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 17
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama was sitting on her comfortable couch, cuddling with Arche, when Foire and Fluder came into the mansion.
"Good evening, lady Arachama," both greeted her like a choire.
"Good evening," Arachama replied.
"Did they train this?" She asked herself.
"I saw Fluder after I was ready to leave. He was sent for you, so we walked here together. It was quite amusing" Foire reported.
"Ara ara. So the twins already did their assignment?" Arachama asked.
"As far as I had seen them, yes." Foire answered and Fluder looked confused, though Arachama then saw a shine in his eyes.
"So Fluder got the dots together?" Arachama nearly laughed.
"So they tried to plunder the home of your friend?" Fluder giggled.
"Yep. He doesn't take something like this kindly, though this time he wanted to check the safety of his tomb." Arachama smiled warmly and Fluder nodded.
Leinas was now walking in, sweaty and exhausted. She had been exercising with Zesshi nearly all day.
"Ara ara. Leinas. You just have extremely nice timing" Arachama was grinning.
"How may I help you, lady Arachama?" Leinas asked, obviously confused.
"Do you remember our relaxation-day?" Arachama replied and Leinas nodded.
"Looks like the fallout of it is now wiggling around" Arachama simply said and Leinas smiled.
"Now. Why did Jircniv send you Fluder?" Arachama asked and Fluder shook his head slightly with a big smile.
"He wants to go and "apologize". He also wants us both to go with him, in hopes that at least one of us knows the magic of the master the two elves served." Fluder stated.
"Ara ara. A road trip? Of course I will come along when the emperor asks my humble being. Though I will need my other appearance?" Arachama smiled and Fluder nodded.
"Everything will be provided though." Fluder tried to make it sound a bit better.
"At least I don't have to plan anything" Arachama sighed.
At that moment Kuudeirika and Ureirika waltzed into the living room and ran towards Arachama. They nearly jumped at Arachama, when they saw her guests and recollected their decorum.
"Good evening. Mother? Enti says that the dinner is prepared." Kuude and Ure are smiling like two sunshines.
"Seems like we cut this conversation short. Where and when will I be collected?" Arachama asked.
"You and Leinas should be at the palace tomorrow at noon. I personally recommend that you will have more than one set of clothes and something to occupy your mind. I will go now, since I have to pack my own things." Fluder sighed and stood up. He left the mansion.
"Then let's dig in." Arachama said and followed the excited twins to the table for the insectoid, while Leinas went to the eastern part of the mansion for her dinner with the humanoids of the mansion.
Arachama sat at the table, Spaghetti abelliionese on the table with parmesan. It tasted delicious, though Arachama listened to all the small discussions around the table. She wanted to know every detail of her small ones. Every problem, fear, likes, patterns and many more details.
The twins were talking with Arche about the summon "Clerik Spider", since they were trying to summon them. Arachama simply knew that they would need a bit more time, since they were still small. Zesshi meanwhile smiled and caressed her weapon. Ninya was relaxing a bit and looked over her booklet, which Arachama knew contained her notes from Yuri's lessons.
All were at ease, content and happy. Arachama coughed and all looked at her.
"I will sadly be gone for roughly a week or two. I expect peak behavior from you. No fights, Zesshi and Ninya. No blowing of the roof, Kuude, Ure and Arche. I will be back as fast as possible. Yuri and Enti will be in command for that time." Arachama ordered and all looked a bit saddened-
"Don't look so down. I will be back in no time" Arachama said and scooped Kuude and Ure up. She then went to bed, where Zesshi and Arche joined the cuddling and all fell asleep in a big pile of arachnids.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Jircniv ←
Jircniv was still in shock and denial. What happened wasn't possible. First was the dragon. Everybody knows that dragons are far too proud to be controlled by anyone, except their close and stronger kin. Then the dark-elves with their power. Even he felt it radiating from them. The amount of dead soldiers underground was only the tip of the iceberg. Then the mention of a tomb, which was attacked. The stupidity of the Styx family was even more incomprehensible.
