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 40
→ Carriage close to forest of Tob / Arachama ←
Though her job as envoy had been, at large, a success, Arachama realized two problems. One would be the behavior of the neighbor. But that could be drilled out of them over time.
Her own problem was another matter. The nausea she felt in the early morning was getting worse every minute. She tried everything she knew, to no avail. Thus their travel was much slower. In the early morning however, her nausea changed slightly.
"Cixous, could we take a break please?" She asked and the carriage slowed and then halted.
Arachama loosened her grip on Zesshi, opened the door as fast as possible. She crawled outside. Fresh air brushed her face as she tried to fight her nausea, which was close to victory.
Zesshi and Cixous observed her fearfully. But Arachama didn't want to worry them, as such she simply tried to relax.
"We can make a stop for longer, mom. Please keep your health in mind." Zesshi implored.
"I am well. It is just nausea. All is going well." she snapped, surprising Zesshi, Cixous and herself.
"I am sorry." She then continued and scooped Zesshi up.
"Cuddling will do both of us good." she thought.
So she they remained for a few minutes. During this time the nausea got weaker and Arachama was glad she didn't puke. Zesshi and Cixous seemed to communicate non verbally, but she didn't care. She was exhausted and felt physically terrible.
"Mom, I think you should sleep as much as possible." Zesshi said,
"Only if you are well behaved and cuddle me." She replied and stroked Zesshis hair.
"Sounds like a deal." Zesshi snickered.
Afterwards both went inside the carriage. The nausea would get worse and better at times, but they would continue with breaks on their way. Arachama herself slept as much as possible, which helped to some extent. Soon though they arrived at the gate of Nazarick.
Albedo was awaiting them and the carriage was brought under a makeshift cover.
Arachama and Zesshi left the carriage, where Arachama would rest for a short while. Cixous meanwhile finished follow ups in regards to the carriage. Albedo walked slowly towards both arachne, a slight blush on her face.
"Good morning, Lady Arachama. I hope the trip back was not too terrible?" Albedo inquired.
"It went as well as it could." Arachama replied, closing her eyes and getting Zesshi a bit closer. Zesshi was now only able to breathe through her trachea.
She needed a short while to get her focus back.
"I hope Monga accepted the final contract since I will not travel there again soon." Arachama hoped.
"He is satisfied with the result." Albedo confirmed.
"Good. How was your night? I already know the one before that." Arachama smirked and Albedo's blush deepend a few shades of red.
"Quite enjoyable. Though next time just place the papers on the desk." Albedo smiled, though Arachama saw her eyes twitch.
"I try to remember that. Now. I will use "Gate" and we will travel to the mansion." Arachama smiled.
"Only one thing. Lord Ainz is adamant to hear a report in person." Albedo threw in.
"He can come in the afternoon. I already missed the tea parties with him. Same conditions as before." she smiled.
"Then I will tell and accompany him." Albedo grinned.
"Do that. "Gate". Have a good day." Arachama casted and went through.
The mother and daughter stood in the northern living room, as Arachama scooped her daughter up. Both entered her bedroom and changed as fast as possible, before both collapsing onto the bed. The hug was tight as Arachama fell asleep.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←
Renner herself woke up early. After her Lady had left, she had prepared as much as possible. The leaders of eight fingers were easy to work with, probably because she was seen as some kind of prophet by them. She had prepared her mind, so that playing surprised is easier. She also had a mental list of people in attendance.
The reason why she woke up early though was not because of the future happenings. The reason she woke early was her Climb. He will train soon. She knew how he trained, as she had observed him many times. That he trained in only his trousers was a bonus.
"I need my dose of Climb. Why can't he train in my room? Oh right. My family." Renner hissed in her mind.
She left her room and walked to the eastern training hall. There she could see some warriors, who served under Stronoff. But those did not interest her. Her interest moved her eyes to Climb nearly immediately.
She observed his movement for the early morning. Just as he finished she retreaded and went to her room again. Once there she decided to nap a bit, before all hell could break loose.
