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 38
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Arachama ←
Arachama and Zesshi had followed the prince, who led her to the garden. Once there Renner presented herself again and invited her to a small tea party until the ball was prepared. Her pet was absent, which gave them a great opportunity.
"I myself will go now." Princlett smiled shyly and then seemed to teleport away.
"Is he always so hyper?" Arachama inquired, quite confused about her treatment.
"Maybe it is a cultural thing?" she thought.
"No. The court is quite confused. First a shadow demon brought the message, that you will arrive today, and scared the king a bit. My so-called brother just has a lot of pressure. I would apologize for such poor treatment, but that is just part of our game, my Lady." Renner tried.
"I see. So we have one more reason. Anything else I should know?" Arachama inquired.
"My oldest brother, while prohibited from doing so, will try to …hrm… 'show your place beneath humans' …hrm… This could give Nazarick ample opportunity to gut this kingdom like a goose." Renner smiled.
"I see. I have good news myself. Your future home is already prepared. I also prepared a small gift, which I will give soon enough." Arachama told the girl, who showed a genuine smile.
"Thank you. I can't wait to see it." Renner giggled.
"It is gorgeous. I just hope that all will go well." Arachama replied.
"Lady Aracham? Could I ask a few questions in regards to my future plans?" Renner inquired.
"Of course." Arachama answered.
Then both were talking about raising children. All the while Zesshi decided that the cups, plates and tablecloth were much more interesting.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace /
Arachne, Jircniv, Leinas and Nimble were having their own tea party, during which two groups formed. Jircniv decidedly talked mostly with Arachne, who reciprocated. Leinas and Nimble on the other hand talked about funny happenings during the last few weeks.
Jircniv also tended to Arachne, which she enjoyed. Though she knew this was only the calm before the storm. This evening she will attend a ball and it will be a nightmare, especially because of her condition. She had spoken her mind in that regard at the mansion, but Leinas had told her that it was a ritual and thus would be done as close to usual as possible.
"I promise you, Arachama, you will have a relaxed evening." Jircniv reassured her for the tenth time.
"But how? I don't know how it will be done and all you say is that it is a surprise." Arachne smiled.
"That is part of the fun." Jircniv teased and Arachne decided to resign to her fate. She had tried to worm the answer out of him, but he kept it close.
"I have a few questions though. Why did you decide to defend my honor?" Arachne asked.
"Lets just hope that he will soon talk about his feelings. I want to have fun as well. Besides our feelings, thanks to his position he must make the first move." Arachne thought, getting annoyed with social barriers.
"That is a tough question. But to be brutally honest, I… ehm… I just decided to do so. But I would like to meet you more often than a few times in a month. In a more private setting as well." Jircniv answered partly. A deep blush was on his face and he looked away. Leinas was hiding her face while Nimble sighed.
"How about this, he will tell you something important after a few of those meetings and we leave it with that for now?" Nimble proposed while Leinas groaned audibly.
"Screw it. He likes you very dearly. He is just too prideful to acknowledge the fact." Leinas threw in, looking annoyed now.
"Is that so?" Arachne asked, trying a more innocent voice. Jircniv meanwhile glared at Leinas.
A long silence spread through the garden.
"Yes. I like you. But I need to prepare or else the nobles will do whatnot." Jircniv confessed and Arachne looked at him, quite shocked that it came out this way.
"I need to say something, or else this will get dangerous quickly." Arachne thought and decided on her answer.
"I am sure my old-mother will agree to this." Arachne told herself and prepared her answer.
"I understand, Jircniv. I also harbor some feelings towards you. Sadly social boundaries kept me from saying those feelings. I hope you can forgive me for that." Arachne said and bowed to Jircniv.
"There is nothing to forgive. Now we can navigate this mess together." Jircniv laughed and relief seemed to be in his voice.
"Indeed. If you wish we could start with weekly meetings? Then we can work from there? I also understand that the ball today will be important?" Arachne inquired.
"Yes. There you will be announced as baroness. Once that is done we can relax apart from the other nobles. I am sure Leinas will keep us safe while Nimble can enjoy himself." Jircniv replied.
"I am sure she will gladly do this service for us." Arachne smiled and felt an evil aura from Leinas place.
"If that is the case, I can certainly ask this one noble lady to accompany me tonight." Nimble thought loudly.
"Is she the one from the Pulsus family?" Jircniv smirked.
