A carriage was racing across the land.
While this on its own was hardly a rare sight, multiple factors were present that would make any bystander take a double take to make sure they were seeing correctly.
The first of these factors was the beauty of the carriage. It was extremely large, much more so than any currently in production, and covered in gorgeous decorations that would make anyone gawk at them. While this on its own was a sight to turn heads, the fact that this priceless artifact that was less a form of transport then it was a art piece was utterly incongruent with its surroundings, being a tattered and bloodstained plain, only added to the oddity, and the contrast was such that it made anyone fearful of whatever resided in it.
The second was the fact that the horses that pulled it were naught but bones. While most common folk would simply name it as undead, which in of itself would not be strange on these undead filled lands. However more knowledgeable people may recognize them as the legendary monsters known as soul eaters. Either option would make one want to flee from it at all cost.
Yet the truly knowledgeable would be able to piece together the mystery and learn of the inhabitant of this carriage, for only one being could use such beast as his steeds. The Sorcerer King.
While not many saw his departure from E-rantel, those that did could only wonder what scheme was being born this time, as any nation that saw a emissary from the undead monarch, either were going to be rewarded richly, or utterly destroyed. Whatever option it was, it assuredly changed the world around him, as if it was merely bending to his whims.
Whatever option was going to be picked today remained to be seen however...
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"If this map is correct, we should be about 75% of the way there by now."
Ainz over the course of the journey had been acting as the trio's personal GPS, as they were not used to the commodities of the past like Ainz was, so a 2 day carriage ride was not their forte. Therefore, his constant status updates were the only thing keeping the two sane.
"Ugh, good. While the novelty of riding in one of these was nice, it wore off after the first few hours. So were almost their?"
"Umu, most likely we'll reach our destination by noon. But that still means a few more hours to go."
"This whole thing wouldn't even be that bad if we could just sleep through it, though the only one who even has that option is you little bro."
As BukubukuChagama was a slime, she was much like Ainz in that she couldn't sleep, as her race did not have that biological function. While Peroroncino could have chosen to sleep on the journey by taking of his [Ring of Sustenance], he choose not to out of courtesy for the two, as this way they could all talk instead of him opting out of it.
"Well I really didn't considering the circumstances, but yeah, that would definitely have sped things up. Eh, we still had some fun either way, as I do enjoy talking with you. Though it also may have been better if the view from the window wasn't nothing but empty plains..."
"Well that should change soon enough. Oh! By the way, I was thinking, won't our appearances affect how were seen by the public? I'm sure they know about Momonga-san being undead and all, but what about us? A slime and birdman don't exactly seem to scream friendly."
"I have always gone to other countries as a undead, because peddling deception is a sure-fire way to get on their bad side. It would be best if we just were ourselves. Although... Chagama-san, can't solution morph into a human shape despite being a slime? Can't you do that as well?" While they had created solution in that form, there didn't seem to be any reason why a normal slime couldn't do the same thing.
She simply shrugged her shoulders at the remark however, "Beats me. Just moving is kind of a pain. Its like constantly walking in a long skirt. Though maybe when we head back I could figure it out and ask her."
"Since were almost there it doesn't really matter. Its our fault for charging straight ahead like that without a action plan."
"That sounds a lot like Yamaiko-san"
"True, but if we really were her, than we would probably just charge in instead of approaching diplomatically. Hell, shed probably just kill the beastmen first before actually coming here."
"Haha, yeah... hopefully she comes along eventually."
The mood in the carriage grew somber at the remembrance of a old friend. While Ainz would normally be even more sad, the fact that he had met so many of his friends within a short time frame gave him hope of seeing the others again. So he did not dwell on it for to long.
After some seconds of contemplation, BukubukuChagama broke the silence by bringing up what should have been brought up long ago. "Seeing as we brought the topic up, what is our plan for the delegation? Were almost there, and it isn't like they're going to expecting us to arrive. We're essentially the most powerful being in the world going out to say hello. Anyone else would naturally be suspicious of us right? Especially one that is on the brink of collapse."
She was right.
While they knew that they were going to the country as diplomats, Ainz hadn't even considered the implications that they may be turned away at the gates. He was so focused on the potential rewards of saving yet another kingdom that was in peril. But for all he knew they may think he was orchestrating it.