The nap didn't last long, as she heard Climb taking his position in front of her door. She kept slouching and enjoying the pictures she saw of her pet. At least until a knock was heard.
Renner grumbled as she rose from her bed. After being clothed she looked at the maid.
"Such audacity to interrupt the pictures I saw in my mind." Renner thought as she tried to keep her 'golden princess'-mask. It worked, as the maid smiled sympathetically at her.
Soon enough Renner was about to enter the dining room, when she heard quite some commotion. She collected herself for the coming storm and entered.
Renner was greeted by panic, as Zanac was just rubbing his forehead. Ramposa himself looked even more tired as Stronoff looked fearful. Only Barbo looked relaxed and seemed to enjoy the meal.
"Good morning." Renner greeted the room and decided to get some food.
"Why are you so late this exalted morning?" Barbo asked, ignoring the two people between them.
"I was tired after yesterday. It was a day of hard work and I am quite happy with the result. But why is the mood of this room so crass?" Renner inquired.
"We will have an emergency meeting later this morning." Ramposa sighed, seemingly getting out of his shock.
"Why would we need that? Didn't we already manage to solve the biggest problem yesterday? What threat has emerged now?" Renner asked, playing her 'innocent question'-mask.
"You remember the scene the day before yesterday? The one at the end of the ball?"Zanac asked.
"When this nameless baron invited the envoy?" Renner replied.
"Yes. Turns out she showed up. Luckily without her daughter. Seems like the new nobles want to throw us into more diplomatic problems than we already have." Zanac hissed.
"What did they do?" Renner forced her sibling.
"Luckily they only mocked and insulted her. It is still dangerous. As for her picture of us, it is now likely unsalvageable." Zantac confessed.
"So we need to hope." Renner smiled and began to eat.
"My oldest son, we will have a talk. I heard you were amongst those on the ball yesterday. I certainly have a few words for you." Ramposa told Barbo, the eyes gleaming like an eagle that found a mouse.
"Seems like the plan is progressing smoothly." Renner thought and found her food much tastier than before.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama woke up with a terrible feeling in her gut. Breathing filled her nausea, which had overtaken her entire head. It seemed like the room was spinning. She reached out for Zesshi, but the room was empty. She opened her eyes and saw Zesshi clothing herself.
Just as Arachama stood up she felt her stomach cramp. She felt a terrible heartburn and it seemed to be getting worse.
Enti entered the room and immediately hugged her. This made Arachama happy, but she would need fresh air. Just as nausea took over Arachama reached the windows and opened them as fast as possible.
The fresh air and wind calms her nerves, though it only helped a little. She needed quite some time to get calm enough to clothe and walk inside the mansion. Zesshi and Enti waited for her, which was nice.
"Mother, we have prepared breakfast. Do you wish to take it separately?" Enti inquired.
"No. I am just back. I wish to spend time with all my children." Arachama smiled.
"I understand, mom." Enti said and hugged her.
They remained for a few minutes, until Arachama felt ready.
She followed Enti towards the living room, closely followed by Zesshi. The others were already there and soon all her children were running over. The breakfast itself was pushed back an hour, as the mother cuddled with all of her children.
After the cuddling session, they began to eat breakfast. Arachne placed herself just between her and Zesshi. Similar thing happened to her left. Where Yuri took the seat, which would usually be occupied by Leinas.
As the others began to eat, and a promise to tell them more in the coming days, she loaded her plate thanks to her sudden hunger.
"Old-mother. I have made progress to report. The emperor has finally confessed his intention, though in a much more unplanned fashion." Arachne smiled.
"That is great. I guess he already has plans?" Arachama smiled, happy that her daughter would have a great match.
"Yes. First we need to work the nobles for a while, then we work from there." Arachne grinned.
"That is great. I am sure you will have true love and compassion." Arachama beamed and kissed Arachne's forehead.
"I hope so, old-mother." Arachne replied.
"I take it that you want to report as well, Yuri?" Arachama asked.
"Indeed. We managed to acquire multiple local stores. We are now consolidating them all to one standard. Afterwards we will work ourselves along the supply lines. I also managed to buy these former workers." Yuri answered.