He was now getting more and more enraged. The thoughts of his humiliation at the foot of an unknown within this world, just because a noble decided to be as stupid as humanly possible was making the emperor angry, enraged no he was furious. After the heat of his anger left he only felt cold fury running down his spine.
They did not only attack his position, which was stupid enough. They tried to humiliate, injure and probably kill the only person able to understand his thoughts. His eyes became like the ones of eagles and the smile of the "Bloody Emperor" came back.
Fluder came back into the room to find Jircniv right in this state and he gulped.
"So you will be back?" Fluder asked.
"What do you think, old man? Have I gone to lax for far too long? Have I been too merciful the last time to allow such disgraces to dwell within my empire?" Jircniv asked and Fluder grinned.
"So you finally decided to act instead of reacting?" Fluder asked.
"Yes. I allowed many to make terrible decisions on my behalf. It is time to sort out the worthy and to get rid of all the crap that makes it this far, once more." Jircniv crunched between his teeth and Fluders grin fell to a smile.
"Where do you want to start?" Fluder asked.
"With the source of this rabbit hole. The family Styx. While we speak the family is getting arrested by Nimble for high treason." Jircniv answered. Fluder sweated.
"All of them? Even Leinas?" Fluder asked.
"Since when is Leinas a Styx?" Jircniv grinned deeply and Fluder sighed in relief.
"And then?" Fluder asked.
"We will travel to the tomb and apologize. We will see from there, though if I get back. May whatever god the incompetent noble believe in have mercy for them, since I will have none left for their nonsense" Jircniv answered and his teeth showed.
"Then I shall pack my things." Fluder said and left.
Jircniv seethed a bit longer until he heard a knock from the door.
"Come in" Jircniv ordered and Nimble walked in. Three nobles followed him, all in shackles and chains.
"So your family got us in this mess?" Jircniv asked coldly. The obvious father gulped down.
"What do you mean?" the father asked in a faux nice tone. Jircniv sighed and took out a report. It contained details on their plan to hire workers and adventurers, raid a tomb with great riches and then overthrow the emperor with their new riches.
"I got a report from my new spy-network. It contains serious allegations. It says that you decided to hire adventurers and workers." Jircniv began.
"Yes. We did this to protect us" The son argued.
"So you didn't want to raid a tomb with riches?" Jircniv asked.
"N-n-no w-we d-d-d-didn't" The father tried.
"Then where are the adventurers and workers?" Jircniv inquired.
"S-sadly we got attacked. They died defending us." the son replied. Both had lied so obviously that it actually managed to increase his fury, though Jircniv kept quiet.
"Do they actually believe me to be this stupid? I better step up my game" Jircniv thought and then coughed.
"It is strange. Since the reports say that you tried to raid a tomb with the intent of enriching yourself. Do you know whom I believe in more? You or the network?" Jircniv questioned in an ice cold voice.
"We are nobles, therefore you will believe us?" The son asked.
"Let's see. The report is against you. The messenger of a raided tomb is an indicator against you and your lying is an even bigger indicator. Since it is an emergency, we don't have time for a trial. Nimble, please execute the father and the son. The mother didn't lie to my face, but is an accomplice. She will travel with us and the heads of the traitors. I might get a use out of it." Jircniv crunched through his teeth and the whining started.
"You can't kill us. We were among your strongest supporters." The father raged and Nimble simply kicked him in the knee, placing the father back on the ground.
"Yet you went behind my back and tried to stab me. Not only me, you also endangered one of the people I actually care about. Nimble, we will do the execution now. Bring them outside, I don't want my carpet to be stained in blood. Afterwards bring the heads, since we will need them in our apology to the master of that tomb." Jircniv ordered and Nimble simply nodded and did as ordered.
While the execution took place, Jircniv decided to look into every noble house and found even more treachery. Only a few houses were truly worthy of their position and loyal, at least amongst the original families. The families he enabled to be nobles were almost all competent and loyal, knowing that they had to thank the emperor for their status.
