Breeding Issues

by The Ruff Pusher

Momon the Dark Hero encounters Zesshi Zetsumei. mature content/smut

19. Chapter 19

This story uses the same setting as my other story "Momon, Big Black Changeling". Essentially, Ainz Ooal Gown is the same type of creature as in that story, although this and that story happen in different worlds.

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Zesshi Zetsumei had dealt with the emotion of disappointment before. She was very familiar with it, most particularly when she had been seeking a suitable mate for herself, as but a mere agent of the Slaine Theocracy. As the years passed, the disappointment was tinged by other flavors: bitterness, resentment, resignation—overall combining into a distinct fatalism that there would be nothing for her in this world. She would die unhappy, and most importantly, unbred, unable to bear a child from someone worthy.

She had thought that meeting Ainz Ooal Gown, her eternal love, would have cured her life of such bothersome emotions. But there was something to be said of expectations and reality—she knew now that life was bound to spring a surprise upon her no matter what.

"What?" she presently asked, disbelief raging in her voice. She felt it once again: bubbling from beneath her, unpleasant, unwanted. "What do you mean, 'not yet'? I felt it myself! My body is ready! They're coming!"

The healer on duty today had multiple arms in the shape of a mantis, with a touch as light as a feather. She looked apologetic and shook its head in response to Zesshi's words.

"My lady, you did feel something, that is true. But we have checked the signs and seen the truth. Your babies are ripe to leave, yes, that is true, but they are still not ready. The wisdom granted to us by our Creators suggests that this is something normal. In short, it is a 'false' tremor. It is the same sensation that you will feel upon actual birth, but it is more akin to the flexing of your sinews than anything else."

"So you mean…" Her shoulder slumped, as if all her energy leaked out of her like wine from a shattered barrel. "Oh…"

"Yes, do trust us on this, my lady. We would not be lying to you, for we love our Master dearly, and He has tasked us with the task of watching over you. It is still not time. We have observed the signs carefully, and we have performed the proper obeisance in the rituals… Your babies are safe. Though I do agree that it is right to be alarmed. You did right in coming to us."

She looked down at her belly. They weren't ready yet? She patted her smooth fundament. A sensation of tenderness, like flushing heat, came over her. Her babies did not want to greet the world just yet. It was quite disappointing, but perhaps understandable. The three of them probably wanted to be with their mothers just a bit longer.

Just then, her small moment of inner peace was broken by a brief chuckle, which in the silence of the healer's chambers was as loud as breaking glass. Zesshi looked, none too pleased, at the corner of the room. There, Clementine was seated on another reclining examination chair like her, her legs sprawled wide in a slovenly, almost slut-like manner. It almost seemed like a subconscious thing with that woman, as if she had trained her body to always look appealing to Ainz-sama.

Her snort turned into a full-blown snigger. "—And you thought today was the day! Oh, this is rich!" She wiped tears from her eyes.

"Oh, do rub it in, please go on," Zesshi said, with narrowed eyes.

"And to think your face looked oh so panicked! It almost makes it worth it forcing me to carry you here." Clementine smiled, though to Zeshi there was no real malice there. But there was a whole bunch of amusement.

"Forcing you to help? You just came along without me asking you." She pointed an accusatory finger. "And you didn't even help! You just walked along behind, watching me go!"

"Watching you is important," Clementine replied. "What if the golem had malfunctioned, and dropped you on the floor? Then who would need to run and get help?"

Clementine had accompanied her to the healing chambers, when she had been afflicted by a long gauntlet of squirming in her belly that made her think her babies had been about to be born. She had immediately activated the protocol that summoned a golem outside of the Mother's Hall to her side, where it would transport her delicately to the healing chambers. Conveniently, it was located right next to the Mother's Hall, which meant they didn't have to go far. The blonde woman had "looked" apprehensive when she walked at her side. She didn't know why the woman had come, but she was sure it wasn't just to point and laugh. Unfortunately, she couldn't really dwell on it in the heat of the moment.

"Now now, Lady Clementine, remember when you dropped out from bed, and you were banging on our doors to see if the baby was alright?" the healer then said, interrupting them both. "I recall your eyes were the same degree of panicked as Lady Zesshi Zetsumei. It is understandable, for even the strongest mother to falter when it comes to the welfare of their brood."

Now that shut Clementine up, as she pursed her lips and looked away, eyes shifty. "No that was different… I was just…"

Zesshi chuckled, pointedly. But then she sighed and said nothing more. She wasn't one for verbal sparring needlessly, particularly when she felt a point had been sufficiently made.

The healer turned back to her. "Still, as we have said before, you are reasonably close to your expected delivery date," the healer said, slapping her hands together. "It is very close. It is not an exaggeration."

"R-really?" she asked faintly.

If this healer had eyes, she knew it would have rolled them. "We've been telling you that all along, my lady. In any case, your visits here would never be a waste. It allows us to closely monitor you for any possible changes, as per our obligations to Ainz-sama. And with the date so close, that is all the reason for you to take it easy. Try and relax in your chambers or in the Mother's Hall as much as you can. Try not to stress yourself too much, my lady. I know some of you types have a tendency to think too much or too deeply—well, for the sake of your children, save that for after they're out. Also, you could request a massage from the maids, I believe we've trained a few of them to work with pregnant women. Ainz-sama insisted on it."

"I'll see if I can manage." She bowed slightly. "And once more I thank you for helping me."

"Your thanks are appreciated, my lady, as always, but know that we are always ready and eager to serve."

Zesshi was about to say something else when there came a commotion from outside. There was an antechamber outside the door where guards were posted vigilantly. They never let anyone but Ainz or the mothers in, for such was the utter sanctity which the former mandated for the mothers of his children. She was even sure that there was a hidden door somewhere in here, for when the unthinkable happened and they needed to escape. Ainz just loved them that much.

Noticing the commotion, the healer went to the door and opened it.

"What on earth is going on here? Two ladies are here, who dares disturb them?" it asked. Through the opening, Zesshi caught a glimpse of a familiar face, as well as another that was unfamiliar to her.

"Apologies, mistress," said a guard from outside. "But this one wished to enter and engage your services. However, we do not know this other one she has brought with her. And still, she insists on bringing her inside. That is why we also stood our ground—Ainz-sama never informed us about this new one, and she is not welcome."

"I already told you, she has Sebas-sama's permission!" cried a voice. The voice confirmed it; this was Tuareninya, the maid who was said to be Sebas Tian's lover.

"Be that as it may, my lady, she has not been cleared by Ainz-sama or anyone else with the proper clearance. I'm afraid you must appeal to them before we change our minds."

"That is only right," the healer said, agreeing.

"Let them enter," Zesshi said, or rather, commanded, causing her voice to project to the room outside. The healer whirled to face her. After a moment's hesitation, it nodded.

"As you say, my lady." It turned back to address the guards. "You heard Zesshi Zetsumei. Let them in." Ainz-sama had given her and all the other mothers some form of authority, even if it rang very hollow when dealing with his other servants, who still treated her politely as an outsider. In this case it was just a minor whim that could be indulged, because she felt reasonably confident that Tuare was very much harmless, and there was little reason to fear whoever she brought with her.

In any case, nothing would be a serious threat to her, Zesshi Zetsumei, whether she was pregnant or not.

The blonde maid entered, followed by a dark-skinned woman. The two women's appearances looked disheveled, their faces looking worn out as if they'd been through some sort of gauntlet. They were also moving with a pronounced limp. Seeing that, she shared a look with Clementine.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Zesshi-sama! You're so kind, and generous! And… greetings to you as well, Clementine-sama." Tuare bowed deeply at the waist, first to her, then to Clementine. She stilled, and looked back fiercely at the other woman. That brought the dark-skinned woman up short, who hesitated before bowing the same way towards them.

"Never mind that, girl," Clementine said, her voice dripping with scorn. "Who's your friend? Is she a little side piece to amuse yourself with? Or…" She stopped and smiled ghoulishly. "Or perhaps it is Sebas' new beau? Very interesting. It is as if that Sebas wants to emulate his master, in a way."

"Um, um, ah…" Tuare stammered, as if she didn't exactly know what to say.

"Come now, Clementine, we mustn't be boorish," Zesshi said gracefully. She rather felt like as if the examination chair was her throne, and she was the queen receiving homage. "But I am just as curious as her, my dear Tuare. Who is this? I have never seen her around before."

"She's…" Tuare paused, glancing towards the dark-skinned woman with a slight frown. "Her name is Edstrom. An assistant of Sebas-sama from outside. As… Clementine-sama said, she's become Sebas-sama's… Well, I'm the first and she's second… And um… we have an arrangement…"

"Ah." The situation seemed fraught with awkward things. She had to act a bit more delicate here. She'd initially thought that Tuare was all for being exclusive, considering the abject jealousy she expressed multiple times towards the homunculus maids. (a sentiment shared to Zesshi by the maids themselves many times during her information gathering) And that was her right, of course. But it seemed she had bent her rules a bit somewhat, for this "Edstrom". And judging by the way the guards had acted, it seemed relatively recent, something Ainz probably didn't know yet.

She gave their disheveled forms a second appraising look. And they had even acted on their lust so quickly. It was rather impressive, in a way, reminding her of herself and Ainz-sama's first time.

"And what brings you here, Tuare?" the healer asked, folding its arms together. Though nothing in its voice had changed, Zesshi was clearly able to discern the stark difference in how the healer treated them compared to Tuare. There seemed to be less deference given to the woman, even if she had been granted Ainz-sama's personal protection, even becoming Sebas Tian's woman.