Arches head shot towards them, confusion and hope on her face.
"Which workers?" she inquired.
"Your former group. They build a company. We bought their company, so they will work for us from now on. That should keep them safe. Did you know that the girl among them, Imina I believe, is pregnant?" Yuri replied.
"That is great news, even if it finally happened." Arche beamed.
"Yes. It was quite obvious when they were here." Yuri agreed.
"Though I am surprised about Roberdyke." Arche thought out loud.
"According to Hekkeran he saved a lady, which was taken by eight fingers. They seemed to have warmed to each other and are now living together. Hekkeran mentioned two weddings soon." Yuri continued.
"Why two?" Arche inquired.
"Hekkeran lost a bet, to Iminas dismay, and had to wait for Roberdyke to make the proposal. Once the new lady agreed they started to plan. Hekkeran is adamant though, that Imina threatened Roberdyke to 'man up or else'." Yuri giggled.
"Sounds like them." Arche sighed and snickered herself.
"That is a nice happy ending there." Arachama threw a big smile on her face.
"Indeed, mom." Arche agreed, before turning to the twins, who had decided to open an egg on Arche's forehead.
Close to the end of the breakfast, Arachama remembered something important.
"Enti, Monga will visit us this afternoon." Arachama told her.
"I understand. Yuri? Could you overlook Ninjas training for the time? She needs to increase the distance she can walk. Otherwise she can already balance herself well." Enti asked.
"So the training is already in full progress. That is good. Ninya, how do you feel otherwise though?" Arachama inquired.
"I am getting better. The balance was the main problem though. The abdomen still feels weird. But I am glad for this form. It feels much better." Ninya confessed.
"That sounds great. It is best to be comfortable in your own body. I am sure it will all settle in short order and you can continue the maid training." Arachama praised.
"I can't wait for that. Big sister now has a gigantic advantage." Ninya confessed and continued to eat.
"Don't worry. I am sure you can catch up." Arachama promised.
Soon the breakfast was over and Arachama got into her office. Fear had spread and soon shock set in. She expected mountains of paperwork. But luckily it was only one stack of that plague.
"Lucky me. Can we go play with the others afterwards?" Zesshi asked.
"Yes we can. I want to test the twins. I am sure they will have fun with the test though." she answered.
Arachama got a book on venomancy and gave it to Zesshi, to her relief, and started with the paperwork. She observed Zesshi reading it from time to time. At the beginning Zesshi seemed skeptical, but soon it changed to enthusiastic learning. Sometimes Zesshi would get to former passages and look through the chapters.
"Can I have some paper, mom?" Zesshi asked.
"Of course." Arachama agreed and gave Zesshi a small notebook and pen from her inventory. It was certainly not an accident that those were her own notes back from university and later game mechanics.
While it seemed a bit stupid to store those in a game, she wasn't willing to pay too much money for an annual small storage place. The game allowed books to be written by the players. Thus she just used that chance. Now she was giving a copy of her former notes to the next generation.
Zesshi began to take notes and to read through Arachamas.
"Seems like I found a book, which can entice her." Arachama thought and enjoyed the view.
Afterwards the paperwork was finished quite fast. Most was about the budget from either her company or Arachne's noble title.
Once finished Arachama stretched herself and a sigh escaped her. Zesshi looked up.
"Can I borrow this book?" she asked.
"We can keep it here for tomorrow. But I am glad we found something enticing for you. How much did you learn?" Arachama replied.
"Quite a bit. I focus mainly on insects, for now." Zesshi answered, a sadistic smirk formed on her.
"Good. Now I will spend time with the twins and Arche. I might use this to test the twins. I am sure they will enjoy this." the mother smiled and grabbed a monopoly-game.
Soon they arrived at the western wing. The twins and Arche were reading the books she had provided before her assignment. As soon as she stepped in they stopped though and looked at her. Afterwards a cuddling session ensued. After only an hour they started a game of monopoly.
