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 32
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Zesshi ←
Zesshi and Sebas were waiting for quite some time, killing said time with Nimble and Jircniv. They had small talk and joked around for a bit. Nothing with much information. But Zesshi enjoyed it, as the alternative would be to stay in awkward silence. When Evening came a messenger arrived, carrying a bag with reports.
"Ahh. I would recommend that you two follow the messenger. I am sure he will lead you towards the convoy." Jircniv proposed.
"That would be great." Zesshi agreed. She then smiled and bowed before she left. She saw Sebas bow and then followed her.
A short walk later they arrived at the column and awaited further instructions. Those came in the form of a magician, who waved them over.
"We will travel through a portal…" He began.
"I know. I did it last time as well." Zesshi cut him off, already awaiting her chance.
"Then you are prepared." He said and used a scroll. The typical portal of the "Gate" spell opened and the column, together with Zesshi and Sebas moved through the portal.
Once on the other side Sebas looked around while Zesshi prepared a big tent. It was big enough to house roughly 10 people, but it would only house 2 at the moment.
"Do you need such a large tent?" Sebas inquired.
"I don't need such a large tent. But mom taught me to think about others, who might come along. Thus I procured a ten men tent. If you wish, you can sleep in there." Zesshi smiled.
"Then I will do so." Sebas agreed and helped Zesshi to put up the tent. Afterwards she placed her trunk and a field bed for herself inside and a second fieldbed for Sebas a bit away.
"I don't need to shock mother more than she will once she wakes up." Zesshi thought. A small tear dripped down her cheek. The picture of her mother falling asleep, the calm and the care in her eyes.
"I hope one day I can be in her position and have a nice big family. I don't even care who will be the father of the children, as long as he is stronger than me." Zesshi whished, rubbing her own belly.
She dreamt about many smaller arachne, who looked similar to her, running around her and on her abdomen. How they would tickle her with their small legs and how she could teach and train them herself when they were bigger.
After the dream was over Zesshi decided to meet with the general, whom she actually liked to some degree. Sebas decided to follow her, though Zesshi knew that this was more because of his orders to protect her than some actual interest.
Once they came closer they heard a bit of ruckus.
"Are you sure this will work?"
"That way we will have the advantage."
"But there are risks with this tactic."
"But you completely forget chances."
Came from the tent. Zesshi decided to announce herself. She opened the front, stepped in and coughed.
Many eyes turned towards her. Some of the legionnaires nodded, others greeted. The general, consciously or not, had a smirk on his face. Only one new face was visible.
"Are you sure this unholy union can work?" He shot towards the general.
"I think it can and I don't have any say in this matter. The emperor aligned us as their allies. I will not damage his work. Besides, wait till the battle and until they have fought." The general made clear and with a huff the new face faded into the background.
"It is great to be back. What is the battleplan?" Zesshi smiled, which she seemed to have taken from her mother. It always helped to get people on her side.
The general shoved a few centurions aside, so that she could look on a table. It was a small replica of the city.
"My plan would be as follows. The legions will take their focus. We will advance with our siegetowers towards the walls and take the gatehouse. Once we have captured the building and hold it we can open the gate. Then the city will be taken. To increase the chances I would like your forces, Oculis, to get to the city via the river in the north. With some delay they will not realize your presence until it is too late. Any questions?" The general asked.
"What would my role be in this plan?" Zesshi asked.
"You would be the reserve. I know that there are people in there who are quite tough for our legionnaires. But I don't know where they are." Plumbus answered.
"That would be nice." Zesshi smiled, a small frown forming on Sebas forehead. While none saw it since it was subtle, Zesshi had seen it and decided to speak later.
"Then we will attack tomorrow. That gives us rest. Most of us will need it as we will march soon after the battle." Plumbus sighed and the war council was dismissed.
Zesshi and Sebas were walking towards their tent when Sebas coughed.
"You know that Lady Arachama would not approve of this decision?" Sebas inquired.
