Disclaimer: I do not own anything (except my OCs)
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Flashback"/Flashback
{Message}
(Telepathy)
*SPELL/ABILITY/MARTIAL ART*
*[METAMAGIC]*
A/N: Time to see how Ainz reacts to be summoned before Emperor Jircniv. The decisions of other choose Ainz path forward for him. The rest of the World learns of Ainz plans soon after they come to fruition.
Time for Chapter 4!
Ainz had given Sera instructions and he had no doubt she'd follow them even if she didn't understand some of them. Now, he was making his way to the front door, and the pounding was getting as annoying as it was unnecessary.
"This is your last warning! Open in the name of Emperor-"
Ainz swung the door openly quickly to stop the annoying bastard from yelling again.
"Yes, yes. You do realize it takes a while for a naked man to get dressed and come all the way across a house this large from the second floor, correct?"
Ainz was a little surprised at who exactly was waiting at the front door when he opened it. He figured it was some of the household guards from the Imperial Palace, and he was correct there. However, there was also Nimble Arc Dale Anoch, Baziwood Peshmel, and the Empire's most powerful asset, Fluder Paradyne, along with two of his acolytes.
"Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix has summoned you before him. We are here to escort you, Mr. Gown."
Nimble's authoritative tone might have been more convincing if he wasn't looking at Ainz and practically shaking with fear. He's surprised the man didn't stutter his way through the whole spiel.
"And if I refuse, being as I'm not a citizen of the Baharuth Empire and do not recognize him as my sovereign, I suppose you will arrest me and take me in front of him by force?"
"A foreigner you may be, but you are within the borders of the Baharuth Empire, Mr. Gown. If you do not-"
"Oh, enough of this foolishness! Is it true you can cast Tier 5 magic?! You may be a giant, but don't look to be much older than your early twenties! You should consider becoming my apprentice!"
Fluder had enough of the passive aggressiveness from Nimble that was leading nowhere because the man was shaking in his boots. He only cared if it was true Ainz Ooal Gown could already cast Tier 5 magic at such a young age.
"Perhaps..." Fluder didn't miss the smirk on his lips. "Perhaps not. I'm not inclined to share my abilities with people I don't know. I was also taught never to go anywhere with strangers."
Ainz chuckled, Fluder seemed to like his cheekiness, but the others didn't look nearly as happy.
"Perhaps we should search the house to see if you are hiding anyone else in there?"
"You'd sack the home of a fellow Imperial Knight?"
Nimble looked like he wanted to answer, but couldn't figure out what to say. Baziwood stood there stone-faced, and Ainz had all the information he needed.
"Very good to know. Well, I do not wish for Leinas's home to be destroyed simply because I didn't want to take a carriage ride and a short walk." Ainz motions toward the carriages that had been sitting there the whole time. "Lead the way, gentlemen."
Of course, they made one of the acolytes lead him since he was the most expendable while the others trailed behind him. He quickly found himself in a carriage that he couldn't even compare to his own.
He found it very amusing to annoy Fluder by refusing to answer any questions about magic unless it was to confuse the old man more. Considering the circumstances he found himself in the carriage for, he was, surprisingly, enjoying himself.
Sera had gotten dressed as Ainz asked of her and waited. She was shocked enough he took the time to finish with Imperial Guards banging on the door, but what he said to her made her worried and confused.
"I want you to get dressed and wait here until it is clear for you to leave. Go to the place you feel the safest if that is not here. If for any reason you find yourself scared or fear for your life, I want you to stay put."
She'd looked at him like he grew a second head when he said that last part. He quickly explained.
"Try to talk your way out of it, if you can. If you cannot, do not flee from the situation or fight. Stay where you are until you are safe. I may not always be with you, but believe that I always make sure you are safe."
Ainz's words still confused her. She was half panicked at the moment so it wasn't a good time for clarity, but she trusted Ainz and did as he said. When she heard the carriages pull away, she waited another couple of minutes before making her way down to the front door.
It all looked clear to her as she slowly crept down toward the door. The only thing out of place was the open door that she saw. She made it to the bottom of the stairs and halfway through the foyer before two men stepped inside the door from spots she couldn't see.
She could tell they were from the City Watch, but they didn't look like they planned on protecting anyone this time around. Both men were much larger than her, and both wore lecherous looks she'd seen on many men directed at her.
"Oi, doesn't this look like that pretty, pink-haired, plaything we were told that Ainz fellow kept around to have his fun with, Brynden?"
"It sure does, Arryn. I can see why he keeps her around. She's a pretty little thing. I bet she's loads of fun too. Perhaps we should see what all the fuss is about..."
Sera was about to have a panic attack with how similar of an encounter this was to one she'd already had. It may have been only two instead of five, but their desires were the same.
She took a small step back, but couldn't take another one. Ainz's words rang through her head before she could run away in fear.
'Try to talk, if you cannot, don't fight or flee, stay where you are, you are always safe.'
She trusted Ainz more than she'd ever trusted anyone, and it made her stop the retreat she so desperately wanted to start. Instead, she stood her ground and looked at the men as though they were the small ones.
"I only wish to leave, I do not want any trouble, sirs."
Although she thought it might work, she knew it was probably fruitless. It was confirmed when they both laughed at her.
"You hear that? She doesn't want any trouble, Arryn..."
"Oh, there won't be any trouble for us." the man eyed her up and down in such a way she wanted to throw up. "You, on the other hand, might not enjoy it as much as we do..."
They started stalking toward her, but she held her ground regardless of how much she wanted to flee. They were only ten feet away from her when a shadow popped up between them and Sera watched their blood spray from their throats before they knew what was going on.
She didn't know what was going on either, and panic nearly overtook her senses when the shadow creature turned toward her. If the thing had waited for another second to kneel, she probably would have fled.
"By orders of my master, Ainz Ooal Gown, I shall make sure of your safety until he can return to your side, my lady."
The creature was hard to understand, and the language was so guttural, it nearly made her ears bleed, but she understood and it relaxed her entire body at what he said. Knowing Ainz left a monster like this to protect her didn't set her on edge as she thought it would.
It made her even more comfortable than she had been, even as she watched the shadow disappear into her shadow with both bodies. She calmly walked to the Dragon's Nest and Ainz's room instead of fleeing there in a panic.
It had taken a bit longer to get to the Imperial Palace than Ainz thought it would, but he still enjoyed fucking with Fluder Paradyne the entire way. The man had gotten to the point he accidentally blurted out his talent and started mumbling to himself about a magic caster with no magic. Ainz had rendered the man useless simply by not answering his questions.
The interior of the Imperial Palace was just as he expected, gaudy. It didn't make a difference his Hanzos had told him of this, it was something to witness in person. Ainz thought Jircniv might be the vainest person of all time to make everything out of gold. It was rather annoying.
