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 45
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arche ←
Arche, though quite reluctantly as she had studied, found herself in her mothers inescapable hug. She then slept till the morning, when she was nudged awake and stared at the pain filled eyes of her mother. Her mother couldn't really speak and only breathed rapidly. Arche immediately shot up and blasted the door open, accidentally hitting her big sister, Entoma, in the process.
"We need to call Pestonya!" Arche shouted down the hall, after which she heard Entomas groan.
"Then do so, I will take care of mom." Entoma ordered and Arche sprinted towards the foyer, knowing that there was an emergency scroll for the "Message"-spell. She found it and remembered the instructions before casting it.
"We have an emergency! Mother is in deep pain and barely able to speak due to rapid breathing!" Arche reported and not even three seconds later the usual portal opened and Pestonya ran through.
"She is in her bedroom." Arche told her and immediately Pestonya ran off.
When Arche reached the door of said bedroom, it was already closed. Entoma stood in front of the door and denied anyone entry.
"Can I help, big sister?" Arche inquired.
"Yes. Keep the twins and the others occupied and tell Ninya to help Yuri for the day, as I am occupied at the moment. Yuri is also to report to Nazarick that it is time. The egg is coming." Entoma ordered and Arche immediately left.
She soon found Ninya and signed her to follow, which she did.
"How may I serve you?" Ninya asked.
"I am here to inform you that Entoma has assigned you to Yuri for the moment. She is guarding moms bedroom for now." Arche sighed at her sister's antics.
"Oh. So it is the time already?" Ninya replied and they continued in silence.
Once Arche and Ninya were in front of Yuri's office, she knocked.
"Come in." Yuris voice came and Ninya opened the door. Both went inside.
"What did the twins do this time?" Yuri asked, already massaging her forehead.
"Nothing with my little sisters. Ninya here is assigned to you for now, as Entoma is guarding our mother. I am also told that you need to report to Nazarick that it is time?" Arche reported and Yuri began to smile.
"Then I will do so. See it as done." Yuri beamed and went to get a scroll.
Arche would spend the rest of the morning in anticipation, and trying to keep the twins as occupied as possible. Luckily she was able to convince Zesshi and Arachne to play monopoly with them, to their dismay.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Ainz ←
Ainz sat at his desk, working through the stacks of papers when Albedo ran inside.
"It is happening, my love. We need to go!" she smiled and grabbed him by the arm. Ainz immediately realized that the first step of his trauma was going to happen today. Arachama was laying the egg.
So he casted "Gate" and went through to his friend's mansion. He was greeted by Yuri Alpha, who led them towards Arachas living room. Afterwards she gathered a breakfast for Albedo, as he himself was in Calcium-form.
"It is surprisingly silent." He remarked.
"We casted a barrier, keeping Lady Arachamas shouts within her room, Lord Ainz." Yuri explained.
"I see. And her other children?" he inquired.
"Occupied in the western wing so as to not have Pestonya interrupted, my Lord." she answered and Albedo nodded along.
They sat there long enough for Ainz to lose the feeling of time. He held Albedo's hand, walked around the room and rambled to himself over and over again.
Despite his emotional suppression he still got scared a few times when he thought about the prospect of being a father.
He, several times, was ready to storm in. But Entoma stood her ground and Ainz didn't want to know how far she would go and did not want to hurt one of his friends' creations.
Albedo meanwhile drank a cup of tea after another, obviously anxious as well. Yuri, around noon, sends Ninya to prepare dinner for the children and Albedo. She herself asked if Ainz wanted something to eat, but even if he would change form, he doubted he could eat anything and keep it in his stomach. Soon Yuri returned.
"Lady Albedo, the pawn in the capital of Re-Estize asks to meet Lady Arachama." she told them.
"Albedo, meet with her and make an appointment for Arachama. It should be as soon as possible." Ainz ordered and Albedo used the "Gate", which Ainz casted, to get to it.
Ainz meanwhile began to read through older 'Spider Papers', if only to keep him occupied.
Not even five minutes later Albedo returned and made a note.