"Luckily I can now clean my court, maybe get more loyal servants as nobles." Jircniv thought and sighed.
At dinner he thought about his loyal supporters and whom to be nobles and had quite a few in the making. He also included a certain, definitely not a crush of him, wheelchair bound, not attractive women in mind. After dinner, Jircniv decided to pack his things for the trip and slept only with one eye closed. The "Bloody Emperor" was back and he was stronger than ever. The complacency was thrown out the window.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
In the morning Arachama woke up after having slept better than ever before. She shakes and then wiggles her way out of the pile of spider and human mass. She managed to get out without waking any of her children.
She sneaked inside the living room and prepared a suitcase and a big coffer for the things she wanted to take with her. Clothes, games and books. She then placed the clothing for today on the suitcase and prepared the wheelchair as far as possible.
She saw Enti walking in and smiled broadly. She walked to Enti and placed her in a bear-hug. Nearly squashing Enti in her embrace, though Enti let Arachama do it.
"I will do the best possible to keep my sisters under control." Enti sighed and Arachama deepened her hug.
"I know. I try to be back as fast as possible. But before I travel to the palace for this I need to go to Nazarick for something small." Arachama said. After 10 Minutes of cuddling Arachama released Enti from the embrace and opened a "Gate" to Nazarick.
She reappeared inside the office from Ainz and smelled, heard and felt the pleasure in Ainzs chambers.
"Is anyone here?" Arachama asked carefully and heard three sets of feet rushing and then the ruffle of clothes. After a short while Ainz walked out of the bedroom, in Overlord-form and roughly kept clothes, together with Albedo and Nabe, both with a similar degree of hastened clothing.
"Ara ara. Did I surprise you?" Arachama asked, using her playing-innocent-voice. Mini-Arachama meanwhile wrote in a journal.
"You could never surprise the loyal servants of Nazarick!" Albedo said in a serious tone, though Arachama as sure heard a bit of frustration in her voice. Nabe immediately walked into a corner and waited.
"Ara ara. You can have as much fun another time. I only want to talk to Monga about the progress." Arachama smiled and Albedo blushed deeply.
"Now, now. Albedo, Nabe, could you bring Arachama a nice tea and biscuits? We will have more fun after I deal with this," Monga said and one of his flames shined brighter than the other.
"Did he wink?" Arachama asked, confused.
"I like my tea and biscuits as Enti prepares them." Arachama said and both left the room immediately.
"So. Did that emperor decide to apologize?" Monga asked.
"Yes, though it was obvious that he would. My little friend told me that he will bring three presents with him. The heads of the ones responsible and the women responsible. If it is possible I would keep that woman." Arachama reported and looked at Monga.
"Why?" Monga asked.
"Simply. I want to test something and I am sure as hell that we could use a guardian for Carne, which would fight to its death to protect it." Arachama grinned and Monga simply let his eyes flare up.
"So be it. Anything else?" Monga asked.
"You should plant a tree in Carne. You also should know restraint, though I think that would not be a big problem. Though how did you overcome your inner monk?" Arachama giggled and was sure that Monga blushed on his skeleton cheeks.
"Of course. I had the possibility and after you threw me to the wolves I began to like it. The hardest part was to overcome the shame of the text. I only relished Albedo and would have been able to live monogamous, but then it happened." Monga faked complaining.
"So you are taking responsibility for that action. It would have been much crueler to let her live in abstinence. Though how did you convince Albedo to let Nabe join? I am sure that you wanted that" Arachama smiled.
"Actually it was Albedo who started it. She decided that Shalltear needed a bit of attention to get back on her feet and took her to one relaxation-session, if you will. Since then she sometimes takes either Shalltear or Nabe to our bed." Monga reminisced and Arachama sighed.
"Anyone outside of the tomb?" Arachama asked.
