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 41

→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←

Arachama was slowly waking up and relaxing. She looked through the open window and stared at the raindrops on the window. After trying to sleep again she gave up. She changed into her new robes, which she received after her abdomen had swollen, and she walked towards the kitchen. There she met Enti, who prepared her some tea.

Arachama scooped her up and carried her to her new indoor garden, Enti meanwhile balanced a tray with cups and a can. Once there she sat herself on one of her couches and stroked Entis 'hair' while sipping. There they relaxed for a while. She needed this while she reminisced over the last weeks, meanwhile Enti enjoyed the attention and cuddling.

After the stress, thanks to Arachamas nausea, the mansion calmed down in the three weeks afterwards. During the three weeks Arachama managed to get used to the nausea. That enabled her to, despite still feeling fuzzy, work the paperstacks in her office. Her appetite also got stronger and she ate much more than usual. Though the maids were sure to keep the food as healthy as possible. Pestonya visited her almost daily to give advice. Most of the visits were short, if you don't count the one where her mood swung and Pestonya got the short draw. Luckily Enti reacted fast and saved Pestonya by hugging Arachama.

Her daughters got more and more excited. Cuddling was the majority of the daily activities. Not that Arachama would complain, as this would happen regardless of their daughter initiating this. But it was appreciated nonetheless. Luckily the daughters kept clean of her abdomen while they cuddled. The abdomen in question was getting bigger and Enti was sure she had already heard a faint pulse, though Arche was sure it wasn't the child but the mothers.

Arachama also continued with teaching her children, though she slowed it down a bit. Kuude and Ure were going along nicely, but it was the combined effort of Arachama and Arche who kept the twins reaching new heights in their specialization. The twins were also learning writing, mathematics and more, though Arche and Zesshi joined the lessons. Arachama was completely baffled as the concept of multiplying and dividing in math was not developed in the new world. Arachama made sure the children would learn it.

The twins were now considered terrifying when playing anything involving money, and Arachama tried to find a game where the twins weren't so ravenous. They were now so hard to beat in monopoly that Arachama had to play dirty to even the field. Zesshi and Arche had given up on trying to defeat the 'twin-terrors', as they baptized them after the twins bankrupted them within an hour of monopoly. Yuri had taken them under her wing, under the close watch of the mother, and they soon proved more terrifying if it was about real money. They made Yuri's operation more efficient and even expanded it. Arachama was extremely proud of those two, at least after the terror within her subsided.

Zesshi herself was released from the grounding, as long as she wouldn't do another stunt like before again. Surprisingly she still borrowed the book on venomancy, which made Arachama happy. She was mostly training with Leinas. Both grew a bit closer as friends and developed a mixture of apprenticeship and friendship. A regular guest by the traininghall was Enti, who also got stronger and even built muscles, to Arachamas hidden confusion. They were noticeable, if one looked for them. Arachama also fed her a few other books on venomancy over Enti and Leinas, who wasnt that thrilled to be used this way but followed Arachamas wish.

Arche was like a sponge when it came to spells and Arachama was slowly training Arches core. Once it would grow adequate she would start teaching Arche higher tier spells. Arche also developed an interest with other heteromorphs and demi-humans. Arachama had acquired a few books and combined it with the training of Arches core.

Ninya and Tuare grew exceptionally, though Ninya needed a bit more training because of her changes. Tuare had taken to her role like a fish to water and Ninya was extremely similar in that regard. Both continued to work as maids and Arachama could smell their happiness. Sebas continued to see Tuare and Arachama waited for an opportunity to get the couple going a step further. Tuares love for him was obvious and Sebas also showed interest. Arachama thus had arranged for Sebas to come over twice more during the three weeks. Ninya meanwhile grew closer to Enti, as their similar anatomy brought them closer to each other. They grew closer and Arachama was close enough to call it a friendship, though sisterhood was still out of the picture.

Arachne meanwhile eagerly took the vacant place, which Zesshis lifted grounding had left behind. At least she eagerly took it in the office. Both easily worked the paperstacks, which enabled Arachama to cuddle her children more. Arachne would also visit Jircniv more often. They were planning to move a step forward in their game. Jircniv had already officially invited Arachne to a date, but unofficially they were already far closer. They used nicknames, were kissing and were ready to live together, to Arachamas amusement and frustration. Arachama found the political dance silly but understood the social circumstances.

