Chapter 17: The North Eastern Vassal State of Nazarick
Alabaster or Shalltear Bloodfallen Gown II was in a daydream sitting in front of her vanity mirror staring at her jewelled necklace that Momonga gave her. Her maid that was painting her nails noticed her staring at her necklace and said, "If I may speak m'lady?" Alabaster snapped out of her daydream of her and Momanga walking down the aisle together, she looked over at her maid and responded.
"Yes, please do Sanya, no need to be so formal when no one is around." as she glanced backwards to make sure that the door was shut.
Sanya smiled she was a 95 year old Elf maid that was a slave, but was freed when she was around 27 years younger. She and her entire family migrated to old E-Rantel looking for work as all elves in the world that were slaves did in search of a promise of a new life a that spread to all ex-slaves in the new Empire. Her family came from the old Slane Theocracy farming town north of the old Capital. When the black armies came they found her and her family had been locked in the cellar for a week to die. The black armies reported them and the Priest came immediately. One of the priest was an Elf and spoke to them about how kind the Empire was and to trust them and they did. They were given food and money and put on guarded wagons to E-Rantel to be processed into the Empire where jobs would be assigned to them. She and her family were a part of the first great migration of demi-humans to the heart of the new Empire, her family was so poor that when they showed up they had no shoes and clothes were merely rags. Sanya was half naked and the only money they had was that was given to them when they were freed. After inprocessing in the city, her family were given cloths and various training then after a few months were given orders to go the Kingdom State to work at the palace. Then they boarded the new public transportation carriages that were pulled by soul eaters and driven by elves to put families like her's at ease, they were taken to the Old Kingdom where her mother and sister were a to be a maids for Baron Bloodfallen's estate and that was all that they were told at the time.
Upon arrival her father was made a stable hand as it was found he was good the horses, her mother and sister were maids as promised and she was a cupbearer for the Barron Brain Bloodfallen Gown himself. Brain began to take a liking to the young girl's sweet disposition and acceptance of who they really were and told his advisors when his daughter was born to make her a maid for her daughter because he knew she would need a friend. After the Allied City States were annexed and made into the North Eastern Vassal states she was taken along with her family to serve the new King and Queen. By this time she was old enough to serve as a maid and assistant to the twins and started to form a bond between her and Alabaster, she and the select few knew that they were vampires and she knew that her family and family's family would serve the Bloodfallen house forever due to the trust that the King had for their family. After the years went by her family took pride in working for the Baron and swore a generational oath to the Baron and Baroness, for her and the entire family to serve the Bloodfallens forever. She like all the servants loved King Brain but were terrified of the Queen as she had a short temper and was very violent. She did not kill any of her servants like the Empress rumored to do but the castle had it own Priest not just to attend to the Temple but was often used for servants that made her mad and needed broken bones mended.
Sanya was five feet and six inches tall with long green hair, pointed ears and crystal blue eyes, and fair skin, she was slender and looked around 16 years of age. She would not be considered a world class beauty like Alabaster but was the most beautiful maid in the court and attracted a lot of attention of the nobles and men that worked at the court. She was thankful to the Bloodfallen's because in the "old world" is what the all of the races called the world before the establishment of the Empire of Nazarick, she would have been a playtoy for the rich and nobles who came to the castle but never under the watch of the Royal Houses and Guardians of the Laws of Nazarick.
Because of these things Sanya Leafstorm was able to be "friends" with the Princess and not just a servant but only in privacy due to Imperial Laws of court that forbid relationships between beings of Nazarick and those who were not and that included friendships.
Sanya Smiled and said, "Could you tell me more about your trip to the Royal Games and what happened with your love the Prince?" As Sanya let out a little giggle.
Alabaster turned her head to make sure the door was shut because she wanted to take sure no one saw or heard her conversation. Each royal room of importance had magic cast on them and the doors so no one without breaking the magic seals could listen in as long as the door was sealed, and if the seals were broken it would sound an alarm. This was common practice now in Nazarick as the amount of secrets Nazarick held were almost as big as the Empire
Alabaster made eye contact with Sanya as it was only them in the room now and said, "It was wonderful! We spent time together talking and watching the games the entire day, he explained the fight between Go Gin and Gazef and he also Kissed ME!"
They both looked at each other and screamed like school girls together. Sanya looked at Alabaster and raised an eyebrow shot her a suspicious glance.
