X
His earliest memory. A shadow in his past, deeply rooted in prejudice and secluded sadness.
He recalled it out of pure hatred towards human beings. It came out naturally as one's obsession, secretly whispered in an ear, takes over the mind and assaults the body with its wildest desires.
He was walking in a wide open field, the grassy hilltops were gently caressed by the morning breeze.
His mother was with him; they both had decided to take a brief stroll away from the bustling chaos of the city. He sensed something in the air, as if that morning could bring him new opportunities. He felt like adventuring, exploring, meeting new faces. It had been rare for his curiosity to be aroused that much. His very soul was happy and deeply grateful to be alive.
"You look well. I'm glad" his mother said, "I was worried your lungs couldnt take it".
"I'm perfectly fine, mother. You dont have to worry about me. Really I'm alright. Should anything weird happen, I will inform you posthaste".
He was a good boy, always had been. By design and by force of will. Since his conception, his traits had never shown signs of decay nor subversion. There was no chance for him to break away from his set path. All he had to do was follow it and listen carefully to his mother's teachings.
But that day, everything changed, for there was one lesson that his mother could not impart him.
While they were walking down a small slope, the two saw a group of human kids playing. At first, he wanted to join them. His natural good will and friendly attitude made it irresistible, he just loved playing with others, especially hide and seek or play ball. However, his mother's firm grasp prevented him from moving any farther.
"Why are you stopping me, mother? Cant I play with those kids? They look very happy!" he protested softly. His innocent smile at the time would have melted even the most hardened hearts. But she knew that it could not be helped. That would have been his first taste of reality.
"Come closer, my son. Keep your voice down and watch". She gently took him by the shoulders and kept his little body near her bosom, where its warmness could have kept his spirit soft.
Looking closer, the young boy discovered that the kids werent alone. They had found a puppy, a beautiful white dog with a lustrous mantle. But they were not playing with it: while two of them kept the animal standing in place, grabbing its legs firmly with both hands, two others were beating it with a stick. At first not too hard, but as the game progressed they swung as mercilessly as they could.
"Rawr! Rawr! I am the monster of the lake! Rawrr!"
"We must defeat it! Hurry up, get it done or he will destroy the village!"
They seemed to be having fun, completely absorbed in their play. Their faces were pure and innocent. None of them appeared to realize that the animal was in pain; they kept beating the dog on its legs, paws, back and muzzle, sometimes chanting a mockingly happy tune, other times rhythmically kicking its ribs while rolling it to the side.
"Monster! Monster! Die! Die!" they kept shouting, smiling softly while playfully tearing one of its teeth apart "The monster of the lake must die! We are the best adventurers ever!"
The dog's agonizing barks were nothing to them. If anything, the more the animal struggled, the harder they wanted to beat it. When it started crying, they spat on its muzzle and laughed it off as a sign of weakness.
"It is time to return to the village! Triumph is ours, my friends!" the leader of the group had suddenly taken up the challenge "we must reunite with the others and find an even bigger threat to defeat! Onward, to victory!"
Saying that, the kid approached the crying animal and smashed what little remained of the dog's tooth, ripping it off. He put it in his pocket as a memento of his bravery, a true sign of adulthood in the eyes of them all, a tangible proof of maturity and power. Having asserted dominance over an inferior being, the group left the field as if nothing had happened. Bored of that game, they probably sought after a new adventure.
The boy however, was not willing to find out. He had tried to avert his gaze multiple times, but it was just not possible. Witnessing their cruel play had been a terrible novelty, one that he was not prepared for.
His big watery eyes were full of sorrow yet to manifest. His little clenched fists were warm, for his mother's strong hands had been wrapped around them. His heart was beating at an unsteady rate.
"Why... why did they do that, mother?" he timidly asked, trying his best not to sob too hard "why do kids not play nice? There are so many games they could have played... then why..."
His mother didnt reply. She stood up and invited him to do the same.
"Come, our job starts now".
They approached the site in which the group had performed that twisted game. The dog was still alive, albeit barely so. Its pitiful condition finally broke the boy. He could not stand silent any longer, his tears flowing freely down his cheeks.
Saliva, blood and stomach acids were scattered everywhere around the poor animal. Its legs shook violently at small intervals, moved by the painful spasms of Death fast approaching.
The barest thread of life moved it. But both its mind and its spirit, once pure and happy, had been torn asunder.
"This shall be a lesson for you to learn" the boy's mother started speaking in a somber tone "this is also the nature of human beings".
