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 31
→ Nazarick 6th floor Colosseum / Arachama ←
"Let me think for 5 minutes." Arachama answered, grinning inside. That would be a nice change, though she needed to think this thought and made her choice.
"How about this? We don't use magic on tier 8 and higher? Don't need to risk anyone here. I would also propose that we don't use buffs on ourselves, or we would stand here till midnight." Arachama proposed and Monga seemed to think over this.
"That sounds good. Alright it is settled." Monga agreed and both walked into the center of the arena. Zesshi stood outside and prepared the signal.
"Are both ready?" Zesshi asked and both nodded. Zesshi, as a signal, let her scythe drop to the floor and a loud booming sound was heard.
"Breath of Flies" Arachama summoned and covered her dodge with the cloud emerging from her mouth.
"Napalm" Monga countered and the cloud of flies was burned away.
"Waterfall" Arachama casted and a large body of water crashed into the flames. The flames in the beginning evaporated the water, but in the end the flames went out. Thick fog set in and Arachama prepared.
"Summon: Jungle Children" Arachama summoned and a circle appeared, pouring spiders into the arena. She mentally gave them the order to disperse. She would use them with her "Hive Mind". This ability came with her entomancer class and enabled her to see, feel and order insects and arachnids. It came with a disadvantage in the new world, as she could also feel their hunger, pain etc. Luckily she could cut connections between herself and her hive, or individuals within it. With that swarm in the arena and the fog set up she now had an advantage as she could see and Monga couldn't.
"Dragon Lightning" Monga casted and Arachama immediately cut connection, as her summons and her were shocked, luckily Monga also hurt himself, thanks to the for. Sadly most of her swarm died off, but few remained and immediately went to their positions.
"That didn't go well for you, did it Monga?" Arachama asked, a smirk on her face. She knew that she wouldn't be able to defeat Monga in a duel, but she could stall and that is what she was doing.
"Let's see. "Control Weather". Now that is solved." He replied smugly. Arachama could almost see a smirk on his skeleton face.
"Not fair Monga." Arachama faux pouted, using her 'Hive Mind' to give attacking orders to her summons.
While the last remnants of the fog disappeared many spiders began their advance and would do little damage against Monga. They slowed him down though. This enabled Arachama to throw as many silk robes around Monga as possible. Once he was finished she repositioned herself and prepared to attack.
"Maximize Magic Chain Firebolt" Arachama casted and a hot stream of fire was shot towards Monga, who tried to dodge. He stepped on her silk and movement became hard.
"What will he do now?" Arachama focused on Mongas position, trying to see anything Monga did.
"Greater Teleportation" Monga used and was teleported away, effectively dodging her attack. He reappeared directly in front of her.
"Chain Dragon Lightning" He cast and hit her directly. Arachama felt how she took damage. It also didn't feel good to be electrocuted.
"Argh"Summon: Jungle Children""Breath of Flies" Lets see how you fare against this. Argh." Arachama said and Monga was engulfed in a swarm of flies and spiders. Sadly there was no flesh to feed on and no way any venom would work. But it did small damage on him.
"But even small damage can amount to something." Arachama sighed and observed the field while Monga was occupied.
"I have a disadvantage. I can't hold him in place, thanks to "Greater Teleportation". I can't really do damage, because he is a wall in magical defense. Physical attacks aren't useful, as I have an abysmal attack and his physical defense is good enough to tank it. That leaves only one option for me. Make his victory as hard as possible." Arachama determined and prepared herself for a long battle.
"Spider Cleric""Giant Tarantula" Arachama summoned while Monga was finishing with the summons on his robe. The cleric immediately began to heal Arachama while the tarantula positioned itself between her and Monga. Just when Monga finished with the last spiders, he felt the wind change and then something hairy hitting him. Monga had a knockback and flew a few meters through the air, sadly he did not take damage, as he used "Fly" to mitigate the fall damage. The tarantula hissed towards Monga and the cleric healed the tarantula.
"It truly is impatient." Monga told Arachama.
"It is furiously defending its mother." Arachama answered.
"At least it thinks this."Greater Teleportation". "Napalm"." Monga replied and teleported just on her abdomen. There he casted "Napalm", which engulfed her, the cleric and the tarantula, all three burning. Monga himself teleported out of the cloud just in time. The cleric instantly vanished while the tarantula was thrashing around in agony.