"The appointment is tomorrow morning. I hope it will be possible, since Nazarick has a high interest in moving fast and controlled in regards to that pile of rabble." Albedo told Yuri, who took the note and brought it to Arachamas office.
Hour after hour ran by, the anxiousness rose and when the afternoon was leaving for the evening, he was ready to burst down the door, even if Entoma was vehemently guarding it. She was already glaring at him and had prepared some seals.
But being unable to do anything, too anxious, scared and excited, he continued to walk up and down the living room.
Late in the night, just when he heard Ninya come back to report her sister asleep, the door opened.
"It is done, my Lord. Lady Arachama has laid the egg." Pestonya reported and nearly collapsed from exhaustion.
"Any complications?" Albedo immediately inquired.
"None. It was her first time laying an egg, thus it took so much time." Pestonya explained, grabbing the handle of the door.
"You should rest here, as you are obviously fighting to stand." Ainz ordered and brought her to the couch in the room, then placed a blanket on her.
He walked in and observed his friend. She was covered in sweat and smiling brightly. In her arms was a single egg the size of a toddler.
"No wonder she needed all that time," he thought.
Arachama coddled the egg and beamed, despite seemingly having been in pain for the whole day.
"Are you ok?" he asked.
"I feel splendid. But the small one here will fill me with even more joy." Aracha smiled and small tears fell down her cheeks.
"Then you shall rest. I keep Albedo under lock and key in regards to her plans. I will come over once you are rested." Ainz stated and she only nodded.
"Then good night." Ainz said and couldn't do otherwise.
He kissed the egg and then Arachas forehead, though she was already sleeping.
He stood in the mansion and thought about his, his friends and Nazaricks future. In all three regards he was glad for this day.
"Hopefully she can finally heal." he thought as his mind returned to his best friend and the only one who stood with him till the end.
→ E-Pespel Raeven-manor / Zanac ←
E-Pespel, which was closely located to E-Rantel, had once been formerly given to the family Raeven. Since that time the family took great care of the adventurers and the defense of E-Rantel. The defense of the Kingdom was also mirrored in E-Pespels design. Three layers of city walls, which were not built for show but for military purposes, stood proudly since the first Marquise Raeven had built them.
But the current Marquis Raeven felt that the kingdom wasn't only facing a threat outside but an even greater threat from the inside.
King Ramposa, since the demise of his wife, was in a deep depression. The unwillingness to rule the kingdom has left an empty space in the dynamics. Now with the illness, the king was effectively overthrown, though the prince was either clever or stupid enough to not name himself the king.
But the prince had taken over. Since then catastrophe after catastrophe came from the capital. He could see all the travelers leaving for the eastern countries. The shame, hate and anger in their eyes were always visible for the trained politician, whenever he visited the city.
Luckily his mansion was in the center of the city and he could get all the necessities without any trouble. But today was terrible, despite his ability to blend the world out temporarily. He went to his office, where his friend, Prince Zanac, was reading.
"We have a letter with the monster's seal." he grumbled and gave it to Zanac.
He read it and soon sighed.
"So we lose more talented people. When does he learn?" Zanac asked into the room before he got to drink another sip of wine.
"It is too early to get drunk. We need a clear head to plan our next steps." Raeven said and took Zanacs glass out of his hand.
"Alright, alright. First we need a list of threats. We have my sister and this Nazarick. My brother is also one." Zanac sighed.
"We also have to keep Baharut in mind. They are allied with the monsters." Raeven continued.
"The question now is our goals, and which are feasible to achieve." Zanac said, straightening his back.
"That is a good question. Without a doubt the safety of the kingdom's citizens. Then we have the remainder of the kingdom." Raeven listed.
"For that we need to get rid of my brother and sister. Then the kingdom needs amicable relations with the Sorcerer Kingdom and Roble." Zanac sighed.
"I have a few ideas already. There was this old idea amongst kings…" Raeven began.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←
Renner was in her bed and reading through the papers when she found a nice discussion between her brother and that Marquise he called friend. While they seemingly thought to be safe she read along and found herself quite entertained.