→ Mare Homonorum Trading vessel ←
Since most of the coastal cities and islands either tried to join or signed agreements with the Baharut Empire the trade was getting better again. The situation was profitable to all parties involved. Money exchanged hands eagerly and goods were doing their rounds even faster than before. The sea trade was not only flourishing, it even became sort of safe.
One such vessel was slowly moving towards Baharut. The sea was clear and the crew was working hard to get to their goal as fast as possible. The faster they were the more money they would get,
Then, out of nowhere, a screech was heard.
"What is that?"
"Where did it come from?"
"Look up!"
"Is it a cloud?"
"Is it a bird?"
"No, it is a wyvern. Everyone, prepare to fight!"
All thos shouts erupted and soon the crew was arming themselves. Some had their weapons brought along, others simply took what could improvise as weapons. The rows were tugged in and the ballistae was loaded. The engineers were already hoisting the contraption, which was at the front of the ship, upwards, when a second screech came.
Some wyvern dropped a large rock upon the ballistae and it was destroyed, ripping the front partly of the ship.
Then the wyverns crashed into the lines. Each wyvern had one rider and multiple warriors on them. Those warriors jumped off and engaged in fights. The riders meanwhile got back into the air.
The fighting was brutal and soon only a hard core of veterans defended the ship. It now had not enough crew to row it to shore. Then the wyvern came back and grabbed the remaining crew with their claws, afterwards they rode from the ship and dropped them in the ocean.
The warriors meanwhile prepared the loot to be lifted and soon the wyvern riders had done their first raid in mare homonorum in over half a century.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama was cuddling with her daughters after the monopoly game. The twins had easily defeated Zesshi and Arche, which wasn't surprising. Both Zesshi and Arche had little to no interest in the game. Zesshi only cared for battle, training and seemingly venomancy. Arche on the other hand began reading on casting, summoning and cared mostly for Mongas strategy notes, which she copied from Zesshi.
What shocked Arachama though was how easily the twins were able to outmaneuver her on some occasions.
"They are terrifying." Arachama thought, even if it was a while back, she once was a businesswomen.
But in the end she managed to win, if barely and some clenched teeth, a furrow in her eyebrows and sweat on her forehead.
Soon Enti came into the mix and slowly, but surely, sneaked under Arachamas chin. They continued to cuddle for five minutes.
"Mom, lunch is ready." Enti announced, still hugging Arachama.
"Well children. Let's get something to eat." Arachama giggled and the children followed her towards the food.
Lunch was relaxed. Arche talked with Ninya and the twins eagerly held a conversation with Zesshi. This enabled Arachama to wave to Yuri.
"What can I do for you, LAdy Arachama?" Yuri inquired.
"The twins are getting better. Maybe we can slowly work them in? I am sure those would be beasts with their mind." Arachama smiled.
"I will look forward to it." Yuri replied and seemingly relaxed.
After a filling lunch Arachama continued to cuddle with her children. Sadly the nausea returned during this time and she had to concentrate. She also decided to ask Zesshi in regards to another topic once Monga would come.
But soon Arachama helped during the preparations. While Enti overlooked the maids in training, Arachama and Zesshi got out two couches. In Arachamas living room they cleared the center, placing the normal couch on one side. It allowed a couple to sit comfortably. The other, more for the comfort of arachne tailored, couches were on the other side. They were close enough that both could cuddle, after Arachama insisted on it. They also prepared tablecloth, cutlery and other little trinkets. Enti later prepared the tea and Arachama used magic to keep the chocolate-strawberry cake cool.
→ RHK Hoburns / Remedios ←
Remedios was asleep, though it felt more like the time was creeping around. She knew it already and would have groaned, if she were awake.
The tall wall of Kalasknika, a north-eastern city of the kingdom, stood like a breakwater. Tide after tide streamed against the walls. Each tide was getting taller and taller. Then the first reached the top of the walls, slashing, hacking and punching their way through and over their dead kin.
Remedios wanted to fight, to protect the people of her majesty, but as this hadn't even happened yet she couldn't do anything, except wiping a resigned tear away.
