[Chapter 4: Titles]
The sun shined, birds chirped, and Ainz happily looked out at the pristine garden that surrounded the mansion. Even his old bones needed a rest at times, and tranquil mornings like this were the perfect moment to relax before whatever the world threw at him tried to knock him off balance.
He breathed in deep, the air ignoring his attempts at doing so but his psyche relishing the remnants of his bodily instincts. What bliss it was, this single moment of peace, where no maid nor noble dare tread.
"What is a mere servant girl doing, barring the way!? Open the door and make way for me!" came a voice that was distinctly covered by a shimmer of magic, though that did nothing to hide the pride that burst forth like a roaring flame.
Actually, it reminded Ainz of someone… someone terribly… annoying.
He teleported to the main hall, summoned a replica of the Staff of Ooal Gown to his hand, and took one last, deep breath before opening the door. A halo of darkness behind his head, a ghostly wind caressing his robes; the doors were flung open and Ainz spied the one who dared spoil his peace.
"Now what demon demands passage? And why should I not banish it from whence it came?" Ainz asked, seeing that the would-be intruder donned a mask resembling an oni – one from his old world, oddly enough. It glimmered briefly and the Overlord spoke once more, "That pitiful magic will not save you, no illusion will. Reveal your identity, or get out of my sight."
Rem, having gone outside to seemingly greet the guest, adopted her formal persona and bowed towards Ainz, "Master Ainz, this man claims to represent a powerful man and to be imbued with his authority."
The Overlord scoffed before the man could even answer his initial question, reaching forward and ripping the mask off his face, "I care not for figures of authority who hide behind petty illusions. A mask is one thing, but I take an attempt at such deception as a personal offence."
Hidden behind the mask was a painfully average man, one who would be buried in the annals of history, and in a shallow grave at that, but his eyes blazed with ambition, not his own curiously enough. There was loyalty there, bordering on fanaticism perhaps, and yet what Ainz found most disconcerting was his expression. That burning pride…
"I am the loyal servant of his excellency Vincent Abellux, Basil Dusang. And you, monster, should consider yourself lucky that I, on the behalf of his excellency, am willing to excuse your pathetic behaviour, as long as you unhand that mask!" the man yelled.
"Gladly." Ainz answered, dropping the mask on the floor. Something about this man irked him, and seeing him scramble to catch the mask before it hit the dirt was somewhat therapeutic. He then turned to Rem, "Could you please tell me who our guest is? I don't believe I was awaiting an emissary from any 'Vincent', much less one so rude."
"I have not heard of a 'Vincent Abellux', Master Ainz, though… This may be a bit of a stretch, but the former emperor of Vollachia's name was Vincent, and this man dresses in the style of a Vollachian court assistant.
Looking closer at the man's manner of dress revealed more terrible, terrible signs. His coat was a familiar red, and his suit was primarily black and white.
'If she also suddenly appears out of thin air now… This will not end peacefully.'
Yes, this all reminded him of a certain candidate's dress. If he were to be honest, he was partial to the colour scheme, but to the personality that seemed to haunt it… not so much.
"But that emperor has been deposed and killed in a coup, thus it is unlikely this man is associated with him." Rem added.
Basil stood up and smoothed out his coat, just barely managing to grab the mask before it fell. "That is where you are wrong!" he said, "My master lives still, and you, weakling, are permitted to assist him in equipping his army once it is assembled! Word has reached his excellency of a skilled blacksmith in your midst, and from now on she will work for his excellency!"
Ainz sighed, deciding to deal with the man in a not-exactly-discrete manner, that didn't involve turning him into bloody mist at least. "[Charm]."
The man staggered, but he surprisingly didn't falter, his expression remaining stern and prideful.
'He managed to resist that? Impressive willpower if nothing else.' Ainz noted.
Smokeless fire blazed to life as Ainz decided to use a scroll, "[Dominate]."
This time the man's expression became blank as the magic took hold, overpowering the servant's will.
"Is your master truly the former emperor?"
"Yes."
"What does he want from me?"
"Your blacksmith in order to equip his army once the time arises to take back his country."
"And what is the status of that plan at the moment?"
"Poor. He remains hunted and persecuted."
Gears began spinning in Ainz's head, 'Vollachia has some pretty strong people… and bad relations with Lugnica as well, right? Having an in with the emperor could help avoid that, and if I do help this guy get back on the throne, he'll owe me. Hmm, how do I go about this though?'
Ainz dispelled the mind control magic on the man, quickly grabbing him and casting [Control Amnesia]. At first it looked like a confusing mess of papers and strings, all tied together in a manner only the insane would call chronological, but it only took Ainz a few seconds to collect his bearings.
It was just like a file cabinet, except messier and could probably lobotomise this guy if he messed things up, which would certainly be one way to send a message to the former emperor but not the one Ainz wanted to send.
He swiftly removed the memories concerning the whole 'magically controlling this man for information' fiasco, cancelling the spell right after and praying that the arcane surgery was a success.
It indeed was, and the patient was right back to his boisterous self.
"As I was saying, his excellency de-"
Ainz waved his statement away, "I know what this Vincent of yours desires: it's the throne, isn't it? And I doubt you came to me purely for Veronica's ability. Sure, news of her employment is significant, but I have dwelled in the courts long enough to know how quickly word travels even to foreign nations, and your master surely has heard of my exploits. What he desires is my help, isn't it?"
The man's face turned a shade redder and even Rem's expression grew exasperated as he raised his voice, "His excellency does not desire, his excellency is simply given! You w-"
"[Silence]." Ainz cast, preferring this over forcefully closing the man's jaw, "Despite your rudeness, I will offer your former emperor some amount of aid. How much…? That depends on what he is willing to offer. If you want that aid to be timely, bring me bodies of powerful warriors, enemies or your own," he shrugged, "I care not."
He opened a [Gate] to the snowy landscape where the mysterious seal stood, beckoning three Death Assassins to come forth.
'I'm being stretched thin here… I need more bodies.'
A grim thought to have, but an apt one for any necromancer.
"These three will act as your soldiers. Call them a token of my good will. What other support I will offer… We'll see what Mister Abellux can offer in turn. Now go back to-" Ainz began, only to see a red, black, and gold carriage roll into the garden. "We weren't expecting anyone, were we Rem?"