"Finally learning, brother?" she whispered to herself and snickered.
They were planning to get rid of her, and even got a few plans with that goal in mind.
"I should contact Lady Arachama as soon as possible." Renner said out and waited for a few moments.
"Lady Albedo will come over, clear the area." came the written reply and she followed the orders.
Once she made sure her room was locked, the windows were closed and the curtains were pulled over them, Renner began to bow. Soon she saw the purple glimmer of the usual portal and could smell Lady Albedos perfume.
"Lady Arachama is occupied for the moment. I am here in her stead." Albedo told Renner and seated herself.
"I wanted to talk about a potential enemy within the kingdom." Renner replied and Albedo squinted her eyes.
"Who might that be?" Albedo inquired.
"Marquise Raeven. I personally think he is getting too much influence over one of my gullible brothers. But I also think that he could be manipulated. I have an idea for that and ask permission and personnel to enact it." Renner said.
Albedo looked at her. The yellow eyes pierced her and observed every muscle on Renners face, searching for any sign that she was lying. Soon Albedo smirked.
"It is quite a selfish request to get revenge on your brother's friend. Isn't he correct in describing you as a monster? You will prepare for tomorrow morning. The room will be sealed and then we have a meeting with Lady Arachama. She has decided to give more direct input in our operation here." Albedo ordered.
"It will be done." Renner promised, cursing that she would miss Climb's bath.
"Good. But for today we will rest the matter. My love is under stress since my lady is in pain. Till tomorrow." Albedo sighed and went through the portal from before. It closed directly after her.
"What could occupy the attention of such beings?" Renner questioned herself and went back to read through the papers.
As soon as she was immersed in her reading the door to her room flew open.
"Sister, prepare yourself. I have good news for you." her brother's voice boomed through the room.
"Good news for you maybe. But all you did was a catastrophe for everyone else." she hissed in her mind.
"What's?" she asked, playing the sleepy princess.
"I got a clever idea. To ensure the loyalty of one of my best advisors I decided to give him a reward. Guess what that is?" he beamed.
She rubbed her eyes and decided that the situation was definitely going to be bad.
"Who? What?" she hissed, not holding back her annoyance.
"You know how politics work, right?" Barbo smiled.
"Yes, brother." she nodded.
"Well. I want to bring one of my best advisors, Baron Philip Montserat, closer to the family. There is only one option though. You. Now use your airhead and think what that means." he smirked and Renner had to keep from vomiting.
After a minute his smirk fell a bit.
"And here they tell me that you can be smart. Gossip seems to over exaggerate things. You are to marry him. I set the wedding in a month's time." Barbo sighed and left the room.
Renner meanwhile felt her world fall apart. She needed to meet her master soon, and try to get this solved as fast as possible. Renners day was ruined and she barely contained her anger. She would fall asleep fuming so much that the windows would fog up.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
It was the early morning, when Arachama tapped her left arm. A soft, yet hard, object was in her hand. She slowly but steadily opened her eyes and looked towards the egg. A squeal of joy was almost on her lips when she heard a soft knock on the door.
"Come in." she allowed.
Enti came inside, accompanied by all her children. They cuddled together without saying anything. But she could almost smell the excitement. They observed the egg and even held their ears to the shell. A small beat was within it.
Just as Arachama wanted to stand up her stomach grumbled.
"Breakfast was prepared, mom. But the others wanted to see the new sister first." Enti beamed.
She simply nodded before the group went towards the end of the room. She had prepared a small baby bed for the egg. She placed it inside and tucked it in.
Afterwards Arachama almost got carried to breakfast by her children. Nothing of significance happened there and so she simply enjoyed the food, fried egg, roasted potato with fly-sauce.
After eating Arachama rested, in accordance with Pestonyas recommendation, she was to take a week of rest before she would be somewhat ready again. After another three months she would be completely healed and her hormones would be normal again.
Just as she had dressed up she heard Albedo's voice in the foyer. Curiosity took over as she walked into the foyer, where she was quite surprised. Her table was covered in sweets and tea. Albedo kneeled and Renner was beside, also kneeling.
