Phillip was in his estate, drinking expensive wine and talking to himself like a madman.

"It seems like the goddess of fate is smiling to me. Not only did I manage to acquire more money than all my ancestors could have dreamed of, I even got important enough that the great nobles would approach me. With the new land I can claim due to the campaign, my domain will grow significantly. I wonder if there is a way for me to cheat the other participants of parts of their shares. After all I contributed most of the money. It would be only fair for me to get the pest parts, right?"

He was only partly talking to himself, partly to the elderly butler that was present in the room.

"Of course, young master. Everyone should get what they deserve."

He was halfheartedly approving of what his employee was saying, but he was only paying lip-service. If one looked closer at him and payed attention to his expression, one would get a good idea of what he was really thinking.

"Yes, you are right. I only deserve the best. However, did you procure what I ordered you to?"

"Yes, young master. Everything is prepared for your engagement."

The elderly man held a richly decorated box in his hands.

"I am sure, Albedo will be delighted to hear the good news. Once we are married, I can merge the Sorcerer Kingdom with my domain. I would be strong enough, I could even create my own independent kingdom. Once I have established that, I could slowly start taking over the Re-Estize Kingdom. Truly, my genius is marvelous."

Drunk on his own delusions and alcohol, Phillip kept rambling about his own greatness. That was, until a loud smashing noise echoed through his mansion. With wide eyes he yelled at his butler.

"What was that?"

"I am sorry, but I do not know, young master."

"Then go and find out."

The butler wanted to hurry out of the room, only to be stopped at the rooms' door. After opening it, he was stopped by a huge black wall. After a second of thought, he noticed it wasn't a wall, but a huge black figure, clad in armor and with a huge towering shield in its' hand. The smell of death and blood-lust emitted from this monster was enough to make even a seasoned warrior faint. The creature simply pushed the butler aside and approached Phillip. While being shoved, the butler dropped the small package, put the undead monster paid it no heed and simply crushed it underfoot. Phillip screamed in terror as the deadly creature came near him.

"What? What is that thing? Don't come near me. D-do something. Help me."

Phillip tried to run away, but stumbled over the small table in front of him and fell face-flat on the ground. With tears in his eyes he then tried to crawl away, but was stopped after a few centimeters. He looked back to see the humongous figure grabbing his leg. Before he could do anything, the undead left the room, dragging Phillip along the ground. In a desperate attempt to resist, he screamed in terror and dug his fingernails in the ground, but the monster didn't even seem to notice. Leaving scratch marks on the ground, the monster slowly left the mansion.

Hilma was getting more nervous every day. She knew that her masters' plan was in its' final stage. The kingdoms' troops invaded the Sorcerer Kingdom, just as predicted. Soon they would make their move and deal with the kingdom once and for all. What worried her the most, was her future. How would she be treated, once this was over? Would she be disposed of to get rid of unnecessary accomplices? Would she be let free? Even if, what was she supposed to do? She could hardly return to her old business. Nobody in their right mind would lead a crime syndicate in a country controlled by the most terrifying being in the world. But the most probable fate was that of a slave. It was difficult to imagine a future in which she could do as she pleased. Even dying was no way to escape from the clutches of the undead king. But everything was better than being sent back to the hellhole she had been once. The closer the date of the attack got, the more nervous she got. She was barely able to sleep in the last couple of days. Right now she was walking up and down in her office, unable to calm down at all. She suddenly felt a shiver down her spine, as it got completely dark for a few seconds. Dark not in the sense of night, but total devoid of any light. When the light returned, she saw something that made her breath stop and almost gave her a heart attack. Before her stood a being in a dark robe, with rotten skin covering his skull. She had once seen Davernoch from the six arms of the security division, so she knew what kind of being that was. A Lich. A magic caster who was turned into an undead. His lifeless eyes stared at her. She was certain he was sent here to dispose of her. She dropped to her knees, shivering in fear. A voice like a rusty saw came from his mouth.

"My master is very pleased with your services. He will make sure to give you an appropriate reward. He suggests you don't leave your house for the rest of the day, for your own safety."

With that the room went dark once again and once Hilma could see again, the undead was gone. Then Hilma fainted.

