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 26
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama had woken up early and done most of the paperwork. Sadly she needed it to be done early, as today was already full of appointments. The prospect of an ever growing tower of paperwork didn't help her laziness.
Just when Arachama had filed the paper the door to her office was opened and Enti looked inside the office.
"Breakfast is ready, mom." Enti beamed and Arachama nodded.
"I will be there in a few seconds. The files need to be ordered accordingly." Arachama sighed.
"I know that you have a full calendar for today. Can I sort them while you do your self imposed appointments?" Enti asked and Arachama smiled.
"If you wish. Let's move to breakfast." Arachama told Enti and both moved towards Arachamas living room.
All were sitting together and waiting for her, though Kuure and Ure looked slightly dismayed.
"What can I help you with?" Arachama asked, hugging Arche and the twins.
"We just fear that you would destroy some rooms again?" Arche kind of asked and Arachama could feel the twins nod.
"Ara ara. That shouldn't be a problem today. I am heavily occupied. Though a nice cuddling-session this evening would be nice." Arachama thought loudly and the hug got even tighter.
"That sounds lovely, mother." Arche reciprocated and again, Arachama felt the twins nod.
"Ara ara. So it's decided. But now, breakfast." Arachama sniffed and released the three from her bearhug. Afterwards she went to her place and looked over the table. It was the usual breakfast and thus she listened into the discussions around the table.
Tuare talked to Ninya about an upcoming date she had and asked Ninya if she wanted to meet him. Ninya was shy and asked about her appearance in that regard when Tuare explained that Sebas wouldn't mind as he is a member of Nazarick. Ninya was more or less forced to agree, though she had a strong blush on her face when Tuare went further and further into describing her crush.
Leinas and the twins were talking about Zesshis rooms and baby pink colors. Arachama made a mental note to warn Yuri and Enti.
"Ara ara. Though it could be a nice thing." Arachama mused and tried to picture Zesshi with a pink princess dress. She giggled inwardly.
Yuri, Entoma, Fith and Foire meanwhile were talking about future lessons for the twins, an analysis of the meeting between Monga and her and plans for the coming meeting.
All in all the breakfast was relaxing for Arachama and she wanted to stay, though her timetable for the day didn't allow it and thus she stood up. The twins and Arche ran towards her and gave her a hug again.
"Ara ara. I am sorry, but I have to move out. I wish you a good day. children? Let the mansion stand, please?" Arachama explained.
"We promise, dear mother."
"Alright, mother dear." the twins replied.
"I will watch over them until you return, mother." Arche promised and Arche sighed.
"That would be great. "Gate". Please prepare some of the desert for them all, Enti. Till later and behave." Arachama ordered and went through the portal, arriving at the entrance of the 6th floor.
→ Alators hut / Alator ←
The sun was rising and Alator stood up from the table. He had prepared a letter and was preparing a report. He walked over to Clementine's cell and opened it. She had tears in her eyes and he smiled at her.
"We need to talk. I want information and I can give you narcotics. Maybe I even let you eat something. But only if you show exceptional behavior." Alator told her and she nodded.
"Now then. Who was it you encountered?" Alator asked, preparing his notes.
"It was the extra seat of the former black scripture. Her name is Antilene Heran Fouche, though usually called 'Zesshi Zetsumei' from the god tongue." Clementine answered.
"Good, good. Why did you flee?" Alator inquired.
"She was a monster before she became the spider-demi-human. There is nothing that I know that could defeat her. It is not unheard of that she 'accidentally' killed members of the black scripture. Even the cardinals treated her carefully, as she was unmatched by anyone within the human kingdoms." Clementine explained.
"So she is much stronger than you and you fled after engaging her?" Alator shot at her, anger rising in his chest.
"I didn't recognise her at first. Only when I saw her face did I recognise her. That was also the reason why I wanted to take out the legionnaire first. They are predictable and easy to remove from the equation." Clementine tried.
"Mhm. Anything else I should know?" Alator asked. Clementine seemed to think and then nodded.
"She said that her mother sent her and that her 'mother' has friends within a place called 'Nazarick'. Though I don't know what that is." Clementine told Alator who opened a pod with narcotic-cream.
"That is quite useful. Today you will rest. I will observe the camp and we will see from there. I even give you your lunch." Alator smiled and rubbed the cream onto Clementine's soles and she seemed to be relieved.