Arachama used "Control Weather" to let the cloud move post haste towards Monga, who just reappeared.
While Monga was fighting the cloud of napalm, Arachama did her best to heal the tarantula with "Greater Heal". The success, as far as she was concerned, was not to her liking. But the tarantula calmed down.
While she healed she looked around and saw the damage within the arena and the boundaries of the arena.
"I think we should stop this duel. If we continue we might destroy the colosseum by accident. That would be terrible." Arachama proposed. Monga cleared the cloud and looked around himself.
"I think you're right." Monga agreed and Arachama relaxed.
"Aura?" She asked and Aura ran towards her.
"Yes, Lady Arachama?"
"Please let the tarantula live within this floor." Arachama ordered and Aura nodded along.
"As you wish. Come with me, big lady." Aura smiled and led the tarantula out of the arena.
Arachama used this time to observe the area in more detail. Leinas looked terrible, while Zesshi and Fluder were drooling. Albedo and Demiurge had mixed expressions.
"I am exhausted" Arachama sighed and walked over to Zesshi, who prepared a nice seat beside her.
The rest of the evening was more or less a nice gathering. Small talk dominated the rest of the day. Arachama used this chance to have Zesshi in a tight hug and take a nap.
Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Yuri Alpha ←
Yuri had a great day. She managed to secure multiple partners for the growing trading network lady Arachama and she worked for. The network was starting to make profits and was still expanding. But that was minor to Yuri's primary entertainment for today. She had a winning bet against Entoma. She wasn't blind and quickly saw Entoma losing her mind over the twins, which had always been a bit on the chaotic side. The entertaining part was to see Entoma try her best to hide her irritation. If a normal person would observe Entoma today and a good day they wouldn't see a difference. But Yuri knew Entoma, like every sister did about each other. Thus she saw the facade for what it was. The win of the bet was only the icing of the cake for her.
Yuri was walking from her office, after finalizing reports, documents, contracts and preparing payments, when she heard commotion from the western wing. She thought for a while and then decided to wait for another hour before she would look. Yuri was sure that this was a prank by the twins and decided to be a sadist today.
"Why don't I let Entoma steam a little." Yuri thought and went back to her reports, a big smile on her face.
→ Nazarick 6th floor Colosseum / Arachama ←
Evening was creeping in and Arachama felt the tiredness engulf her and everyone else, except for a certain collection of bones within their group. She decided to finish her preparations.
"Monga?" Arachama asked.
"Yes, Aracha?" Monga replied.
"I will be going for a few Minutes. Could you watch over my daughter?" Arachama asked, petting Zesshis head.
"I can do that. I think I can use this to teach her a bit about PvP." Monga thought.
"That sounds lovely." Arachama agreed.
"Then finish your preparations. I will take care of her." Monga promised and Arachama sighed.
"Then I will be back, hopefully soon. "Teleportation"." Arachama said and reappeared in her spider paradies.
"Time to test how the crystals work." Arachama thought and began to experiment.
Soon enough her experiments began to bear fruit. A single body was formed and with the data crystals Arachama could form it as she pleased. She only needed to chanell MP into the crystal, visualize and then place the crystal above the body.
The body was formed into a beautiful woman with black-red hair. She had an hourglass figure and thin arms and legs. A few crystals later the woman was clothed in a dress, gothic style, and had a wardrobe reflecting this. Arachama made a mental note to gather better wheelchairs.
After the body was formed Arachama looked over her stash of crystals and realized she only had 68 left.
"Need to be careful now." She reminded herself and began to imprint the levels she wanted. Her new creation to have.
"Hmm. Entomancer is a must and the caster should also be in there. Don't forget healer" she ranted in her mind
After using 65 crystals Arachama began with the instructions. She decided to try it with paper, as the UI from Yggdrasil wasn't available. As much as she hated it, it would have been useful now.