When he was finally let into the room with the Emperor, he nearly splattered every one of them against the walls. Leinas was also in the room. However, she had no weapon, no armor, and she was seated behind and beside the Emperor with the dual shield-wielding Imperial Knight guarding her.
"Have a seat, Mr. Gown."
Ainz took a seat and said nothing to the Emperor. He simply stared at the man hard enough that Ainz saw him start to sweat. How long he sat in silence for, he cared not. Jircniv did eventually relent and speak.
"Can I get you something to drink or eat perhaps? We can have-"
"Cut the bullshit, why am I here?"
"You dare-"
It seemed Nimble found his balls, but Jircniv waved him off. He was currently enjoying the man's bluntness.
"Very well. Why are you in Arwintar, and why have you gotten to know Leinas so well? I've been told the spell you used to cure her curse had to be at least Tier 5. Is that true and what are your intentions in my Empire, Mr. Gown?"
Ainz couldn't help it, he laughed. After what he'd learned of the Emperor, this shouldn't surprise him, but it did. He finally told the Emperor why he was laughing so hard.
"Gods... I knew you had an ego the size of this gaudy palace you call home, but even you surprised me." Ainz chuckles again and notices no one else is except Leinas hiding her giggles behind her hand. "Contrary to your belief Emperor the world does not revolve around you. I've gotten to know Leinas so well because... why the hell wouldn't I want to?"
He looked at all the men quizzically except for Fluder. He knew that maniac only cared about magic. He doubts Fluder even knew what a female was.
"She can be a deadly warrior when needed, as graceful and elegant as any woman to ever exist, and when those bedroom doors close. Whew..." Ainz smirks at her blush. "She's spectacular in the bedroom. Best of all, she's always, always, beautiful and intelligent. That's why I wanted to talk to her tonight about buying a house, and a few other things."
"You do know I must approve of any purchase of property in the capital? How do you expect me to allow you when you have shown no loyalty to the Empire? And I want to know about your magic. You still have not answered that question."
Ainz didn't chuckle this time, just shook his head. Ainz was still surprised by how highly Jircniv thought of himself.
"Your ego is your constant companion it seems. I never said I was buying a home in Arwintar. It only needs to be a true discussion because I wished to see if she would like living in the Re-Estize, Draconic, or Dwarven Kingdoms."
"And why would you leave the most prosperous city in the world for any of those kingdoms? Most capitals are lucky to have a single paved road, Arwintar is covered in them! I have built the shining example of what a city should look like and you dare look down on it?!"
Ainz was grinning by now. He knew he'd get to the man eventually. He might be intelligent, but with an ego that size, there was only so much disrespect he would take.
"Ahhhh... now that is an easy answer and one I'll gladly give." Ainz smirked right at him. "You."
"Wh-What?!"
"It's very simple, I don't like that you allow people to be sold like property, and it is illegal in those three Kingdoms. Also, I'd never trust, nor follow, a man who put his entire family to the sword without giving them a chance. I'd rather take my chances somewhere else than live under your rule."
"That is your decision?" Ainz was a bit surprised at how calm Jircniv now was. Ainz only nodded his head. "Well then, you leave me no choice."
Ainz watched him stand and make his way toward Leinas. He only let him take a few steps before Ainz tried one last time to change the Emperor's mind as well as Ainz's plans for the Baharuth Empire.
"I'd think very carefully about what you are about to do, Emperor. You may change the history of your Empire if you choose carelessly."
Jircniv stopped and looked him right in the eye. He tried to show the man, he had been playing nice, very nice. However, Jircniv didn't care for the warning or didn't see it.
"Nazami, take her."
*[SILENT - SCULPT SPELL] - MASS HOLD SPECIES*
The Emperor choose door B and that was the one he shouldn't have. Everyone in the room but two people froze and couldn't move at all. Ainz wasn't affected, he cast the spell.
Ainz used sculpt spell to exclude Leinas from the spell so she was unaffected as well. She ran and jumped in his arms, and said something he wasn't expecting.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"
"I have no idea what you are apologizing for, Leinas. None of this was your fault. Give me a moment, there is something I must do and we shall talk after."
Ainz set her down and made his way to the twelve frozen men in the room. Ainz honestly didn't want the responsibility, but Jircniv chose for him. He would have been much happier relocating to another kingdom. Instead, he stood only inches from Jircniv's face and relished in the fear he saw.
"I told you to choose carefully, and you chose recklessly. You should have just let me leave, but your ego can't let go of something you feel should be your asset and no one else's. Now, I want you to stand here and think about what your choices have led you to, Jircniv. I have a more important conversation that needs to be held first."
Ainz turned, grabbed Leinas's hand, and led her out the first set of doors without even so much as a glance backward. Ainz was on a mission, but Leinas was confused.
"Ainz, are you going to leave them unguarded after what you just did?"
"Oh, don't worry. They will be stuck like that for almost two hours unless I release them, and what we have to do will not take nearly that long."
Leinas was still confused, but not about the other Imperial Knights, the Emperor, or the others still in the room. Now, she was confused about what exactly they were doing. She never got to ask as she watched Ainz hold up his hand, a magic circle form, and he said.
*MASS HOLD SPECIES*
Leinas had no idea why he was casting a spell until he opened the doors. On the other side, the four guards stood there frozen in place just as the others from the meeting did. She watched him do that two more times and they were standing in the front of the Imperial Palace when Leinas noticed his carriage pulling up.
Her confusion abated somewhat when she saw Sera step out but still didn't know what Ainz had planned. She stood at the top of the stairs as Ainz walked down, kissed Sera, and then took her hand and led her up to Leinas.
She thought he'd explain, but he simply took her hand with his free one and led them both back into the Imperial Palace. When they got to the first set of guards, he let go of their hands and carried two in each hand.
This surprised Leinas. She knew Ainz was strong, but he was carrying two guards in full armor in each hand like he was carrying a loaf of bread. She then watched as they got to the next set, and he slung the four he was currently holding over his shoulders and grabbed the next four.
Sera looked just as confused as she did, and it wasn't until all twelve guards were placed inside with the Emperor and everyone else that Ainz looked like he was going to give her answers.
He took both of them by the hand again and led them back out of the room, but only into the hallway just outside. When he stopped and turned them both, he finally spoke and they got their answers.
"So, I wanted to have this conversation tonight with both of you. Not only to give us as much time as possible to talk about it but also to give you time to accept what I was going to say. I knew I should have done this sooner because now, I've run out of time and we need to have this conversation before I go any further than I already have."
Both of them had been wondering what he wanted to talk about later. Leinas knew part of it and thought she already knew it all, but she didn't. Sera was simply curious. She hadn't heard any of the conversation between Ainz and Jircniv.