"What are your orders, Mister Sebas?" Zesshi asked in return.
"I am here to ensure your safety and well being." Sebas answered.
"This is a great opportunity to feel useful towards the great tomb of Nazarick. Please don't take it away from me." Zesshi pleaded, using her puppy eyes. Sebas seemed to fight for his resolve.
"It is still something that increases the danger you're in." Sebas reiterated, seemingly to convince himself.
"If you wish you can stay close to me. No one said that this wouldn't be possible. I just wish to stretch my muscles and to prove my worth." Zesshi promised, nearly whispering and batting her eyelashes.
"Then I will follow you in this battle. But at the first sign of danger you will use the "Gate" scroll." Sebas sternly agreed. Though Sebas seemed to age quite a bit.
"That I can do. Thanks Sebas." Zesshi beamed, holding back from hugging the seemingly old butler.
"Tomorrow will be a nice day." Zesshi thought.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Ainz ←
The tomb of Nazarick was working in overdrive. The floor guardians were checking their floors over and over again for breaches, while Ainz, Albedo and Demiurge were also working to improve the information system within the tomb. Everything within the tomb was switched towards a 'war setting', to Ainzs surprise as he hadn't known such a thing existed when Nazarick was a game.
First Ainz had secured the finances of the tomb. Luckily most of the goods were not imported, which enabled them more room to maneuver. He also placed some of his summons close to Carne, where they could be used in emergencies.
The fake Nazarick was stocked for a prolonged siege, just in case Re-Estize would get funny ideas and find it. To the relief of Ainz though, the great Army was marching towards Katze Plains and not the fake Nazarick.
The forces of Nazarick were also more stringently reformed. They now had a strike team, which consisted of strong floor and area guardians. This would enable Nazarick to use their forces much more flexibly.
All those preparations were going smoothly, though Ainz felt they were still a bit lackluster. He always thought that he was missing something. Just when he was closing in on that detail the doors to his office swung open. Albedo walked in and placed herself in his lap.
"I have good news for you, my love." Albedo hummed and placed a kiss on his cheeks.
"Which would be?" He inquired.
"I have the whole day finished already. We can take some of the time…" Albedo purred and leaned closer, the chair leaning on its back legs.
"That would be lovely." Ainz replied.
"I know." Albedo jumped on him, throwing the chair over.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Entoma ←
The day was terrible for the denizens of the mansion. Their motherly leader was placed into a forced sleep. While they knew that she did it for them, they felt sad that she would not be with them for now. It had taken hours for most of them to get from mothers bed and do their business. The mood was reminiscent though and most simply looked terrible.
Entoma was cleaning the living room in the northern wing, when she saw Kuude and Ure walk from the entrance. Both looked a bit sad and walked over to mothers bedroom. They opened the door slowly and crept inside. Entoma followed them and observed Arche cuddling with their mother.
"Can we cuddle along, big sis?" one of the twins asked.
Arche nodded and made room for them. They used this chance and crawled onto their mother.
Mother meanwhile looked calm, peaceful and relaxed. A small smile on her face. Her posture was as relaxed as possible, though Entoma could have sworn that she saw a single tear in her left eye.
Entoma couldn't but observe the three sister cuddle session for a while before she left the room. Once outside she slid down the closed doors and wept. She knew the treatment was necessary to keep everyone within the mansion safe, but she missed her mother. The cuddling, the bear hugs and the shine her mother would give of her. To cheer herself up she decided to prepare the meals, which would be used for her mother.
Unbeknownst to her, the three sisters heard her whine for a short while.
→ Arwintar Imperial Palace / Jircniv ←
The sun was setting when Jircniv was finally finished. He had prepared his 4th and 5th legion to advance towards Katze Plains. Luckily, or rather unluckily depending on the perspective, this Ainz Ooal Gown offered to have it prepared. Jircniv would not disagree, since it could have been seen as an insult. His legions would only need to prepare the Castelllum, which had been there since the first annual war. It would need to house four legions and the foreign forces. Both legions would travel there via "Gate" to be as fast as possible.
