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 27
→ In camp of Legio II / Zesshi ←
In a big tent within the camp of the 2nd legion stood Zesshi. She had rested the whole day and was now preparing herself again. She got her armor and weapons and then walked outside of her tent, after securing her trunk. The last rays of sunlight were tickling on her nose and she took a deep breath.
"Are you ready?" Scaeva asked.
"Ara. Of course. Let's see if she shows her face again." Zesshi answered, hoisting her scythe again.
"Then let's move out." The legionnaire responded and both did so.
The patrol route was the same as the last few days, though this time there was no attack, to Zesshis disappointment. She wanted action and to prove herself to her mother.
"Why did I let Clem-Clem escape again?" Zesshi asked herself, not receiving a convincing answer from her mind.
She even went out of her way to search for new traces, sadly Clementine hadn't been here during the last day.
"Either she is in panic or she is resting. Ara. I should rethink my strategy." Zesshi thought and would think the rest of her patrol about this topic. Once back she was greeted again by a few Centurion, whom she reported the absence of an attack.
"So the threat has run away?" one of them asked.
"Ara. Clam-Clem wouldn't run away this easily. She has much more sadism than common sense in her. She will return once she is either healthy or I am gone." Zesshi thought out loud.
"Didn't you mention yesterday that you could track her down with smell?" Scaeva asked.
"Yes. But I wanted to know how much is on this rat tail." Zesshi told the group.
"What do you mean?" the Primus Pilus asked.
"Mother thinks that a third party is involved in this war and that it is trying to get information. I hoped to get some information on the third party from her." Zesshi responded.
"Then why not simply capture her? Then your mother can probably get information from her herself?" another Centurion inquired.
"Ara. She would probably send Clem-Clem to Painkill and he would get the information. You know what. You're right. But first I will go to sleep and then prepare." Zesshi said and walked to her tent. She only heard the legionnaires whispering and she was sure she heard 'airhead' and 'smooth brain' from them. But overall the mood in the camp was still good.
She placed her armor and weapons on her trunk and felt her eyes get heavy. She layed on her field bed in a comfortable position. Her last thoughts going to her mother and Leinas and how she missed them for now. Then dreams of her family took over.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama had woken up early and watched out to not wake Arche. It worked and she changed from her normal clothing to something much more comfortable. She had decided to work her nemesis into the ground, since she hadn't managed much of it yesterday. With that plan ready and determination in her eight eyes she walked into her office. There her nemesis sat on her desk. Five stacks of paperwork. The fire and determination were gone immediately and Arachama slumped over to her desk.
"Ara. Such a shame I can't have a clone work on them." Arachama sighed and began to read, sign, write and stamp her way through
She was concentrating on the papers. Some were from Baharut, others from Nazarick. Most intriguing were the papers from Demiurge about Entis shopping and asking permission for one of his plans called 'Happy Picnic', which she stamped with approval.
Suddenly she felt two arms engulfing her in a hug and looked to her side. Enti stood there, trying to hug Arachama. She immediately scooped her up and both cuddled a bit.
"Ara ara. Morning my little treasure." Arachama whispered and Enti simply clicked a few times.
"Mom, breakfast is ready and they are waiting for you." Enti told Arachama, after a few minutes were over.
"Ara ara. Then let's get something to eat." Arachama cooed and kissed Enti just over her mask.
"It is a special occasion, mom. I got something new for us today." Enti beamed and Arachama carried Enti to the breakfast table in her living room.
"Ara ara. Then we should probably test it." Arachama smiled and looked over the table.
Nearly all inhabitants of the mansion were here, aside from Zesshi, and loaded their plates. Arachama looked over them and remembered the good old days of the old world. How her former family would eat together on sundays. It was a luxury, but still. It was amongst the best of times.
She heard how Arche complained about her wart and decided to talk with her afterwards. The twins meanwhile planned a 'welcome back prank' for Zesshi. Leinas, Tuare, Foire and Fith talked amongst themselves. Most was about the difference between humans and homunculi. Arachama remembered how Tuare asked why Albedo was reacting so strongly against her but not Fith or Foire. She first thought that she messed up until Fith and Foire explained that Albedo just doesn't like humans and that they were not humans but homunculi. Yuri and Enti were talking about their sisters and their assignments. Though some sympathy was expressed for CZ, as she was barely on assignments.
