(No difference of T or M versions of this chapter)
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: a Duel of words
Momonga appeared with Aura and Mare. they were standing in front of a building. Above it was the words "Bubbling Teapot", reference to Bukubukuchagama, their creator. He was in huis Dark Elf form.
"What is?" Mare asked but Momonga just showed them in the front door. The was a cute brown haired girl standing at a small desk. It was Ninya of Foresight. She perked up when they entered.
"Oh! Our very first customers on our opening day!" Ninya exclaimed. Aura and Mare seemed confused. They looked at Ninya.
"So then three?" Ninya asked and Momonga nodded. She lead the three to a table and they all sat around it. Aura and Amre looked around. There were rows of tables and chairs at them like they sat at. they were all well decorated with candles and silver wear. the lighting was low but nice and soft music played from somewhere unseen. The carpets were a dark red with matching walls that had magically lit lamps hanging from the ceiling. On the walls were pictures, or rather paintings of Peroroncino and Bukubukuchagama as decorations all over the restaurant.
"Lord Momonga, what is..." Aura began to ask as Pestonia came out with menus then she recognized this kind of setting when she had her date with Momonga, but it was nothing like this!"
"This is what is called a restaurant! You can come here whenever you want to get whatever you want to eat. Aura, i was thinking we could use this place for our dates, and Mare, you can bring Zesshi here as well. Mare's eyes lit up.
"Oh! Ca... Can we go on a double date? like all four of us?" he asked excitedly. Momonga nodded.
"Sure, that would be fine, right Aura?" he looked at her and she was all smiles.
"Of course Lord Momonga! I would love that!" she nodded as they all looked at the menu. Momonga already knew what he was going to get.
"All the newly added humans and others that still need food can come here whenever they want, and I want you two to also run this place! you can make food and staff choices, whatever you want, it's yours!" he announced. They looked at one another than him with huge smiles. soon Tuare, Ninya's sister came out to take their orders.
After they ordered and ate with light conversation in between it was time to get ready to meet the Emperor. the three of them left together after thanking everyone. He went to the throne room with Aura and Mare. Albedo was just walking in to meet them.
"Emperor Jircniv will be arriving soon, My Love." Albedo said as Yuri and Nerberal followed in behind her.
"Good, and Lupusregina and Solution are set to meet him when he arrives?" Albedo nodded.
"Yes along with The Death knights you created, they should be adequately impressed." She explained. He looked at her and noticed she had a slight bump on her belly.
"Oh, you are beginning to show with our child!" He said smiling as he was in his Dark Elf form. She beamed with joy.
"Yes! It has begun to show! Soon we will have your Godkin son or daughter!" She said putting her hands together. He took her hand and looked at her.
"That makes me very happy Albedo, you have served me perfectly as head of the floor guardians and my wife." Albedo let out a gasp and immediately turned began to blush.
"Sich words..." Tears began to form in her eyes. He laughed and kissed her.
"I hope you will make me many more!" He said smiling at her in his arms. She smiled and grabbed him.
"Oh, of course, My Love!" she exclaimed in joy. Yuri and Narberal smiled at how cute they were. They finally returned their attention to the Emperor.
"Alright, have the Emperor properly welcomed with food and drink... um, have those bacon-wrapped scallops prepared along with the juice. His mouth watered just thinking about it... he would defiantly have to have Pestonia make him some as well... She nodded with a smile.
After a little time had passed. Jircniv was led into his court. All the floor guardians, maids, and pero in an insectoid form for disguise. Jircniv, along with three of the four of his royal guard and the sorcerer known as Fluder whom he'd met previously in secret were all present. Albedo announced his presence.
"Announcing, Empire of The baharuth Empire Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix." He seemed properly seduced. His eyes would wander to each of the Floor Guardians and especially the women. Momonga hoped being in a humanoid form would lessen the tension, but Jircniv seemed to be incredibly on edge.
"Thank you for coming, Emperor Jirciv, Emperor of The Baharuthg Empire." He opened his arms in a welcoming manner.
"I am Lord and master of this tomb, the Great Tomb of Nazarick Momonga," He calmly said putting his chin on his hand.
"I sincerely thank you for welcoming us Master Momonga," Jircniv said clearly trying to remain calm.
"Lord Momonga, I believe it blasphemous for people clearly below you attempt to talk to you as if they were equals!" Demiurge in his frog form said.