"If you kissed him everyone would have known and it would have been in the new gossip of the Empire and possibly in these "newspapers" everyone is talking about but I did not hear anything. So that means it happened in private so is it all that has happen, or did he pluck your flower before the wedding?" Sanya said with a giggle covering her mouth.
Alabaster blushed and then rolled her eyes because she knew that Sanya already knew the answer, "The Prince did take me to a private room but the only exchange that happened was that of gifts. He gave me the necklace with this jewel that is actually made from the eye of a rare beast the lives in the mountains and I gave him the handkerchief we made together to give him and as you suggested that also had my scent on it as true lady." She said with a smile.
Sanya sighed, "The prince is a true royalty, from the 41 Supreme Beings not like the trash that ran the nations in the "old world" I tell you these "men" only became noble from treachery and violence, they were truly the worst of the worst."
Alabaster sighed, she did not like it when Sanya got a preachy like this, she knew very little of the world outside the castle other than the history lessons she had been taught. She also had knew of the hardships Sanya and her family has to endure, slavery, dayling beatings, starvation, unspeakable acts of cruelty at the hands of their masters. Alabaster could only understand it because of Sanya, she was a sheltered Princess who most would say was spoiled. Sanya also had heard the about horrible things she had gone through at the hand of her mothers and witnesses one her her treatments and that is one of the reasons why they bonded because they had both shared with each other how they had gone through such terrible times.
With a nod Alabaster said, "Umu, anyways I did not get to the best part Momonga revived Gazef as a gift to his father to push the wedding date to the soonest possible time, which will be the day when I am of age!"
"That is only six months away!" Exclaimed Sanya, covering her mouth when she realize that she had just blurted it out.
"I know! The marriage we will at I hope at the Capital then we shall take our new Kingdom after the Republic is annexed! I will become queen the youngest in fact!" Alabaster replied.
Sanya said, "I shall pray to the 41 for you in your new phase of your life princess." Alabaster could hear the anxiety in her voice and thought now was as an appropriate time as ever to ask.
"Sanya, I have a question or more of a request I know you love your family but you are getting older now and I have already asked my father and he had already agreed to allow you to be my chief maiden." The princess said.
Sanya was never educated properly and was slow sometimes on the intake and said, "Thank you mistress for the time you are here I will do my best!" Sanya said.
Alabaster sighed and said, "Sanya Mare Leafstorm!"
"Eeiiiiiii!" She shouted, (she used my full baptismal name from the Temple of Nazarick I must be in trouble!) Sanya thought.
"I am going to explain this to you so you will understand, you are to be a part of my royal retenue and permanently be my assistant, go with me to the capital, then with to the New Kingdom in the North." Alabaster said with a smile.
Sanya cursed her own naivete, she cursed the Slane Theocracy, "Thank you princess I will not let you down but…" she began to trail off.
Alabaster just smiled, "Your family will be fine I am sure they will take the news well and we will travel a lot and be back at least once a month to see my family so you will be able to as well so do not worry about it so I do not want to hear anything else about it. As you know the Royal family will be coming tomorrow I will want you never more than ten paces away just incase I need somthing so I want you in your dress uniform and ready to go alright?"
Sanya stood up and nodded and said, "Yes mam." then she finished the Princesses nails and left after a formal goodbye. Alabaster looked at her nails then her necklace and thought to herself, "One more day and the engagement begins." She was happy but could not help but feel the spectre of her mother hanging over, she knew that her mother wanted to use her for her own plans and she had to figure out a way to break clean from her but she had not thought of a way out yet.
In Carne City
Gazef stood motionless as a man took his measurement in his new house that was much larger than his old quarters, it was a 50 room mansion with 15 servants a ballroom, full size turkish bath and an indoor pool and a grand conference room and chapel. His new home's living quarters was just as big as King Ranposa's castle. There were two men in the room the man measuring as well as the man writing down they were both tailors. They were getting his measurements for his new uniforms for the new Captain of the royal guard or just known as the Pretorians.
Gazef after the battle with Go Gin was healed and then ushered off the the Holy City of Carne where he was given his own castle 50 miles away from the city with a town of around fifty thousand beings around it. He was to be given a percentage of taxes of all goods and services sold within his one hundred square miles of responsibility. The land was not his, it belonged to the locals but he was in charge of enforcing laws and protecting the local population, in exchange they were to give a five percent tax on all good and services sold. Farmers were permitted to give their taxes in the form of crops and animals, the locals did not have to pay if they did not sell anything so no one was sent to prison for debt.