"There is this nice lady from blue roses, her name is Lakyus. Looks great and certainly is great, though I don't think she would even look at me. How she isn't with anyone is beyond me. Evileye, the caster of the group, is clinging to me when I am close. I always fear that they will find out my true nature." Monga confessed in a whisper.
"Then just equip a "Doppelganger Ring" for a human form and act with that instead of illusions." Arachama sighed. Monga looked at her and the flames went out for a short while.
"You didn't think of that?" Arachama asked and Monga nodded.
"Nah. I also don't think it is that easy, since Nabe has a certain reputation. She insults every male trying to flirt with her. She is also envious when I spend a bit of time with blue roses. I never knew that there were so many insects" Monga explained and Arachama simply giggled.
"Just talk to her. Be honest to Albedo and explain your heart, even if your physical one isn't here anymore." Arachama tried.
"How is it going for you?" Monga asked.
"I have my little children and they are learning fast." Arachama said and relaxed a bit more.
"I meant in the love department" Monga reiterated.
"Hmm. I don't have a fitting male around, though I haven't had a husband since my husband died a few years ago. But I admit that I haven't thought about it." Arachama confessed and Monga looked at her.
"I heard some rumors about you and that emperor," Monga inquired.
"If I were younger? Definitely a match from heaven. He has a nice physic, a sharp mind, which can partially understand mine and he definitely could care for me. Sadly I am in my late thirties and therefore too old. I also am an arachne and most men don't like my lower parts, even if they would get close to us" Arachama sighed.
"Then let's look for something later." Monga said. Arachama was thankful for the end of this topic.
Albedo and Nabe reentered the office with biscuits and tea.
"Thank you Albedo and Nabe." Arachama smiled and both nodded.
"There is nothing to thank us for," Nabe said and Albedo nodded vigorously.
"Ara ara. I heard that it is going well, Albedo. When is the wedding?" Arachama asked and Monga shimmered green.
"Take that for always waking me with "Message", you bony youngster" Arachama thought and smiled evilly.
"I already have planned everything. It will be after the small skirmish and everything will be perfect. I also have the perfect present for my love. I am sure he will relish it. Though I would ask a favor for the wedding." Albedo began and Monga decided to teleport out of his office.
"You need to tell me more." Arachama inquired and Albedo nodded.
"I plan on a traditional wedding, as I have read it from the novels. All in white and certainly with the tomb attending. Maybe on the 8th floor on the "Blossom Waterfalls". It would look nice with all the cherry trees in full blossom and the sound of the gentle waterfalls in the background. Then there are …." Albedo would go on for 1,5 hours for her plans. Afterwards she went into fear.
"I want to be sure. I heard frightening reports from Nabe. About two female adventurers, maybe you can help me?" Albedo asked sheepishly and Arachama cleared her head a bit while thinking.
"Maybe we should reevaluate humans? Sure they are humans, but that only means that they will only be around for what? 50 years?" Arachama asked.
"I know we already have a human inside the tomb, Aureole Omega. But please no more humans." Albedo nearly cried.
"Why?" Arachama asked.
"Nazarick is the holiest place. Why should we tarnish it? *Sniff*" Albedo answered and Arachama thought a bit.
"I think I have a solution for that, though I will need more information. But do not fear. Did you already plan on who will lead you to Monga at the wedding?" Arachama asked, trying to change the topic from 'despicable humans' to 'Albedo's dream wedding'.
"Isn't it obvious? I wanted to ask you for that favor." Albedo beamed and Arachama sighed mentally.
"How do you come to me?" Arachama asked.
"I was created, sadly, by one of the traitorous beings which abandoned us. His name was Tabula Smaragdina, as you know" Albedo began.
"Traitorous? Do they have that bad of a view on the other members of the guild? Though it might be possible if they felt abandoned, Something to look into" Arachama thought while nodding along.
"In theory he is therefore the closest thing to my father, as ashamed as I might be of this fact. Then I thought. My beloved will be waiting for me and only one was left to lead me to him at my wedding, you." Albedo began and Arachama smiled.