Luckily the civilian side of his empire was not throwing up any problems, which meant that he could solely focus on his annual war. He also used his limited time for the civil side of his empire to prepare many things. The most important among those would be the new wave of nobles, which would hopefully replace his useless and too ambitious former nobles. Chief amongst all names on that list was a certain beauty. He had already redrawn the provinces in his empire and she would be amongst the beneficiaries.
"I should probably invite her soon. Maybe a tea party? Or a small trip to my country estate? What could she like? I should ask Leinas next time we meet." Jircniv thought, as he looked out of the window.
That was something he found interesting about Arachama. He realized that he trusted her. She never seemed boring or bored. He also felt butterflies in his stomach when he saw her and it felt great. Thus he was planning and planning, while Nimble was laughing on the floor.
→ E-Rantel Adventurers-Guild / Momon ←
Momon was walking standing in the entrance of the guild. Many of the female adventurers whispered even faster, trying to hide their blushes. The male adventurer either saw him as an example or grew jealous of his 'success with the women'. At least if the men weren't drooling over Nabe, who usually accompanied him. But today they were here for important business and looked towards the receptionist.
"Good day, is Ainzach in?" Momon asked and the receptionist looked confused.
"Yes he is. Should I ask if he has time?" she asked.
"That would be appreciated." Momon answered.
The receptionist nodded and bid them to wait. She then walked up a flight of stairs and would return a minute later.
"Mister Ainzach is ready to speak with you. You know where his bureau is?" the receptionist told them and they nodded.
Momon led the way to Ainzachs office, where he knocked at the door frame. Nabe is always a little bit behind him.
Within the office sat an older man, who had the body of a veteran. Muscle was visible under the tunic, a small goatee, which was as gray as his hair, was visible. His eyes though were as piercing as they were back in his days.
"Ahh. Yes Momon." Ainzach greeted them and asked them to come in.
"What can I do for you?" Ainzach asked as soon as both were seated.
"We are here to take a few days off. We have private business…" Momon began.
Ainzachs eyebrows shot up and he looked at Nabe, together with Momon. Nabe had still kept a 'Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown' on her hand. Ainz wanted her to be able to access Nazarick as much as possible and the buffs were certainly a bonus.
Ainzach noticed the ring and a smile formed on his face. While Momon was certain that Ainzach was wrong, he still decided to use his rash conclusion to his advantage.
"I see. Of course. I would never stoop so low and stand between a fresh couple and a nice holiday. Have fun you two." Ainzach said and Momon only nodded.
"We thank you. While we will be ready in emergencies, it will hopefully be quiet. We will be back for action in roughly a week." Momon answered.
"Don't stress. Take a month off if you wish. It is a special time for you and your wife. Enjoy it. And keep this advice from this old goat. "Happy wife, happy life"." Ainzach laughed.
"I am sure to keep that advice in mind. I wish you farewell for now." Momon laughed a bit as well. Nabe meanwhile blushed, looked confused and mumbled. Ainz had never known that Nabe could show those emotions, but found it cute.
They both walked through E-Rantel towards their inn. Ainz decided to just go with the idea of Ainzach and play the 'honeymoon', though he will use this time differently than good old Ainzach probably though.
Both noticed the increase of soldiers in comparison from a week before. At least Momon had a bit of time before the scheduled disaster was about to begin. He observed them a bit and mostly saw young men and boys. He guessed that most were between 13 and 18. Some older men were in the mix. Interestingly the smallest group were the ones between 19 and 30.
"Probably already six feet under the ground. Such a shame. But I can't waver, as it is for the best of Nazarick." Ainz thought and had to steel himself, as he was in a human form and thus able to feel emotions right now.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arche ←
It was a hard time for Arche. Mother usually helped, teached and cuddled with her. As she usually did with all of her sisters. The noticeable outsider to this being Ninya. Though that was more because of training and their unique relations. Now mother was placed in a deep slumber and couldn't be with them. It was devastating for Arche, Kuude and Ure.