The maid shook her head, and the Overlord prayed to whoever would listen that his immunity to insanity passive was still a thing, as it would soon be tested.
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A certain someone was not in a good mood. A certain someone also had a very short fuse and a proclivity for abusing her servants, that Al knew intimately well. Frankly, he was surprised he still had his second arm attached to him after all these years! Or so he would joke at least, though that'd probably land him a high heel in the femur.
But, however sarcastic he may have been in the safety of his own mind, he was also just as loyal. Unfortunately, this loyalty only proved to be enough to grant him cursory knowledge of where this carriage was currently heading, mostly garnered from the vast amounts of yelling and disgruntled mumbling from Priscilla.
For once, in fact, she cursed her luck.
Phew, what a surprise that was to hear.
Anyway, it seemed that the gist of this trip was that Priscilla's brother's servant visited, crossing the closed border without so much as a word. The details were hazy, but her brother had some pretty good goddamn spies, even after that whole coup thing a while back. Sneaking across the border was no walk in the park, after all.
So he guessed they were off to see whoever that was, and probably to have Priscilla beat him to a pulp, or burn him, or otherwise torture him for not saying hello. Overall, not too out of the usual routine.
And now, with Priscilla firmly in her 'silent and burning anger' phase of a tantrum, he sat in silence and enjoyed the ride.
Soon enough the carriage came to a stop, a rather forceful one, and Al looked out to the window to see ice covering the wheels of the carriage.
"If I'm not mistaken, encroaching upon a Margrave's territory without prior notice is not only rude, but probably enough cause for me to treat you as intruders." came a voice Al wouldn't soon forget.
'So I guess the messenger had some business with Ainz? Man, I just hope he doesn't indulge Priscilla in a fight. Gives me the hibbie-jibbies.'
Meeting another otherworlder was already weird, but for it to be a skeletal mage as well? This world just kept throwing curveballs at him.
Either way, what was to happen was now in Priscilla's hands. Al opened the door for her and jumped out first, as a proper servant should.
She followed closely behind him, sword already in hand.
"I'm not here for you, you bag of bones! The one I am interested in is you." she said, pointing her weapon at the seemingly mute servant. The man seemed to be saying something as he dropped to his knees, but no sound actually reached Al's, or more importantly Priscilla's ears.
"Oh, I nearly forgot." Ainz said, snapping his fingers and returning the man's voice to him.
With surprising alacrity, the man collected himself and repeated his speech, "My lady! I wish to extend my most sincere apologies for not notifying you of my presence, but I was given strict orders by his excellency to come directly here!"
"And how has my brother fallen so far to request the help of some pathetic skeleton rather than my own?! What in the world could you want from this half-wit?!"
Ainz glanced from her to her sword, quickly silencing the servant once more. "You are not so dull as to not know the answer to that yourself, Priscilla. My magic and resources far surpass yours, but… perhaps I will be more lenient on your dear brother if you and I were to strike a deal."
"Fine." Priscilla said, crossing her arms and turning away from Ainz, "You may serve my divine personage for as long as you wish. In return, I will grace you with my presence."
"Um, Princess, he's a skeleton, I don't think he ca-" Al began, earning himself a hit to his helm from the pommel of Priscilla's sword.
"Shut up! Even a worthless creature like him must appreciate my divinity!"
Ainz fake-coughed into his fist to get back the attention of the candidate, as it seemed to be quite a scarce resource, and said, "I do in fact care for the bodies of the divine, for they are quite useful when torn apart for their base components."
Al took a step forward in front of Priscilla.
"But fortunately for you, you are not divine in any sense of the word."
"You-"
The Overlord snapped his fingers and silenced the candidate, "And yet there is also something very curious about this situation. Though I may very well be mistaken, Vollachia is a country run off of strength, and the fact that it is your brother who got onto the throne and that you don't seem to be actively hunting him… Could it be that you care about your brother?"
It was a rudimentary observation for any man skilled in politics, or even simple interpersonal skills to make, but it seemed truly absurd still.
Regaining her voice, Priscilla scowled, "If you ever pull that pathetic trick again, I will turn you into ash."
'Sure, lady. Now answer my question!'
"And I'll have you know that my brother has no need for your petty assistance! I alone will be enough, if he manages to survive until this selection is over!" she said, but Ainz caught a slip in her proud demeanour. For a brief instant, her lip had quivered.
'Seems all that time reading and interacting with Crusch paid off.'
"What happens in the case he doesn't? Would you rather not prefer for him to have a guardian angel? Or perhaps, given your fiery lineage, a demon?" Ainz asked, taking a step forward with outstretched arms, "The price I ask is very modest, of course."
Priscilla raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ainz, "Ask then, and I may show you some mercy."
"All I ask is for your support in the Royal Selection. Do that, and I can guarantee your brother's safety."
"Ha! Ahahahaha! You truly believe I would give up my future throne for my fool of a brother who lost his?! You are even more of a fool than I thought! Perhaps you could be my eternal court jester?"
Ainz sighed, "In that case we have nothing more to discuss. [Mass Greater Teleportation]."
After a brief flash of the teleportation spell, in the garden now stood only three figures. Ainz, Rem, and surprisingly it wasn't the messenger who finished the trio. Instead it was Al.
"Hey, why am I still here of all people?" he asked, "Did you, uh, make a mistake or something?"
"Not at all, and I'll be sure to return you to your liege soon enough, but I have been wanting to talk to you for quite a while, as fellow otherworlder and all. I'm sorry to say this, but I believe Priscilla would… halt our discussion quite quickly. Oh, and do not worry about her, I simply teleported her to the square of the capital. Perhaps she will appreciate a chance to do some shopping." Ainz diplomatically said.
Whoever, or perhaps whatever, this man was, he was certainly not ordinary. Diplomacy was, as in most cases, the preferred route. A fellow traveller from Earth such as his was sure to have his own fair share of cards to play, and for now it wasn't the time to engage in any duel.
"So please, would you join me for a while, or would you prefer I deliver you back to Priscilla?"
Al put a hand to his helm and spoke after a moment, "Sure, but only a bit. If I leave her alone for too long, it could cost me my other arm." he said, chuckling.
"In that case, please follow me."