"Sounds lovely." Arachama grinned and Albedo smiled like a small girl who got a big stash of candy.
"Thanks, lady Arachama." Albedo squealed.
Monga then reentered the office, like a few times before. The times before though he teleported right out again. This time he stayed.
"Mother it is nearly noon" Arachama heard Enti, who must have used a "Message" scroll.
"Thanks. I nearly forgot the time" Arachama replied and cut the connection. She also decided to give Monga a small scare.
"Ara ara. Monga, I will tell you this as nicely as possible. If you wake me one more time with "Message", I will show Albedo where Pero stored his BDSM/ Femdom material within Nazarick" Arachama threatened and turned to Monga.
"What do you mean?" Monga asked, shocked.
"I don't have much time left, therefore a direct approach. I know where Pero stored his extended study material within Nazarick, especially the bdsm stuff. If you wake me one more time with "Message", I might show Albedo, since she might like it." Arachama said dead seriously.
"How did it get to this?" Monga asked, confused.
"I got a "Message" from Enti. It just reminded me. Though I wish you all a great day and will leave you to your small bed-marathon, ta-ta" Arachama said, casted "Gate" and left through it.
She then went to Pandora's Actor to collect a few items and go through a dialog. Then she went back to her mansion.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama, Leinas and Fith ←
Once Arachama was back she made her final preparations and assumed her wheelchair-form. Leinas, at the same time, prepared herself for her 'duties', since appearances had to be kept. Fith meanwhile prepared the coach for traveling.
After preparations were done Arachama was placed, with care, inside the coach and Leinas seated herself opposite of her. Fith would drive the coach and they traveled towards the palace. The traffic was nearly non-existent.
Once they reached the palace Arachama was taken out of the coach and brought to the emperor. He seemed stressed before she arrived, though that would end drastically after he saw her.
"Good noon, Arachama" he greeted her and she bowed as deep as her wheelchair allowed.
"Good evening, my emperor. I hope I am not too late" Arachama replied and Jircniv shook his head.
"No, it's actually the opposite. We are still loading the coaches. I decided that we both will travel the same, together with Leinas and Nimble. Fluder will travel with a few acolytes and the last member of the imperial four knights." Jircniv explained and Arachama nodded.
"Then I shall bring her and my luggage towards the coach. Fith? Would you help me please?" Leinas asked and Fith followed Leinas.
"Ara ara. Where will Fith travel?" Arachama asked.
"She will travel with Fluders coach. Please be at ease, nothing will happen towards her. At least I can give my word for that." Jircniv said and looked reassuringly at Arachama.
"I also wanted to ask what happened with the Styx family, since you commissioned the report I sent to you. But nothing classified, for plausible deniability, please" Arachama asked and winked.
"The father and son were beheaded and we will bring the mother towards the tomb. I don't want to kill women, at least where I can go around it a bit. I hope that this will appease the ruler of that tomb" Jircniv answered.
"Then I hope that it will do as intended. Worst case I will use "Greater Teleportation" to get as many out of there as possible." Arachama looked reassuringly and Jircniv relaxed.
"By the way. A few nobles are whispering that a certain 'Bloody Emperor' is back. Do I need to live in fear now?" Arachama asked with faux-scare in her voice.
"You better don't fear me. They shall, but not you." Jircniv replied soothingly and Arachama sighed in faux-relieve.
"As if he could hurt me that badly" Arachama thought and looked around. The luggage was now neatly packed and she grinned.
"We should move then, though I need to ask for a helping hand or two for this" Arachama joked a bit.
Leinas giggled a bit, obviously a bit relaxed, and pushed her wheelchair towards his coach.
The coaches were golden with red parts. They would be drawn by four horses each. The inside was rather cozy and there was even a place prepared for her, obvious since it was the only place where the chair was removed.
Once there he ordered soldiers to bring Arachamas coach somewhere safe.