"It's just…" Tuare began, then she hesitated. "It's a pretty long story. But it's just as before. I want you to check me, please, if I'm pregnant."

"Again?" the healer exclaimed. "Oh, my dear, I cannot recall how many times you've come here and asked that boon of us, only for you to turn away, disappointed. Must you break your heart once more today?"

"It's fine," Tuare said, looking a little determined. "Something… Something is different now. I'm nearly sure that something will have changed."

Oh? Zesshi turned in her seat, giving the conversation her full attention. It seemed to her that there was more confidence to Tuare now. Even Clementine sat up straighter, her interest piqued.

The healer shrugged, as if it did not matter to her either way. "Well, come here then and let's see." There were other chairs in the healer's chambers made for the mothers to recline in, with enough numbers to fill in a whole army of mothers. Her lover had foreseen an instance in the future having mothers of that number (or more) would not just be an exaggeration. There would be more, she was sure of it. "As always, it won't take long. And…" The healer turned to the other woman. "What about this one. If she doesn't have business she can stay—"

"No, no, please, you should also attend to her," Tuare said. "She's also Sebas-sama's… Well, it's important to him that we know too." At that statement, Edstrom looked as if she would rather by anywhere else but there in that very moment. But at the healer's gesture, she sat at her own chair, and laid on her back, ready to be examined.

Zesshi and Clementine shared a look. It was interesting to hear that Sebas had taken another lover for his own. As Clementine had said, it was almost as if he was emulating his master in a way. While Zesshi felt ambivalent about it, she was going to have to take more notice in case Sebas was taking on more.

"Oi," Clementine presently said. She was looking directly at the woman Edstrom. "It's pretty cool you got hitched to a man who can finally put you in your place. But please don't forget that man is bound to serve my own. A knight's whore will never rise above that of his lord's mistress. I hope you don't forget that, for your sake, bitch."

Zesshi wanted to laugh; Clementine was talking like she had finally accepted being Ainz's lover, despite her previous attitude deriding it. But she felt it wiser not to show any division here now, before "outsiders". These were outsiders in the sense that they did not belong to the circle of mothers around Ainz, and were therefore someone to watch closely.

"She's not a whore!" Tuare suddenly said, interrupting Zesshi's thoughts. The little blonde maid looked indignant, her cheeks puffed out and tinged red. "She's Sebas' lover now. Just like you with Ainz-sama!"

Clementine raised a brow, her venomous attention now turned to the maid. But Zesshi was more interested in Edstrom, who was looking at Tuare as if she was surprised she had said that. Interesting.

"I see the little one's grown a backbone," Clementine drawled, clapping her hands. "Well done, Tuare of the maids. Perhaps, when the time is right, I—"

"Oh!" The exclamation this time came from the healer, whose hands had been casting a diagnostic spell over Tuare's body. "It seems your prayers have finally been answered, my dear." It nodded. "You're finally pregnant."

For a long moment, there was utter silence, as Tuare's thunderstruck face only stared up at the healer. Then, her shoulders shook, she put her face down onto her palms, and loud sniffling began to echo around the room.

"Thank goodness…! *sniff* Oh, thank goodness…! *sniff* *sniff* At last, Sebas-sama! At last! We've done it! We've done it! Ooohhh…!"

"Congratulations, my dear," said the healer. Edstrom was looking in wonder at Tuare. Even Clementine looked mildly impressed.

"Thank goodness…!"

"Now then, let us see about you, miss Edstrom," the healer said next.

"Um… okay…" She muttered something under her breath, which Zesshi's ears caught easily. "Holy shit, it really worked…" Zesshi didn't know what that meant exactly.

"Well, a congratulations are certainly in order, Tuare," Zesshi announced, addressing the crying girl. "I know you've been waiting so long for this. And I know you've made a lot of effort to make this work. Perhaps in the future you can tell us how it happened. It seems to be very interesting."

"Tha—tha—thank you, my lady..!" Tuare said, in-between wheezes and sniffles.

After a brief moment, the healer cocked its head as it stared down at Edstrom's body. "Hm?" It said aloud. It stopped casting the diagnostic spell. Then it rubbed its hands together, and redid the diagnostic spell again. Then, after another brief moment, it put its arms down. "I see."

"Well?" Edstrom asked. "What's the verdict?"

"It was obvious just by looking at you that you've also been seeded—I just didn't mention it before to assuage Tuare's feelings," the healer said, waving a hand towards the sobbing girl. "But there was something strange about your particular body, my dear. It is still very early, granted. And the sensation I can detect is still very faint, almost indiscernible. But I can tell you that you should be looking forward to multiple."

Edstrom's mouth dropped in shock. But to Zesshi it seemed her expression was more like Tuare's—disbelief that she was pregnant rather than the news of getting a multiple pregnancy.

"These are twins, at the least," the healer said. "And we shall know more in four months, give or take."

"How can you be sure?" Edstrom asked, her voice faint.

"I simply know, dear," the healer replied simply, tapping the side of its head with its hand.

"Oh my, isn't that wonderful, Edstrom?" Tuare exclaimed, gushing.

"Multiple… Heh. Heh-heh. Multiple…" Edstrom muttered. A moment later she collapsed into a dead faint.

"Oh my!"

"Edstrom?"

"Well, congratulations you two," Zesshi said, sliding off of her chair. Across from her, Clementine did the same, stretching her arms high above her. "I shall see you later, then. Thank you for helping me, today."

"Oh, it's no trouble, my lady!" the healer said, before she returned to fussing over the unconscious Edstrom. Zesshi gave the two pregnant women another glance before she left the chambers. Clementine followed along behind her.

Once they were outside past the guards, Zesshi heard Clementine snigger. Rolling her eyes, she glanced back towards her fellow mother, who was doubled over, her shoulder shaking from her undisguised mirth.

"Hooo boy, now that was something, I'll tell you that!" Clementine said, in-between wheezes and hoots. "The whole situation's got me in literal stitches!"

Zesshi sighed. "Which part amused you so?"

"Everything, really," Clementine replied. "But that Edstrom tickled me more."

Zesshi shook her head. She really didn't find anything funny about the situation with Tuare and her fellow mother. But on the other hand, she really didn't care at the moment. The disappointment she'd felt was still very raw, and she wanted to head it off with some food and rest. She kept on walking towards the Mother's Hall.

---

When she entered the door, she was surprised to see a whole bunch of faces. She had left the room when it was relatively empty outside of Clementine—to come back to it so crowded was like a jolt to her senses. Then she saw that most of them had turned their attention towards her.

"Well?" Shalltear asked.

Zesshi blinked, and looked around. Aside from the vampire, there were the maids Lupusregina Beta, Solution Epsilon, and Narberal Gamma, and then there was Neia Baraja, standing off to the side yet also looking expectantly at her.

"Well then, I—whoa what the?" came Clementine's voice, as she appeared behind Zesshi. "Big crowd today… I think I'll just…" And then the blonde turned right back to leave the way she came.

That left Zesshi alone with all these mothers—who seemed to be expecting something from her for some reason.

She raised a brow at them all. "If it would not be rude to ask: did you need something from me?" It was very unusual to see them all gathered here: if she didn't know better, she would've thought this was some sort of ambush.

It was Narberal who spoke first. "We heard the news. They said you were going into labor already." Her cold eyes swept over her belly, which was clearly still present.

"So is it true?" Lupusregina blurted out. "Is it true? Is it true?"

Zesshi clucked her tongue. "I thought I was, yes. I was feeling a whole bunch of movement that it made me concerned. I thought I really was about to give birth. And that's why I went to the healer's chambers just now."

"And?" Shalltear asked.

She shrugged. She tried not to think too much about her own emotions on that moment. "And it was nothing. They just said it was similar to what one will feel in labor, but the healer assures me that the signs are still not there. Today was not the day. But she emphasized that regardless of that, it is still clear that I will be giving birth soon enough. They gave me a few days, give or take."

A slow murmur of words passed among the maids. Then Shalltear said, "Have you informed Ainz-sama of this?"

"Yes, I did. He talked to me personally." On the way here, she was contacted by Ainz, who had also heard that she had submitted herself to the healers. Her love had expected to call and find her in the middle of labor. But nothing had happened, and Ainz had seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He told her that he was actually on the way back to Nazarick, but since it was a false alarm, he would reluctantly need to return to his duties. It was quite disappointing, but she knew her love had his responsibilities and ambitions to fulfill.

"What?" Shalltear asked. "Ainz-sama contacted you but not any of us?" She gritted her teeth, looking as if she was about to pounce. Beside her, all the other mothers frowned in pretty much the same way. The only exception was Neia, who only looked sad.

"Ainz-sama was here?" Solution asked.

"No, he contacted me through Message. He is very busy after all, so it is understandable," Zesshi replied. Though she herself wanted Ainz to be there with her, a burning need that could never be sated until his return. Hearing his voice brightened her mood somewhat, relieving her earlier disappointment; but it was no substitute for the real thing.

She cocked her head at them. "Oh, was that the whole reason why you're here? You're not concerned for me, you're concerned for Ainz-sama." She smirked. "Well, I do apologize for disappointing you. Rest assured, I am well acquainted with such that feeling."

"Spare me your cheek," Shalltear snarled. "I will not be talked down to by a—wait, what are you doing?"

Shalltear's rant, which had been about to start, had been interrupted when Lupusregina had suddenly just walked up to stand before Zesshi. She was staring with curiosity down at Zesshi's large belly. Then she raised her hand and placed it on top of it, something that was difficult to do with her own heavily pregnant belly in the way.

"What… are you doing?" Zesshi asked.