"Yes. The niece of the general." Nimble answered. Leinas simply decided to give up on her little victory and relaxed again.
"Then I guess my assignment is permanent?" Leinas asked.
"For now. I think of something else. By the way, Nimble. You are responsible for two new recruits for the imperial knights." Jircniv ordered.
"I already placed one report at your desk. The other will probably take some more time. But the one I have my eyes on has proved himself already." Nimble promised.
"Then I will look forward to it. Now we shall cherish the wine." Jircniv smiled and filled the cups of Arachne and himself.
Arachne followed his lead and would drink together with her newly acquired situation.
"I hope my old-mother understands the situation." Arachne thought, not knowing that Arachama accidentally wrote that she would only love her mother and siblings more than the emperor.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Arachama ←
Arachama had relaxed the whole afternoon, suppressing the urge to cuddle Zesshi, and talked with Renner about caring for children. The topic went on and on and only when a blond man came up to them did she realize that the sky was already tinted a slight yellow.
He was much thinner than the Prince and she recognised him as Marquise Raeven. He seemed to be on guard around her, which she could understand.
"Miss Arachama, I am here to accompany you and your daughter to the ball." the marquise told her.
"It was a nice talk, but it seems that I need to go. Have a great evening, Princess. I certainly will have it." Arachama smiled.
"I hope you will." Renner replied.
"She hides it well, but she is uneasy under her mask." Arachama observed and made a mental note. Zesshi meanwhile had life returning to her eyes, which Arachama noticed as well.
Arachama stood up, followed by Zesshi, and allowed Marquise Raeven to lead them. He led them through the halls until they reached a separate room.
"If you wish, you can freshen up in this room." Raeven told them and opened the door.
Once inside Arachama looked around and was quite shocked. The room itself was blank, but covered in patterns. Not even a chair nor even a table was inside. Arachama sighed.
"This is getting stranger every second." Arachama hissed in her mind.
After taking care of the wrinkles, which were few but there, she observed Zesshi again and helped her with the hair. Once that was finished she knocked and both were ready.
The Marquise then led them towards the main part of the palace. Once there Arachama observed. It was like one of the pictures she once had of ballrooms, though with much more gold and silver in it. Many nobles were already dancing in pairs and some were drinking sparkling wine. All were dressed in elegant or extravagant clothing. Chandeliers were filling the room and it all was glimmering.
Once she was finished she was led towards a flight of stairs, where the King, Renner, Princlett and Stronoff were standing. They got closer and closer when Arachama felt all the stares at her and Zesshi. She looked over Zesshi, who was looking a bit pale. She turned to Zesshi and stroked her hair.
"Don't panic. All of those want our demise. They know we can easily defeat them, but still they seek any way to beat us. Just know your strength and our goal. Let me deal with them while we both look our best and behave our best." Arachama whispered and saw Zesshi nod.
"Good. We will observe, adapt and overcome. Remember this and let me deal with these meek wannabes." Arachama promised and Zesshis, even if barely existing, complexion came back.
They followed Raeven and came closer to the committee.
"Good evening. I hope your stay till now was enjoyable?" the king asked.
"It was certainly enjoyable. I hope we will have fruitful talks soon though." Arachama answered.
"That is a sentiment I agree with. We prepared a mansion in the noble part of the city. Chief warrior Gazef Stronoff will lead you there after the ball, if you wish. But now we need to get going. Please follow me." The king told her.
"As you wish." Arachama replied.
She followed them upstairs to a seating area. It had a table with paper on it and soon enough all were seated, though Arachama used two of her couches for her daughter and herself.
One of the butlers came over and took orders for everyone. The rest of the group were shocked when Arachama and Zesshi just asked for some steaks. This unnerved her.
"What did you think we would eat?" Arachama inquired, raising three of her eyebrows.
"We didn't have a clue, but we didn't expect your species to just eat normal meat." Zanac told her.
"I understand. But my daughter and I can eat different kinds of meat without any problem. But if you prefer us to eat…" Arachama teased.
"That wasn't meant to be malicious." he interrupted, making Arachama and Zesshi smile a bit. At least until the king coughed.
"Back on track. We are here to negotiate. Gazef, please guard the stairs, so we may be uninterrupted." the king said and all nodded.
Stronoff went and blocked the entrance with his body, while another boy came to Stronoff. Arachama looked over to Renner. Renner was good at hiding her feelings, but Arachama immediately spotted the blush and dreamy eyes, at least before they were pushed out of her face.