"Hmm. She is the descendant from Arachama and Touch Me in the 26th generation. Her family was nearly destroyed by a massacre, which is called "red wedding" within her former homeland. Said homeland should be japan. Yes. Close enough. Sadly she needs to use the wheelchair, or our cover is blown." Arachama thought and wrote on paper. She then continued how the name of her new creation is 'Arachama the younger' and that she is loyal to a fault towards Nazarick. The character was also described as similar to her own, though more cunning, ambitious and careful, while tuning down her own motherly instincts a bit. She was also written to be careful, excellent with paperwork and intelligent.
"The paperwork part is necessary, not only because of me. Certainly not because of me… Who am I kidding?" Arachama hissed in her mind.
After Arachama had written everything down, she placed the paper on the crystal and channeled MP. It dissolved in a blue-white light and Arachama knew that she now needed to channel the MP towards the new creation. It opened its eyes and looked around. Then the younger one tried to kneel, falling on her face by trying.
"Nah. Don't worry. Mommy has got you. Here, "Create Item", use this wheelchair for now. I will take care." Arachama coed and the younger one followed her advice.
"What can I do for you, old-mother?" the Younger asked. Arachama meanwhile healed her creation.
"I will need you for a part of my plan. I hope you can forgive me?" Arachama replied.
"There will never be anything to forgive, as I am your creation." the Younger answered.
"Then, "Gate", reside at Nazarick-mansion. From now on you will continue one of my lives in my stead." Arachama ordered.
"It is my greatest honor, old-mother." her creation beamed and tried to use her wheelchair, with little success.
"Don't worry, I have control over it. Here." Arachama said and gently pushed the carriage through the portal.
"Enti, this is our new local resident. She will take over the life, which I pretended to lead as a wheelchair bound woman." Arachama messaged, receiving a groan in return.
"Nah ah. Don't get sassy." Arachama giggled and a humm returned towards her, after which Arachama felt the connection cut.
Arachama looked at her clock and realized that it was well past midnight. Using "Teleportation" she appeared besides Monga in the arena of the 6th floor. She looked around and was surprised. Leinas and Fluder were the most normal, just writing notes and comparing. Spells and tactics. Demiurge took notes of Mongas' lecture for Zesshi. Albedo meanwhile looked frustrated, tapping her foot on the ground repeatedly.
"You need to always check your information if you want to execute your strategy flawlessly. Compensating for your weaknesses should then be basic. If you do that, most battles should be easy for you." Monga then continued his monologue.
Arachama walked towards Leinas and Fluder.
"How long has he been ranting?" she inquired.
"Since you left, lady Arachama. But it was a good explanation and I took notes." Fluder replied.
"That explains why Albedo is so frustrated. She probably wants to have some fun and he is here monologuing and she can do nothing but wait. I should intervene, otherwise Albedo might snap." Arachama thought.
She walked over and coughed.
"Luckily for you you are a hybrid…" Monga was in the middle of a sentence, when Arachama turned him around. Monga lost his balance and fell face first in her chest. Arachama felt how Monga turned red. She also felt Albedo glaring for a moment, before she stopped and only looked at them.
"I am not here for that kind of thing. I am only here because we already have way past midnight. Zesshi should be in bed right now." Arachama promised, while Monga stuttered.
"R-Right. Maybe next time." Monga answered, trying to hide his face.
"Where were you, mother?" Zesshi asked, looking slightly frustrated.
"I prepared someone." Arachama answered, smiling at Zesshi.
"Who did you prepare?" Monga asked, looking much sterner now.
"'Arachama the younger'. Here are the papers. Technically she takes over my cover as her actual life. Makes it easier to keep us separated." Arachama explained while Monga read through the papers.
"You made 'Touch Me' the father of her predecessor? Are you sure this is a good thing? What if he shows up again?" Monga tried.
"First, he owes me a lot. Second, if he shows up he can pay child support." Arachama felt her eyes flare up in purple fire.
"How much could that be?" Monga shuddered.
"26 generations roughly equals 780 years. Roughly 180 000 till the first descendant is an adult. The average interest is 25 percent, as the regulations back there would be. That concludes that he would owe me too much. If he shows up I own him." Arachama answered.
She saw Monga going through the math and the flames in his eyes dimmed down to almost gone.
"I see you agree to that. And we are only counting the former currency, not Yggdrasil-gold. I could also go over the money he owes me for sponsoring his championship…" Arachama told him and he shook his head.
"We probably shouldn't. Otherwise we would begin to look at other aspects…" Monga replied.