Lupus blinked several times, glancing up at her, before closing her eyelids. A moment later, she muttered something, and Zesshi felt a flow of magic over her belly. She tensed, bracing for a sudden attack, before the familiar light of a diagnostic spell washed over her.

The spell ended a moment later, and Lupus' eyes shot open. "Ah! I see!" she exclaimed. "Your babies will be due in four days!"

"Four…?" Zesshi repeated, with brows raised. "Exactly four?" Not even the healers had given her a concrete number. "How can you be so sure?" Even the other mothers were staring at Lupus now, as if they had forgotten; they seemed just as interested in what Lupus had said.

"I just can!" Lupus said, scratching the back of her head and pushing her tongue mockingly. "It's a little talent of mine."

"That's some talent." She almost called her out on it, but recalled what Ainz-sama had told her about the Pleiades' capabilities. She was not only a powerful warrior, but also possessed a peculiar power similar to a cleric of the temple.

The healers of Nazarick also possessed the same power. So that meant that Lupusregina should have the same thing. She then wondered why the Pleiades maid hadn't done such a thing before—she usually gloated about her strength among the mothers. Having a unique skill like this made her almost like a healer, which was useful for mothers like themselves.

She flashed a quick smile, exposing her sharp canine molars. "You could say I never get any chance to use it as much, su~ I always like to get my hands dirty, if you get my drift."

"Damnation, this is no time for innuendos, you bitch!" Shalltear shouted from behind.

As Lupusregina turned slightly to respond to the vampire, movement caught Zesshi's eyes. She looked down to see that Lupusregina's belly, with parts of her skin visible because of the skimpy outfit she wore, seemed to be moving. Then she saw a tiny imprint of a foot on its surface before it disappeared. She blinked, and then smiled to herself. It reminded her of her own babes, who were also prone to moving a lot.

Lupus had noticed her attention, and was now patting at her belly. "Geez, this one's getting a lot antsy. I know you're only just over a month out but you gotta be patient, su~" She grinned, her face scrunched up in joy.

"It's exactly a month?" Zesshi asked quietly. "You used the magic on yourself?"

"Yep. One month and four days," Lupus chirped, without looking up. She continued giggling and cooing over her baby's movements inside her.

Zesshi sighed. "Well, no matter when they get out, I hope both our children get born safely."

Lupus said nothing and continued to pay more attention to her belly. Then, Solution Epsilon spoke: "Zesshi Zetsumei, did Ainz-sama say anything else?"

The room's attention returned to her.

"He said many things, most of which are private," she said cautiously.

"Well, was he going to return for the birth?" Solution's expression tightened. "Your birth, in particular?"

"I would assume that he will be present for everyone," Zesshi said. "So, I would recommend that you not worry about that particular fact. We and our babies are important to him, don't forget. He would never miss it, not even for conquering some country." She didn't know why she was speaking to reassure them, but if it made them less hostile then it would be worth it in the long run.

"I recall he mentioned he had something to speak with you personally," Shalltear said.

"And it is a personal thing, as you so fondly recall," Zesshi returned. She put her hand to her chin. "But he has not said anything about that. He mentioned that he would only be doing it once the babes are born. I would hazard that he will be doing the same thing to you all once the birth is done." Then she put her hand on her hips and looked at them all. "So, it is reasonable to assume that you just have to wait your turns for what Ainz-sama wants to say. And he's guaranteed to be back in…" she glanced at Lupusregina. "Four days, was it? So you can wait until then to ask him your questions—as I do."

She stared at them all challengingly for a long moment. Then Shalltear sniffed, turned up her head and walked away, towards the exit. The other Pleiades followed suit, each muttering in their own way. Lupus left after flashing her a toothy smile.

Then Neia approached, and bowed to her.

"Th-thank you for that," she said, stuttering. "I—I—really wasn't sure about being here with… with them. But I was just as curious as them, so…"

Zesshi smiled magnanimously. "Don't worry. I hold no hard feelings. You are curious, and you long for Ainz-sama. That is nothing to be ashamed of."

"Th-thank you Zesshi," Neia stammered. "I'll… just head out of your way then."

"Please do take care, Neia," Zesshi replied, following the girl's back as she too left the Mother's Hall.

And then, she was all alone again. She collapsed onto the nearest chair and rubbed her forehead. Then she reached over to grab some fresh food from the table to eat. Her thoughts still swarmed her mind—from the disappointment she felt at having to wait a bit more for her babies, to wondering what exactly was the important thing that Ainz wanted to say; to the same, unbridled longing for her lover that never went away.

In the end, as she always did, she turned to her babies for solace. She ran her palms over her belly, wishing desperately for the moment when she could finally carry them all in her arms.

"Four days… huh?"

---

It was a good day for the Eight Fingers organization. Every day was essentially a good day, ever since their influence grew even stronger than they had in many years. Even the intrigues of Blue Rose many months in the past seemed like a mere stumbling block that never seriously hurt their operations in the long run.

The criminal group was eating good food, so to speak. Its profits had never been higher. They were even currently enjoying some form of "noble uplift" at the Re-Estize Capital, as its members dined and feasted in noble estates that had been abandoned when their owners had fled, possibly to become Marchers. They held wild, raucous parties all day and night, feasting wildly on the produce of their labors, enjoying a life of complete excess and debauchery. And all of it within clear sight of the Royal Palace in the distance, where the nobles relied on them to continue their shaky rule and their foolish war.

Their criminal activities continued on unopposed, such that there were many in their group who wondered if they could even be considered criminal. Were not the very nobles of this country bowing to them for any scrap of aid to support their miserable existences? Could they not simply pull the rug out from the whole country, and elevate themselves as the new rulers of the land?

Well, thugs could certainly dream. But the smartest among them knew that even elevating themselves to the point of legitimacy would only bring its own slew of problems. Should they vest themselves with the appearance of law; then it was inevitable that in time the Eight Fingers "would have its own Eight Fingers", or so it was said.

And so, these shrewd minds, who kept a wary eye on the world outside, could only wonder what their masters thought—those shadowy lords who led their organization, who were responsible for overseeing the true scope of their operations. It was reasonable to assume that if the war should end, then the Eight Fingers would be forced underground once more, forced to observe the conclusion from afar and exploit whatever opening could be found in the aftermath. They had also seen an opportunity to put several Fingers into the Holy Kingdom, win or lose, which was overall a net positive for them.

But then the Sorcerer-King had entered the picture, and that had forced these middle managers to re-evaluate the situation once more. The undead lord's rise and domain was a frightful thing, and it was difficult to predict what it would mean should the Re-Estize Kingdom be conquered by Ainz Ooal Gown. Could the Eight Fingers still thrive, or would the inhuman servants force them to abandon their homes entirely? Perhaps they would need to find new roots in the vassal Empire, to cope. Just the thought of it sent many heads wagging, muttering darkly to themselves, praying to whatever deity was on their criminally-inclined minds that such a thing would never pass.

Of course, reality was never that simple.

Sebas Tian walked through the darkened halls of the mansion, his steps echoing in the emptiness, until he came a large set of double doors. His gaze was as steely as his ramrod back and his movements were precise like some clockwork automaton. Without even bothering to knock, he opened the doors and arrived at his destination.

Several faces were turned towards him. Their skins were pale and clammy, their eyes bloodshot and fearful as they all greeted him loudly and obsequiously like servants greeting a master who had just returned, as if doing anything else would be a death sentence.

"Hail, the Sorcerous Kingdom!" they cried, almost in unison. The leaders of the Eight Fingers, the heads of their respective criminal departments, responsible for overseeing years of remorseless bloodshed and immorality, trembled as the harbinger of their fear approached, as the servant of He who held the chains around their necks regarded them with a cool, disdainful expression.

Sebas did not like dealing with criminals, nor less issuing orders to them. His creator had made him this way, in his image; and it was close to blasphemy that he acted contrary to his nature. But the Supreme Being was gone, and only Ainz-sama was left: kind and wise and all-powerful. As such, he ruthlessly suppressed his inner qualms: channeling his dislike of his duties in his attitude towards this scum.

Ordinarily, he would not have been the liaison to the Eight Fingers, the organization that had long ago been suborned by Nazarick. Such a task was not something suited to Sebas, and had instead been administered by Albedo directly. But the Overseer by decree of Ainz-sama was forbidden from leaving Nazarick, especially with the birth so soon, and as such it fell to replacements to carry out their duties in their stead. Sebas felt proud that Ainz-sama had chosen him out of everyone for this duty, something that even Demiurge had protested. It showed the level of trust that Ainz had in him, and he resolved not to disappoint him.

"Sit down," he commanded, putting his gloved hands behind his back. "There is no need for any of you to fear. Your reports have been received, and there have been no problems. But the Master has new commands for you, so it is imperative that you pay attention." He paused. His lips turned up in distaste beneath his moustache "I will not be repeating myself."

"Yes, my lord!"

He then relayed the new steps to the plan that Ainz-sama and Demiurge had devised regarding these criminals' role in the Re-Estize Kingdom. They were to act as their primary cat's paws—moving within the nation according to their own natural desires while also fulfilling Nazarick's secret aims without anyone ever realizing the full extent.

In exchange, the Eight Fingers would not be liquidated by Nazarick, and they were also granted several boons that saw their organization rise to prominence. Chief of these was the granting of several legions of undead that they could use for their own purposes.

