AN: "Cookies" → Speech / spoken air quotes
"Cookies" → Thoughts
"Cookies" → Spells / Martial Arts
"Cookies" → Message spell speech
I don't own Overlord
Have fun, enjoy and please review
Chapter 24
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama turned around in her sleep time and time again, until she decided she couldn't sleep anymore. Her dreams were plagued with terrible pictures, most of them connected to Zesshi. She couldn't endure them.
She stood up and looked outside of the window. Pitch black night. Rain fell against the window and neither stars nor moon was visible. Her only source of light was the candle she lit when standing up. Arachama simply yawned and walked towards the kitchen. Once there she prepared herself a nice drink and then went to her office. A small stack of papers was on it and thus Arachama fought her nemesis before it could grow too strong. The name of her nemesis, at least since she came into the new world, was paperwork.
Arachama fully immersed herself into her work when a knock was heard from her door and then Enti walked in.
"Good morning, mom. Why are you already awake?" Entoma asked, rubbing her eyes under her mask.
"I couldn't sleep. Nightmares are just terrible." Arachama yawned.
"Is it because of the reports?" Enti asked and Arachamas reaction seemed to confirm Entis suspicions.
"You don't need to worry, mom. Zesshi is training hard and is on the top of the food chain. She will do fine." Enti tried to reassure.
"Does she also need to catch her own food?" Arachama asked, desperation in her voice.
"No, mom. She is that strong. Now. Let me help you. Let's go to bed." Enti sighed and came closer to Arachama, holding her arms up to cuddle.
Arachama took Enti up and both went to bed. Arachama afterwards could sleep much better.
She turned and felt Enti in her arms and heard rain on the windows, which tickled her sleeping forms ears. After a short while Arachama surrendered the fight for sleep and opened her sleepy eyes. The dampened sound of the rain while usually relaxing was extremely noisy now and Arachama groaned and cursed the weather
"At least I got a bit of sleep and Monga didn't wake me up." Arachama grumbled in her head and decided to get up. Enti felt her mother standing up and followed suit.
"Good morning mom." Enti greeted and Arachama gave Enti a bear hug.
"Mornin'." Arachama smiled and Enti beamed under her mask.
"I will get you some breakfast. I got something special from lord Demiurge." Enti proposed and Arachama simply nodded and lifted her hug.
Enti used this chance and ran out of the room. Arachama meanwhile took her time to prepare herself mentally. Her daughter would go today. To a battlefield no less. The thought crossed her again and again. She understood that Zesshi was strong, though she hated it.
"I should have gone." Arachama thought and felt depressed.
After remaining in her depression for quite some time Arachama went from her bedroom into her living room. Breakfast was prepared. Though only the arachne were there.
"Where is the rest?" Arachama asked.
"Today we have a special treat from lord Demiurge. I don't think they would enjoy it and thus prepared a second breakfast in the eastern part of the mansion." Enti explained and Arachama nodded.
Arachama looked over the table and saw mostly the usual. Scrambled egg, sausage, the usual pudding and some bread. Arachama looked at Enti, who had quite a smug posture.
"Ara ara. And what is the surprise that lord Demiurge had prepared?" Arachama asked.
"It is twofold. One will be used much later. The other will be served in a moment." Enti answered.
Ninya walked in at that moment, a bit pale, and carried a tray with a special treat.
"Sorry big sis. It took some time." Ninya excused herself to Enti.
"It is no problem, little sister. Everything comes with experience. It also had exceptional timing." Enti replied and then helped Ninya with the tray. It was placed in the middle of the table.
It contained a bowl with a black sauce and small stripes of something very similar to ham. It smelled delicious and Arachama felt her mouth water.
"It smells great." Zesshi smiled and Arachama agreed wholeheartedly.
After the tray was placed down Enti showed Ninya how to efficiently cut thin slices from the ham and how to present them. All got a little piece and it was delicious for them.
The ham certainly took the attention of everyone for the duration of its existence. After everyone was fed and watered they relaxed for a moment in the bliss of this nice surprise.
After nearly half an hour movement filled the room full of arachnids. Arche and the twin excused themselves to train their magic. Ninya and Enti cleaned the table, though Ninya would wash the dishes while Enti remained back. Zesshi meanwhile looked at Arachama.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Arachama asked and Zesshi nodded with determination.
"Yes, mother. I wish to prove myself to you and show my value." Zesshi responded, though it felt like a deep blow to Arachama.
"I could always send a floor guardian." Arachama tried.