"Good morning." Arachama smiled and both greeted her back.
She walked over to her seat and signed for them to get seated.
"Play it cool. I need to roll along Mongas bullshitery." she thought and decided to play the all-knowing friend.
"Dig in." Arachama told them and Renner, though hesitant at first, ate.
Albedo also took some cookies and tea.
"I want, to some extent, change the plans. Sadly there seem to be … complications." Arachama said, using a trick her husband had used back when he was alive.
"Yes, Lady Arachama. The current prince is trying to force a marriage between a baron and myself. It is due in a month's time." Renner hissed.
"That would be terrible indeed since I promised you your pet, Climb." Arachama understood and thought about some things.
"Could your father stop that?" she inquired.
"He could since, luckily, a baron could be considered a terrible match. But he would also undo all the damage done." Renner sighed.
"Hmm. How could we do this? Though I think I have an idea." she thought.
"Are there any people we can manipulate?" she whispered and thought.
"Potentially we have blackmail on all." Renner insinuated.
"The problem is that the current prince is unpredictable, especially with his aid. As much as I hate to say it, too many people changing what they say will get suspicious." Albedo sighed.
"There are four groups of nobles right now. The first are the individualists. They don't support any party and thus are irrelevant as they tend to have limited power and connections.
Then there is the noble party, which is no problem at all. Easily manipulated by their greed. Besides that they are in the pockets of eight fingers, which we own now.
The third party is the royal-faction. They are loyal to the crown, for now. Harder to manipulate but they could be worthwhile.
The last group is relatively new, easy to manipulate and doesn't know what it's doing. It is too unpredictable and thus shouldnt be counted on for now. Sadly most of the prince's advisors are from this faction." Arachama summarized the information of Re-Estize's political climate.
"There was a plan in place, but you had other ideas. But I think we might be able to use this mess to our advantage." Albedo smirked. Renner looked at both of them with raised eyebrows.
"I don't want to give the kingdom a fast ending. But I think we might get something out of it. What I need is someone who is capable, has connections and can be blackmailed with little effort on our hands. Sadly there aren't many left." Arachama sighed.
"I know someone, sadly my brother is with him." Renner sighed.
"Yes. Marquise Raeven does fit the bill. Especially since he is able to clean after himself. If I had not placed my little children all over the kingdoms, I wouldn't know his dirty laundry. But we wouldn't need that. He has a much cuter Achilles heel. Renner, I think we will get your situation cleared easily." Arachama smiled as Renners eyes went from anxiety to bliss.
"Thank you, my lady. I am truly grateful." Renner smiled and a tear of joy fell down her cheek.
"No problem. Have you solved the riddle around our little present?" Arachama inquired.
"Indeed, though, I will need help with the albion lamb." Renner sighed.
"Then all is set. You will get a second one soon. Remember that Climb has to do the requirement as well." Arachama told her.
"That wouldn't be a problem, Lady Arachama." Renner nodded.
"Good. But there is one more thing we need to talk about. Monga has plans and I fear that war will be in the way. I want your kingdom to neglect artillery." Arachama said.
Renner and Albedo looked at her with confused eyes.
"Albedo, sometimes wars unite." Arachama sighed and Albedo was visibly thinking for a minute before she beamed.
"Of course, why haven't I thought of that." Albedo exclaimed and nodded along.
"That would surely build a good reputation amongst them. We might even be able to gain land and deal a decisive blow." Albedo smirked.
"Good that you understand. Now Renner, could you get that wretched kingdom to do that? It would help tremendously." Arachama ordered and Renner nodded.
"Good. Since we are finished."Gate". And be careful and prepared." she said and Renner went through the portal.
"I need to go as well, Lady Arachama. I need to get the paperwork for Demiurge gone. He needs a lot of resources lately." Albedo smirked.
"Have fun with that. But before that, be a dear and get me a security detail. I think Shalltear would be perfect." Arachama smiled while casting "Gate" again.
"Of course, Lady Arachama." Albedo responded and walked through the portal. Not even two minutes later Shalltear went through and kneeled.