"So this is the Climb, which my little spy holds so dear." Arachama mused in her head.
"Well. I am here on behalf of my good friend, Ainz Ooal Gown. He himself is busy for now and asked me for this service. The Sorcerer King wants the forest of tob, including the lands nearby, E-Rantel, Re-Emiotio, E-Praspel and the port of Re-Draconium in the north. Further we want to trade freely and without taxes. This freedom includes local taxes by nobles as the taxes of the crown. The empire itself demands a payment of 150 000 gold coins, which will be paid to the soldiers of Baharut and another 2500 platinum coins for the damages done in the north of the Slane Theocracy, which will finance the rebuilding efforts in the mentioned location. He demands no lands, but a formal apology to Arachama, the younger that is, who he holds in high regards." Arachama begins.
The reaction was immediate and extreme. The hope of the faces were gone, except the one played.
"Time to throw the lifeline." Arachama thought, hoping to get this over with soon.
"But I am sure we can negotiate." Arachama smiled at them, as life returned to their faces.
"I am sure you understand, but I can't promise the lands of Re-Emiotio, E-Praspel and Re-Draconium. All of those are in the hands of nobles." Ramposa told her.
"Technically I can just order them, but that would leave a nasty aftertaste in their mouth. I need them to destroy themselves. Argh, why did Monga have this idea again? Why not just peace and be done with it. Then I could cuddle my children and everything would be perfect. But again, slowly conquering the world is Nazaricks top priority." Arachama cursed in her head.
"Then what would you offer in return?" Arachama asked
"What sum would be adequate?" Ramposa replied.
"Nazarick would consider 100 000 gold coins per city adequate. All three of them would thus be 300 000 gold coins." Arachama answered.
The King, Zanac, Raeven and Renner gulped, though the latter played this exceptionally.
"What if we ask the nobles to take part in these payments?" Ramposa inquired from the marquise.
"It would be possible, though it will be hard to convince them." Raeven explained and the King got a pained expression on his face.
"Alternatively we could receive the payments in smaller installments. That would lessen the burden a bit. Though my friend will enforce such installments and demand that they will not get lower than 50 000 gold coins per year." Arachama told them.
"Could we perhaps pay the money a bit later? I am sure we could start next year." Ramposa asked.
"That would be possible, though I need to tell you that this comes with interest charges. That would be 15 percent for every month, since you are … how to put it … not really that reliable to us." Arachama answered.
The Prince looked mortified and was joined by all, except Arachama and Zesshi. Arachama herself meanwhile tried to use the smile she used in negotiations back then.
"Only a small one. Not over the top but not aggressively. Also not focused but natural. Just think of the next cuddle session. Oha, that is a sadistic hidden smile if I ever saw one, poor Climb." Arachama thought.
Zesshi on the other hand, while smiling so innocently that Arachama could get quite envious, decided to keep quiet.
"Aren't those interest rates extremely high?" the prince asked.
"Back home that interest would only be accessible if you were either prominent or had connections. Interest rates of over 75 percent per month were the norm and it could get much higher from there. I once had a case where one had 480 percent interest." Arachama thought and thought about a way to phrase her next words.
"You need to understand that Ainz Ooal Gown doesn't trust the kingdom to actually pay the money. That is where 10 percent come from the other 5 are just his normal charges. In other words, if you pay the money in one payment or if you pay much money in higher and more regular installments, then my friend Ainz gets his money safely and you pay less." Arachama tried to explain.
"I see the reasoning. But can we lower the interest?" the King asked.
"I can go as low as 12 percent, but afterwards you would ask me to pay out of my pockets, which I have no interest in." Arachama told them.
"Then we take 12 percent. Thank you." Ramposa said.
"Thank you. I didn't even know if I could get the interest through." Arachama thought, smiling in her mind.
"So you would rather take the installments?" Arachama made sure.
"Yes. We need money to buy grain, as a good portion of our farmers are laying on Katze Plains. I hope you understand that we need to feed our population." Ramposa told her.
"Of course I understand. I have multiple children to keep fed. Otherwise they would probably eat my hair from my head." Arachama giggled and Zesshi just sighed. The delegation of Re-Estize meanwhile looked a bit uneasy.