The house arrest, under which she was officially by the orders of Monga, was strictly enforced. Demiurges 'Shadow Demons' were placed around the building and would alert Monga if she even placed food outside. She only tried once, to test how far he was willing to go. The hour-long lecture she received over "Message" was a clear indicator and Arachama decided it wasn't worth the effort, as she usually stayed with her children anyway.

The mansion received three indoor gardens, each behind the living room of a wing. Arachamas was converted into a terrace. The homunculi maids even installed a small stream by using a few items. A small floor led all around the garden while a small path led to a tea table in the center. The stream, with small rocks and other objects, made for a relaxing background. A small pond was in a corner, which entailed a few koi fish. Two sakura trees were planted and gave a more relaxing vibe to the garden.

The garden at the eastern wing was more of a glass house and the maids used it for farming, to the chagrin of Arachama. But she felt tired when she heard of it and thus only signed it off.

The one behind her children's wing was more of a playground. It was mostly used by Kuude and Ure, who usually dragged either Arche or Zesshi along. It was also adjacent to her own and thus connected. Arachama liked this as she could simply walk through a door or even remove the sliding wall between the two.

→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Albedo ←

Albedo had stressful weeks behind her, during which she had many problems to solve and an overeager future father to tend to. But it was also an enjoyable time as she and the two helped to relieve some of the stress.

The biggest problems were the highwaymen, which started to appear in the conquered territories of the former Slane Theocracy. It showed her a problem, which needed a solution as fast as possible.

Another, but much more controlled problem, were her test subjects. She needed to test the new law system in E-Rantel. It was one of the concerns that after regular forces would leave the cities would fall to anarchy. Surprisingly the new population did not dare to disobey the new rule. Either through selfishness, survival instincts or simply the presence of the 'Death Knights', the new subjects did obey the law by the letter. That gave her a new problem. If none broke the rules then how can she test the judicial system she wanted to test? That is where her test subjects came into play. Imported criminal elements. It worked and she was slowly perfecting the system in place.

Albedo and the other two also were also quite happy for lord Ainz and Nazarick, though his attention drifted more and more towards the future heir. Some more obvious, and many more inconspicuous, measures were made to ensure the best for the unlaid egg.

Lady Arachama was under house arrest, even if lord Ainz made it as comfortable as possible. Luckily she only breached it once, but a stern warning and explanations over the course of an hour, deterred future attempts.

Pestonya, who visited the pregnant lady almost daily, reported the progress, possible ailments and more after each visit. Till now there was only a small incident, which could be avoided, thanks to the fast reaction of Entoma. Only the best food and drinks, all strictly non-alcoholic, were delivered.

Lady Arachama, in her foresight, even began to prepare a room and a long list of potential names, regardless that the child is still a far in the future or that the child could be either male or female. But the lady was in ecstasy and Albedo couldnt begrudge her for that. She couldn't wait herself to become pregnant. For Nazarick of course…

But it also brought another problem. Lady Arachama effectively swamped her with paperwork. Most were requests for items, renovations and more. Albedo had no problem with the requests themselves, but the quantity was starting to overwhelm her.

Another thing that seemingly terrified Lord Ainz was the fact that the next morning, everyone knew of Lady Arachamas pregnancy. The rumor had spread like hellfire. But it was to be expected. Though her love hadn't expected that nearly all inhabitants of the tomb wanted to see the child already. Every small detail, regardless of discretion, was known by the entire tomb a few hours after discovery.

"If only our network would work that well." Albedo hissed in her mind as she was closing in on her future husband's bedroom.

Lord Ainz had also decided to have a more scheduled timetable. That also meant that he spent a bit more time in his incubus-form. Though it was mostly restricted to the bedroom. Shalltear, Nabe and her even discussed the situation and decided to try for children once heir is hatched. She wished that the child was already there, but she wasn't the only one in that regard.

Lord Ainz himself was also aloof. On one hand he was terrified, thanks to the listed reasons. On the other side he couldn't wait to spoil the child. The last walls he had placed on himself were also slowly breaking down, to the relief of her and the other two. He was more open and the involved parties enjoyed this to the fullest.

Albedo just reached her goal and knocked. She heard Nabe inside and soon the door opened. Shalltear stood in the door and winked her inside, where the action was.