"Not necessary, mother. I will find whoever did this and then bring them here so they can bow before you." Zesshi said, all eight eyes of hers showing flames in them, which grew brighter with every word.
"Then pack your things. I will have Leinas prepare a carriage from here to the palace. And please, behave yourself in front of the Baharut Empire." Arachama ordered and Zesshi jumped up, hugged Arachama and then ran out of the room.
"Mother?" Enti nudged Arachama.
"Yes, Enti?" Arachama asked.
"How did you like the surprise?" Enti wanted to know.
"Ara ara. It was delicious." Arachama answered.
"Good to know. I should tell Demiurge to age the sheep like this one." Enti responded and Arachama decided that she would purposefully forget the last sentence. Enti was just turning around to do her duty when she was enveloped in a tight hug.
"Ara ara. I think we need a cuddle session. I need them more now that one of my own is in danger." Arachama kissed Entis neck and then cuddled Enti till Zesshi would come back.
→ Colognium / Proditor ←
It was an early morning since the sunrise was ongoing and the dew was still on the ground when Proditor rubbed his eyes. He remembered instantly that he would have a hard day. Today would be 'negotiations' between the besieged and the besieger. Proditor immediately grumbled when he remembered and cursed his luck.
"Why are the nobles always the root of the problems?" he asked himself and then shook his head, giving up that train of thought.
He went to get his ration and then proceeded to do his usual routine of the day. The new leaders would call for him when the trip would start.
The sun was already high in the sky when Proditor was called for. He went, together with the redundant messenger, to the mayor's palace and greeted everyone. Rokerlen looked at him with a shy smile and Proditor responded in kind.
"This fat, useless noble." Shot through his head though.
"Good morning. Today you and this noble negotiate. Remember, our treasure and life might be at stake!" Proditor was told and nodded along.
"Yeah yeah. Get the nobel there and listen in the negotiations. Anything else?" Proditor laughed and the other fell into it.
"None. Now be gone. I can't wait to get back to my wife and kids." one of them laughed and both messengers nodded.
Both walked towards the gate, which was opened for them, and then proceeded towards the eastern camp, as this one seemed more peaceful. The territory was covered in tall grass and rocky terrain, thus advancing proved quite hard. The gras, which was their helper at the storm, was now a hindrance and Proditor was sure he felt a mouse run over his feet. Rokerlen was hoisting a white flag.
They went closer to the river, which cut between Colognium and the northern forest. Here the terrain was more open. All the way, Rokerlen tried to make light conversation, which annoyed Proditor.
"Can you, oh worthless noble, shut up? I am trying to think and your babbling is hindering me." Proditor hissed and Rokerlen was looking shocked.
"What is the problem with you people?" Rokerlen asked, anger rising in his voice.
"We are acting accordingly. You nobles expect us commoners to jump to death for you and smile while doing it. We don't. For all I care, any noble dying is as interesting as a blow of wind in the wastelands. It is irrelevant." Proditor hissed and Rokerlen looked shocked.
"But we are your superiors!" Rokerlen was nearly shouting out.
"Only a few more hills between me and the walls." Proditor thought and felt his anger rise yet again.
"You nobles are not the smartest bunch, are you?" Proditor asked and Rokerlen looked back.
"What do you mean?" Rokerlen asked.
"First the expectations. Barely any noble is worthy enough to be followed by us common people. In my opinion the only two I would follow were the golden princess and marquise Raeven. As you see, the prince is missing from that list. I am only here because I am ordered to. Not because of the prince." Proditor tried to explain and an evil smirk grew on his face.
"But you are loyal to Re-Estize. Thus you will follow the noble commands." Rokerlen argued.
"No. I follow my superiors." Proditor denied and let it sink in while they were hidden enough.
"Yes. But those are the nobles." Rokerlen guessed.
"No. My superior is Zuranon. I am here on their order and you are standing in their way. Luckily you are also a stepping stone. Or rather.. Your death is." Proditor calmly explained and Rokerlen looked at him.
Proditor took out his sword and Rokerlen tried to turn and run towards the defenses of Baharut. Sadly Proditor was in much better shape and managed to smash the hilt of his sword into the right thigh from Rokerlen. He then ripped the sword out of Rokerlen, which led to enormous loss of blood. Rokerlen still tried to run, but found his leg denying its purpose and he limped as fast as he could while Proditor followed. After a short while Proditor smiled because he saw Rokerlen lay on the ground, breathing heavily.
"Just lay down like a good dog and I shall make it quick." Proditor laughed and saw Rokerlen, willingly or not, comply. A short stab into the heart later Rokerlen died. His corpse would be dragged to the river and thrown into, never to be found by his family and never receiving a burial.