But she had noticed that Entoma was completely beside herself. Arche had seen Entoma in quite some states of mind. From angry to a bottomless pit of happiness. But now Entoma would wander around the mansion, sometimes speaking to herself about strange stories, some of which included mother. Entoma had even swept the same corner for over an hour.
It didn't help Arches' consciousness that she had heard Entoma openly cry within the living room of mother. For her it was one of the most scary pictures. The usually calm, collected and happy maid was gone and now a crying, confused mess.
With all of that in mind Arche was now, after the twins were falling asleep in mothers arms, in mothers office and wrote a timetable. She decided that it would be best for everyone to have a schedule for cuddling with mother, as there were chores to be done.
"I know Entoma usually works all day. I think she would appreciate the night shift. Kuude and Ure are usually asleep in the afternoon, as they are bundles of energy during the morning. I can watch over my mother in the morning. Maybe I can help Entoma to keep mother clean, healthy and fed." Arche thought and wrote and finished the timetable.
Arche had finished the timetable and was searching for Entoma. With the sunset setting in, this was the perfect opportunity. Sadly Entoma seemed to be gone from the face of the earth and thus Arche went to Yuri.
Yuri, luckily for Arche as she hoped that Yuri would be free, helped her eagerly and led her towards Ninyas room. Once there she knocked and Entoma walked out. This time in a much better condition than she had seen Entoma the last few times.
"How can I help you, younger sister?" Entoma asked. Yuri meanwhile went inside.
"I wanted to tell you that I saw how your condition worsened since mother was placed asleep. I was worried and decided to make a timetable for cuddling time with our mother. That way you have your time with mom. If you wish I can probably help you out with the chores or something?" Arche tried. At first she felt Entomas' anger and frustration rise. But during her explanation she felt Entoma relax and even become a bit happier.
"Can I see it?" Entoma asked and Arche handed the timetable over.
Entoma read it and Arche could almost smell Entomas happiness rise drastically.
"Are you sure I can have the night?" Entoma asked, insecurity in her voice.
"Of course. I will keep the twins in line there." Arche promised.
"That would be great. I could also use help in the morning. I need to take care of mom. It would be much easier to do that with help." Entoma asked.
"That would be alright." Arche smiled and spread her arms.
"Thank you." Entoma wept and got into Arche's hug.
"No problem. We are in daring times." Arche whispered and stroked Entomas 'hair'.
They remained in that position for quite some time, cuddling and comforting each other. Suddenly the door reopened and Yuri came out.
"You don't need to fear, Tuare. She is not ill per se. Her body is just going through some changes." Yuri explained and Tuare was obviously relieved.
"Can I help her in some way?" Tuare asked.
"She needs a lot of rest. That means that we all have to take her work. She should also get better in roughly a week. But please monitor her health for the foreseeable future." Yuri ordered and tried to get around Entoma and Arche.
"It is almost dinner time. Can I help you prepare, oldest sister?" Arche whispered.
"That would be great." Entoma answered and both would spend a great evening together.
From then on Entoma would become her usual self, if only a more depressed one. The timetable also ensured that the mansion passed with relative ease over moms slumber.
→ Katze Plains / Mare ←
The Katze Plains were a cold and barren field in the east of E-Rantel. Usually it would have many hills, but waves of dirt were moving around. Usually there would be many undeads, which was lucrative for adventurers and dangerous for everyone. But they were removed. Only two legions, a small dark elf and a devil were here, close to a wooden caste, or castellum.
Mare stood beside the mentioned castellum, which lord Ainz would use in the foreseeable future. In the beginning he was accompanied by Pandora's Actor and Demiurge. Lord Ainz had heard that there were undead on Katze Plains and had decided it would be a waste to not collect them. Thus Pandora's Actor, in the form of the lord, used "Dominate". Afterwards he led them away. Mare only knew that they would be serving in the undead army of Nazarick.