"Bow down to Lord Momonga!" Demiurge said, using a passive ability that would allow him to control the actions of anything low enough level. Immediately the humans all fell to a prostration position before Momonga. Jircniv, who had an item to resist mind control remained standing.
"Stop, Demiurge!" Momonga said abruptly. Demiurge looked over his shoulder and nodded.
"Yes My Lord... You are free to move!" Demiurge said releasing his control of the humans. They all slowly stood looking at one another in concern. they seemed to understand that they were in the presence of beings that could strip your very free will from you with but a word. Momonga frowned at Demiurge, pretending to be displeased by this. In truth, this was all set up previously.
"We have done something very Rude. I'm sorry, as his Master I am to blame for his bad behavior, can I ever ask for your forgiveness Emperor?" Momonga asked. Jircniv seemed still to be in shock but quickly recovered, Momonga was impressed by how he was able to conduct himself under such, intentional stress. The mark of a good ruler he thought...
Maybe i could get this guy to give me some advice on ruling? But he knew that stupid to think to even ask.
"There is no need for apology Master Momonga, a subordinate misinterpreting the ordered of their master and act out of line is an unavoidable occurrence I'm afraid. I too have been stricken with this unavoidable occurrence... and someone from my Empire has done something similar. As embarrassed as I am to admit." He explained with a wry smile as a servant brought forth a clay pot.
"This is the head of the foolish noble who sent intruders to your land... please accept it with my apology that such a thing even happened, it is truly regrettable," Jircniv said while bowing of his own accord. He handed the urn to Demiurge who then brought it to Momonga. As expected there was a human head inside.
"Hmm, it seems like a waste to just get rid of it..." he muttered loud enough for Jrcniv to hear then cast [CREATE UNDEAD] and used the head as a permanent anchor for yet another Death Knight to be created. The head melted into a black sludge and fell to the floor. It molded and shaped itself for a little bit until it expanded and a familiar Black KInight with a full weapon loadout stood in it's place.
"Impossible!"
"It... it can't be!"
"What?"
The various sounds of shock and surprise really did please Mominga who smirked with a smug smile at them. It seems they understood the gap in power between them... as much as their minds could anyway, in reality, while an ant may have some understanding that the tree before it is many times bigger than itself. It will never be able to look up and see the vast difference after all.
"Go, join the others," Momonga commanded, turning his hand a few times in boredom. He noticed Jircniv was really looking at the women in the room more than anything, once the shock of the Death Knight appearing had worn off of course.
So he's impressed by the beauty of the women of Nazarick? he may be a man of culture after all. He mused with a smile to reflect this. The smile seemed to calm the minds of the rattled humans. Indeed, had he met them as his Overlord form he would probably be far too imposing, this way he would use his status to scare The Emperor while keeping the fact he was undead hidden. they would just assume he was a Dark Elf necromancer, something much more agreeable than a Lord of death itself.
"Now then, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix... " Jircnive bowed with a forced smile.
"Just Jircniv is fine Master Momonga."
"Is that so? Then Master Jircniv... since my subordinate acted so impolitely... I will disregard the unpleasantness your man caused this, my land. I was going to say you no longer will need to apologize, but as you have... I will simply accept it and allow you and all your people to safely leave. You may go home in peace."
"Huh?" Jircnivs jaw dropped open. He knew he was getting off the hook too easy, which would make him uncomfortable and suspicious.
"But, we are going to be a bit busy. You see, because of all of you, I now know trouble will find me no matter how secluded I planned on keeping this nation. We really only wanted to keep to ourselves and bother anyone, in turn, the peace and quiet we love so much would not be broken... but I see this simply will not happen." He pretended to be in deep thought while the humans looked on stunned.
"But you single-handedly saves The Holy Kingdom? that does not sound like someone who only wishes to keep to themselves." Momonga nodded.
"Indeed, that was something I just couldn't stand to watch as I learned about the surrounding lands during my travels. You see, I once fancied myself a kind of... savior, so I will help the weak that are truly in need. But this kindness is not a weakness... We will have to rise up decimate any and all that I think will impose on our peace and quiet once more, it really is more trouble than I want. However, it can't be helped." That was the big moment, Jircnivs next actions would dictate how easy the next step would be.
"Wait... what do you mean by that exactly?"
"Well first, anyone who would dare cause harm to us will be crushed without mercy, then the nations I deem troublesome will be next." The look of shock on the human's face was perfect. He motioned to Aura and Mare.