Afterwards Proditor would cut himself and stab himself, to make sure his cover story would work. Then he jumped into the river and let himself be flown downstream, towards Colognium.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Zesshi ←
Zesshi felt like a child in sugarshock. She ran around her room and packed everything she either felt important or that was on a list from Leias. Though Zesshi also couldn't overlook how well mother had done in her farewell meal. The ham must have been expensive to gather and it tasted delicious. She had already packed her bags when Leinas entered.
"Are you ready, Zesshi?" Leinas asked, a big smile on her face.
"I am feeling that I have everything I need. Let's go over this again." Zesshi sighed.
"Alright. Tent?"
"There."
"Fieldbed?"
"Yes."
"Necessary Weapons?"
"Yep."
"Food and drinks will be there. Clothing?"
"In this bag."
"Your booklet?"
"On hand."
"Book on entomancy by Athropleura?"
"In there. Can't lose time by sitting in the camp all day."
"Scrolls of "Gate" and "Message" are packed as well?"
"They are? In the bag? No. There? No. I missed them." Zesshi replied and Leinas looked smugly at her.
"What would lady Arachama say?'Ara ara. Pack your trunk accordingly, dear. Ara ara.' Or something like that." Leinas giggled and Zesshi looked at her.
"You're evil."Zesshi pouted and Leinas laughed.
"Get them and meet me in the foyer. I already prepared the carriage." Leinas smiled.
"Tell me one thing. Does the emperor even know I will be coming?" Zesshi asked.
"I brought it to his attention yesterday. For all the empire knows, you arrived yesterday evening as a guest from Arachama-wheelchair. Today you will go to the palace and present yourself to the emperor, who will then send you to the second legion in support." Leinas explained and Zesshi nodded.
"That will be a fun trip." Zesshi grinned and Leinas sighed.
"Not if you aren't moving to get ready." Leinas replied and Zesshi jumped up. She ran to big-sis Entoma and asked for a few scrolls, which Entoma gave. She packed most of them inside her trunk, while keeping two of each in her jacket.
"Can't be safe enough, at least mom tells me that." Zesshi beamed and met Leinas in the foyer. Leinas was fighting to bring the trunk to the carriage, when Zesshi simply took one of its handles and lifted it effortlessly onto the back of the carriage. Lenas looked at Zesshi in astonishment.
"How?" Leinas asked.
"Training and time." Zesshi laughed and seated herself inside the carriage.
The trip to the palace was a strange experience for Zesshi. She felt the gazes on her and the pointing fingers didn't help it either. Leinas was also shifting in her seat and looked around, probably to make sure Zesshi was safe, as Zesshi was now officially the support from Nazarick to Baharut. Though nothing happened and Zesshi simply looked around, once they came closer to the palace. The gates to the palace were opened and the carriage went through them without any trouble and then Leinas helped Zesshi off the carriage. She herself took her trunk and followed Leinas towards a group of people.
Zesshi came closer and Leinas stopped her a few steps away from this group. It contained a younger blond male in regal clothes. Two soldiers in a uniform similar to Leinas were also there together with Fluder.
"My emperor, this is one of the daughters of lady Arachama from Nazarick. She is sent here to support the second legion besieging Colognium. Her name is Zesshi Zetsumei. Zesshi Zetsumei, this is emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix. Those behind him are Fluder Paradyne, the court magician, and two of the four imperial knights." Leinas introduced.
"A pleasure to meet you, emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix." Zesshi said and made a small bow.
"It is my pleasure, Zesshi Zetsumei. I hope that you will work splendidly with my second legion." Jircniv nodded and Zesshi smiled.
"I can't wait to get this trouble to stop. I just hope that this one will be a challenge." Zesshi laughed and Jircniv seemed to laugh. Nimble shuddered while Fluder and Leinas seemed to sigh.
"We will send you over to the second legion together with their ration, as that will be instant transportation." Fluder explained.
"That sounds great. Then I don't spend too much time traveling there. Sadly mother doesn't like to travel to new places. Thus she can't cast a "Gate" anywhere in Slane Theocracy. Though when will I be traveling there?" Zesshi asked and showed one of her creepy smiles.
The group, except Leinas, flinched and Zesshi giggled.
"The rations are prepared and we wait for them to open the "Gate" at noon. That should be in roughly half an hour." Fluder explained and Zesshi placed her trunk on the ground, relaxing her arm.
