"Wha…What?" Jircniv froze in shock, a stupefied expression on his face.

"I-it's true, Your Majesty. Even if the message system was completely unreliable, there were reports of screaming within a quarter mile radius."

Theorizing that an elf-slave would likely move as north and as far away from the Slane Theocracy as possible, a group of orichalcum-ranked adventurers had come across a secluded area where horrible cries filled the air to no end. The team had split, with one group as lookout and the other to explore the region. The latter had reported an encampment of demihumans and elves and a bloody scene that left them weak beyond words. Their own screams soon joined the mix, and it was the former group that knelt trembling before Jircniv now.

"Are you sure those were the same elves we bought from the Slane Theocracy?"

"I…no, Your Majesty, but their ears were cut."

Jircniv's mind raced furiously. Did the dark elf girl do this? Maybe she was upset that the Becky girl left her. But why torture the elf-slaves? Is she some kind of sadist? Unless…

Jircniv wanted to roll on the ground and scream. Unless this was all part of that damned skeleton's plan. To send an envoy capable of acting with such innocence that the enemy could not help but underestimate her. Perhaps Ainz Ooal Gown was only the last Supreme Being because he had no weaknesses. Perhaps he was the god that Jircniv had so valiantly believed in for the last few days. A sour taste filled his mouth. This was ridiculous. This was just all so ridiculous.

"Your Majesty, if I may speak…"

Jircniv glanced at the adventurer and nodded his consent as he fought down a crazed laugh. With the Sorcerer King checking his every move, all he could do now was to try and maintain his dignity as emperor.

"Why…why does that horrible place exist? It wasn't there before…and there were rumors that workers had been hired to transport elf-slaves just before you asked us to look for them. Did you build it to hold the elf-slaves that have displeased you?"

Ha…hah? Why are you blaming me for this? I was just as shock as you were, wasn't I?

Jircniv was vaguely aware of the criticism that was rippling quietly through the room. His reputation had plummeted since he had "asked" the Sorcerer King to annihilate the Kingdom's troops, and the last thing he needed was to be known as someone who enjoys brutally torturing those he didn't like as well. Jircniv resisted the urge to grab his head. He wanted to throw all the blame on the Sorcerer King, but that would only make him sound like an incompetent fool who was unaware of what was going on in his own territory.

"Ah…about that. I've been investigating that place myself, and it seems as if a powerful demon of sorts has taken residence there."

"A demon?"

"I-indeed." It was a far-fetched story pulled straight from his ass, but this was the lifeline that Jircniv now clung to.

"Could it be Jaldabaoth?"

He seriously believed it?

Jircniv seized the opportunity to answer. "That is a possibility, though from the lack of total carnage, I am more inclined to believe that it is a weaker, yet still potent, member of his race." Jaldaboath had nearly destroyed the Kingdom during his reign of terror. Jircniv did not think that it would make sense for him to be hiding in the Empire now. Or rather, he could only hope that that was not the case. Still, the demon in question would have be strong enough that no one else with an ounce of common sense would dare investigate closer…no one except−

"Could we ask the Dark Hero to drive him off?"

The first reasonable thing you've said today! An excellent suggestion! We will have the forces of the Sorcerous Kingdom remove the forces of the Sorcerous Kingdom!

"It would be costly…"

Jircniv frowned. Wait. Was this what the Sorcerer King wanted? Wealth? He didn't look like he needed any more gold…unless…what he really wanted was for me to acknowledge the power he holds over me. That this relationship was only equal on the surface. That…to hell with it. I don't want to think anymore.

"Fu-fuhahaha!"

"Er, Your Majesty?" The adventurer took a step back, out of fear or unease, Jircniv did not know.

"Ah, my apologies. I was simply thinking of an old friend of mine." Jircniv forced out what he hoped was a comforting smile. "In any case, eliminating the demon threat is of utmost importance. We must gain Momon's assistance at no matter the cost. Therefore, Roune."

"Yes, Your Majesty." A man with graying hair stepped forward and bowed.

"Prepare to transfer a large sum to the Sorcerous Kingdom."