They made their way to the dining room, where Rem quickly brought out some cold appetisers for the two, more so as a symbolic gesture.
Sitting opposite of Al, Ainz gestured to the food, "Don't take my inability to eat as a statement of you not doing so too. Indulge yourself, as my guest."
"Sorry, but I've gotta say no." Al said, shaking his head, "Though I appreciate it. And it's kinda hard to eat with just one arm, y'know? Don't wanna embarrass myself or anything."
'Is that helm cursed, or is he just insecure?'
"I will not force you then." Ainz said, putting a red potion on the table, "But should you wish for your arm to return, or for your scars to become only memories, I can afford that luxury. From one otherworlder to another."
He slid the potion across the table, his luck once more offering him the boon of it stopping right before Al.
"My mom always taught me to not accept drinks from strangers, Ainz, but Princess has talked about your potions, so thanks. I'll… consider it."
Ainz shrugged, "It's yours now; do with it as you wish. That's none of my concern. But we are not here to discuss your physical condition, so how about you get any questions of your own out the way first, hm?"
Classic move. Build trust by letting them get the initiative, so that they'll be more likely to answer your own. Salesman 101.
"So, uh, how was Earth?"
Ainz put his head on one of his hands, as if reminiscing, "I visited in… Hmm, what exactly was the year? I can't remember, but it was sometime in the 22nd century, and I must say it was… awful."
"22nd century? Damn, that's a little after my time. Was it really that bad though?"
"Yes, sad as I am to give you this news." Ainz said, nodding along, "The air was poison, the seas were black, and humanity appeared to live like slaves. I cut my visit short,"
"I see…"
"I'm sure it's not what you wished to hear, but it is the truth. I am nothing if not honest when it comes to recollections of my past." Ainz lied, his voice betraying not a hint of his deceit.
"It's fine… I guess I don't have to worry about any of that anymore anyway. I don't think I'd go back even if I knew how." Al said, his usually jovial demeanour darkening for but a moment.
"In that case, I guess you do not know how you arrived in this world either?"
"Nope. Just was kinda walking along the countryside in Japan – if you know what that is – and next thing I know boom, I'm in the middle of nowhere somewhere in Vollachia."
"Fascinating." Ainz noted, "And forgive me for asking, but you got transported in your original body, correct?"
"Well, yea, but I don't think I'm very recognizable by now, haha." Al joked.
'Perhaps he was military or some sort of fighter to survive here upon being transported. Lucky, though I suppose not as lucky as myself.'
"By the way, Ainz, I don't mean to pry or anything, but why did you come here?" Al's voice took on a sharper edge, "There's nothing super interesting for someone like you in this world, is there?"
Ainz chuckled, "I take no offence at the question, but you may find the answer a little amusing. Childish as it may be, I enjoy a good adventure. As I initially appeared in this world, I ran into Emilia. The world seemed interesting enough, and so I stuck around."
"Stuck because of a woman, eh? God, do I know the feeling!" Al joked in turn, "Speaking of, think I've gotta go. Mind getting me to the city square?"
"Not at all. It's been a pleasure, Al."
"Same to you, Ainz."
"[Greater Teleportation]."
The Overlord leaned back in his chair and beckoned Rem forward, the maid having stood at the back of the hall during the discussion.
"What did you think of him?" Ainz asked. Rem may have been a maid from a humble background, but both she and her sister could be unduly sharp, and Roswaal's training for them had given the maid a worldliness Ainz was yet to acquire.
"He has a darker aura that he tries to hide. I noticed it when you first teleported the others away." she said, sitting down next to Ainz and eating the food that he could not consume. It would be a shame to just throw it out.
"So it wasn't just my imagination… What a curious fellow. There surely is much, much more to him than he lets on." Ainz said.
'And his name resembles that one star… Aldebaran, the follower, was it? At least he doesn't seem like main character material with that kind of nickname.' the Overlord jokingly reassured himself.
"Will you do that thing you did with the messenger?" Rem gingerly asked. It wasn't that she would protest such a thing, but it was still a little creepy.
The mage shook his head, "No point. Going through that many memories would be tedious, and I'd rather not squander a possible alliance, both with Priscilla herself and with her brother by proxy. Besides, from one otherworlder to another, I'm sure he'll be eager for a second and familiar perspective should he learn something of interest."
"Do you really think Priscilla and Vincent will come around though? I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm doubting you, Ainz, but they seem so stubborn."
Ainz patted Rem's head, "It's a natural question to ask, so don't worry about it. If her brother is an emperor worth his salt, he'll come around. Three death assassins will offer him little protection from an entire country. He will come for more help. It may take a month, a year, however long, but he'll come around."
'And in the event he doesn't, manufacturing a threat to his life that warrants it shouldn't be impossible.'
"Now then, if I am to deal with a nation based on martial power, I suppose I should indulge in their customs early. Call down Emilia, will you? I'll go grab Beatrice meanwhile. I believe a little training is in order."
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As Emilia clashed with Wilhelm, Ainz turned to something he long had missed: theory crafting.
With Beatrice now by his side – though thanks to his abundant mana she could often wander off – he had access to this world magic in a very convenient form. Perhaps one day he could figure out how to cast both YGGDRASIL magic and this new world magic at once, or perhaps apply metamagic to it, but for now he would be satisfied with merely finding synergies.
"Do you have any projectile-based spells, Beatrice?" Ainz asked the childish spirit, wanting to test out an idea that had been brewing in his mind for a while.
"Of course Betty does, in fact." Beatrice said, "Do you think Betty is inept in fact?"
"Not at all." Ainz said, waving his hand and opening up a [Gate] in front of the spirit, "Could you please attempt to shoot through this?"
"Fine, I suppose. Minya!"
Several crystal lances rushed through the portal suspended in the air, reappearing several dozen metres from the duo, falling from a [Gate] suspended vertically above the ground.
"That is useful, I suppose." Beatrice commented.
"Given that I could summon that portal right behind someone, I concur." Ainz said, "But there are a few other things I have in mind. Yin magic has power over time, gravity, and space, correct?"
"It is, in fact."
'Making an already massive meteor heavier seems redundant, but space… Barriers… Hm.'
"Beatrice, would you be able to isolate an area of space? That should render us invincible, correct?" Ainz asked, an extremely devious idea sprouting from within his twisted, MMO-player mind.