Gazef was a now a noble, a faction that he came to despise in the Kingdom due to them trying to kill him and opposing the king, but these were different times, people looked up to nobles, they looked up to him. It does not matter about your birth but your talents and if you worked hard and became successful you could become a new noble of a small or frontier town like him. He was a noble of a small province and leader of the a new group of Royal Guards called the Pretorians which he still did not understand.
"Knock. knock, knock" Three knocks, must be my new butler. "Come in!" Gazef shouted.
A elderly man with grey hair that was slightly overweight dressed in a three piece tuxedo slowly came in with a with another man in an a military uniform. Gazef could not see either but he heard a curious sound when the other man walked almost sounded like the hooves if a horse. When the two men finally presented themselves in front of him Gazef was in for a shock.
"Sir Gazef Stronoff Pretorius may I introduce your new aid Zane Arbus Templar from the royal academy! The old butler said while handing Gazef and sealed stack of papers. "His credentials Sir" the old man finished as he turned around and walked away leaving his new aid standing at attention.
"At ease" Stronoff said, what surprised Gazef was not the aide but what species he was, Zane was covered in brown fur except for his face he had a lower body of a horse and a face that was a mix between a goat and man with two straight horns coming out of his head.
"Please excuse my ignorance but what part of the Empire are you from and what is your race?" Gazef said while he opened up the packet given to him trying not to stare at Zane.
Zane looked down and cleared his throat, it was visible that he was very nervous as he was reporting to a great man who was in the writings of Nazarick right out of training. "I am a Satyr and our people lived in a loose knit set of villages that was discovered during the Empire's Eastern expansion. We lived carefree lives in a large forest drinking and chasing after nymphs. We never really created anything and were always being eaten by monsters and were very disorganized. When your black armies came we ran but they captured all of us and then showed us the might of the Supreme Being Ainz Ooal Gown and the Blessed 41. Golems came and built mighty walls then the priest came and shared the tomes of Nazarick, then the Priestess came with her angels and we all believed. They built a temple and a priest came and taught us everyday math, science, history and magic. We became a small Kingdom and with an council of elders in which a leader is picked and serves until he quits, dies or cannot rule. When I was young I was tested and showed aptitude for magic and intellect and was sent to the capital to learn at the university as a part of the species integration program. Around ten percent of each new tribe or Kingdom is found and is sent to the Capital or Carne village."
Stronoff was now flipping through the papers, " Zane Ulbert-Arubus Templar of the Sadyr province of the Eastern Empire, consecrated to the church under the name of Ulbert Alian Odle five years ago. Started the University of Nazarick four years ago, graduated at the top of your class and you got your degrees in Church History and Theology and an advanced degree in Interspecies relations. Your are a level 3 in defence magic and your 25 years old which is the same in human years. After your graduation you were enlisted as a lieutenant in the Royal Guards, the Pretorians...Templar sect..humm. You have no combat experience and recently graduated," Gazef let out a sigh and dropped the packet on the table next to him.
Sensing the disatisfaction in his new master he quickly spoke up, "If I may sir!" Gazef nodded with approval, "I was selected by the Headmaster of the University Fludder Paradyne Sapato himself for this assignment. My main job is to help you understand your duties working as the leader for the Pretorian Guard and its sects as well as the Temple of Nazarick Theology, ecclesiastical issues, church militant, enforcement of heretical proceeding as well as the division of the church and service to the two divine priestesses!" Zane said while bowing.
Gazef had to consciously keep his mouth from dropping, when he heard royal guard he thought his job would consist of protecting the Royal and Branch family not anything to do with enforcing church doctrine. Gazef asked very carefully not to let on that he was absolutely clueless about the situation he was in, "As a quick overview of your knowledge tell me the structure of the Church of Nazrick and the Pretorians duties with the church." Gazef said while signalling the tailor to continue.
Zane smiled as he expected this and already had his speech ready, he cleared his throat and stood up straight as if he was giving this address in front of an entire class.