"Indeed. Wouldn't want that. The thought alone is terrifying. Luckily for Touch Me though, I am a forgiving being and don't ask for child support. I only take full custody." Arachama winked and Monga laughed.
"That is good." Monga smiled.
"I know, I am a generous god." Arachama laughed and scooped Zesshi up.
"So I will see another sister, mom?" Zesshi asked.
"More like you are her great aunt, but you will certainly treat her like a sister." Arachama answered.
"I like that. Aunt Zesshi." Zesshi said and a yawn filled the arena.
"Then we should go now."Gate". Leinas, Fluder? Are you ready?" Arachama inquired.
"We only waited for you, lady Arachama." Came back.
"Then walk through please." Arachama told them.
"I will be at the mansion tomorrow at noon. Prepare everything you need." Monga promised.
"I will. Till tomorrow. And sorry Albedo. Had I known this would happen, I would have worked much faster." Arachama apologized.
"Nothing to worry about, lady Arachama." Albedo smiled.
"Then I wish you all a great night." Arachama beamed. She went through the portal, only hearing Monga pleading towards Albedo.
"She truly has him around her finger." Arachama giggling in her head.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Yuri ←
It was late evening and Yuri was getting desperate. While she had to admit that Entoma did extremely well, she was getting desperate. Yuri hated to lose bets, especially if those would give her even more work. But right now she had to concede and realized that she shouldn't have been such a strong hubris. Now she was losing and Entoma would have a lot of time to cuddle with lady Arachama.
Suddenly Entoma walked inside her office.
"Is she giving up now?" Yuri hoped.
"Yuri, mother called me and said we will be having a new member within the mansion. She is to take over the cover story mom used." Entoma reported.
"Did you already prepare the room?" Yuri asked, already standing up.
"No. I brought the new member to the west wing first. There she can get closer to the twins." Entoma answered.
"Then we should prepare a room for her." Yuri nodded.
"Indeed." Entoma agreed and they walked towards the western wing. There they prepared a room in such a way that the wheelchair bound woman could use it without a problem.
Once the room was finished they showed the room to the new charge.
"Woah. That looks great. Thank you both." the new member beamed.
"Thank you. I hope we will get along nicely." Yuri smiled.
"I hope. Before I forget, old-mother said that she will be here soon." the new charge told them.
"Hrm. Yuri?" Entoma said, an audible smirk laced in her voice.
"Alright alright. You won the bet." Yuri smiled and Entoma nodded.
"That is correct. I will have a lot of cuddle time with mom for the foreseeable future." Entoma vibrated, like all her insects. Yuri knew that this was showing the happiness of her small sister in arms.
"Indeed. You do." Yuri sighed.
Just in that moment the twins came in and were ecstatic.
"Mom is back." Both told them, squeezing Entoma like a small teddy.
"Then we should greet her properly." Yuri said and took the handles of the new wheelchair.
"That would be a good thing. Thanks Yuri." she said.
"No problem. Though I think we should assign Tuare this role tomorrow." Yuri smiled.
"I will tell her afterwards." Entoma agreed.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama walked through the portal and saw the foyer of her mansion. She just saw the shadows of the twins, who immediately ran off. Probably to tell the others of her appearance.
Soon after all were gathered in the foyer. The maids, except Enti, bowed. The twins, Arche, Zesshi, Enti and the Younger were in a group hug.
After a satisfying cuddling Arachama opened her tight hug and released her children.
"I hereby present to you all my new charge, 'Arachama the younger' or as we should call here: Arachne." Arachama announced, giving her new creation a second name.
"I thank you, old-mother." Arachne nearly cried in happiness.
"Nothing to thank me." Arachama smiled.
"Mother, did you already eat dinner?" Enti inquired, looking worried the moment Arachamas stomach grumbled.
"No. I was preparing as much as possible. Monga proposed to set me asleep for the duration of two upcoming battles. I agreed, since I fear the worst could happen." Arachama answered, looking to the floor.
"Then we shall prepare a snack for everyone." Yuri proposed and Zesshis stomach seemed to agree, as it too grumbled.
"That would be lovely, Yuri. Zesshi, I would like for you to prepare a trunk. Leinas can help you. I heard you nearly forgot some things last time." Arachama smiled and her daughter jumped up.