"Thank you." Clementine nearly purred. Alator didn't care though, as he was mentally preparing what he would write into his report to his master.
→ Nazarick 6th Floor / Arachama
Arachama stood in front of an interesting bunch. There stood Mare, as shy as ever, and tried to look stern. It didn't really work, but Arachama had to give him that much credit.
Parpatra had his equipment back and still looked rather suspicious. But he also looked much better than yesterday.
Lupusregina stood beside the group and eyed them, though hunger was in her eyes when she looked over the last member of the group. That would be a bound and gagged Boa Rockbruise. She looked angry at them all for her 'lost' future.
"Ara ara. Good morning. I hope you all slept well and had a good breakfast? I also hope that you are ready for today, as we will have much to do today." Arachama smiled, to the shudder of everyone except Lupusregina. They all nodded.
"Then we should prepare the mission here." Arachama proposed and took a "Younger root of Yggdrasil" out of her inventory. She then bound Boa Rockbruise with them instead of the ropes.
"Now little Boa, I am sure Lupusregina will love to carry you to Carne." Arachama smiled while Boa looked at her pleadingly.
"No problem, ~suu." Lupus saluted.
"Ara ara. "Gate". Then let's move out." Arachama ordered and nearly all walked through the portal.
She arrived in Carne, followed by Parpatra, Lupusregina with Boa and at last Mare. Lupusregina placed Boa on the ground and walked up to one of the houses. Arachama meanwhile looked around the village. It was quite some time before her last visit.
"Ara. The stonewall is new and the houses seem to be of better quality." Arachama remarked and Parpatra looked at her.
After some time Lupus returned with a blond girl, who wore brown peasant clothing and was around 16 years old. She was accompanied by a young man. The young man had a blond bowl cut. He wore a white shirt with brown and leathery apron and pants. Accompanying them was a small girl around 6. She was wearing a blue dress and had red hair in pigtails. Arachama had to amass all her control to not cuddle the little, cute thing to death.
"Good morning, Lady Arachama. What can we do for you?" Enri asked.
"This is Enri and her husband Nfirea, though she likes to be called chief. The small one here is Enris' little sister Nemu. ~Suu" Lupus introduced, while Enri glared at Lupusregina for a short time.
"Ara ara. You already know my name. But I have other company with me. We will talk in your house, since it is the decision of this village that I propose." Arachama proposed and Enri led them towards her house. It smelled nice, though she was sure that Lupus' grin grew a bit more sadistic.
"So our flower had her fun ~suu?" she said. Both Enri and Nfirea blushed a deep red and Arachama stiffened. Mini-Arachamas on mass banged their heads against Arachamas skull, giving her a slight migraine.
"Ara ara. Let them have their nighttime activities when the night comes. I am here on business." Arachama tried to suppress her own teasing smile, with little success.
"As you wish ~suu." Lupus replied and went to the corner, observing the room.
"Ara. Now back on track. I am here for multiple things. I want to meet someone. Then there is this man here, who agreed to train the villagers and then there is another thing, which is where I need the villagers approval of." Arachama summarized and the couple looked at her.
"Then we better gather the council. Nemu? Could you gather the old chief, the goblin chief and Brita? Afterwards we can continue much easier." Enri tried.
"Ara. That sounds great." Arachama said and took out the rest of the cake Tuare made for her meeting of Ainz, which was a few days prior. Luckily the inventory left the things in their original state.
Parpatra looked a bit anxious while Boa was just looking angry. Though Arachama wasn't sure if it was because she was bound, her future would be a bit more restrained or that Mare was sitting on her back like it was a bench. Lupus meanwhile was suppressing her laughter while Mare read a book from 'Lord of the Rings'.
After a short while Nemu came back and brought three other people. One was a stronger woman with short red hair and wheat-colored skin. She wore leathery armor and had a proud iron-plate on a chain. Then there was an elderly couple. Both had a warm smile and looked at her. The last occupant was a muscular goblin with scale armor.
"Good morning, lady Arachama." The elderly couple greeted and Brita looked confused.
"Ara ara. Nice to see you again. I am also nicely surprised how the village is growing. It looks splendid." Arachama smiled at them and both reciprocated.
"Those are the former chief, his wife, the goblin chief and the former adventurer Brita. Then we have lady Arachama and her companions?" Enri tried, pressing a smile on her face. It looked extremely forced and Arachama had suppressed a laugh.