Lakyus sighed. She and the rest of her team were currently in a room in the best inn in the city. Almost two weeks had passed since her conversation with Renner. Today was the day the army would reach E-Rantel. She couldn't help but feel guilty. Despite her best efforts she was unable to take action. Her powerlessness was depressing. But what was she supposed to do? As an adventurer, she was supposed to stay neutral in regards of politics and foreign affairs. That was especially true for those of orichalcum or higher rank. Maybe as a noble, she could have done something, but she laid down her privileges when she became an adventurer. For now, she put all her hopes in the plan Renner came up with. Lakyus could feel how depressed her best friend was. She was in a similar position. Renner knew what problems they were facing, but was unable to prevent them. When Lakyus heard that even her friend was expecting that their army would be defeated, she was deeply worried. But it helped her a little bit that she had a plan to save the people, the core of their kingdom. In the last days Lakyus and her team made preparations to leave the country, if the worst were to come. From there she would help refugees to start a new life. She always tried to hold up the image of the optimistic and capable leader, but she was unable to hide her worries from her friends, whom she shared a major part of her life with. She shared what she knew with them. Most of them were as frightened as her, but they decided to follow Renners' plan, while hoping for the best.

"Today's the day, huh?"

Gagaran asked. Lakyus nodded.

"Yes."

"I hope we will get a message soon. Waiting is the worst part."

Evileye chimed in.

"If we have to leave, we will go north. There is no other choice. All the surrounding nations are either allied with the Sorcerer Kingdom, or are hostile towards us, so we have to move quickly and stay undercover. It should be possible to take shelter in the Argland Council state. I know somebody who owes me a favor. From there we should be able to move more freely."

"So, is everything prepared?"

Lakyus asked. Tia and Tina nodded affirmative.

"Yes. We have moved some of our assets and prepared enough money for a while. We acquired a wagon and filled it with provisions and other necessities. It is well hidden out of sight."

"Good, good. It might be a little early, but I can't shake the bad feeling of. In the next two days a messenger should arrive, Then we should know more."

Gagaran voiced her worries.

"But are we really going without fighting back? I don't like abandoning our country."

"It's less abandoning than preserving strength to fight back and help people escape. We mustn't die here for no good reason. Renner relies on our cooperation for her plan to work."

"I know, but it is infuriating nonetheless."

"And it is not like we can take on a whole army all by ourselves."

Evileye completed.

"It would be best to rest while we still can. Once we have to go, we will need every bit of strength we have."

Everyone nodded. Later at night, when everyone was sleeping, ear-piercing screams ripped everyone from their dreams. All of them hurried to the windows and looked outside. A thin disk that looked like it was cut in half was standing in the middle of the street. It looked like endless darkness was being condensed into a single point. From that darkness over a dozen figures emerged. Some of them were bulking figures, wearing black armor, others wore magnificent magical armor, shimmering golden and silver. They differed greatly in physique and equipment, but they all shared a common trait. They were undead. The undead with golden armor carried long lances, decorated with flags bearing the crest of the Sorcerer Kingdom. Hovering above them were terrifying ball-shaped creatures, that looked like anguished faces of many different people were put together. This monster emanated a gruesome voice.

"Listen, People of the Kingdom of Re-Estize. For the crime of attacking his nation, the Sorcerer King has decided to put an end to your country. In his endless mercy, he decided to spare those who not resist and bear no guilt. The troops of his majesty will find those who orchestrated the attack and capture them. Surrender at once and you will face no harm. Resist and die in pain."

Almost whispering, Gagaran said.

"It has already begun."

In the next moment, screams could be heard from all directions. Lakyus said.

"No. It is already over. They are everywhere. We have to move quickly. Grab what you need. We have to leave now."

The last days have passed slowly for Zanac. After he decided to join the attack on the Sorcerer Kingdom, he had a bad feeling about it. Today was the day they were supposed to arrive at E-Rantel and soon he would receive a message of the progress. It was the first time since he became the ruler that the kingdom had engaged in war. If possible, he would have liked to avoid it, but like his sister said, he had no other choice if he wanted to maintain the peace in the kingdom and avoid a civil-war. Despite the absence of the Sorcerer King himself, the damage the combined army would suffer would not be small by any means. He was already contemplating on how to compensate the families for their losses, to avoid a situation like two years ago, when families were driven into poverty by the sudden loss of their men. Then the castle suddenly started shaking for a second, followed by noise like a battering ram hitting the walls. Before he could stand up to look after the cause of this ruckus, he heard screams and metallic sounds from outside. Those noises were quickly drawing closer to his room. He intensely stared at the massive door that was separating his room from the hall, built to fend of intruders. At least it was supposed to do. In the next instant it was cut like paper from a huge blade. The smell of blood and spilled innards filled the room. He could see the guards that were stationed to protect him cut cleanly in half. The black-armored knight that was responsible for this stood in the door-frame. Zanac could feel him glaring at him from behind his closed helmet.

"What is that supposed to mean? Who are you?"

