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 29
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←
Renner had waited the week, like her lady had advised, and hadn't met Barbo on her way. It had also enabled her to have more quality time with Climb. At least a bit more time before she would have to fall back into her role as a meek princess.
She now stood in front of the royal palace, which she reluctantly calls home. Disgust, for a short time, showed on her face before she was able to suppress it from her face. She went inside, after Climb told her that he would park the carriage. 'Blue Roses' and she walked towards the garden and she gestured for a servant.
Tea and biscuits would be served afterwards and all of them sat down, except Tia and Tina who chose to remain standing. Mild chatter followed and Climb arrived shortly after. Leinas talked about some adventurers she and her team had. Evileye would later rave about Momon, a sentiment Renner could understand to some point. She also saw Climb as her perfect puppy.
Suddenly a maid came and bowed towards the group. Renner thought and then remembered the face. The third daughter of some noble. Probably used as a spy.
"Good afternoon, Princess Renner. Your father wishes to speak with you." the Maid spoke.
"Such a downgrade if compared to the respect the beings of Nazarick show their superiors. Though all the spies are useful." Renner thought and nodded towards the maid.
She signed a small letter and gave it to Leinas.
"This is a letter for the treasure-master. It contains a sum and authorization to give it to you. Take it and enjoy the day. Climb, could you show them towards the treasury?" Renner told them and all nodded.
She looked at the maid and followed her. They reached the door of Ramposas office and knocked.
"Come in, please." Renner heard and opened the door. The maid seemed to remain standing, which annoyed the Princess.
"The meeting will probably be for my ears only, how do I get the spy busy with something away from here?" Renner thought.
"Could you clean the table in the garden for me?" Renner asked, her innocent face on display.
"Of course, Princess." the maid answered and left.
"Now we have some privacy." Renner sighed and walked in.
Ramposa sat in his chair and looked devastated. His eyes were partially fallen in and eye bags were visible with a deep shade. Renner was sure if he had slept in the last few days.
Gazef looked only mildly better than Ramposa, thanks to his training. But it was visible that he had not relaxed in quite some time.
"You look terrible, father." She said and he winced.
"That, I probably do. Sadly we need to talk about this urgently." Ramposa began.
"I think we should keep the meeting private. Gazef, could you guard the door please?" Renner asked and Gazef followed her suggestion and went outside the room.
"So there was a spy?" Ramposa asked.
"Yes. But she is busy cleaning the table I used with my friends." Renner smiled at Ramposa.
"That is good. I think you could find out the news in short order, but I wanted to talk to you in regards to certain news. While you were away, a messenger was sent by that 'Ainz Ooal Gown' demanding the lands around E-Rantel." Ramposa began.
"So our nobles demanded war?" Renner asked, visibly shocking Ramposa
"Indeed. Sadly I wasn't able to convince them otherwise." Ramposa sighed.
"Such a shame. Arachama had promised me that she will not directly interfere in a battle to come. I didnt know which one she ment. Let's hope that the head of the army doesn't insult her. That would be nasty." Renner murmured.
"My son, Barbo, is leading the army." Ramposa threw in.
"That is even more terrible. Who came up with that idea?" Renner inquired.
"That is not important. Important is that you, as well as some others, will not go to that field. I want to cut my losses." Ramposa ordered.
"At least he partially understands the hopelessness of the kingdom." Renner smiled inside her mind.
"I understand, father. Will Climb also stay at the palace?" Renner wanted to know.
"Yes. As well as some others. Names include Marquise Raeven, Zanac, Gazef and Unglaus." Ramposa replied.
"That is the first good news I had since I came back." Renner beamed and felt Ramposa stroking her head.,
"At least some news was good. Anything new from your inquiry?" Ramposa asked.
"The siege of Cologniium was harder than the empire expected, though the problems are removed and the siege will end soon. The empire also works closely with Ainz Ooal Gown. That could be dangerous, if you ask me. Arachama, the younger, meanwhile promised the empire help in a supporting role. While the older one accepts the apology from me, she will not help us any further." Renner reported and told him what her masters wanted them to know.