"Ara ara. Relax. I am not evil. At least I like to think that I am not evil." Arachama said and some looked at her as if she was delusional.
"She has two proposals for us." Enri summarized and the 'council' looked relieved.
"Ara ara. What did you think I am here for?" Arachama asked, once she noticed.
"Nothing important now. What is your proposal?" Enri answered.
"This man here is Prapatra. He was the leader of a group of workers. I managed to convince him to train this village, as long as he can live his retirement here." Arachama proposed and Brita looked as if she recognised the name.
"Was your former group 'Dragon Hunt'?" Brita inquired.
"Yes. Sadly we ran into …. ehm… bigger problems." Prapatra told her and she nodded.
"Is that a good or bad thing?" The former chief asked.
"He is quite famous. He once worked as an adventurer. At least until the emperor of Baharut implemented rules that affected adventurers badly. Then he and others became workers. He led a group that hunted a dragon, thus their name. What happened to the group?" Brita shot at him. Prapatra looked a bit sad.
"They didn't listen to my counsel and tried to kill something too strong." Prapatra said and Brita nodded.
"I think it can work pretty well. It also gives another perspective besides the goblins." Brita beamed, seemingly rivaling the sun. The others agreed and thus Prapatra was accepted.
"Ara ara. That was a nice turn. Now then. I also have another thing in mind." Arachama continued.
→ Carne village / Boa Rockbruise Ari Styx ←
Boa had a terrible time since she was used as a bargaining chip by the bloody emperor. She was righteously angry and promised to herself that she would take her revenge on everyone that wronged her. Especially that whore that calls herself Arachama. Both of them. They started her demise and that only because her son was a bit rough towards her. Who could have expected that this cripple is close to the emperor?
Who could also have guessed that she and her family were trapped so easily. To top it all off was how she was treated within that frozen hell. That monster, it called itself Painkill, tortured her some days and other days she was starved. It was either one or the other of them and it had weakened her for quite some time. Then came that second monster and now she laid here. On the floor. Like a dirty peasant. Seated upon by this thing called 'dark elf'. She couldn't even state her distaste.
She barely listened to the discussion between this Arachama and the villagers. She only heard that Prapatra, who was one of the former contracted workers, was led to an empty house for himself.
"So it's decided then. I thank you again for allowing this little experiment for me. This allows me to give one of my closest closure if she needs it without forcing it." She heard Arachama and then began to struggle.
"Are you sure it will work? She seems quite panicked." the redhead asked.
"Ara ara. Don't worry. She was instructed and will now face the consequences of her own action. It is a win-win-win situation. Everything will be fine." Arachama beamed and Boa tried to not wet herself.
"Why did I have to confront that bitch again?" Boa thought and found herself tearing up.
"Ara ara. Mare? Could you please plant that tree? I think an appletree with the size for a house would be nice." Arachama asked this girl.
"N-no problem, l-lady A-Arachama." the girl, called Mare, answered and stood up.
Boa could finally get a deep breath. She looked around, pleadingly. But Lupus and Arachama stared her down.
"Is the center alright?" Mare inquired.
"It would be splendid." Enri replied. Mare planted a seed in the middle and moved quite a few steps back.
"A-alright. "Grow Graeter Tree". That s-should do it." Mare sighed.
At first nothing happened and then Boa saw a sprout, which grew bigger and bigger. It began to reach the sky when it stopped. It was as wide as a mansion and Boa was dumbstruck, as everyone else.
N-now,"Create Treehouse". I h-hope it is g-good enough." Mare sighed and looked pleadingly at Arachama.
At ground level of the tree a door and a few windows appeared. Arachama went to the place and looked inside.
"Ara ara. Well done Mare." Arachama praised and scooped Mare up, who giggled. Arachama placed a finger to her temple and then nodded.
"Now we come to the fun part. Mare, could you cast the spell I told you?" Arachama asked.
"O-of course. "Wooden Embrace" a-and "Wooden Sentience". Are they doing what you told me?" Mare answered and Arachama nodded.
Boa felt nothing, saw nothing and heard nothing. Nothing happened. She wanted to sigh in relief, when she started to feel movement from her bondings. The roots, with which she was bound, gave a hot sensation, as she felt flesh part on more and more places. Small tendrils formed from those roots and spreaded around her. It engulfed her arms and then proceeded with her torso. Then she saw the wooden tendrils engulf her face. She couldn't shout, or plead with her eyes. She wanted to fight. Then she felt her lung fall apart. It hurt even more than before and she saw a black void encroach in her eyes. It moved with the tendrils and then her vision turned a painful black.