Zanac felt immense pain from the undeads' iron grip on his shoulder. He knew that resistance was futile. Escaping the clutches was impossible. The only thing he would accomplish was to increase his own pain. He was being shoved and pushed around,like a piece of luggage. He knew where he was being dragged. At the end of this floor was the throne room. The powerful monster opened the big and heavy doors with ease. What laid behind was a tragic scene. Many nobles, high officials and commanders of the army he sent to E-Rantel were there. Most of them were covered in heavy injuries, some were even missing limbs. It was close to a miracle they were still alive and, at least as far as Zanac could tell, none of the invading army were missing. What was even more puzzling were the other people present. Many minor and unimportant nobles, their families, some rich merchants and even the second and third daughters of noble families that were living in the palace to serve his sister were here. Easily more than a hundred people were present. Only counting living individuals. Every single person was accompanied by an undead knight. They all were forced on the ground, kneeling like prisoners awaiting the execution. Everyone, from young girls to elderly men were crying in despair, some had wet spot sin their crotches. The smell of ammonia in the room was thick. He thoroughly inspected the faces of everyone, but somebody was missing. His sister was nowhere to be seen. She probably noticed in advance something was wrong and decided to leave him behind. A few days earlier she had a meeting with her friends from Blue Rose. She must have made preparations in advance to escape. Climb wasn't here either, so she must have taken with him. In his mind he cursed his little sister. She was at least partially to blame for his situation. Deep in his mind he wished for her to share his fate. Zanac wasn't sure how to get out of this mess. The time he and the other hostages spent in that room, each and every one of them held by an undead strong enough to level a city or two, felt like it would never end. Zanacs' mind was racing, looking for a way out. More and more people were brought here. Some of them Zanac couldn't recognize. They looked terribly beat up. He was glad he didn't resist. Even the noble he had used for his scheme to buy food from the Sorcerer Kingdom was now here. He was a total mess, his face covered in tears and snot. He also belonged to the people that wet themselves. The prayers many of them muttered were interrupted, as the door was opened and a heavy wave of fear engulfed them. All of them looked to the door and gulped in despair as they saw the face of the Sorcerer King. The undead soldiers grabbed their captives and dragged them aside, making a path for their master to walk. He passed almost painfully slowly and walked towards the throne. By his side was a knight in an ominous black armor, carrying a massive bardiche. Once he reached the throne, he sat down demonstratively, like it was the most naturally thing to do. He made clear who was in charge now. The knight took place right beside him, ready to defend his master at any given moment. He let a couple of seconds pass, domineering the room with silence. Then he started to talk.

"I don't believe I have to explain to you, why you are here. Let's get straight to the point. If anyone of you has something to say in his defense, I will listen to you before I sentence you."

A huge commotion broke out. Some started crying again, some prayed and others tried to protest. The Sorcerer King slowly raised his hand, motioning for his knight to take action.

"Silence"

The apparently female knight screamed. Her voice carried so much power and determination, nobody dared to utter a single tone. Even the heavily crying girls were petrified. After everyone went silent, the Sorcerer King began speaking again.

"I would ask you to speak in an orderly and civilized manner. We are no savages."

The first one to find enough courage to speak was Marquis Blumrush.

"l understand that the current situation is not really favorable for us, but I can ensure you, if you treat us nobles with the appropriate respect, we can prepare an adequate amount of reparations. Just because our nations had a little misunderstanding, we don't have to ignore the traditions regarding noble hostages, right?"

The Sorcerer King looked at him for a few seconds, before he snapped his fingers. Nobody was able to follow the undead soldiers' movements, as it drew his sword and brought it down on the marquis. The next moment the marquis' head was rolling on the floor. He probably didn't have enough time to notice his mistake.

"It seems like I wasn't clear enough. Some of you seem to be oblivious to the situation you are in. Let me explain it to you. Right now my soldiers are marching through every part of the city, eliminating resistance. They have strict orders not to touch the civilians, as long as they don't put up a fight. I gathered every member of noble families here, to judge them individually. From today onward there will be no nobility in the territory formerly known as the Re-Estize Kingdom. All of your belongings will be seized and redistributed among those that serve the Sorcerer Kingdom well. You all are here to receive punishment for your actions. As you can see..."

He pointed at the corpse of Marquis Blumrush.

"... trying to impress with your status or buying your way out won't work. Therefore I hope the next ones have a better excuse."

He pointed at one of the soldier.

"Bring his head outside and put it on display. Let everyone know what happens to those that try to fool me."

One of the nobles protested.

"Wait, that can't be right. I shouldn't be here."

Despite having no face, Zanac could clearly tell the Sorcerer King was very annoyed.