"Then we should relax." Zesshi sighed and the group did just that.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Entoma ←
Entoma had a hard time dealing with her mother. She was walking up and down the whole mansion, looking confused and in a state of absolut panic. Even Entoma with her sisters were unable to calm Lady Arachama down enough to speak with her. They also had to reinforce the door of the mansion heavily in advance, otherwise Lady Arachama would have gone to the palace and ordered Zesshi back and done the assignment herself.
Entoma was now standing in front of the remnants of a destroyed foyer, which had the unfortunate fate of being what held Lady Arachama back. She then walked to Yuris office to speak with her.
"Sister? I will need your help." Entoma told Yuri.
"What did Lady Arachama destroy this time?" Yuri asked, placing her glasses further up.
"The foyer. I didn't know you could pulverize a carpet, but she did." Entoma answered.
"At least we can get a better one now." Yuri sighed and Entoma didn't like the sound of that.
"As long as we dont want to buy a new mansion, we should keep mother occupied. Otherwise we will be homeless in due time." Entoma hissed back.
"Then why don't we ask Arche and the twins to spend more time with lady Arachama? That way she is occupied and if they are asleep you can jump in." Yuri proposed and Entoma shuddered.
"We already tried it last time. Let's meet again after moms meeting with lord Ainz. We need ideas and after the meeting we can throw ideas at each other." Entoma decided and Yuri nodded.
"I will also ask Ninya for help with this." Yuri said and Entoma left Yuri's studies, while Yuri prepared for a meeting of her own. Entoma also saw Yuri file a request for new furniture.
After Entoma left Yuri's office she searched for Tuare and Ninya. She found both of them preparing lunch.
"Good day, I need your help for now. We will prepare the meeting of lady Arachama and lord Ainz Ooal Gown." Entoma ordered and both looked up.
"How can we help you?" Tuare asked.
"We will use this as a training exercise. Ninya will prepare the tea while Tuare will prepare the cake. I will prepare the room, if lady Arachama hasn't been there. Yuri is already ordering a new carpet for the foyer." Entoma ordered.
"Understood." Both sisters replied in one voice and began their work.
"Don't forget dinner. Since it is stew and bread we don't need to do much other than stir it from time to time on low heat." Entoma reminded Ninya and Tuare.
"We will remember." Ninya said and Entoma went to do her part, finding mother in the process of ripping one of her knitted pillows.
"Mother. What are you doing?" Entoma asked.
"I am terrible, I should have gone and now I have sent one of my own to war. Why did I even agree with that madness? Why did she want to do it? Argh." Arachama shouted, already trying to grab another pillow.
Entoma jumped between mother and that pillow and then into mothers arms. She felt the embrace from her mother and that her embrace had a calming effect, leaving the furniture partially protected, for now.
→ Between Colognium and Re-Estize / Barbo ←
Barbo, Lytton and his troup rode as fast as possible without losing their horses. This was extremely taxing for them, as they had to cut on their sleep and even decided to take shorter breaks. The breaks were now not even long enough to properly prepare a meal, which displeases Barbos stomach, but what can you do?
They were riding through a thick forest when the front stopped abruptly. In front of them was a fallen tree. Immediately Barbo sent a few riders to get rid of it. That was when all went terrible for the prince. Arrows flew through the air and the riders died on the spot, clattering armor was heard when they fell to the ground and brought many out of their trance. They looked around and saw many commoners with axes and bows. The ones with axes were running towards them while the bows shot arrow after arrow.
"AMBUSH!" Shouted one of the soldiers and they began to charge at the axemen. Sadly the axes had little problem punching through the leathery parts of the cavalryman's armor. Many were knocked out of the horses. Those would later either be trampled over, bleed out or put out of their misery.
The horses, some unused to the battlefield, were then running amok and trying to get away, trampling whoever got under their hooves. Sadly many of those horses would not come far before being cut down. The number from the horsemen grew smaller and smaller and fear settled in. Many of the experienced soldiers were now on the floor, as their more expensive armor made them a prime target. The levies, some of them still having plunder on them, recognised some of the men and the fear grew bigger. Then it happened, one of the younger broke and tried to gallop away, which was the final straw for many.
Panic settled within the Re-Estize soldiers and everyone tried to escape. Barbo, Lytton and others tried to flee around the obstacle, but a few of the horses were shot and fell. Barbo, Lytton and a few others were affected by this. Barbo climbed over the obstacle and ordered a rider to surrender his horse, which that loyal soldier did. Lytton then grabbed the reignes.
"Traitor, how dare you take my horse?" Barbo shot at Lytton.
"My safety is more important than you pompous arse." Lytton shouted when a *thud* was heard. Lytton was hit in the neck and fell from the horse, blood splashing onto Barbos face.