"I was going to ask you both if you would be willing to move to another country. Now, that is still an option, but because of the Emperor, I have started to put a plan into motion that I thought might be a possibility, but I didn't want to use. Quite frankly, I don't want the responsibility, but I will do this if you both wish it. How would you feel about being Empress?"
Sera was stunned beyond words. Her thoughts were running rampant, but she couldn't manage to voice a single one of them out loud.
'Empress! Me, Empress! I can't possibly... Why would Ainz think I could... He's... He's serious!'
Leinas, however, was able to voice her thoughts, but she completely misunderstood what Ainz's intentions were.
"You... You want us to marry... Emperor Jircniv?"
Ainz was so surprised that is what Leinas got out of that he laughed. He didn't mean to, but it turned into a full-blown belly laugh. He did manage to calm down though as he saw Leinas giving him the stink eye.
"Oh, gods no..." another small chuckle escapes his lips before continuing. "While I intended to leave this country, hopefully with both of you, I now find myself in the position to take the throne of this country if I so desire. It was never my intention, but I have always had a plan such as this in mind. It was a necessity after discovering what kind of person Jircniv was. While I do not wish the responsibility of ruling, I will accept it if both of you will stay by my side, but there are other things you must know first before you make your decision."
Why Ainz believed they'd say something, he didn't know, but they simply stared at him. He supposed it was a little much to take in, but it was only going to get worse for their brains from here on out.
"Yes, well first, I'm sure you've noticed that there are certain alterations to all of my clothing that just so happens to all be in the same place?..." They both nod so Ainz continues. "Well, it isn't some fashion decision to have those slits in my clothing, they are there for a practical purpose. I... I did mean to tell both of you this earlier than this, but I kind of got carried away enjoying our time together and never got around to talking to you about this..."
Ainz realized he was simply rambling at this point. He still didn't really know how to bring it up so he decided to simply rip the band aid off and see what happens. He said nothing more, but both of his black wings came out of his back and he spread them out for Leinas and Sera to see.
Ainz had played out their reactions in his mind countless times. Most of those scenarios involved them being scared to varying degrees. He imagined fear a few times, outright terror occasionally, and even both of them simply fleeing immediately upon seeing his wings.
While he had also thought of a few instances they would accept he wasn't a human, he hadn't envisioned this particular scenario. Both of them had looks of awe on their faces and reached out a hand to stroke the feathers on his wings. Leinas was the one who finally said something to him.
"Ainz... You're an... angel?"
"I am, Leinas. I'm the Angel of Death..." Ainz waited for them to recoil when he admitted what type of angel he was, but neither of them did anything of the sort. "I wanted to tell you both earlier, but after finding out how most humans view those of other races, I wasn't sure how... accepting of me you'd be. However, I couldn't keep this from you any longer so I-"
Ainz never got to finish his rambling as Leinas's lips were on his in an instant. She jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck so he couldn't go anywhere. It was no sooner than Leinas's lips left his that Sera's were on him next. Ainz couldn't have hoped for a better reaction.
"You're the most amazing man I've ever met Ainz. It doesn't matter to me that you're not human."
"Thank you, Sera, Leinas."
Ainz was surprised Sera was the one who voiced that, and those words came out when he saw Leinas smile and nod in agreement. Now that might be over, but there was plenty more still to discuss. Leinas seemed to move it in a direction Ainz was going to later, but better to get it out of the way with her question.
"The spell you cured me with, was it really Tier 5 or higher?" Ainz nods and Leinas then shakily asks. "What... what Tier of magic can you cast?"
"To most, they would consider it Tier 11. Those that know of its existence in the churches call it God-Level Magic. However, its true name is Super-Tier Magic..."
"WHAT?!"
Now that is the kind of reaction Ainz prepared for and expected to happen. Neither of them looked anything but dumbstruck. They both looked very cute like that.
"I know it is hard to believe. However, the spell I used to paralyze everyone, Mass Hold Species, that is a Tier 9 spell."
"T-Tier 9 and you just... cast it... like it... was nothing..."
"Would it freak you out even more if I told you I have already recovered the magic I used to cast those spells and am back at full strength already?"
Ainz chuckled because it certainly did by the look on Leinas's face. When he looked at Sera, she only looked awed again. It was time to move this along though, they were getting off track.
"We can discuss magic anytime you wish. However, we have more pressing matters." Ainz saw them both nod and continued. "I may be wrong about this, and I'll look foolish if I am, but I believe I know what you both want out of your lives now."
That statement got him a raised brow from both of them. Ainz gave a half-smile but mostly because of what he was thinking. They had no idea how similar they were even if their circumstances were different.
"Sera, you were from a very minor noble house and lost your status during Jircniv's purge. You are now the one who takes care of your mother and father by working at the Dragon's Nest. You always resigned yourself to being married off to help your house, and then after you lost your status you had that... encounter with those men."
Ainz trailed off so he didn't go crazy. When she told him what happened to her all those years ago finally, Ainz nearly flattened the city. He trailed off to switch focus though. He'd get around to that soon, but shifting his focus to Leinas now would calm him enough.
"Leinas, you were from a great noble house and sought after by everyone. You were even engaged when you got cursed. You always wanted to be more than just the Lady of a Castle, which is why you went out to fight monsters. But now, I think that is exactly what you want to be, what you both want to be."
Guessing by the surprise he sees in their eyes, he knows he's right. It honestly wasn't hard to figure out once he heard their stories. Well, how their stories played out through their eyes.
"Leinas, I know you still want to train and be known as a warrior, but what you desire to be more than that is... the Lady of the Castle, for lack of a better term, and everything that comes along with that. And Sera..."
He looked at the pink-haired, pink-eyed woman this time and she is already crying.
"You never wanted to be sold off to be the same, and after what happened you never thought you'd want a man ever again. Now, that's exactly what you want, correct?"
They both nod and Ainz sighs. While he could see it in their expressions he was correct, it was better to have them acknowledge it themselves. They even spoke two words at the same time he was glad to hear.
"I do."
"Well, I knew if we moved to another country, such as the Draconic or Re-Estize Kingdoms, I could simply buy a noble title in one of them and you could be what you wished. However, we now have a situation where I can give you a title much more deserving of you than simply Lady. So how does Empress sound to you?"
"What's going to... happen to everyone else?"
Ainz isn't surprised Sera is the one who asks while it looks like Leinas is simply thinking to herself for a moment. Ainz decides to answer Sera instead of waiting for Leinas, his answer might help her think more clearly.
"They will all get a chance to kneel. Except for Jircniv, he needs to die and it needs to be done publicly. Everyone must see what I am capable of should they cross me."
Sera still looks in awe at him, but Leinas was not. She had this small smile on her face and shine in her eyes. It wasn't until she finally spoke that he understood both of them.
"Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown. It has a nice ring to it, my love."
Ainz chuckles a bit before looking at Leinas then to Sera and asking.
"So, you are both alright with this I take it?" They both nod, and Ainz says the last thing he needs to before going back into the room with the others. "Good. The last thing, I want you to stop drinking that Moonroot potion you both have been consuming in the morning."
"How did you?..."
"I can taste it on you in the morning."
Ainz smirked at both of them then grabbed their hands and went back into the room with the paralyzed people. He still had over an hour for them to stay in this state, but he got everything out of the way he needed to already. There was no need to delay this any further.
As he opened the door, he noticed everyone was still in the exact same places he left them in. He was grateful for the way resistance seemed to work in this world. In Yggdrasil, you would get a new save every minute or so, depending on your resistance stat, if you failed a save. However, in this world, it seemed you either resisted or didn't and there was no second chance.
"Now that I have had a chance to speak with Leinas and Sera, all of you shall now have a decision to make regarding your futures in the Baharuth Empire. You have two choices I shall lay out before you. Your first option is very simple, kneel before me as your new Emperor and be loyal, or you may go with option number two... death."
Ainz can see they are all scared now. He's sure if it was possible, most of them would have pissed themselves at such a declaration. Surprisingly though, Jircniv looks the most terrified out of all of them. He expected it to be his weakling of a secretary or one of the guards, not the Emperor himself.
"As for you Fluder Paradyne, you wondered how I could be a magic caster without any magic? I have more magic running through me than you can fathom." Truer words had rarely been spoken, even by Yggdrasil standards, Ainz possessed an insane amount of MP. "I will show you exactly why you should kneel and proclaim me your new Emperor for perpetuity. You may be unable to move, but you may still use your talent. Use it Fluder Paradyne, and behold the might of Ainz Ooal Gown!"
Ainz grabbed his right index finger and pulled the ring off as soon as he finished. There was a discernable change in the air. It felt like it got heavier than it had been, but only Fluder could see the full change that just occurred.
The old man had seen over two hundred and fifty namedays, but he'd never conceived of a magical aura as strong as he was seeing surround Ainz Ooal Gown, let alone seen one in person.
The tears that flooded his eyes were from joy at such a sight. If he could move or speak, he'd fling himself at Ainz Ooal Gown's feet and lick them clean to become his apprentice.
"The time has come to make your choice, gentlemen. Loyalty or Death, I leave the decision up to you."
There is a strange flash on Ainz's body, and everyone is stunned to see his robes replaced with horrific-looking armor that nearly made them all relieve themselves on the spot.
Twisted spikes are coming off the pure black armor. In the middle of each spike is a phantasmal face twisted in pure agony and terror. When he reaches into the black void that forms from nowhere, he pulled out a weapon so malevolent, they can each feel themselves slowly getting corrupted by it.
When it finally emerges and Ainz plants it in the ground, they see the true terror of it. The snath is entirely made of black wood with the same phantasmal visages carved into the length of the snath. Seven clear globes are pulsing white and light green running up it as well.
The blade was something out of a nightmare. The first half was serrated and wicked-looking. The second half looked as sharp as could be and promised pain. There was a single drop of blood at the tip and a light sheen of blood coated the blade. The drop never fell, but it looked as if it would any second the entire time.
They had barely gotten a chance to see everything that had changed when Ainz snapped his fingers. Every person in the room was no longer paralyzed except for Jircniv. Twenty of the twenty-four guards kneeled immediately along with Fluder's two acolytes.
Fluder had dropped to his knees immediately, extended his arms as far out as they would go, and pressed his forehead to the floor. The man was still crying, but he didn't open his mouth until the three remaining Imperial Knights made their moves.
All three sprung forward right at Ainz. They started to draw their weapons, but they never got the chance. No one had seen Ainz do more than take a single step forward before all three of their heads were tumbling through the air.
What made the remaining people not kneeling kneel was that their heads decayed on their way to the ground. Their heads never hit the ground, only a few remaining pieces of ash that gathered on the floor. All that was left of the three Imperial Knights was the equipment they were wearing when Ainz took their souls for himself.
"Anyone else?"
Not a single person moved from their kneeling position. Although, Fluder did finally get out his words.
"I shall be your greatest student ever, master! From this day forward, I shall devote every breath I take in your service, God of Magic!"
"We shall see, Fluder Paradyne. Let us see how loyal you all will truly be. I want you eight." Ainz points to eight guards. "to take the former Emperor to the dungeon. I want you all to pair up and work in six hour shifts to make sure nothing happens to him. I will hold all eight of you personally responsible if anything happens to Jircniv."
All of them nodded their heads vigorously after gulping from the threat. They hauled the former Emperor away. The man couldn't protest, Ainz never lifted the hold on him. He then turned to Fluder and his acolytes.
"I want you three to gather all the members of the Imperial Magic Academy and have them meet in the courtyard of the Academy. I shall address them when they are all assembled." He then turned to the guards that were in the room when he first came in. "You four were inside when I arrived so you are more trusted than most. I want you to gather the Imperial Army in the training yard and I shall address them as well."
Ainz got the same reaction from them as the ones he tasked with guarding Jircniv before they ran off. He now turned his attention to the only man left who wasn't a guard. Loune Vermillion looked like he was about to piss his pants, but the man didn't have anything to worry about from Ainz if he was loyal.
"Loune, I need you to come with me, Leinas, and Sera. Several messages need to be sent out and I need your skills as a scribe. The rest of you, return to your posts and speak nothing of what happened here. I will address everyone when I get the time."
Everyone snapped to their tasks immediately while Ainz put away his scythe and quickly changed out of his armor. Once he was back in his robes, he turned to Leinas and Sera to see what they thought of the whole thing. It only took seconds for him to know exactly what they thought.
"You have no idea how turned on I am watching you order people around, my love~"
Leinas and Sera were pressed right up against him the second he turned around. It was obvious they both felt the same way and weren't inclined at the moment to have any of those messages written.
"Loune, take your time and gather the materials you need to write several messages. Leinas, Sera, and I are going to take a tour of the Imperial Palace."
Ainz didn't wait for the scribe to answer, he led Leinas and Sera out of the room immediately. They didn't take a tour, they went straight to the Imperial Chambers and didn't meet back up with Loune for two hours.
Ainz got much more accomplished the rest of the day than he believed he would. The Imperial Magic Academy all kneeled with no problems. He had a feeling that was due to Fluder.
Over forty thousand of the sixty thousand soldiers in the Imperial Army were stationed in Arwintar, and they kneeled for him with only a few who refused. It wasn't even fifty though so he counted that as a huge win.
He used a very, very large portion of his Imperial Army to go around Arwintar and inform everyone by mouth and written message that slavery was now banned. All slave owners had until sunrise the next morning to release their slaves.