"I suppose, but we would not be able to move while doing it, in fact." Beatrice answered, not bothering to mention the mana cost. For all she knew, Ainz could sustain such a thing indefinitely.
"Perfect. Please listen to me very carefully. Some of my spells have very large areas of effect, to the point where they can even hurt the two of us. Whenever you hear me call out a spell with a delay before it, activate that barrier. I would demonstrate, but…" He glanced over at Crusch, who was practising her own technique off to the side.
"I understand, I suppose. Betty could also create an area of no magic, in fact." she added, "But that would be inconvenient, I suppose."
"It would be, but perhaps there is still a use for that. Don't do so unless I specifically tell you to, and I'm sure that time won't come for a while. Although…"
When it comes to magic combos, those could wait until he acquired more of this world's magic. His own was a little rigid in application, and the two things he added to his arsenal today were already substantial , so there remained only one avenue in combat he had yet to explore.
He looked over at Emilia as Wilhelm knocked the sword from her hand and showed her a better grip for her weapon.
"Crusch!" he called out, grabbing the attention of the Duchess.
"Yes?"
"Would you mind if I brought an additional guest with me? I believe my sword arm to be a bit rusty, and Sir Wilhelm is already busy training Emilia." Ainz said.
Despite his vagueness, Crusch nodded, "Do as you will, so long as they aren't too problematic."
"Of course."
As Ainz and Beatrice teleported from sight, Crusch couldn't help but feel as if she should have been more restrictive in her wording.
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Ainz didn't even have to straighten out his robes before a small figure jumped atop his back.
"Just in time, Ainz! You've gotta save me again! Reinhard's not letting me go out, and I've got the heist of a lifetime ready!" Felt said, holding onto the undead mage for dear life.
Delicately, Ainz plucked off the girl from his back, putting her back on the ground. "Actually, I came here to see Reinhard. Do you know where he is by any chance?"
"I sure hope I don't! Wherever he is, I hope I don't see his perfect face until tomorrow morning!"
Beatrice sighed as the blonde girl complained to Ainz, "This is the other candidate, in fact? Then the selection is already over, I suppose."
"Shut up, kid! It's not like I wanted to participate anyway!"
"Calm down both of you." Ainz said, crouching down to be on something resembling eye level with them, "Felt, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be heisting. Maybe you should focus on something else until this is all over? And you, Beatrice, should be nicer to others. How else are you supposed to make friends?"
"Who said I want friends, in fact?"
"But I want to steal! Not wait Gods know how long for this shit to be over."
"Language, Felt." Ainz chided as both of them protested, "You really should spend more time around Reinhard. Even for a thief, manners are important, you know?"
"Seems that we agree on that, Ainz, though I hardly wish for my lady to be a thief. What brings you to my humble abode?" Reinhard asked, jumping from a third story window, one which Felt most likely had used to escape.
"Can't I visit a friend in these trying times?" Ainz asked, reaching out to shake the Sword Saint's hand.
Replying in kind, Reinhard chuckled, "Perhaps they are trying for the Witch Cult following all your exploits, but they hardly seem to be for you. At this point I am starting to think that they are less elusive than my lady."
Felt stuck her tongue out at her knight, both Ainz and Reinhard shaking their heads in response.
"Perhaps it is so. But I didn't visit you only for a pleasant chat. In fact, I wanted to ask you something." the Overlord said, silently letting Beatrice teleport away. It was something about spirits being too attracted to Reinhard due to his divine blessings, though Ainz was sure he could find a spell to fix that particular affliction later.
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"Would you perhaps teach me swordsmanship? I've never really had a knack for it, shameful as it is to admit." Ainz said, rubbing the back of his skull.
"Really? I mean, it'd be my pleasure, but forgive me for saying that this is quite surprising. I was sure that over your many years of travelling you would have become a swordsman as good as any Sword Saint. I was quite excited to see your style one day!"
Ainz offered a good natured chuckle to the Sword Saint, "Haha, sadly not. As long as I have not mastered magic, I have not turned to the sword. However, I think it's time to turn over a new leaf and finally get to it. Sorry to disappoint, though I'm sure that if we were to fight side by side my magic would entertain you enough."
"I'm sure it will, and I'd love to teach you, but sadly I must keep an eye on my lady. Surely you've heard of her habit of running off when I'm not looking."
Ainz glanced at Felt, who was progressively moving further away from the duo, and an idea came to mind. "Felt, what if instead of training etiquette you got to train your stealth skills?"
She raised a blonde eyebrow and stopped shuffling backwards, "What are you tryin' to say?"
"While Reinhard trains me, you can be trained by a subordinate of mine in the art of stealth. Surely you would not mind that, right?"
A moment of philosopher-like introspection overcame Felt for less than an instant before she jumped at the chance to have a reasonable excuse to escape any royal business.
"If this is what it takes then fine, though I hope she doesn't become proficient enough to evade even me." Reinhard joked.
"We shall see, shall we not? Now, if you'll allow me, [Mass Greater Teleportation]."
Just like that, the group found themselves back in Crusch's courtyard.
A figure materialised in front of Ainz, and the Overlord gestured towards the frightening undead. "Here, Felt, Aeternia will teach you more about stealth, and I'm sure she will keep in mind that you do not have abilities like her, right?"
The undead nodded and ran towards the mansion, which she probably intended to make the training area.
"Hey, wait up!" Felt yelled, using her divine protection to increase her speed.
Turning back to Reinhard, Ainz said, "Alright, with that sor-"
He suddenly noticed the firm expression on Reinhard's face.
'Oh, right. He and Wilhelm aren't on the best terms, are they? Shit.'
"If you want to move somewhere else…"
Reinhard shook his head, and his usual warm smile returned as he gestured to his grandfather. "No, it's fine. It still just feels a little… odd, you know?"
"I understand, so how about we focus on training?" Ainz asked, using [Create Greater Item] to create a simple, obsidian broadsword in his hand. While he sincerely wanted to use a massive greatsword, it was for the best if he didn't fully humiliate himself.
"Yes, let's. Do you maybe have a spare sword I could use? Something to train with." Reinhard asked, giving Ainz an awkward smile as the latter glanced at the sheathed one on his hip.