"How may I serve you, Lady Arachama." Shalltear asked.
"I want to visit a future 'friend'." Arachama answered.
→ E-Pespel Raeven-manor / Marquise Raeven ←
Marquise Raeven had a meeting with the prince and then wrote many letters. Their plan for now was to fish for information. While the monster could be relied upon, for now, it didn't mean that the situation would remain that way.
All of that had taken nearly the whole morning and noon. Luckily the prince was asleep for now and thus Raeven could have a bit of time with his son and wife.
He was just about to enter his wifes study when he heard giggles from his son and an eerily familiar voice.
"He is truly cute, isn't he? How old is he? Four? And already a smart chap, aren't you. Tut tut." he heard through the door.
"Yes he is clever. But how did you enter this house?" his wife, seemingly trying to be calm, inquired.
"That is none of your business, mortal." another unknown voice reprimanded.
"Don't be such a spoilsport. She is concerned about her child. It is completely understandable. He is truly cute. How is his name again?" the familiar voice inquired.
"Rimulus. I am so proud of him. He could speak at half a year of age." his wife's voice told the 'guests'.
"That is good. But I think the host of the tea-party should enter." the familiar voice said and the door opened.
Raeven stood there in shock and just looked around.
Before him was a small, seemingly childlike, woman with an elaborated dress. Silver hair was in a ponytail and she had red eyes.
Beside her stood one of his worst nightmares and held his oldest child on her lap. His son, seemingly oblivious to the danger, played with the arachnid monstrosity as if it were an old aunt or something.
"Good afternoon." he intoned in a forcefully calmed voice.
"Ahh. Marquise Raeven. Such a great day to visit you. You don't need to be afraid of me or my companion, at least as long as you don't attack any of us." Arachama promised and continued to play bumpety bump rider with his son.
Raeven stepped inside, completely overwhelmed by the situation.
"When? How? What?" he stuttered.
"So you know her?" his wife inquired.
"Yes, dear. She was the ambassador of that 'Sorcerer King'." Raeven replied.
"That is correct Elianore. But there is one introduction that needs to be done. Raeven, this is Shalltear Bloodfallen. Shalltear this is Marquise Raeven." Arachama introduced before continuing to play with his son.
"Wife, I think you should go. Maybe the son is getting tired?" he tried.
"But papa." the son tried.
"He is correct, a cute little guy like you needs his sleep. Go with your mama." The guest coed and his son and wife left the room.
"You must wonder why and how I came here. That leads to the reason behind our meeting. I am here to get a new pawn since my old one needs to leave soon, as you will understand in a short while. I also don't think that I need to blackmail you, right?" Arachama smiled at him.
"She already knows that she already did that." Raeven thought and squinted his eyes.
"Then why do this? I thought our kingdoms were at peace." Raeven inquired.
"Simple. I can live with insults against me individually. What do I care what someone thinks of me? But against my kin is something I can't let slide. There is too much in the balance. But I also don't want to risk the treaty." Arachama stated.
"Then why do this?" Raeven asked, waiving around himself.
"I have a plan, which enables me to achieve a few goals. I want to use your political influence to enact that plan. Luckily for you, I am only here for this and after that affair you are free to be out of my way, like the darkness at dawn." Arachama told him.
"I don't have a choice, better listen for now." Raeven hissed in his head.
"What do you have planned, Lady Arachama." he asked.
"How about this…" she began and Raeven felt sad for the kingdom and the role his family had cherished within it.
→ Karaz-Ar-Araz council chamber / Ironspine ←
Ironspine, despite the pain in his lower back and elbow, had moved his dying body to this chamber. Today the rangers had returned and seemingly they got new information.
He was seated in his chair and almost asleep when the high-king came. Sighing he returned from his half-slumber and stared at the assembly.
While normally most of the council members were in the middle of their lifespan, in recent years many of the younger ones took over and the last of his generations were already showing signs of their coming end. Most of this was the result of 150 years of peace, which he was still wary of.
"All these youngsters. But is it already time to let the next generation take over?" he asked himself.
