, if Rein gets another invitation, I'm sending a gift basket instead."
Baharuth Empire — Arcane Cabinet Room
Emperor Jircniv stared at the intelligence report spread across his desk.
"Rein, alias Veilcaster. Confirmed spellcaster of Tier 5. Possibly 6. Unaffiliated with any known magic academy. Political enemies in Re-Estize vanished."
"Vanished," he read aloud. Not executed. Not arrested. Vanished.
The Emperor leaned back, eyes narrowed.
"Who in this kingdom has the resources to make a noble house vanish… three times... without a trace?"
His royal scribe hesitated.
"We suspect foreign agents—perhaps Slane Theocracy?"
"No. That's what they want us to think. But they're too loud. Too righteous. This… this was surgical."
He stood and paced slowly.
"And if Rein is involved… then either he's more dangerous than we guessed… or someone very powerful is protecting him."
He looked toward the dark corner of the chamber, where a single Imperial Magic Knight waited silently.
"Increase surveillance. Quietly. But no contact. Not until we know what we're dealing with."
Adventurer Guild — Central Council, Confidential Gathering
Within a dim conference hall, leaders from several major guild branches met under magical oath.
"This Rein has upset noble power balances and risen through our ranks with impossible speed."
"Yes. But… by the rules. He's never violated Guild law."
"Even so… the fallout from those disappearances could reflect on us."
Ainzach spoke at last, calm but firm.
"They threatened him. Politically, personally. I warned them."
He looked each council member in the eye.
"Now they're gone. Rein hasn't said a word. He keeps taking quests. Completing them. Helping villages. Training with instructors."
He folded his hands.
"And every adventurer in E-Rantel worships him now. Not out of fear. Out of respect."
The council fell quiet.
Then the chairman said:
"We do not discipline those who follow the Code. We reward them."
"Agreed," said another. "Let this serve as precedent. The Guild bows to power that follows the path."
Rein's Residence — That Evening
As the sun dipped over E-Rantel's skyline, Rein sat by the window, a letter in hand—one of many.
Another noble invitation.
Another offer of alliance… wrapped in politeness instead of pressure.
He handed it to Narberal.
"Burn it."
She bowed slightly.
"With pleasure."
From the shadows of the room, Albedo, now visiting in disguise, spoke without being asked.
"They feared the flame, and now they kneel at its warmth."
Ainz remained silent.
Fear, respect, whispers… I wanted none of that.
But if it's the only way to protect Nazarick… then so be it.