"Of course. Oh, and do note that this sword will not be able to hurt me, no matter what." Ainz said, taking out an average YGGDRASIL sword and tossing it to the Sword Saint.
"Thank you. Now, could you please show me the stance you would typically use?"
'Oh shit.'
If sweat could pour out from bone, Ainz would have turned the courtyard into an ocean. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
Digging through his memory of obscure stances collected from various media, he briefly wondered if he should try to replicate something like Warrior Takemikazuchi's bizarre style.
However, in the end he decided that honesty may be the best route.
"As I said before, Reinhard, I am an amateur. Could you perhaps show me one that you would believe would be appropriate?" Ainz asked, cringing internally at the judgement that was sure to come.
But Reinhard's good-natured smile didn't falter. "It'd be my pleasure. Here, move your legs apart a little, and now put your arms up here and-"
Minute detail by minute detail, a stance did take shape, and as Ainz glanced at the Sword Saint, he couldn't help but say, "I never took you for such an enthusiastic teacher."
"Well, not many people have the confidence to ask me to teach them." he said, adjusting Ainz's skeletal fingers on the hilt of his sword.
The Overlord chuckled, "Fair enough. I suppose variety is the spice of life even for a Sword Saint, eh?"
"That it is, and this does bring me back." A hint of melancholy crept into Reinhard's voice, and his eyes lost some of their shine.
"I… will not pry if you don't wish for me to, my friend."
"It's fine. I was just reminded of my own training. Before I became the Sword Saint, I was still quite good, you know?"
"Though I've yet to see you fight, I can't imagine you being bad, even as a child."
"You flatter me. Now come on, give me a few swings."
Ainz briefly double-checked his footwork before lunging forward. To a trained eye, his footwork quickly became a clumsy mess, and his strike, despite having plenty of force behind it, was swung at an odd angle, diminishing its power.
Reinhard parried the blow with ease, returning the favour with a one-handed strike that was meant to throw Ainz off-balance. While it was a playful strike by the standards of the Sword Saint, the likes of Julius would have still found it plenty dangerous.
To his immediate surprise, Ainz managed to return to the form the Sword Saint had shown him, swinging his blade and turning the head-on strike into a mere glancing blow.
"Good job!" Reinhard congratulated, "You're a swift learner."
"Only because I have a good teacher."
"Then let us go again."
Clash after clash, time and fatigue held no sway over the two. Minute adjustments, a finger there, a centimetre here, a change in posture, on and on Reinhard changed the smallest details.
As for Ainz, he was thankful both for his teacher's expertise and for his robe's inability to get dirty, as despite Reinhard's kindness, he was not above having Ainz land on the ground should he abandon his footwork.
Shadows twisted and changed as the sun passed above them, and as Reinhard was showing Ainz how to properly execute a disarming swing, Emilia called out to the two.
"Ainz, are you going to be done soon? It's been all day!"
Both the Sword Saint and the Overlord looked up at the sky, finding it to have darkened and for the sun to have already set.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Emilia. It seems I got too caught up in our training" he said before turning to Reinhard, "I hate to cut this short, but duty calls. Shall we continue another time?"
"Gladly, though I have to admit that I've never seen a mage with your kind of martial aptitude."
Ainz waved the comment away, "Come on, at this point you're just being nice. I'm still lacking."
"You've been training for one day, Ainz. Stop being so harsh on yourself. You, of all people, have time to train, and magical prowess for the meanwhile. Frankly, I'm a little jealous. Magic is such a miraculous thing, is it not?"
"Indeed, and if you ever need a miracle, do tell." Ainz said, offering the red-haired youth a friendly pat on the shoulder, or as friendly as an undead's touch could seem.
"Same goes for you if you ever need my blade. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will collect my lady and return home."
Right as the final word left his mouth, Aeternia appeared next to him, Felt in hand.
Reinhard offered the undead an awkward "Thank you." and took Felt into his own arms, nodding to Ainz.
With a flick of the Overlord's wrist, the two were returned home.
'Why do I get the feeling that there's something more to him as well? What's with all the people with tragic backstories in this world?'
First Al and now Reinhard. Both had an aura of a tragic hero surrounding them like a miasma. Question was, could he do anything to help the latter? Despite being rivals in the selection, he genuinely enjoyed the positive aura of the Sword Saint, and a little help could go a long way.
'I won't pry. That could only hurt more.' he decided, turning away from where the Sword Saint's domain resided, and back to other vastly important matters, such as getting Emilia back home for dinner.
ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ
Crusch turned to Wilhelm as he ate opposite of her. As important as etiquette and all was, when it was just them and Felix, it made little sense to adhere to a strict servant-master relationship. She was going to ask him about Reinhard's visit today, but even she wasn't so crass.
Felix, however, seemed to have no such qualms, "So why didn't you go speak to Reinhard, Old Man Will?"
Crusch sent a cold glare across the table and at Felix, "Says the cat who has been too scared to say hello to his friend due to a single skeleton. What kind of knight lets his liege fight a legendary beast by herself?"
"Ferris is sorry, but you know how Ferris gets around undead sometimes. Ferris didn't want to cause another incident… Ferris promises Ferris will greet him next time!"
"In that case, if you're so eager, you will venture to Roswaal's territory first thing in the morning and invite them over for dinner. I have matters to relay to Ainz concerning that skeletal dragon he promised, and I intend to deliver."
"Isn't he just using you?"
"It is a perfectly reasonable tra-"
Wilhelm cleared his throat, stopping the petty squabble of his liege and her knight, "To answer your question, Felix. I… don't know. I suppose it is not easy to fix years and years of disconnection. At this point I fear I may not live long enough to do so."
"If you want, I'm sure I could negotiate with Ainz to get your youth back." Crusch off-handedly mentioned.
"You think that not only could he do such a thing, but that he would also in fact do it?"
"Are you still doubting him?" Crusch asked, her face showing her dismissal of such a notion, "And you really think he would let his liege's mentor die from something so simple as old age?"
The silver Sword Demon chuckled, "I suppose that does make sense, and I am most definitely not doubting his power, but I don't think I would take such a blessing."
"Aiming to be reunited with Theressia?" Crusch asked to which Wilhelm nodded.
"I hope you'll forgive me for leaving your service due to old age after this selection is over."
