CHAPTER 24:

IMPENDING INVASION

Soon, too soon, the day of the Workers setting off arrived. The irony was, the Furts hired Momon and Shizu to act as escorts. Harry and Momonga didn't know whether it was because the Furts were stupid, or that the Slane Theocracy ambassador hadn't twigged to Momon and Shizu being connected to Nazarick, though Demiurge's reports suggested the latter.

In Momonga's absence, Harry deferred to Albedo being in overall charge of the operation, at least on the Nazarick end of things. While she would listen to any objections or modifications he would make, to tell the truth, he trusted in her ability to carry out the plan, as did Momonga. To this end, they had gathered in the conference room, where once, the 41 members of Ainz Ooal Gown sat at a massive round table. Harry remembered when he and Momonga spoke to HeroHero for the last time, soon before the server shutdown.

The Floor Guardians' objections towards sitting at where the Supreme Beings once sat had been overruled by Harry. Foresight, Antilene, Celicia and Tuare held little compunction about such a matter. But they were themselves awed when Albedo activated a function built into the table, allowing her to make presentations, as a holographic image appeared above it.

"Let us begin the briefing," Albedo said. "Lord Momonga and Shizu have reported that they have begun escorting no less than six Worker groups. A last-minute addition was a group calling themselves, rather erroneously, Pinnacle. They will cross the border into Re-Estize before long. We now have, thanks to Shadow Demons appending themselves to them, a better idea of what the Theocracy intends."

"Pinnacle, huh?" Hekkeran remarked. "They're greedier than Heavy Masher. They certainly take more dirtier jobs. Almost as dirty as Wild Dog or Keen Edge, but still…what do they intend?"

Demiurge cleared his throat. "Four of the Worker groups will make their way to Nazarick, while the other two, nominally, is scouting the forest nearby. In truth, Tenmu, Wild Dog, and Keen Edge have additional missions sent to them by the Slane Theocracy. All of the Workers are to attempt to retrieve Arche and her sisters. However, those three in particular have been sent to Carne or Nazarick to kidnap or at least interrogate key prisoners for intelligence regarding the Sunlight Scripture's failure, as well as Antilene's presence. The Emmots certainly rank amongst them. In addition, they have caught wind of Celicia's presence, as well as the Baleares, and intend to retrieve them as well. Should they succeed, they are under orders to head straight back to the Theocracy, rather than back to the Empire. Of course, those orders do not apply to those who retrieve Arche and her sisters, who are being taken back directly to Arwintar."

"What is more, Wild Dog intends to hold Carne to ransom to ensure that Antilene is handed over in exchange for the villagers' safety, as well as Arche and her sisters," Albedo said. "They assume that we would prioritise their safety, and that we would not allow them to come to harm. That in itself is correct, but they greatly underestimate our abilities to resolve such a situation without hostages coming to harm. Keep in mind, this is actually not what the ambassador to the Theocracy has asked for. The ambassador already knows he is risking much with these kidnappings, even overreaching somewhat, but to hold an entire village hostage is another matter. These fools took initiative because they are greedy, and believe themselves above consequences."

Harry grimaced in anger. "Momonga's pissed, isn't he?"

"Indubitably," Albedo said. "Our original intention was to test Nazarick's defences with the Workers, but with two groups intending to mount an attack on Carne, we need to change our plans. Sebas, you and the Pleiades will ensure Carne is directly defended. Mare, we need your druidic powers to turn the Forest of Tob into a trap for any who dare to flee. And Antilene? You will act as bait."

Antilene smirked. "Will do. Only quibble about that term? Bait can't fight back."

"That being said, we need to capture at least one member apiece of Wild Dog and Keen Edge, alive and capable of speaking," Albedo said. "Jircniv wants them to present to the ambassador as a cause for his expulsion. Any other survivors can be sent to Demiurge, given their reputations. However, the original plan remains in place for the other four. We will attempt to negotiate with Dragon Hunt's leader, Parpatra Ogrion, to retain his services. Pinnacle, Heavy Masher and Tenmu will be subjected to the defences. After a suitable interval, we will lure Tenmu into a confrontation with Aura. Erya Uzruth will perish, and his slaves will be given the option to surrender. Pinnacle and Heavy Masher's actions and words will be monitored carefully. If we feel they should be given a chance, we will negotiate with them as we will with Dragon Hunt. But if not…they will be slain swiftly."

"There's no other way?" Roberdyck asked, frowning in concern.

Albedo looked to him. "Leaving aside that they intend to violate the demesne of the Supreme Beings for the sake of mere greed, both Pinnacle and Heavy Masher have agreed to try and take Arche and her sisters back to the Furts, no matter her say or yours in the matter. Parpatra Ogrion and his Dragon Hunt are the only Worker group that refused to participate in a kidnapping, at least privately. In truth, Parpatra just wants to know the truth, and hopefully loot part of the Great Tomb. He is still marred by greed, true, but he clearly retains some affection and loyalty towards Foresight."