*Flashback / Nazarick Frozen Prison / Boa Rockbruise Ari Styx / A day Prior *
Boas eyes open. She was freezing and pain hungry. She laid on the part of the floor, which she called bed. She saw Painkill moving frantically around.
"She will come today. I expect perfect behavior from you all. This includes the prisoners. Understood?" it shouted.
"Understood." Another voice replied.
It felt good to hear another voice within this hell. Sadly she only saw Painkill, which was always bad news. Sometimes she would be tortured. Other times Painkill gave orders, which if not followed resulted in more pain.
She laid there when she saw Painkill moving another prisoner. He was an old man, who looked like a living corpse. He could be a corpse.
She tried to look after him, as he was the first human in a long time. She needed contact with other beings. She had already felt her sanity shrinking in this hell.
Sadly the old man did not stop, but was brought to a room further down the hall. He entered and she froze in the cold. Black settled over her eyes.
Pain filled the roots of her hair and was all over her forehead. Her forehead was pressed with inhuman strength against the floor. She greeted whatever was in front of her as respectful as possible, trying to avoid future punishment. After she greeted whatever being in front of her she looked up and saw a monster. Boa knew that this monster was called Arachama, since Painkill taught her that Boa had hurt Arachama somehow. Red eyes looked down on her with cold contempt and disgust. Fear crept up the spine of Boa.
"Ara ara. Painkill, did you go overboard with her?" Arachama asked Painkill.
Boa couldn't follow the conversation, as the pain was taking all of her attention. She felt Painkill leave the room and looked up. The pain now is smaller than the fear, which crept up her spine.
"Ara ara. Do you remember me?" the monster asked.
"You ruined my entire life. Thus I hate you!" Boa thought, but knew that saying her opinion would result in much more pain. Thus Boa did the only thing she could. She nodded.
"Ara. That's good. I am here to tell you what will happen with you. You will find yourself with new duties and new characteristics. I am not here to negotiate. I am here to collect your service and you will do it dutifully.. Do you understand?" Arachama hissed.
Boa now began to feel even more fear. If she had learned one thing from this place, it would be that she didn't have a choice anymore. She knew that she didn't have a choice. She nodded, again.
"Ara. That is good. I was in a bit of a problem because of your family. Do you have any idea how hard it was to hold back my loyal servants from killing you? Do you have any clue that I only want the best for my servants? Leinas should have a chance for closure with the mold of a family she had." Arachama asked again.
"How loyal can they be if you call my daughter your 'loyal servant'?" Boa thought and nodded.
"Ara ara. That isn't an answer. I am quite sure Painkill could…" Arachama began.
All the pent up fear snapped. Her body shock, snot came from her nose and tears ran down her cheeks.
"Please no. I do anything but remain in this hell." Boa shouted, losing all composure.
"Ara ara. That is great. I think I found a nice solution for both of us. Your family harassed one of my valued servants. I also hated your family and needed to satisfy my loyal servants' desire for a great punishment. Luckily for you I know that some of the more, hmm, devilish and demonic denizens of Nazarick like irony." Arachama told Boa, an ice cold expression on her face.
"There are demons wherever she is from?" Boa shuddered and paled, if that was even possible.
"Ara ara. Don't panic. I think I know how you see my kin and me. Thus I think we need to change your view on us, don't we?" Arachama asked, a too sweet voice didn't quell any fear Boa felt and she shuddered even more. She nodded, again.
"Ara. That is nice. I already have orders for Painkill to give you good food, drinks and a good mattress. Tomorrow you will accompany me, since I have more than your punishment to deal with." Arachama said and Boa looked at her, gobsmacked.
The view got black again.
*Flashback end / Back to Carne village /Boa*
Boa felt pain, excruciating pain, enveloping her whole body. It felt like she was cut at every place on her body. That feeling was inside and out. Though slowly the pain subsided and she tried to take in the feel of her body. She felt her arms and legs. Nothing seemed missing.
She then opened her eyes and saw the wooden interior of a lovely home. It was small, yes. But Boa felt safe and happy. It was completely made of wood. The furniture was carved into the floor and walls. Windows all around the round room, while small, provided excellent lumination inside. All was in one room. There was an area, which was functioning as a bathroom. Another has an office, bedroom, library and kitchen. The only things which were not made with wood were the stove and a small fireplace in the center. She looked further around when she nearly got a heart attack.