"The... nature of human beings?"
The woman knelt and caressed the dog's muzzle. Then, she recited a spell that the boy had heard a couple times before, something made to calm the heart and help the body recover. The animal's spasms soon came to an end. The healing process slowly took hold of its body.
"Yes. Human beings in their purest form are cruel and evil".
"But how can that be? They were... kids..."
"Indeed my son. Children do not possess empathy. Do you know what empathy is?"
"I think I do. It is... feeling, right?"
"Not exactly. Empathy is the ability to recognize someone else's feelings and act as if they were your own. That is the primary tool for us to feel pity, the need to help others, and the will to preserve someone else's life".
As she spoke, the woman helped the poor dog stand on its legs, one step at a time. The animal licked her fingers as a sign of gratitude.
"Born without it, children are inherently cruel. The mark of sin is imposed upon them from the moment they reach into the light, and never truly leaves them. With time, adults will give them proper direction and make them follow a more righteous path".
"This is so difficult to understand... it truly is mother".
"I'm sorry. I suppose I could explain it in easier terms. Let's see... the difference between animals and humans is that the former do not attack without reason. They do not hunt as a sport, nor needlessly kill. They desire to live in peace and follow their instinct to preserve their own territory. Their social structure revolves around the need for food. The latter however, are the rulers of the world. The majority of humans live off of their deepest, darkest desires. They will kill to pass the time, hunt in hopes to get a medal or a shiny coin, and destroy as a means of attaining pleasure".
The boy was shocked and horrified. His visage was covered in tears and his soul mirrored it. For the briefest moment, he felt like hurting those kids.
"Then... what should we do? Should we punish them? Should we make them suffer?"
The boy's mother invited the dog to come closer. Reassured, the animal sank its muzzle on her bosom. She hugged the animal with the smallest amount of pressure as to not disturb the delicate healing process.
"I've been a human too once, you know?"
"What?! I cant believe it. You're joking right?"
"No my son. It is the truth. The world where I come from is far more cruel than this one. And I was among the humans who both inflicted and received pain aplenty. One day I will tell you more, but for now, please believe me. I am not without sin. Nobody is".
"Not even me?" the boy was extremely concerned.
"You are not human, you were born with empathy and kindness" she spoke softly with a tender smile "your nature is different than ours. Not a human, nor an NPC. I told you already, didnt I? Do not concern yourself with it for now".
She took a deep breath and continued, gazing at the morning sun. "It is said that dogs see humans as gods. To them, they are everything: a companion, a family member, a friend, a provider. They are deeply grateful and they demonstrate it with play, gifts, affection and submission".
The boy noticed that the dog she was hugging had started sleeping peacefully. His heavy heart seemed to be weighing a little less.
"But... What kind of god would do that to its subjects? Why do gods treat their followers so badly?"
"Precisely. I'm glad you get it" the woman nodded firmly "humans have many sides. They can be kind and cruel, helpful and spiteful, good and evil. And all of those coexist in the same individual. Just like humans towards us, dogs feel the full extent of their wrath and their benevolence. And so I ask you, what kind of god do you want to be to humans? One that is vindictive and cruel, or a force of good?"
"I dont know... I dont know..." the boy seemed conflicted. All this information clashed with his little world. On one hand he wanted to be good. But on the other, he also wanted to see the wicked punished. And if all humans were as cruel and merciless as those kids, he could not just let them go.
"Mother... What is a human then? Is it evil? Or good?"
"Both. They struggle with their inner sinful nature from the moment they are born" she answered honestly "it is up to them to find their own way of life. We cannot decide it for them".
"So a god is someone that is just doing nothing? Do gods just watch in silence?"
"Sometimes yes, that is correct".
"That doesnt sound right... a god should punish the cruel and the wicked. What good is it if we just stand there doing nothing? We should be active, do everything we can to participate in their lives and make sure they dont kill themselves".
"It is sound reasoning, my son. Yet, they will come to hate us".
"But why?! If we explain everything to them calmly, surely they will understand...!"
"I wish you were right. I truly do".
The woman let go of the dog, who had suddenly woken up. The animal seemed to bow playfully, then it started sniffing around the area and left her swiftly. Healed and free, it sought after new scents led by its instinctual curiosity.
"If they find it again, those kids might hurt it a second time" the boy shook his head in shame "why dont we just take it home? Or we could cast a spell to make it stronger than them, so it can attack them first".
"And what good would that do?"
