Sorry for the short and probably subpar update, but I needed to communicate something to you guys. The next few months will be very busy for me. I have AP tests and SAT test to study for so I can't really update much. That's why I haven't updated the past few weeks and why this update is so short. I'll probably start writing again on May 11th. Also, I'm not extremely enthusiastic on continuing this story. When I return I'll probably wrap up this arc but don't expect more than another 10,000 words. Thanks!

*As a note, when I come back it will be close to summer and I will have more free time. I will probably be posting two stories simultaneously until I finish up with this fanfiction. I will be posting my other fiction on royal road (google it). Same username minus the 76. I'll repost the website when I begin writing updates for this story again in case any of you want to follow my other fiction. All that aside though, don't expect much from me until May 11th. Thanks for the support!

Ainz, having returned to Nazarick, collapsed onto his bed with a sigh of relief. He had managed somehow. Laying his hands across his bony chest, he allowed himself to relax for the first time since he had left to go to the Kingdom.

How long can this farce last? Should I... He turned onto his side. I'll think about it later. If only I could still sleep on decisions like these.

His mind drifted to other thoughts before a light knocking came from his door. "Ainz-sama. Are you there?"

Ainz hurriedly straightened his clothes and sat up. "Uh, yes. Is that you Albedo?"

"Yes. Are you preoccupied?"

"No, no. Come in."

The doors to his bedroom swung open silently and Albedo walked in with several parchments in her hands. She stopped to take a bow as soon as she was in the room.

"What do you need me for?"

"The time for the next step of the plan is here." She looked expectantly at Ainz.

Ainz felt a few seconds of panic before he remembered what exactly the next step of the plan entailed. "Yes. Of course. Has any of the neighboring kingdoms moved to attack?"

"Yes." Albedo fingered through the documents in her hands with pursed lips. "The Slane Theocracy seems to be assembling a considerable amount of troops near our border. Our spies report no activity from any other countries though."

"Hrm." Ainz laid his head in his hands. "I supposed it is only natural for most of them to be wary of us. It is odd, however, that the Slane Theocracy would move to attack when the rest are biding their time."

Albedo made a dismissive gesture. "Why bother worrying about the thoughts of gnats like humans? Your power reigns supreme after all. The Slane Theocracy is probably just the most arrogant of them in the region."

Ainz glanced at Albedo. "It would do best for you to drop that attitude towards humans. It was one of them who controlled Shalltear remember?"

Albedo's face tinged red in embarrassment and she bowed in apology. "I was being foolish. It is my mistake." She paused for a second before continuing. "If I may ask you a question though, what makes you so sure it was a human who controlled Shalltear?"

"I'm operating off of my suspicions for now due to lack of data. It is better to be safe than sorry."

"As you say. What is our next action then, Ainz-sama?"

"Prepare a mock resurrection spell. Make it flashy. When the Slane Theocracy is within sight of El-Rantel, we'll do the grand reveal."

"Very well. I will begin the preparations such a spell then. I will take my leave." Albedo exited the bedroom.

As soon as the doors swung shut, Ainz strode over to the mirror in the corner of his room. He inspected himself closely for several seconds. Do I look imposing enough? Should I clean myself? No… I don't have enough time.

He smoothed out his cape before departing his bedroom. Once again into the fray I suppose...