CHAPTER 37:

GAMES

A few days after that, Harry received an invitation to the Grand Arena, along with a number of others. He was not a frequent attendee of the games that were held there, but he had gone on occasion, usually when Jircniv invited him. Only this time, Jircniv invited Momonga and Albedo along with Foresight, Antilene and Leinas, the latter group having attended the games before. Hell, Leinas had even fought in the arena itself(1).

"Shades of Imperial Rome," Momonga remarked even as he sat with Jircniv in the imperial box, wearing a disguise ring, as was Albedo. Harry had set up a Privacy Charm to ensure they weren't overhead.

"That's what Harry said," Jircniv said, albeit with a proud smile. "He likened it to the Colosseum you had in your city of Rome on your world. He often compared my empire to that of Rome, and my reign rather favourably to the Roman Emperors. I have to confess to being flattered by the comparison, given what little I know of Earth."

"Is it just gladiatorial games you hold here?" Albedo asked, impressed despite herself.

"It depends on what you mean. There are a wide variety of entertainments that could be held under the umbrella title of gladiatorial combat, Albedo," Jircniv said. They no longer addressed each other with titles, the pair of them having some small degree of mutual respect by now. "Some matches pit fighters in either duels or team battles. Others pit fighters against beasts or monsters, as Hekkeran Termite can attest to."

Hekkeran nodded. "Yeah. I led Foresight in a match against some monsters in continuous waves. As you might have guessed, we won. Harry chewed me out afterwards, though."

"Because you were cocky, Hekkeran," Harry said. "And I didn't want to see my friends get killed. They also hold mock naval battles, as this arena can be flooded using magic. The Romans did something similar. Of course, they also hold executions here, and the death rate is still pretty high without factoring those in anyway. It's unusual for a day with the Grand Arena not to have at least one death. But as with Rome, professionals who fight here are expensive to train and arm, so arbitrary killing is frowned upon, and they have priests on standby to heal the wounded."

"We also hold more theatrical events here," Jircniv said. "Plays and re-enactments of historical or mythological events. Not all events here involve bloodshed…at least of the real kind. But, as I am sure you are aware, many stories in myth or history are written in blood."

All present nodded solemnly or grimly. "So why invite us, Emperor?" Momonga asked.

"I have invited Harry to these games before, and I thought you might enjoy them, if only for the novelty. Besides, I have to admit, I actually enjoyed the experience spectating in your arena in the Tomb of Nazarick, so consider this repaying the favour. Martial Lord Go-Gin will be fighting later on. I enjoy watching him fight. While Trolls are notorious for favouring brute strength above all else, Go-Gin has quite the intellect for his people. As for Foresight, well, they have rendered services to me before, even if indirectly, and Harry is on good terms with them. In addition, I was notified of what happened in Elf Country, so perhaps you could consider this an unofficial celebration of the demise of Decem Hougan."

"But there's more to it than that, isn't there?" Albedo asked.

"Of course, but it can wait until the intermission. We have something of a circus act first up, to whet the appetite for the events to come…"

And what a spectacle it was. Something like a normal circus, of acrobats, clowns and horse riders doing their thing around the arena. It was soon followed by the first round of gladiatorial combat. Nobody died, partly because they fought well enough that the crowds were satisfied. The first intermission was called, and snacks were brought in.

As they ate, Jircniv remarked, "The time is soon approaching for the annual war between my empire and Re-Estize. As you know, for the most part, it mostly amounts to sabre-rattling with some casualties, but no real gains. I was hoping to make the kingdom implode, so I could absorb it with little difficulty. However, Nazarick has changed the dynamic. If I had been ignorant, I would have asked for an overt alliance and a show of power, perhaps even helping you try and gain territory within Re-Estize in order to establish a foothold myself. However, I daresay that would have been the greatest mistake I could have made. After all, what could I offer you that you couldn't simply take by force if the whim took you? You have Super Tier Magic, after all."

"True enough," Momonga said. "And you know of my goals, Emperor. I do not intend conquest, save for the hearts and minds of people in this world, and some of the evils that beset them."

