Hi Guys!!! Exams are over so I have a double chapter for you all 😀
Negotiations Part 4
Translator: Frostfire10
After listening to the story, Demiurge closed his eyes. Ainz was panicking in his heart, but he spoke calmly and took care to prevent his worry from showing.
"So it was bad?"
"Yes."
Hearing Demiurge's immediate reply, Ainz nodded in his head.
"….Ainz-sama's kindness had backfired. If you had acted like their superior, there was a chance that it would not had turned out like this."
"Is that so…."
He expected it, but having it said to him was painful nonetheless.
He made the mistake of killing them in anger. If he left them alive they could have been used. And even though he acted with such an intent, he had completed neglected them at the most important moment.
If a fight against the Kingdom were inevitable then such would have been an acceptable course of action. However, in the current situation where many things were unclear, he had no intention to be hostile. If this results in a result that threatened the continued existence of Nazarick, he had no idea how to apologise to his friends.
"However…. It is true that the Kingdom was crude."
Ainz gestured with his chin for Demiurge to continue.
"The preparation of the carriage and the sending of the messenger. It basically means that they do not view Nazarick to be of any importance."
"Sebas."
"Ha. I have the same opinion as Demiurge."
"Is that so. Then what should we do. If they do not view us with importance, this will only repeat. No, they will be better next time. However, I want to do something about low evaluations. And about Blue Rose."
"….If that is the case, Ainz-sama. The method I recommend is to send a monster into the capital."
"What? To destroy Blue Rose?"
"Exactly. If a level 70 monster is sent, it shall rampage within the capital. If Blue Rose can defeat it, it shall prove that they are indeed powerful. If they are destroyed, it means that they are not an enemy of Nazarick. Ainz-sama can also spread your fame by killing it."
What Ainz was truly cautious of were Yggdrasil Players.
At the point where it was not clear how many existed, it would be foolish to make enemies by causing a massacre. He did not want to battle Yggdrasil Players who were on the side of justice.
However, even after collecting all this information, it was true that he felt dissatisfied due to the current leaks and unease.
Ainz considered for it bit, and nodded.
"Let's do that."
At those words, Demiurge made a cruel smile. He was probably imagining the horrible scene in his mind.
"Shall I decide on what to send?"
"Yes…. Could I ask that of you?"
"Of course."
How many human would taste despair at the monster he sent in? Just thinking that caused Demiurge to become excited.
Even though Demiurge would probably not fail, it would be best to have a direction for this, and those Ainz gave him a warning.
"….Demiurge. I believe you already understand, but you must prevent the fact that we were the ones to send it to be realised."
"Yes, I shall send it in with caution."
"…….."
If Demiurge, who was much better than Ainz, said so, then there would be no problems. The moment Ainz thought that, a spell was activated and something connected.
It was the activation of the familiar .
Despite not wanting to, Ainz heard Yuri's voice echo in his ear.
As he listened, he noticed Demiurge and Sebas' gaze on him. They probably noticed that he was sent a .
"….Haaa." Ainz sighed. He then looked at Demiurge. "A came. The front runners from the Empire have arrived, and informed us that the Emperor is arriving soon."
"Ho."
Demiurge raised a cry of admiration. Sebas' eyes widened slightly.
It was an expression of surprise that a non-friendly neighbouring country would send its number one person. Basically it meant that the Emperor well understood Nazarick's importance. Considering that it was a noble of the Empire who sent the workers, it might be related.
Demiurge ran countless simulations in his head.
"However, what is their goal in coming?"
Demiurge's face froze for an instant. Without time to think, he had but one answer.
Ainz caught that change in expression.
"Demiurge, answer."
"I believe they have come to meet Ainz—"
"—Fool."
Demiurge's body froze after hearing Ainz's scolding.
"I want to know why. Why has the Emperor himself come? What is their goal in coming?"
"That is…."
Demiurge could not answer. It was natural. With such little information, he could not answer. He could come up with a few possibilities, but he did not wish to tell his master such baseless claims.
Unable to understand his master's actions, and as a result performing a rude action, Demiurge's shame caused him to want to hide in a hole.
Thus he did not see Ainz make a sigh of relief.
"It's fine. It's fine Demiurge. That was a mean question. I was unhappy due to my terrible failure. Please forgive me."
Seeing Ainz lowering his head, Demiurge and Sebas started to panic.
"What are you saying! It was merely that those fools that dragged Ainz-sama's kindness through the dirt!"