All those who believed that meant they could force themselves on, abuse, or kill their slaves before sunrise would be given the harshest punishment and sentence handed out.
He also had messages sent out all over the world, and many more sent throughout Baharuth and Arwintar. Soon, most of the world would know there was a new Emperor in Baharuth. He was curious to see what everyone had to say, especially the Draconic, Dwarven, and Re-Estize Kingdoms.
While he was curious what the others would say, other than the Slane Theocracy, those three he offered more than a simple announcement of his new reign. He was curious how they would all react to his messages to the Adventurers Guild as well. He still had plenty of work to do, but it had been a good start.
That had been three days ago, and today was a busy one for Ainz. All those who refused to give up their slaves had been caught, Jircniv was losing his life today, and five men were going to get the fate they have deserved for a very long time while serving as an example for him to others.
Unfortunately, today was starting like it had yesterday. Ainz was used to waking up to Leinas's and Sera's mouths, but yesterday and this morning it was for a not-so-wonderful reason. Ainz could hear both of them throwing up like crazy in the bathroom.
He grabbed Leinas's hair tie and made his way into the bathroom. Ainz saw them both hunched over a toilet and quickly pulled Leinas's hair back and used the tie. He went over to Sera and held her hair while rubbing her back.
He did the same thing yesterday in reverse so it only seemed fair. This time though, they weren't going back to sleep and waking up fine a couple of hours later. As soon as he got them back in bed, he called the 'healer'.
His Heal wand should have worked, but it didn't yesterday or today. He doubted it was a side effect of the Seed of the World Tree they both consumed. Unless there was a one-day delay in side effects, but his magic didn't detect anything wrong with them. The old woman was really the only choice he had left at the moment.
The old woman wasn't a divine caster or anything, but she was an alchemist. The church didn't really agree with him taking the throne at this moment. If he would have outed himself as an angel, he'd guess that was the reason, but he hadn't, so he wasn't truly sure why.
That was a problem for four days from now though when he was set to meet with them. Right now, he was pacing outside the door like an idiot waiting for this old woman who insisted he wait outside.
It was amusing that someone finally ordered him to do something, and it was no surprise it was an elder of Baharuth who did it. He'd been so happy, he'd listened.
Now, he wished he hadn't, but the door finally opened and Ainz saw the old woman standing there again. She held it open for him to enter and bowed before exiting and closing the door.
He planned on opening the door and questioning the woman, but he noticed Leinas and Sera looked like they were crying. He forgot about that old woman and went over to both of them.
"What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing..."
Ainz was definitely going to protest, but neither of them looked sad. Ainz doesn't ever remember someone being sad enough to cry but having an absolutely blinding smile on their face. It just didn't make any sense, until Ainz heard two words.
"We're pregnant."
Shocked would be an appropriate word to describe Ainz at the moment. He was definitely happy but shocked more than anything for sure. There was a good reason why and it made him ask.
"But I thought you just stopped drinking that potion? How can she tell already?"
Ainz found it slightly strange and very arousing that they both immediately got over their tears and nausea to look at him like they wanted to devour him. He couldn't think of anything to say, but luckily, Sera did for him.
"Alice told us that if a man's seed is strong enough, Moonroot potion won't help at all. That if we weren't pregnant and laid with a man such as that, we'd almost certainly be pregnant by the end of our... encounter."
"Wait, so your-"
"Since our first time together."
They both got out in unison before Ainz could even finish his thought. Hugging them was the only thing he could think to do so that is exactly what he did. They both seemed happy so he was at ease to be happy himself. Leinas did have a little more to share with him though.
"There's something else." She said as they all leaned back. "Alice said we were both a little over two months along." Ainz realizes that doesn't match up, but Leinas isn't done. "However, we didn't tell her that Sera and I aren't exactly 'normal' humans anymore and that you aren't human at all. Do you think it has something to do with that?"
Ainz thought about it and honestly couldn't come to any sort of conclusion. He didn't have reproductive parts in Yggdrasil, but he did know Players had been here and had children. What Leinas was saying did make the most sense, they'd just have to watch it as they go.
He hoped them both consuming a Seed of the World Tree to become Immortal Humans didn't affect the babies somehow. They did just eat them three days ago, and they'd been pregnant for over a month at that point.
"That seems the most likely Leinas. How are you both feeling?"
"Better, Alice said our morning sickness is rather extreme. However, it didn't surprise her if a pregnancy stuck through drinking that potion. She's going to check on us every morning for a couple of weeks."
Ainz pouted a little bit at that, and both Leinas and Sera giggled when he voiced his reasoning.
"I'm really going to miss our normal mornings..."
"Oh! Also, we can't lay on our stomachs much and definitely not while we perform our womanly duties to our future Lord Husband~"
Ainz wanted to pout again when Sera sunk the knife in deeper after Leinas put a complete damper on his mornings for the foreseeable future. However, the way Leinas said that certainly made him forget about the pout, and a different image springs to mind that made him grin.
"Hands and knees it is, your majesties~" Leinas and Sera both shivered in delight at the look in Ainz's eyes and his tone. "Don't worry, I'll hold you up if your arms give out~"
Their morning sickness had vanished in an instant and they launched themselves at Ainz. He's not sure even quick change would have gotten him undressed so quickly. Ainz got yet another late start to his morning but was smiling as he headed toward his carriage an hour later with Leinas and Sera in tow.
The stage for his executions was in the city square, and he expected a very large turnout. He'd received near-universal love when he cut the noble tax from 50% to 25%, the merchant tax from 30% to 15%, and the employee tax from 10% to 2%.
Ainz doubts someone has earned the love of every class of citizen so quickly in their entire reign. It had to be some kind of record, and the release of slaves was only going to make his economy boom even further.
Ainz hired an incredible amount of former slaves to work in the Imperial Palace for him. There had to be twenty or thirty elves running around the place by now, and maybe triple the number of humans.
Those now being paid a fair wage had still been wary as he'd seen and not spent much, but they did spend some. And when they did, they treated themselves each time to something they thought out of their reach before.
He knew the more it happened, the more they'd spend when they realized it was going to stay like this under his rule. And every day, he watched more and more money being spent. People were even calling out their names in reverence as their carriage rode by. It made Ainz's plans so much easier than he believed they would be.
They exited the carriage and the crowd went crazy yelling all manner of praise directed at all three of them. Sera and Leinas were still completely unused to such a thing and hadn't said a word in public yet. They both were happy Ainz was more than up for handling everything.
Ainz made it to the stage and wasted no time. He'd already spoken to the people and they knew why they were here. He immediately ordered the prisoners to enter, and they were ushered in quickly.