Once all ate, Enti coughed and told them to wait. She then went to the kitchen and retrieved a big plate with small cups with a white-brown pudding. Some had the usual insect-pudding inside them while others didn't. They were sorted by that. But all had a brown spice on top and all got one. She then placed the rest on the table and all ate. It had the texture of pudding and tasted like honey. The cockroaches, freshly caught as Enti insisted, were tasty and the spice on top added a bit of cinnamon into the mix. All relished it and Enti would bring a plate of empty cups back into the kitchen.
Afterwards the group slowly dispersed. The twins were the first and ran to their room. Arche just sighed at that view. Yuri went to her office while Fith and Foire would take Tuare and NInya for training. Leinas and Enti would go to the mansion's gym. After all left Arche walked over and tried to hug Arachama, which she reciprocated.
"Ara ara. I heard you complain about your new looks?" Arachama had decided to use this chance to talk to Arachama about a probably new class she got.
"Yes, mom. Warts aren't necessarily good looking and…" Arche began and Arachama kissed the forehead of Arche.
"Ara ara. I think I have something for you." she told Arche and scooped her up. She carried her daughter towards a shelf and rummaged through it. Arche meanwhile looked at the books questioningly.
"Ara. Here it is. It is about the different classes of arachnoid. I think you should look at the section called 'spider witch'. You should also not care too much about human standards. They see most of us as monsters." Arachama said and placed a copy of 'Arachnoid, Arachne and Arachnids by Theraphosidae' in front of Arche.
Arche took the book.
"Ara ara. I also have something else, which you might like. Here. This is a book on arcane magic." Arachama continued and placed a book called 'Arcane and Aconite, poisonous magics by Napellus'
Arche got both and looked at Arachama questioningly.
"Why poisonous magic?" Arche asked.
"Ara. I saw that the twins focus more on summoning and healing. I also saw that you are a caster through and through. The team you three are is great, but you don't have much offensive capabilities. So I will give you this book about offensive magic. Though we will continue the usual teaching we have." Arachama explained and Arche nodded.
"That makes sense. Thank you mother, I haven't thought about it yet." Arche beamed, placed the books on the desk and hugged Arachama.
"Ara ara. Why don't we look over the spiderbook first?" Arachama proposed and looked at the paper stack on her desk. It was quite small and thus Arachama decided to take this nice break. It definitely has not anything to do with her hating the amount of paperwork.
"That sounds lovely mom." Arche was flying onto Arachama and hugged her. She scooped her up and walked into her bedroom, where they cuddled and read through the book together.
→ Camp of the 2nd Legion / Zesshi ←
Zesshi woke up in a chipper mood. She then decided to crack her hands and get into her armor and to take her weapon. She wanted to hunt and she knew her prey. She remembered every detail she knew about Clem-Clem and weighed if she would focus on keeping her alive. The information Clem-Clem could provide would be invaluable for mother in the end and Zesshi steeled her resolve.
She got her armor on and placed her scythe on her back. A sandwich was in her hands and she ate it slowly. Zesshi made a mental list for the hunt and then stood up.
"Trunk is packed. The tent is still standing, but can be packed easily. Fieldbed is already in the trunk and weapons are on me. All is ready." Zesshi thought and beamed happily at her surroundings. She was satisfied when she moved out.
Once outside her tent she saw Scaeva, battle ready, waiting. He smirked at her and she smiled back. Both knew that today the disappearance of the patrols would stop. Scaeva was also probably able to guess that Clem-Clem was deeply in trouble, at least after Zesshi had her fun to hunt this wannabe down.
Both greeted each other with a nodd and walked over to the tent of the general.
"Can't simply go without saying 'goodbye'" Zesshi mused in her head and walked inside.
The smell of whine hit her nose and she could also taste it in the air. Centurions were laying on the ground and snores filled the air. The general sat in his chair, being barely awake when Zesshi entered. He jumped to his feet and rubbed some of his last meal with his tunic.