After the two of the clans brought another conflict into his, despite his wishes, recently peaceful life, he saw the new high-king rule. He despised it, as it became more and more visible that the high-king was now an empty shell. Then Ironspine looked around and saw all of the younger dwarfs politicking against the dwarven kingdom and only for their own interest.
"Did I really become so blind to that? Here I thought that I had enough of that in the old world. Brother would be ashamed of me. He always protected us from the mega-corporations and now I am falling to them again." he thought and felt disgusted with himself.
Meanwhile his apprentice, Fargrim Halfhand, who sat at 241 years old, gave a report. They had met a few villagers, and reported that the Slane Theocracy was without reign and now the situations were complicated. The ground was also now under the rule of someone called the 'Sorcerer King'.
He was ripped out of his thoughts when angry shouts came from the elder council members.
"What is going on?" he asked powdernose, who sat before him.
"Some of the younger clan heads proposed an attack on the surface," he answered.
Immediately Ironspine stood up and slammed the head of 'Off-Switch' onto the ground. A crack formed as small lightning engulfed his white beard.
"Do you want to turn us into oathbreakers?" his voice thundered.
"B-bu-but. The reports. There is no-one up there. It is ripe for the taking." a younger clan head, recognising him from clan alebeard, replied.
"We took an oath of mutual friendship with the Slane Theocracy. I will not die as an oathbreaker. Neither do I have the wish to fight an unknown caster." he grumbled, his anger glowing in his eyes for the first time in his late age.
"What do you propose then?" the youngest king asked, a sneer on his face.
"Send messengers to that 'Sorcerer King' maybe he is as reliable as the Slane Theocracy. If not, we will see from there." Ironspine said.
"Umgi can't be trusted."
"Is old age making him soft?"
"Why is he on the council again and not forced out?"
Many such shouts were heard.
"Well spoken old comrade." one of his last friends whispered as Ironspine sat again, thanks to his back pain coming back.
"Thanks, Snobbi." he answered Snobbi Granitetooth, who would be 336 in a few months.
Snobbi Granittooth was his comrade in arms since Ironspine was 147 years old, and had taken an oath to be his rememberer, which would only be accomplished when Snobbi would finish Ironspines tale. Over time they had gotten close and Ironspine wished that Snobbi could fulfill his oath soon.
"I will vote with my teacher." Halfhand shouted and the elder dwarfs shouted in agreement.
"Then we shall vote now." the high-king commanded.
"It is the first time he actually did something besides looking stupid." Ironspine thought and raised an eyebrow.
"Who is for Ironspines proposal?" came the question and 26 dwarfs stood up.
"With 26 of 45 votes we have the majority, your highness." Halfhand told the high-king, who looked sour.
"Then act accordingly." came the reply.
"Of course." Ironspine nodded.
The rest of the meeting went without rousing another outburst of his temper. But looking back onto it, he really enjoyed the fearful faces of the youngsters.
He opened the door to his home and then felt another pinch in his back.
"I hate back pain." he hissed as he entered his home.
→ RHK Hoburns / Remedios ←
Remedios had trained for what she knew was coming. She had trained with her sword to cut them to pieces and her mace to break the pests bones. Sadly not even her vision prepared her for the moment laying ahead of her.
In the throne room of her friend was a messenger, though she would rather describe him as a ragged survivor. He had a nasty bite wound where his shoulder once was. The skin was unnaturally pale, which was why she first thought to see an undead, and he had a soulless stare in his eyes.
"So the demi-humans are on the move again?" Calca asked.
"Yes, your majesty." the survivor reaffirmed.
"Remedios, you will lead the counter offensive. Kelart, prepare the defense in Helmgard. If we are lucky we can keep them bottled up there." Calca told them.
Both sisters nodded and left with the survivor.
He left them soon, though Remedios knew that he wouldn't make it far.
AN: I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, feel free to leave a comment/ review.
I will also not be able to write for the next week, since I visit my family. That means that the next chapter will take a bit more time than usual. Thank you for your patience and have a nice day.