The next was a gloomy, cloudy but humid day. Climb waved goodbye to Reiner, he hoped to see him again sometime but at the same time he didn't. If him leaving Climb was his duty then it must be done, but it was mostly due to the lingering feeling that if he stayed things would get worse for him.

The Paladin Order outpost was well supplied but didn't look as hopeful as the Order of Justice, as a matter fact something seemed off. When Penelope's assistant Genus finally got answers it was too late to save anybody. Apparently they had been attacked by strong people who wiped out half of their number and a few Death Knights. A few lost limbs and bled out while others weren't so lucky, they had simply disappeared. Everyone knew they were kidnapped, there was no way to abandon post, nowhere to run, no time to surrender.

Genus had healed those who weren't critical as the remaining paladin priests had run out of mana, then she left. Climb knew there was nothing more to be done, but still didn't like the fact that he was left to deal with people whose spirits were broken. Their captain was nowhere to be found so he was left to deal with the other vice-captain who was the exact opposite of Reiner – so to speak.

The man was supposed to be under 30 but he had dangerous looking eyes and a mischievous grin that made him look older than he was. All in all the skinny pale man looked like a lecherous snake – if those existed – and spoke like one would too. But despite his looks he was praised for his sword skills and tactics (of course they were underhanded, because if you are going to be a walking stereotype, go all the way).

They were down to one hundred broken men and Climb couldn't decide if this was a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand he had all the people he was supposed to befriend narrowed down for him, on the other hand he could very much as easily have been one of them if he arrived a day earlier. He helped his vice-captain pick things up, did a few repairs and was put on cleaning and laundry duty for the foreseeable future.

The buildings – which were already shabby enough without intentional destruction were torn down in many places that they had to build their own shelters for the next few days while they resupplied themselves with equipment from Iustitia. The heat made the nights outside quite enjoyable but the problems started when the rain arrived. Their shelters weren't exactly built to keep things out anymore so when it rained, it poured.

Iustitia offered to lend them undead to aid in reconstruction but the Paladin Order still had their pride (and fear) which made them refuse. They did however accept human aid, but since it wasn't offered it was never given. The humans of Iustitia were productive people. They spent their days reinforcing their walls, accepting refugees, then training and teaching them. They could spare none for one not of their own. They were offered a place as members of the Order of Justice but the survivors were what remained of Remedios Custodio supporters. They were thankful to the Sorcerer King but did not believe that that translated into undead worship.

It was very sad for Climb because the one night he spent in Iustitia was very comfortable. He had a proper meal for the first time in a week and a soft, comfortable bed. He had stayed with people who believed in both individual strength and strength in numbers. They believed that one needed to make up for a comrades weakness but that the very same comrade must nurture their own strength. They had heard the Pope say that the Sorcerer King had told her that they were only as strong as their weakest link. It meant that a group could only be strong as long as everyone was strong, so they worked hard to become strong at everything they did.

Climb had wondered if these people had been brainwashed. The Sorcerer King had killed millions, but they shrugged and laughed it off saying it was the Justice of the Strong. "The Strong Do What They Will, The Weak Suffer What They Must." Those words were written in the rookie training hall in large font on all the walls where he had spent the night, back then he wondered if that was the right thinking, that shouldn't the strong protect the weak? But now having seen this Justice of the Strong being used against them he knew that his old way of thinking was wrong. The people in Iustitia were fighting to protect their ideals, the Paladin Order was fighting to protect the weak and instead the were now the weak that needed protection.

So who was right? Those who fought to protect something? They were both protecting something but why was one stronger? He usually didn't think too much about many things, his only job until now was to be a meat shield but Renner was safe, very safe now, even he could easily figure that out. His only job now was to listen to her and stay by her side forever, he didn't need to be strong just loyal to a new master ... but most of these people didn't even think about this, they simply decided to be strong for themselves, it was all so confusing. There had to be another reason!

Why Ainz Ooal Gown? Why serve someone who kills innocents?

Caspond's Room

Space distorted. This was the eighth tier spell [Gate], there were only two people who earnestly used this spell in Nazarick, so he figured it wouldn't be too much of a surprise once he stepped through to the other side. For him to come personally would usually be an honour as he was told a million times by his subordinates, but the one he was going to see always wanted it to be the other way around. He was used to not feeling scared anymore but he knew the small lingering doubt was there to remind him that the emotion existed.

"Ainz-sama!" they all bowed deeply, it was one of very few ways to show their utmost devotion. This was just stifling for Ainz now, but he respected the dedication of Demiurge, Sebas and the Doppelgänger.

"Rise." That one word, commanded the entire presence of the room, why wouldn't it? He had practised this many, many times.

Fact was Ainz didn't want to be here. Albedo had been complaining about Demiurges work – well it was more like undermining his efforts, it wasn't normal. She had even offered to take the Information Network off of his hands to 'help' the situation. Ainz obviously refused this, he didn't want to make it look like he lost faith in Demiurge – because he hadn't. As a matter of fact this whole thing started because of Ainz himself. Why had he entertained an idea to be punished – were all his servants just masochists?

"Demiurge. I'll keep this short. I've been receiving Sebas' regular reports, but I don't understand why you've been sending Death Knights back to Nazarick. Why don't you just kill them?" this wasn't a complaint from Albedo, more his own. If he could get rid of some excess Death Knights he would do it, most of his undead were now just occupying Nazarick waiting to be dispatched to the greater Sorcerous Kingdom ... of course that would take a while.