"Dammit," Hekkeran growled. "I thought Gringham wouldn't participate in something like a kidnapping, especially against us. I thought I knew him better."

Imina gently rubbed her lover's back. "But we know what kind of profession this is. It tends to attract the greedy, and those with loose morals. I'm disappointed too, saddened even…but what's done is done." The half-Elf woman looked to Albedo. "I do have a request to make."

"If it's to accompany Aura during her assault on Tenmu, then your request is granted," Albedo said.

"You saw right through me," Imina said.

Albedo smirked. "You particularly have been vocal about Erya Uzruth and his proclivities. In fact, if you wish, and Aura is fine with it, you can fight him, supported by Aura."

Aura shrugged. "Hey, if I fight him, the fun might be over too soon. I'll step in if things get too dicey for you, though, Imina. I know Foresight has gotten stronger and all, but this Erya guy, while he's too cocky, isn't exactly a pushover…well, for most beings on this world, anyway. You don't get to live long as a Worker without being competent, right?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, a good analysis, Aura," he complimented the Dark Elf, who giggled at the praise. "Even without the slaves he uses as support to buff him and heal him, Erya, from what I heard, is a pretty good swordsman."

"Lord Momonga, once he is able to switch places with Pandora's Actor, intends to confront any survivors in the 6th Floor Arena," Albedo said. "Obviously, our main task is to prevent the abduction and harm of Arche and her sisters, as well as that of any inhabitants of Carne, indeed, anyone under our aegis. Suborning Dragon Hunt is a secondary task, but one we should try to accomplish. Any questions?"

Arche was frowning as she looked at the holographic map. "Is there any way to…shut off sections of the Tomb, isolate them and trap them?"

"Unfortunately, I am not sure," Albedo said. "One of the problems with the Great Tomb of Nazarick was that, in its original form, it was governed by something called the Ariadne System. Amongst other things, if a part of Nazarick was made completely impassable, Ainz Ooal Gown would have a fine taken from the Treasury as a penalty until it was made accessible again. Whether Ariadne still exists is up for conjecture, but it's something to consider. We are testing the defences of Nazarick in isolation, without using the boobytraps I can activate for a fee taken from the Treasury. However, we do have plenty of measures that don't rely on that."

"I've seen the maps for this place," Hekkeran said. "I'm surprised you can pass through all that, let alone the Floor Guardians."

"Which is a testament to the combined power, skill and intelligence of the Supreme Beings," Demiurge said. "They fought against beings on a par with the so-called Six Gods or the Eight Greed Kings. I struggle to comprehend how our foes managed to make it as far as they had in the records, and if I struggle, then it is hardly surprising you do too."

"Demiurge, play nice," Harry said.

Shalltear frowned, pursing her lips. "Forgive me my temerity, but as the Slane Theocracy's ambassador is the one to instigate this outrage, what will be done about him?"

"For now, nothing," Albedo said. "As much as I would love to show this cretin the error of his ways, we are still trying to keep a low profile, especially as demolishing the Eight Fingers has drawn some attention to our activities. The Theocracy is not the most immediate problem, especially now that we have taken their most dangerous World Item that we know of, to say nothing of decimating the Black Scripture. Emperor Jircniv will expel the ambassador once we've provided evidence in the form of captives. And we will let him return to the Theocracy unmolested."

"I had given thought to substituting a Doppelganger for him, but they have measures to detect those," Demiurge said. "Jircniv has proved a reliable source of information and other help, so preventing trouble for him is the least we can do."

"…And my parents?" Arche asked.

"Will in all likelihood be imprisoned for treason, aiding and abetting a foreign power," Albedo said gently. "Your father, at least, would be lucky to avoid the death penalty, but even then, treason in the Empire is a life sentence at the bare minimum." Albedo went over to Arche, and gently hugged her. "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry?" Arche asked, even as Harry walked over to join them.

"Arche…do not misunderstand me. I do not give a damn about those creatures who call themselves your parents, and yet, despite their ties of blood to you and your sisters, thought nothing of selling you, first to Harry, and then, despite that, going back on their word and willingly selling the three of you to that ambassador. But I do care about what you feel. You feel upset, because despite the fact that your birth parents betrayed you, they are still your parents by blood, and you cannot disregard such a bond so easily. In some ways, I do know your pain. I felt like my creator, the nearest thing I have to a father, Lord Tabula Smaragdina, abandoned me. And yet, I yearn to see him again. Every Floor Guardian knows this pain, save for Pandora's Actor, and at least Aura and Mare had one of their creators return. But…reality can be cruel, Arche. You've already experienced that. Instead, endure, like you have before. And know that you are not alone."