Leinas came walking over.
"Fith is already chatting with the old man." Leinas giggled and Arachama tilted her head.
"What about?" Arachama asked.
"Fith gave the books about faith-magic based healing and Fluder is asking her for advice. I told him to wait for breaks." Leinas answered and Arachama shared a strong grin with Leinas.
"He is probably fuming. Though I will help him to help himself. Now, could you help me please?" Arachama inquired and Leinas helped her. She was now placed in the back, looking forwards. Leinas took the seat opposite of her.
Arachama and Leinas would wait quite some time, in which Arachama took out her purse, which she would use to cover her access to her inventory. She took out a deck of uno-cards and explained the rules to Leinas.
Afterwards they placed a table in the middle and played a round, which Arachama won rather fast. Then the coach shook a bit and Arachama looked at Jircniv, Nimble and two bureaucrats, who were now entering.
"Ara ara. So we are now starting the dangerous journey to mount doom?" Arachama asked and Jircniv nodded.
"Though it's a tomb, it feels like a deadly journey." Jircniv replied.
"We are also traveling much more comfortably than the fellowship of the ring" Arachama smiled and all looked confused.
"It's from a series of books, I could lend you the first book, to see if you like it." Arachama tried and Jircniv smiled.
"I would appreciate that." He said.
At that moment Arachama felt a tuck on her back and knew that the road trip had started.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Ainz, Albedo and Demiurge ←
While Lord Ainz read the reports from Lady Arachama, Demiurge and Albedo talked about such mundane things as the proceedings within their current plan. Demiurge wanted to make sure that the results were as close to the supreme beings plan as possible. Albedo wanted the same, though how to achieve the result was different.
Albedo wanted to get them here and then let them leave, as fast as possible since they would blemish the great halls. Demiurge wanted an exchange of hostages. Preferably a "disposable" one from Nazarick against a "dependable" from the empire. He had read about this practice and found it intriguing.
"I tell you Albedo. WIth this we could potentially keep them on a tight leash while only needing to preserve one person." Demiurge argued.
"But I don't want to commit the blasphemous act of housing a mere human in the holy walls of our tomb." Albedo angrily replied.
"A hostage would make the empire think twice before they act against us." Demiurge replied.
He liked the idea of controlling the empire from the shadows and openly controlling one of the few 'human' countries.
"I think you both are thinking about a problem, which is already solved. Arachama has already planned something." Lord Ainz chimed in and Albedo and Demiurge thought.
"What has Lady Arachama planned? She has accessed the treasury and taken out some low level weapons and a contract to summon a doppelganger. Hmm. If she is acting closely to the emperor, she has some intentions with him." Demiurge thought and then felt like a candle was lit ablaze inside his head.
"So that is her plan" Demiurge said and Albedo turned towards him. She had turned to Lord Ainz to take in her beloved's appearance.
"What did you figure out, Demiurge?" Lord Ainz asked Demiurge.
"I think I understand at least a small part of Lady Arachamas plan. I think she wants to use a doppelganger, to play the emperor. This imposter would hopefully not act sus and control the empire from the top down." Demiurge grinned and the diamonds in his eye-sockets became visible.
Like everytime when he was correct Lord Ainz shimmered green.
→ Border to Re-Estize / Arachama ←
The trip till now took three days and they were resting for the rest of the day. Tomorrow they will reach the meeting point. Arachama had a sore bum from sitting all day, and was in the right mood. Luckily for her the trip was as comfortable as possible for her. While taxing, she didn't have to do anything aside from killing time. She also told Fluder to ask questions on the last day before reaching the meeting point, thus avoiding his questions till now.
Killing the time proved rather simple. Either she would play uno with anyone who showed interest. It was quite interesting to see that the emperor had terrible luck but extreme observation skills. This led to every defeat of Arachama, which became annoying after the 50th time in a row. Afterwards Arachama buried her face in a book about Greek mythology.