"Pah, such traitor scum." Barbo hissed.
He grabbed the reins of the horse and ran a bit away from the ambush. After a while he grabbed the reins and rode away, only a few riders managed to find him and they decided to ride towards E-Rantel and then hire adventurers for the trip from there to the capital. It would take them much time though.
"Now I need to plan my story, so that my reputation is saved." Barbo thought, his fear hidden behind anger.
→ Site of the ambush / Pedites ←
Pedites watched as some of the riders escaped, though they shot the prince for sure. Besides that they also killed much of the contingent.
"What did I tell you, Oculus?" Pedites shouted and the mentioned simply shook his head.
"Shut up. Can We gather the armor and weapons? MIght as well as the horses, alive and killed." Oculus ordered some men, who were eager for some meat.
"What about the survivors?" One cleric shouted.
"Look around you, there are no survivors." Oculus answered.
"What about the one you stand upon?" the cleric asked.
Oculus looked down and saw a man. He was slightly injured and Oculus smiled. He used his dagger and stabbed it right into the neck.
"There will be no survivors, cleric. They took from us and massacred our villages and towns. Why should we give them mercy?" Pedites explained to the cleric and nodded to a few men, who immediately understood. Cries of agony were heard when the last enemies on the field were killed. Pedites meanwhile walked over to Oculus
"That was quite the success." Oculus summarized.
"Yep, I think we should rest for today, eat the feast we got today and celebrate the fallen. Then we should move eastwards." Pedites proposed.
"That is a sound idea, though I would move through the forest of Colognium in the north. It gives us more cover." Oculus sighed.
"I would agree." Pedites replied and both began their track to the refugee camp.
Suddenly a shout of anger was heard. Pedites heard it and walked to the origin of that sound. When he came closer he saw some men look over the pompously clothed corpse of the prince.
"What is it?" Pedites asked.
"This isn't the prince, we only killed one of his cronies." One man answered.
"Such a shame. But we at least killed one fancy boy. Look at the clothing. Purple and gold. He must be rich. I guess we did hit the kingdom to some extent." Pedites laughed and the anger lowered itself a bit.
"Then what do we do with this corpse now?" asked one bowman.
"Do with it as you please." Pedites told them and left to get to the camp. He would tell Oculus of this and have a great laugh.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Zesshi ←
Zesshi sat in a room full of couches and a big table in the middle. While she was here the emperor had offered small snacks, some of which would disappear in her stomach. She also looked at the map and saw that the second and first legion were besieging Colognium.
Zesshi didn't know why, but she felt a shiver crawling down her spine, which wasn't pleasing. At that moment she decided that she should do her mission as fast as possible. She also prepared herself mentally to live with those weaklings for a week.
When a magician knocked everyone looked up and Jircniv was given the reports. He placed them aside and looked at Zesshi.
"Miss Zetsumei, if you would please follow this magician. He will bring you to the second legion with the rations. I thank you in advance for your great service." Jircniv said.
"No problem." Zesshi replied and could smell the shudder on their spine and see the sweat glisten on everyones neck. She afterwards took her trunk and went with the magician.
After that she followed the magician and saw how the carts were loaded with grain, meats and whatnot. She was even presented with a ration for herself, which she took. It was simple bread with a nice sausage. She stood beside the mage and looked on when they used a scroll to cast "Gate", after which the carriages went through. The mage signed for her and both went through.
She stood in a typical encampment of the Baharut empire. Everything was neatly organized. There was a bigger tent in the middle with the standards of every century and the standard of the legion in front of it. Then were the typical tents organized by their units. They seemingly also prepared a spot for her tent, as she saw a gaping spot between the rallypoint and the tent typically for guests. She looked at it and found that it would be just enough room to place her tent there.
"Don't want to bother them too much. This will be a nice vacation. Enough action and a field trip paired with enough relaxation and fresh air. While my mother is nice and caring, I needed some fresh air." Zesshi thought and began to smile. She then went to the tent of the general, the biggest in the middle.
"Ara. Is someone in there?" She asked and wondered where the tick came from and why she used it at all.
"Hmph. Yes. Give me a few seconds." She heard a raspy voice and waited until the tent was opened.
"So you are our help from this Nazarick?" the general asked, the smell of the tent's interior assaulted Zesshi's nose.
"Yes. I plan to find that threat. Then I will take her and throw her to mothers eight feet. Can I now come in for the briefing or should I ask the Primus Pilus?" Zesshi replied, clenching her fist.