"Lord! I could never do such a thing to your creation."

He knew they all knew he didn't breathe but the sigh he produced was simply magnificent. He was now staring outside looking at what the Holy Kingdom had become, it really wasn't bad. With everyone looking at his back, he continued when he realised that he might have made a mistake he never saw.

"Don't you think it makes the plan work better if they are killed?" roundabout questions with Demiurge were the only way he could conserve with him. Direct questions were to be used very, very sparingly.

"I had thought about that, but ..."

"Someone able to kill Death Knights in this world is considered very strong and very rare, but don't you think someone able to kidnap them is much more suspicious?" it was a question even Albedo couldn't answer so he felt safe asking it here.

"I left no evidence they were teleported, most believe that the burnt squire zombies are the Death Knights."

"I-I see. I'll tell Albedo she has nothing to worry about then."

"Ainz-sama, did Albedo send ..." he didn't see his face but he swore he could hear the frown in his voice.

Well that's to be expected, these two disagree over a lot of things ...

"No, no. She was worried about the last report and wanted to ask you about how exactly you were covering your tracks, but she wasn't against you not killing the Death Knights. I have business in the surrounding area, so I figured I might as well ..." it backfired. He wanted more information on what he was doing. Sebas' reports were simply about what was happening around Climb, but Pandora's Actor had said Demiurge was making moves in the Slane Theocracy, what exactly those moves were was unknown and was what Ainz was curious about.

"I see, so that's how it is."

"Y-Yes. That's how it is. Ahem, I hope all is well in the Theocracy, Demiurge?"

"Ah! Of course! The groundwork you laid was more than I could ask for! To think you had me do this knowing your plan was almost complete. The word inscrutable is only the first of many to describe you, my lord."

If you weren't so calm I'd swear I was talking to Pandora's Actor! You two have been spending too much time together! I still don't know what you're talking about though. Pandora's Actor leaves no room for interpretation, learn that from him ... clarity. Oh, am I supposed to say something?

"No, no. So I take it things are going quite well then ... in the Slane Theocracy?" since he didn't answer the question he figured asking directly wouldn't hurt.

"It is as Ainz-sama has surmised. All goes well, the country will fall right into your hands just as you've planned! Those that don't accept your rule will perish with the Southern Holy Kingdom. To think you would continue on finding flaws in my plans even after I thought it was perfect. I still have much to learn."

So let me get this right ... I have been improving Demiurge's plan for the Holy Kingdom since when? Sure I said that those who brainwashed Shalltear will feel Nazarick's wrath, but what are you doing? And I want the Slane Theocracy? Not really! With nothing to fight me with I figured we'd leave them be ... I already have that 'Godkin' for experiments.

"W-what are you saying, Demiurge? You are already very smart."

No really?! What are you saying?

"My lord thinks too highly of this insignificant servant." Ainz turned around to find Demiurge with the same self-deprecating smile he was starting to find all too common.

"My Guardians are not insignificant. There are areas where you all can improve, yes, but take pride in the fact that you were created by my friends and have more confidence in yourself." Ainz said putting an encouraging, bony hand on the demon's shoulder, if it was Aura or Mare he would pat their head, but Demiurge was a grown man. It was true they could improve but for the first time Ainz really knew what Demiurge was thinking, why Demiurge was thinking that was a question all on its own, though.

He thinks he should improve on reading my plans. No, you should improve on telling me my plans!

A proud devilish smile returned and Ainz still didn't known what he said that gave Demiurge his Slane Theocracy conquest ideas. It couldn't be helped, he decided not to think about it too much, it wouldn't help.

Pandora's Actor was hard to talk to, but he wasn't difficult to talk to. It was a simple matter to ask him, but he decided against it. This was just something you let happen. Demiurge worked for the sake of Nazarick, he trusted him more than he trusted himself, he'd just deal with whatever came of Demiurges actions – if such a time came.

"Then I'll leave everything here to you then. I know I will get good results."

I practised that! Maybe I'll go talk to Ainzach, see how our adventurers are doing? Or that Marquis? What was his name? I met him twice ... dammit! Ah! Raevan. Yes, Albedo said he really was worth saving.

"Of course, what do you plan on doing now my Lord?"

"I heard about a town similar to E-Rantel. I'll walk around there before returning." This was another spur of the moment idea.

"I see. That is indeed a wonderful plan. The humans will be quite pleased!"

Ainz ignored the lingering doubt he felt at Demiurges words. On the surface they were innocent but they came with a misbegotten pride that Ainz felt questionable. The tone he took on was one that of someone telling a dear friend an inside joke, it really was ... dubious.

Maybe he is just saying that the humans should be proud I 'bless' them with my presence. Oh well ...

Ainz wondered if Demiurge figured out he was running away from his work as he went to Iustitia by carriage. To be honest, he was actually running away from Albedo who was complaining a whole lot about the report Sebas sent, the only problem he saw was that the undead he was happily getting rid of were being returned to him. Since Albedo was being less than diplomatic to Demiurge he figured it was better for him to go, but now he wondered if Albedo would have been the better person to send all along after all. He had no information, but Demiurge looked happier now so that was a plus.

Well, the reviews here are great. I'm working on how to put a few suggestions into the story but for now here's your obligatory 'Sasuga Ainz-sama' from Demiurge. I realised that our Lord really wasn't making an appearance so here he finally is! As always: REVIEW ONEGAISHIMASU!