"Then we shall relax and think of this. I think we should meet again tomorrow to further write this down." Ramposa sighed. Arachama nodded and soon the talks drifted from their original topic to more lighter talk, mainly how life as a monster was. Though the term 'monster' did not fall. They also pried for information on Nazarick. But soon enough Gazef came back, after Climb relieved him of guard duty, and observed her.
"I still have to thank you properly, Lady Arachama." Gazef Stronoff acknowledged.
"Ehh? What do you mean?" Arachama asked, confused about this situation.
"You saved my comrades and me at Carne village." Stronoff reiterated.
Now she looked again, with more scrutiny, at his face. She then recognised him and a sigh escaped her lips.
"Yeah. I remember now. I also remember other things. Luckily I can put those behind me, otherwise I would need a book. Imagine keeping a book about grudges." Arachama snickered and so did the others at the table. Only Zesshi remained silent and raised an eyebrow,, which meant that she knew something and that could be interesting.
"That sounds tedious." Princlett said while wiping a tear away.
"Indeed. Who would do something like this?" Stronoff threw in.
"I remember the guilds of dwarves did that. Called it 'Dammaz Kron'. Once your name was inside it was hard to get out and oh boy did they hold grudges. Though some of those guilds would turn into elderly's home. Quite nice blokes though." Arachama thought, reminiscing about her first guild. She had to leave the guild though as they decided to become a guild with only dwarves, thanks to pressure by guilds who despised everything non-human. But she left on good terms and was promised to be an 'honorary member' of the guild.
"Dwarves do. I once had the honor of looking into one of those books and how they crossed one grudge out of it." Zesshi threw in.
Silence spread around the room.
"Dwarves are a thing here? Where do they live and how can we get them on our side?" she thought, hiding her surprise.
The royal party on the other hand wasn't that good at it, with the exception of Renner.
"I thought they were only myths." Ramposa chuckled.
"Oh they are real. I once helped one of them clear the mines for his clan. They are terrifying in close combat. Have you ever seen something being smashed over and over again by a warhammer and then being spit upon by a whole clan of angry dwarfs for being ugly and for being smelly?" Zesshi said, with a bit of too much sadistic enthusiasm in her voice.
"I once lived in one karak for some time. I wonder what happened to them." Arachama thought out loud.
"They are nice blokes, if you dont wrong them." Zesshi jumped in.
"Indeed. I only left so they have less pressure. They even told me that I was an 'honorary member' of their karaz." Arachama giggled.
Zesshi shot her head at her and the royal party was even more confused.
"That is something. How did you get that?" Zesshi whistled.
"I helped them build their karaz." Arachama smiled, getting closer to Zesshi and cuddling her.
"That makes sense. That is quite something though." Zesshi grumbled.
"What does 'karaz' mean?" Stronoff asked.
"Dwarves usually live underground in big cities above their mines. These cities are extremely well defended and are the closest thing I know to being impenetrable. Especially if the dwarfs seal the gates, then they can hold the gates for centuries. One of those cities is called karaz, many are called karazs." Zesshi explained and Arachama nodded.
"That sounds impressive. But dwarfs have been extinct for some time now." Raeven told them.
"If you think so." Zesshi shrugged, which told Arachama what she needed to know.
"Well then. I think we should attend the ball." The king proposed.
"That would be great." Arachama agreed and the group began to move.
They left the room and got to the stairs. Stronoff has positioned himself close to the exit together with Climb. Renner herself was observing the room, together with Ramposa. Raeven and Zanac were discussing things with hushed voices at the other end of the room, though Arachama decided to read the discussion later.
"Can't miss the new gossip, can I?" she thought in glee. She herself and Zesshi were also talking, but it was more about Zesshi calming Arachama. Arachama, after freeing her mind, wanted to visit her precious children. Sadly "Gate" would attract too much attention and Monga wanted to keep this little bit a secret for now.
The evening was slowly flowing to the end and Arachama could see the tiredness creeping into Zesshis eyes. Thus she decided to call it a day and moved closer towards the exit.
A cough was heard and Zesshi turned around and grew a scowl.
"Miss envoy?" a young voice echoed through the hall and all stopped. The music abruptly ended and the people dancing halted, observing the scene.
"Yes?" Arachama asked, observing the scowl deepen on Zesshis face.
Before her stood a young, blond male. He held his nose high and wore cheap, formal clothing. He smirked and Arachama nearly gagged.
"I am baron Philip Dayton L'Eyre Montserrat. I would like to invite you and this beauty to a ball I will host." the noble presented himself. Zesshis eyes now glowed a deep red.