"Is that you, Albedo? I would always recognize that sweet voice. Please, tell him I am an important person. We were having so much fun when you visited the kingdom. Do you remember?"

The undead magic caster turned to Albedo, seemingly asking who that was.

"You worthless insect. How dare you speak like that in the presence of the supreme one?"

She quickly grabbed him by his jaw and lifted him up. He was trashing his legs in the air. From the way she was holding him, she was slowly increasing the pressure on his skull, threatening to crush him like a raw egg. With a very calm, almost bored voice the Sorcerer King said.

"Albedo. I said I would give them a chance to defend themselves. But for that they should be able to speak."

Albedo clicked her tongue in annoyance. The way he talked let no room for misinterpretation. He had the absolute and unwavering loyalty of those he commanded. Annoyed Albedo tossed Phillip aside. After hitting the wall he cowered in pain on the floor. He coughed up little bit of blood, probably due to some broken ribs.

"If you have anything to say, do it now."

After coughing violently, Phillip managed to catch his breath.

"I-| don't understand why I am even here. I was a valuable trading partner for the Sorcerer Kingdom."

"So so. You don't understand. Well then, let me remind you of what you did. You provided the invading army with the funds to equip their soldiers. That makes you a part of the conspiracy."

"But I didn't know they were going to attack your country. I swear."

"Do you really think being an idiot is a good excuse? I will not tolerate anyone who dares to lay hand on what is mine."

After that sentences, a very faint giggle could be heard from Albedo. The Sorcerer King didn't seem to notice.

"Albedo, he said he was a 'friend' of yours, so I will leave his punishment to you."

He said the word friend almost dripping with sarcasm, at least that is how everyone here interpreted it.

"With pleasure."

She walked to him, picked him up and said only loud enough for him to hear.

"You heard what he said. Only one man is allowed to touch me and that is not you. From that day on I knew exactly what I would do with you and there are several of my companions that are eager to help me with that. I am sure the five worst will have a fun time taking turns on you."

She gave him to one of the undead soldiers and they both left.

"Now then, with that nuisance out of the way, maybe we should continue."

That way, everybody tried his best to persuade the Sorcerer King. Some begged for forgiveness, some tried to bargain for their life, others affirmed their innocence. All in vain. Young and old, male and female. One after the other was beheaded in front of the horrified audience. Totally unfazed by these gruesome scene, the Sorcerer King proceeded like he was picking flowers in a park. Now it was Zanacs' turn.

"Now then, former king of Re-Estize. What can you say in your defense?"

The moment Zanac feared so much had come. What could he say to justify his actions? From his observations he was sure that neither lying nor begging for forgiveness would work. He was being judged by a cold and emotionless creature, that wouldn't be moved by tears. The only thing that could help him was logic and solid arguments. He inhaled deeply.

"I am truly ashamed to admit it, but I was left with no other choice."

"Hoh?"

The Sorcerer King seemed amused by that.

"The news of your demise encouraged many nobles, from my faction and the opposing one, to desire to attack your nation. Everyone was sure you died in battle with Jaldaboath."

"And you think the dead of a king is excuse enough to raid a foreign country?"

Zanac shook his head.

"Of course not, but had the nobles been successful and acquired your land and wealth, controlling them would have become impossible and a civil war would have destroyed my country. If I wanted to maintain peace in my nation, participating was the only option."

For a moment the Sorcerer King remained silent.

"So you are saying, because of your weakness and inability to control your own subjects, you were forced to attack me."

Visibly hurt by that cold assessment of the situation, Zanac nodded.

Pressing the palm of his hand against his forehead, Ainz said.

"That is truly a weird development. It seems like I don´t understand humans at all. One brings up stupidity in his defense, the other incompetence. If that is truly the case, you weren´t fit to be king in the first place. As soon as you understood that, it would have been your duty to abdicate and look for someone more fitting. Is every single one of this countrys´ leaders inept? It seems like you leave me with no other choice. Former king Zanac, for your crimes against the Sorcerer Kingdom and your own people…"

Before Ainz could end this sentence, one of the smaller doors on the sides were pushed open and a young and frail girl rushed towards the throne. She was quickly followed by a young knight in shining armor, who apparently desperately tried to stop her. Many undead were drawing there swords, but Ainz raised his hand, signaling them to hold back. Zanac immediately recognized her. The girl was none other than his sister. With tears running down her cheeks, she fell to her knees before the Sorcerer King. The young knight did the same.

"Your majesty, ruler of the Sorcerer Kingdom, please allow me to speak on behalf of the people of this nation."

"And who might you be?"

"I am the third princ.. the former third princess of this country."

"Hmm. I ordered my undead to catch every noble in this country. Looks like they missed one."