"She's right," Harry said. "Arche…your parents are bringing their fate on themselves. They've been given so many chances to change their ways, but…not only did they not take them, they then pull this shit. Even without the ambassador whispering in their ears, I get the feeling they may have done something similar. I know that's not much comfort to you, but…it is what it is. But we will protect you, to the bitter end. Not just us of Nazarick, but Foresight as well. Because that's what family should do, right?"

After a moment, Arche nodded, shooting him a sad smile. "Yeah…that's right…Dad…"

The pandemonium that erupted after a short but notable silence was, well, to be expected in the end. But it marked Arche growing just that small step closer, and yet making a giant leap. Even Demiurge was affected, though that was probably because he loved nothing more, not even torture, to see his liege happy. Still, the meeting concluded soon thereafter, and the denizens of Nazarick went to work, preparing the defences for the invaders…

Later that night, Harry and Albedo laid in bed together, the sweat from their latest coupling drying in the cool air of Harry's bedroom…no, their bedroom. As they cuddled in post-coital bliss, Albedo murmured, "Have you thought of any names yet?"

"Hmm?"

She met his gaze, her golden eyes glowing gently in the dark. "For our children. I know we're not going to try for any children until the Platinum Dragon Lord is stopped, but…when we do…do you have any names in mind?"

"…Hermione, Luna, Nymphadora, or Lily if they're a girl," Harry said with only a brief moment of thought. "Remus or Sirius if they're a boy."

"Hmm…not bad. I've been thinking of names myself," Albedo said. "I actually considered those names for the girls. As for the boys…well, Enzo the Second is a bit pretentious, isn't it?"

"Just a little," Harry said with a chuckle.

"I thought of Godric, as in Godric Gryffindor," Albedo said. "I thought of so many names, from the books I have read. But…I don't want to have too many children. We already have so many already, it'll be difficult figuring out how to spend time with them all. Antilene…Aura and Mare…Arche, Ureirika and Kuderika…so many children already, and so little time."

As Harry idly rubbed her back, he said, "…Albedo, we are both pretty much immortal now. We have all the time in the world to build a family. Arche and her sisters are young now, but…unless we can figure out how to use a race-change item, they will eventually age and die, and it's up to them whether they want to remain human or not. At least Aura, Mare and Antilene have centuries ahead of them. So we…"

"AAAHH!"

Harry briefly wondered why Albedo cried out, clutching to his side before relaxing, panting, before he realised his hand had wandered down to the base of one of her wings, where it met her flesh. He was distracted by their talk, but those areas were an erogenous zone on both of them, but especially on Albedo, what with her being a Succubus. The cry was not from pain, but because he had inadvertently given her another orgasm. "…Sorry."

"Don't be. I'm just still a little sensitive there," Albedo said, albeit with a smirk and a heavy blush on her face. "Just…keep your hands a little higher while we're having a serious conversation, Harry."

"If I have them too high up, I'd be tempted by other things," he said with a playful smile, looking briefly but pointedly at her breasts. "But yeah, I think we need to talk. How does it feel being a mother to adoptive children?"

"…Wonderful," she said. "Admittedly, I don't quite count Antilene as one of my children. Despite appearances, and her occasional immaturity, she is more of an adult than she seems to be. As for Aura and Mare…we're on excellent terms, but I do not wish to replace BubblingTeapot in their hearts. And our relationship is complicated, as they are Floor Guardians, and I their Overseer. But Ureirika and Kuderika…they've accepted me surprisingly quickly. And Arche…bless her heart, I think she has accepted me too, even if she denies it outwardly. But in a way, it's also humbling. These are the small joys humans take pleasure in." She closed her eyes, and smiled sadly. "They're infectious."

"Those are the joys people take pleasure in, Albedo," Harry said. "And you are a person." He looked up at the canopy of the four-poster bed they were lying in. "…It was a shock to come to that realisation, really. You saw my memories of my time with the Thirteen Heroes. You remember that NPC I had to kill, the one called Cailleach?"

"I do. I…I remember you feeling pity towards her when you realised what she had been driven to by the absence of her creators. For a time, I thought her beauty entranced you, but…I realise what it was. You pitied her, no, felt compassion for her."

"I truly realised at that point that the NPCs had become people. True, they still killed so many, and what they did was unforgivable. And yet, Cailleach was crying for her creators, why they had forsaken her. And later, I came to think…what if that happened to you guys? I'm glad Momonga managed to contact me, I…I don't know what you would have done without me. Momonga changed your settings to be in love with me, after all. If I was no longer there…"

"…I could not have borne it," Albedo admitted, her eyes opening, glimmering with tears. "And I would perhaps have become something you could not have loved. And yet…you came back. And with you, with what you have shown me and taught me…I feel so much joy and happiness. It should go against my very nature, and yet…I can't dispute the results. I am happier than perhaps I deserve to be, and it is thanks to you and Momonga's magnanimity."