"At least she isn't facing us in a battle." Ramposa sighed with relief evident in his voice.
"Indeed~, father." Renner hugged Ramposa, to hide her grin and the predatory glim in her eyes.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama woke up and was still cuddling with her daughters. When Yuri walked in she smiled and looked at Arachama with understanding eyes. Arachama felt reassured and sniffed from time to time. Her body was still exhausted, but she felt hope. That helped her after the long nightmares she felt. She then felt many arms around her and looked. Her daughters were cuddling with her and she relaxed.
"Everything will be well." Arachama thought again and again, like a mantra.
She tried to stand up, but it was hard for her. But she managed it, even without waking her children up. She looked at the pile of arachne and smiled.
"Nothing like that will happen to them, as long as I can prevent it." Arachama whispered to herself and a red fire flared up in her eight eyes. Determination crept across her face, as she dragged herself into her living room. She plummeted into her couch and took a deep breath. It was afternoon and her stomach grumbled. Just when she tried to stand up, Ninya walked in and immediately checked her over.
"Good afternoon, Mother. Please rest. I will immediately tell Yuri that you are awake and then prepare something for you, Mother." Ninya told her and went out of the room.
"Thanks?" Arachama asked, but would not receive an answer, as no one had heard her.
After a short while Yuri walked in and pushed her glasses higher on her nose. She held a tray with pudding, bread, scrambled egg and cotlet that got placed in front of her. Arachamas stomach grumbled even louder and Arachama blushed in humiliation.
"Ara ara. Thanks, Yuri." Arachama tried to smile, but her lips were nearly overflowing with water.
"No problem, Lady Arachama. I hope it will help you." Yuri said and tried to use her body language to reassure Arachama.
The food was consumed in silence, as Arachama didn't have the strength to speak. It tasted delicious though. Then, one after another, her daughters came out of her room and came to her. They cuddled and slowly Arachama felt strength returning. Once all were by her side, Arche, Kuude, Ure, Zesshi and her Enti, she got them in a tight bear hug. There they remained until the sun was setting. Enti got out of the hug and helped the maids to prepare the dinner.
"Now. How long was I gone and what happened?" Arachama asked, despite the fear that she terrified anyone in presence.
"You were out for roughly a week. Enti had to water you unconsciously." Arche replied.
"You had a fit of rage. The living room, the foyer, the kitchen and even parts of your room were destroyed. Albedo and Demiurge barely got out of the mansion, before you used a spell called "Dimensional Lock". Afterwards you collapsed. The renovations took some time and we waited for you to wake up." Zesshi meekly answered.
"I have no memories after I felt my heart and breath increase drastically." Arachama thought loud and Enti returned.
"Dinner is ready. Let me help you, mom." Enti beamed.
"I will help too." Zesshi smiled and both steadied Arachama as she walked shakily.
"Thanks." Arachama sighed when she was seated and she felt relief.
"Lady Arachama?" Yuri walked to her.
"Yes, Yuri?" Arachama asked.
"Lord Ainz wishes to speak to you tomorrow after your breakfast." Yuri told her.
"Ara. I will try, though it depends on my strength tomorrow." Arachama answered and then dug into the soup. It was prepared by Enti and did not only contain abellion sheep, but also some so-called 'brown buttons'. Arachama decided not to ask, but knew that Enti catched them within Nazarick.
Arachama was finished and listened to the conversation, though most were trying to reassure Kuude, Ure and Arche. Arachama then fell into her thoughts and got a migraine. Thus she decided to go to bed early. She asked Enti, who helped her to her room.
Just before Enti could escape her hug, she scooped her up and cuddled her like a plushie. She just needed sleep and a cuddling session.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←
Renner was finishing her dinner, when Zanac nodded at her. She sighed, hidden of course, and nodded slightly back. The flash in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. They would meet after dinner.