"As you see, these two, who are dear to me and myself are Dark Elves... as such I will bring my boot down on those that would dare inslave my race, oh... this included you're Empire I'm afraid... oh well, we make choices as rulers and our people live with the consequences... and die with them, it would seem." He shrugged at the fear and terror he saw on their faces.
"Wait! T... there is another way! Why not form an alliance instead?"
"You mean you'd serve us as slaves right?" Shalltear snickered but Aura kicked her in the ass.
"Hing!" SHalltear cried out in surprise.
"Don't speak!' Aura rebuking Shalltear. Momomga looked displeased.
"So noisy! I demand SILENCE!" Momonga bellowed out loudly. Aura and Shalltear immediately fell into line and shut up. However, Momonga shot Aura a fast wink that only she was able to see. She fought back the urge to grin stupidly. Jircniv too seemed impressed at this rehearsed action of his. He saw Jin trying to not laugh out of the corner of his eye.
"Um, why not just create a country in this land? You could rule over it officially as it's King! I believe it would be a worthy position of one... such as yourself Master Momonga! My Empire will back you and do everything is can to assist you in such an endeavor, also as a sign of goodwill I will immediately eradicate slavery in my country as well!" Jircniv pleaded his case and it was a good case.
"Hmm, I see... but what is in it for you Emperor Jircniv? I fail to see how this would benefit you, also it's worth noting I do not have an issue with slavery, it's even practiced her in Nazarick, I do not condone the slavery of my cherished ones and myself." Momonga said.
"Ah...I see, well I would seek to forge a friendly bond with you and your new nation, in hopes for a better and brighter future for us all!" Jircniv said opening up his arms as his entourage looked on at him in silent shock. Momonga pretended to take this under advisement but this was precisely what he had hoped to hear.
"I see... well then, I look forward to it." And that was it. Momonga didn't need to ask for subservience, he respected this man named Jircniv and in truth hoped to learn from him, in secret... he needed to see how a ruler should conduct himself and how to weigh decisions... nobody could help him with this, Jin least of all.
"I see! Then... that is wonderful!" Jircniv said clapping his hands once to show enthusiasm.
"If there is anything you wish of me, please tell me now so I may make it happen as soon as possible!" He offered with a warm and friendly smile that hid his true intent.
"Other than the release of your Empires Dark Elf slaves, to Nazarick for safekeeping... I cannot think of anythign else," Momonga honestly said.
"However, I would like a way to contact you quickly."
"I could leave My secretary with you! Loune Vermillion!" Jircniv motioned for the man he named and he came forth obediently.
"Very good, then I will leave Demiurge in your care. You have forgiven his earlier rudeness so I imagine there is no issue with this?" Demiurge stepped forth and took a bow.
"He is a trusted aid of mine and I am sure you will find his effort worthy of both our time," Jircniv did not seem at all pleased with this prospect, but he wasn't supposed to. Momonga smiled.
"Today is the birth of a great alliance! A day worthy of a national holiday!" Momonga said spreading open his arms. Jircniv simply smiled wryly and nodded.
"Yes... you are very right Master Momonga," Jircnive said smiling still.
That's is! I got exactly what I wanted! Nazarick can be recognized as a country now! He looked at Jin who was nodding as well, he must be glad their long road was coming to an end.
"Well then, I will have DEmiurge and your secretary hash out the details, if there is nothing else?"
"No Master Momonga, you've shown us incredible favor already, I only want to extend my thanks once more." Momonga nodded and they were lead out the way they came by the maids.
"Good, that went just as expected." Momonga smiled.
"Lord Momonga, may I ask a question... why not simply conquer his nation? why did you make him an ally and not serve under us?" Shalltear asked, looking up at Momonga in a face that meant she was struggling to follow what was happening.
"We needed justification." Albedo simply explained, but Shalltear still did not understand.
"Justification? I don't..."
"It would be all to easy to rule over any of the nations with power that we are collecting. A bit later down the road that will always give rise to enemies, which would give rise to never-ending infighting and attempted rebellions or coups. Simply put, I do not wish to rule over a world of ashes, or undead for that matter."
"I. SEE..." Cocytus said, pondering these words he'd just heard.
"S...So that was what you were thinking! Amazing!" Mare said smiling at him. But Demiurge only chuckled.
"Do you truly believe that is all there is to Lord Momonga's plan?
"Eh?" Everyone, including Momonga, asked looking confused at Demiurge.
"What more is there?" Shalltear asked still confused. Albedo laughed and Demiurge facepalmed.