"Ara. I hope you have a good time." Zesshi started and a blush spread on the general's cheek.
"Of course. We will have an easier time after tonight." General slurred.
"Ara. I just wanted to tell you that I will go now to track her down. Hopefully it will be entertaining." Zesshi told the general, who had stars appear in his eyes.
"That is wonderful. What will you need for this expedition?" He asked and Zesshi waved her hand from right to left and back.
"Ara. Nothing. I am rested and will move out shortly. I just wanted to tell you, as I will take my things and officially leave this evening." Zesshi smiled and bid farewell.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Leinas ←
Leinas had a relaxed day. Lady Arachama rarely leaves the building and thus the risks are much lower than many of the previous assignments. It also helped to know that lady Arachama is the strongest within the building.
The only downside for the moment was the absence of Zesshi. Usually both would spar in the arena within the cellar. But now Zesshi was on an assignment and would probably return within five days. This meant that Leinas mostly observed the maids, especially Tuare, Ninya and Yuri. They were more busy than usual today and Leinas gathered that today lord Ainz and lady Albedo would visit lady Arachama. Though at noon nearly all preparations were done and only cake and tea needed to be finished.
Leinas walked towards the cellar, her training-gear in a bag, and opened the door. She walked into the changing room. She saw that Entoma had placed her bag there. She changed into her trainings-gear and then walked into the gym. It had equipment from Nazarick and usually the training needed to be repeated. A look in the corner and she was confused. Entoma was strange for Leinas. Leinas didn't know how to handle her, they? She understood that Entoma was an individual, though she had a hive mind and much of her visible self wasn't her actual self.
Entoma was in the corner. Her 'lip-bug' was slithering in rows, her 'face-bug' was doing sit-ups while Entoma was lying on a bench and pressed weight in the air. Leinas was walking towards a big wheel, in which she could run in without end. Every time Leinas saw Entoma in the gym she got more confused.
"What exactly is she?" Leinas asked herself and prepared a small table by placing it closer to the wheel and then a water bottle on it. She climbed inside and then began to walk until it was fast enough that she could run.
After some time Leinas left this wheel and began her usual workout with the weights. Entoma meanwhile walked over, all bugs equipped.
"Good day. Mother needs to talk to you later. She told me to tell you this." Entoma, or rather this 'lip-bug', spoke.
"I will talk to her after the workout?" Leinas asked and Entoma simply nodded.
Afterwards she walked away to probably get herself clean and train Ninya and Tuare. Leinas workout would last roughly an hour more.
Cleaned and re-equipped with her armor, Leinas stood in front of lady Arachamas office. She knocked and heard rustling behind the door. SHortly after the door opened with a tired looking Arche walking out.
"Good day, Arche." Leinas greeted.
"M'rning." Arche grumbled back.
"Ara ara. Come in, come in." Arachama told Leinas, who complied.
"Did I interrupt something?" Leinas asked.
"Ara. My daughter and I were looking through books on certain types of arachne and magic. At some point she became tired and so we cuddled. You just woke her up." Arachama answered.
"Then I am sorry. Entoma said that you wanted to meet me and I went there after my workout." Leinas tried to explain.
"Ara ara. Don't panic. I am here to tell you what happened to your 'mother'." Arachama replied and Leinas seated herself.
"I only know that my 'father' and 'brother' were executed for treason and later their corpses were turned into 'Death Knights' by lord Ainz." Leinas reminiscent.
"Ara ara. That is true. Your mother was a prisoner within Nazarick. Since I want you to be able to have closure over the story with your family, I came up with something different. She will live as dryade in Carne Village." Arachama filled Leinas gaps.
Anger crept in her ace and Leinas tried to keep it under control.
"So she is free?" Leinas inquired.
"Ara. Not really. Do you know what dryads are and how they live?" Arachama asked.
"I know that they are considered defenders of forests. The Slane Theocracy tried to live peacefully with dryads, despite them being considered heteromorphs. Legends have it that some of the old forests, like the 'Forest of Tob', are home to some dryads. They are seen as pacifists and useful for fields, forests and nature. Besides that, I know nothing about them as they are extremely rare." Leinas answered.