Ramposa was still eating, typically for him, and Barbo was boasting to his cronies. It was a terrible dinner and she decided to contact the chef to have her dinner in her room from now on. Zanac meanwhile stared at his brother with disguised hatred. Renner had enough and decided that she had done her obligation towards the appearance.
"Good night. I will see you tomorrow, father, brother." Renner abruptly said and left the room. Climb shortly behind her.
She went to her room and decided to prepare for the meeting she would soon have. Tea and bad biscuits were laid out. She then waited and looked out of her window. When a knock was heard she knew that Zanac finally arrived.
"Let him in, Climb." Renner ordered and her puppy followed these, as usual.
"Good evening, Sister." Zanac greeted, though the last word seemed to pain him.
"Good evening, brother~" Renner replied in her sweet voice, nearly singing the last word.
This caused Zanac to halt and look at her with disgust.
"He is quite good at hiding his emotions, but still too easy for me to read." Renner smiled inside her mind.
"I am here to propose a deal." Zanac grinned and Renner became interested.
"Oho. What do you want and what can you give me in return?" Renner asked, this time genuine interest in her voice. Her first slip up in years, excluding the ones in the presence of Arachama and her servants.
"You should already know about the second army and who leads it?" Zanac inquired.
"Indeed. Such a poor fate. Though I think they are lucky enough for Arachama to not directly involve herself in the massacre." Renner told him.
"How do you know that?" he responded immediately, shock in his voice.
"I was tracking her down, thanks to our network. She said that she was supporting her friend. I apologized towards her for the conduct of our kingdom and she promised to be holding a passive role. At least until we dare to move against her." Renner explained.
"That's why you were away?" Zanac realized.
"Yes. While I seem lazy to nearly everyone within the palace, I was busy working for this kingdom." Renner said, making a shocked face. Zanac recoiled and she laughed in her head.
"I love it when he makes a face. It reminds me of when he used to puke a lot thanks to my poison. He had such a bad time when he mocked Climb." Renner thought, glee in her metal voice. It was a short but nice period of time for her.
"To come back to the topic at hand. I am here to propose a deal. I know that Barbo will probably lose the war. That will leave our kingdom in ruins. I will need your help to prepare for the consequences of Barbos actions." Zanac began.
"That seems like a clever way to look at it. Though what do I gain from helping you? For now it sounds like a demand and not like a deal." Renner replied.
"Make it expensive or I might lose interest." Renner thought and an evil smirk grew in her thoughts.
"In exchange you will receive land and a mansion far off. You will have your life and live it with no fear or shortage. Of course with your Climb in the same package." Zanac proposed and Renner smiled, letting her mask slip for her dear brother.
"That sounds so lovely. Of course I accept. Do you have plans already or do you wish to consult me later in regards to them?" Renner asked away and Zanac looked a bit taken aback.
"I will plan on something. Anything you want to have in mind?" Zanac inquired.
"We should focus on the families destroyed, supplies and how far we will be going when suing for peace." Renner began.
"This will be a nice and long night, even if his deal is far too little far too late." Renner thought
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama woke up in the early hours and felt around her. She hadnt had nightmares and felt refreshed. Arachama felt around herself and found Enti, who tried to climb out of bed. She looked at Enti, who leaned back into her arms. It did wonders for Arachama, who felt much stronger today than yesterday evening.
"I should speak with Monga today. Can you later prepare the living room and the necessary dishes?" she asked and felt Enti nod.
"You can take Ninya and Tuare. But first, let me cuddle." Arachama sighed and hugged Enti even tighter.
They remained in that hug for nearly an hour when Arachama loosened her grip on Enti. While Enti then walked out of the room, Arachama decided to get dressed. She would wear a nice pink gown, which covered her front and overlapped generously over her abdomen. A nice crown of black diamond roses was resting on her head. That would do and she decided to walk into her office to get paperwork done.