Demiurge was only remaining to ensure his safety, just in case someone stronger than him would show itself. Mare had his own assignment and began to work on it.
Moving his staff and directing the waves of dirt was easy and he prepared a steep slope, as was his instructions. This was, as far as he was told, to slow the enemy and to give lord Ainz a bit more time to cast a devastating spell.
The castellum was on top of the slope and Mare had observed legionnaires cleaning the castellum. Demiurge himself had prepared a fitting accommodation for the lord and everything was growing steadily.
"Demiurge? I have a question." Mare asked, trying to not stutter.
"Yes, Mare?" Demiurge replied.
"Who will be going with lord Ainz to make sure he is safe?" Mare inquired.
"Sebas and Zesshi Zetsumei will be here. Why?" Demiurge answered, confusion in his voice.
"Was she the visitor on our floor?." Mare wanted to know.
"Yes, she is also one of the children Lady Arachama took in. She will be sufficient to protect our lord in a case of emergency." Demiurge told him
"Would it be possible for me to witness our lord's raw strength?" Mare asked, small stars in his eyes.
"That is not my decision. But I will put in my word." Demiurge promised and Mare smiled.
"That would be great." Mare whispered, wishing he could go back to reading 'The Hobbit', which he had borrowed from Nazaricks library.
They would continue to work until the sun was completely set. Satisfied with their work both returned to Nazarick and reported the assignment fulfilled. Lord Ainz even gave him permission to witness the battle.
"Truly, the supreme ones are so generous." Mare thought before he fell into his bed and snored quietly, exhaustion silencing him to Auras relief.
→ Near Colognium / Proditor ←
Proditor had a quiet day and had used it to observe the enemy. They had finished the three siege towers and ramps early yesterday. This was an alarming rate and sight in front of him.
The siege towers carried a ram on ground level. Just a bit above the ramparts and battlemens was a drawbridge. The drawbridge was securable, since there were multiple barbs. Those would either bury themselves into the stonewall or would barb itself just right on behind the walls. The top was equipped with loopholes. As if those weren't enough, the legionnaires even placed ballistae on top of the towers. Proditor feared the worst, since those would easily devastate the defenders. The towers would also be hard to inflame, as animal skins and metal plates were fastened at the front and sides.
He also concluded that the battle would be soon, as they were bringing ammunition to the towers. Beside the towers the enemy also prepared a ram to break the gate and some ladders. It seemed like the enemy would start a full on assault.
The leaders of the defenders also knew this, as he had reported his findings to them. The preparations were insufficient though. That wouldn't do.
"I don't want to die like this." Proditor thought and packed the last items in his bag.
He soon sneaked through the sewer system to get close to the city's edge. While the smell was disgusting and he had to fight through the urge to vomit, he knew that none of the levies would patrol here.
Soon afterwards he observed the gate and waited for an opportunity. The ones guarding the gate were drinking and soon were brawling, as one won a card game. He used this to sneak outside the walls and soon enough, he was close to the palisades of the enemy, which encircled the city.
He threw a rope with a hook over the palisade and tightened his bag. Once he got closer a piercing scream escaped his lips. Pain went through his left leg and his right foot. Once he feeled along his legs he realized his mistake.
"Those bastards. They placed traps all over the place. I am such an idiot for not looking out for them tonight and now I have to escape this trap and I can't get over, as my legs are too injured." He cursed in his mind and tried to feel the traps.
One of the traps had a spring mechanism. The teeth of this one buried deep in his left leg. Proditor also suspected that it was covered in sewage, as his finger smelled like it once he got them back up.
The other trap was a long nail, which was also covered in sewage. It went through his right foot and even had some rigid edges.
First he, as fast and carefully as possible, removed his right foot from the nail. While it hurt, at least he got it out without too much more damage. Then he sized up the trap on his left leg.