"The Church is broken up into two section first is Ecclesiastical that deals with the hierarchy, funding, and the everyday functions of the church within the major cities and established nations within the Empire. It is ran by the newly appointed daughter of Jincriv Sapato, Priestess Tria Sapato."
"The Second part of the is Church Militant they are in charge of missionary work, temple building and staffing teaching priest on the frontier and is ran by the divine Nemu Sapato. She is the first being to come into contact and be saved by the the God Emperor, ever since that day she has spent the rest of her life dedicated to spread the light of Nazarick. The selection of Tria had caused some friction as most see Nemu as the rightful heir to the entire church so to smooth over the feelings of the devout the Pretorian Guard Templar sect was created as a permanent part of the Church Militant along with two thirds of all funding going directly to the Church Militant Sect. This makes all the power of the church in Nemu's chapter and Tria a figurehead to run the everyday administration of the church to Tria as it was originally intended."
"The church is officially under the arm of the Royal House due to the fact that both of the priestess must be a part of the Royal support house of Sapato. The new Pretorian Guards are a apparatus of the Royal House as well and out of the majority of men in our command only 1 percent will actually be guarding the royal family. Having any more guards would be wasteful as the royal family are Gods and cannot be killed as they are no more than ceremonial guards, these are the Pretorians. The rest of the guards will accompany the Church in the establishment of new temples on the frontier and assisting the Church Militant, before the Imperial Army did the job but Church wanted to have their own force of devout believers that were within the church. So you were selected to be the leader of this new prestigious position and you will have your first meeting with the priestess tomorrow. Now you are both equal in standing before the court to you must come to an agreement she when it comes to matters of the church and you when it comes to its security, while Tria is the Tie breaker and considered half a vote. Together you make the Holy Trinity Council of Nazarick and meet once a year."
Gazef could not believe it he was now running a group of temple guards, "What about security in the well established Temples?" Gazef asked. "Ah, the have their own temple guards while the Templars are an army to themselves of twenty thousand, once the frontier moves forward the Templars will be in charge of guard the new fiefdoms such as the place I came from until it is the people can protect themselves and they can be self sufficient." Zane smiled as he gave his answer. Gazef though that this sounded like a more respectable job than being a glorified Temple Guard, "Wait so all of the Templar sect are religiously devout?" Gazef asked.
Zane looked at his new commander and said, "Yes Sir, all have been baptised under one of the names of the 41 and go through theological school along with their physical and combat training as I have. After four years of study and training they are enlisted and every Templar is also a low level priest, lastly the take their holy names and can take the honorific Templar in their name, most humans put it before their name, my culture puts ours at the end as our custom." What about your middle name Ulbert that is also a name of the 41?" Gazef asked.
"That is up to the parents when they are inducted into the church they can give their child a second name of the 41 as it can bless the child with an increase in intelligence, strength, or whatever that Supreme Being represents." Zane explained while gesturing levels with his right hand. "Children that are born now are usually given second names of the 41 right away." Zane said with a proud look on his face because he thought he had impressed his new commander but the look of amazement on Gazef face was not because of what Zane thought because he was not in charge of a division of religious zealots and guarding the Emperor was merely an honor guard position.
"If I may say Sir all the Templars are ecstatic that you were given the post and we all believe that it was divine providence that you came from oblivion right after this position came to be! Many were worried that some noble with no claim to the position would take it but the sword saint himself from the first through tenth tomes of Naarick! I mean you were there when the Emperor came out of slumber it simply amazing!" Zane finished with a goofy grin on his face. "Alright Lt. Arbor I will send for soon, make sure your have a full report on the Priestess," Gazef said, Zane saluted and walked out of the room. "What have I gotten into? No that was not the question what does plans has the Emperor have for me?" He thought, as he knew that Ainz Ooal Gown was a man of unnatural intelligence, he was the type that already had the game won before he moved the first piece.
Zane walked out of his first meeting with his commander with his head high, he impressed the his Commander by giving him information that was not lacking in anyway. On top of that he was already picked for his first assignment, life could not get much better as he was walking and admiring the Templar symbols and scenes in the stained glass windows. Then he suddenly realized that he was completely lost, this castle was new so it did not have narrow halls that were meant to be confusing on purpose to protect against attack. The Castle Templar che Stronoff was meant to be a home and a place for diplomacy. It was in a very rich and populated area between Carne and the Capital which was packed full of people and traders who wanted to conduct business with both cities without wanting to pay to live their so this drove up the population in the area. If not for the agricultural laws that required so much farming land per acre for so many people to prevent local shortages of staple foods, it would be completely packed with towns.
