Chapter 15: The Return of Gazef Part: II
The Royal Carriage was entering the outskirts of the Old Imperial Capital in it sat Momonga, Albedo, and Ainz the carriage was silent, uncomfortably silent for most people. Momonga was excited he had well calculated that his gift of Gazef would put his father in a good mood and possibly move up the wedding date. Everything has a cost was one of the first things Demiurge taught him in his lessons on diplomacy. As they pulled up to the coliseum Momanga started to get even more excited.
"Father as you know I cannot give the man who rules the world a gift that he could not obtain but as a gift for giving me Alabaster I have come into possession of something you wanted but could not obtain many years ago during you conquest of the known world." Momonga said.
Ainz and Albedo looked at each other as this was such a bold statement coming from there son as he was the God Emperor of the world. Ainz looking at his son careful to tread lightly simply said, "Explain." Momonga jumped up and opened and held the door open for his father much to the dismay of the footman who was terrified he neglected his duties. Momonga then said while holding the door, "I think it would be much easier to show you your gift than to try and explain it. They all exited a the carriage and made their way into the collosim and up to the room that Gazef was currently been holding. As they made their way Ainz did not want to act surprised as it was unlike any of the guardians to do thing without his perceived permission and this troubled his greatly. As they were walking down the hall Momonga began to speak, "Long ago you tried to make a man of great potential to become your vassal and he refused, Demiurge perceived that you might want him in the future and preserved his body and with my powers I resurrected him, may I introduce your newest vassal, Gazef Stronoff!" Momonga said as he opened the door.
Immediately Gazef stood up and then bowed like he had been briefed, Ainz was in complete shock he thought that this was a part of his life that was over. He was glad he had his silver mask on because he thought that even his skeletal face would have betrayed him.
"Gazef please stand" Ainz said as he walked over and grabbed him by his shoulders, may I ask how long have you been back with us?"
"A few days Emperor, long enough time to know that you have conquered the known world and that even though I may not agree with some of you method you have done great things for people with common birth and I am grateful for not only sparing my friends but making them a part of your Empire." Gazef said.
"I want you to know that you were a part of my design for the new world and I never wanted to harm you." Ainz said.
"I know even though we fought you stopped the slaughter of my men and spared many lives making me into the hero I selfishly never was." Gazef said with a downcast face.
"My dear Gazef that was part of your charm, you know I view loyalty over all things." Ainz said.
"Before you we move on there is a pressing matter, bring him in." Momonga said.
A guard opened the door and Jircniv came in down cast with a women behind him.
"When Gazef came here by transportation he was lured into a trap by the tribune here to create a male heir, he planned to deceive you and pass of Gazef son as his own stock and fool you into giving him back the title of Emperor, I would say congratulations is in order Gazef as you are now a father but I know these are not type circumstances that one would like to find out." Momonga said.
Gazef was speechless but knew that it was true that he had been a victim of a honey trap when he remembered the room full of women. Ainz seeing this saw what his son was doing and seized on the opportunity. "Gazef I never meant for this to happen, until I entered this room I did not know of your existence in this world of this I promise. Your son will be brought up to be the next tribune of the Old Empire region and will be given the best education, and raised to be a leader, you can visit him often and we will keep this a secret that only we will know of will you join me? Ainz asked with his hand out just like the first time.
Gazef looked at Ainz's hand and before he knew it he was shaking his once greatest enemy, the man that killed him and gave his pledge of fealty. "Good, good, we will talk more but for now you may go, Gazef bowed and followed the guards out of the room back to the place he was staying. Then all attention went to the Tribune whose face was down next to his soon to be wife who was dismissed as well. He immediately got on his knees and started to beg for his life. Albedo's eyes split she was in a murderous rage, "You dare still think after all the things you have done that you will get another chance you who brought a prostitute to my wedding you vile man! She materialized a large axe and swing down but instead of blood gore splattering all over the room she noticed her own sons hand blocking the strike.
"Mother give him a break I made him do it without him even knowing, I thought I could knock out two birds with one stone look watch this," Momonga dropped a knife from his belt, immediately the Tribune cut himself three times on the arm with it and then looked up at everyone and said, "Why did I do that?" Momonga smiled and said, "Its a skill I have as long as I look into the eyes of a weak creature I can suggest that they do certain things without them even being aware, in the case of our Tribune here I told him to do it and he did. If you were stronger willed you would have resisted but he did not, we all know his character.