"Including the Platinum Dragon Lord," Jircniv said. "A dangerous foe, along with many others within the government of the Argland Council State. In any case, my knowledge of Nazarick and its denizens has changed matters. However, that is not all that has changed. You know of course that I have many supporters and allies within Re-Estize's nobility?"

"Indeed," Albedo said. "We have a source of our own. Marquis Blumrush, I presume your main spy is? A member of the Royalty Faction, at least publicly. In truth, he has been feeding you information behind his king's back."

Jircniv sighed. "I shouldn't be remotely surprised at your espionage capabilities anymore. If that is the case, you are aware, then, that Prince Barbro is making noise about investigating Carne and the Tomb of Nazarick?"

"Yes," Momonga said. "We are currently working on plans to counter that with a minimum of fallout…though dealing with royalty is always tricky. Barbro may be a thick-headed and hot-tempered buffoon, but he also has many supporters in the Nobility Faction, as I am sure you are painfully aware."

"I would normally disagree, as Barbro attaining the throne would ensure the kingdom would collapse sooner, and thus make it easier for me to absorb into the Empire," Jircniv said. "But Barbro would probably ruin the kingdom through misrule, as would his nobles, meaning that I could get little more than a booby prize if I'm unlucky. Zanac and Renner are better prospects, and thankfully, King Ramposa has just enough sense to avoid naming Barbro as his heir, even if he isn't taking decisive action against those fools, but primogeniture still holds sway in much of the world. And as I have stated before, the notion that blood matters above all else is a fallacy."

"On that, we can agree," Momonga said. "One needs many qualities as a ruler, and that you had them is not due to your bloodline, but due to happenstance and your education."

"Then we are in accord," Jircniv said, before he looked pensive. "I did have another reason for inviting you here, beyond telling you what is effectively old news and showing off these rather violent delights. I wanted to discuss an idea I had with you, for when Nazarick reveals itself to this world properly."

"…Go on," Harry said, wondering what Jircniv was up to.

"Tell me, Momonga or Albedo, either of you…what do you know of the Katze Plains?"

Albedo and Momonga shared a look, before Albedo gestured for Momonga to speak. "Mostly what Harry has told me, along with information we gathered from Foresight, E-Rantel and Keno. The Katze Plains is an area in the southwest of the Baharuth Empire not far from Carne and E-Rantel, though it's more of a borderland, a desolate wasteland dividing your empire from Re-Estize. A fog, one that many believe to be a sentient magical being, shrouds the region. It is a haven, even a spawning ground, for all manner of undead monsters, ranging from zombies and skeleton creatures all the way to Elder Liches and even a Skeleton Dragon. Fluder Paradyne told me that the Death Knight in his custody was found on the Katze Plains about five years ago. Every year, as you stated earlier, you face off against the forces of Re-Estize in an annual war…well, more of a skirmish garnished with sabre-rattling. While they gather more forces than you numerically, they are conscripts taken from the peasantry, whereas you can call upon a professional army that has gone through training and has better discipline. E-Rantel is close enough that Adventurers are often sent on missions to cull or even capture the undead."

After waiting for Momonga to finish, Jircniv added, "We also capture undead, for either experiments, or to fight here in this very arena. In any case, as you know, the annual war is a means to wage a war of attrition, to ensure that the Re-Estize Kingdom will eventually fall from within, and thus allow me to absorb it with ease. However, your advent has caused the dynamics of power in the region to shift. While you have been flying under the radar, to use that term Harry used with me, you have already caused the loss of the Sunlight Scripture and part of the Black Scripture of the Slane Theocracy, dismantled the Eight Fingers, and put an end to the war between the Slane Theocracy and Elf Country. And that's without going into your actions with the Lizardmen and the Dwarves. The world is changing, and one of the many things a ruler must be is adaptable. Hence the idea I have had. Its details need working out, of course, but I feel this may work in our favour."

"Then please, elucidate," Albedo said.