"Yes, mom." Zesshi took Leinas hand and dragged her along.
"Arachne, I will show you to my office. So when I am gone for a bit of time, you can keep up the papertrail." Arachama told Arachne, who nodded.
"Then Tuare is your maid, she will help you in daily business." Entoma said. Tuare stood up and walked behind Arachne's wheelchair, like she had seen Fith and Foire do with Arachama.
"Now then. Let's get started, Arachama yawned and all walked into her office.
The rest of the evening went by like a flash. She would fall asleep in her office, Arachne and Enti in her arms.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Zesshi ←
Zesshi woke up feeling her muscles ache. She crawled out of bed and looked over the prepared trunk.
"Right. Mom wanted me prepared when I moved out." Zesshi sighed.
"Sadly she is still too cautious with me. But that is one reason why I like her. She is much softer to me than my former mother was." Zesshi thought, remembering all the 'training' her mother did with her. She remembered how her former mother tried to get rid of her. Luckily Zesshi was too resilient.
Zesshi looked at the trunk again and then decided to begin the day in earnest. She stood up and cracked her fingers, neck and shoulders. Afterwards she went towards the living room. The twins and Arche were already there.
"Mornin'" Kuude and Ure grumbled.
"No such tone. You decided to stay awake far too long." Arche scolded.
"Sis is evil." Both laughed and Arche then sighed.
"At least they are awake." Zesshi grumbled.
"That's true. By the way, how did you convince mom?" Arche asked.
"I didn't. Lord Ainz Ooal Gown did. Though mom will need all your help later." Zesshi answered.
"How can we help her?" The twins wanted to know.
"Lord Ainz proposed to let her sleep through the time I am away. He fears that she might do some, let's call it, unsavory things. She accepted. It would be best if we are at her side when she goes to sleep and when she wakes up." Zesshi told them.
"That would be great." Kuude began.
"We can also arrange shifts to cuddle with her." Ure finished.
"That is a good idea." Arche smiled.
They continued to do small talk until Entoma walked in. She looked like the gods had blessed her in person and Zesshi could only smile.
"I see one of us had a good morning." Zesshi snickered.
"I had a great evening and the perfect place to sleep." Entoma beamed.
"So I heard." Zesshi laughed.
"What do you mean?" Entoma shot.
"Don't worry. Leinas has a room close and she saw you all in moms office. She closed the door and we talked a bit afterwards. Nothing dangerous." Zesshi tried to calm Entoma down. It worked.
"Then I should go. Mother will be asleep for quite a while. Cant have her sleep without a proper meal beforehand." Entoma sighed and left.
"You know she will probably go after Leinas?" Arche asked.
"She wouldn't. Leinas is close to mom. Besides, I heard she won a bet. I also know that she wants to have tons of cuddle time with mom." Zesshi giggled.
"Mom is surely lucky." Arche sighed.
"Indeed." The twins agreed.
Afterwards the twins got a board game called 'Settlers of Catan'. They enjoyed it until Entoma burst in and told them that breakfast was ready. They placed the boardgame back and followed Entoma to the northern living room.
There sat Arachama, looking tired and fearful. Zesshi walked over and hugged her. The overbearing arms of mom would go around her and squeeze her tightly.
"Everything will be going smoothly and fast. You wouldn't even feel the time going by." Zesshi whispered and felt mom stroke her hair.
"I know. But I still fear for my child. Let me have that." Arachama whispered back and Zesshi felt a teardrop on top of her head.
"Then let me try to help you with that:" Zesshi proposed.
"Alright. Let's get this over with." mom sighed, lifting the hug.
"That is the mentality, mom." Zesshi beamed and felt her mothers mood increase.
Soon after Entoma, Tuare and Ninya walked in with big plates. On those were many different choices from boiled eggs, bread and bacon to scrambled egg, cheeses and even some meats.
"Don't eat too much now, we prepared some nice desserts. Don't want to waste too much of those." Entoma reminded her siblings, who looked pleadingly back.
"See mom. Everything will be fine." Zesshi took mothers hand and squeezed it. Arachama sighed and began to eat. Small portions, but still, she ate.