Ainz looked at the Tribune and said, "So there is no real excuse, Tribune one more screw up and I will have your head, your only saving grace is Gazef's son who you will raise as your heir and your line will be cut off after you die, that is your punishment as well, you are a treacherous creature in my eyes that will never be trusted, I will assign you a shadow demon to watch your every move and if I think you are up to anything you are dead, the only reason I do not kill you now is because if would weaken the royal family if any sort of treachery is perceived, do I make myself clear?
Jincniv was prostrating himself shaking, he knew it was a risk but he also knew after the purge that he should have known better, sweat covering his face he nodded and said, "Thank you my God Emperor your mercy is most appreciated my lord," Ainz nodded and said, "Get this piece of trash out of my sight!" he said forcefully scaring even the most seasoned of guards as he let some of his despair Aura out shaking everyone to their very core.
"Everyone leave us now!" Ainz shouted as all of the guards practically climbed over each other to get out of the room. Ainz paced around the room never taking his eyes off his son, this made Momonga very nervous, his father had never acted this was towards him. Finally, Ainz stopped and said, "A very bold move my son, you know I do not like surprises, if you are wondering I am very happy that Gazef is now my servant it will help bridge the Human, heteromorphic gap that we have, so what do you want and believe me I know it is something."
Momonga looked at his father and said, "Alabaster I want her I know we are to be engaged but I want the marriage date pushed up to when she is of age father." Albedos teeth grinded as she did not want her son to be involved with her but had little choice.
"Agreed but as you know you are not a being but a God so I will agree to this union but until I agree you are not to have children, possibly forever. Before you ask why there are several reasons the first carrying you to term almost killed you mother when you were born and Alabaster has been checked by Fludder and cannot bear you a child no being can too be honest. Number two is that I am setting you up to be God of this world I will conquer it and then you will rule over it with the omnipotence of a God.
Shocked Momonga asked, "But what of you father? What will you do and where will you go? Saddened by what he heard.
"We shall go back to Nazarick conduct experiments I will be in charge of paradise project and my son I am not ascending to the Higher plane if that is what you think, I grow tired and as soon as I think you have everything your mother and I will go into slumber as I have before and if you ever need me you can awaken me whenever you like. When you are as old as me existence become a burden that is why the other 40 left but I will never leave you. Ainz said putting his hand on his shoulder. "But do not worry there is over 500 years of work to do a least and a thousand before I entend to sleep so I will be around for awhile.
Albedo walked up to her son who was visible shaken and said, "We will always be in Nazarick and when we are sleeping you can summon us whenever you wish but your father and I do not wish to get in your way my love, as long as we are around you will not be able to fully grow and become Supreme Ruler of this world. A tear rolled down Momonga's cheek and he nodded in agreement because he knew it to be true as long as his parents were around he would be Momonga the Son of the God Emperor and the White Queen.
Ainz clapped his hands, "Enough with the unpleasantries I hear Alabaster is in the Royal box waiting for you, why don't you and your mother both go to see her, I have an old friend to catch up with." Momonga smiled while his mother acted like she was happy and they waved said momentary goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Gazef was sitting in his room trying to process everything that transpired in the last few hours. He now had a son and he would be royalty, this was all too much too fast he simply could not process it all. Suddenly, he the guards started to scramble around he hear the head guard screamed, "The God Emperor is coming look your sharpest!" The guards around the corner that were playing cards jumped up and stood at their posts. After a few minutes the door was left open and in came Emperor Ainz in his black and purple robes with a silver mask over his face, to Gazef it seems as if he just floated in.
Ainz came in a sat down in front of Gazef and simply looked at him saying nothing just looking, of course Gazef could only guess as he could not see his face. Ainz folded his hands and sighed, "Gazef I apologize you got involved in some family, complications I never intended for any of this to happen to you, family can be very dangerous at times. So I have to tell you I can use you but as you are now you are no longer strong, compared Brain he could kill you before you know the world is a different place but I can offer you power, it is a spell that is called [Warriors Revenge] are you interested?" Ainz asked.
Gazef looked at Ainz and cocked up his eyebrow in doubt, "Emperor I am grateful for everything you have done for me but you and I know there is always a cost for power." he said.
Ainz started to laugh, "I have not had anyone talk to me in that way in a long time, uhum, men have died for less." Ainz said, "I am sure they have" Gazef interjected.