Shock was on her face when all stacks, seventeen in number, stared back at her. She decided that she truly wished she could multiply. Sadly that was impossible and thus she began the fight against the merciless horde of paperwork. She was at her seventh paperstack when Kuude and Ure walked inside her office and ran towards her. A short jump later both sat in her lap and hugged her.
"Ara ara. Time to cuddle again?" Arachama asked and felt the twins shake their heads.
"It is time for breakfast, mom." Both answered and jumped out of her lap. They then took her hand, placing the pen on the desk and then dragged Arachama out of the office.
All three giggled when they arrived. Once everyone was seated the feast began and it tasted delicious. Arachama ate as much as she could and then decided to cuddle with her nearest child, the lucky one being Zesshi. Zesshi reciprocated and Arachama carried her into her living room, where they would cuddle while Enti, Ninya and Tuare would prepare for Ainz visit. It truly helped Arachama mentally, though Arachama had a big question in her mind. Ever since she grounded Zesshi, Arachama began to think that her actions were selfish and may even seem to go against her children.
"Am I truly that selfish against my child?" she asked, forgetting to think about the question.
"What do you mean, mother?" Zesshi asked.
"I can't see my children go to war and would rather go myself. Yet you want to go there. Am I selfish for not allowing this?" Arachama asked.
"I think you misunderstand things and act without understanding our view fist, mom." Zesshi answered.
"War is just plain dangerous. I can't send my child there." she replied and tears were in her eyes.
"Can I explain without you becoming like last time?" Zesshi inquired.
"Please do." Arachama said and placed her head on Zesshis.
"We have interests, mine is fighting. I like to test my strength against others. It is how I was raised and what I enjoy. Arche likes her magic and to study it vigorously. The twins like their pranks, though I rather enjoy them seeing others than me." Zesshi began. Arachama tightens her hug.
"But what Albedo and Demiurge proposed…" Arachama tried.
"Wasn't what you thought it was. Albedo wanted me to lead troops, not throw myself into a massacre and get myself killed, though I think the only ones able to defeat me are residing in Nazarick. Demiurge wanted me to learn skills with my talent and document my progress with skills on different levels. Not cutting me open to look for stuff. I must admit though, they did present their idea with rather unpleasant words. You aren't necessarily selfish, but certainly possessive and definitely too protective." Zesshi finished and Arachama felt her hands move.
"I just wanted my children to be safe." Arachama whispered.
"And that is good. But maybe we should be allowed to make mistakes and learn from them? We can't remain in safety forever and we want to contribute to Nazarick. Why do you believe Ninya and Tuare wanted to become maids? Both know of their limits and decided that this would be the best way to help the tomb. I just want to do the same, though I am much better at using my weapons, skills and spells than a feather duster." Zesshi insisted. Fog cleared itself in Arachamas mind and she felt stupid, though she was certainly not a fan of sending Zesshi into war as canon fodder.
"She wants to prove herself to the tomb. Show us that she is worthy?" Arachama thought and felt terrible.
"Is that really true? I mean they only want you to train and document your progress and not the war part?" Arachama asked .
"Yes. They want to know more about my talent and how far we can use it." Zesshi answered and giggled.
"Then I might allow it. I even lift your grounding. But no war for you, my little girl." Arachama smiled and continued to cuddle Zesshi.
"We will see." Zesshi replied.
"We will not."
"We will."
"Will not."
"A thousand more times we will."
"I am the mother and I say no."
"I know what my limits are and thus the thousand times still count."
"I will stay adamant about no."
It went on like that for half an hour until Enti walked in.
"Mom, can we prepare the table for you and Ainz?" Enti asked and Arachama carried herself and Zesshi into her room, where they cuddled and napped till afternoon.
→ Near Colognium / Command of the First and Second Legions ←
The General of the 2nd legion was standing in the camp of his legion. He had thought about probable tactics for the siege when a patrol walked in. Two legionnaires were accompanied by five men. Two amongst those stood out, thanks to their postures.