"Then let's help him together," Harry said. "In fact, I think you and Pandora's Actor could be of help with a little project I've been working on since I settled in the Baharuth Empire. Fluder helped out, but his knowledge of that magic only went so far. I managed to create those rings that disguise the wearer as a human…but I want to create something that basically gives Momonga a physical flesh body, even if only temporarily."

"Really?" Albedo asked, excited.

"Yeah. Let's face it, he's missing out on the pleasures of food and drink, and it's past time he got laid," Harry said.

Albedo chuckled. "Hmm, yes…it is…"

CHAPTER 24 ANNOTATIONS:

So, the Workers are on the move, the arrogant ambassador has overreached himself, but so has Wild Dog. And Harry and Albedo have had a nice little bit of pillow talk. And while I'm not exactly about to write a lemon, having Harry give Albedo an orgasm with a bit of idle patting was a joke I couldn't resist, especially after that scene from the first episode of Overlord Abridged. The episode is sadly down from Youtube, but the scene in question does exist on Numbskulls' Shorts page on their channel.

Also, Arche has finally accepted Harry and Albedo as her new parents. I mean, properly.

Their discussion about Cailleach was something I made up for this fic. We know almost nothing about the NPCs rampaging at the time, or the Players who led the Thirteen Heroes. I wanted to allude to something that had Harry be more compassionate towards the NPCs of Nazarick, when by all rights, he'd be rightfully worried about them turning evil, even knowing they're his friends' creations. It took a moment to consider what the NPC was called. I decided on the Cailleach from Celtic mythology, and in particular, a version of her from the Doctor Who story The Stones of Blood.

Review-answering time! Have a Little Feith: Just because it is overused doesn't necessarily make it bad, thank you very much. Harry being an orphan is a defining feature, albeit one not uncommon to many heroes or heroines. I will agree that 'Mouldy Shorts' is not only overused, but just plain sad. And I have written up to Chapter 27, so from this chapter onwards, you have another 3 chapters to go. Hope you enjoy.

Neon1311: While I see the logic, I would also argue that Pandora's Actor would also understand Albedo's true purpose, which is basically her personal Yandere Hit-Squad. I think he's also one of the few NPCs who'd have the balls to stand up to Albedo, or at least voice some not unreasonable objections. Or else notify Momonga what's going on. Again, I am pointing out my objections to the theory that fans of the series are touting as absolute fact, when it is a theory, but not a wholly proven one. It's just better than a hypothesis because the evidence supports it, but it's still a working model, so to speak.

Dragon Man 180: No. No, it isn't wrong at all. Hell, I'm pretty sure that, as xenophobic and human-hating as the denizens of Nazarick are, they're far from sexist, or queerphobic for that matter. Then again, you have strong males and females (and Shalltear is explicitly bisexual, though she seems to prefer women to men), a transvestite, and an asexual golem in Gargantua. Hell, in the second novel (and this exchange is in the anime, during the 'Body Pillow' scene), Albedo's actually worried about whether her child is intersex or genderless, not because she is queerphobic, but because she's making clothing for her future children, and is worried about whether it will suit them.

But yeah, if Albedo ever came across an Incel gamer with extreme misogyny…well, I don't think she will have him killed. If he's weak enough, it's off to Demiurge. And Demiurge would probably happily torture him. Remember, Demiurge, despite how evil he is, hesitates at times in doing evil things, particularly around Mare. There's a point in the first novel where he considers telling Mare about sexual reproduction, but decides that's a step too far for him, if only because he is well-disposed towards Mare. I think Mare is a little naïve, but I think Aura has given him a crash-course in sex-ed in this fic at least (hence why, after a quick bit of explanation, he understands it: I think as a Tamer, Aura has to know what mating entails).

Planar-Walking-Entertainment: Indeed. I guess the point of this fic is Albedo growing as a person. She still remains a yandere evil Succubus, true, and would happily wipe out an entire city of humans and not blink an eye (unless it upset Harry), but she now has far better qualities, and is certainly far less self-centred (which, despite being a servant of Momonga in canon, she certainly was). Her complexity is growing, and she can form bonds with individual humans without pretending to like them.

ZLC genesmith: AFAIK, no. The nearest they come to finding another Player or their artifacts is when they face off against Azuth Aindra in the Powered Armour…oh, and confronting Antilene at the end of the Elf Country arc. But who knows? There's the mysterious Rufus, an undead based in the Theocracy mentioned in passing during the Witch of the Falling Kingdom arc. Maybe he's a Player or an NPC? And the Platinum Dragon Lord is based in the former base of the Eight Greed Kings.

No numbered annotations this time.