Crusch shrugged, "You came to me with the goal of killing the White Whale. With that accomplished, there's no reason for you to stay with me until even then."
"I could hardly leave my benefactor of so many years when the competition is so steep."
"Not even you in your prime could help me scale this mountain, Wilhelm."
"Perhaps, but isn't it about the journey rather than the destination?" the old man asked, a warm smile so reminiscent of his grandson on his face.
"Very funny." Crusch dryly answered, "Though I must admit that the journey so far has been quite odd. I don't think any seer, sage, or wiseman could have seen Ainz coming."
"On that we agree, my lady."
Silence returned to the dining hall, interrupted only by the occasional sound of metal hitting porcelain.
As everyone finished up their meals, Crusch spoke up once more, "Oh, and Wilhelm?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Go speak to Reinhard a bit more; that's an order."
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On the bed lay a woman of nearly divine beauty with long, blonde hair. She looked young, awfully young for someone who was supposed to be Reinhard Van Astrea's mother.
The young Sword Saint sat in the corner of the room, looking over his mother as he did on so many nights before. How long had it been since she fell asleep like this? Nearly… two decades? Something like that. He was too young to remember when it happened exactly.
Not a man in the world it seemed could do anything. Neither the best doctors, nor even Felix Argyle could find a cure. Even he, supposedly loved by the world and granted all the blessings one could wish for, didn't have one that could rouse his mother.
What a pathetic failure…
His father still believed that there was hope, hope in the power of the dragon's blood, but was there really? If the world itself wouldn't rouse her, what would one lousy lizard do?
He sighed, leaning back and staring up at the ceiling.
This same conversation, nearly every night ever since he was old enough to have it. What a Gods-damned joke.
The door to the room creaked open, and he would have drawn his sword if not for the fact that he already knew who it was that was trying to sneak in.
"My lady." he said, still not looking away from the ceiling.
"Sitting here again in the dark? Pft, some Sword Saint you are." Felt said, walking in and sitting down next to the entrance, "Okay, you know what? I'm sorry for that one." she quickly apologised.
"It's fine, my lady. I've endured worse."
"Can't even be nice to you for once without being reminded that I'm not even mean enough…" she grumbled.
The wind howled outside as the two sat in the dark room.
"So why did you come here, my lady?" Reinhard said, breaking the momentary silence.
"Can't I just check up on how my knight is doing? Isn't that something that people do?"
Reinhard absentmindedly shook his head, "Not in particular. Knights mostly check up on their lieges, not the other way around."
"Then just shut up."
"As you wish."
A branch from a nearby tree tapped on the window.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
As if in rhythm with the breathing of the sleeping beauty on the bed, the nature outside mocked the child blessed by the world. What a sorry excuse for a saint he was.
The moon snuck out through the clouds and into the room, landing upon the face of Lounna Astrea, though not disturbing her restless sleep in the slightest.
Reinhard stood up and closed the blinds.
True darkness engulfed the room, though it was no impediment to Reinhard, his vision still clear.
"Why don't you just ask him?"
"..."
"You can speak, dumbass."
"Thank you, my lady."
"Now tell me, why don't you just ask Ainz?"
"Even the greatest minds of this world were powerless here, my lady."
"But isn't he from beyond the Great Waterfall or something?"
"You… make a good point, but I can't. I cannot use him like that."
"Aren't you two friends? Certainly looked like it today. Just ask him! Worst case scenario he says no!"
"I can't abuse my friend's trust and power like this, my lady."
"Well, I order you to do so at some point! Soon, I mean! You either ask that skeleton, or I am withdrawing from this whole thing!"
"If it's an order, I have no choice but to comply, my lady, though let me ask you this: why are you doing this?"
He could see Felt's smirk on the other side of the room, "When your mom will be around, you'll be too preoccupied to catch me! Especially with all the cool stuff I learned today!"
"Selfless as always, I see."
"And you did hammer into me how a monarch should care about her subjects…" Felt reluctantly admitted, "But don't let that get into your head! Monster!"
Reinhard smiled, "Of course, my lady."
ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ
The day proved to be a little more mentally exhausting than previously expected, and so Ainz returned to his gazebo. As it turns out, he was soon joined by Ram, who was carried in the hands of one of her undead, wraith-maids.
"Difficult day?" Ainz asked as the maid sat down near him.
"I would rather fight the White Whale alone than deal with Garf for an entire day alone." the maid complained.
The Overlord chuckled, "Don't tempt me, or I really will send you out against one of the other demon beasts alone."
"At this point I'd prefer it. Could you tell Roswaal to hire a maid by the name of Frederica Baumann again? She's Garf's sister, and probably the only person who could keep him in check."
"I'll see what I can do, but I'd like you to do something for me as well."
"As long as it doesn't involve either Roswaal or Garf, it's fine by me."
"Luckily for you, it doesn't. I need more bodies, and with your horn restored, I'm sure you'll make quite a huntress. Demon beast, cultists, I don't particularly care, but the stronger the better. I have undead serving as your maids, my guards, and I had to send out a few today, so I need to make more, but we're out of bodies. Can you handle that?"
"Leave it to me."
"Do you… actually have any idea where to find some?"
"Hmph! As if I wouldn't!"
"So do you?"
"I… could use a pointer in the right direction."
Ainz sighed, tossing a ring to the maid, "It wouldn't be a bad idea for you to start in the frozen forest. I think Emilia mentioned encountering decently strong demon beasts in the past. Use that ring to send me a [Message] when you have some bodies for me or want to return."
Ram nodded in response, putting the ring on and looking out into the vast darkness of the night.
Seeing that their brief conversation was over, Ainz took out his – formerly Tabula's – star-journal and began recording the world's constellations anew.
The crude rustling of his pen against paper seemed to draw the maid's attention back to him.
"Noting new spells from the stars?" she joked, managing to draw a small chuckle out of Ainz.
"No, just continuing the traditions of an old friend. Curious things, aren't they? Stars, I mean."
"I never paid much attention to them." the maid said, shrugging.
"In truth, neither did I. Now that I do, however, they really are beautiful, and fascinating."
"What could be so interesting about a few dots in the sky?"