The defenders, or better citizenry, defended the walls with everything they got. The elderly and young used bows and arrows while the young fought on the walls. The demi-humans though were different. She couldn't place a finger on it though. Just as Remedios turned around and found a young girl with brown hair being ripped in half by the maw of a bafolk, the image flared and changed.
The new image was of Hoburns. The walls were manned and arrows were sent towards the attacker. Just like last time the demi-humans attacked in tides of flesh, teeth and evil glee. But this time she observed the changes closer. She wasn't standing on the wall but behind the lines of the demi-humans, which made her self imposed assignment easier.
Three crude structures were standing behind the lines. One was a bell tower on wheels. The bell swung back and forth and the chimes were cruel to listen to. With every swing Remedios saw cracks forming on the wall of Hoburns. It also seemed to have an impact on the psyche of the demi-humans. She had fought many of them and only now she could properly see the eyes of them. A green glimmer shone through them and their movement was closer to puppets than animals.
"They are controlled." Remedios realized in shock.
Remedios turned towards the other structures. The same green glimmer, which was in the eyes of the demi-humans and seeped from the bell, was found on the structures. They were similar to catapults. That wasn't frightening her. The ammunition did though. Cadavers, human or demi-human, and excrement, all sickly green, were loaded.
"Fire the plagueclaw catapults." ordered a deep, recoiling voice.
Then the bodies were sent flying towards the city. She turned towards the voice and found a being so foul, she was close to puking in her dream.
Before her stood a tanned being in red clothing. A black mask with golden lines blocked her view of its face. She saw a red glimmer shine through the mask's eye slits.
A demon was leading the coming army.
The image shifted and soon Remedios stood behind the walls of Hoburns. Sickly green mist was flowing through the city. Bodies covered the streets. She observed the starving population. They feared the streets and remained inside their homes.
"Strange." Remedios thought, as normally the defenders would be camping on their walls just in case the demi-humans tried to surprise them.
Then she observed the cadavers. Some were riddled with pustules. Others had flesh seemingly melted off their skin.
Suddenly she heard a yell and her head swung in the direction of it. Red-skinned demons were crawling over the wall and opened the fight with the few defenders. The defenders were easily overwhelmed and the demons went inside the city. Not even halfway through the massacre Remedios couldn't stand it any more. She closed her eyes and cried.
Remedios woke up, tears running down her face. She decided it was already time to do her morning routine, this time also watching her sister. Afterwards she recounted her assignments for today. She finished two scrolls and had them signed by the queen when she remembered her squire and a sneer formed on her face.
She walked over to the local barracks. Once there she got her squire and dragged her, at the squire's ear, to her office. Remedios signed for Baraja to take a seat, which she did. Remedios herself fell into her chair.
"I have an assignment for you. You will bring this scroll to the emperor of Baharut. Once done, you wait for their response. If they decline you will negotiate. If they agree, whether by negotiation or not, you will escort the charge here. This is a second scroll. Bring this to Re-Estize and await their response. Make haste." Remedios ordered, a sneer placed on her face.
"Yes, Ma'am. Anything else?" Baraja asked.
"You will pack and go now." Remedios hissed.
The useless squire jumped up and ran out.
"Why did I agree again?" Remedios hissed, cursing herself as she remembered the fateful day she agreed to a deal she made with her squire's father.
She also decided to prepare her blade, as grimm times were on its way. It would be better than her mace.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
The preparation, even the last minute ones that she couldn't get herself over with, were finally done and Arachama sighed. The nausea was hitting her again, but she had prepared as best as possible.
Zesshi and her were cuddling together. Enti and Ninya were ready at the moment's notice. The only annoyance for Arachama were a few papers. Some were about the progress of her endeavors, others were about requested items, services and other such things.
"I hope all will go well." she thought, as she placed one of Zesshis strands out of her face.
Soon the typical portal of the "Gate" opened. Albedo and Monga stepped through and smiled at the daughter-mother-duo. Arachama has not heard nor seen them. After five minutes she opened her eyes and a blush formed on her cheeks.
"Ehm. Good afternoon, Monga and Albedo." Arachama greeted and wanted to stand up.