"Probably their leader." Plumbus Pugnus Pulsus thought and eyed them.
"Sir. We found them on our patrol and they wanted to speak with you." One of the legionnaires reported and Plumbus sighed.
"Then let them speak." Plumbus ordered and the ruble before him nodded.
"That would be great. Plumbus. Long time no see." One of the leaders greeted and Pugnus looked again at him. Then it dawned on him. He had seen him a decade or so ago while being sent to help the Slane Theocracy. There were big amounts of "foul Ogre". Sadly the squire got a cursed scar by saving him.
"Indeed Oculus. When did our ways differ last time? Two decades or three?" Plumbus remembered.
"The hunt was only half a decade ago. How is the young squire doing?" Oculus asked.
"She is doing great, though she suffered for saving me back then." Plumbus answered.
"Such a shame. Did you help her at least?" Oculus asked and eyed him.
It had always been frightening to be scrutinized under Oculus gaze.
"I went as far as proposing to marry her, if only to save her honor. She declined." Plumbus told Oculus, who sighed.
"What is she doing then?" He asked.
"She is one of the four 'Imperial Knights' and guards a woman called Arachama. That woman sits in a wheelchair and is magically speaking stronger than Fluder." Plumbus answered.
"Are you sure? I mean Fluder is known as the strongest caster there is." Oculus inquired.
"He asked to be her apprentice and she agreed. She is specialized in 'entomancy', but can also utilize other magic. At least Fluders reports tell us this." Plumbus shrugged.
"Much to think about. Anything else? We don't have exactly new news." Oculus requested.
"I am told that Baharut is now aligned with a Kingdom called Nazarick? Though I only met one of their warriors. Quite a terrifying beast, I tell you." Plumbus answered.
"Ok. Do you need to take the city?" Oculus asked and abruptly changed the topic.
"I wouldn't say no, though what would be the price for the help?" Pugnus asked.
"My people, roughly 800 fighting men and roughly 2500 women and children settle in the occupied territory of the Slane Theocracy., we would like to avenge our people and keep the city." Oculus told Pugnus.
"I could deal with the first and the avenging part, the last though could be a bit tricky. I need to ask the emperor and propose your proposal. Could you wait till tomorrow?" Pugnus inquired and Oculus nodded, looking quite surprised.
"If it gets you your answer. We will gather our people and settle outside the perimeter of the siege. We will forage, thus don't wonder about us." Oculus said.
"Then I will also ask the 6th for supplies." Pugnus sighed and Oculus and his group bowed slightly.
"Then I will come again tomorrow morning?" Oculus asked.
"Indeed. But if we ever have a visitor from Nazarick, please hold back. They are far stronger than our own." Pugnus pleaded and Oculus nodded.
"Till tomorrow." Oculus bid farewell and led his group out of the tent.
"Now I have even more men to take the city, but the besieged still have a massive advantage. Not to forget that they have some strong individuals in that heap of rubbish. It truly is a mess. I think I should ask for reinforcement again." Pugnus thought and a migraine developed.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama had cuddled with Zesshi in silence while Enti prepared the dishes for Monga, Zesshi and her. Zesshi, as far as Arachama realized, had worked quite hard in advance of the meeting. She was now much calmer and more open for ideas. At least as long as those in no way endangered her children. She was also agreeing to have Zesshi train, though she would first need a clear talk with Demiurge and Albedo.
A portal opened and Arachama looked up. Monga, calm and collected, walked to the table and placed himself on his typical couch. Zesshi meanwhile was waking up by the careful nudges Arachama gave her. She roused herself with a big yawn.
"Mornin'." Zesshi grumbled while being hugged from behind by Arachama.
"Good afternoon, Monga." Arachama greeted Monga, who nodded in return.
They sat there in silence and enjoyed the cake, this time cream with cherries. Arachama wanted Monga to do the first step, while he seemed to wait for her. Zesshi simply ate her plate the fastest and placed it on the table.