"Well it could defend itself!"
"By attacking first?"
"I... I dont know... why is this so complicated?!"
His mother laughed softly with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"It will come a time when you will need to make a decision. Something that you dont want to deal with. A grave danger. You must be brave and find the answer. Nobody else can choose for you. I can only guide you towards it, and sometimes... the answer will involve you doing nothing".
"doing nothing..."
"...doing nothing..."
"...nothing."
These words echoed in Flannar's mind. A flash of light passed by his tired gaze, distracting him from his current activity. Half asleep, his hands were still firmly grasping Cledna's wrist.
He had been waiting for hours. High priests and magic casters alike had assured him she would recover soon and awake from her slumber.
"I hope she remembers who did it. Who defiled her body and toyed with it". His incessant thought process was fixated on a single point: revenge.
"Why did I remember that time just now? It's not fair. It simply isnt". He moved away from Cledna's bed for a moment. He stood up and walked towards the entrance, ensuring that nobody would be around.
"What am I supposed to do? The Sorcerer King is but a fraction of the problem. The more time passes, the worse it gets... it is so difficult to love others. Why is it, mother? Why do I feel so much hatred inside me?"
Flannar shouted at the top of his lungs. An angry sound akin to a wild beast ready to strike came out of him. Then, his fist clashed with the hard stone wall, sinking into it up to his elbow. He didnt know why he felt the need to be so violent, but even in godhood his inner self felt the deep sorrow that came with knowing who his subjects were.
"To love humans means to be able to suffer with them. To pity them. To accept their cruelty. Mother could do that, but I dont know... I still dont know if I can".
He had sought to embroider a speech worthy of his own status as protector of the city for several days. He wanted to inspire and restore faith in the power of the government, to pacify rebellious souls and clarify his own position towards his subjects. However, the more he thought about it, the less he liked the idea.
Bormeliar had drafted a preliminary sketch of how the ceremony should take place, with an emphasis on customs and dignity. Flannar however was alien to all of that. He had always embraced his mother's teachings, taking his role to the letter.
"I was a fool for not intervening sooner" he thought "yet mother wanted me to stay out of it... which one is the right course of action? What can a god even do against their subjects' own stupidity?"
His heart was under the same crushing weight it had been that day. The day he witnessed an animal being brutally beaten by those whom he needed to protect.
He felt desperate; somehow, his anger shifted several times, until he finally settled for a suitable target. He chose to address Him directly.
"Why have you made them like that?! Why do I have to be patient with them, these vile creatures, so cruel and miserable in their ineptitude? Why do you want me to suffer with them? Did mother really do anything worthy of punishment? Is this your vengeance, breaking her son to the point of madness?!"
But the God of men and gods alike would not answer his call. Reality stood still, silent, immobile.
There was no way for him to know if He even listened. Perhaps that was His way of making free will manifest, Flannar thought.
"Hmph. What a cruel joke. How impotent a god truly is". Finding satisfaction in mocking someone else's deity was impossible, especially someone who belonged to another world and would not realistically be able to hear him. Flannar would not sink that low; his momentary outburst ceased soon after, repressed by a long sigh.
"... brother?" a feeble voice called out to him.
"Cledna! Finally, you are awake! What a joy to be able to hear your voice again!" it truly was as such, Flannar could not contain his excitement. he quickly jumped back next to her, wrapping his hands around the tips of her fingers.
"It's been far too long. I was careless, forgive me if you can. It's all my fault".
"No brother, dont say that. I am to blame for it. I have been far too trusting of others... it is just as you said when we last met. I should have listened more carefully".
"What happened exactly? Can you recall who did this to you?" Flannar indicated her scars, still partly visible even through her reborn body.
"That... no, I dont. All I remember is that I was assisting a band of robbers and thieves, a guild of misfits from the east. I chose to trust them because they had women and children among their ranks. I was born with an evil alignment after all, I didnt see anything wrong with their actions. When lady Hilda changed me, my psyche must have been torn between two worlds.. good and evil, which one was it? What I feel towards people now... I-Is complicated. I guess... I feel closer to them than before".
A brief pause ensued, then she kept going "I know it sounds crazy hearing this from me after so long, but I want to love people, brother. There is no reason for me not to".
"You say that despite their blatant lies and cruelty? Why, what moves you towards them?"