"Good grief... Lord Momonga, would it be okay to explain to Shalltear the true scope of your plans? I think anyone else who may not understand would do well to hear this as well..." Demiurge asked Momonga
"A...As expected Demiurge, Albedo! you have realized my plans completely!" he was bluffing...
What true intentions did they realize?
"It really is amazing, to think you had this planned even when making the adventured Momon, truly a wise and strategic move to prevent the ruin of a country!
Momon? What does he have to do with anything? He had no idea what Demiurge was about to say!
"I... I still don't understand!" Shalltear whined.
"Demiurge, why not explain what it is that you realized in a way that everyone can understand?" Momonga said trying to hide his eagerness to also know.
"Certainly, you see, now Jircniv will be pressed to rebel against us, he will see us as the biggest possible threat and attempt to align the nations of man against us, however cleverly he may try to hide this act, it will be his goal. they will not trust him because he is not human, even if they do not know he is really undead. It is not in the interest of humans to trust those not like them... furthermore he will probably realize at some point that Fluder has betrayed him for us." Demiurge snickered.
"I see, so..." Shalltear began but demiurge kept on talking.
"He will realize there is not a single living being capable of standing against us, other than the ones in this very room. He may even try to get one of use to betray you, originally he would most likely target Mare or Aura. But after seeing you "are a Dark Elf" he may attempt someone else like Shalltear possibly.
"I'M LOYAL! I WOULD NEVER BETRAY MY LORDS AGAIN!" Shalltear suddenly cried out in a panic. Jin patted her back and whispered something to her and she smiled.
"But that is the way the Emperor will probably think and try to act upon it, smart people are easier to predict than fools as they will do "the right thing" most of the time," he explained.
"That is so foolish, there is no way we would betray Lord Momonga!" Aura said shaking her head.
"Maybe we should just destroy them? just um, be safe?" Mare added.
"That won't be necessary Mare, it is all going as my Love has predicted," Albedo said with a sweet smile, gazing upon him.
"Isn't that right My Love?" Albedo asked.
"E...Exactly as you say!"
"Lord Monmonga is always looking several steps ahead of everyone else. Without the Adventure team of Ainz Ooal Gown, holding E-Rantel would have to be strict and maybe even violent, Princess Renner might have worked as a substitute, luckily we will be able to keep her in the shadows.
"Indeed, I would actually like to talk with her one day!" Albedo said unexpectedly said.
"You will have a chance to meet with her soon," Demiurge then turned to Momonga.
"Now then, Lord Momonga... As you have planned from the very beginning, we are established enough to begin our plans for total world domination!" Momonga nodded slowly thinking.
"Yes, that's true... I, isn't it?"
"Indeed, there is but one thing we now need to decide... Just the title of "King" would not befitting. We must think of a title more fitting to your greatness!" Demiurge finally said.
"I see... then are there any suggestions of my so-called "new title"?" Momonga asked. Shalltear stood up first.
"I have a suggestion! I think we should exalt his beauty and call him the Beautiful king!" She exclaimed. Momonga shook his head no at that one.
"We should let people know how strong he is and call him the King of Power!" Aura added happily.
"Um, if I might make a suggestion... uh, we should call him the Kind King? People might like him better then!" Mare said clutching his staff happily.
"Personally, I would call him The Wise King, in testimony to his foresight and wisdom," Demiurge said respectfully.
"N...No please not that one..." Momonga muttered.
"Hmm, I'd call him the King, it seems more modest," Sebas said, stroking his beard.
"As he is the one that stands above all the other supreme beings, I'd call him the Supreme king!" Albedo said smiling. Jin gave her a "what the fuck" expression but she ignored it.
"What about you Cocytus?" Albedo asked.
"LORD. MOMONGA. WILL. SOO.N B.E RULING. OVER. THE. ENTIRE. WORLD. SO. THE. ONE. THAT. LEADS. BY. MAGIC. MY. INSPIRE. THEM. AS. SUCH. YOU. SHOULD. CALL. YOURSELF. THE. SORCERER. KING." he said as a burst of cold mist came from him.
"I would personally call him the Pure King as he has nothing but pure intentions for this world!" yuri said smiling. Everyone looked to Narberal as she was the only one yet to make a suggestion.
"I would call him the King of Death, as he can kill anything he chooses to." She said nodding satisfaction. They all looked at Momonga
"I... I liked Cocytuses suggestion the most. Our Kingdom is now established and I shall rule over it as The Sorcerer King, Momonga!" He announced.