For example, there was little need now for Security to post ill-disciplined ruffians and rascals to guard chief outposts. The undead were implacable and strong, if a little unnerving, and their loyalty was never in any doubt. The undead were also used for hard labor, negating a major part of the Slave Traders and the Drug Growers, since they no longer needed to import so many drudges for their mines and farms. (Though that did free them up to expand their more specialized wares like marketing exotic elves captured by the hundreds from the south or assigning more alchemists to work on rare herbs)

The Eight Fingers were also guaranteed inroads into other places where Nazarick had access. Places like the distant City-State Alliance or the Theocracy now had cells of their agents in place, helped by mysterious benefactors whose identity only the top authority knew. For now, they were commanded to stay put and merely keep up the trickle of goods and information back to Re-Estize, but it was expected that they would similarly become Nazarick's underground arm that would spread into all the other nations.

Their current role in the war was to exert their resources to prop up the failing nobility in charge of the Re-Estize Kingdom. They had already been ordered beforehand to stockpile as much grain in various warehouses all over the country, virtually draining the ready supply. The prices therefore shot up accordingly. Before the royal authority could investigate, several nobles had risen up in rebellion, becoming Marchers. Sebas wasn't sure if that had been caused by Nazarick, or if the Eight Fingers were involved; it was equally possible that it was just their nature, and that they had rebelled for their own reasons. Regardless, that had further tipped the scales to war, leading to the current situation.

Now, Demiurge was pushing for another change in their plans.

"Have you begun picking your people as requested?" Sebas asked. They all murmured assent. "Very good. The exact time frame is yet unknown, as it depends on what the future of this war will bring. It may be possible that your precautions will not be needed, and that you will remain in the same position and in your same roles. However, there is also the same chance for your roles to be changed. In that case, the Eight Fingers will cease to be your organization, and will need to be repurposed to suit our plans."

An organization like the Eight Fingers had no place in the mighty kingdom that Ainz-sama wished to create. That was made clear when certain nascent criminal organizations inside the city of E-Rantel were quietly scattered or annihilated before they could graduate from petty crimes into becoming a truly organized threat. Vice and deviancy were tolerated in smaller doses, so long as the greater peace of Nazarick was maintained.

Still, Sebas had overheard the discussions regarding the importance of a buffer organization that would hide Nazarick's influence from the world behind a façade, and that layer would be something like the Eight Fingers. If they would continue being their cat's paws, then there was no need to destroy them just yet. Better to repurpose the corpse for their own uses.

"In case it does happen," asked one of the leaders. "What will happen… to us?" The human trembled, as if Sebas was on the verge of growing claws to eviscerate him.

"Be assured that your continued service to our cause has been noted and appreciated by the Master," Sebas said. "If the circumstances call for it, then there is no need for you to fear. You will be rewarded handsomely with a comfortable retirement. Should you wish it, then you can even choose exactly where you want to spend your days. And of course, if you still feel compelled to remain in your duties, then we would not force you to retire at all. The Master appreciates hard-working, loyal subordinates."

A low murmur rippled through the assembled leaders. Sebas was able to detect the constant presence of fear so palpable he could almost smell it—repugnant as it was to his senses. They feared for their lives and rightly so, for having been introduced to the great truth of Nazarick. These men and women, so accustomed to the trade of death, became like mewling babes when they knew there were worse things in the world than being murdered by a cold blade in the back.

"The Master asks me to inform you that you have all done a splendid job," Sebas said in conclusion. "As long as you remain loyal and work hard on your respective roles, then endless rewards are within your grasp. That is the promise of the One who Rules over Death. You'd best remember it."

"Yes, my lord!" they all but exclaimed.

"Then, if you'll excuse me." Snorting to himself, Sebas stepped back through the door, and left the room behind. His resolute steps echoed once more through the silent corridor.

As he passed a certain point, he stopped and narrowed his eyes. "If you did not wish to appear threatening, then please do not even attempt to hide. For a moment, you almost made me think your security has gotten lax in this place. I do not wish to harm innocents, but I will do my duty if it is required."

"Apologies, lord. For my part I was only checking if you had yourself been an imposter. The sniveling rats our enemies send to our halls are ever so creative."

A portion of the wall, which was hidden in shadow, seemed to move. From within the darkened part emerged a swarthy woman, wearing a high ponytail on her head. Her arms were crossed over her chest, showing off her bulging muscles, marked by various scars. Many tattoos depicting stylistic animals bristled all over her body, even on her face. Her features were coarse and comely, as if she was a woman who had steadily chiseled away any pretense at beauty through years of harsh work.

It was almost as if she were not a woman at all; which was the truth in a way.

This was Zero, former head of the elite Six Arms, the hand that had once terrorized the enemies of the Eight Fingers. Edstrom herself had risen to belong to their number, though their vaunted skills had amounted to nothing against Sebas.

With Nazarick's dominance over the criminal organization, the Six Arms had been rendered obsolete. Though Zero had been given a new job as an elite bodyguard of sorts.

"And what has brought on this particular instance of insolence?" Sebas asked. "Just because you are useful to your group doesn't preclude your value as a human being. If you give cause for even more insult, then know that even I have limits." He would never forgive the Eight Fingers for their role in Tuare's circumstances, and the Six Arms were especially not safe from his quiet wrath.

Zero raised her arms, her palm outwards, in a gesture of surrender. "Please, my lord, I truly meant no offense. I was merely doing m'duty, that's all. Our meeting was a pure coincidence." A sly look came to her expression. "Though, with you here, perhaps I may be allowed to ask at least one question? If it pleases you?"

"What is it?"

Zero's expression lightened. "Well, the thing is, I've felt rather cooped up these past few days. I don't ever see much action anymore. And the last time I got my blood pumping was over a week ago, and that was to discipline some loose lips, if you catch my drift. Very routine stuff. Routine is boring."

"Go on."

Zero shrugged. "Well, that's just it. I know you just came from giving the bosses their marching orders. I get it, all this business with the war and shit got some really important work to go along with it. I'm fine with that. But I'm not fine with being kept away from the action, letting my talents rust away to nothing. I'm a fighter, damn it! And with the way things are going, there aren't enough places where I can sharpen my skills anymore."

"You could always join the army," Sebas said drily.

Zero guffawed. "Hah! Were you making a joke? But if you were serious, then let me just say that the army's a no-go. It's because word on the grapevine is that the grand marshal ain't looking for fights anymore, the cowards." She spat lightly onto the ground, to show off her contempt. "Imagine that, an army that's unwilling to fight. Which brings me back to my original problem." She clenched her fist. "I need to be in on the action, my lord. To crush my enemies beneath my fists, any enemy you want, just point me at them. Please, grant me this boon, and I shall swear my life to you—"

Sebas raised a finger to stop her speech. "I am not in the habit of accepting debts by scum like you." Zero growled silently, though she could do aught but growl. "But, as it happens, it seems that the Master has foreseen All."

"The Master?" Her brows furrowed. It was clear that her thoughts were swirling in her mind. "You mean—"

Ainz Ooal Gown. The very fact that the Eight Fingers had been subjugated by the Sorcerous Kingdom was known only to those he had issued orders back in that room. No one else knew, and the many spies scattered all over the place, invisible to all senses, ensured that the knowledge remained that way. Other than those, there were a few here who knew of Nazarick's link. There was Edstrom, whom Sebas had freed before.

And then there was Zero.

Zero had been a prisoner, defeated by Sebas during Demiurge's raid on the Kingdom. He had been slated for a terrible fate beneath the devil's auspices, much like Edstrom had been, had it not been for Ainz Ooal Gown's own intervention.

Apparently, it was some form of "curiosity" that needed to be satisfied. Sebas didn't really know what Ainz-sama meant by that. But Sebas had been there to witness Ainz exert the full force of his magical power to reshape the warrior's form, turning what had once been a man into a woman. Her appearance and abilities remained the same—she had only changed gender. After that, Ainz had taken Zero aside, for "testing" and that was the last Sebas saw of her until a few months ago, when he had been tasked to liaison with the Eight Fingers. Apparently, Ainz-sama had been satisfied with Zero's condition, and had set her free to take up her new duties—though Sebas was sure there was some compulsion that prevented her from spreading the truth. And it looked like Zero was content in her new role, though perhaps not with her new gender.

"Yes, as it happens, Ainz-sama has tasked me on a number of errands that must be fulfilled." Sebas nodded towards her. "And you are to be commissioned as my assistant."

"Oh." The woman blinked once, then she grinned. "Well, that's just fantastic, huh?" She slammed her fists together. "Just point me at the problem, and I'll pummel it to pieces."

"Indeed. Come along then, we have places to be." Sebas was sure that the human's barbaric ways would indeed help, though he would never trust an outsider from Nazarick to do a task properly.

"Wait. Are we going to meet the Master directly?" Zero asked.

"Today? I do not think so. Why would—ah." Sebas turned towards the fighter. "You wish to ask Him a boon."

"It's not that difficult," Zero groused. He looked down at his breasts and tapped at them. "I've had to keep them bound for long periods of time, and it's fucking painful! And if I don't bind them, they flop around like a pair of cocks! It's not good for fighting when they can just slap you in the face in the middle of a somersault. You might think it funny; trust me, it's only hilarious the first time."

"I don't think it's funny." Though Sebas didn't really care. "I bid you good luck in petitioning Ainz-sama to reverse your condition."

"But hey, I'm guaranteed an appointment with the gent if I do a good enough job here right?" Zero asked. "I mean, it's only fair compensation."

"Perhaps," Sebas said. "Ainz-sama is a busy man. But if you do your best with your assigned task, then perhaps he may grant your request."

"That's all I really want," Zero said, walking up next to him.

Sebas turned so he was poised to leave. "The first step, then, will be to impress him. And to do that you will need to excel—starting now."

"You got it." Zero suddenly grinned. "And hey, once I'm fixed, I could get a rematch from you right?"

Sebas sighed. He fought the urge to roll his eyes. "We shall see."