"You see... even if some of them are as evil as I once was, lady Hilda believed in the power of change". She blushed, suddenly realizing that her hands were lovingly caressing Flannar's palms "there is no reason to doubt it. They are rash and malicious in their innocence but still, they're also inventive, artistic and just in their ingenuity. You know... just like you, remember? What we shared, I chose not to blame you for it".
"If I ever forget that moment, I would never forgive myself for it" Flannar nodded firmly, his voice slightly shaky.
"Brother... There is no reason to reminisce about it now, is it? Why dont you keep me company instead? Let's just... enjoy the moment?"
Cledna playfully poked one of Flannar's snakes still nesting around his head; it gently submitted and let her pet it, sharing a low hiss of satisfaction.
"You're right, I apologize. I promise that from now on I will work on your settings and adjust your perception of what good and evil is. I will guide you through it, just like you guided me that time". Flannar was deeply grateful to her. When she was born they had yet to know one another. He was just a concept of her mother's genius mind; when she used the forbidden technology to bring him into the world, a sin was born. She had called it "beta testing", the most sinful act a human could do.
Shortly after, they got thrusted into that new world full of mystery. From that moment forward, their minds had been shaped differently, and so did their bodies.
Flannar's existence was merely possible by the act of sin. Built from forbidden knowledge, in a way that was unnatural and dangerous. He should have died upon entering the New World, yet he still lived. And that was possible solely through sacrifice.
"I feel vengeful at times. It's so hard to muster the courage to not act" he confessed, embracing his sister with sincere affection "especially now that my sense of protection is being challenged by these feelings. I want to protect this city with all my heart, yet part of its inhabitants detest me or outright want me dead without reason. I feel the restlessness as the Sorcerer King approaches and sides are taken. I fear a civil war will break out soon, but I want to avoid it at all costs. Yet... what can I even do to stop it?" he looked at the ceiling as if his gaze could pierce through it and reach the clear sky, "words are just words in the end. Is it finally time to act? Should I finally become a tangible presence in my subjects' lives?"
"Do you want my honest opinion, dearest brother?" Cledna closed her eyes.
"If you wish to speak I will not stop you".
"First, tell me. Do you want to find my assailants even after what I said? and if so... will you kill them?"
"... I do. How could I not? And the least they deserve is death".
Cledna sighed softly, gently shaking her head. "Then my answer is clear. Dearest brother, you are not a king. You have been taught to be wielder of godhood, isnt that right? Being a god is very different... mother would not approve".
"Not a king..." Flannar seemed to be in doubt. That statement reached him deep within. He had never even considered the possibility that his authority on his own domain could be questioned that way. Was it even his own domain, then? He didnt know. But the sound of it all gave his soul a bit of solace.
"Thank you, Cledna. Should I need to be reminded of it, could you suggest this to me again?"
"Huh? Really, you mean it?" her eyes sparkled with curiosity and self awareness "that's surprising! But sure, I'll be right beside you if you need me to. We have to catch up on so many things...".
The conversation proceeded smoothly for well over an hour. They told each other everything. Their current situation, their desires for the future, their plans for the city. It felt as if Cledna had never left. That bridge between decades was soon filled. To Flannar, a decade was nothing of note. Most people's lives could be summed up in one sentence or less. That was also part of why he was so reluctant. He felt like he could not understand beings with such a small lifespan, yet he was responsible for them. And the indecisiveness that ravaged his troubled heart had him cornered.
Cledna was a ray of light; her mere presence made him aware that his point of view could be finally challenged by someone that deeply understood him. With his mother gone, only she could save him. At least, that is what he had started to believe.
A flash of red lightning came about from one of the windows. Flannar's lips froze.
"My lord! I found it! I found it!" Cyrus was finally back. His precious servant pointed his big blue eyes over Cledna's pale visage and exposed a satisfied grin.
"Ah! And she is awake as well! This is wonderful!" the vampire jumped off and knelt in front of her.
"My joy is immeasurable today. I get to finally be reunited with you two, after so long...".
"Good work, Cyrus. You took a lot longer than expected, please give us a full report".
"Well... here is my report, my lord" Cyrus exposed his hands for Flannar to see. His palms were bloody, they had been cut multiple times.
"Goodness! Doesnt that hurt?" Cledna tried to stand up to help him, but her strength hadnt come back just yet.
"Oh believe me, this is nothing but proof of my devotion" Cyrus licked his lips maliciously, "I have killed so many filthy humans to get this far. These worthless assassins thought they could stop me, Ah! What a stupid thing to say!"
"Did you identify them? How many were there?"