→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Jircniv ←

The last three weeks were going splendidly for the emperor. His plans in regards to his future were slowly falling into place and he already prepared as much as possible. Sadly some of the nobles were slowly catching on, but they were the smart ones and they didn't dare to stand in their way. It could either be because of his position or her prowess as a caster, but that was irrelevant for him. Some even swore to not tell anyone until it was official. He already had invited her for today, after which he would slowly make more open moves. Thanks to recent developments he could speed their plans up a bit.

Jircniv had, after some years, looked over the institutions of the empire. A few surprises had hit him during those controls. A few good ones and a few perfect opportunities.

Yuri Yamana had managed to build a business and expand it in multiple markets. He had mused at this, as she was close to Arachama the younger. Her trading network was getting more efficient recently, as Yuri Yamana managed to cut some losses even he hadn't found. Her shops were especially liked by adventurers, workers and commoners. The nobles on the other hand ignored them, as they were accustomed to better supplies. Jircniv also knew of Yuri's second business. She was selling different kinds of clothes and bedding of high quality. The pillows were astronomically expensive, thanks to the arachne silk they were produced from. Those pillows have always sold extremely fast since.

Fluder on the other hand had written his masterpiece and then continued to study which resulted in him always being ecstatic to report his progress. He was studying different driders and other demi-humans, extinct or otherwise. Fluder was also studying and experimenting more on faith magic, with the support of Arachama. They were using a combination of experiments to determine how it worked. It also provided a relief to Jircnivs prisons, as most of the test subjects tended to go insane, because the two were working with their memory and beliefs. Most of those insane would kill themselves. Jircniv had decided to ignore it, as it terrified him, even if the prisons were now much more empty.

He also uncovered more corruption within the nobility. Luckily most of them were already on his shit-list. Arachama had provided more proof and soon those nobles were 'disappearing' and needed replacing. Nimble was 'sent' to investigate and soon turned back with 'proof' that they died because of their dealings with eight fingers. Such tough luck… for them.

The situation in southern Slane was getting more brutal every day. Nothing was truly left of the theocracy, as the last remnants fought to gather as much power as possible. The different parties were developing and Jircniv hoped that most of those parties would die off soon enough. The only exception to this was the 'coastal cities alliance', as they were a tradepartner and in good relations with him. Thanks to his southern regions some voices within those cities began to ask to be absorbed into the empire.

Sadly a new threat was emerging as well. The Wyvern rider tribes had begun to raid the sea. But why they did that was beyond Jircniv. Usually they rather fought each other than one of their neighbors. He had already sent spies, but it proved harder as expected, thanks to them living in clans. He thus decided to ask his future empress to get her source into their ranks while also enjoying their date in two days.

In the meantime he had ordered the generals back and would soon meet them to make plans. They needed to deal with this threat as it was encroaching onto them.

→ Near Albion Hills / Demiurge ←

Demiurge, using a 'Mirror Of Remote Viewing', observed his pawns. Multiple armies of Demi-humans had congregated and formed into a formidable force. Though there had been some difficulties in the beginning, which he had resolved them by skinning the worst cases in front of every demi-human. He had ordered every demi-human to observe that one, from the youngest born whelp to the oldest piece of meat. The public display had worked wonders and they would follow his orders, even if it would be because of fear.

Another project of his had also yielded a positive outcome. Lady Arachama was carrying the heir of Nazarick. While he could have seen Albedo taking the role if Lord Ainz had been alone, she was outmatched in comparison to a supreme being. He was even able to convince Albedo, Shalltear and Nabe to hold back to increase the heirs' legitimacy.

"Can't have Nazarick weakened because of some dispute over inheritance." Demiurge mused.

What he hadn't expected were the lengths Lord Ainz had gone to secure the safety of the heir. He behaved like human fathers. Demiurge had to suppress a scowl at that. Surely there was more than he could see in that.

Demiurge had also read through the reports on Lady Arachamas pregnancy and found himself satisfied. She seemingly understood the importance of her situation and had given in, with one small exception. But Demiurge was sure that she, in the infinite wisdom and intellect of a supreme being, simply tested the safety measures. Thus he didn't hold it against her. She usually was with her children and those weren't outside of the mansion. Demiurge even supplied Entoma with more supplies, though he usually exchanged them for information on anything going on in the mansion. He also decided to look more into the twins, as they seemed to be smart, a great trait to develop at such a young age. He only wished they and their sisters were born in Nazarick.