"Thanks to my loyal knight I was able to escape, but I simply couldn´t run away, knowing that all the others are being judged."

"According to what I learned after interrogating some of the generals, you have no authority over the affairs of this country and even tried to prevent this attack. Is that right?"

"Yes, your majesty."

Zanac was puzzled

"What? How can you say.."

"Silence."

Ainz death-glared seemed to burn his soul.

"I am not talking to you."

Without any way to respond, Zanac fell silent. Ainz returned his soul-piercing gaze to Renner.

"If you really tried to stop this, then you are without guilt. You can go."

"Thank you, your majesty, but I can´t."

"May I ask why?"

With teary eyes, she looked up to him, still kneeling in front of the throne.

"I know it is not up to me to ask your actions, but I have to know what is going to happen to the people of this country."

"You care so much for the people of this country, that you are risking to anger me?"

"Admirable. Looks like there are at least some decent people here. Then let me answer your question. If they are willing to surrender, I am going to treat them as citizens of my country. They will not face any repercussions and will be able to continue their life like normal."

"And if they not surrender?"

"Well.."

Ainz clenched his fist.

"Weed must be yanked out, before it ruins the whole garden. Does that answer your question?"

She nodded.

"I know I am testing your patience, but would your kindness allow you to hear a request of mine?"

Ainz shrugged his shoulders.

"Please allow me to tend to the garden and I will make sure no weed will grow in it. I couldn´t stand the thought of my people being massacred, because they made a wrong decision while driven by fear."

Ainz rose from the throne and walked to Renner, placing his hand on her trembling shoulder.

"I am truly moved by your words. Your goals are acceptable and I am willing to give you a chance to do so. From this day on, you will be in charge of this territory, but listen closely. I will watch you closely and should I have any doubts on your loyalty or the sincerity of your words, I will not hesitate to finish what I started. Did I make myself clear?"

She nodded with a bright smile over her face.

"Then the judgement of this traitors will also be your responsibility."

He snapped.

"Bring them to the cells. I am sure a castle of this size will have a sufficient amount of them."

One by one, the remaining nobles were dragged out, visibly relieved that they will now be judged by the Golden Princess, known for her kind heart. The only one that felt uneasy was Zanac. Firstly, because he knew his sisters true personality, secondly, because something didn´t seem to fit. The gears in his head were spinning faster than ever. As he was dragged out, he could see his sisters´ face. Her usual bright and happy smile shifted to something else. Something sinister and evil. Suddenly all the pieces fell in place.

"You. You did this. You planned this all from the start."

"Quit your rambling. You will have time to speak to her when she judges you."

After the heavily resisting Zanac was removed from the room, Ainz once again spoke to Renner.

"Well then, I will take my leave. I am eager to see how you will manage this territory."

He and Albedo left through a Gate. Back in Nazarick, Ainz said to her.

"I think my temper got the better of me. Have I been too rough on the poor little girl?"

Albedo chuckled and responded

"No. I think it was just right."

The following days were like an agonizing hell for Zanac. In his cold cell he had a lot of time to think. After he figured out how his own little sister sold out her country, her family and all her fellow living being to an undead, he kept pondering on how it got to this situation. Why did he believe in her words without second thoughts? One after the other he saw the other inmates being dragged away, never to be seen again. After a while he was all alone. One day turned to two, two turned to three and soon he was there for almost a month. If not for his daily meals, he would think he was forgotten. After an eternity, he could hear steps closing in on him. The usual guards wore heavy boots, but those steps were light, with a faint clack from heeled shoes. It was his sister.

"Hello brother. Long time no seen. Say, are you not happy I came to visit you?"

Weakened Zanac answered.

"You, how could you do this to me?"

In her usual manner, she shifted her head on the side.

"My my. What could you be speaking about?"

"You know exactly. How could you betray us all?"

"You know, for how clever you think you are, you can be rather dunce. When I first met with the Sorcerer Kings´ servant, we could immediately understand each other. Being among kindred-spirits is rather calming. They saw the value I would have for them and decided I was a good ally in their ambitions. In return I would get what I wanted. Total freedom to do whatever I please. You see, they don´t care about social standing or etiquette. All that matters are results."

"Are you talking about Climb? I can´t believe you did all this just so you could be with him."

"Furthermore the Sorcerer King is an incredible ruler. The way he acted like he doesn´t know of anything was truly magnificent. If not for my little slip-up at the end, even you would still be in the dark. I still have some things to learn from him."

"What are you going to do to me?"

She once again wore her creepy smile."

"The exact same thing you wanted to do to me. Keep you in a place you won´t disturb me and occasionally visit you to speak to you."