"I was considering officially ennobling Harry, under his habitual pseudonym, and granting him territory, specifically the Katze Plains. That is the official story. What that effectively means is that Nazarick will be gaining that very territory."

Harry stared at Jircniv. "…Sorry, what?"

"Believe me, I have considered this idea for some time, ever since Nazarick came to this world," Jircniv said. "Or rather, I considered the seeds of such a plan. While I cannot say whether this fits into your own plans, allow me to explain my thoughts."

"Please do," Momonga said.

"From what I understand of the capabilities of the beings within Nazarick, as well as the stronger items from Yggdrasil, not only would clearing the Katze Plains of undead be simplicity itself, but you could convert at least part of the Katze Plains into arable farmland," Jircniv said. "That Dark Elf Druid of yours, Mare, would certainly be capable, I'd imagine. In other words, you could grow crops of all kinds for trade, for food, textiles, and medicinal plants. In addition, it is close to the borderlands of not only Re-Estize, but also the Slane Theocracy. Should you have to go to war with the Theocracy, you are very well placed."

"And you get a powerful buffer between yourself and those other countries," Albedo observed.

"Of course. I am not hiding that. While I would like to expand the Baharuth Empire, in the end, that would mean little if I aggravate a power greater than my own. Instead, I lay the groundwork for your own country, sacrificing a little territory, albeit territory of little worth, for what could be great gains. Of course, there is something of a problem with that. The Tomb of Nazarick is based near Carne Village in the Great Forest of Tob. While not far from the Katze Plains, it's still well within Re-Estize's territory. What is more, the Nobility Faction may yet take action anyway, as some elements within Re-Estize view the Katze Plains as their territory, as the area has been subject to border disputes for centuries. And if you announce it to be part of Nazarick or Ainz Ooal Gown…the Platinum Dragon Lord may yet notice. That is why this is only something of a tentative plan."

"…That's very generous of you, Jircniv," Momonga said. "I will need to consider it, but…even if I disagree, I would still consider finding a way to make the Katze Plains arable for you."

"Thank you. Well, I believe that's enough of talking shop. The intermission is almost over…"

They had to admit, watching Go-Gin fight was something to behold. The Troll was not just strong, but fast. Harry reckoned he and Cocytus would get along swimmingly too, given their similar mentalities.

Once they had finished watching the show, and returned to Nazarick, Foresight returning to their stations at the decoy Tomb, Momonga held a meeting in the guildmaster's office. "Albedo, what are your thoughts on Jircniv's proposal?"

Albedo frowned in thought. "Demiurge might be a better one to analyse such a thing. He considers the geopolitical details in a way I may not."

"True…but Demiurge, bluntly, still has the attitude of an evil mastermind," Momonga said. "He would look for ways to leverage that into greater power for Nazarick, to possibly conquer or subvert the Baharuth Empire and/or Re-Estize. Jircniv is our friend and ally, and as for Re-Estize, it's still early days to consider what to do with them."

Albedo nodded. "In other words, you believe that I can assess the offer without trying to ensure Jircniv is our subordinate or vassal. Well, it is a very tempting offer. Jircniv gains considerable benefits, in that we act as a buffer, a shield between him and other countries, specifically Re-Estize and the Slane Theocracy. In addition, if we restore the Katze Plains to an arable state, we can farm all sorts of crops, both reducing the undead presence and thus the danger they pose to nearby settlements, as well as giving something to trade. But we also gain much too. Jircniv may be paving the way for us to officially declare a territory of sorts, and he is certainly saying that what he will grant Harry will be, if only unofficially at this time, Nazarick territory. We can also work to begin growing crops for trade, so we can avoid depleting the Treasury. And it is past time that we have established ourselves as a legitimate authority on this world. But there is a major caveat, one Jircniv pointed out. We may yet draw unwanted attention from the Platinum Dragon Lord."

"Yeah. Don't get me wrong, knowing the bastard, he'll take ages to get off his arse and do anything about it, especially if we don't conquer any territory," Harry pointed out. "Though I'm surprised he didn't investigate after that Jaldabaoth mess Demiurge cooked up. He's probably taking a wait and see approach. So, Albedo, do you reckon we should take the offer?"

