Neia knew she shouldn't be here, she was supposed to be in her own country, but she could not reject a direct order from the Holy King. The same Holy King who – although he had never said so directly – admired the Sorcerer King as much as she did. She just knew it.

Except there was only one problem, their country was at war, sure it was a civil war and had just started so not many people had died, but it was going to get worse. It always got worse, she wanted to reject his order but sensing her conflict her told her that it was an order from the Royal Court that had been helping them all this time – even during and after their own war! Because of the way he worded it she knew it came from His Majesty's servants and not the Sorcerer King himself.

She saw that the Holy King was using her personal mission against her. Besides even then she wasn't actually required to fight, the Holy King had personally seen to that. She was the head of the Archery Unit, commanders were supposed to guide from the rear – apparently. Though it wasn't like she wanted for security, her archery unit was growing, on top of having Bertrand Moro assist with various things she had both a long range and melee bodyguard. Though she wouldn't say so out loud she was still the better archer.

Even though Neia wasn't a priestess she technically held a position of equal if not higher standing now in the Holy Kingdom, she even had her own personal seal! Her wish was going to become reality soon, so she owed him at least this much.

She looked over the crowd through her visor, she never showed her face in public anymore, it wasn't as if she was hiding but her followers – she had now gotten used to calling them that – seemed to think it had an underlying tone almost as if to say justice was blind or some nonsense like that. Very few even called her by her name anymore, she was The Faceless One, or The Blind Evangelist.

As long as people understood she was spreading His Majesty's greatness she didn't care what they called her, as long as they didn't run away calling her that vicious-eyed fanatic or something equally as crude. She was hoping to spread her beliefs so much that His Majesty would believe it necessary to take them under his wing and annex the Holy Kingdom. Thanks to the Holy King it might happen.

Though now she stood in front of a group of people who had never seen the Sorcerer King, never heard of his greatness, where would she begin? Haggard, exhausted and starved faces looked at her, these individuals had been indirectly rescued by His Majesty, but never met him, she hoped her words would get through to them. These people had not suffered at the hands – or claws – of demi-humans, but humans.

How could she erase their fear of her while promoting something they might think would treat them worse? Neia shook those thoughts out of her head, if they didn't know she had to tell them, teach them, show them. His Majesty would take them in if they had nowhere to go, that she knew. His Majesty's justice would prevail. She steadied her breathing and began.

Kami Miyako – Slane Theocracy Capital. Midday.

They were all well aware that the undead hated the living but even by those standards this was too much!

After the news that the Elf King had sent two children who had individually conquered every city and town except for the capital were dispatched they sent a message forfeiting the war. They had hoped to see these individuals as emissaries and have their Godkins assassinate them at the opportune time.

By what they hadn't expected was for Ainz Ooal Gown to arrive in person – or at all – for that matter. He had told them that all their citizens were alive and so were the Elven slaves. He stated that he was only aiding an allied nation and that he would be taking the slaves – all at once!

"Call them prisoners of war if you will." He sounded so logical it was sickening.

He showed no interest in making concessions on that part, he even told them that he had Zesshi in his custody. It all but implied that it would be an exchange of sorts but when they conceded the Elves, Zesshi refused to return, she told them they were weak and that she now saw heights they would never reach.

"Heresy! Betrayal!" Dominic Ihre Partouche spat those words out.

But as if that wasn't bad enough, the most distressing part was that when the cardinals gathered to launch a pre-emptive strike against the Sorcerous Kingdom all the artefacts left by the Six Great Gods were gone. They never received word of a break in, but everything was missing!

Their livelihoods destroyed, with nowhere to turn they were now forced to stand and bare witness to some crazy girl preach about the undead being justice, what was even worse was the fact that her own country was in the middle of a civil war but she had time to preach to them, but that wasn't the worst part.

The worst part was that it was working well to weaken them. The Undead never took the Elves immediately instead they were in the capital, eating the Undead's food and listening to this heretic speak. This was her third time speaking but all the Elves were rallied behind her now, what more could you expect from slaves?!

The Cardinal of Wind thought he was the only one who was kept out of the loop about the Elves and the Sorcerous Kingdom having ties, it wasn't something they would miss.

Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick - Ninth Floor

The demon that was occupying the most space at her desk was the first one she had met that belonged to this place. She also understood that this situation was rare if not outright unheard of.

Demiurge was sitting at her desk and going through paperwork. She knew it was related to the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick and not the Sorcerous Kingdom because that is what she was dealing with.

"No matter how long you stare at me I'm not going to suddenly be able to read your mind." The unwavering smile on his face gave the impression that he already knew what she was thinking. Her loyal puppy shifted uncomfortably. He still insisted on wearing that armour, even he should have been able to determine that it was less than paper to them. Even the clothes they wore were tougher and more durable than his armour.

"My apologies, it's just that you seem to have changed, Demiurge-sama."