"Ara. We can either wait for either side to start or one of you finally talks." Zesshi verbally smacked them and both blushed a bit.
"Ara. I might have overreacted with Albedo and Demiurge?" Arachama asked and Zesshi looked at her and leveled Arachama with a glare.
"Ok. I have slightly overreacted to Albedos and Demiurge's proposal." Arachama tried and Zesshis glare intensified.
"Ok. Ok. I have overstepped some boundaries and apologized for that. But I will also stand to my point. I will not have my child sent to die on some frontline." Arachama now grumpily admitted and Monga sighed.
"I don't hold it against you, Ara. I remembered all the nights, in which you couldn't sleep because the past haunted you. I just ask that you will apologize to them in person, hear them out and then either refuse or make a compromise. They both are scared out of their minds. They also don't know too much about our past." Monga sighed and Arachama felt relief go down her spine.
"When could I talk with them?" Arachama asked, collecting every ounce of courage she could.
"Since they are in my office? Right now would be a possibility." Monga proposed.
"I can't escape this, thus get this over with." Arachama said and Monga casted "Gate".
Albedo and Demiurge came through the portal and greeted both of them respectfully with a bow, though they found the carpet much more interesting than the dishes.
"Ara. If you would?" Monga asked, while Zesshi used a nudge to help Arachama.
"Ara. I would like to apologize to you two for my reaction. I overstepped and for that I am sorry. I will stand by my point though. I don't want my daughters to die in some war. It would break my heart." Arachama apologized and agreed with both of them. The carpet was quite interesting. She hadn't known it went from west to east instead of north to south.
Albedo and Demiurge meanwhile look aghast. Both immediately looked at each other before bowing towards Arachama.
"We would also like to apologize. We didn't know that our words would hurt you. We only thought about ideas. We worded them wrong and are sorry for that." Albedo replied.
"If we had known your reaction would be this strong we wouldn't have talked about this. We should have been more considerate." Demiurge continued for both of them and all looked at the carpet. An awkward silence went on for around five minutes.
"Hrm. Now that the apologies are out of the way, let's continue with the original idea and go from there?" Monga tried to propose and Arachama frowned a bit.
"But I promised him." Arachama thought and the frown disappeared.
"As you wish. Demiurge and I wanted to know more about the talent Zesshi holds. Thus we wanted to test how far that talent goes. Thus Demiurge used the word experiment. He wants to note the results of the tests. I merely want to have her learn to command forces. She is on an acceptable level within this world. Sadly she has not much experience in regards to command. I never wanted her to die on the frontlines." Albedo explained and Arachama eyed her skeptically.
"Training would be great, mother. I would also learn more about tactics and strategies. It would help me prove my worth." Zesshi threw in.
"Ara ara. But you have nothing to prove." Arachama tried, but Zesshi used her secret weapons, puppy-eyes.
"Ara. We could have you train, as that is helpful. For that we would need a safe place. How about the Colosseum?" Arachama thought loud and glared at Monga, who nodded vigorously.
"That sounds great. Demiurge would be there to note the results though. It could be interesting to observe her talent." Monga requested and Arachama sighed, then nodded.
"Ara ara. Aber no war. We already had that debate." Arachama told them. Zesshi increased her puppy-eyes.
"If I may propose something, Lady Arachama?" Albedo asked.
"Yes?" Arachama asked, the puppy-eyes working into her heart.
"We could observe general staff. To learn more in regards to strategies. There shouldn't be any combat involved and she would learn and maybe even help there." Albedo proposed and Arachama couldn't resist the puppy-eyes any longer. She simply couldn't harden her heart against that much.
"Ara. But no combat. Such adorable eyes." Arachama replied and hugged Zesshi as hard as possible. She felt Zesshi hugging her back and felt great, though she would later ask at what cost.