Just as he was finished with his thought another appeared. He will have fun with his coming project. His shadow demons had informed him of a rogue attacking and wounding the strongest mage within the palace. Demiurge also knew that a single squire was sent towards Baharut to get the help of Arachama, or more accurately Arachne, for the mage and to Re-Estize for information.

More importantly was the dead rider, who was sent after her. He was already grinning at the opportunities. He had decided to let the squire have the orders, but only because she was like clay for their cause. Demiurge had even delivered them in person, in another shape of course, but still in person. He might also have delivered more than the message in regards to the squire's failure in Re-Estize.

His final project was also bearing fruit. As Demiurge's forces were stirring, but not to attack. At least for now.

Right now they were collecting so-called artifacts from the 'vermin wars', which had raged roughly 300 to 250 years ago. He had sought as many sources as possible, but sadly the demi-humans don't have much in the form of historical records or such, aside from tales of fearsome fights between an unknown kind of demi-humans and the dwarves. Those battles were fearsome and had seemingly brought heroes and villains, depending on view, to the light of day. But what interested Demiurge was that some of the weapons were still unclaimed after the war. Those were of demi-human origin, but only the 'Verminkin' or 'Lost Species', as the demi-humans referred to them, was able to build and use them. Demiurge was intrigued by it and thus he had plans to get them into his clutches.

→ HRK Hoburns / Remedios ←

The preparations were going smoothly and Remedios hoped it would help them to avert her visions. She had also gotten a report from her useless squire.

She had brought the scroll to the king of Re-Estize. It contained multiple pleas from her, as an allied force.

She had asked for information on Jaldaboath. While it could have been a completely different demon in her vision, there was only one demon who seemed strong enough for now. That demon was Jaldaboath. Worst case she got information on a potential threat. Best case she got information on her future enemy.

The second was money in exchange for supplies, as she needed the supplies in armor and more.

The third, and most importantly for her, was a reminder of their military alliance in regards to demi-humans.

All those were signed by the queen, of course, but written by her. The reply Re-Estize sent them though was depressing. Re-Estize dissolved the alliance and even threatened to attack them. Remedios was confused, as Ramposa was usually a push-over. But it was signed by crown prince Barbo. All of this had confused her, but she would treat it as if it was official.

With that Remedios decided to see Re-Estize as a threat and sent a rider out to give Neia Baraja new orders. She would be given the status of a diplomat and go to Baharut to negotiate a new alliance. The stance before was neutral, but the kingdom needed allies and thus the move.

Just as Remedios looked over the lists, which she made for all the disasters that were to come and had already happened, she wanted to bang her head on the table. Sadly she needed to train the soon to be forces of northern Roble. There was the second problem. The southern nobles had promised support, but Remedios knew them too well. She would have to work with what she got, and she only got the support of the north.

A deep sigh escaped her lips and her eyes wandered towards her injured sister.

"Soon, sister." She whispered, hoping Baharut would help them.

→ Arwintar / Neia Baraja ←

The blond came closer to her goal, as she could already see the gates of this city. She couldn't fail and she was determined to not fail. Even with the new orders. Remedios was already furious at her and she knew that Remedios already had a short temper. Neia even feared coming back to the kingdom, even with a success on her second mission, already seeing Remedios rage.

But Neia couldn't go back without any result, at least without trying to get said results. So Neia closed towards the gate. Once closer she observed the city, at least the part she could through the gate. It was cleaner, the entire country had paved roads and the people seemed happier than in her own country or Re-Estize. She had even traveled with a cohort of the second legion for a short while. Baharut, in her opinion, would be a much stronger ally than Re-Estize. But her opinion doesn't matter, it never had and probably never will.

There was no trouble getting through the gate, especially after showing that she had important documents for the emperor. She was given directions and followed them as best as she could. Sadly she got lost, at least she thought she got lost. Luckily she found a carriage with a warrior inside. She waved and it halted.

Neia observed it and now saw that the warrior wasn't alone. The blond warrior was accompanying a beautiful woman and a maid.

"How may we help you, young lady." The beautiful woman asked.

"I fear I am lost, could you give me directions?" Neias replied.

"Where are you heading?" the warrior inquired.

"I need to go to the palace of the emperor." Neia answered.

"We are going there ourselves. Why dont you travel with us?" the beautiful woman smiled.

"I don't want to intrude." she told them.

"We already halted, just get in." the beautiful lady signed for her to take a seat.