The first one to come into view was the former Emperor. Jircniv looked nearly as he did before except he'd been wearing the same clothes for three days. They weren't exactly spotless as they normally were.
After him followed another twenty-five men. The first five were the ones he truly wanted to make suffer, but Sera had been clear about what she wanted to be done with them. He'd not deny her anything when it came to those five.
The rest were merchants, farmers, nobles, and others who refused to give up their slaves, abused them, or killed any of them during the night they were supposed to be set free. Ainz brought Jircniv up and put him on his knees.
"You will die, but first, you will witness the extent of my mercy in simply taking your head for myself, Jircniv."
"Hmmp- Hmmmp- Hmmmp-"
Ainz is sure Jircniv wishes he could talk, but Ainz got tired of listening to a dead man and removed his tongue two days ago. He liked Jircniv much more like this. He smirked at the former royal and had the guard bring the first five up on stage.
"People of Arwintar, you know why we have gathered here today. Today shall serve as a warning to all those who seek to take your freedom away from you. These five men are thieves, murderers, and rapists."
Ainz motions to them and the crowd boos loudly. He's tempted to let the mob ripped these guys apart, but the example he is using them for would be for naught.
"The Baharuth Empire is now a place for all to be free. These men, and others like them, wish to steal your freedom from you. They care not whether it is stealing your coin, your pride, your dignity, your purity, or your life!"
Ainz is fairly sure he's somehow driven this mob into a blood frenzy of some sort. He swears he sees a few people foaming at the mouth for violence as he continues.
"These men shall serve as an example to all who wish to take any of your freedoms from you. Any man or woman found guilty of murder, rape, or treason shall suffer the same fate as you shall witness here and now! I shall use all my might to protect every one of you. Now, bare witness to the might of Ainz Ooal Gown!"
Ainz grabs the first man by the throat and squeezes a little too tight. The man barely gasped for air for five seconds before Ainz, and everyone else, heard his neck snap. However, Ainz physical strength was not the example he was looking to make here today.
*CREATE DEATH KNIGHT*
Black liquid seeped off Ainz hand and latched onto the dead body he was holding. Ainz waited until it had covered his entire corpse before dropping the black puddle to the ground. It only took seconds after that for the black liquid to rise up and for a ten-foot-tall monstrous terror to be standing in front of Ainz.
It had two twisted horns protruding from its helmet. Most of the flesh was already gone, and what little was left was already rotted. It had a wavy, serrated blade in its right hand, and a shield even taller than Ainz in its left hand.
Everyone in attendance nearly fled in terror, but the incarnation of death kneeled before their Emperor then obediently went and stood off to the side when Ainz gave it orders to. No one could say a thing, other than one crazy magic caster who couldn't believe what he just witnessed.
"YOU CAN... YOU CAN CREATE... DEATH KNIGHTS?!"
Fluder had nearly lost his mind at the sight. He'd been trying for years to control a single one they had locked in the basement of the Imperial Magic Academy, and he just witnessed his God create one from a corpse and it immediately listen to his commands.
Of course, his God didn't acknowledge his outburst. He simply kept going until there were twenty more Death Knights. Fluder had been muttering to himself about Legendary Undead when his master finally acknowledged him.
Fluder thought he could somewhat grasp his master's power, but Fluder Paradyne truly had no idea after he witnessed what Ainz did to the last five and what he said to Fluder.
"Legendary Undead huh? Tell me what you think of this one, Fluder Paradyne."
*CREATE SOUL EATER*
Fluder watched him do it five times, and it was still unbelievable after the fifth one. He'd made five Legendary Undead as if it was nothing. It only took three Soul Eaters to kill a hundred thousand citizens in the Beastmen Kingdom. Fluder once again wept tears of joy at being allowed to witness his master's power.
Jircniv had not only lost control of all his bodily functions, he'd resigned himself to the fact that he was, indeed, getting off easy with a beheading. He should have just let the magic caster go, but he couldn't risk Re-Estize or the Draconic Kingdom being able to tip the scales against him.
"I see now you know the bounds of my mercy, Jircniv." The former Emperor only nodded once. "Well then, it is time for your reign to end, and mine to begin."
Ainz pulled out a longsword from his inventory. He would normally use his scythe, but he was simply taking Jircniv's head, not his soul. The weapon he pulled out was level 90, so it was the most impressive weapon any of them had ever seen unless they'd laid eyes on his scythe.
Ainz wasted no time and took Jircniv's head in one quick motion. The thunderous applause was expected by Ainz. Not only did they love him, but a lot of these people were former slaves because of Jircniv's laws.
Ainz played to the crowd a little and helped Leinas and Sera do the same before departing. He had plenty to do when they reached the palace as the nobles and cities closest to Arwintar had started to send replies.
The others had their orders to follow so he didn't concern himself with the Imperial Army, Imperial Magic Academy, or anything else but reading replies and replying if need be.
Writing the language was surprisingly easy, but Ainz chalked that up to his ridiculous memory. He spent most of his time leading up to his coronation and wedding doing just that, reading and replying to messages.
It was a welcome respite since he could do it with Leinas and Sera while also making them take it easy without ordering them to do so. Ainz realized the closer it got to his coronation and the more messages he got, it wasn't going to be as simple as ruling the Baharuth Empire and leaving it at that.
In Adventurers Guilds all over the New World, messengers arrived and all pinned the same message to the message board for all Adventurers to read.
To all True Adventurers,
Is your Adventurers Guild truly offering you the 'adventures' you were promised when dedicating yourself to this career path? Can any of you truly call yourselves Adventurers?
My name is Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown, and I already know the answer to these questions is no. I, on the other hand, can offer you a life filled with adventure if you simply seek it out.
The Adventurers Guild would have you believe slaying monsters and escorting clients is a life filled with adventure, but there is no adventure when you travel the same lands your entire life.
I offer all you could ever wish for to call yourself an Adventurer. The Adventurers Guild of the Baharuth Empire now falls under the crown that I have recently taken. As such, I shall transform it into a True Adventurers Guild.
You will be given an opportunity to train before having to throw yourself into life or death situations. You will have the opportunity to be brought back should the worst happen without having to sell off everything you own or more.
You shall be equipped to properly handle the life of an Adventurer. It is my goal to see to it that everyone has a chance to reach their potential as an Adventurer, and become a True Adventurer.
I do not seek to send you to slay monsters in the nearby villages, I have soldiers for that. I do not ask you to use your skills to escort merchants and nobles, I have soldiers for that.
What I seek is your eagerness to grow, to get stronger, and to venture to lands that are unknown to us. I seek Adventurers who wish to train to become True Adventurers and go on real adventures throughout their lives. One's bards will write songs about.
I offer the backing of the Imperial Throne of Baharuth in your training and safety. All of those who wished to be an Adventurer are welcome, even if you have no experience as you read this.