The rest of the tea party was more casual and Demiurge, Monga and Arachama talked about plans elsewhere. Albedo and Zesshi talked intensively and would give a high five later on. Arachama was quite happy that the whole situation was resolved, she knew how dangerous it probably was for Nazarick. Monga seemed to build on the situation and proposed the next meeting, together with Albedo, Arachama and himself. Arachama had no choice but to agree.
After the meeting, Zesshi and Arachama continued to cuddle.
"Ara ara. We will begin tomorrow with racial skills. But I am sure that I have something for you to learn with your talent." Arachama whispered as she carried Zesshi to her bed. Zesshi purred when she heard Arachama say that.
"Ara. That would be great." Zesshi purred into Arachamas ears and both cuddled a bit longer.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Zanac ←
Zanac, after talking with Renner, walked towards his office. He met Raeven on the way and nodded towards him. Once inside he prepared tea and biscuits. They at least tasted better than the ones of her sister. After a short while a knock came from his door.
"Come in." Zanac ordered and Raeven came through.
"Good evening, Zanac." Raeven greeted.
"Good evening, Raeven." Zanac replied and seated himself, a sigh escaped his lips.
"I take it the devil took the deal?" Raeven asked.
"She took the deal. Once the whole mess is over and I am a king she will have her own lands, mansion, pension and Climb. A small price to pay for the support of this thing. At least I like to think about it this way.." Zanac sighed.
"It is most certainly not small, but it is necessary." Raeven threw in.
"I am just happy she took it. Though she looked disgusted for a short while." Zanac said. Raeven looked at him.
"Are you sure she took the deal?" Raeven asked, then he wiped a spider off his shoulder.
"I am sure. Though she seemed pretty disgusted by it. But I take what I can get." Zanac grumbled and looked around the room.
"What is going on with this palace? So many spiders." Raeven sighed and Zanac nodded.
"Yes, since Gazef Stronoff returned from his mission. It is quite disgusting." Zanac replied.
"The one where he was rescued by that arachne?" Raeven inquired and Zanac's eyes shot up.
"What if those aren't normal spiders?" Zanac thought and looked around, this time with more scrutiny. He could easily spot 30 inside his room alone and most remained still in his corners or far to reach places with great views over his room.
"Yes. But they are most likely coming with the season." Zanac answered and winked at Raeven who winked back.
"I should pay more attention to the chief warrior. I forgot the details. But I am sure it was nothing too important for us." Raeven told him, a wink in his face. Zanac placed a hand to his chin.
"The mission. Who did he meet again? That Ainz Ooal gown and his friend. Who was she called again? Hmmm. Arachada or something? Arachama was it." Zanac thought and his face lit up a bit.
"Wasn't Arachama also the person Renner supposedly met? That means she either did as she said or she had a bit more from them. What could she have gotten? And all of that could just be jumping to conclusions though. Why does she need to make my life difficult?" Zanac continued.
"Isn't there an entomancer called Arachama right now in Baharut? If I am correct then, they have us harder than I thought and Renner is the main piece, but what could they have offered her that would be better than my proposal?" Zanac looked frantically between his cup and Raeven.
"They promised her Climb. But what do they gain from her in return." Zanac finished, a heavy sigh on his face.
"I think that we should be careful around 'Barbo', especially with the new developments. I fear the worst." Zanac winked and Raeven winked back. Both agree in regards to their situation.
"Anything else on 'Barbo'?" Raeven asked.
"I don't know the purpose, but we will need proof. Otherwise we will have problems. That is also the reason we can't do anything against him for the moment." Zanac answered and both then drank their tea.
Zanac would never sleep as well as before.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Leinas ←
After dinner, Leinas went to the imperial palace to deliver some documents. She met Fluder on her way and both continued to walk in silence towards the courtroom. It was the typical room and Jircniv was lying on his side, visibly annoyed at all the meetings he had to endure today.
"Good evening, my emperor." Leinas greeted and placed a silk bag on the table.
"Good evening, Leinas and Fluder. Where does she get the bags from?" He replied and handled the bag.