---

Remedios Custodious brought the telescoping scout's glass to her left eye and peered through the lens. She studied the terrain extending below their position, rolling hills stretching into the far horizon.

Nothing.

It was just as the scouts had said. There was no incoming army from the south, nor any hints of probing or raiding from smaller bands. Not even the hint of a noncombatant: some merchant or traveler wending his way through the hills, perhaps as spies for their enemies.

When the glass revealed nothing more but endless hilly greenery, Remedios sighed and retracted the device, before handing it to her subordinate, another paladin. She moved her horse back to face the rest of her scouting party. They were all clad in formidable white plate, the symbol of their status as full-fledged paladins. Ever since Jaldabaoth's depredations, they were now reduced to a fledgling few, and now the unexpected war against the Re-Estize Kingdom had cut down that number even further. And to aggravate that situation, there were fewer squires in line to take up their duties, with the majority of their fellows consumed by the Holy War that had slain thousands.

She turned to the scouting party, composed of one paladin and several squires. She trusted no one else but those of the order to be her eyes and ears during this campaign. "Your report has been duly confirmed. Please continue with your duties. I will look forward to the next report."

"As you wish, captain," the paladin replied.

"Come along then," Remedios said, urging her horse to a gallop ahead of her other riders, who all turned their mounts to follow in her wake as she left the location at a brisk pace.

"That marks another full week of no activity, captain," her lieutenant shouted behind her.

"Aye!" she called back. "But I know that won't be enough for them!"

Though she had been assigned to this campaign personally by the Holy King, she was not the overall commander. Pressure from the nobles now entrenched around the new King had mandated that their emergency response army be led by a council of captains composed of "trusted" individuals, who were collectively granted the authority to command as one body. Though she was part of this council, she was but one voice among many, and with so many it was easy to be drowned out. For Remedios it was a foolish notion to leave the overall command of the campaign to a group instead of one decisive person. But with the way those other captains acted, it may as well have been just one voice overriding hers. They were almost united in restraining her movements, and in countermanding her battle orders out of pure spite.

The Holy Kingdom's army had been hastily assembled to answer the declaration of war. They had begun by repelling the Re-Estize armies that had gone over the border to harass their lands. They had won a great many victories, even pushing the intruders back into their own territory. Remedios and her paladins had formed the spear-tip, avengers that tore into the enemy with great fury. They had even managed to lodge themselves deep within enemy territory, bypassing fortified locations that were meant to stall an advance from Roble.

By that point, they were no longer achieving complete victory in every battle. But it was not as if they were losing. For each skirmish lost, they bled the enemy for thrice the number of men they lost. It was a testament to the ferocity of the veterans forged in the fires of the Abelion invasions, and to the valor of the paladin order that were at the forefront of every skirmish. And through all the losses, they kept moving forward, implacable, unchallenged, until they reached their current position.

The approach to their camp was well-hidden behind a road that wound its way through the hills. There were sentries posted at every point, watching silently and giving Remedios' group the all-clear as they passed. The way would not completely deter spies or scouts from making their way to their camp, but at least it would ensure no larger force could spring on them unawares.

It was almost laughable, to think that the Re-Estize Kingdom would use the same barbaric tactics as the demihumans to raid towns and villages using small-scale raiding parties, when that had been Roble's experience since the Kingdom was founded. They relied on small elite groups tasked to swiftly respond to problem areas, such as the case of roving marauders. Remedios sneered at such dishonorable tactics employed against them, when they had been trained from birth to tame the chaotic, to predict the unpredictable. It had taken Jaldabaoth organizing the disparate demihumans into a single force to bring them to their knees. And yet, had it not been for the inhuman strength of that foe they would have rallied then under the banner of the Holy Queen—as they had now: smashing into the smaller raiding groups and overwhelming them to the point that they refused to give open battle. The enemy realized then that they could be beaten, and scurried like rats to deny them the righteous victory.

Remedios' small party ascended a large hill. When they crested the top, they saw their camp laid out before them once more.

They were currently encamped inside a small valley of hills deep inside enemy territory. It was almost the perfect place to entrench themselves, as they were protected by a natural barrier of hills that would deter all raiding parties. On the other hand, it would take some effort for them to break camp and set out, and if the Re-Estize Kingdom offered battle here the terrain was to no one's benefit.

Upon approaching the main entrance, they passed by a great set of bristling stakes. She had told the other captains that erecting it in this place was only a needless expense. The barricades would only help in the case of a rider charge, which was foolish to do in their hilly surroundings. And even when such fools existed, they would be well-spotted beforehand, so the stakes were not needed in any case.

But the other captains, acting in concert, had handily overruled her, pointing out that it was standard military practice to fortify one's camp, and that she was foolish for not preparing for the inevitable.

"And that is not to discount the fact that these bothersome brutes are wont to return with more raiding parties," said a captain. "We are more vulnerable without the barricades. That is common sense, captain Remedios."

Put it that way, it did make sense, especially in the wake of Re-Estize's dishonorable conduct. But when days passed with no reaction from the enemy nor even any attempt to raid, and that sort of wisdom suddenly became foolish in hindsight. Especially when other problems reared their ugly head.

For starters, they had suddenly found themselves in a very precarious situation. They had not left behind any sort of garrison in the forts they had passed. It was a unanimous decision to keep the whole army united, so that when the time came, they would smash the enemy in one decisive battle. But that decisive battle never came, and now here they were stuck deep in enemy territory. The road back to their land suddenly became fraught and perilous. They might possibly face resistance in those forts once again.

There had been many arguments about the situation. Why could they have not left men, why did they insist on moving forward? They could no longer safely rendezvous with new forces from the homeland, not without running the risk of a pincer move or some other surprise.

And then of course there was the question of supply. Roble had an excellent system of supply caravans, which followed along behind the army in an efficient manner. Several such grand caravans had accompanied them to this very camp. But with the way back becoming dangerous, it was deemed prudent that there would no longer be any more caravans, as they would be extremely vulnerable. And that effectively meant that their lines of supply to Roble had been severed. The only way to restore that would either be to force another campaign and stretch themselves thin, or to request the Holy King send in a second army, which was very unfeasible.

Thankfully, they did not immediately starve. The paladins of the army wore armor with magical enchantments that staved off hunger and rest, which was a large boon. Nearly all of her fellow paladins joined her in the sacred vow of fasting, to give more priority for food to the other troops. They would only need to eat once every several days, and even just one strip of dried fish would be enough to last them for more.

Then, they had to turn to foraging directly off the land, and fortunately there was a forest just to the east where there was plentiful game to hunt. There was boar and deer and rabbit, and even bears for those with the stomach for it.

They did not solely rely on their game hunters or their paladins. To serve the army's gargantuan appetite, they had to lean on the distasteful practice of seizing food from nearby towns. Remedios had initially balked at that, for it went against everything the paladin order stood for. That was until the other leaders unveiled the significant bulk of treasure the caravans had managed to bring, which would be used to compensate these towns properly for the seized food.

Even then, Remedios wondered why and how they had brought all that wealth in secret, for that would have been too much of a risk to do at the start of the war. And then it had been revealed that all the silver in the chests were "tainted". They were all plundered as was their right from the Abelion Hills during Ainz Ooal Gown's crusade; in other words, their "blood money" as crude as it sounded. To one of the Holy Kingdom, such treasure was tainted by its source from the inhuman tribes; or worse, corrupted by the demon Jaldabaoth. As such, they had no reservations to bringing it along, and would not have even cared if it had been lost. But it would be useful now to secure their survival, pawning off dangerous silver for food and other things.

Still, even with their supply situation managed decently, they were far from winning the war decisively. They did not have the numbers for that.

After reaching the entrance to the camp, her scouting party thundered down the main thoroughfare towards the command tent situated at the center. Along the way, they passed by soldiers in the hundreds, some resting on their behinds, some saluting her passage, while others joked and bantered in loud voices that combined into a buzzing noise that overwhelmed the sound of hooves. Others trained and sparred with each other, honing their respective skills.

Much of the Holy Kingdom's armies had been decimated against Jaldabaoth, and their wounded—numbering an astronomical count—were still in no shape to fight. For this war they had literally scraped the bottom of the barrel for eligible men and women to recruit. For every hale veteran of the holy war, the dutiful who yet answered the call to arms; there were at least ten green soldiers, who had never experienced war before. She passed by fishermen, tradesmen, farmers, bakers, woodsmen, carpenters, gardeners of noble estates, animal breeders and hunters, men and women who also heeded the call of duty. Her heart had swelled at the sight of them, these worthy individuals who took up sword or spear or shield to defend their homeland.

These were simple folk, who had heard the news of the border town atrocities and had immediately signed up to join. They did not understand the nuances of warfare as the veterans did, and had even insisted on sharing their food with the paladins when they had vowed to fast.

Yet despite this, the cold truth was inescapable: this was all that could be spared. Enough soldiers had to be left behind to defend the homeland. There was no second army forthcoming—if this one was routed then the Holy Kingdom had to sue for peace. And with only these numbers available, they could not land the decisive blow.

They possessed few viable siege weapons left, and they had to rely on sappers and other infiltrators to undermine the enemy forts. But that was not a strategy that would work on the Capital City, which they knew featured a formidable bastion. It would take dedicated wallbreakers to take it down.

Simply waiting out their surrender with a siege was untenable given the city's location and the Re-Estize Kingdom's geography: without significant numbers they could not cover that much ground, leaving them vulnerable to hit and run tactics. (There had been suggestions to utterly reshape the ground outside the capital, and creating several temporary fortifications surrounding the city, but that would have required more magic casters than what they had) In the meantime, the enemy could just sit and endure inside their city while they rallied an army elsewhere. Or they could simply wait for the Holy Kingdom to starve, reaching a stalemate that would force them to raise the white flag, and thereafter conclude the war in unsatisfactory terms. It was a cowardly thing, but in these circumstances, that could only be expected of such dishonorable curs.