Just entering was Arachama with this so-called Mare. Mare sat herself at the table, which was closest to the door, taking out a small book and began to read. Arachama meanwhile walked towards Boa.
"Now we need to talk. What would you like to start with? What are you now or would you rather start with your obligations for this freedom?" Arachama asked, a small smile on her lips. She looked like a monster, which lures someone away with their nice exterior.
"I would like to start with the obligations." Boa replied while trying to bow.
"Hopefully I can escape unscathed." Boa thought.
"Ara ara. Since you attacked my descendent I have to act accordingly. That was also the reason that Monga gave you to me. Otherwise you would have joined your son and husband as 'Death Knights'. While Painkill probably went a bit overboard, he gave you a punishment. I am here to complete it. I can't punish Painkill, for he did his duty. I can't let you go back to the empire, as you attacked my descendant, who resides there, and would only harass my loyal servants. Then I thought and remembered that Monga saved a village. It is called Carne and is where we are right now. Sadly I can't just let you walk. Now, here comes the deal. You will protect this village, as your life is bound to this tree. You will live in, comparatively speaking, freedom. I also took the liberty to take care of your supplies. You find food, water, books and housing not missing. Any questions?" Arachama ordered, her eyes beaming blood red at the end.
"If I say no to this 'deal', I am dead." Boa shuddered.
"No, lady Arachama." Boa replied and Arachama smiled, showing sharp and angular teeth.
"Ara ara. That is nice. Then we need to talk about some changes, which seemed to have knocked you out. There is a full body mirror over in the bath section." Arachama signed for her to move there.
Arachama followed Boa and unveiled a gigantic mirror, which showed her a beautiful woman. The skins were of similar color to the wood. Her eyes were green and red, which usually was the color of apples. She was normal height. Her hair though was not normal and Boa looked closer. The hair seemed like many leaves of an apple-tree were chained together. A small cowlick, which had the tip of a flower from an apple tree, was swinging with her every movement. The clothing was mostly of large leaves, with seams and small threads made of roots and bendable twigs. Boa didn't know what to think. It looked beautiful, but this woman couldn't be her.
"Who is this beautiful woman?" Boa asked, awed from this beauty.
"That is your image. This is you." Arachama answered.
Boa nearly collapsed. Every chance of running and living a normal life were shattered.
"What did you do to me? Why?" Boa cried.
"Simple. I needed a way to make you useful, to bind you here, to punish you and to give Leinas a chance for closure if she ever needs it. If I hadn't you would be killed someday within Nazarick. Thus I looked extensively in one of my friends' journals. He cared much for plant life and nature in general. There I found how to turn someone into a Dryade. One requirement was an item from Yggdrasil, the world tree. Those were the roots, which I used to bind you. Then I needed a druid to work the two spells I found. "Wooden Embrace" usually envelops an opponent. But if, for example, a certain root is on the opponent, then it can also start to change the opponent. It would usually turn someone into a wooden statue. That is where "Wooded Sentience" comes into play. It turned the statue of you into a wooden spirit, also known as Dryade. A bit of a hassle, but it comes with certain advantages for you and this village." Arachama explained and Boa sniffed from time to time.
"What advantages would it bring?" Boa asked, a big sniff following.
"You can help this village as redemption. Mare will teach you some spells, which will help you in that regard. You also got a lovely home out of it. You just can't leave the village anymore. But that's the details." Arachama continued and placed a hand on Boa, who stiffened.
"What else?" Boa asked, fear and sadness in her voice.
"You will find that life can be long for a Dryade, especially if they are loyal to their tree and loyal to Nazarick." Arachama threatened and then left her home. Mare stayed behind and smiled shyly.
"T-then s-s-should we b-begin?" Mare asked and the new Dryad felt relief in her body and simply nodded.
"Please, lady?" Boa answered.
"Mare. You can call me Mare Bella Fiore, and I am a boy." Mare presented and Boa broke in that moment.
→ Carne / Arachama ←
Arachama walked calmly towards a house, which was used as an inn within the village. It was built with the number of visitors in mind. She felt great. The change seemed to have gone smoother than expected and she was sure that she helped Boa to some extent.