Ainz Felt his non-existent stomach cramping up and was about to fall into panic as his ruler image was seen through yet again, he sudden;y calmed down as he remembered that he was with people who saw him as a equal, friends, and not one of the NPCs or his followers, and allowed himself to relax, as anyone could have made that mistake. Looks like that's becoming somewhat of a nervous tick...
"You're right. I hadn't even thought of that. If we plan to assist them in this war, then we need to think of a way to actually be trusted enough to become a collaborator. From what I've heard, most countries don't have a high opinion of the sorcerer kingdom due to the whole undead thing."
"Hm what about presenting a gift? I feel like that is customary for nations to do when receiving diplomats."
"That does sound somewhat familiar. Was it Punitto Moe who said that?"
His friend of the past was well known for his love of strategy games outside of YGGDRASIL. While he had vague remembered his non-stop ramblings on his love for them and their mechanics, some things had managed to worm his way into his memories. He was the first one to come to mind, as his hobbies seemed to fit the bill for the information.
"Ah, that gut. yeah it probably was him, seeing as he always knew a lot about things like that. I bet things would go a lot smoother if he were with us, then we wouldn't need to worry about things like this. Uwah... this really is troublesome huh?"
Ainz couldn't help but chuckle at Peroroncino's cry of despair, as he had been in the same position many times before. "Indeed, that it is."
"Well if we are going to offer a gift, then what should we give them? We don't want to come off looking cheap or pompous. What do you think Momonga-san?"
"Huh- your asking me? Honestly. I'm probably no better at this than you Chagama-san, but I can try to think of something."
After a quick – Relatively speaking – period of contemplation, Ainz reached into his pocket dimension to fish for three low leveled items that he carried around, as per the hoarder style.
He had set the items on the table between them, and what was brought out would surely make any thief drool with excitement. The first item was a sparkling tiara. The outer rim and inside of the tiara was crafted out of silver, to go along side the diamond that made up the inner pieces, with a singular large one at the center of it that sparkled even more brightly than the surrounding pieces of powdery jewels.
The second Item was a piece of ore that Ainz had with him. While it was not as strong as the metal he had asked the dwarves to use in his armor he requested, it was still quite serviceable, being around a level 30 metal known as galvoln. The Pleiades outfits were all suits that were partially made of metals formed from this alloy, so it was quite valuable for any denizen of the new world.
The third and final item on display was a pure white sword with golden edging. Though such a weapon was naturally not made of such a soft metal, and instead was made of adamantite, with gold and white gold used to cover and inlay the weapon with intricate designs that resembled the vines of a rose bush along its hilt, that went down the shaft to form a rose as the pommel.
All three of these items were quite exquisite in make, and while Ainz was not the connoisseur on all things fashionable, he could at least see they were aesthetically pleasing.
"Hm, maybe these could work. What do you think little bro?"
"Well If it were me, then I would prefer the sword or the tiara. The Ingot doesn't make much sense to me."
"Oh? And why is that? I had gifted one of these to the dwarves a while back to forge me a set of armor, and the forgemaster seemed to be quite happy with the item. Though he did run away from the country with it..."
"That's the problem Momonga-san, a dwarf would naturally be happy to see a new ore, since smithing is their livelihood, at least according to the lore of YGGDRASIL, so of course they would be happy to receive a unknown material. But how would another nation react to such a item? Anyone who was not knowledgeable on ores would most likely just be confused about what to do with it."
Naturally. If one were to give someone who preferred to stay inside sports equipment, they would most likely just look at you with a expression of "What am I supposed to do with this?"
"You may be right about that. I guess the ingot is off the table. Literally." Ainz said this as he put it back in his pocket space, and one could practically hear the 'Buh dum tss' sound as he did so. "But what about the other two? Surely a tiara would be a good idea to give to the queen of a nation?"
"I do agree with you to some extent, but if they already have a crown as a heirloom, it may seem quite insulting to them."
"Not only that sis, but they could take it as us trying to symbolize that we are the true rulers of them, by having their symbol of royalty come from a foreign nation, and one they're cautious of to boot."