"Yeah Yeah. Come in. Please excuse the chaos inside, we broke our heads about a noise from down the river." the general explained, which fitted the tired face on everyone.
"So you got even more on your plate now?" Zesshi asked the general. Plumbus Pugnus Pulsus, if she remembered correctly, nodded.
"Yeah. It was strange, though it will be in a report later. I am here to explain your assignment. In our typical fashion we use patrols outside to warn us of potential reinforcements. Those patrols disappear in the night. These make no sense at all. The prince of Re-Estize ran as soon as we came close to the city. Refugees would not attack my men, as the rewards for such things would not be worth the risk." Plumbus tried.
"I think I will take over those nightly patrols, though I would ask for my rest on the day afterwards." Zesshi proposed and Plumbus nodded.
"You can use the spot, which is usually used for visitors. If you find whoever does this, make them wish for death." He hissed and Zesshi smiled.
"From what I can tell, it will wish for death for a long time when I get my hands on it. Especially if mother gives it over to lord Ainz Ooal Gown." Zesshi smiled and Plumbus had a sadistic gaze in his eyes.
"Then dont be my guest but my friend." He said and got a cup for her filled with whine.
She took the wine and drank it in one gulp.
"Then so be it. But now I prepare my tent and my armor." Zesshi told Plumbus, who nodded.
"I can't wait for tonight. It will be more fun than I had before I met mother." Zesshi thought and chuckled inside her mind. The sun beamed down even harder while she thought that.
"Even the weather is better here than the storm in Arwintar.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama, after some help from her surroundings, calmed down significantly. This was essential, as she would learn. Luckily only the foyer needed to be renovated and some pillows didn't survive contact with her desperate self.
"Now I envy Monga a bit for his emotional suppression. He at least doesn't destroy anything close to him when he gets slightly desperate." Arachama tried to calm herself, hugging Enti even tighter.
"I see that you now calmed down, lady Arachama." Yuri said, walking into the northern part of the mansion, a smirk plastered on her face.
"Yes. Though how much damage did I cause? I don't have memories from my small rampage." Arachama replied and Yuri placed her glasses further up her nose.
"Your rampage left the foyer, a few pillows and Zesshis room in ruins. Luckily none was injured, though Entoma and Fith nearly were caught up while trying to calm you down." Yuri reported and Arachama nearly wept at the close call.
"More damage than I thought. Urgs." Arachama hissed in her thoughts while Mini-Arachama tried to look innocent.
"Can we repair it before Monga comes?" she asked.
"Lets have that silver lining, please." She thought while Mini-Arachama looked up behind a hill of paperwork.
"We only have a little time. Luckily I already asked the homunculi maids, who agreed to help. The foyer can be repaired in time. We can replace the pillows easily. The damage to Zesshis room though should be repaired after Lord Ainz visit." Yuri told Arachama, who looked even more sheepishly. Mini-Arachama meanwhile tried to hide the hand in a cookiejar.
"Can I help somehow, please?" Arachama asked.
"Not necessary. It was our shortcoming in foreseeing such a reaction." Yuri replied apologetically.
"I will prepare the living room for Monga and me. So you don't have to, please." Arachama asked pleadingly.
"As you wish, lady Arachama. But could I ask to free Entoma, as we will need every hand we can get to get the damage repaired as fast as possible." Yuri inquired and Arachama complied. Enti was breathing heavily for a few seconds until she followed Yuri outside.
Arachama prepared the room as best as possible. Taking out a smaller table, some reports from Baharut and some requests for Albedo. She then got new pillows for the room. Afterwards she replaced one of the couches with a smaller one, which only allowed two people on it. She herself fluffed her self made 'couch' a bit for more comfortable seating. At last she took out a set of plates, teacups and cake forks. She then took out a matching tablecloth. It was held in a black-red color scheme.
She walked into the kitchen and saw that Ninya and Tuare were preparing tea and cake. She decided to help them a bit, despite them reassuring her that she doesn't need to. She simply needed something to do. She helped them prepare the dishes and in the end everything looked good.
Arche walked into Arachamas living room and looked at her. The twins were just beside Arche and all three walked closer to Arachama. In the end they hugged her while she cried her eyes out, feeling remembered at the loss over Zesshi she felt. She hugged them as if they were a lifeline and they reciprocated. After nearly an hour she felt better and for the first time that day sun shone through the window and the storm over Arwintar stopped, as if it mirrored her sadness.
"Thanks my daughters." She sniffed and the twins kissed her on the cheek.
"No problem, dear mother."
"Just come to us, mother dear." the twins replied. Arche simply smiled and Arachama sighed.