Ainz looked down and shook his head. "You are correct it will make you the most powerful human warriors but their is a price. First, let me tell you about the lore of the spell, there was once a warrior who was betrayed by his lord, his family killed his family in fear of retribution, the warrior broken screamed out to the God of war to get his revenge and he answered. He warned the warrior that if he used the power that he gave him he would be under that God's control for all of eternity." Ainz concluded.
"So what happened to the warrior?" Gazef asked.
"He used the power sacked his lord's castle and killed everyone responsible and was indebted to the God for all eternity." Ainz answered.
"So I guess I will have to do as you say for the rest of my life until I die?" Gazef asked.
"No for all eternity or until I release you as you will become immortal, not invincible but immortal." Ainz answered.
"Wow, in for a penny in for a pound, well I will do it, for my son, for my friends but I cannot say for you Emperor and besides you have my son now I have to do what you say." Gazef replied.
"I understand but once you learn how your nation fell and things transpired I think you might change your mind and consider me your friend." A bright blinding light came from Ainz's hand as a magic circle appeared and a being that looked like pure malice emerged from black smoke in front of Gazef. "I am Mars the god of war do you wish to make a contract with my summoner Ainz Ooal Gown." It asked.
Gazef stood up in front of the of the Summoned Being that was billowing a maelstrom of black and red smoke, eyes of pure rage, a being that looked so fearsome that no regular man would even come near him and said, "Yes I do I accept my fate I accept the contract." The being stretched out its hand to Gazef who in turn reached out to it and when they made contact the being and started to absorb into Gazef, immediately he started to scream and dropped to the floor grabbing his arm. The pain was so terrible that if he could speak he would beg to have someone cut off his arm, it felt like his entire body was changing, his bones were breaking, his skin on fire, and every organ bursting.
Ainz watched as his plan came into fruition to turn Gazef into his new weapon and it was completing itself, the entire story about the spell was a lie, the real spell was really called [Mars Possession] he was now possessed without his knowledge of his summon Mars who now lived inside him. Gazef would live his life until Ainz would give him orders and his summon would use Gazef's shell of a body to do what Ainz wanted. What Ainz told him was a partial truth but he knew that Gazef would never agree to a summoned being controlling him. The summon was to help turn other low level summons into high level fighters to protect magic casters in the original game. He was now equal to a level 75 character with high defense and armed combat skills, the only problem was that he could only use one at a time and it will drain his mana with ever it was used so he avoided using it but this was a golden opportunity. As long as the summon stayed alive so would Gazef.
After a hour of excruciating pain Gazef finally came to and when he did he started to make out the the shape of his new emperor. "I am sorry for the pain but as you said there is a price for everything." Gazef tried to talk but coughed up some blood first, "You could have given a little warning" he said while laughing. Ainz laughed a little as well and then said, " I have a gift for you." he reached into a pocket dimension, "When I took over the Kingdom I saved this a little keepsake for you, you might recognize them first is the amulets of immortality, second is the gauntlets of Endurance, Gaurdian armor and lastly I replicated razors edge, I transmuted the real one into a weapon for my son but this weapon is still just as good. He placed them on Gazef's bed, "You have about four hours before the Championship fight against Gogin the current champion, the only one to beat him without magic is me, by the way."
Ainz started to walk out of the room when Gazef finally stood out and said, "Emperor wait can I ask you one thing, you had those items in your personal inventory, I have heard all of the stories from your church so I want to ask did you keep those items to remember me? Ainz did not turn around and said, "When I awoke from my slumber I met a man who was worth saving, since then I cannot say I have met any and yes I saved them to remember someone I would consider a friend, I saved your friends Climb and Brain and turned them into leaders because of you, but believe me once you gain your station you will be lonely as well just be aware of that." Then Ainz left the room and was followed by a group of nobles and merchants who all were waiting for their chance to have their audience with the God Emperor while he was in town.
Momonga was excited he was not sure if Alabaster would be able to make it because of her duties and that they were visiting her vassal state next. His pace was a little quicker than normal that made the Black Brigade soldiers could barely keep up, both of the soldiers one a Elf and one a human could not believe their luck of having bodyguard duty of the General himself. "Elohim and Jarvis if I remember correctly" Momonga said. Both of the guards looked at each other in amazement and said, "Yes General!" He glanced at both of the guards and said, "Don't act so surprised I know every man's name and story under my command but I fear I will have some losses soon as war is near so keep that in mind, we have reached the royal box stay and guard the door."