Slowly all the templars from all over the Empire were buying homes and renting apartments. Due to the large amount of templars the town was about to double in size and the town and came to be known by the symbol that adorned the town. The city's name became Traicere and boomed with a influx of bars, restaurants and Temples, even the town did have a red light district but everything was more discrete due to the Templars taking a holy vow. Gazef did not know it yet but he was going to run a town that was about to become of of the largest in the area, a large influx of visitors came due to the cities later proclamation as a Holy site as the birthplace of the Holy order of the Templars of the Church Militant. A museum was even added onto the headquarters to accommodate the visitors.
Zane was really starting to get nervous he had been walking for long enough he had lost track of time and did not recognize anything. When he was taken to the castle he was shown the workers quarters, his and the templars quarters and where he was to meet the Commander but nothing more. He decided to take a right and then continue the direction he was going until he his a dead end and turn around and go the opposite direction and he would find himself in the general area where he needed to be. As he rounded the corner deep in thought he saw some one just in time try and get out of the way but it was too late and he crashed into person waiting a black silk dress carrying lot of documents and sealed scrolls that flew everywhere.
"My apologies let me help you pick those up for you!" Zane said frantically picking up every scroll he could find and stacking them in a neat pile,
"Thank you very much sir to be honest I could not see where I was going due to this huge pile of documents," The young woman said, in a kind voice.
Zane finally got the nerve to look at the women to had ran into when he was struck by the women's beauty, she had the ears, eyes, and the legs and tail of a cat, her face was more like a human than cat but she still had whiskers.
Zan smiled and stood up and handed her scroll while held onto the pile of documents, "If you do not mind I can help you carry this to where you are going?" he said with a half smile. "What a gentleman! That is a templar for you!" Zane was about to ask how she knew he was a templar but then he realize that the big red Templar cross on his shoulder was a dead giveaway.
"So follow me" the young woman said as she started to walk in the direction he just came from. "So we never had a proper introduction my name is Zane Ulber Arbor Templar and your are m'lady?" Zane said while trying to make a bowing motion but could not because of the large stack of paper he was carrying.
She giggled, "My name is Felus Gala, in our order our holy name is selected by the elders when we are given our permanent position to help us whatever it may be, I see your parent took the name of the great disaster, it is fitting for a you, it also make sense because his likeness in a goat as well," Felus chuckle some more.
"What order are you in if you don't mind me asking?" Felus nodded and said, "It is of no consequence we all work for the Church of Nazarick Militant, I am Her Holiness Nemu Sapato the Highest Priestess and distributor of the The Light of Nazarick the most holy relic of the church." Felus glowed she was so proud of what she did.
"That is amazing, I am the aid to the master of this Castle Sir Gazef Stronoff Pretorius, I first just met him today and he truly is as great as a man as the Tombes proclaim!" Zane said with his chest puffed out. Felus looked at him and said, "That is wonderful that means we will see each other often as we are both parts of the Church Militant, we rejoiced when we heard the proclamation of the formation of the Templar Army giving back the power to the true leader and not some the unclaimed loved child of a Nix," she said insulting her by not calling by her correct surname of Sapato.
"Well we are all glad to serve the devout, to change the subject your people the Kilrath were found in the eastern expansion, at the very end if I remember correctly. Your people lived on the eastern shore and fishing was your main source of commerce and food. If I remember right the pearls from your region have a purple color and are highly expensive. Your people lived in a tribal system along the coast the chains of island off the coast. When the black armies came your warriors went to fight but were spared and brought back in chains. The church came your kingdom was built just like mine, am I correct?" Zane said with a smile as he knew his schooling was coming in handy.
"You are correct I can tell you must have studied a the Imperial University as very few people know where my people are from and fewer know what are main exports is. We have had many try to figure out how we harvest the purple pearl but it is the closest held secret in our kingdom and punishment of death is the sentence for those who try to sell the information or even sell false information. They are the pride of Kilrath and I was picked to join the church when I was young from the Priestess herself after I was tested and had high score in everything." She said shyly as she was not used to bragging.
"Really with scores like that you could have done anything, even be a noble but you picket to aid the priestess? She sure must be amazing!" he exclaimed.