"I shouldn't have done what I did." Arachama sighed.
"That is probably true, though the foyer will probably look much better than before. But do me a favor, mother. Next time come to us or wait till we come to you." Arche tried to look stern, but it didn't work properly and all snickered.
"I will do that. Pinky promise." Arachama smiled and a group hug followed.
The homunculi maids, Yuri and Enti worked wonders and managed to not only repair but also improve the foyer. It now had black marble, a deep purple carpet with colden fringes. A big chandelier was now replacing the old. It was enchanted. It would never need candles because it was working with hellfire. Thus none would ever feel wax on their head. Thanks to the dangerous looking flames it could potentially discourage some suspicious visitors? Arachama wasn't sure of the last though.
Just when the homunculi maids walked through the "Gate" Arachama casted, the occupants of the mansion walked into the new foyer. Enti, Yuri, Fith, Foire, Tuare and Ninya placed themselves on Arachamas left. Arche, Kuude, Ure and Leinas were to her right. Arachama was opposite the door and waited. The waiting didn't last long as after nearly five minutes a portal opened and Albedo and Monga, in his incubus form, walked through.
"Good afternoon, Albedo and Monga." Arachama greeted and Albedo bowed.
"Good afternoon, lady Arachama." Albedo answered in kind.
"Good afternoon, Ari." Monga said and Arachama signed them to follow her.
They walked into Arachamas living room, where she gave them the new couch.
"I hope you like the couch, Albedo." Arachama winked and Albedo winked just back.
"Of course. Cuddling is important." she replied and Arachama laughed.
"Just my opinion on that." Arachama laughed. Tuare walked in, with a small tray of warm tea. Enti just behind her to observe.
"Ara ara. Thank you Tuare." Arachama took over and filled the teacup of everyone. Albedo though looked at Tuare with a big frown.
"Why lady, Arachama?" Albedo asked and Arachama saw the problem immediately.
"Bring Tuare out here please. She didn't do anything wrong. But we both know for the love Albedo holds for humans." Arachama used "Message" to order Enti, who nodded and did as told.
"What is the problem, Albedo?" Arachama asked, a frown on her own face.
"Why would you need the help of a lowly human? Couldn't you have asked one of the homunculi maids?" Albedo replied.
"She is instrumental in keeping this place clean, together with Foire, Fith and Ninya. Only a few of us can walk outside and not be seen as monsters. I can count those numbers on one hand. She is among those few and thus invaluable to me right now." Arachama explained.
"But how can you be sure of her loyalty? And where did you collect this stray?" Albedo inquired.
"Let's try a more psychopathic angle." Arachama thought.
"Remember Sebas 'betrayal'?" Arachama counter asked and Albedo nodded.
"She owes Sebas, for saving her life and me for allowing her continued existence. She will stay loyal." Arachama began.
"And what will happen once her usefulness has run out?" Albedo impatiently threw in.
"Ara ara. Then she will be married to Sebas. I am sure that both of them will be a nice couple." Arachama answered and Monga nodded along.
"So that is the mystery behind his leave once every month." Monga remembered while Arachama nodded.
"Ara ara. They have a relaxed day together, which they enjoy and both are quite blushing in the proximity of each other." Arachama gossiped and Monga chuckled a bit.
"That is quite a picture." He said.
"Ara ara. It is a picture alright." She laughed and Monga fell in.
"What you do with her is not my concern, I just wish for the best for Nazarick." Albedo huffed.
"And I reassure you that she only had positive experiences, a good quality life, a sister in another maid of mine and her precious Sebas with us. She is loyal and will remain as such for the foreseeable future. You don't have to like it, but please don't attack her and don't do anything negatively towards her." Arachama sighed and Albedo nodded.
"I will do as you ask. I owe you one myself for this meeting and more." Albedo purred and Monga coughed.
"Now. Since we are here. How does everything work on the Baharut-front?" Monga asked, placing some sugar into his tea and stirring it.
"It is going well, though I could use your insight. As you know, I am not the brightest light bulb in terms of strategy and tactics. Here are the reports from the second legion. You will find that the patrols at night disappear, which is stated as unusual. I also agree with that statement and would ask you for your insight." Arachama explained and gave Monga the reports from her left.
Monga took them and began to read, sometimes sipping on his tea. Arachama and Albedo also tried the tea together with the cake, which both enjoyed.
"Better not tell her that the cake was done by Tuare. The mansion suffered enough today and I don't want to burden the maids more." Arachama thought, biting on a piece of chocolate in the cake.