"I could say the same about you. Though I am curious as to what about me is so different."

He's messing with me. I guess a demon will always be a demon.

"If I am permitted, you seem genuinely kinder."

Demiurge said nothing as he continued his work. After a silence that was broken by the shuffling of paper came a question. "You weren't expecting Ainz-sama to see right through you, were you?"

What is he doing?! Is he trying to make Climb find out? Or is he trying to see how well I can play him? Or is he saying he can be mean if he so desires? Demons really will be demons.

"I'm well aware that our master has perceived me useful enough to grant me tasks in his service."

The demons' ever present smile remained. He then placed two fingers on his temple.

"Mm, Shalltear? ... No I'm on the ninth floor... Well, it's not like you're suffering any damage being there ... No, I'm in the new girls' room."

What immediately followed was a knock on the door.

"Let her in." Demiurge said before the maid could announce the visitor.

"You're lucky Ainz-sama gave me this ring otherwise we'd have a big problem. I'm still undead you know!" a beautiful girl in a ball gown came storming in, but Demiurge was clearly used to this.

"Ah, Shalltear, for you to look for me specifically. It must be really important."

The girls face showed clear annoyance at her strife being so easily dismissed.

"Ah yes. I received a message from Sebas." The way she purposely stressed the butlers name was strange to say the least, but it made the demon's smile waiver slightly. He nodded to let her carry on.

"He said he received a letter from a death knight. Apparently it said the letter must only be opened by you or Albedo ... of course that is based on the preconception that she has already returned." She said placing the letter in his hands, it was as if they both understood the importance of the letter without even opening it.

"Ainz-sama could have easily had you collect it directly from him. But for this test to remain true he sent a messenger who can only return should the need arise."

"Mm? No, the Death Knight disappeared not too long after the message was delivered. It seems Ainz-sama doesn't require a response."

The demon laughed softly under his breath while his smile broadened even more. "I see why." He said after a while.

"What does it say?" Shalltear wasn't the only one that was curious.

"It is simply yet another justification that we indeed serve an unfathomable master! It's an official document from the Elven Kingdom. Apparently they want to become part of the Sorcerous Kingdom. They've essentially given up all their rights to become citizens of our nation."

He's only been gone three weeks. That was too quick! Just what did he do?

But even with that Renner smiled, it was a smile that came with the knowledge that she was on the right side.

"As expected of Ainz-sama! But isn't that country at war with the Slane Theocracy? Does that mean we will be at war as well?"

"Though I hate to say this, it seems Ainz-sama will be taking care of that himself."

"What makes you say that?"

"If Ainz-sama wanted us to personally deal with them nothing stops him from calling us right away. He even called me to the Dwarf Nation to deal with the finer parts of our trade contract, so it's not as if he has to do things himself. There may be another reason, after all Ainz-sama's plans are such that he completes many objectives in one move."

"I get what you're saying ..." Shalltear started

"Really? Usually I have to explain multiple times ..."

Shalltear's iris's turned an even deeper red. "You're the only one that still holds that incident against me, Ainz-sama gave me chance to prove myself and I did! Why do you ..."

Demiurges smile turned upside down as a hot wave of murderous intent washed over the room, and then returned, if Renner wasn't watching him carefully she would have sworn it never happened.

"Ah, Shalltear, was there anything else?" Shalltear wasn't amused at being interrupted.

"Yes. As I was saying I get what you're saying but I still don't see why he had to destroy the Kingdom?"

"Shalltear, Ainz-sama did ask you whether you understood his plan. Even He has enough patience to deal with you, but you said nothing."

"That's because Albedo ... just explain." She couldn't defend herself.

"I also understand only so much, but first, he planted an overzealous girl in a staunchly religious country who would further reduce the time the Holy Kingdom would go to war. When the South heard about our declaration of war against the Kingdom they got cocky, they believed that the power backing the North dwindled and that the North was vulnerable.

"With that they started their own war against the North, not realising that they were dancing right into the palm of the supreme one. Next Ainz-sama stopped a war between two countries, the Elves becoming a province in our state means we now not only share a border with the North but we've further isolated the Slane Theocracy from the Argland Council State.

"With Pandora's Actor going to the Dragon Kingdom before leaving for the Argland Council State it's only a matter of time before they submit, in other words, he is first dividing the nations we know little about or who might be hostile against us and dealing with them separately. When the Dragon Kingdom comes into our fold we'll have separated those two nations and we'll be that much closer to taking over this whole continent."

The pride in Demiurges voice was overly evident.

"But what makes you so sure the Dragon Kingdom will become a vassal state? They got what they wanted didn't they?"

Renner was unsure on how they decided to deal with the Dragon Kingdom.

"You do know that Momon didn't do anything for that country. He fought a few battles and ensured a few Beastmen will survive, that's all. The country is being saved by undead soldiers. Once the war is over there is no such thing as going back to how things used to be. They'll request further aid from us."