"I didnt count, apologies my lord. I was in a... bit of a frenzy" he replied, looking away with a malignant smirk "it is certain that there were more than a few dozens. They were all well armed and very much prepared for battle. But of course, none of them could stand a chance. I had about 5 minutes of pure fun!"
The vampire performed a quick backwards flip, then he bowed.
"So it is true, humans stole Rose & Chrysanthemum. That's hard to believe".
"Indeed my lord. It's impressive, maybe too impressive" Cyrus continued "their equipment was way too advanced for regular thieves, and their weaponry was too good. Way too good, in fact. I recognized at least a couple artifacts that had been stolen from the cathedral as well. I thought it best to inform you as soon as possible".
"What a travesty" Cledna lowered her gaze "they cant even respect the sacredness of our church".
"That's no ordinary traveler, Cledna. We are talking about the Sorcerer King. Who knows what kind of nefarious scheme he's thinking about right now".
Flannar looked back at Cyrus and smiled "You've done well, my friend. Where is Rose & Chrysanthemum located?"
"Actually... about that..." the vampire fidgeted, looking away "there was... a small problem..."
"What kind of problem?"
"A level 100 appeared. A great presence of mind, a legendary manipulator, my lord. Given my state of frenzy, I was easily vulnerable to his games".
"... you... did you let one of the Sorcerer King's servants into your head?!"
"N-No! I would never!" Cyrus curled up into a ball and covered his pointy ears "please dont think less of me. I let myself go, I made a mistake".
To say that Flannar was disappointed would be an understatement. Yet he had no choice but to let the matter go.
"Alright then, where did you last see Rose & Chrysanthemum?"
"It was being protected in a deep cave. I have cleaned them all from any band of robbers and thieves, so they are now freely explorable. I can take you right away if you so desire".
"Wait, you said manipulator earlier, correct?"
"Yes, precisely my lord, why?"
"... Demiurge..." Flannar's grey matter put 2 and 2 together. The information provided during Solution Epsilon's interrogation would prove crucial.
"What does that mean, my lord?"
"Trouble... it means trouble". He moved away from Cledna's bed and contemplated the scenery outside. The plan had been swept by a massive amount of fog for several days, but it was about to clear out.
"We need to act fast. I doubt Rose & Chrysanthemum is still inside that cave. And... I need to speak with this Demiurge''.
"Y-You do, my lord?"
Flannar nodded. He was determined to not let this opportunity go.
"Prepare a small carriage and arrange for a coffin".
"A... coffin?!"
.
"Ah, what a long day!" Mare was a bit disappointed. He had thought it reasonable to find Plurimo there to greet him, but it appeared that his friend was not in his usual hiding spot.
"Come out! Umm, Plurimo, come out! I brought you some guests!"
Nothing. The little elf was alone in the middle of the plain. A long shadow could be seen approaching from their immediate right.
"Greetings lord Mare. How have you been?" a gentle voice came about to meet his ears.
"Ah, Entoma. I'm fine, everything is going well. Is Demiurge still around?"
"Yes. Lord Demiurge was investigating something over there" she indicated a small patch of land unfazed by the elements. Upon closer inspection, Mare could see Ainz Ooal Gown there as well.
"Ah! That's perfect! Umm, could you please remain here? It wont be long. I'm going to get someone to find Plurimo so,, so dont worry".
His guests nodded. Both Bley and Risélla sat on the hilltop, waiting next to a large trunk that had been cut and arranged in the shape of a large couch. On top of it, a selection of teapots and plates had been brought so that the "prisoner" could eat to his heart's content. A selection of precious tomes personally picked by Mare had been put next to them, so that he could read as much as he wanted.
"This looks like a cozy place. Do all their prisoners receive the same treatment?" Risélla was both impressed and surprised. She expected to be escorted in a dark dungeon and left there to die, yet her accommodation looked more like an improvised picnic.
"Look, look! Plurimo might be over there!" an excited Bley pointed at a large slab not too far from the hill, "what do you say?! I want to see if my love is hiding under these rocks!"
"I uh... sure why not, be my guest. I will not stop you" Risélla replied. But her doll companion did not even wait for her reply: off she went, as fast as the wind, looking in all directions, scanning the area with the eyes of a fox and sharp teeth exposed.
"I hope I can find him before she does" the poor girl sighed and resigned to her fate. Even then, her mind went to her beloved friend and coworker. Will it be over soon, she wondered? That largely depended on her own diplomatic skills and his resolve.