"She was the first perfect thing I have ever laid eyes on other than the Royal family, I believe one day she will be ascended and named Guardian of the Church of Nazarick," She said in a low tone looking around to see if anyone is listening. "That would not be a surprise she is a Sapato." Zane whispered back.
"Since you work for him I will tell you this as well, rumor is that when Gazef proves to be the lord protector of the church he will be elevated. Then Nemu and Gazef will be united in holy union and give birth to Modi the Immortal who will rule the church forever. That is what all the top seers see in the future." she said in a whisper as they came up to two large wooden doors with Priestess's in large flowing robes bending over holding bowls engraved in gold leaf.
"What kind of being is Modi supposed to be and why do the Templars, and Ecclesiastesians have no knowledge of this?" Zane said, he forgot his surrounds and spoke to loud because he was so drawn in.
"Look I am not supposed to talk of this, it is a level I heresy, look for me tomorrow and we can talk more ok?" Felus whispered. "Well this is me, thank you for helping with all these documents you hand hand them off to one of the other women" She said as she opened the door to see the entire envoy of priests, aids, nobles, and seers in the room. Zane looked and handed the papers off to the closest person who smiled and thanked him. He then looked at Felus and bowed, "Until tomorrow" he said and he turned and strode out of the room making a grand exit.
He smiled and was excited about meeting Felus and his mind was racing with possibilities of the future, then the smile slowly turned to a frown.
"I'm even more lost!" He shouted
The Royal hall of the Castle Bloodfallen in the capital Ceptus of North Eastern State of Nazarick was carved out of a live volcano and looked like a castle that was inhabited by by a fearsome beast and was. Inside was a completely different picture with fine art and decorations everywhere, it was alive with over fifty servants making sure everything was perfect for the arrival of the Emperor. Outside of the gates the Black Brigade lined the streets for a mile from the front gates. Being of every race lined up to see the royal procession, before the arrival the soldiers handed out bread and gifts to increase the amount of people lining the road to the ten of thousands instead of breaking in homes and forcing people out which was the old way of doing things.
Shallteer sat on her throne with her royal Crown on and a dazzling gown that took half a year to create, Brain was standing to her right in his uniform with his new insignia of the Bloodfallen crest on his shoulder and the rank of king on his shoulder and his royal crown. On Shallters left was Alabaster and her brother Buraian standing together the Princess and Prince Bloodfallen, one was to be married and the other to take the kingdom and everyone knew who was which.
This was Shallter's times although she did not marry the Emperor she had gotten her daughters to marry his son and after she was married she had a chip to play in the Imperial Court, she smiled at the thought of this as she tapped her fingers on her throne, evil thoughts entered her head. Suddenly, she heard cheering that mean the procession was a mile away and that gave them exactly ten minutes before they were to meet the Emperor and his family at the front game.
She clapped her hands, "Hurry up everything must be perfect, Brain, Alabaster and Buraian come with me to meet the family, everyone else line up and know your place You will not embarrass me!" She shouted, as she led her family out of the throne room and out to the front gate.
"Everyone take your position!" Shalltear barked, as all the workers and knights took their place along with the royal family in formation by the line to the throne. After while the royal carriage pulled up to the red carpet and stopped. The door opened and Emperor Ainz was the first to exit followed by Albedo and then Mare and Aura and lastly Momonga, Ainz walked up to Shallteer and said,
"I am very impressed with what you have done with this nation Shallteer, you have exceeded my expectations, very well done." Shallteer blushed and bowed, "Thank your Sire you are too kind."
Next Albedo came up to Shalltear and said, "Your Empress approves although you could do more about the drab weather, you should have your druids make it a little more sunny!" Shallter grit her teeth and said, "I will speak with them right away guardian overseer." Albedo about lost it when she did not call her Empress but went on to speak with Brain next as was in Nazarick royal protocol written by her. Alabaster and Momonga were purposely kept apart to keep any talk of the engagement down until the official announcement was made.
Everyone filed into the Throne room the Bloodfallen family was sure to stand and not sit on the thrones as they Technically Belonged to the the Emperor and Empress when they were in town but this was never exercised.