Sadly her nausea kept her on her seat and Monga simply walked around and gave her a short hug. Albedo bowed and then smiled at Zesshi. Enti and Ninya meanwhile poured four cups of tea.
"I heard that the last night in Re-Estize was less than pleasing for you?" Monga inquired.
"That is one way to sum it up." Arachama thought.
"I got an invitation. Sadly stereotypes about my species aren't as complimenting. Luckily my daughter was safe and sound in her dream." Arachama responded.
Mongas eyes flared up.
"Maybe we should reconsider then…" Monga said.
"Nah. We keep the peace… for now. I believe we have a new advantage, thanks to this small scandal. If everything plays out perfectly Nazarick can milk this." Arachama sighed.
"I don't like their treatment of you though." Monga reiterated.
"I understand that. But don't make my work there obsolete." Arachama replied and drank a bit of the tea.
"Then I will honor the contract,... for now." Monga smiled.
"That would be nice. I also gave Renner the presents." She turned to Albedo.
"I can't wait to meet this human. All the reports I read are intriguing to me." Albedo beamed.
"Everything in due time. But first. I did learn something interesting. It seems that dwarves are a thing." Arachama told him.
Mongas eyes were nearly jumping out of his sockets. Albedo got confused while Zesshi nudged herself closer and placed her head into Arachamas lap.
"That is indeed something to investigate. But after we got a little peace." Monga replied.
"I would have looked into it myself, but it seems obsolete now." Arachama grinned and Monga nodded.
Arachama drifted off and began to eat a bit of cake, as she felt great hunger. After she ate three pieces she got back from her mental drift.
"I hope the treaty wasn't too bad. I think I got a bit rusty." she giggled as her eyes focused again on Monga.
"It will work. Besides, it is only a temporary thing. Everything else will be our reaction towards their actions." Monga calmed her and she relaxed.
Nausea overtook again and soon became desperate. She woke Zesshi up and looked at Enti.
"Bring me a bucket please." she asked Enti with "Message". Enti shot out of the room and arrived a short time late.
Just in time as Arachama felt herself puke and only just managed to puke into the bucket. It didn't seem to end and she switched from lungs to trachea to breathe. Everything she had eaten, from Re-Estize till now, got up and into the bucket. But soon nothing came out.
Arachama felt terrible and embarrassed, at least her nausea retreated a bit.
Monga looked flabbergasted while Albedo and especially Zesshi looked fearful.
"How dare those beasts use poisons against one of the supreme beings." Albedo fumed, rage incinerated her eyes.
"First we need to heal her. Afterwards we can look for anything." Zesshi shouted, trying to help Enti. Ninya meanwhile brought the puke bucket out of sight and got a fresh one.
"I will call Pestonya." Monga responded and stood up from the table. Arachama meanwhile buried her head inside her own arms and had a hard time to hold back. The nausea got stronger and the world was turning around her. The humiliation she felt didn't help her in any way.
"Need a bucket." she whispered and soon one was pressed into her arms. She felt as if she would vomit, but nothing came. Soon the nausea retreated again, but not fully subsiding.
She looked around and found a portal. Through it Pestonya came and immediately strolled over.
"We need to bring her into a room." Pestonya told the beings there.
Enti, Zesshi and Albedo immediately carried Arachama into her room. Once there Arachama was placed onto her bed and Pestonya got to work.
First she casted spells against status effects and then healing. Those tickled Arachama and she had to fight not to puke again.
Afterwards she signaled for the rest to leave and began to examine Arachama herself.
"When did the ailment start?" Pestonya asked as she felt for a pulse.
"Just shy before we traveled to that kingdom. But it got much stronger recently." she replied, trying to calm herself.
"Hmm. Pulse and breathing is alright. A bit fast but as expected." Pestonya thought out loud.
"I am sure I will get better soon." Arachama smiled.
"Wait here please. I have a suspicion, especially with rumors running around Nazarick right now. I will be back shortly." Pestonya told her and left the room.
Arachama tried to keep her nausea under control, which was hard. But soon enough Pestonya returned and had a smile on her face.