Neia decided to take the proposition and climbed into the carriage. Soon she was seated and sighed.

"Long way?" The warrior asked.

"Yes. I am to deliver a message from the Queen to the emperor." Neia sighed.

"What is your name then?" the beautiful woman inquired.

"My name is Neia Baraja, Daughter to Pabel Baraja and squire to Remedios Custodio." she presented herself.

"I am baroness Arachama Athropae Arachne. Pleasure to meet you." Arachama told her. The name rang a bell, but Neia was too tired to remember where she heard it before.

"Leinas Rockbruise, one of the four imperial knights." the warrior introduced herself.

The rest of the ride remained short and silent, as Arachama simply smiled and looked outside of the carriage. But as soon as they arrived the gates to the palace opened and Arachama was lifted into a chair with wheels.

"So she just inherited her position?" Neia thought, a bit of vomit in her throat.

Another blond warrior awaited them and he bowed towards Arachama.

"Good afternoon, Lady Arachama. Leinas. Who is the other guest?" he asked.

"Hi, Nimble. She is here to deliver a message." Leinas told him.

"Then follow me." this Nimble smiled and started to walk.

Neia remained behind the rest and observed that the baroness was pushed by the maid, while Leinas kept an eye on her. But soon they arrived at a terrace, where a table was prepared for four people. A blond man with a crown was sitting and reading through some documents. Neia guessed him to be the emperor.

"My emperor, the guests have arrived. There is also a messenger." Nimble told the correctly guessed emperor.

"Then bring her something to eat and drink. Meanwhile she can give me the message." The emperor ordered and Neia relaxed, finally something to eat. During the disaster within Re-Estize she hadn't gotten enough food and it ran out a week after.

"Here, your majesty." Neia bowed towards the emperor and gave him two scrolls. Both had unbroken seals of the roble holy kingdom on them.

She saw a scowl form on his face for a second before it disappeared.

"So he dislikes the kingdom, this will be an uphill battle." Neia sighed and cursed her luck.

He read through the scrolls and a scowl formed on his face.

"I hate my luck so much right now." Neia thought, trying to look neutral.

"It is not my decision in regards to this one. But the other is also interesting, look dear." she heard and looked up.

The emperor handed the baroness the scrolls and she read them herself. This baffled Neia.

"Is she much higher in the food chain than I thought?" Neia asked herself and observed the baroness again.

"I am sure that Fluder can go there, but it would need to profit the empire. She should be able to negotiate that. By the way, here is an idea I had." the baroness replied, sipping from her tea while writing something on a napkin. The maid brought it to the emperor together with two folders, seemingly written by the baroness.

"I will look over them this evening. How long would you two need?" Jircniv inquired.

"Depending on the curse and how far it is gone, maybe a day or two. More pressing is the militarization of the Roble Holy Kingdom. I think they fear the demi-humans are going to attack. But there is something much more interesting. Look into the reports on pages 96 to 129" Arachama told him, taking another sip.

Leinas and Nimble meanwhile relaxed, though keeping a close watch on her.

The emperor took out the documents and shuffled through them. Neia, curious as she was, wanted to take a look, but a stern glare from Nimble kept her seated. A servant meanwhile brought her a tray with a meal and wine.

"Can you tell me what happened in Re-Estize?" the emperor asked.

Neias heart fell towards the ground and she wanted to disappear because of shame.

"I brought another scroll to them on orders of Remedios Custodio. The prince received them, as the king was ill, and a day later the crown prince declared the alliance dissolved and literally threw me out of the palace. I swear I don't know why." Neia shuddered and wanted to disappear.

Holding her tears back she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. The maid must have pushed the wheeled chair to her and the baroness was stroking her shoulder.

"Sh. sh. We know why he did that. We just wanted to hear your side. Calm down and relax. All will be going well." Arachama soothingly told her and Neia leaned into Arachamas lap. Barely holding back tears. She felt her strength leave her and she sobbed a bit.

"Could we have some privacy for a short time, my love? It wouldn't be long." Neia heard.

"Of course, dear. Just send someone if you need anything." Jircniv told her and soon Arachama was alone with Neia.

Neia couldn't hold back anymore and she sobbed and cried. Arachama said nothing and only stroked her hair. It felt like hours, but it also felt necessary.

When she stopped she looked at Arachama.

"I am sorry…" Neia began.

"Don't worry. How bad is it?" Arachama inquired.