Momonga entered the room the royal box was the size of a large home and had over 50 seats for dignitaries, nobles and merchants along with the royal family so as he entered his name was announced, "Presenting Momonga Albedo Gown, General of the Black Armies, Guardian of the Empire, God Prince of the Empire and future ruler of the Northern Territories." The man in a suit and tuxedo announced, everyone stopped and bowed except for his mother. "Please stand all of you and enjoy yourself!" Momonga said as he made his way to his mother and bowed to her. "Mother you look younger every day how has your time with Alabaster been." he asked. Albedo kept a smile on her face as she did not want to give her son away but she knew that it had to happen. "She is a nice girl and is absolutely in love with you I am sure you will both be very happy when the time comes." she replied. The truth was is that she did only spoke to her in passing as her anger only boiled against the poor girl but she did not want to reveal her true feelings. "I hope we will all sit together during the games now I must go and greet another guest if you would excuse me." He kissed her hand and started to look through the crowd for his love, he made it halfway through the crowd of self absorbed nobles and merchants before he saw her sitting at a table sipping on a Goblet of blood looking out the window watching men in the Griffen Jousting tournament.
With a smile he slowly walked up and sat down at her table starling her as she was rather engaged in what she was watching because she had never seen anything like it. "Griffin Jousting is a very old sport for the very rich due to the fact that Griffins although intelligent are very hard to tame and only the richest families have them." Alabaster immediately recognized the voice and turned and smiled as said,"I did not know that."
"Riding a griffin together is quite fun I shall take you some time" He replied. "That sounds fun we should do both" Alabaster replied. Momanga turned red he said, "Ah yes in good time, may I ask, why do you love me so much and why can't I see your future I look into your future I see nothing as well as your past." Alabaster took a sip of her glass and put it down and said, "The answer to your first question is that I have always loved you it is my purpose my being, just as Albedo was for your father I am for you, you are a God did you want me the first time you saw me, maybe you made it happen regardless, I know the feeling you have for me and you know that I love you more than anything in the world. As for you second question I do not know but if I had to guess it might be because our fates are intertwined and possibly at this time you cannot see your own future I do not know.
Momonga nodded and said, "I acquired a gift for my father one only I could give and in exchange they will move up the date to the closest possible for us the day you come of age is our wedding date. Alabaster was ecstatic she could not believe it, she was not only happy the rumors were true but that he cared enough to push it forward an entire year. "That is fantastic I will begin to make plans and coordinate with your mother I am guessing that the wedding will be at the capitol." she asked. "Yes but there was a condition I do not know how you take it but we can never have children, if we do you will most likely die. Alabaster did not even bat an eye, "There are precautions I have learned to still please you and keep this from happening I assure you." She said as she stroked the hand of Momonga that was on table.
Momonga felt like the fire of his youth flare he grabbed her by the hand and took and they walked to a private room and started to kiss her passionately he could barely contain himself. Alabaster put his hand on his lips and pushed him away and said, "I want this as much as you but let us wait for our wedding day which is in only a few months but let me give you this to remember me by. She took her handkerchief and handed to him." I know it not what you wanted more but carry it with you always it has my scent on it and keep it on you. Momonga disappointed and knowing he could take it if he wanted to but knew that he shouldn't accepted it. "Thank you I also have something for you" he reached into a pocket dimension and pulled out a golden necklace with a large diamond pendant and put it around her neck. "That diamond is one of the rarest in the world as it is really an eye of a beast that lives only in the mountains." She looked at it and grabbed it and said, "Thank you we better get back to the festivities," He nodded in agreement and they both went back to the royal box just in time to see his father.
Ainz approached Alabaster and and Momonga and said, "Alabaster it is so good to see you and Momonga you look quite happy, I am sure you have gotten the news that we are to declare your engagement when we visit the North Eastern Vassal State." Alabaster bowed and said," My God Emperor I thank you!" Ainz nodded and said " I am sure that my son has updated you on agreements of the deal and trust you agree with them?" Alabaster nodded and said, "Yes my God Emperor you will is absolute." Ainz relied, "Good, good, well there's one more request my wife is going to be the main planner for your wedding with your input of course, I trust that will not cause any friction with your mother?" Alabaster nodded but knew she was going to get a possible thrashing when she came home but what else could she do. "As my lord wills." She said and bowed. "Good well then let us sit down to watch the main event Gogin vs. Gazef Stronoff.
Authors note:
Sorry to everyone this is a little late, I got really sick and could not write for awhile so I wrote this short chapter for those of you that waited. Also there will be more than one more chapter I decided I have to finish this book even if it takes five more chapters. Sorry for the errors I will get it cleaned up.