It was therefore their highest priority to engage the Re-Estize Kingdom in a proper battle that would completely take away their motivation to fight, but so far, their scouts had been unable to detect any major movements. Their campaign into Re-Estize had only consisted of small-scale combat, almost like skirmishes. Though they had the clear advantage in the victories they had gained, that would amount to nothing if victory wasn't achieved.

Her party wheeled to a halt in front of the pen. Remedios dismounted, and handed the reins over to the horse master. She gave final instructions to her lieutenant, before she walked towards the command tent. It was just the right time to begin the daily deliberations, the "war council", so to speak.

The captains seemed to have already preceded her arrival. The bustle and chatter from inside faded just a tiny bit when she arrived, and then returned to normal a second later.

"I see you've returned from your scouting, Remedios," said a captain. Had she still held her former title, then the fool would not be speaking to her so cavalierly, as if they were but a pair of fellow soldiers talking about the weather. But her perceived failure to protect the Holy Queen had tarnished her name, and her successor had no choice but to strip her of much of her former status, though she was still the grandmaster of the paladin order. "Was there something to report?"

"Nothing," Remedios replied with a growl. "Nothing. Again. For the sixth day."

"Ah, but it is only the sixth day," came the reply. "And before that, there was the sighting of those riders."

The sighting six days ago had been a group of riders spotted from the west. The scout in question, a squire, had privately told her that the riders didn't move like proper scouts—they probably didn't even know they had been watched! But since the sighting had come in the precise direction where the enemy might be, the decision to march out was tabled until the coast was "absolutely clear". She had argued against it, even had her scout swear in front of all of them of what he had seen. But the mealy-mouthed fools had seen danger where there was none, and united to veto her proposal.

"Yes… well…" She didn't bring it up again, tired of recycling the same argument she would once again lose against the monolithic resistance. "Since now it seems the enemy has also elected not to give battle, then perhaps we could begin with our own scouting movements? We have to be sure those bastards haven't actually run away. There could be leagues between us and their army and we wouldn't even know about it until it's too late."

She had been most adamant in pushing for a strategy of provoking the enemy to attack in neutral territory, at a site where neither side had a significant advantage. She hoped that the war would thus be solved there through the strength and valor of either side. Naturally they had not heeded her, insisting that they should look for the most opportune moment and place to secure their victory.

She wanted to call those fools a whole bunch of nasty things. But she was committed to serve the country for which her dearest friend and her sister had sacrificed their lives. Though she cared little for the prince who succeeded Calca, she would still do her best to protect the nation she had died for. Pushing for conflict and division at this point, on top of leading an army that was threatening to fray at the edges, would be detrimental to her intentions.

"It is a sound plan," another captain replied. "However, we have just received news that may just make everything moot."

He had the audacity to laugh, which made Remedios snap, "And what news is that? Come on then, we don't have all day."

Still smiling, the man looked around and said, "There has been news from the capital. He has just been informed by the embassy that the Sorcerous Kingdom has declared war on the Re-Estize Kingdom."

For a good long moment, there was complete silence inside the tent. Then, someone began to shout, and the hooting and cheering followed, so loud that it was as if they were being raucous at some tavern. Only Remedios stood stock-still, horrified, and looking at all the rest as if they had literally stripped down to their smallclothes then and there.

"It's over!" they crowed.

"It is a terrible shame for those bastards, but them's the breaks!"

"This will be an easy jaunt to the capital, you'll see!"

She shook her head. After breathing in and out, once, then twice, then exhaling her breath out in one long puff; she walked up to the table and slammed her hand on top.

That immediately brought the rest of the captains short. They all stared at her with raised brows and thoroughly bemused expressions. Someone cleared their throat.

"What did you say?" Remedios said, staring down at the one who had said the news. "Please. Elaborate."

"It is exactly as the missive here states. The Prince informs us, to his great pleasure, that as of today a state of war now exists between the Sorcerous Kingdom and the Re-Estize Kingdom."

"How? Did they mention why?" Remedios was far less concerned about the implications to their current war, but for what the news meant as a whole. Was this that horrendous lich just taking advantage of the situation? Was he just like some loathsome carrion bird, swooping down on a wounded animal only after it has been grievously gored, when it could take its time to pick it clean to the bones?

"It is safe to assume that it is because they utterly rejected Ainz Ooal Gown's ultimatum," came the reply. "And it's even mentioned here, in the missive."

Some days past, another missive had come bearing news about the latest developments outside of the war. It mentioned the fact that the Sorcerous Kingdom had sent the Re-Estize Kingdom something called an "ultimatum", which they didn't understand. The general understanding was that the undead had sent a proclamation requesting the Re-Estize Kingdom to begin peace negotiations, since he was something of a friend to the Holy Kingdom. (though to Remedios, calling it "friendship" was really pushing it). Since then, there had been no other missives regarding that, so it was largely forgotten.

"Such fools," said a captain. "They should have accepted the proposal."

"Perhaps it was good for us to befriend Ainz Ooal Gown after all," said the captain.

She turned to sneer at the one who'd said that. "Are you crazy? Are you insane? You call it a good thing: to ally with monsters who are just like the ones that terrorized our lands for the longest time? You are glad to be friends with such a fiend?"

The captain smirked, his amusement not quite reaching his eyes. "If I remember correctly, it was not I who begged the Sorcerous Kingdom for aid. Who was it? Who was it who went down on her knees before the lich, after failing her charge so thoroughly?" Then came a chuckle. "Oh that's right. It was you, wasn't it, Remedios?"

"You test my patience, captain," said Remedios. She was already close to seeing read. "Do you not care for the gallons of blood that has been spilled over the ages thanks to the demihuman scourge that only wish to see humanity drown in them? Do you not care for the millions yet unborn who have to sacrifice much just to survive? There is one fundamental truth that only we of Roble know—you must and can never trust the. In. Human." She slammed the table repeatedly for emphasis.

The man had been just about to retort when there came a shout.

"Enough!" said the captain bearing news. "Peace, both of you. Especially you, Remedios. That is not to say that I disregard all that you have said. And yet this missive has shown that sometimes we cannot choose the fate the gods decide for us."

"What do you mean?" Remedios growled.

The captain held up the piece of paper and begun to intone while reading from it. "As of today, the Holy Kingdom and the Sorcerous Kingdom have once more acknowledged the state of friendship that has been kindled between them."

"What?" Remedios all but screeched. Spittle flew from her lips. "We're allying with that filth?"

The captain raised an eyebrow. "'Tis not a formal alliance, no. But their embassy has been relaying messages to our King and his advisors, and as such we have been made to understand, through this missive, that while we are not explicitly allied, we are going to be working together from this point forward. Which means, of course that our armies—while not combining, will need to start working in concert so we don't get in each other's way."

Remedios started breathing hard. She clenched her fist and bit her lips so hard she drew blood.

"Remedios," said the captain. "I am speaking to you now not just as a captain, but as one who has been vested with the will of the Holy King and his august assembly. Will you heed their words? Take a moment to decide where your loyalties lie. If it is still to the Holy King, then stay and take heed with us. If not, you are free to leave the tent."

The wooden surface of the table creaked ominously under her clenched gauntlets. She felt a crushing pressure on her temples.

"… What are the orders?" she said, under her breath.

The captain cleared his throat. "It says here that the Sorcerous Kingdom has already long invaded. Its armies are said to already be marching freely through the land, unopposed." The Re-Estize Kingdom did occupy a large swathe of land. It took some time to ferry a number of soldiers from one place to another. "But an advance force is speeding our way as we speak."

"We're actually having a meeting?" Remedios said, spluttering.

"Well, we are to be friends, are we not?" said the captain. "Now here's the important part. That same advance force will be accompanied by none other than the Sorcerer-King himself, Ainz Ooal Gown." That caused some muttering among the captains. "We have thus been tasked to go and meet them as the Holy King's representative."

"Meeting Ainz Ooal Gown himself?" a captain said, shuddering. "I don't know if I would have the strength."

"This is an order," said the first captain. "A party has to go meet them, to affirm the Holy Kingdom's friendship with the Sorcerer-King. And I need not state the obvious that one does not go to a diplomatic meeting like this by sending the footman."

"That's true," said another captain. "But I don't know if I could take being in that one's presence."

"I will go."

Everyone's attention was once more drawn to Remedios.

"You will, Remedios? But you said yourself that you hate—"

"I know what I said," she snapped.

"This is something of a delicate matter," the captain replied. "We cannot risk insulting him in any way. Are you sure you would be able to act in a proper manner?"

"I have treated with him before," Remedios said. "In that sense, I and my paladins will have more experience with him than with any of you."

"Well, if you're certain about it… Are there any others who wish to claim the honor of leading our delegation?" He looked around. No one spoke up nor raised their hands. They all looked abashed, as if they all knew they'd just handed off a difficult task to be done by someone else.

Despite feeling as if the job had just been foisted on her, Remedios nonetheless knew she was the better candidate. She would see the Sorcerer-King again personally and in this way she would be able to take control of the situation as needed, Holy King be damned.

They set out on that very day, right after midday. The council had continued for a while longer, as they spoke on the things that needed to be said to the Sorcerer-King. Then, Remedios went and chose her pick of soldiers as escort, leaving her next ranked lieutenant in overall charge of the paladins in her absence.