"Good day, lord Ainz!" Mare cheerfully greeted his master. They had seen eachother briefly a few days earlier, yet there hadnt been time to chat. The elf was looking at his large robes expectantly.
"Ah Mare, good day to you. I see you are doing well. I'm so glad. That bruise of yours, are you still willing to keep it?"
"Yes, ple, please. I wish to keep it as a memento of my bravery!" Mare stated cheerfully, as if a scar could grant him a special status that he himself wasnt aware of.
"Hmmm. Very well. Although I still dont know why you need it so badly. Remember, hurting oneself accidentally like that is all but a sign of maturity. Be more careful next time". Lord Ainz did not expect him to have hurt himself: during the very few occasions any harm could have come close to making him suffer for real, he had personally dealt swift punishment to the offenders. Yet in this case he could see clearly in his subordinate's eyes that there was a true need for validation. Even though he could not understand it himself, he had decided to let the matter go. A small favor, an insignificant price to pay to see him happy.
"My lord, I need your attention please. This is important" Demiurge insisted while adjusting his glasses. He looked extremely impatient, more so than usual. Ainz felt it necessary to roleplay as best as he could to boost his morale. If Nazarick's best strategist had wanted him to come all the way to that place there must have been a very good reason.
"Sorry Mare, can we speak later? There are matters of the utmost importance that I need to attend to" he affirmed with solemnity and vigor. Suzuki Satoru wondered if he had exaggerated, seeing as Mare recoiled a little and began to look in all directions.
"A-Actually, about that..." he began to explain, "lord Ainz, please... I need to talk to you about the plan. I... I dont think it's wise to proceed now".
"Plan? What plan?" Satoru pondered with bated breath "Demiurge didnt mention any plan! Am I late to my own party as usual?!"
"Naturally, lord Ainz knows what is best for us. Therefore it stands to reason that he must assert his position over this matter" Demiurge stated with a smirk "Moreover, you hurt yourself during survey of the area at hand. Therefore I must reiterate, you cannot participate in our initial operation. Lord Ainz, please, specify this as well. Mare cannot and will not participate under any circumstance, do you agree with this statement?"
"Well I... Hmm. If you deem it necessary then I wont object" Ainz thought it best to let Demiurge handle it, after all he was ready to give more autonomy to his subordinates even in this endeavour. He knew that Demiurge was the most keen on using force among his peers, but what else could he have done if not support his schemes? For the time being, he decided that he would squeeze more info out of him.
"But lord Ainz, please! I dont believe this is the right time!" Mare's protests started to grow more intense. For the very first time in years, his master was looking at a different individual than who he was used to. His visage was more mature, his voice had grown stronger, his passion could be felt through his intense gaze. In a way, Ainz was extremely proud of Mare. He truly considered him his own child at that point, because among those who had followed him until that moment he was the most rebellious, intelligent and sensitive. He did not blindly follow his orders nor was willing to wage war as easily, on the contrary he seemed willing to challenge them. And for that alone, his growing human heart which had been buried deep inside his own chasm had started to beat again, albeit slowly.
"Are you refusing to follow lord Ainz's orders?" Demiurge shook his head a little "must I remind you that my plan has been approved? The sooner we act, the better. We should not let the enemy have any time to organize".
"But... what enemy?" Mare's eyes seemed to have been clouded by a small cluster of tears.
"Hold on, Demiurge. Let me talk to him".
"Oh? But of course my lord, I must apologize for my audacious remarks, I did not intend to usurp your magnanimous counseling".
That said, the demon bowed deeply and took a few steps backwards. Ainz thought that was his chance to know more about the situation, so he gently pushed Mare's arm and invited him to follow.
They found themselves at the edge of Nazarick's encampment, where only the two of them stood amidst the rocky formations.
"Demiurge told me about his plan" lord Ainz started speaking with a slightly less authoritative tone, "but it appears that you are not very fond of it. Why is that? Can you elaborate on it more? I want to know your opinion in great detail".
"Thank you lord Ainz, I really appreciate it" Mare cleared his throat and took a deep breath. That was the very first time he had the courage and the will to speak up for himself in front of him without his sister noticing. It felt like the world could collapse on his head at any second.
"In short... n-no wait, I'd better start from the beginning. As, As Demiurge stated, his preemptive measures require us to corner the inhabitants of the city and strip them of any supplies. That, that will be easy we simply need to seize their crops and take the merchants' district for ourselves. Solution was doing just that... she, she should've been here by now but she hasnt come back yet. So, so Demiurge thinks that the inhabitants have a secret ace up their sleeve".