"I will think about it." Arachama told him and left, following an angry Zesshi.
They met with Stronoff, who led them to a mansion, which was close to the palace.
"This mansion will be guarded by royal guards, thus you can rest peacefully. I wish you a great night, Lady Arachama." Stronoff told her and left, leaving Arachama and Zesshi to find everything themselves. Luckily Cixous was ready to lead them around the mansion.
"Though it is still a bit rude. Maybe something petty?" Arachama thought.
Soon enough Zesshi and Arachama cuddled in one of the beds, which Arachama had in her inventory, and both fell asleep. At least until Cixous woke Arachama on her orders, as she wanted to read new material from her little ones.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Arachne ←
After the tea party, which lasted quite some time, Jircniv accompanied her to the ball. Leinas, who would guard a separate room for the emperor and herself, was grumbling. Nimble on the other hand had already disappeared.
Soon enough Jircniv and Arachama waited at an elevated position and observed the ball room. Nobles field one after another. The musicians were playing music, which Arachne knew to be a walz, and a buffet was established at one side. French doors were opened, so nobles could also take leisurely walks through the gardens.
"Of course all is spidered by the old-mother." Arachne thought and a soft smile formed on her lips. The emperor took this chance and had her pushed a bit further. She was now in the entrance, side by side with the emperor. Tuare was shyly behind her and pushed the wheelchair.
Embarrassment flowed through her face and a blush formed on her cheeks. The eyes all turned towards her. Nobles gathered a glass with sparkling wine and the emperor got two himself. He gave Arachne one of them and then cleared his throat.
"I, emperor Jircniv Rune farlord El-Nix, declare the arrival of a new baroness. She served this country to the best of her capabilities. Reformed our logistics and helped our nation with important information. May she prosper and continue her valued service to the realm. To that I toast!" The emperor told the nobles.
Jircniv raised his glass, as did the nobles and Arachne. They drank sparkling wine and cheers followed.
"Cheers."
"Hear. Hear."
"To the homo novus."
All of those echoed within the ball room. Jircniv then signed for Tuare to push Arachne to a closed room. Leinas stood before it and smirked. The nobles meanwhile observed her.
After Arachne was inside the room, she heard the silence. It was drumming against her ears. It only stopped once Jircniv sat himself at the only table in the room. It was covered in snacks and drinks.
"Just take what you like." Jircniv invited as Tuare pushed Arachne at the table.
"Thank you." Arachne smiled and took one piece of a cake.
"Normally I would have needed to dance, but I am sure the nobles understand that this will not happen. Afterwards small things will be settled. That is where we are now." Jircniv stated.
"So I am officially introduced to some important details, right? Then what are we doing unofficially?" Arachne inquired, raising one of her eyebrows.
"First we will talk about details, though not of the sorts the people think. Then we will enjoy ourselves." Jircniv smirked.
"Then we shall start, my emperor." Arachne replied, tilting her head a bit.
"Well. My plan is as follows…" Jircniv began.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←
The ball was in the last stages and slowly the nobles went to their accommodations. The event went well, though her other plan had not worked as intended. But luckily this baron managed to not only embarrass the kingdom, but also make it irreversible.
"But what can a cretin like him really do? Uninvite a national guest?" Renner snorted inside her mind.
She went over to the lounge, which was used earlier, and had a maid bring food to her. Afterwards she went over to one of the 'Corner Spiders' and placed it inside, petting its abdomen. She then sat herself and waited.
Both Princes and the Marquise were quickly there, while her 'father' needed some time to get there. Gazef Stronoff himself guarded the stairs without Climb.
"Now then. We all heard the groundworks, anything we can try?" The king said, heavy eyes and eye rings visible.
"I think we got off quite easily." Zanac sighed.
"I think it is expensive, but it is quite reasonable. We should look to get the nobles in with this and then we have it finished quickly." Raeven thought loudly.
"What are you talking about?" Barbo threw in.
"We are talking about a possible treaty with the new nation next door, dear brother." Renner explained in a sickly sweet voice.
"What treaty are you planning?" Barbo hissed, obviously feeling left out.
"My, my. Did no one tell you? We have an envoy, who is negotiating for the so-called 'Sorcerer King'. I think we all got off easy." Renner said, hiding her smile behind her hand.
"No. I wasn't there and no one told me." Barbo was now seething with fury.
"Probably for the better. I don't want to risk anything I worked for to be destroyed by your stupidity." Renner thought.