And then, her party was once more saddled, their mounts fed, the paladins' armor gleaming with expectation. Despite the inconvenient conditions, it would be necessary to present the splendor of their best soldiers to the Sorcerer-King.

"Please be on your best behavior. If nothing else, the Sorcerer-King must see us as a friend," she was told right before the party moved out. "As we can all surely expect from those who have vowed on their honor and their lives to safeguard the Holy Kingdom. No matter what."

"Do not lecture me on duty," she groused at them for the final time, before urging her horse away. Her party rode briskly, leaving the vicinity of their small valley in under an hour. By the next hour, they were already well past the perimeter of their scouts, riding straight through dangerous territory towards their destination.

It galled her that they had a point, even if it was founded on the flimsiest of foundations. With the very fact that the Re-Estize Kingdom had so foolishly drawn the Sorcerer-King to war, the undead lord had suddenly become yet another unwitting ally in their fight against the enemy. It called to mind the similarities to before, except the situation this time had not been as fraught as it had been with Jaldabaoth. Therefore, it only made sense to remind Ainz Ooal Gown of their friendship, pointedly ignoring the fact that the he would be doing them another great service.

She just wished it didn't involve a being that was on the level of the Demon Lord Jaldabaoth, in her opinion. Remedios always trusted her senses, and the impression she had gotten from being forced to meet with Ainz Ooal Gown felt like she was constantly being forced to drink acid every time. It was so unnerving to watch an undead chat and banter with the men like it wasn't an embodiment of negative energy, as if its very existence wasn't an affront to humans and gods alike.

She threw herself from her thoughts with an irate grunt. Thinking on the situation—no, thinking in general was too annoying for her. She was always one for action, and that meant being on the front lines commanding her men to victory over the enemy. Riding out with a company of paladins to treat with the undead king once again was not what she wanted, particularly when she needed to be "civil" by the order of the Holy King.

She nearly spat to the side out of disgust, but that would only have spewed her spittle onto the paladin riding close to her. She clearly remembered being forced to grovel for help in this very country, petitioning many noble houses and even the Princess Renner herself. No one had answered the call. She was therefore forced to prostrate to an undead just for a sliver of salvation. The shame had burned within her, almost as strong as the sting of failing her sister and queen.

Needless to say, she was not in a good mood when their riding company finally reached the area where they would rendezvous with the Sorcerous Kingdom. It was somewhere around the south eastern area of Re-Estize, an area they knew had been devastated by rampant banditry.

It was already close to sunset, and under normal circumstances she would have called a halt to their ride in order to search for a suitable camping site, away from any sort of hostile attention, from enemy scouts to the bandits that were so common in this wretched land.

Off in the distance, they spotted a pair of riders approach. They wore the colors indicating they were men of the Holy Kingdom. They were the outriders, who had been sent ahead to scout. She swiftly called a halt as their outriders reached them. She rode up to the front of the column fearlessly. The outriders duly approached and saluted, which Remedios returned.

"Anything to say?" she asked.

"Ma'am! The Sorcerous Kingdom's forces have already arrived," said an outrider. "We conferred with them, informing them we would be arriving soon."

"Conferred with them? With whom?"" Remedios asked. "With monsters?"

The outrider looked uneasy. "… No, ma'am. With humans."

Or things that looked like humans, Remedios thought. Thralls to the Sorcerer-King in either case. "Fine. Lead the way, we shall follow." She turned to her subordinates said, and said, "Keep a sharp eye out, and leave the talking to me. No one even think of saying something unless I ask you to, got it?" She was reminded of that squire with the peculiar eyes, who had been so close to causing an international incident with her blasé attitude towards Ainz. Thankfully, nothing had come of it.

The riding company continued onward on a slower pace, to reflect the polite dignity that was required for meeting with a foreign power. Keeping to protocol was even more important now when they had to meet with someone as intimidating as the Sorcerer-King. She obviously didn't like it, especially for a being like Ainz. But she could draw on her manners drilled into her head by her sister from years of gallivanting at court; where one was required to associate with all manner of ridiculous fops and fools.

To her surprise, Ainz Ooal Gown's cronies had set up some sort of camp, as if they were intending to stay with some permanence in this very place. To be honest, they had only expected some small pavilion to house the Sorcerer-King, not a full-blown military camp.

She heard snippets of observations from her paladins, each echoing her thoughts. Was the Sorcerer-King truly that extravagant as to establish such a camp just for the purpose of meeting together? Or perhaps they intended to use this very spot to launch an invasion, which implied that he did not see the need to march an army in the traditional manner.

And true to what the scouts said, the people who were waiting for them there were humans, or looked human in any case. Remedios peered at them closely, trying to discern clear signs of thralldom or enchantment. They wore the armor and finery of guards, and each bore long, bladed halberds.

A tall old man, wearing a manservant's outfit, stepped out from behind the group to greet them. His wrinkled old face was genial and smiling, and exhibited great manners by bowing deeply to their group. But Remedios could just not shake off a feeling that something was odd with him. Behind him loomed a swarthy woman, with an Amazonian physique.

"Welcome to Ainz Ooal Gown's camp, representatives from the Holy Kingdom," the man greeted, after rising from his deep, sweeping bow. "Pray allow us to offer you rest and refreshments from your long journey."

Remedios was quick to interject, over the murmurs of thanks from her subordinates, and asked, "Where is the Sorcerer-King? Is he here?"

The man hesitated. "He will be here shortly, my lady. He had to attend to a trifle. You will be meeting at the main tent, which has already been set up for his needs. But you shall have to wait there just a good bit longer."

"So much for being punctual," she muttered.

"Remedios-sama!" some fool behind her chided.

"Whatever. Go and refresh yourselves," she told them. "And remember what I said." She watched them trundle off, no doubt eager for some rest and repast. Only a few remained by her side, as planned. These were the absolute best of the warriors left to her—though she had no real plans to combat a hostile Ainz, let alone hurt him directly, but she would try. And she was determined to take a lot of them down with her.

"Will you not be joining them, my lords?" the old man asked.

Remedios shook her gauntlet in front of her face. "I wanna talk to your leader quick. Where, exactly, would I need to wait?"

"Right this way, dear guests."

The old man lead her smaller group to a centrally located tent, where a table had been set. On its surface was a large map, which displayed the Re-Estize Kingdom in its entirety.

Thankfully, there were a set of chairs on the side, where she and her men could gratefully sit, to soothe their tired legs. She sat for a few moments, pulling her sore hands free from her gauntlets and stretching them out.

A woman came in, bringing them glasses filled with some liquid which she and her comrades deigned to drink. One can never be too careful, especially when it involved that undead.

Then there came a flash of light, and a familiar voice came to her ears.

"Four days… haaah… I can't wait..." She didn't see the source of the voice, but it was clear who it was judging by the way the old man from before came running back into view.

"Ainz-sama, the Holy Kingdom delegation has arrived," they overheard him say.

"Ah, have they?" the voice replied. "Damn, and here I was hoping to impress them. Ah well. Have they been settled?"

"Yes, my lord. But the envoy in charge wishes to speak to you as soon as she can." There was a pause. "She's waiting inside the command tent."

"Knowing her…" Ainz muttered. "Thank you, Sebas. I'll be there."

A moment later, a figure from her nightmares appeared in front of the tent entrance.

"Remedios Custodios," he greeted, bowing lightly. "It is good to see you once again."

The creature looked as imposing as ever in his black-colored, regal finery. The same palpable aura of evil permeated his surroundings, seemingly suffusing the tent with a malice so thick that her soldiers hovered over the hilts of their swords, as if they were just about ready to draw them.

She stood and bowed stiffly in return. "And to you as well… Ainz Ooal Gown."

The grinning skull face gazed down at her for a long moment, before it nodded to itself, as if it had hit upon some sort of conclusion in its head.

"It is heartening to see that you and your country continue to persevere despite all the hardships you have been facing," he said. "As a fellow creature of this world I wished to extend a hand, but as a ruler, I know the limits of my position. And your country had made its decision at the conclusion of our previous collusion."

What did he mean by that? Was he really implying that he was some sort of kind-hearted ruler who had wanted to offer them aid? She almost scoffed. What a joke. It was right for the Prince and his cronies to reject Ainz's aid unilaterally. One never knew the sort of corruptive influence that even a small handout could bring.

Of course, she didn't mention that out loud, as it was necessary to be diplomatic. "We thank you for your kind words."

"And here we are once more, brought together by fate. Though it is clear that the circumstances, such as they are, do not quite seem ideal to both of us."

"The Holy Kingdom extends its condolences to the Sorcerous Kingdom for this barbaric raid by the Re-Estize Kingdom on your lands." She didn't really feel the words she had just said, but the other leaders had insisted. And she knew no other way to be diplomatic.

"My thanks, Remedios Custodios." He paused, and looked down at the table. "I see you have already been presented with refreshments. If it pleases you, I can wait until you're done before we begin."

Remedios immediately moved to interrupt with a raised hand. "If it pleases you, lord Ainz Ooal Gown, perhaps we would be best served if we began now. I'm certainly ready for it. As are my men."

The undead lord paused, as if to consider her words, before nodding. "Very well. If that is what you desire, then far be it for me to insist on the contrary."

They started with a frank discussion of the current situation. The primary question that the Holy Kingdom wanted answered, using her as a representative, was what did Ainz Ooal Gown want to do with the Re-Estize Kingdom? The Holy Kingdom had been bloodied plenty in this war, after all, and if Ainz were to sweep in and take the victory at the last moment, then it was possible for all to be naught. For example, if he decided to vassalize the defeated just as he had done with the Baharuth Empire, then that made things awkward for them. An arrangement had to be made clear prior, to head off any confusion as to future developments.