"She knits them herself, using the silk from one of her summons. I am quite jealous that I have to wait for one myself." Leinas answered the inquiry.
"Could you ask for one for me?" Jircniv asked.
"If you place a note with the documents for her I am sure she will have me deliver one soon. I am sure it will go faster if there are chocolates with the note as well." Leinas teased and Jircniv blushed.
"It is not like that…" Jircniv tried.
"There is no shame to admit that you like her. I mean you even dissolved your own harem just a month ago. Just because you heard she dislikes sharing. Besides, I am sure there can be something worked out." Leinas grinned at Jircniv's plight and Fluder snickered.
"But don't do it too rashly. We have to preserve every advantage we have." Fluder winked at Jircniv who glared back, a small smile on his face.
"I already have something for her. But I have to wait after the war. Leinas, please have the maid fill a bag with chocolate and deliver it to Arachama. The documents should be separated from the food. I also want this note delivered…" Jircniv began when a knock came from the opened the door and whispered. Then he turned and delivered a note to Jircniv, who read it.
"Seems like a good deal for us. I will grant it. I will also ask for her again." Jircniv stated and Nimble nodded and left the room.
"I also want that note delivered. I must ask Arachama to contact Nazarick again." Jircniv requested.
"As you wish, my emperor." Leinas replied and went out of the room.
"Ahh, Fluder?" Leinas asked.
"Yes, Leinas?" Fluder inquired.
"Arachama wants to test something with one of her friends. Do you have time tomorrow? She thinks that you would like to take notes." Leinas answered and Fluders eyes beamed with vigor.
"I will be at the mansion tomorrow morning, breakfast is early enough?" he asked.
"Indeed." Leinas said and left the palace. Two bags, one with documents and one with chocolate on her shoulders. A bit of chocolate was pressed against her tongue and she hummed on her way back to Nazarick-mansion.
She greeted Foire, who was just closing the gates of the carriage shed, when she heard about a great reconciliation.
"That is good, less trouble here. Last time I feared for my life." Leinas sighed in her mind and went to Lady Arachamas living room. It was quite spooky and Leinas had learned that day that hair, infused with magical power, can indeed levitate around a body.
She entered and saw Zesshi and her lady cuddle on the couch. Zesshi snored while Arachama simply relished her daughter. To not wake Zesshi, Leinas simply nodded.
"Everything went well?" Arachama whispered.
"Yes. Here are the documents. I'am also tasked to give you this bag of chocolate. He asked me to give it to you as a bribe to get one of the silk bags." Leinas defended and Arachama smirked.
"That is easy, but why do you look like a child who I caught with a hand in a cookie jar? Is something wrong?" Arachama asked.
"It probably is. This is a request to Nazarick. Please read it tomorrow, as I am tired and know how well it went last time. I need to warn Entoma and Yuri." Leinas answered.
"I wouldn't have read it today regardless. The sun is already down." Arachama mused and closed her eyes for a bit.
Leinas then sat herself opposite of Arachama and relaxed a bit. Both sat there in silence and Arachama seemed to think about some things.
"How did Fluder react?" Arachama suddenly asked.
"He seems to be intrigued and will arrive tomorrow at breakfast. I will tell Entoma before I go to bed." Leinas reported
"That would be nice." Arachama sighed. She relaxed again and seemed to be thinking heavily.
"What do you say, original or copy?" Arachama asked in a monotone voice.
"I like the original. Copies feel strange, why?" Leinas asked
"I was only thinking about something. I need to organize a few things tomorrow. Could you watch Zesshi for me tomorrow in Nazarick?" Arachama asked and Leinas nodded.
"That shouldn't be a problem. Good night though. I am tired and will have to stand up early tomorrow." Leinas bid farewell and went to her room.
Tomorrow promised to be interesting.
AN: Zesshi getting new abilities. Arachama preparing something? What will she be preparing? Maybe Albedo, Demiurge and Arachama have a new found hobby: Watching carpets
I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please, leave a review.