As usual, Arachama seemed to listen in on everyone. Zesshi actually decided to keep her talk as light as possible, if only to keep her mother calm. Leinas understood immediately and both talked about the Baharut and its structure. She listened in on the twins and Arche, who talked about a new board game called 'Aggravation'. They couldn't wait to play it.
The maids talked amongst themselves. Fith and Foire preptalked Tuare, who was fearful of failing in her assignment. Ninya meanwhile talked with Yuri, who cheered her up, saying that Ninya as an arachne was too hard to hide.
The last two she observed were Arachne and Entoma. Entoma explained most of what she knew about the mansion, how everything was working and who Arachne could ask in emergencies. Arachne seemed to be taking the information like a sponge takes water. Zesshi then remembered the talk she overheard between Lord Ainz and mother.
"I hope for this 'Touch Me'- guy that he never shows up. Mom can be quite vindictive when it comes to some people. And he seemed to be on her shit-list." Zesshi shuddered.
Sadly all good things must end and so did the breakfast end with a big amount of deserts. Some pudding, some more chocolate cakes and even a big tower made of chocolate and vanilla ice. Arachama seemed to enjoy it and the tears she had seen were now nearly gone.
After deserts the children cramped around Arachama and cuddled for hours. No word was spoken. No word was needed. They were just enjoying the cuddling and the hugs were deeper this time. Zesshi felt tears falling down her cheek and decided that this time, she would allow it. Just when the clock hit 12, a portal opened and Lord Ainz came through, followed by a man, who she guessed was this Sebas and some of the so called 'Hanzos'. Zesshi relaxed and one after another the cuddling ball of spiders fell apart.
"Are you ready, Aracha?" Lord Ainz asked.
"I am." Mom stated, sad determination in her eyes.
"Then we should go to your bedroom."Lord Ainz said and the group went there.
Once inside Arachama went to bed, a cozy pajama in place of the usual dress. Entoma and Zesshi held hands while the others stroked mom. Mother took some deep breaths and then nodded.
"Good night, my children. Please be kind to poor Enti." mom said and Lord Ainzs hand moved to her forehead.
"Sleeping Beauty" was casted and mother immediately fell into her bed, sleeping extremely deep. The face was peaceful, as if stress never caught her heart. Calmness radiated from her. Entoma immediately cuddled with mother, while the twins, Arachne and Arche remained for a short time.
"She will be asleep until either I wake her up or a month is gone by." Lord Ainz explained to the beings still in the room.
"Thank you, Lord Ainz." Zesshi said, bowing respectfully.
"Not for that. I know her and she can be quite extreme and quite clumsy. But she was always a kind soul." Lord Ainz told the group.
"Yes, she can be quite extreme." Zesshi sighed in her head.
"I should go and gather my trunk. Foire? Can you drive Sebas and me to the imperial palace?" Zesshi asked.
"Of course, Miss Zesshi." Foire replied and ran out to prepare a carriage.
"The Hanzo's will go with you. You don't need to mention them for now. Travel as if you are only two individuals. Cant have enough surprises for the unsuspecting." Lord Ainz ordered them and Sebas, like Zesshi, bowed.
"Should we go now, Miss Zetsumei?" Sebas asked.
"I am ready. But maybe you can spend a little time with Tuare while I speak with my siblings?" Zesshi proposed.
"That sounds great." Sebas agreed
After Foire finished the preparations Zesshi placed her trunk at the end of the carriage. She did so herself because Foire had much trouble even lifting it. After the trunk was secured Sebas walked out with Tuare at his side. She had red cheeks and Sebas also, for his stoic appearance anyway, seemed to blush.
"Give her finally the kiss." Zesshi shouted and the blush on both got deeper.
They looked at each other and Tuare seized the opportunity. She jumped up and nearly rammed her lips into his.
Just as they separated, Lord Ainz walked out of the mansion. He looked at the group and then seemed to smile, though it was hard to tell because of his face.
"Don't hesitate. Don't act stupid. And by the love of everything, keep yourself healthy. Aracha will kill me if you get hurt." Lord Ainz ordered and Zesshi nodded.
"Of course, Lord Ainz." Zesshi answered.
"Then everything will go well. We will meet here after the battle at Cologne. Then we will go to Katze Plains'" Lord Ainz told them and Sebas, like Zesshi, understood. The fire in the right eye of Lord Ainz shone brighter, as if he understood their reaction.