"Ara ara. That is quite some. I should tell you something though. They are indeed heteromorphs. There are some of those, which have requirements and drives. Such is the case for dryads. Dryads are deeply connected to either a tree or multiple, if they lived long enough. This bond will pressure the dryade to come to its tree or forest. If the dryade gets further away then the dryad's magic becomes weaker and the health will drastically decline. The amount of times a dryade could cast a spell will also drastically decline. I know you don't like your mother, but she will never harass you again, because she is simply out of reach and can do good for a village that is already working through its trauma." Arachama explained, pain visible in her eight eyes.
"I understand." Leinas sighed. She hates the thought of her 'mother' being alive, but at least she is out of the way.
"Ara. If you ever want to talk to her, just tell me and I can organize a visit to her. But it is only an offer. Decide for yourself." Arachama offered and Leinas looked at Arachama.
"I will need to think about it." Leinas decided.
"Ara ara. Take all the time you need. She is at a secured place and will probably survive for an extremely long time." Arachama said. Leinas stood up and bowed to Arachama.
"Thank you, lady Arachama. I take my leave now, as I have much to think about." Leinas told Arachama and left.
→ North of Colognium / Alator ←
Alator was using his talent to scout the camp of the 2nd legion after he prepared for his new orders properly. What he saw filled his cold heart with fear, something he hadn't felt in a long time. He saw how this Zesshi had talked with the general and then walked out of the camp in the direction of the forest he camped in.
"That is not good." Alator hissed and frantically looked around.
He had hoped for much more time before this would happen.
His eyes fell on his bag and then on the arsenal of scrolls he had captured over a long time. He looked through them and found one for the spell "Gate", which he captured from a former patrol. He got his affairs in order. He signed for Clementine to relax and freed her arms and legs. Then he walked out of the cell and locked it behind him, throwing Clementine's stilettos into her cell through a lid.
"Now then, tool. I wish you much fun for the rest of your short life." He told her and used the scroll. A purple rip opened and he relaxed.
"Why are you leaving?" Clementine asked, fear in her face.
"Simple. I don't wish to face that Zesshi you talked about. Now then. Have a nice day." Alator giggled and closed his eyes. He walked through the rip, which felt like warm air.
Once Alator stood there he opened his eyes. The place he was in was like he remembered it. A big cave with a stonewall at the entrance. He knew that from outside it was nothing more than part of the mountain. The inside of the cave was separated into two parts. One part was a secret way out in the back, the other were once living chambers. Old beds with long rotten bedding were chiseled into the walls of the cave. A single stalagmite was in the middle. It was wide enough to be a table and it was cut through at the height of his hip. A single pillow with a helmet laid on it.
"I see you followed my orders." A familiar voice boomed through the cave.
"I do as you tell us, master." Alator fell on his knee and looked down. The crunch of armor and pebbles was audible.
"That is good. All is going smoothly." the voice boomed from the helmet.
"Should I observe the hunt of the predator?" Alator asked.
"Of course." Alators master helmet was lifted and clacks of armor against armor were heard. Alator turned his head towards his master.
The helmet was black with the orange of rusted spots. A heavy and long plume of bicorn hair was going from the front to the back. The front was designed to resemble a skull. A spiked and ripped plated went horizontal along where the eyebrows would be. Two peaked 'ears' were protruding from the armor at the sides of the head. Deep red shone through the holes that covered the eyes.
Plate armor covered the torso and arms. It had rust where the joints would were added at the shoulder pads and the gauntlets had added blades where fingernails would be. The heavy pelt made of a minotaur was fastened on the shoulders and was gliding over the ground.
Three heavy belts were going around the waist and held a broad sheath. It had an intricate muster on it and small plates were worked into it. Chainmail looked from underneath the plate armor. Heavy leather faulds reached under the knees while plate armor was covering the whole leg, again with rust in the joints. A spike was just where the kneecap would be.
The figure held a heavy and long flamberg two handed sword.