"Exactly. Thanks to my stint in the capital, I fully understand the value of kindness if it can prevent waves from forming."
Ainz looked at Sebas in surprise, and then faced downwards.
"So you realised."
"Originally…."
Demiurge looked between Sebas and Ainz, and he felt like he grasped the meaning behind why Ainz acted as if he were beneath the messenger.
What Sebas did was not wrong. However that was only if one looked at it from the sidelines.
It was not clear what conditions the shop was operating under, but since it could continue functioning it definitely had some connections. Attacking it and abducting the people inside would definitely be picking a fight with its backer.
If Ainz was introduced as the savior of the Kingdom, it would be a simple discussion, but if not it could be dangerous. If the backer were a noble, it would even more dangerous to wait in the Kingdom with a strong power.
Of course, this was only a problem if the person known as Sebas became public, but it was questionable if this could be kept secret.
On top of considering the case of a leaked secret, they also had to make a plan.
Considering the person that came, the idea that he was the Kingdom's savior disappeared. Then since he had the card known as Sebas, it would not be dangerous. Should he randomly anger them and have to throw away his cards, he would be troubled. For example, if he had to hand over the criminal Sebas.
If Ainz had to act, and without using force, he would use himself as a sacrifice to protect his subordinates.
Thinking the same thing, Sebas started shivering with Demiurge.
Because they fully understood how Ainz treasured his subordinates—
As his subordinate's loyalty scores broke through the max level and continued climbing, Ainz felt an illusion of cold sweat running down his undead body.
This was walking a tightrope.
Ainz felt that he would make more mistakes if he continued talking, and so wanted to end everything quickly. However, he needed to apologise to Sebas.
Sebas was not a bad person, but it felt like he was the villian here.
"My bad, Sebas."
Ainz lowered his head. This was more than enough to shock the two. Why was their great master lowering his head?
"If I did not make you, Sebas take such eye-catching actions, you would not be troubled in the first place. I can only say that I was naive. Thus there is no need for you to mind."
A light shone in the corners of Demiurge's and Sebas' eyes.
Ainz was such a kind and generous master.
—This is why he stayed until the end.
The Supreme Beings that created them had disappeared. However, there was a person who remained behind—A person who would not abandon them.
At that, Demiurge and Sebas' loyalty rose further and reached the realm of fanaticism.
As the two burned with passion, Ainz believed they had forgiven him and spoke.
"Now…. Why has the Emperor…. His reasons are unclear…. Demiurge!"
Demiurge bowed. He understood Ainz's intentions even without him mentioning.
"Shall I take care of the preparations?"
"Ah. I leave it to you, Demiurge."
"Understood! I shall work hard to meet your expectations!"
Demiurge's reply was filled with vigour.
Ainz gave him a standing ovation in his heart.
Thank you for doing this. If he were not acting, he would shake Demiurge's hand.
Without letting that thought leak out, Ainz nodded.
"I give you my full authority. Do what you wish. I permit the usage of half of Nazarick."
"Thank you very much, Ainz-sama. Then could Ainz-sama please change your clothes."
"Hmm?"
Ainz looked at the white and gold clothes he came in.
"Ainz-sama is a person who is best suited to exist as one with the darkness. These clothes are excellent but…."
"….Sebas. Arrange my clothes according to Demiurge's words. However, excessive accessories are a bit…."
"Understood."
The two spoke in unison. Ainz was relived and spoke to Demiurge.
In Ainz's mind, he believed that Demiurge would handle everything and so this conversation was over.
"Now, Demiurge. What should I do?"
"Yes. I do not mind if Ainz-sama simply sits on the throne and becomes the absolute ruler of Nazarick to the guests. We shall handle the rest."
"……..?" Ainz widened his eyes. "So I still have to address them."
"Oh, Ainz-sama. As expected, you do not like to address such weak humans. However, the other party has gone all out for this, thus we should reciprocate it. Even if they were the lowest of insects."
No, it was not that.
Ainz suppressed the desire to say that. If he could shout not to bring a new recruit to an important meeting he would feel so much better. However he could not do that. He was the person sitting at the top of Nazarick.
Thanks to the failure of the kingdom, the resolution Ainz felt earlier was blown away somewhere.
Ainz strongly felt his uselessness and spoke to himself to get motivated.
—Do your best, me.
—Don't lose, me.
He felt that he was being an idiot, but he needed it to welcome the Emperor.
"I see. When I am ready I shall wait there."