"Ara. I think I did the job well. Giving information and helping her emotionally certainly helped. She was certainly eager to get this over with, such determination should be relished. Maybe I should visit some time? I think that would be a nice reward? It also helps Nazarick through Carne. It truly is going well." Arachama mused, one of Entis lollipops placed in her mouth. Enti was sure it was of centipede taste. But Arachama was sure it tasted more like a millipede. But those were details.
She came closer when she felt someone approaching. She turned and saw a blond, young man. He positioned himself between her and the building behind him.
"Ara ara. Such a sweet boy." Arachama grinned and tweaked his cheek.
He tried not to blush, while fighting back and getting his composure. It truly was sweet for her.
"Stay back, crazy spider lady." he said.
"It is enough, Climb and la- Arachama." the regal voice of Renner announced.
"Ara ara. You truly have a sweet fia- boy here." Arachama smiled and Renner hugged her own face.
"I know right?" Renner replied and Climb kept blushing harder and harder.
"But we need to move inside. The sun is strong today. Can't have sunburn." Arachama smiled and Renner signed her to follow.
"Please guard this door, Climb." Renner ordered and Climb did as told. Both walked towards a separated room. Once inside Renner began to kneel, while Arachama made the room soundproof and warded against intrusion.
"Ara ara. You don't need to kneel. How do you do?" Arachama asked and Renner smiled, her true smile.
"It is wonderful. I finally have some quiet time. I am here with Climb, though I have to control myself. The best thing is that I share a room with Climb here and no one can do anything against it." Renner said in quick succession.
"You remind me of the finance from a close friend, Albedo is her name. Though she has already achieved her goal." Arachama compared.
"I heard that she also wants to talk with me from lord Demiurge." Renner remembered.
"Ara ara. She finds you interesting, for a human at least. I also think that both of you will get along nicely." Arachama was reassured.
"That would be nice. I heard that she wants to get pregnant. Maybe I could time it correctly and make it a weekly tea party with her?" Renner thought loud while rubbing her lower stomach.
"Ara. Is that so?" Arachama inquired.
"From what I have heard, Lady Albedo is surely putting Nazarick first." Renner smiled.
"Ara ara. And here I thought she placed her bedtime above all else." Arachama winked and both giggled.
After a time filled with laughter both relaxed again.
"By the way. How is the war going?" Renner asked.
"It is going as planned, though we encountered a third party we didn't even know existed. You should have seen the prince tug his tail between his legs." Arachama chuckled and Renner laughed while shaking her head.
"Like I wrote in the dossier. He is mostly boasting while a coward at heart." Renner threw in.
"Ara ara. Indeed. The most idiotic led army I have ever seen." Arachama laughed.
"Not that I have seen armies being led. I was only the wife and co-owner of a mega-corporation. But those were far better run than that army." Arachama snickered in her head. MIni-Arachamas meanwhile were working in a gray room with a sign, which read 'Payroll bureau', chopping cockroaches and millipedes.
"I think that my younger brother is more dangerous for the plans of Nazarick. He knows me better and realizes when I am manipulating. He also has the help of Marquise Raevan. Quite a dangerous combination for us." Renner compared.
"Ara ara. First the one then the other. If my spiders are correct the Prince will return soon and proclaim his 'victories' while crushing any opposition. Afterwards he will ask for the command to fight the armies at 'Katze Plaine'. Such a fool." Arachama sighed.
"Do you know where my dear disgusting brother is moving through?" Renner inquired.
"Reports claim that he moves through E-Rantel. You should probably wait for another week, otherwise you could run into him. Such despicable company is terrible for the skin and the heart." Arachama replied.
"I could use a vacation. Especially with this room arrangement. I can hardly control my inner self. I just want to…" Renner began to drift off.
"I should change the topic." Arachama thought.
"Ara ara. Then let's begin with further plans…" Arachama began and Renner nodded along.
→ North of Colognium / Alator ←
Alator was sitting in a chair within his room and relaxed. It was necessary, as his tool had started to plead with him. She wanted them both to run as long as they could, since they had no chance against Zesshi Zetsumei. Alator, while enjoying her pleading in the beginning, was annoyed by now. He even thought about discarding her corpse.
Suddenly he heard a pecking sound from the window and walked over. A big raven was sitting outside and pecking at the window. Alator opened and it flew right in, as if it owned the place.