This was the figure Alator calls master. He would do everything for Zuranorn. He would do everything for it. He was Zuranorns leader and all worked for his goals. In the end Zuranon and the figure were the same.
"As you wish, master." Alator grinned and got his mirror from his neck. His hand was placed on it and he looked through the forest, feeling his masters gaunt on his head.
He saw Zesshi walking through the forest, sniffing from time to time. She was slowly but surely closing in on the shack Alator had lived in not even a few hours back. Once she reached it she first looked for exits and blocked the two he had built for himself. She then walked in. Sadly he couldn't hear them talk. He only saw how Clementine took her stilettos, fear in her eyes, and tried to fight Zesshi off. It didn't work, as Zesshi simply smashed her scythe into Clementine and knocked her against the wall.
Clementine was then grabbed by her hair by Zesshi, who used a scroll. A familiar purple rip opened and Zesshi dragged Clementine through it. That was surely the end for Clementine. This time for sure. Alator could finally rejoice at the end of such a useless tool as he got his hand from the mirror.
"So it is over?" the master asked.
"The tool was overwhelmed by this Zesshi. She sadly used a scroll with "Gate", which does not give us much information." Alator answered.
"Such a shame. Though I want to listen to a report on the third side." the master said.
"We know that this Zesshi Zetsumei claims to be the daughter one from a place called Nazarick. Though it is probably some kind of adoption, as Clementine was adamant that this Zesshi was a member of the 'Black Scripture' and a human. Zesshi thus also changed her race when she was taken in. This Nazarick, to some extent, is allied with Baharut." Alator summarized.
"Hmm. Nazarick certainly sounds familiar. I am sure I will recognise it at some point. Many parties make their moves and it begins to get annoying." the master hissed.
"In Re-Estize we have a new adamantite party of adventurers. They gained their rank within the shortest time possible. It is composed of two. A caster called Nabe and a warrior named Momon." Alator continued.
"Impressive. Could either be a trick up our sleeve or a threat." the armor replied.
"Then we have a strong caster, who saved the chief warrior of Re-Estize. He is called Ainz Ooal Gown." Alator continued. A strong reaction showed. The eyes flared up, pressure in the area became thicker and laughter came from the armor.
"Now I remember Nazarick. It was a tomb for a group of heteromorphs before I went here. The group inhabiting it was once called Ainz Ooal Gown." the master explained and Alator looked at him.
"So we have new players?" Alator asked.
"Indeed. My guess would be that they try to recruit allies. That is what my friends and I did when we came. I would like to strike now, but first I want to know how strong they are. I have new orders for you. Here is a list of them. They eliminated one of our cells and I have to act to make them suffer. It will likely also draw whatever operates in the abellion hills out of its shadows." master ordered.
"It will happen as you wish." Alator replied.
"Here is a 'Cursed Wyrm Dagger'. It will give a nasty curse when the victim is cut or stabbed. Use it wisely, as I don't know a cure for the curse." the master gleefully gloated.
"Thank you master." Alator said.
"Good "Gate". It will lead you close to the 'Roble Holy Kingdom'. I will go elsewhere to call in the debts I am owed." the master ordered and Alator walked through the purple rip.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
After Leinas had left her office Arachama had finished the paperwork that came in while Arche slept. She was still shocked that Ninya had given her sister a small peck on the forehead, after placing the nemesis of Arachama on her desk.
"It was so cuuuute. Though I don't want that paperwork" Arachama reminiscenced. The only thing that held her back from squealing and bear hugging Ninya too was a sleeping Arche and the tea party she would have in a short time.
"Mom!" Arachama heard when Enti knocked at the door.
"Ara ara. Come in my oldest." Arachama opened the door and only saw Enti jump high and give her a hug.
"Mom. We got a "Message" from Zesshi. My sister is on her way to capture the pest that was disrupting lord Ainz '10 000-year- plan'." Enti boasted and Arachama could feel the mask-bug shudder and two wet dots appeared on Arachamas dress.
"Ara ara. I am glad you missed your sister and that she is coming back. I only hope she is unharmed, else Monga needs to ..ehm.. Readjust his plans." Arachama whispered and felt relief wash over her.