When they reached the border, they built a camp and arranged for patrols. Leinas was also included in those, since she was an imperial knight, even if on an assignment. Arachama used this time and looked for Fluder.
"Where is he? It should be impossible for someone wearing white to NOT be seen everywhere." Arachama fumed when she heard a cough.
"Good evening, lady Arachama" Fluder grinned and Arachama sighed in relief.
"Good evening, Fluder. How was the trip today?" Arachama asked.
"It was comfortable. The progress on the book though is not as great as I had hoped. I still have a question in regards to faith-based magic." Fluder replied.
"Since it is the last day before we reach the meeting point.. Ask away." Arachama said.
"The question that is in my head is, can that branch of magic be cast with whatever belief you have? Does it need a god or would ideals or even a goal be enough?" Fluder asked.
"How do I answer that?" Arachama panics, though keeping her demeanor relaxed. Mini-Arachama meanwhile was trying to hide behind a tree.
"If I would tell you now, wouldn't that spoil your fun on the research?" Arachama asked, trying to sound wise.
"That would indeed be an interesting research" One of Fluders students rumbled in thought.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Arachama thought and Mini-Arachama repeatedly bowed to that student.
"The question therefore would rather be?" Arachama asked.
"We should gather casters that can use faith magic and look at what they believe in. We should also try to learn those and change the gods and then change the gods to ideals. If they can still practice their magic it means we only need ideals." Fluder thought.
"That sounds like an interesting experiment." The student agreed and Arachama smiled.
"Indeed. Why don't you write the outlines of the experiment on paper, once we are back in Arwintar?" Arachama asked Fluder.
"I will write the outlines and procedures on the way. Then you can look over them once we are back. That way we are faster, rather than waiting till we are back." Fluder replied and mini-Arachama was crawling behind her tree, again.
"That sounds great. Sadly I feel tired. Good night." Arachama sighed and Fith brought her to her tent close by. She was laying on the bed when she listened to the conversation of Fluder and his student.
"Who was that, master Fluder?" the voice of the student sounded through the fabric.
"She is currently tutoring me. Remember all the knowledge I wrote down on entomancy and necromancy? I got books on necromancy from her and she is teaching me entomancy. She is knowledgeable and provides her insight to us." Fluder explained to his student.
"So that is where the books on the lost art came from. But how can she even cast those? Some of them looked higher than tier 5" the student replied.
"Because she can cast magic of higher tiers than 5. We are lucky to have her on our side. Though she is quite busy lately. She helps the empire in many ways and that in itself seems to tire her out." Fluder sighed audible, closing the conversation.
→ Abellion "Happy Farm" / Demiurge ←
Demiurge was relaxing and thinking in his office. The experiments were proceeding as he wished, though not the results he wanted. He also didn't know how Albedo would react to his plans.
Then again, his project did go on without a hitch. He understood why parents of different backgrounds couldnt procreate with each other. With this knowledge he was able to work around it. Sadly there was no other option to date than the "Doppelganger Ring", which he sought to replace. They should be used more to further the plans of the tomb, though the future of the hierarchy shouldn't be forgotten.
He looked through reports and plans and thought about his plan for the future. He would need to make sure that Albedo would either be unaware or that she would be on his side. Then he would need much alcohol or the possibility of Lord Ainz making the first step.
"So much to think about. Though Alcohol is easier to gather. We would only need him to take a human form and to have both without their anti-poison capabilities. Maybe…?" Demiurge thought and his diamonds shimmered. He got an idea. If all would go well he could manage his plan within a close time window.
"Albedo? We need to talk," Demiurge "Messaged" Albedo.
"Yes, Demiurge?" Albedo replied.
"I was thinking about the future and I have a great plan to keep the hierarchy within the tomb in great order. Though I will need your help for this" Demiurge vaguely blurted out.
He didn't hear Albedo for a short time, aside from some mumbling.
"What do you mean?" Albedo asked.