Upon hearing that, Ainz felt conflicting emotions. Nobody in the world would be willing to confront Solution openly, and very few could even lay a finger on her. Moreover, Demiurge's weekly reports spoke of inferior beings who were both weak and unwilling to fight for themselves.
"Hmmm. Are you sure? Solution is a very independent woman, can you swear that she has been taken prisoner?"
"I-I dont know lord Ainz. But I am willing to find out if you let me".
"No, that wont be necessary for now. Do go on, I wish to know everything".
"Alright... we-well, umm, you know when I told you that this bruise was an accident? And that I caused it myself?"
"... yes?"
Ainz Ooal Gown's skeletal visage would have been even more pale if he had retained even a fraction of his human qualities. Mare decided to let it all out, for his own sake as well. It was a gamble that he was willing to take.
"Well... I didnt. It was caused by a collision".
"A collision? With what?"
"With... a person I was fighting against".
Ainz didnt know if what he felt was Suzuki Satoru's own anger as a surrogate parent, or his own demonic rage as a roleplayer with a vicious disgust for humanity as a whole. In the few seconds that followed, the earth itself trembled and a few rocks cracked wide open all around the perimeter.
"So... you fought someone capable of hurting you, is that what you are saying?" his tone had shifted yet again. Keeping his emotions in check without magic seemed an herculean feat, yet he vehemently wished to do so with his own willpower.
"Apparently, ye, yes. But! Please dont be angry. He is not strong enough to do any damage to me, and it was all my fault. I shouldnt have started it. We, we were simply having a disagreement on something. Demiurge thought it best to, to kill this person as an act of vengeance and devotion towards you, lord Ainz. But... but!"
Mare took a brief look towards Bley and Risélla, both searching for Plurimo as they spoke.
"This is the first time in years... years... when I finally felt like people were not afraid of me. You, you know how our fame precedes us?"
"Of course. We represent the only empire on this earth, a bastion of greatness for all races!" Ainz made a broad gesture with his arm as if he was embracing the whole world in a single motion, "We are benevolent towards those who reside under our glorious banner!"
"I know, lord Ainz. But... these people dont. And... I dont think we should make them choose, not like this"'.
"Surprising. What else did Demiurge say? You seem very troubled, there must be more to that".
"Actually, yes there is" Mare's stance suddenly appeared weaker, as if he was unsure of what to do next, "he proposed to capture and vivisect that person and all his peers. That includes... my friend".
"Hmm? You made a friend? That's remarkable, I'm happy for you. Where is he now?"
"I-I did! He is a calm and reflective person, you see? I think... I think I like him a lot. His name is Plurimo, and he is a resident of the city. I got to know him better while exploring with Narberal. I'm, I'm eager to know more about his city, and the myths of his people, and all kinds of stories!"
Satoru was now truly intrigued. Such a display of interest was rare for his subordinates, who usually took for granted any territory they conquered, and did not get along with any other race nor tried to appeal to their inner emotions that often. Perhaps it was possible that, being so young and naive, Mare had developed a more vast interest towards other cultures than what Ainz himself had anticipated. The thrill of having found a possible successor caressed his imagination for just a second. Before his thought process returned to reality, he had imagined his experiments finally bearing fruit.
"I see. So you dont want to lose your friend, is that it?"
"Yes! Pre, precisely my lord!"
"Well then... I dont see the problem. Bring him to me and I'll have him shielded from any harm during the execution of Demiurge's plan".
"Ah! But, but in so doing, Demiurge will command a large legion of demihumans to level the city! My, my friend wont have a house to return to anymore".
"Is that bad? He can stay with us if you so desire. I will make sure that his talents can be put to good use, if he has any".
"Thank you lord Ainz. That is a reassuring thought. Still... I dont think he wants his city destroyed. Umm, maybe we could parley with them?"
"You seem adamant on this particular issue. Very well, I shall consider your proposal. Do note that I will always select the best course of action for Nazarick however, so I cannot make any promises".
"Of, of course! I want what's best for Nazarick too! So, so umm, please consider it".
Mare bowed deeply, then he waited for Ainz to say something, anything, that could ease his tension. Yet, nothing came out of his mouth. The Sorcerer King moved away a few paces, deep in thought.
"Empathy... so this is what it feels like..." a spark seemed to have hit his brain. There had been a time, long, long ago... when even him had felt it. Deep inside, when he was little. A chance encounter, someone who promised to give him a future. Those blue eyes appeared briefly as a reminder of days long past.