"I believe we should, but after working out a plan to ensure that we control the narrative. Jircniv will be doing so, true, but together with him, we need to ensure that the Theocracy and the Platinum Dragon Lord don't catch wind of the truth, at least not until it is too late," Albedo said. "Jircniv did well in suggesting you be granted those lands and a title of nobility to confer some legitimacy. It helps ease the way. However, this may be a provocation to certain personages in Re-Estize. After all, the Katze Plains is something of a disputed zone, even if it is currently part of the Baharuth Empire."

"Then I want you and Demiurge, in consultation with Jircniv, to consider this plan carefully, and change or tweak whatever is necessary," Momonga said. "And Albedo? Jircniv seems to be particularly nervous around Demiurge, so try to act as a buffer between them where possible. Jircniv may be wary of all of us, but Demiurge in particular seems to scare him."

Albedo chuckled softly. "Demiurge has a devious mind that outmatches Emperor Jircniv's own, so it's little wonder. Don't worry, I will ensure Jircniv has little cause to worry, from Nazarick at least. Still, it was an interesting time at that arena. While none of the fighters, not even Go-Gin, could match up to our own fighters, it was interesting to witness their fighting ability."

Leinas nodded. "Jircniv and the arena organisers are good at bringing in interesting talent or entertainment. I've fought in that arena myself."

"Yeah. I wanted to do so myself," Antilene said, "but we were worried someone from the Theocracy might recognise me as Zesshi Zetsumei, as Jircniv often has dignitaries from that country over. Besides, I'd be almost thrice the level of almost anything they could throw at me, and they want to see entertainment, not a curbstomping." She sighed, leaning back in her seat. "Honestly, killing my sperm-donor was the best actual fight I've had for a long time, not counting sparring with the denizens here. The ending might have been a letdown, but the fight itself…oh, I loved it." She looked to Momonga. "Anyway, we've got an opportunity here. Let's just hope things don't go awry."

"We'll consider all the possibilities we can before saying yay or nay to that offer," Momonga said. "But this could be a significant step in our plans."

"So, no pressure," Harry snarked.

CHAPTER 37 ANNOTATIONS:

So, there you have it. Jircniv's come through with an interesting offer for Nazarick. Unlike canon, because he knows them well enough, he's discussing the plan and its pros and cons rather than keeping them in the dark or selling them on it. It's also why he, Momonga and Albedo are casual with each other. By this point, they are willing to forgo the formalities, at least in relative private. Foresight would know better than to blab.

I'm not sure when the next chapter will be out, but it's been partly written, so it may be on the way…

Incidentally, as of posting this, I now have Overlord IV on Blu-Ray! Yes!

Review-answering time! ZLC genesmith: Probably because the ritual that brings people to the New World from Yggdrasil was apparently cast by the Platinum Dragon Lord's father. I doubt anyone in the New World could create such a ritual, as it seems to be on a higher tier than most are capable of.

OniTenshi500: True, but Remedios was wielding the sword, she wasn't its target. Besides, Remedios' canon karma is actually +200, according to Maruyama's Tweets. I personally feel that is BS, given her actions towards Neia and, as you point out, demi-human children, as well as her self-righteous attitude that she mistakes for righteousness.

And while they won't be able to stop all malice against Zanac, Nazarick know of his competence as a potential monarch thanks to Renner, who, despite her personal antipathy towards him (he did call her a monster, after all), is objective enough to know he would make a better monarch. So if any plots targeted Zanac, they would try to prevent him from getting killed. Whether he will be an outright ally, I haven't decided yet.

I'm mostly going on what Antilene's abilities were in the novels. She doesn't use Za Warudo in the novel, so it's mostly her canon abilities with some Potterverse magic thrown in.

1. I'm not sure if this is canonically the case (though Foresight have fought in the arena in canon), but I remember Leinas fighting in the arena in ZeroSenpai's The Witch and the Sorcerer. That story, by the way, comes highly recommended from me.