Ainz flipped through the pages of the journal to one of the earlier ones, "Their names." He pointed to some weird symbols with his pen, ones vaguely resembling the ones in Karagi. "Ah, my apologies." Ainz muttered, "This one is called Aldeberan, the Follower of the Taurus constellation. Something from an old world I visited."
"And why is it that you remember about it now?"
"Well, remember our visitor earlier today? Rem surely told you about him. A shabbily dressed gentleman who went by 'Al'."
"Mhm, what about him?"
"I have a feeling that Al stands for Aldebaran. I've also been led to believe that the names of the archbishops line up with the names of stars. One, who I have learnt to represent greed, is named Regulus: another star."
"Are you saying this Al is an archbishop? With how far you've travelled across worlds, I'm sure these are just coincidences." Ram answered, though curiosity resounded in her voice.
Ainz shook his head, "No, it can't be. These all come from a single world, one I visited right before coming here. This is not a coincidence. Even the witches, Echidna, Pandora, all named after asteroids from the universe of the world called Earth."
"That… is odd. What about the Witch? Does her name correspond with something?"
The Overlord rapidly flipped through the book, as if to show off how extensive it was, just to say, "No, nothing matches, and it is haunting me. What am I missing? Al is likely a former archbishop and thus I can anticipate him having an authority, and I can identify other possible threats, but what am I missing with her!? The most significant witch, but no connection to the others… It makes no sense!"
A crack echoed out as the pen in Ainz's hand snapped.
Ram moved closer to Ainz, putting a hand on his shoulder, "Calm down." she said, "You're overthinking things."
"But what if I'm underthinking things? What if I let one detail slip past me and that leads to ruin? Preparation is key, Ram, and I will over-prepare."
"Prepare all you like, but don't go mad looking at some stars. Besides," She tapped her forehead, "Thanks to you, I could take out every archbishop. Take it slow for a bit, so that you don't slip and fall."
"I… I will. Thank you, Ram. I do apologise for my momentary loss of composure. Truly, I do appreciate the advice."
Ram gave him a rare, genuine smile, "That's what big sisters are for."
Ainz scoffed, "You're hardly my senior."
"If you are mine then be a good one and bring me back a gift from the city next time. I could use a new apron."
"Don't you still owe me for getting you your horn back?"
"Wasn't that an act of charity?"
The Overlord stood up and reached out towards Ram, patting her on the head, "Fine, fine. I'll be sure to get you something, just make sure that you get me plenty of demon beast bodies in return."
Ram deftly stepped out of Ainz's range after her hair became a mess and crossed her arms, "As if the great Ram would bring back anything less than perfect results!"
ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ
Another morning, another visitor.
The Overlord could have sworn that this was some sort of curse by now. This time, however, the voice was neither boisterous nor overconfident. It was the opposite in fact, timid and quivering.
Despite his body's inability to sleep, the morning fog still brought to him an odd feeling of grogginess, and he lethargically opened the door.
"H-Hello! Mister Ainz!" came the high-pitched voice of Crusch's knight.
"Felix? What are you doing here?" Ainz asked, trying to not pay attention to just how much the young man was quivering.
'Just what I need in the morning would be a healing spell to my skull. Please let this be over quickly.'
"M-My lady would l-like to invite you for dinner! To, uh, discuss the pyroxene crystal." the knight said, in his shaking hand the invitation marked by the crest of house Karsten.
Ainz took it from the healer's hands and nonchalantly ripped open the wax seal with a skeletal finger. After seeing that the dinner was to be at six in the afternoon, he nodded to Felix, "Tell her I'll be there, alongside Emilia. Would you like me to send you back? You must have set out early and be tired if you are here at this hour."
"T-Thank you, it's fine."
Felix quickly bowed and retreated from Ainz's sight, leaving the Overlord to shrug and close the door.
"Another visitor?" came Ram's voice from the stairwell.
"Yes, but this one not named after a star. It was just Felix inviting me over to discuss business with Crusch." Ainz answered, "Ready to go hunt by the way?"
He looked up to find Ram be dressed in several layers of white fur, and with earmuffs that matched her hair. If it was anyone else, Ainz would be worried the getup was too cute to hunt demon beasts in, but Ram was plenty capable of fighting from range.
"Of course! I'll be back by dusk."
Ainz opened a [Gate] for her, waving to the maid as she went out to do her grim task with a confident smile.
"Now then." Ainz said to himself, "I suppose I should get ready for that dinner."
ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ
"So this is Elior Forest." Ram said to herself as she entered the snowy landscape, "And that is where the Black Snake once passed through."
A line of death was drawn through the landscape, neither snow nor plantlife daring to intrude upon the cursed soil. She wouldn't either, as dealing with curses was more so Beatrice and Ainz's domain than hers.
Still, cursed land typically made for good demon beast spawning grounds. If she encountered the Black Serpent itself, she may have to exert herself a little more and end up with two drops of sweat upon her brow rather than one or none, but she doubted that thing still lurked around here. If it did then Ainz would have surely tried to mount its head on a pike already.
"Let's see… A little mana should do the trick. El Fura!"
A blade of wind cut through the sky, though as it was a cloudless morning, nothing was split apart. It wasn't much mana, but in a place like this, it should be plenty to attract some decently sized demon beasts.
"Hmm, what would Ainz qualify as strong? I doubt I'll find anything like the whale here, so… I guess a guiltylowe or something?"
Demon beasts could be quite troublesome, but for someone like her only the three, or rather two, unique ones were of any consequence. Even then, the White Whale would've been a pushover.
Right as she began to contemplate firing off another spell, a snow blight charged at her through the woods. Ainz would have immediately called the creature a gorilla-yeti hybrid, but Ram had no such points of reference.
Instead she jumped back as the massive thing smashed apart a tree. "El Fura!" Another blade of wind was sent flying, catching the beast neck and decapitating it.
"Does Ainz want these things intact?" she asked herself as she used her wind magic to pick up the body and carry it to a clearing, "Well, I'll try not to slice them up too badly."
ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ
Crusch's mansion by now was familiar ground, and Ainz had to admit that he had learnt to appreciate the Duchess' company. She had heart, intelligence, and serious as she was, it wasn't grating.
Similarly, Ainz didn't mind Wilhelm's presence.
'I wonder if the whole Astrea family is this agreeable.'