"Mare, do you remember what I desire most for Nazarick? What is our ultimate goal?"
"Of course my lord! We, we umm need to unify the world through conquest and make it ours. This way... everyone will be living under the same banner".
"Precisely. Therefore, even if you may not understand it now, one day these people will thank us. For the time being, we need to be stronger, faster, more powerful. Our dominance shall be absolute, and our benevolence greater than any conquest. Do you agree to my vision?"
"Ye-yes my lord! It is our top priority to be the strongest and the most powerful!" the little elf rejoiced at that statement.
"Indeed. Then we shall proceed to the next phase. Tell me more about Demiurge's plan, I want every detail. Explain to me how you'd do things without harming those whom you think do not deserve it at this time".
"Ah! You're, you're too generous lord Ainz! I love you!" Mare was about to hug him, however his duty came first and foremost so he barely managed to keep his composure.
There they covered all major points of Demiurge's plan. Ainz got a glimpse into his scheme, however he could not fathom why he would go as far as to level the city to the ground. Moreover, there seemed to be details that had been omitted from his report. In particular, he was curious about one of his personal bodyguards going missing.
"Say, Mare. What happened to Greed? I received a report that seemed fabricated. It would appear that he has been missing for quite a while. I dont like it".
"I second your concerns lord, lord Ainz. Umm, to tell you the truth, I wasnt around when he disappeared. I only, only know this because I overheard Demiurge talking about it. But, but... he couldnt be beaten by anyone inside the city, could he? I'm sure that, that no matter how strong these creatures are, nobody can best him alone".
"I see. I trust your judgment then".
While they were talking, Ainz felt a ringing sound in his ear. Someone must have been eager to contact him for some unknown reason. Reaching out to his invisible yet ever present inventory felt natural to him. He pulled out a small mirror; in a flash, Sebas' visage materialized on its surface.
"We were in the middle of an important meeting. What happened? You seem in distress".
"Pardon my manners lord Ainz, but this is urgent. You certainly remember my concerns about some of our maids going missing as of recently".
"I do. Get to the point, Sebas. What of them?"
"We found them... like this".
The butler swiftly moved away, letting Ainz look at his surroundings through the mirror. A horrific scenario made the Supreme Being's ethereal blood boil.
They had been murdered, their arms and legs chopped off, their once beautiful bodies horribly mutilated and viciously attacked with ferocity compared to the most savage of demons. Large pools of dried up blood and trails of feces and viscera oozing out from every corner of the room, forcibly removed tongues and eyes, earlobes ripped apart.
"What in the hell is this?! Who could have done it?! I want them found, Sebas. No matter how long it takes". Ainz was furious, his mind went into full panic. There were aspects of his life which he simply had no control over, and a large multiracial empire such as his own was very hard to keep track of and manage already. But that... was a strike to the very heart of his civilization. A direct hit to his domain, a challenge that he needed to respond to in kind.
"Yes my lord. I'm on it. This is unexcuseable, even for a resident of Nazarick. What shall I do with them once I find them?"
"Inform me immediately. I want them captured. No matter who it may be, I wish to have them brought to me alive".
"As you command my lord. Then, I'll be leaving you to your meeting-"
"One more thing, Sebas. Where have you found them?"
"Most of the bodies had been piled up in a service corridor below Shalltear's quarters. However, there is no way for her to have done it, as you know she is far from Nazarick at this time, serving as the dual queen of the unified southern regions alongside Aura. My best guess at the moment would be... no, I'll leave it for later, apologies my lord. I want to collect more evidence first".
"Make it quietly and discreetly, Sebas. I want everyone else to keep on working with the foreign diplomats. No scandal shall transpire from this, do you understand? I need all peace treaties signed by the end of it".
"It will be done, lord Ainz".
The communication ended. A mixture of anger, panic and sadness took hold of Ainz's mind. Soon, he realized that he had to enable the Emotional Suppressor again. Part of him didnt want to go through with it, but displaying so many emotions at once would be bad for his image.
A long and heavy-hearted debate would soon ensue between him and Demiurge, and when the two would share info regarding the recent events, he was sure that more unanswered questions would pile up and eventually doubt would seep in. What could Ainz do to quell the relentless, unyielding anxiety that soon promised to erupt into yet another large scale war? Would he be able to keep Mare's words into account?
With each step, his resolve seemed to waver.