"I know, mom. I can't wait to see her back." Enti sighed and Arachama cuddled a bit with her.
After a short while Tuare knocked on the door. Enti immediately hissed at the door. A squeak was heard and Arachama sighed.
"Ara ara. What is going on?" Arachama asked Tuare, after opening the door.
"I am here to report that everything is prepared and that Yuri asked me to clean the eastern part of the mansion. Lady Albedo and Lord Ainz are scheduled within five minutes. I will go now." Tuare reported and Arachama nodded.
"Ara ara. Thank you for the warning. I will take care of my little baby here." Arachama smiled.
"Hey, moooom." Enti replied and Arachama giggled.
"Ara ara ara. I need to change clothes. Could you please see to it that I can do that without surprises?" Arachama asked.
"Of course mother." Enti pouted and both walked to Arachamas bedroom, in which Arachama changed from her sleep attire to a nice summer dress.
Arachama was just in time, because a portal opened just when she walked inside the foyer. This time the mansion was not as formal as last time, as Albedo and Monga already knew the mansion. This made Arachama relax, because Tuare and Leinas could hide from Albedo this time. Less stress for her already exhausted self.
"Good afternoon, Albedo and Monga." Arachama greeted and Monga, who came in his incubus-form as it was a requirement, nodded.
"Good afternoon, Lady Arachama." Albedo replied and Arachama signaled them to follow her into the northern part.
They reached a table with a couch for Arachama and a couch for Albedo and Monga. The cake, a strawberry-chocolate monstrosity, was already cut and placed on small trays. Tea was prepared and Arachama was sure that she even got one of Entis lollipops.
"Ara ara. How did the days go by? I hope the quest was no problem?" Arachama asked, remembering why Monga left last time.
"A basilisk had rampaged and we had to slay it as it came closer to the capital. It was quite easy for us." Monga answered and Albedo cuddled into Mongas side.
"Ara. That is great. I only fight my newfound nemesis. Paperwork." Arachama sighed and Monga snickered.
"That terrible?" he inquired.
"Ara ara. Only annoying but it must be done." she told him.
"How did your project go, Lady Arachama?" Albedo wanted to know.
"Perfectly. We will see a stronger Carne and more outcome from it, as dryads usually improve the area they live in. I think it will be splendid." Arachama told her.
"Doesn't the 6th floor already have a dryade?" Monga inquired sarcastically.
"Ara. We have? Well. Now we also have one in Carne." Arachama said.
"So that is where the styx-women went. I like it." Albedo smiled with glee in her eyes.
"Ara ara. Of course." Arachama giggled and enjoyed how Albedo jumped from idea to another. The joy turned to fear at some point though.
Suddenly a portal appeared and all of them looked at it. Monga was already battle ready, Albedo had taken out her bardiche from her inventory. Arachama observed the portal, preparing her summons mentally.
Then Zesshis head peaked through the portal and she came through, carrying a blond woman by her hair. Once she was completely inside the living room she bowed towards Arachama. A loud crack was heard when Zesshi smashed the blonds head on the marble. The woman immediately fell unconscious while cracks had formed around her forehead.
"Ara. I am here to report my mission a success, mother." Zesshi said, a big grin plastered on her face. Determination and eagerness shone in her eyes and Arachama could have sworn that large fires were visible.
Arachama herself was dumbstruck. She looked at Monga and Albedo. Monga tried to look at the woman, but thanks to Albedo couldn't get a clear look at her. Albedo meanwhile looked torn between happy and disgusted.
"Why do you bring such disgusting thing in front of Lady Arachama?" Albedo shot at Zesshi.
"She was an ant, which wanted to annoy mother. Why shouldn't I present mother with the nuisance and let mother decide what will happen to it?" Zesshi replied.
Albedo looked at Zesshi and then seemed to calm down. Arachama meanwhile, still in shock at the whole situation, looked at Monga.
"I think I know her." Monga said.
"Ara. She was a member of the 'Black Scripture' before she deserted. She is a weak being with a weaker survival instinct." Zesshi described.