A small letter was attached to the raven, which Alator read and then burned. New orders were at play for now. Then Alator saw another note with a map. He looked at them and stored them in a bag. Afterwards the raven left and Alator decided to prepare his dinner. Again, chicken and grain.
He placed some of it on a tray and then ate. Afterwards he did the same for Clementine and walked into her cell.
"Finally." Clementine snarled.
"So you aren't hungry? More for me." Alator sighed and prepared to walk out.
"No. I am sorry. Just give me something to eat." Clementine begged and Alator started to feed her.
"We have a change of plan. For tonight you will not go for a patrol hunt. We will remain here. The day after you will go again. I hope that this Zesshi Zetsumei will go if she doesn't see anything. Now. Till tomorrow." Alator said and knocked her out.
After knocking Clementine out he freed her from the bounds and then placed something to drink and eat on the floor. A bucket was placed in the room and then he closed the door. After closing the door he closed a small lid, so Clementine would be, at least partially, muted.
The next few days would be crucial.
→ Carne / Renner ←
After lady Arachama had left the village through the usual portal, Renner had thought about the plans and smiled. On one hand she had her work cut out for herself, but on the other hand the rewards nearly watered her mouth.
She knocked at the door and Climb opened it.
"You can come in again, Climb." Renner told him and he followed her lead, as a good puppy should.
Both sat down and drank tea in silence when 'Blue Roses' came back. Renner cursed the great intuition of Lakyus and Evileye, since both looked at her.
"What happened here?" Evileye asked and Lakyus nodded in support.
"I met who I was looking for. Sadly she has important appointments. Luckily for us she forgave the kingdom, for now." Renner sighed. Evileye shuddered at the name and relaxed when she heard that lady Arachama had forgiven her.
"That sounds… great." Lakyus tried to chime in.
"Yes. It is great. Imagine the damage she could cause to the kingdom if she were an enemy. Such travesty we couldn't recruit her to our side." Renner said and sipped some tea.
'Blue Roses' felt a small sting at that comment and looked away, especially Gagaran.
"How will we proceed now?" Lakyus asked, obviously trying to change the topic.
"I think we will use this opportunity to have a week-long rest. Afterwards we can travel back to the palace." Renner proposed and the adventurers agreed.
"Sad that Momon had an important quest thrown at him." Lakyus sighed.
"Yes. It certainly would be good if they had been here. For teambuilding of course." Evileye agreed, though hastily continued when Gagaran looked at her.
"What kind of team building did you think about, imp?" Gagaran asked, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Not your problem, oaf." Evileye replied and Lakyus smirked.
"Then let's enjoy it." Renner threw in and winked.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama arrived back, quite exhausted. Today was a strenuous day with many things having to fall perfectly, which they did. She now had saved two people from that horrid ice land on the 5th floor. She also felt that all discussions went flawlessly. She thinks that the impression she made on Boa and Prapatra were good and thus future cooperation might prove easy and fruitful.
She looked around the foyer and found Enti, who was polishing a small bust from her wheelchair form. Arachama simply cringed and scooped her up. She needed cuddling and was sure Enti wouldn't disagree with her on this one. Arachama carried Enti to her bedroom and both cuddled for nearly one hour, when Arachama felt her eyes become heavy and she fell asleep.
She would later wake up and grumpily eat dinner. Afterwards she worked on documents and reports.
"Why do I work on those if they don't read them?" Arachama asked herself and looked out the window. The sky was black with stars shining like small diamonds. The forest engulfed the mansion and she felt safe within this mansion. She just enjoyed the moment before Arche walked in.
"The twins are in the bed, mom." Arche smiled and walked over.
Arche had changed slightly. Her nose was now longer and carried a wart. Her hair had gotten a bit longer and was a bit less tameable. She also got a widow's peak on her forehead. Even her abdomen changed a bit. An intricate muster, while not exactly obvious, was forming and carried her red and black color scheme.
"Ara ara. Get over here." Arachama smiled and scooped Arche up.
"I always wanted to say that." she thought.
Both arrived at Arachamas bedroom and went to bed. It didn't take long for Arachama to fall asleep with at least one child in her arms. It was also a strenuous day indeed for her.
AN: Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did please, review.
What could be happening to Arche? How will Zesshi fare against Alator and Clementine? We will see.
I hope the Flashback was good enough, because I am usually not a big fan of those. Sadly I didn't see a way without it either spoiling too much or leaving too many questions.