Come to Arwintar to see where the dreams of True Adventurers come true and how they are fulfilled. It will be a decision I know you will never regret as long as you live.
Sincerely,
Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown
Empress Leinas Gown
Empress Sera Gown
In the Dwarven Kingdom, a messenger and group of ten guards approach the surface entrance to the Dwarven Capital of Feo Jera. These men were specially selected as they had made this journey plenty of times before.
While the Dwarven Kingdom didn't trade with many countries, the Baharuth Empire was their main trading partner outside of their own Kingdom. These men had escorted plenty of carts from this entrance to the Baharuth Empire.
However, this trip they came with a much different purpose. Instead of being here to escort cargo, they were here escorting an Imperial Envoy and his message from their new Emperor. None of the soldiers, or the messenger, much cared about the change in rulers. Their lives hadn't truly been affected at all by the change.
They were greeted in the normal gruff way Dwarves did and were allowed inside the city with very little hassle. The Commander-In-Chief even agreed to assemble the Regency Council to review their message. All the Dwarves sat in silence as the Master of Merchants read the message the Imperial Envoy had given to them.
To the Regency Council of the Dwarven Kingdom,
My name is Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown, and I am the new ruler of the Baharuth Empire. I realize this may be a shock to you, but this decision was forced on me by the choices of the former Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix.
While my position may have changed recently, the city of Arwintar is not new to me. I have had the time to explore its areas and interact with its people. This is how I learned of the Dwarven Kingdom, and believe we could have a much more prosperous arrangement than the paltry one you currently have agreed with.
I have come across your Runecrafted items in my journey through the markets as well as your arms and armor, and I find myself wondering why so little of all of them are for sale in the Baharuth Empire.
Your armor is the finest you can find, and your weapons are just as perfectly crafted. However, it is your Runecraft that truly sets you apart. This is where I truly believe our relationship may flourish.
While I do not wish to discuss particulars when I do not know your thoughts on a stronger agreement, I do wish you to know I am open to any discussion from a new trade agreement all the way to a full-blown alliance with the Dwarven Kingdom.
With that in mind, I extend an invitation to the Dwarven Kingdom to send a representative or representatives to my coronation in a month's time. The ten Imperial Guards and Imperial Envoy have orders to stay behind and act as your guide and protection if you wish to send representatives to my coronation.
I look forward to a positive reply from your wise Regency Council and hope we may soon speak on a long and prosperous friendship between the Baharuth Empire and the Dwarven Kingdom.
Sincerely,
Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown
Empress Sera Gown
Empress Leinas Gown
The Envoy of Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown now knew what an excited dwarf looked like as he glanced around the room at the council members.
In the capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom, the court was in full swing. The nobles from each faction were yelling at each other about who would take the lead in the war this year while King Ramposa III sat silently listening to them bicker.
Gazef Stronoff, the commoner turned Warrior Captain, stood behind his King observing for any threats to his King as he always did. Gazef rarely opened his mouth during one of these. He knew his opinion meant little to nothing to almost everyone in this room. His only duty was to protect his King and carry out his will.
They were somewhere in the middle of hour three of heated exchanges when a guard entered the room and approached the throne. He took a knee in front of the King and Ramposa motioned for the guard to state his business.
"I apologize for the interruption, your majesty. However, we have just received word that an envoy from the Baharuth Empire has just passed through the gates and is on their way toward the Palace, your majesty."
It didn't take long for the nobles to jump to their own conclusions.
"They are here to declare war! It is time we show them what the Re-Estize Kingdom is made of!"
"Take the heads of the envoys to show them we mean business this year!"
"They dare show up unannounced to treat with our king! Disrespectful fools!"
The King finally had enough and held up his hand for silence. It took far too long for them to quiet down, but the King saw the guard had a little more to say.
"You have something else to say, soldier?"
"Yes, your majesty. The envoy claimed to be... General Natel Carvain."
The room erupted again as that is the name of the General who has led each campaign against them since Emperor Jircniv began these yearly wars. Words of beheading and capture were spewed forth and all it served to do was waste time until the General arrived.
When the man was let into the room, the nobles stayed surprisingly quiet. That didn't mean they didn't glare at him with all they had, but it didn't phase a veteran commander such as Carvain. Puffed up nobles could glare all they wanted, he was a thirty-year veteran of the greatest army this world had ever seen.
"I come bearing a message from my Emperor to King Ramposa III."
"Emperor Jircniv finally realized your true value was only in carrying messages!"
One of the nobles couldn't hold his tongue any longer, and Carvain shot him a true glare. The man swallowed his tongue in an instant at the look the veteran soldier gave him.
"I serve a new Emperor for the same reason I served Emperor Jircniv. I respect his strength and ability to do what needs to be done. My Emperor has a different direction he would see the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize Kingdom travel down."
General Carvain wasted no time and handed the message to the page. The man never cared much for the war with Re-Estize, if you could even call it that. In Carvain's opinion, the Re-Estize Kingdom only had a few thousand true soldiers anyway.
Carvain's confident they would have conquered these lands long ago if the former Emperor didn't insist on playing the long game. The page read the message aloud the moment the King motioned for him to do so.
King Ramposa III,
I am Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown, the new Emperor of the Baharuth Empire. While I am sure this must come as a surprise, it is not a fate in which I would have chosen for myself if the decision was solely up to me.
I was forced to take Emperor Jircniv's throne and his head because of decisions the former Emperor made. If it was up to me, I'd live a much simpler life than that of an Emperor.
However, that does now present me with opportunities I would have never had otherwise, the relationship between the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize Kingdom being one of them.
I know that around this time every year you receive a Declaration of War from former Emperor Jircniv. Part of the reason for this message is to inform you that I have no intention of continuing the Harvest War this year or any year thereafter.
What I will propose in its stead is this; It was Jircniv's intention to attack you every year during your harvest to wear you down over time. I believe he was close to obtaining this goal until he made the rather stupid decision to test me.
While I cannot bring back the years of lost harvest from your lands, I can relay my intentions to help the Re-Estize Kingdom rebuild from the years of low harvests.
I extend an invitation to any representative or representatives the Re-Estize Kingdom wishes to send to my coronation in one month's time. I give my word that I will see to the safety of your envoys and they shall return to your lands unmolested regardless of how our discussions end.
I eagerly await a positive response from King Ramposa III and all the other noble lords and ladies of the Re-Estize Kingdom so we may start a long and prosperous friendship between our two nations.
Sincerely,
Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown
Empress Leinas Gown
Empress Sera Gown
The entire room was shocked into silence and it made the stoic General Carvain smirk to himself. He had a feeling there'd be less war with his new Emperor in charge, but it would be even more fun and adventurous than it ever had been.