"I just inquired and have a suspicion, Lady Arachama."Life Scan"" Pestonya casted.
"Life Scan" was a tier 5 spell and mostly used in dungeons to find living foes. It could be tricked by players, but was still useful to find NPCs. It didn't work with spirits, undead and demons / angels though.
A tickling feeling crept over her and soon retreated. She had to fight her urge to giggle, as she feared to vomit again.
"I have good news, Lady Arachama. But first I need to tell Lord Ainz of this great news. I will be back shortly." Pestonya beamed and left the room.
Arachama laid in her bed, confusion and relief brewing in her. Soon Monga, Pestonya and Albedo entered her room.
Monga looked a bit stressed, Albedo meanwhile beamed at her. Pestonya herself was trembling and it was obvious that it didn't come from fear. Zesshi herself, having sneaked out of her room, was also beaming at her.
"Can my ailment be cured?" Arachama inquired, feeling her nausea return.
"It will settle itself, Lady Arachama. I advise for a safe environment and a healthy diet. It would also help to get some fresh air from time to time." Pestonya told her.
"Why do we have magic if it can't help us…" Arachama hissed in her head.
"You will remain here. I also ordered the homunculi maids to build a small indoor garden. You can relax there. Entoma is also instructed to hold back on anything that has alcohol, since we can't risk your health." Monga smiled at her.
"I will tell the others then. Can't wait to have my sister." Zesshi beamed and left the room.
"What sister?" Arachama inquired.
"You are pregnant with an egg, Lady Arachama." Pestonya told her.
"So the evening nothing happened had consequences…" Arachama said and ice crept in her voice as she glared at Albedo and Monga. Both mentioned suddenly found the carpet very interesting.
"Luckily Arachne lay their eggs fast. But the eggs themselves will take a bit of time to hatch. Sadly during the time they are pregnant the nausea will stay." Pestonya reported.
"I remember now. Didn't Takemi give her medical knowledge on every 'evil' species?" she thought and looked at Pestonya, not having thought about anything before.
The news was slowly settling in though and Arachama stroked her abdomen. Pride filled her and small tears formed on four eyes.
"I can have one again." she whispered and the small tears got bigger.
"Congratulations, Lady Arachama." Pestonya said and bowed to her.
She then looked around the room, already planning her room.
"The crib needs to be in here. I also need as many plushies and toys as possible and…" she thought out loud.
Suddenly a cough interrupted her.
"I hope you understand that you are under hausarrest during this time?" Monga inquired.
"Don't tell me that yet. I am in dreamland." Arachama replied and was continuing to plan.
A nudge on her side got her out of the trance. Enti stood beside her.
"Congratulations, mom." Enti said and hugged her. Enti then crept towards her abdomen and placed an ear on it.
"I can't hear it." Enti pouted.
"It will be silent for a while, but soon it should be audible. Once the shell is formed it will cease and it isn't more than two days from then on until the egg is laid." Pestonya reported.
"We leave now. I am sure there will be much paperwork. Please contact Albedo if you need anything." Monga smiled.
"I will certainly do that." Arachama giggled as she saw all her children in her living room.
"Good. I will send the maids over as soon as I clear something with Albedo." Monga replied and casted "Gate". Pestonya and Albedo followed. Zesshi tried, but Enti snatched her ear, keeping her from visiting Nazarick uninvited.
"Come here, little ones." Arachama pleaded and nothing more was needed. A wave of Arachne shot towards her and the mess of spiders wasnt dissolving until the next morning. Though Arachamas abdomen was watched after all day and night.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←
It was in the early afternoon, when Renner arrived back at the castle. She had used the time she had for some visits amongst orphanages and to subtly glance at Climb. Once she arrived back at the palace, Renner was escorted towards her fathers office. She knocked and was let in.
"Now. Is this meeting about the topic from breakfast?" Renner inquired.
"Yes. We need to search for a way to contact her and make sure she understands that it wasn't Re-Estize but children mocking her." Ramposa replied.
"What about Barbo? According to your behavior towards him he was amongst our new concerns. How will we throw that under the proverbial rug?" Renner asked.