The Overlord followed the ageing butler through the corridors of the mansion, saying, "You know, I must admit that your grandson inherited quite a bit of your demonic title, if his training is anything to go by at least." He attempted to crack his knuckles for dramatic effect, but quickly abandoned the notion once his initial attempts failed.
"Has it? I could hardly imagine him of all people being a harsh teacher."
"It's always the ones who seem the nicest that teach in the harshest manner. That's a lesson I learned early on." Ainz said. However inviting YGGDRASIL had seemed, its worlds were a harsh cohort of tutors.
"May I ask how your magical training went for you to say such a thing?"
"Let's just say that I saw behind death's door one too many times."
"It's one thing to see it, and another to see it and return."
"My teacher wasn't so kind as to let something as simple as death stop them. And… I was quite a stubborn pupil, you know?"
"Stubborness in the face of death is kin to bravery, Ainz."
"I suppose so, but I always was more interested in sending people across the threshold than stepping through myself."
"As is any warrior. Well, with the exception of a few."
"You'll have to tell me about them sometime. Perhaps over another dinner?"
"Who am I to refuse a guest such as yourself?" Wilhelm said, opening the door for Ainz, "But for now I believe my lady wishes to discuss something with you."
The Overlord nodded and entered the dining hall. Nothing had changed since his last visit here, but it was a little embarrassing coming here on what felt like a daily basis.
'I know this is all probably fancy noble stuff, but I should invite them over as well, out of courtesy if nothing else.'
With the calm precision that his time in this world's political arena had given him, he walked across the room and sat to the right side of Emilia. Apparently this was supposed to show he was her right hand or something, not like it mattered in this setting, but still. If Felix sat like this then so should he, Ainz guessed.
"Crusch." Ainz began.
"Ainz. Welcome, and I apologise for the short notice, but I just got an update concerning the shipment yesterday afternoon."
"I appreciate the urgency." Ainz turned to Emilia, "I'm sure you're very excited to get Puck a better place to stay, right?"
The girl nodded, quickly turning to Crusch, "I am, but I have to ask, how'd you get this? A pyroxene crystal like the one needed for Puck is suuuper rare."
Crusch steeled her resolve, "I've worked with Anastasia Hoshin to accomplish this. Some of her merchants in the Watergate City managed to acquire the crystal."
"Ooh! Do we get to go, Ainz? Please! I always wanted to visit." Emilia pleaded, her eyes sparkling.
The Overlord raised his hand, resting it atop Emilia's head and saying, "Yes, but I do have to ask, what does Miss Hoshin want from me? We have our own agreement, of course, but what could she possibly want? Does her knight demand a rematch, perhaps?"
"You'll have to ask her yourself. Unfortunately, I don't think this endeavour would be possible without her assistance, thus she is owed her due should you want that crystal."
Ainz glanced at Emilia for a moment and immediately relented, "Fine then. The merchant shall have her cut, a finder's fee I suppose. Still, do tell me of this Watergate City. I've read about it, but I'd rather not step into foreign territory unprepared. Most importantly," He gestured to his face, "what about this?"
"Anastasia can pull a few strings to get you through, and your reputation has probably spread far enough for you to be recognizable, but I would still recommend a mask." Crusch said, "As for the rest, it's a very mercantile city. Money is the judge, jury, executioner, and God."
'So it seems like Otto and Veronica will both be visiting.'
"I see. Is there anything else notable?"
"The city is easy to flood and obliterate in the event of a siege, due to the watergates that became its namesake holding back massive tides." Ainz shot her an odd stare, but the Duchess only shrugged, "Can you blame me for such thoughts?"
"No, not at all. This kingdom is lucky to have you." Ainz admitted, "Your performance during the battle with the White Whale only proved that. No wonder you are a fellow candidate. Steep competition, I must admit."
Crusch chuckled, shaking her head, "I appreciate the kind words, but quite honestly, I don't see how I can compete. In truth, I didn't ask you to come here just to speak of our deal; I wish to forge a new one."
Ainz put his elbows on the table and raised his hands to his chin, a classic and intimidating pose of a thinking man. "Go on." he simply said.
"I recognise when a competition is lost, thus I wish to negotiate a deal for my support." Ainz nodded, prompting her to continue, "If I cannot win, I wish at least for part of my vision to come true. If you wish for our alliance to become a permanent one, I need a guarantee. Sever the pact with the Divine Dragon. That is all I ask."
Ainz sat silent for a moment, the details of said pact running through his head. "You wish to create a government that would be rid of the need for the pact, correct?" he asked.
"Yes. The kingdom is growing weaker by the day, and those in power rely far too much on that lizard, however useful it may be."
"Hmm… Forsaking such benefits is the act of a fool, Crusch Karsten."
The duchess' brow furrowed, "What is true foo-"
"But," Ainz said, cutting her off, "I believe there is a way for you to – how did the mortal saying go? – have your cake and eat it too. If you are so concerned with the structure of the country, I believe Emilia wouldn't be opposed to having you be the head of the legislature in the kingdom. Isn't that right, Emilia?"
As the silver half-elf nodded, Ainz continued, "Within reason, you will be able to create a wholly new structure. Why break the pact when you can render it obsolete and show that old lizard that it is indeed redundant? Is there no greater humiliation?"
'Please let this work, please!' Ainz thought to himself as more bullshit left his skull.
"I… am inclined to agree to this deal. In that case though, you must allow me to purge the upper crust of the nobility and ruling class. Such a thing has been far overdue." Crusch said, her tongue like a guillotine.
"As long as the punishment fits their crime, I agree." Emilia answered.
Ainz suddenly stood up as he raised his fingers to his temple. "I have a condition of my own as well." he quickly said, a [Gate] appearing before him, "Show me what you are worth once again, Duchess Crusch Karsten, and come with me on one more hunt."
Edited by Korak324
(AN: I'm alive and the story isn't dead! Woo! Anyway, depression and sobriety aside, I'm back! Been a while eh? Unfortunately, I bring sad news. By my calculations, Sin will not last more than 7 or 8 volumes total. I know that seems like a lot, but we'll probably be done with that within a year in a half! So I need more suggestions from you all for crossovers! Make it fantasy and keep in mind that I'd like to keep Ainz as an MC! Also, no Christmas chapters since I am busy and depressed. As always, more to come and I hope you've enjoyed the story so far!)