In the War Room of the palace of Qanescir Anhew, Draconic for Shining Jewel, in the capital of the Dragon Kingdom, Queen Draudillon Oriculus sat in her seat switching between rubbing her temple and sipping her wine.
The War Council had been going in circles for what felt like hours now, and she just wanted it all to end. While the war was relatively new, the fact they'd lost all three battles so far wasn't a good sign.
They still possessed a formidable army, but Draudillon was worried about what it would do to morale for the soldiers and citizens if they were to continue losing battle after battle. The Slane Theocracy had refused to send aid since she didn't have the coin for a scripture unit, and Emperor Jircniv had only told her he'd think about helping her.
Draudillon was sure the Emperor would eventually help, but it wouldn't be until it looked like they were going to lose and he'd be up next for the Beastmen to try and conquer. Just as she was about to end the pointless council, her aide came into the room and whispered in her ear.
"Your Majesty, there is an envoy from the Baharuth Empire awaiting you in the Throne Room."
"Did Emperor Jircniv finally send us his decision then?"
"I, umm, don't believe so, your majesty. The envoy, it's a woman, an elven woman."
Now Draudillon's curiosity is peaked. She'd passed a few messages back and forth over the years with Emperor Jircniv, and he'd always sent the same lord to her capital. She rose from her chair, dismissed all but the Prime Minister, and had him follow her to the Throne Room.
"Queen Draudillon Oriculus, sovereign of the Dragon Kingdom."
Draudillon made her way to the throne as she was announced and confirmed her aide's words. It was certainly a woman who was sent, and she was definitely an elf. She also looked to be wearing clothes even finer than hers, and she wasn't sure what to make of that.
"I come bearing a message from my Emperor, your majesty."
Draudillon motioned for her aide to retrieve the message and read it out loud. Draudillon realized after the letter was read that this may be her chance to change the fate of her kingdom.
Queen Draudillon Oriculus,
My name is Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown, the new ruler of the Baharuth Empire. While it was never my intention to hold such a position, the actions of the former Emperor forced my hand in taking his head and his throne for myself.
I know little of the Dragon Kingdom, but as neighbors, I wish to extend the same offer of friendship I have to the Dwarven and Re-Estize Kingdoms. While I know little of your Kingdom, that does not mean I do not wish to learn about what our countries may offer each other.
I have found the policies and laws of the former Emperor to be outdated and not in line with my own beliefs. As such, I would like to revisit a message I came across from yourself to the former Emperor requesting aid in the form of food or soldiers.
With these discussions in mind, I would like to formally invite yourself, a representative, or representatives, to my coronation in a month's time. While it would be ideal for you to come yourself, I understand the burdens and responsibilities you face and will not be offended if you send another in your stead.
I am simply extending the olive branch of friendship and hoping it can grow into something that will shelter us both in the years and decades to come. I eagerly await your response and hope it is one toward a positive future between our nations.
Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown
Empress Sera Gown
Empress Leinas Gown
As the elven woman finished, Draudillon wasted no time calling for Lady Ayla and giving her a task. By the time the woman was dismissed to get ready, Draudillon was confident her most trusted advisor would do exactly as she wished her to do.
In the Singing Apple Pavilion in the capital city of Arwintar, the worker group known as Foresight sat around their usual table for an unusual reason. They had received a message from the new Emperor of Baharuth, Ainz Ooal Gown.
Unknownst to them, every worker group in the Baharuth Empire had received nearly the same message with a few words changed here and there to make it more personal to each group. They were only waiting for Arche to show up before reading it, and the girl showed up only a few minutes after the rest had arrived.
While they intended to read the message first thing, Hekkeran could tell Arche was distracted by something and wanted her full attention on the matter at hand. He decided they'd need to clear that up first.
"Speak your mind, Arche. We need you focused on what this message contains. We need your brain here to helps us figure out what is going on and why the Emperor is suddenly sending us messages."
Arche looked like she heard him. She opened her mouth a couple of times but had trouble getting it out of her mouth. It took a little time, but she finally did.
"I... I got... a message... from the... Emperor too..."
"Is that what got you distracted?"
Imina jumped into the conversation as well. She wanted all this over with as fast as possible. She had things to do, and escape routes to check if this message was bad in nature. Arche nodded, but also managed to voice what was troubling her.
"He offered to... to... to restore my family's noble status..."
"That's great, Arche!"
Roberdyck and Hekkeran both congratulated her but didn't understand her apprehension. That was until she continued.
"But I have to... to disown... my parents..."
"I thought you were going to abandon them with your sisters anyway, Arche?"
What Hekkeran said was true, but it was different having to disown them. Simply leaving with her sisters and leaving them to their fate was one thing. Disavowing them and leaving them on the streets with nothing was something completely different.
"I was but I... I..."
"Hey..." Roberdyck wrapped an arm around her. "Let's see what this new Emperor has to say, and then we can think about all of this together as a team, yeah?"
Arche gives him a small smile before nodding her head. She was interested to see what Ainz Ooal Gown had to say to them as a Worker Group as well.
Foresight,
I am sure you are aware by now, but I am the new Emperor of Baharuth, Ainz Ooal Gown. I have heard of Worker Groups since I arrived in Arwintar, and find myself wondering why groups such as yours exist.
I know you provide services that Adventurer Teams cannot, but I do not see why you must label yourselves with a group title that makes you outcasts. I believe everyone has worth in this world, and regardless of their talents, they should be cultivated and pushed to their limits.
I have taken over control of the Adventurers Guild in the Baharuth Empire as I feel it is not what it claims to be, full of adventurers. I plan to overhaul the entire concept and turn any who wish into True Adventurers with training, equipment, and the protection of the Imperial Throne.
I know this may sound great to some of you, but others will not be interested in such a life away from home exploring unknown lands. For this reason, I have sent you this message.
Like all citizens of the Baharuth Empire, I invite you to my coronation in a month's time that is being held in the city center. The reason for the personalized messages to your group is to invite you the day after my coronation to a meeting where we can discuss what you see your future looking like in the new Baharuth Empire.
It is my hope that all of you shall attend the meeting and not just your leader. While you might work together as a team, that does not mean your goals in life are all the same. I look forward to seeing all of Foresight attend and can see many possibilities for your members in the future.
Sincerely,
Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown
Empress Leinas Gown
Empress Sera Gown
Foresight, Dragon's Hunt, Heavy Masher, and all other Worker Groups who received the message all thought the same thing when they finished reading it. They knew life in the Baharuth Empire had already changed forever.
Chapter 4 is done! Well, that is both awesome and sad knowing there is only 1 more chapter left in this arc if I can keep the last chapter under control. I tend to ramble about unimportant things in my fanfics when an idea gets stuck in my brain. The last chapter of story 1 is coming up next, I hope you enjoy it!