"That is one of the questions. The others are her location and how to satisfy that grievance. I don't want another war on this kingdom." Ramposa sighed and resignation was audible.
"For her location we should ask Renner and her network. It has proven its reliability. For the other concerns, those will definitely be painful for the kingdom." Zanac threw in.
This made her fathers eyes retreat further into the skull.
"We will not sacrifice my oldest son." Ramposa stated, suppressed anger in his voice.
"Then we better look for alternatives." Zanac told them.
The bantering had obviously been ongoing between them for some time. Renner rolled her eyes and observed.
"Might I suggest that we locate her first before preparing a plan?" Renner advised after a while.
Ramposa and Zanac looked at her as if they ate a lemon. But their faces contorted back and soon both got their clothes back in order.
"We should use your network for this." Ramposa told Renner.
"That is something I can try. In the meantime we continue our plan for the safety of our kingdom." Renner replied and left the room.
She hadn't seen the thoughtful faces of Zanac and Raeven.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Ainz Ooal Gown ←
After arriving from the mansion, Ainz had some trouble comprehending the situation. There were multiple layers to this fact. One was that he had placed a close friend in house arrest, even if he would make sure that it would be as enjoyable for her as possible.
The second layer was that Albedo had taken this news better than he expected. This was frightening for him, especially since she wanted to give him his heir.
Most importantly though he would be a father in the, at least for his species, near future. It terrified him and filled him with joy at the same time.
But it also reminded him of the night they had promised to never talk about. It would now haunt him for the next lifespan in the form of an offspring.
"It is confusing, argh. Why can't I think properly?" Ainz thought as he placed his head into his palms.
Albedo, having gone to get some dinner, returned at that moment. She had a smile, which seemed genuine, but he knew she could also use masks. But Albedo even hummed to herself. He thought his next step over and decided to wait for her.
"You can speak your mind. Don't need to play happy in regards to the situation." Ainz sighed as Albedo had finished her meal and then placed herself into his lap.
"I don't understand, my love. On the contrary. My plan has worked." Albedo grinned and nestled into his chest.
"But…" Ainz began.
"No buts, except mine tonight. We have a reason to celebrate. Nazarick will have an heir. The offspring of the remaining. What better heir could there be?" Albedo asked, placing both her arms around Ainzs neck.
"I thought you would be furious. I know that Nabe and Shalltear take precautions…" he insisted.
Albedo sighed and pressed her lips onto his. This disabled him from talking. Once he relaxed she parted.
"I also took precautions. We three had talked about this and had decided to have the firstborn, and thus the heir, be born by both supreme beings. To make sure the outcome would be safe, I drugged you and Lady Arachama and thus have no grounds to be angry. Nabe and Shalltear will understand. Relax and let me work my wonders tonight." Albedo told him and sank towards the ground.
The night would truly be relaxing and left Ainz with one less fear, though Arachamas safety and the other two remained.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Zanac ←
After the meeting had finished Zanac and Raeven had returned to his chamber. They sat down and tried to relax, in spite of the mess the kingdom was in. Zanac had recounted the debate he had with his father.
"So she seeks them and I am sure she will find them. Now we need to find a solution for the traitors in our midst." Zanac hissed
"Oh, she will find them. No need to be sure, it is guaranteed." Raeven told him and sipped a bit of tea.
"That leaves us with the other problem. What could be valued enough but still be a small enough sacrifice." Zanac sighed.
"I think we have a solution for both of our problems. We might even bring her to agree to this. If that could work, it would be splendid." Raeven smiled.
"Will you tell me the idea?" Zanac asked.
"It is an old concept. But it was used in situations where such disasters happened. We might as well test our theory. The kingdom can only win with this. How about we do…" he smiled and Zanac decided to trust Raeven.
AN: Yes, the night, in which she had a trip, had lasting consequences. It might be sudden, but spiders are quite fast with their eggs, so I am planning something between humans and spiders there.
And yes. Arachama is going to exploit this. But can she be blamed for it?
I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please leave a review/ comment.