"By the way, Albedo. Here are the requests I told you about." Arachama said and pushed a few documents over. Albedo took them and looked through them.
"Filled out perfectly, as expected. Reasonable as well. Consider them approved, though until when do you need those things?" Albedo asked.
"I will talk with both of them tomorrow and then I will go to Carne the day after." Arachama answered and Albedo agreed, humming over a piece of cake in her mouth.
"Sounds great." Albedo hummed and Arachama giggled. Monga meanwhile placed the last page on the table.
"I guess that there is a third side in this war and they want to observe. I also think that this third side doesn't want to be known and has, for this world, quite powerful individuals. How did you react?" Monga summarized.
"When I received the reports I went over them and then one of my older daughters asked if she could catch the one attacking the patrol. She even made it as a bet. After some discussion I agreed." Arachama tried to explain.
"Which explains why the homunculi maids were occupied here. It was probably the best choice though. How did you present her?" Monga asked.
"I presented her as a daughter of mine, while 'wheelchair-Arachama' was hosting her overnight. Officially she is sent as reinforcement by the kingdom of Nazarick, or something like that." Arachama answered.
"Then it is good. No cover of us is blown. I guess that the third side just wanted to have information, which we sacrifice as little as possible of. I just hope we get the attacker alive. Then we would have gained more than we lost." Monga thought loud, stroking his mustache.
"I just hope she will be alive. I feel terrible for agreeing." Arachama tried to keep her composure, which proved difficult.
"Which one did you send?" Albedo asked, concerned in her voice.
"My precious Zesshi." Arachama replied, fighting her tears again.
"I read some reports on her. She will do fine. Just be patient." Albedo stood up and hugged Arachama.
"Thanks Albedo. I just need to occupy myself for some time." Arachama sighed and felt Albedo nodding.
"At least you have something to do for the next two days." Albedo patted Arachama on the back and Arachama relaxed a bit.
"Yes. Though we are here to help Monga. Not to hear an old woman whine." Arachama tried to change the mood in the room and Monga himself breathed out deeply.
"Your right, lady Arachama. My love here just falls sad every time he remembers the other supreme beings. What can we do though?" Albedo threw into the discussion and Arachama thought for a bit.
"I think we need to have a regular schedule for us. At least then we don't lose sight of each other. We can tell ourselves how we feel and how we deal with something. Or we just gossip a bit over something." Arachama proposed.
"Sounds alright." Monga conceded, obviously feeling hopeless in the face of these two powerful ladies.
"Ara I just have one condition. If we have a tea party, we will drink tea. This also counts for the bone daddy in this room." Arachama teased and Albedo laughed. Monga meanwhile only looked away.
"I think we can do that." Albedo replied. Monga then suddenly shot his hand to his temple.
"I need to go. Nabe reports an emergency. Something about a basilisk running amok near Katze Plains." Monga said.
"Then we shall meet again this week. When would it be possible?" Albedo asked Arachama.
"How about in three days?" she replied and Monga nodded. Albedon meanwhile took the documents and reports.
"Ara ara. Then you better go "Gate". Just keep this manchild in check, Albedo." Arachama laughed and Albedo smiled.
"I just have a question. You, some time ago, mentioned something that lord Peroronchino had hidden within Nazarick. Could you possibly tell me where he hid it?" Albedo asked.
"Nah. At the moment it is good blackmail material."Arachama laughed while Albedo pouted.
Both went through and Arachama cleaned the table and brought the rest of the cake and tea towards the kitchen. Tuare seemed a bit shocked.
"Don't worry Tuare. Albedo just has bad experiences with humans. But she will do nothing against you. If she does, I will protect you." Arachama told Tuare, who shuddered at the name and then shuddered at her shock. Tuare got herself out of the shock though and managed to form her typical smile.
"Thanks, lady Arachama." Tuare hummed while Arachama only nodded.
"Enti, please repair the room from Zesshi. Ninya, could you help your sister? I think she doest feel well today. Both of you are off duty for today. Foire and Fith, please help me clean the table." Arachama ordered and every maid did as ordered.
Arachama, for that night, would sleep well. The bright moon shining into her room.
→ Colognium / Proditor ←
After a short while Proditor was fished out of the river by levies, who looked at him. They placed him on a bed and then ran to the leaders, probably reporting him as a deserter. The new leaders of the army came to him and looked him over.
"So the negotiations didn't work?" one said.
"No they didn't. We couldn't even tell them that we wanted to negotiate. We were attacked immediately." Proditor explained.
"That's a problem." one of the leaders said and signed the others out. They went and Proditor mused. This siege would be a long one.