He first groped around the mechanism and found a way to remove it. It went less painful than the nail, but needed much more strength.
Once free again he retreated, leaving the rope and hook on the palisade, hoping the enemy would be distracted. The retreat was slow and steady, since the injuries did not allow rapid movement. He just managed to hide within the bushes close to the gate, when he heard the commotion behind the enemy's palisade.
"Luckily I chose the area that is furthest from the camps and not to hide in plain view. That could have ended far worse." Proditor thought as he limped through the gate. This time he decided to sleep close to the gate, not wanting to crawl exhausted and injured through the sewers .
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Entoma ←
After the dinner was eaten Entoma went to her moms office. There sat Arachne and prepared documents. A portal was opened and Albedo walked through, a stack of coin purses in her arms. She placed them on the table.
"Since we got too much from here, this is the change. I also want to make sure this emperor knows that our lord will travel to the castellum at Katze Plains tomorrow. He expects him to arrive in time for the battle." Albedo sighed.
"I will take care of that, Albedo. How is Zesshi doing?" Arachne asked.
"Sebas reports that Zesshi is doing well. She is also expressing a wish to take more direct actions." Albedo answered.
"As long as she only expresses the wish. Old-mother will be displeased if she wakes up and my aunt is dead." Arachne expressed her fear.
"That will not happen. Sebas knows his mission to protect her." Albedo hissed.
"Then, except an angry old-mother, everything will be great. Can you check if this is correct?" Arachne asked and shoved a note over.
"Yes. That is well done." Albedo nodded.
"Aunt Entoma, could you gather Foire or Fith, please? I need them for now." Arachne asked and Entoma sprinted out of this cursed room.
"I just wanted to look for a nice book called "Tasty Insectoids by Millipedia". But at least there is Foire." Entoma thought once she was outside the office.
"Foire? Arachne asked for you." Entoma told the maid, who nodded and ran towards the office. A few seconds later Foire sprinted towards the foyer.
"At least my shift is about to begin." Entoma thought, a wide smirk, or her equivalent, formed beneath her mask-bug.
She went to the bedroom of her mom and found Kuude and Ure snoring besides mom. Entoma, with all her heart, couldn't remove them and thus she simply changed into a sleeping attire and went into the mix. Subconsciously the twins also cuddled with her and she let them. Feeling her eyes get heavy she let them fall and joined the choire of snoring, not noticing Arche, who smiled a bit.
→ Near Colognium / Zesshi ←
The night was refreshing and Zesshi could sleep exceptionally well. The knowledge that she was safer here than anywhere else beside Nazarick-mansion or Nazarick itself did help in that regard.
She also noticed that Sebas was awake and seemed to be cooking over the campfire. Small meat skewers were being grilled over the fire and a frying pan was sizzling with multiple eggs.
"Mornin' Sebas." Zesshi grumbled, while rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Good Morning. I hope you had a good night's rest?" Sebas inquired.
"Yes. The rest will be needed today." Zesshi smiled and Sebas nodded.
"Indeed. The meal is almost ready." Sebas said and gave Zesshi a plate, a fork and a knife.
"Thanks." Zesshi nodded and waited.
She could hear tumult outside of her tent and knew that the battle was almost here. Sebas and Zesshi thus enjoyed the meal and then went outside.
Once they reached the tent of plumbus they heard him give final orders and then he and the most important staff went outside.
"Ahh. Good morning Zesshi. We will observe the battle and intervene in emergencies. Let's hope for the best." Plumbus said, his voice riddled with a lot of tension.
"Then we should do that." Zesshi agreed, secretly hoping to have something to do.
They went to a hill and observed the preparations. Zesshi wass liking her lips and couldnt wait for the coming battle.
"It will be my way to repay my mother for all her generosity." Zesshi thought, the picture of her unconscious mother going through her head. Determination began to fill her heart and Zesshi felt her will to fight increased to an unknown level.