"I am sure I killed her in E-Rantel." Monga replied.
"That could be true. Maybe we should put her in the care of Painkill?" Albedo proposed.
"Ara. Should we?" Arachama inquired.
"Let Painkill do her job. Once we have all the information we need we can think about her again." Monga ordered and fell back onto the couch. Albedo fell to his side and Zesshi walked behind Arachama, only for her to be scooped into a big hug.
"I need to gather my trunk and tent." Zesshi whispered.
"Ara ara. Enti will bring it here. You are grounded after I give you your reward." Arachama whispered and Zesshi tensed up.
"Ara. I did everything correctly." Zesshi tried.
"Ara ara. None of that. You mainly gave me heartache, heart attacks and the destruction of a few things. You will be grounded and that's it." Arachama hissed and Zesshi nodd.
Clementine would be brought to Nazarick by Enti, who then got the trunks from the camp. Arachama would talk with Monga while Albedo, after some small misunderstandings in the beginning, formed a splendid bond with Zesshi. She wasn't sure if that was good or bad, but Arachama was glad to have her daughter back and she could have sworn that the sun shone brighter through the window.
In the evening Albedo and Monga left for Nazarick, the next appointment already planned. Zesshi and Arachama, exhausted from either the field trip or the fear for her daughter, went to Arachamas bedroom. They cuddled until both fell asleep, Zesshis hand slipping into places, which Arachama would call unbecoming.
→ Colognium / Proditor ←
A few days were gone and Proditor still hadn't gotten new orders from Zuranon, which unnerved him a bit. Normally a raven brought orders every three days. Now a week was over and he had nothing new. Proditor felt anxious about it. He had heard from his father how Zuranon is ice cold in regards to humans. Once the use runs out they are nothing more than an obstacle to get out of the way. Was his usefulness at an end?
He walked the streets of Cologne, since there was nothing else the defenders could do right now. Though Alator took the details in. The faces of the younger levies were fallen in and the fat and muscle they had in the beginning was thinning out. They also had wary eyes.
The smarter under them obviously, for experienced soldiers who knew where to look, had food but wouldn't share it. Besides food, drinkable water, wine and other drinkables became rarer and rarer.
Proditor also took in a lazaret when he suddenly took quite a number of steps back. There sat many levies and soldiers with large black boils and Proditor knew what it was. The number of soldiers was shrinking and Proditor knew that it wasn't good for his survival.
From roughly 200 000 soldiers in the beginning of the siege only around 150 000 remained. Most of the dead died of dysentery and other diseases. It was a disaster and for the first time of his life he missed his home in E-Rantel.
→ E-Rantel / 'Darkness' ←
Momon walked down the street towards the guild-building a few days later, when he saw multiple armored riders approach it. One among the riders caught his attention though. He wore garment fitting to the royals. Momon immediately decided to not go inside and stirred Nabe and himself to his usual pub.
"Why aren't we reporting back to the guild, L-Momon?" Nabe asked and Momon looked at her.
"The prince is inside the guild building. The "Spider-Papers" had mentioned him and some of his rather unsavory business he deals with." Momon said and Nabe nodded along.
"Can we do a quest in the meantime, L-Momon?" Nabe inquired and Momon was shocked.
Normally Nabe wouldn't ask for more work for the guild, what to do within E-Rantel or what the party could do. That was a new one. It also gave Momon a signal to what he wanted to know. It partially answered an important question at least.
"So they can develop further within their personality." Momon thought and relished the thought.
"We will remain here and enjoy a drink. Later we will take a room and relax. Let's hope the prince isn't inside the city tomorrow." Momon proposed and Nabe agreed.
After a long evening of partying the team went to 'sleep'. That ment that Nabe would stay at the inn and rest while Momon, or Ainz, would travel to Nazarick to do paperwork.
The next morning they moved into the guild hall and were greeted by the guild master. He told them how the prince had ordered guards for his travel. Momon was surprised to hear that the criteria for the job were attractiveness of the female adventurers. Needless to say, Momon decided to give Nabe a ring so that none could get stupid thoughts over her.
AN: Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed it, please feel free to review the chapter.