Remedios and her knights were gobsmacked by the news that Ainz had captured the prince of the Re-Estize Kingdom, who had now become the King by default after Ramposa's abdication.

"I have already discussed the terms with the King," Ainz said. "And he had agreed to most of the stipulations of my ultimatum. Yet it seemed clear that he does not yet possess the full authority: the answer given to my envoy was a complete repudiation of the terms and of Zanac's role as King. That is why I have been forced, with great reluctance, to formally declare war, and then to gather my armies for an assault."

Though Remedios was of the opinion that anyone thinking to defy the Sorcerer-King was something to be commended, she balked at the notion that they were only doing this without the official sanction of their rightful ruler. To her it seemed like a naked power grab by nobles who thought to usurp their rightful lord. It reminded her too much of her friend Calca, and of the southern nobles who had taken too long to lend their support against Jaldabaoth. For that, these Re-Estize nobles lost her possible sympathy, even if their country was currently an enemy.

"What will happen, then, once all is in order? Do you intend to raise up Zanac officially?" she asked.

"That is up to him," Ainz said. "While it only seems I will be clearing the way for him to ascend his throne properly, it is not as if I'm fighting the war just for him. Once he is settled, then I expect him to honor his agreement to abide by the ultimatum. And of course, that ultimatum has stipulations involving the Holy Kingdom. On that end, your country need not worry."

"I do hope that is the case," Remedios said. "We have shed too much blood to end with just scraps."

"Indeed. You may inform the Holy King that I do not wish to steal the glory of victory from him. And I am confident Zanac will see reason—he only risks his entire throne if he reneges."

She glanced at her subordinates, and then said, "With pardons, but may I speak privately with my men? There is something we wish to urgently discuss. We will not take long."

After Ainz acquiesced, they went out of the tent to a place she thought was secluded. Once they were all gathered, they began discussing the second part of the parlay. The prince had empowered Remedios to act to the best interests of Roble during this meeting. It was therefore implied that despite there being no prior promises, a formal alliance should still be sought, even with the Sorcerer-King, so that at least they could say to the whole world that they didn't just let the undead take over for them. To that end, they would force one final scrap with the Re-Estize army to legitimize their victory.

This was about the most asinine thing to do, in her opinion, lowering her opinion of the Holy King even further. But the captains had been most insistent that she go through with it, making her swear on her honor as the grandmaster. She despised having to ally with the monster against Jaldabaoth—now, she was similarly incensed that he would be called on to help them once again.

Since none of her lieutenants were able to provide her with a suitable objection she could use, she had no choice but to return inside the tent and address Ainz with so many fancy words literally forced from her lips.

"My lord, after much deliberation, I wish to tell you I have been empowered to act for my nation as its official, legal envoy. And as the representative, it is my honor to declare that the Holy Kingdom requests to be allied with your nation in this endeavor." She fought the urge to spit. "We see no reason to be enemies with our benefactor, and we also wish to uphold our righteous grievances against our aggressors." It hurt her to say these things, as if there were many stakes being jabbed into her body.

"In that case," Ainz said in reply, after a beat, "I shall formally accept the alliance between our two nations." He gave a small bow.

Her men clapped politely, to congratulate the moment. It seemed a little awkward, as there was no one else in the room. This could potentially be something of a historic moment, but to Remedios it seemed very quaint. She and her nation had once more groveled in front of an inhuman thing, all to save their own skins.

And so they moved on to discussing the positions of their respective armies using the map, as well as the current number of soldiers that they had been able to field. Since they were now "allies", Remedios was forced to reveal the location of their camp. It was clear to any military mind that their position wasn't ideal, and that their numbers were too meagre to win a siege at the Capital. She didn't quite state it to the undead, but such a cunning mind must certainly have grasped the implications at a mere glance.

She proposed that they link up their armies, to threaten the enemy army that they knew was currently afield. With any luck, they would offer battle and defeat them in a decisive battle, thus taking away their will and their ability to fight. A two-prong attack would ensure that they wouldn't be able to escape in good order, forcing them to either throw down their arms and surrender or die to the last.

If they refused and insisted on running away like dogs, that was still good because it left their capital completely vulnerable. And if they retreated to the capital to defend it instead, that would still be useful to trap them and force their definitive surrender through a siege.

"Time is of the essence, my lady," Ainz said in turn. "And we must be certain not to allow any of our enemies to escape; perhaps even to Argland to the north, where they might involve another country in our war. What we propose to do right this instant is to surround the capital city like so." He gestured over the map, and several figures were conjured out of nowhere. Ainz moved them to places all around the Capital City, four menacing figures surrounding the small area.

"And these are…?" Remedios asked. "How many armies? Four?"

"A lot of armies," Ainz said simply. "Not just four. I just… had to use four figurines for the space."

Remedios frowned and crossed her arms. "So does that mean that you will leave us to engage the army afield by ourselves? Occupy their attention while you occupy the capital?" Or perhaps it would be some sort of lightning strike operation. Defeat the enemy at the field first, then complete the encirclement of the capital.

"Not to worry. We shall also be deploying two armies to swing backward and crash into them from behind. We will, of course, leave the decision-making to your army. Should they wish to surrender, then relay it to my commanders, and they shall heed your words and refrain from assaulting."

"Two armies?" Remedios' disbelief grew even further. "But I thought you wished to encircle them. Would that be alright with you to divert so much of your forces?"

"Oh, of course. I can spare them. Be assured; they will not be able to escape. I have much more soldiers at my disposal. Even sparing two whole armies won't be an issue."

At that, Remedios' brows rose even further. "'Won't be an issue'? What the fu—you'll forgive me for saying this, my lord, but to be frank, I'm not sure if I want to believe you really have the forces to spare."

Ainz made a peculiar sort of sound, as if he were chuckling. It made her and her men shudder, as it sounded so sinister in their ears.

"I've heard it once said that seeing is believing. Well, we invite all of you to come with me. We are encamped here, on this elevated cliff, which luckily offers a unique view that will—hopefully—illustrate my point. If you will consent to follow me…?"

There was much muttering among her soldiers, and even her own mind was racing. Just what kind of creature was this Ainz Ooal Gown, that he was able to command whole armies? Surely not even a magic caster of his caliber could summon and control so many undead? Or did he mean that he had drawn on the armies of his vassals? But then, the war had just been declared, and she knew well it would have taken quite some time to gather, even with the aid of magic. Their fast response army had taken close to a week to finally repel the Re-Estize Kingdom at the start of the war. Was it possible, then, that this had all been planned beforehand? Had Ainz Ooal Gown's forces been deployed and ready to march out at a moment's notice?

Being forced to think about everything made her head hurt.

They presently arrived at a cliffside, which overlooked the flat plain many feet below. As her eyes beheld the view, she could feel her knees almost giving way because of the sheer magnitude of the shock she'd just received. It was only her iron-willed discipline as a paladin that kept her on her feet. The nervous clack-clack-clack of metal coming from behind her did give away the feelings of her soldiers, who were actively trembling inside their armor.

For there, on the plain below, was the greatest assortment of armed figures that Remedios had ever seen. They swarmed like ants over the plain, nearly blotting out the color of green with their multicolored standards. And they were much more orderly than a line of ants, or a swarm of bees. They had arranged themselves into long, uniform lines, their positions perfectly mirroring each other. Here and there were larger figures, more powerful monsters perhaps, or lieutenants. But they also stood at attention, like disciplined veterans, as if they were proud to display their ironclad commitment to the army they serve in, for all the world to see.

"Behold," Ainz said, "my armies." He swept his arms up and over the plain, as if he could encompass the whole multitude with just his own arms. And perhaps, in truth, he did. "We can bring out more, as needed. But for now, we feel that this will be enough. And we can always summon more." As he said that, he snapped his fingers. Down below, a section of the assembled armies reacted with uniform movements, parting their ranks to expose an open space in-between. Then, a magic portal appeared, blurring in midair, a rent in reality that immediately vomited out another number of soldiers, marching forward from the rift behind a new, proud banner.

Remedios could not estimate their numbers. But she knew the Holy Kingdom's own army would drown beneath the sheer weight. And the fact that they could move through magic portals…

Seeing it all just made things a lot clearer. The very fact of the Re-Estize's non-existence became a foregone conclusion.

"My lord."

Remedios swiftly turned her head, almost jumping, at the sudden voice. Then she gasped. There, standing off to Ainz Ooal Gown's right, was a figure clad in sleek, silver armor, with a red cape slung over its shoulders. It looked like some crystalline statue of a proud knight animated with life, though its movements were not like a typical magic construct. It moved like some seasoned soldier, smooth, determined, without any discernible openings. It came to a stop right in front of Ainz, then bowed.

"Ah, here he is," Ainz said. "Captain Remedios, here is my lieutenant. He shall be in charge of the armies I shall be sending to aid you. Should there be a need, please inform him. He knows what to do."

The figure made a low, sweeping bow, as if it were some sort of bard accepting praise after a rousing performance.

"A pleasure to meet you, oh noble paladins!" the figure proclaimed. "I shall be in your service: for as long as I am needed."

"I am sure you will do a good job," Ainz said.

"Thank you, my master! I swear on my honor: I will crush this army if it pleases you!"

"That," Ainz said, glancing at her. "Will be up to Remedios here. Be sure to listen to her."

"As you wish, Master. And so, I shall be counting on you, Captain Remedios!"

---

Chapter commissioned by UltraSpink of Da USA, thank you. A reminder that the story is commissioned.

If you'd like a story commissioned, feel free to contact me here, or on archiveofourown under "RHoldhous".