◆
Six well decorated carriages dashed through the plains.
Despite the fact that this was grasslands, the carriage did not bob up and down. This was as a large amount of money was spent on things other than its appearance.
First were the wheels. They were magic items known as . And the carriage itself had cast on it.
And were the expensive horses pulling the carriages, of which one of their prices would cause one's eyes to pop out of their sockets. They were magic beasts known as Sleipnir which had eight legs. And with six of them, the costs became extremely ridiculous.
Surrounding the carriage that one could not own just by being wealthy, there were many people riding excellent horses.
In total there were over 20 people.
All of them wore chain shirts with swords hanging at their waist, and their backs carried a quiver and a longbow.
Their equipment looked like ones belonging to mercenaries, but their uniform movements were impossible for such a bunch. Their eyes were sharp, scanning the surroundings.
It might seem ridiculous to be so cautious on such a wide open plain but reality was different. When monsters attacked, the result was often fatal. Would anyone want to be close to a monster with petrification vision? Or a monster that could spit acid?
To detect such dangerous monsters from afar, one had to pay attention to all movement not caused by the wind.
And in the sky, there were guards as well.
There were the figures of people riding monsters known as Hippogriffs.
Needless to say, mounts that was capable of flight, although they were monsters, were extremely expensive. Their goal was the same as their earthbound counterparts: the protection of the carriage.
The person inside the carriage with this amount of security definitely had an important position.
This was natural.
The man inside one of the carriages was the ruler of the neighbouring country, the Empire. The Blood Emperor, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix.
Jircniv's carriage was like a room in a first class hotel. The floor and walls were covered in soft carpet, and the seats were designed so as to prevent the sitter from feeling cramped from sitting for so long.
In fact, if one ignored the lack of space, the number of people who would want to live here would be unimaginable.
Inside were four men. While most carriages would cause them to feel cramped together, that only applied to those who never rode in luxury.
The four men were completely relaxed.
One of those men was natural the owner of the carriage, the Emperor Jircniv. On his face was a wry smile as he enjoyed listening to a report.
And one more person. He was a man that reported directly to the Emperor.
He was an old man with a long white beard, with a name that was known throughout the surrounding countries, the living legend. Fluder Paradyne.
And the secretary next to the Emperor holding a binder. Loune Vermillion.
And lastly was a man covered in armour. Since he was in a carriage, he had removed his helmet, revealing the bearded face of a wild man.
He was one of the Empire's Four Knights, [Lightning] Baziwood Peshmel.
"Since that time, there have been no reports from the ones observing the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick."
"I see, so they were all killed."
The Emperor's tone was lighthearted, but next to him, Loune was frowning. They were the few elite that the Empire threw large sums of money at in the country. Such simple words were not enough to cover the cost.
Jircniv sensed Loune's change in mood without looking, and with a hopeless smile, he asked Fluder.
"Jii. Are there any other possibilities why they did not contact us?"
"It's possible. If all four teams were caught in a gigantic magic spell."
"The possibility of that?"
"….The same as the sun dropping from the sky."
"I see. So rather than the sky turning dark, they were killed, but still I would prefer to think that they were merely captured."
"That would be nice."
A stern voice like an abacus was being used rang out. Jircniv blew away Loune's thoughts.
"Buying them back would be extremely expensive right? Would it not be cheaper to abandon them?"
"True…. However if we did so their morale would drop."
Jircniv stopped smiling for the first time.
"It's such a waste. But they have steeled themselves for this. Right?"
"It is as you say."
"However, it is painful since they hold the cards."
This was the second card they played since the workers.
However, Jircniv felt a small sense of fun from this.
Even if the other side held the cards there was no problem. Even in card games, there was no human that was cautious of unused cards. The important thing was how the opponent would use them. That was the key.
What Jircniv was looking forward to was the moment he could peer at his unknown opponent's hand.
"….More importantly, Your Majesty. Is this not dangerous? Shall I go ahead to scout? It is dangerous if something is different."
As words directed to the Emperor, they were extremely rude.
Baziwood was like the Strongest Warrior of the Kingdom, Gazef Stronoff, in that he was born a commoner. Thus he was taught and corrected, but the status of his birth was occasionally evident in his speech. However no one here minded.
Baziwood was not here to let the Emperor enjoy his speech. He was bought for his high fighting ability. Thus his words were not important. Yes, Baziwood simply had to protect Jircniv.