Ainz then motioned to Mare who turned on the new information magic system that broadcast whatever was happening in the room over every major city through a magic projection system embedded in every major temple. This made it so any announcement would automatically be projected like a newscast over every major town several times, and then sound was projected through a magic sound system als in the temples. Aiz motioned Alabaster and Momanga to stand in front of him. Albedo was handed a wooden box by aura
"Everyone do not panic this is your Emperor using our magical announcement system to share special news with you. Today I announce Momonga Albedo Gown and Shalltear Bloodfallen Gown II. to be engaged to be married at the holy Capital in six months!"
People all over the known world where looking up and clapping and cheering, some could not believe what they were seeing was real, others were already gossiping about the future political ramifications of such a union. Even Demi-human nations of the further eastern borders were watching and where bowing and shaking in fear because they thought it was the God Emperor himself, while the priest and priestesses were all trying to get them to stand up and celebrate.
Albedo was the one to drop the bomb, she opened the box and took out a sceptre, "This is the sceptre made from national treasures and is held by the true heir to the North Western Nation State of Nazarick!"
She and everyone else started to cheer, all around the Empire people knew exactly what this meant. The Agrand council of the Republic had six months to either declare war or peacefully surrender and give into the Empire's demands. The Dragon Lords were seen as the only thing between the Empire and complete domination of the Continent and now 6 months was the amount of time the Dragon Lords had. There was a third option, rumor had it that their was a smaller continent to the west where the dragons could peacefully migrate and have so in the past, but no one knew if these rumors were true.
"All hail the future High King and Queen Gown, and may blessing follow you on the joyous day" Ainz said, as the picture and sound cut out even over the Republic where everyone had a heavy heart as they were the only semi-autonomous state left and now that would come to an end. Would there be war or peace surely if they picked peace like other nations they would be showered with gifts like the other nations. Unrest began almost immediately in the republic and line were drawn within hours 55 percent wanted a peaceful transition while 28 wanted war and the test were undecided or to scared to give their opinion.
While the Emperor and the Bloodfallens were eating at the engagement dinner, Demiurge came in the door much to the surprise of Ainz, he had a huge smile on his face the made the Emperor nervous like he knew something he did not, he approached Ainz and said, "Lord I am sorry to interrupt you but civil war has broken out in the Republic, two thirds of the nation backs joining the Empire while one third declares independence. The Agrand council has yet to meet and decide on the matter your plan has worked perfectly sir should I set the next part into motion?" Ainz had no idea what Demiurge was talking about he did not even mean Albedo to announce what she did, she was supposed to just give her the staff, and now their was another part, Damn their eyes! Ainz thought.
"Yes proceed with Part II as soon as possible and do not disappoint me!" AInz said thinking what another great mess he had gotten himself into. He should have never said anything to Albedo about giving them the Republic but now its out.
Alabaster had never really gotten to speak to her love the entire day, and it was their engagement day and party. She softly wept as she clutched the scepter to her breast, it was not Momonga but it would have to do. The held hands when the announcement was made but then they were seated at opposite side of the dinner table and only got to steal glances. What should she expect it is a royal engagement, it is more for the people than them but in her mind she made it something more than it was and she could not feel dissapointed. In the back of her mind she hoped that Momonga would somehow make this day more special but with the civil war breaking out she heard that he was already deploying to help the king take care of the rebels.
Then as if Momonga could hear her prayers a teleportation portal opened up in the corner of her room, out walked a man in full armor with a fearsome helmet with skull etched in the front. She went from excited to frightened, "Who are you or I will have to use this on you!"
The man in armor stopped and then began to laugh, "What is so funny" Alabaster asked.
"I do not think you know how to use that yet" The man said, as he walked closer toward her and then took of his helm to reveal that it was Momonga.
"Momonga! That was not funny I almost killed you with this and called the guards!" Alabaster said teary eyed.
"Yes, I am sorry I should have taken my helmet off before I came from the capital but I forgot that you have never seen me in my Armor and I hope you will never have to again." Momonga said grabbing Alabasters hand.
"Are you off to the Republic to fight for Empire?" Alabaster asked.
"To fight for us, and for our future Kingdom, the announcement of our engagement and that scepter was the first part of the plan, then next I am not able to revel but let just say I am going on a dragon hunt." Momonga said.
"Be careful and come back to me soon we have wedding plans!" she said.
"We will be done within a week!" he replied
They embraced each other for what seemed hours and gave each other and kiss and Momonga disappeared.