"That sounded somewhat smart. When did you get common sense like that?"
"One of my H-games had a plot like that, and it seemed applicable here."
At this revelation, she simply sagged her body to droop her head down with a wet "Ho". "I thought their was hope for you. Such a shame." The performance she had put on was quite convincing. As if one had lost there last bit of hope.(Though He could not tell whether it was acting given the circumstances.)
"Well then that just leaves the sword. I personally feel like this option can't go wrong. Many nations have a weapon as a symbol of office, or just as treasures, and unlike the tiara, they won't take it as a Insult if they already have one since it is upping their power, as a good magic weapon can cause ones power to skyrocket."
"Well we still have time to decided what we want to give, but this item seems like a good place holder for now in case we don't find anything else. You got any ideas bro?"
"Um... how about just giving virgins. Don't nations do that?"
The carriage practically jumped with the sudden Bang that rang out from a head striking a table. The source was of course Peroroncino, as BukuBukuChagama had slammed him into it after hearing such a reply.
"Can't you keep your Hormones in check for three seconds!?"
The room was suddenly filled with a clamorous uproar as laughter, complaining, and whines melded together to form a truly happy mood. For some.
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The walls outside of the capital were practically overflowing with soldiers. Fighters of all kinds were stationed at each checkpoint, and two archers occupied the watch towers instead of the usual one.
While the responses that one would see upon witnessing this ridiculous amount of soldiers would either be awe at how a nation could gather this many troops, or chastising their prioritization of only one section, the universal feeling of worry would naturally be present, as this amount of troops could only mean one thing. Preparing for war.
Since sending soldiers out to the sole remaining city other than the capital would only result in more casualties, the decision was made to station every guard on the borders of the capital, for a all out siege to occur when the enemy did arrive. With 120,000 soldiers each at the rank of a iron rank adventurer, one might think that they were at a large advantage. But when one thought that they only had quantity on there side, the odds began to drop quite drastically.
The strongest of these soldiers were the captains of each unit, which could stand as equals with mythril rank adventures. While they were not strong enough to constitute as secret weapons, they each could act as a one man army for a short while in a time of crisis to regroup the rest.
One such figure – Captain Thrawn – was assigned to look over the barracks outside of the main gate. Though this seemed like a less important task, the truth was he had a alarming amount of stress put upon him, as defending the main gate was of critical importance. So he had to be informed of any anomalies, however small.
"Captain Thrawn!"
And It would seem that his work was bout to begin once more.
"Sir"
"Yes, what is it soldier? Has there been sightings of the enemy?"
"Well the thing is, we aren't sure. The watchtowers spotted a carriage moving towards us in the distance, and upon closer inspection, it seems to be heralded by undead horses of some kind."
"The Undead?!"
Though the man must have though his exclamation was due to the shock of hearing the nemesis of the living were approaching the capital, he was shocked for a different reason. Though the common soldiers hadn't been informed of this, the queen gave out orders to the higher ups to be on the lookout for emissaries from the sorcerer kingdom, and if spotted, to inform her as soon as possible.
"Indeed. What should we do? Should we try to take it out from a distance? The archers are already at the ready."
Since that country was well known by now to be ruled by the undead it was only natural that they would use them for such purposes. Like of a horse and groom. At least he figured as much, as that was the most plausible explanation.
And if that was the case...
"NO!" the sudden shout caused the mans shoulders to tremble, as he had not expected such a explosive reaction to the news. "Tell the archers to cease fire immediately, and prepare to greet it at the gate. We must not antagonize that carriage at all cost!"
"Y-yes sir, right away!"
If his unit had scared off the emissary from there nations sole saving grace, he didn't think he would even be allowed to live to see the battle.
So the sorcerer kingdom has finally showed themselves to us huh? I hope that the rumors are true, because if there not, then were finished.
The Captain finished his thought with a prayer to the gods, before setting out to meet the Diplomats with what he hoped was a proud way.
A/N I guess just screw the lives if that other city right? Sorry this chapter was slightly later than usual. I had to begin working full time since my co-worker got sick so I had to fill in, and combine that with my awful sleep schedule, and your bound to suffer burnout.