"I will need your help with some preparations. I will present my plan in the near future. I only hope that you will hear me out for this" Demiurge pleaded and heard Albedo hiss in response.
"She always hates it if we are vague with our ideas." Demiurge grinned inside.
"Very well. Your next report is due tomorrow. Anything I should keep in mind?" Albedo hissed back, obviously a bit angry.
"Please keep both supreme beings out busy, while I give my report to you. It involves them." Demiurge replied and cut the connection.
He could have sworn that he heard an angry hiss all over Re-Estize and the Abellion-hills.
→ Re-Estize Royal Palace / Renner ←
The sunset was looming over the city and businesses were closing. The dark night was about to settle and with it the dark side of the city was slowly waking up. The honest parts on the other side would prepare to settle for the night to come. The same happened in the palace, though the social rank of the people was different than the ones within and outside of the city walls.
Renner was walking down the red floors. She was in a great mood, since all her plans were moving onward. Her new master's plan was moving at breakneck speed. She also hoped to see the desperate faces of her family, once she would take her pet and show her true loyalties. Though the last one was much more optional than the future with her pet.
"My pet" Renner thought and liked her lips.
The thought of her mission was pushed aside. While she already planned her role and was acting accordingly, she still needed to calm down. This would prove difficult for her though. Her pet was coming in her mind and once he was inside her mind she was barely able to get him out of it.
"I can't wait to show you how much I love you. I can't wait to show my pet where he belongs and what we can do together or I with him" Renner thought and nearly lost her mask.
She stroked her cheeks and her'Golden Princess'-mask fell back into place.
She needed to focus. She got new assignments to fulfill. She looked dreamily and then felt her focus drive Climb out of her mind.
The private office of her father was within sight and she steered towards it. She heard her father inside.
"We need to be careful. If we can convince the empire that we only take a small part of the former Theocracy, we might be able to garner a peace." She heard her father.
"That would be good for us. We need time to replenish the population. With the annual wars we are slowly tumbling into ruin." the voice of Gazef Stronoff sounded through the door.
She knocked and both abruptly stopped.
"Father, I am here. I have new information." Renner said.
"Come in." her father replied and Renner opened the door. She saw that both men were looking over a map of the kingdom. There was also a map of the empire and the theocracy. Both wore official clothing, though they didn't wear too many ornaments with it.
"What information did you gather?" Renners father asked, obviously greedily looking at her.
"I got a few. There are rumors that the arachne will visit the village of carne in future. Since I don't trust my brother to act civilly with her, I will travel by myself." Renner began and shocked her father.
"But who will keep you safe? I don't trust the nobles with your safety." her fathers voice hissed.
"That is why I should go. That way the prince and the spare are safe. I am not a big loss, if there should be a problem" Renner explained and her father sighed. Renner looked at him and decided to throw a lifeline.
"I can also ask a close friend of mine. She and her team of adventurers are quite strong. I will also take Climb with me. That should be more than enough to keep me safe and not make me a threat to the arachne." Renner told the two adults.
"That should be enough, at least if they are who I think they are," Gazef replied and Renner nodded along.
"Great. Then do it. Do you have something else?" Ramposa asked.
"Quite so. Rumors have it that the empire has gained a powerful ally. They are also insisting that the empire will try to gather a big portion of the free land from the former Slane Theocracy." Renner reported.
"Then we should look into it, while keeping the nobles unaware" Ramposa sighed and Renner yawned.
"I'll let you do your part. Meanwhile I will collect my bodyguards for the trip and then see you in around a month's time. Good night father, Gazef" Renner told them and left. She saw a maid walking around a corner and knew that news would spread.
She was walking back and ordered a maid to prepare her carriage. Renner then prepared for bed and sighed. She fell into her bed and dreamt of her and her pet. She dreamt of hugs, kisses and maybe more.
AN: Yeah. Here we are. 100k words. Feels somewhat like a milestone, though I am probably too sentimental about this. Thanks for accompanying me on this.
And once more: Thanks for reading and please: review.