"Then bring glory to Nazarick." He said and cast the typical portal. He walked through when Zesshi and Seba were arriving at the border of the mansions garden.
The trip to the palace went without a problem, though many people looked at Zesshi in a fearful manner. Zesshi ignored the glances and decided to relax, taking as much rest as possible. Sebas meanwhile was silent and Zesshi returned this favor in kind.
Once they got closer to the imperial palace Zesshi opened her eyes again and observed. Only Griffin riders and some Praetorians were visible. Zesshi sighed.
After they were controlled Foire drove the carriage to the front gates and allowed Sebas and her to disembark. Zesshi took her trunk, though Sebas offered to help her. She declined.
Once they entered they were led towards the emperor. He was in his usual war room and Zesshi looked around
"Good day, Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix. My companion and I are here on behalf of Nazarick." Sebas greeted him and Jircniv looked over at them.
"Good day. I already met Zesshi Zetsumei. Who might you be?" Jircniv inquired.
"My name is Sebas Tian. I am here as protection for Miss Zesshi. Lady Arachama, the arachne, would be most difficult if one of her children would be killed in battle. I hope that isn't a problem." Sebas inquired.
"None at all. I was just curious. Here is the situation. The city Colognium is surrounded by our forces. We will storm the city tomorrow, then rest a day and then move the two legions there to Katze Plains. There they will wait for Re-Estize to make their appearance. Any questions?" Jircniv summarized.
"None, emperor." Zesshi replied, a cheerful tone in her voice.
"Then we will send you over with the rations." Jircniv sighed.
"That sounds great. Since the rations will be delivered in the evening, is there a place we can rest?" Zesshi asked, feeling a bit tired and hungry.
"You can stay here, as lunch will be served soon." Jircniv proposed.
"That sounds great." Zesshi beamed and placed herself on one of the couches, while Sebas went towards one corner and seemed to be waiting.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Ainz Ooal Gown ←
Ainz was sitting at his desk constantly. He knew it would be hard for Aracha, as she would miss much of her children. Luckily she had agreed to be placed in this magical sleep. He was also quite touched at the picture he saw. Her children are reassuring her and trying their best to make it easy for her.
"She truly needs this. But we should look for a way to get her calmer in such situations. What if we need her? We also can't risk the costs for every time we need to send reinforcements and it is from her children." Ainz thought.
Sadly he didn't trust anyone within this tomb to be a mind healer for her. Thus other means would be needed, and he didn't have any ideas for now.
Just as he was giving up his train of thought, a knock came from the door.
"Come in." He ordered and Demiurge was walking inside.
"What is it?" Ainz thought.
"I would like to propose an idea." Demiurge began, his tail wiggling.
"Oho. What would this idea be?" Ainz asked, intrigued.
"I am sure it is within your 10000 year plan and you already thought of it. But why don't we test the remaining children of Lady Arachama for talents?" Demiurge answered.
"An interesting proposal. But we need to play this carefully." Ainz thought.
"As expected of my strategist. You figured out this part. But we will wait till Aracha is awake again. If we do this now her trust in us would be destroyed. Especially if we try to hide it. That would be detrimental for the tomb." Ainz replied.
"I don't know how far she would go then, but I am sure it would be bad in any case." Ainz felt a shiver running down his back.
"As you wish, Lord Ainz. I am also here to report that the Re-Estize Army is closing in on E-Rantel." Demiurge reported.
"I will be at the Katze Plains soon. While I have confidence in Sebas, I heard that this army is much larger. Besides, I need to show my presence at some point." Ainz mumbled.
"Are you sure, Lord Ainz? I am sure we can send a representative in your stead." Demiurge argued.
"That would be detrimental. I am sure you can think of the reason why I must go. But I am willing to have Albedo come with me as a guard. Sebas will also be there." Ainz said and Demiurge relaxed.
"Then I have no objections, Lord Ainz. I need to prepare for the thing called 'party'. I have already prepared the sheep and the wine." Demiurge told him, bowed and left.
"Such a nice thing to see them grow into respectable beings." Ainz smiled inside his mind.
AN: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did, please leave a review/ comment or something like that ^^