"So Ainz-sama has found a use for those Beastmen?" Shalltear was intrigued.

"It seems Pandora's Actor made the decision, I never had the chance to ask him what use he found."

"If it's him then it should be fine, I guess."

Demiurge went deep into thought. "I'd really like to know why he left without at least putting someone who could garner their good will. Unless he wants them to become accustomed to the undead? But that would also mean ..."

"Demiurge don't go off explaining to yourself!"

Renner understood where Demiurges thoughts were going.

"If one country accepted an army of another into their own borders as goodwill without a contract it meant that they didn't care what the cost would be, if that same army was going to be turned against them they could do nothing but accept it. But if the army saved them and the country in question simply required remuneration in the form of money, considering a war torn country had no trade deals to offer, they could – should they wish – remain a detached nation with no actual ties.

Of course that is based on the idea that they can pay the amount of money the country demanded. Typically war torn countries can spare no expense after a war, the cost of feeding the survivors and rebuilding is too high. The Dragon Kingdom will definitely require more aid and protection from our more powerful country, it was only a matter of time"

Renner said aloud without thinking who was listening.

"Pandora's Actor-sama is simply giving them a leash and telling them it's their choice whether or not they wear it."

"Well that's not much of a choice, is it?" Shalltear smiled.

Renner smiled, everyday was a reminder of the right choice she made. Demiurge didn't miss this, it seemed he came to the same conclusion she did.

Shalltear left the room with the broad smile still on her face.

"What did Shalltear-sama ever do to incur your wrath?" Renner asked after another bout of continued silence.

"Renner. Ainz-sama is a magnanimous and kind ruler. He is also very forgiving."

Her puppy shifted once more.

Ah, Climb! I know you don't believe that but you also know you can't say it. Why couldn't you stand in front of me instead of that maid. Why is she nodding?

"I am, however, aware that my personal feelings don't matter once Ainz-sama has spoken, but where I can I'll make sure complacency has no place, so that Ainz-sama's kindness isn't taken for granted. Remember this, as a member of Nazarick, failure isn't even an option, on the contrary, you must strive for the best form of success."

His tone didn't change but there was an unmistakeable seriousness in his voice that told her that he wasn't going to be the only one to destroy her if she failed.

"Um, excuse me, Demiurge-sama." Her puppy seemed to squeeze those words out.

"Mm. What is it?" the question had the same kindness Demiurge showed her when they first met.

"Was the lady maybe named Shalltear Bloodfallen?"

"Yes? What of it?" he still hadn't looked back up from his paperwork. He was more focused on his new mission.

"And she knows Sebas Tian-sama? A really strong old man, who is about as strong as the Sorcerer King?"

"Where is this going?" Demiurge was losing his patience, this came more from not being able to concentrate on his work. At least that's what Renner thought.

"Is she stronger than Sebas-sama? Do they both serve the Sorcerer King? Sebas-sama doesn't strike me the type of man to serve someone who would kill millions, considering he fought against the Eight Fingers to save Tsuare-san, maybe it's a different person?"

No. Climb. It's definitely the same person. I can only accept this thought process because it's you.

"In terms of raw fighting power Shalltear is the strongest amongst us guardians." Demiurge was so amused by his rejected deduction he didn't even try to correct him.

"Mm. Brain-san said that Sebas-sama could stack up against Shalltear Bloodfallen, that is my reason for asking."

The pen came to a sudden halt. "What did you say?"

Her puppy repeated the statement word for word but at a slower pace.

"And this Brain person fought Shalltear? And survived?" it was the first time she saw what a shocked Demiurge looked like, but knowing his personality brought her no comfort, if anything she would settle for his fake kindness.

"Yes. He said it's a miracle he survived two encounters with her. The second time he said something about cutting her fingernail."

"Where is this Brain now?"

Demiurge was clearly agitated, surely it couldn't be that he was intimidated.

"We last saw him the day the capital was under siege, I believe he died because he said he was going to face his majesty personally."

"Well he never made it. Either he got killed along the way or he ran away."

"Brain Unglaus isn't that type of person! ... My apologies." Her puppy was well trained, she almost felt sorry for him.

"This may be a lead. But it's literally a dead end. By the way? Does Sebas know about this?"

"He wasn't around when we talked about it, so I'm not sure."

"Mm, is that so?" he sounded slightly disappointed.

Soooo ... this one turned out to be really long? In case you're wondering: Climb hasn't left the room since arriving, so he hasn't met up or seen with Sebas. I just feel I can't capture the shock value of that interaction, so yeah ... I made him really stupid instead. Please let me know if you want a scene where Ainz gets mad at Demiurge, it's still an idea at this stage but it's something that never could happen in the LN. I'll happily give you a chapter on such a half-baked idea!