And while his speech held no eloquence, Baziwood was not a fool. As the only commoner of the Four Knights, being their commander was not for show.
"A fast carriage has been sent right?"
"Yes. We have already sent the [Royal Air Guard]."
"My disciples have gone as well. Considering that that have yet to me, it seems that they have not arrived."
"How long will it take for us to reach Nazarick at the current speed?"
"Yes." Loune took out a pocket watch from his clothes and looked at the time. "In about one hour."
"Well, sending the four knights would not have any meaning."
"What do you mean by that?"
"If they intended to harm us, we have no way to react. Well, it depends on fate."
Excluding Jircniv who was waving his hand, the others looked at each other.
Their Emperor, Jircniv had a strange habit.
It was not in a bad way, but he viewed his life with little importance. If there was little chance of his life being taken then he would tighten the noose around his neck.
This did not mean that he made foolish demands. If he had to do something, he would bet his life if he had to. The problem was that what he thinks he has to do often appears strange in the eyes of most.
The most recent was when he tried to invite Gazef Stronoff; while he was protected by knights, he entered the battlefield to speak to him.
"Anyway, thanks to the arrival of the Kingdom's messenger, we might not be able to meet."
"….You said it depends on fate, but what is the chance of that?"
"Hmm? Ah, how will that monster of a woman move?"
There was only one woman in the surrounding kingdoms that caused Jircniv to be cautious and call her a monster.
"….Princess Renner?"
"Ah. If she moves it will be dangerous. As much as she lacks empathy, she can easily grasp the merits of all the situations. She probably prepared things to pull in Ainz Ooal Gown…. No, since she can use a person's emotions, she probably understands it? That disgusting woman, won't anyone assassinate her?"
"If those are your orders, shall we call Ijaniya?"
Fluder made a wry smile as he listened to Loune's words.
"It's fine. I will be troubled if she stopped providing us new methods. It is better to leave her alive…. That woman probably understands this too?"
"It's possible."
The timing of Renner's suggestions seemed strangely to match the Empire's, like she was reading them. Especially when they were obviously in need of help that this was felt strongly. If that was the case then the woman called Renner, without eyes or ears, could sense the movements of the Empire.
The depth of her mystery caused Jircniv, who was trying to recruit even Gazef, to not want her.
"If Princess Renner acts, will your Majesty be safe?"
"There is no problem, Jii. She probably thinks that it's better to use me than to kill me. If it's that woman."
The three men, maybe two, thought, 'I'm not too sure about that.'
Currently, underneath the noses of the people who feared the Blood Emperor, the Empire was slowly becoming a dictatorship. Losing the person at the top would cause all of that to crumble.
And currently, his inheritor was still young.
How large would the Empire become in future? If there was a person that could determine the answer to that, they would try to eliminate the Emperor at all costs. Especially the neighbouring countries like the Kingdom and Theocracy.
"Well if something happens, come to me."
"Hm? Jii's teleportation magic?"
"Yes. Then Your Majesty can safely return."
"Then allow us to be your shield."
"I shall stay in the corner, out of the way."
They smiled at Loune, who said that with a straight face. At that moment, the carriage door was knocked on with a 'Kon Kon'. The slight vibrations in the carriage stated that they were still moving.
In defense of divination and for protection, the carriage was covered in metal. Thus there were no windows to look out of. Baziwood moved and placed his hand on the door. There was no problem per say, but he still needed to be wary.
The door opened. The fresh air of the plains blew in, tickling the hair of those inside.
Outside was a magic caster using , one of Fluder's best disciples.
"Excuse me."
Seeing a flying man bow his head was a strange scene. Jircniv smiled as he spoke.
"Do you intend to speak from there, enter."
"Haha. Excuse me."
Slipping into the carriage, the magic caster closed the door. As if fearful of wasting time, Jircniv immediately asked.
"Did it reach?"
"Ye, Yes. A just—"
"—What?"
"Yes. A maid is waiting outside the log house of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick for His Majesty."
"The Kingdom's carriage?"
"Yes. We are currently unable to locate it."
"Hmm."
Jircniv placed a finger on his lips as he thought. Did they hide it and was there a need to hide it? Both were possible.
"….Any other reports?"
"That is it."
"Your Majesty, will you not look for the observers?"
"Stop stop Baziwood. They sent their subordinates on their own. If I searched for them, they will know it was me."
Jircniv sat down deeply in his chair.
"Well, everything will happen in an hour. Let's look forward to it."