"As I told you, my son, you will keep your distance from the envoy. Thus you weren't at the table for negotiations." the king explained and Barbo sat back on his chair.
"The more intriguing question is how we can pay the future indemnities and for food for the populus? Otherwise we might be in deep trouble." The king threw the question into the group.
"Let the populus survive on its own. The commonors already needed a thinning. Less commonors mean cleaner streets and thus more merchants." Barbo replied.
"I think we should focus on the loyal sections first and then care for the dangerous places within the kingdom." Raeven proposed and Zanac nodded.
"I think we should centralize the food. Let the crown have total control over it and then supervise where it goes, father." Renner told them.
"I see. This will be a long night…" Ramposa sighed.
"Don't complain, I can't see my Climb during this time either." Renner hissed in her mind. Meanwhile the 'Corner Spider' crawled under the table onto Zanacs shoe.
→ Re-Estize Arachamas suite / Arachama ←
In a blank office sat Arachama. Zesshi was asleep and Cixous observed her like an eagle, just in case she needed anything. She herself read through the papers and followed the discussion while it happened. Just when the king released the meeting Arachama sighed and cracked her neck and fingers.
"I will go to Monga, please watch over my daughter." Arachama mused and Cixous jumped at the chance.
"I will be late. Go to sleep when you get tired." she continued.
"As you wish, Lady Arachama." Cixous nodded vigorously.
"Good. "Gate", we will see each other tomorrow morning." Arachama smiled and went through the portal.
On the other side was Mongas office, though she wished she could have come earlier, or better, much later.
The air was filled with pheromones and Arachama, if she were a human, would have smelled the happenings of a few hours. Albedo was hogtied. A latex armbinder connected her arms and feet, while she was completely in her birthday suit. Nabe meanwhile was occupied with Monga, who in return enjoyed her beauty. Shalltear was also in the mix, though Arachama only smelled her and didn't see her.
"Probably under the desk. Why did I poke him in that direction again?" Arachama asked herself, fighting to forget the image she was seeing.
Arachama observed for a few seconds, completely shocked, and then coughed. Not receiving any sign she simply placed the proposal right next to Albedo's arms, which were behind her back in a latex binder. She then used "Gate" to get to her daughter.
Just as she was about to go through she heard a knock from the door.
She groaned, then opened and went through as fast as possible. Once outside she bumped into Demiurge.
"He is ..ehm… occupied…" Arachama stuttered, digging through her inventory.
"I see. I only wanted this paper signed and report my progress." Demiurge sighed.
Arachama found a nice shield, which was heart shaped. She then used a pen to write 'do not interrupt' onto it. Afterwards it was hung onto the door knob.
"What do you need signed?" she asked Demiurge.
"This. I need some mercenary monsters, a few devils and demons of Nazaricks forces and a few scrolls." Demiurge answered vaguely.
Arachama decided to trust Demiurge, for now, and signed the papers.
"Is everything going according to plan?" Arachama inquired.
"Indeed. I found one of the encampments and will subjugate them tomorrow. We can proceed within the next few months." Demiurge told her.
"Whatever. I need to forget the picture I just saw. Thus I need to cuddle my daughter into oblivion." Arachama thought.
"Then proceed like you see fit." Arachama smiled and used "Gate" to get to her daughter.
She was exhausted, mostly because of the mental images, and fell face first into bed. She barely had the time to scoop Zesshi into a tight hug, before she fell asleep. She didn't even feel Zesshi giving her caring touches everywhere. She also has not seen Cixous, who seemed to be relieved at her return.
→ Roble Holy Kingdom near Hoburns / Alator ←
Alator was just retreating his hand from his mirror. He had observed the royal palace for his next assignment for a while now and already made a plan to get in. There was no problem and he knew that soon he could start with his true assignment. Taking a last glance at his dagger, he smiled.
"I hope this will help in the great plan master has." Alator mused before he went to his table and prepared his equipment for the next day.
He rolled the blue prints into a separate bag and then cleaned after himself to leave as few traces as possible. He would only need his light armor, his dagger and maybe his sword. He also prepared his utensils for his escape eastwards. Maybe he could use the coming demi-humans as cover.
Just as he was finished he rationed his last food and found that he had enough for a week, ample time to fulfill his goal and get away.
AN: I like dwarves. Especially their stubbornness.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter and if you did, please leave a comment/ review.