"Not that bad." Neia tried sheepishly.

"You don't mind?" Arachama asked.

"Don't mind what?" Neia replied.

"Control Mind" was the last thing she remembered before awakening a second time. During the time she fell asleep she had seen the worst moments of her life. The treatment she received from Remedios Custodio and much more. But worst of all was her experience with Re-Estize and her fear of going back.

When she woke up she felt an arm around her.

" . Nothing will harm you." Arachama told her and Neia relaxed.

They remained like this for some time until Neia had gathered herself.

"Thanks, Lady Arachama." Neia smiled.

"No problem. If you need anything, just tell me and we will look into it. But first you eat something." the beautiful woman told her, while also signing for the maid.

Soon, after Neia freshened herself up, the emperor and the two warriors returned

"Now, Neia, I have an idea." Arachama smiled and Neia looked sheepishly at her.

"What idea do you have, hmm?" Jircniv asked and Neia saw him hesitate a bit before he kissed her on the cheek.

Arachama blushed and signed for Neia.

"Daring today, my emperor?" the baroness giggled.

"Only if you don't tell me your idea. Though I have a guess." Jircniv grinned.

"But only because it is you." the baroness replied cheekily.

"Alright." Jircniv smiled and seated himself to her side.

"My idea is the following. We formed an alliance. Since we are so generous we send a team to heal the mage. I might even call my old-mother in regards to a potential war between the Roble Holy Kingdom and the demi-humans. The small things can be negotiated between us after the mage is healed." Arachama proposed and Neia felt relief flow through her body.

"I agree, Lady Arachama." Neia beamed, feeling hope for the first time since Re-Estize.

"Only if Leinas accompanies you two there. I hate the queen." Jircniv sighed.

"That wouldn't be something new." Arachama giggled.

"Thank you so much." Neia smiled and went to hug the baroness.

"No problem, but first you need to rest. We will travel tomorrow." Arachama told her.

Soon Nimble brought Neia to one of higher inns, as there was no embassy from the Roble Holy Kingdom. Neia didn't even know what an embassy was, but it sounded important. Arachama mentioned it was important for a diplomat. Neia on the other hand felt great around the baroness and decided to trust her for now. She felt relieved, appreciated and happy around her. Something she had not felt since she became a squire. Neia didn't even fear her return tomorrow.

→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←

The last few weeks were quite something for Renner. While she had ample opportunity for her favorite project, stal …. ehm observing Climbs training, she had also seen some comedy in the politics of her country. At least she could laugh if no one was around her. Under different circumstances she would need to laugh or cry, but luckily for her she had a master outside of the kingdom.

Her father had fallen heavily ill and thus was bound to bed. He was unresponsive and the medics gave him a low chance to survive it. To make matters even more entertaining, her oaf of a brother had taken over for that time. He was ordered by the father, who heard of Barbos powergrab before he fell into coma, to not do anything in regards to politics.

But it soon turned out that she had to give Barbo so much credit, once her work in this kingdom was done and she reported everything. So much work he had done for her, so much damage he had done to the kingdom. Renner was astonished how there wasn't a rebellion within the kingdom yet, but then she heard of large quantities of refugees moving from Re-Estize towards the new 'Sorcerer Kingdom'. Once she had read through some 'Spider Papers' she understood what was going on.

Barbo managed to surprise her even more than she had thought. She resolved herself to never give Barbo anything with, or without for that matter, any kind of value. He would ruin it against all odds.

He managed to convince most of the population, which were close to the Slane Theocracy in regards to undead, to move into the new kingdom next door. He managed to convince people, who hated undead, to move under the rule of an undead. Renner was simply flabbergasted at that development. She was sure that even she couldn't pull that one off.

The second thing he did was to sell crops. Renner simply left the meeting, went to her room and laughed into her pillow. Barbo sold crops to the 'Slane Liberation Front', a cover up by eight fingers, who served the Sorcerer king. Renner laughed nearly all day. Sadly her mask nearly broke again as Climb reported to Stronoff that she must be depressed about seeing her work dissolved in the matters of days.

Inwardly Renner was asking herself if Barbo was secretly working for her masters. She resolved to ask Lady Albedo, as she would meet her soon.

Thirdly Barbo released the prisoners of eight fingers, for some small bribes of course. Renner couldn't believe it. She understood corruption, but Barbo should at least sell his credibility for a higher price. Normally she would scorn, throw a fit and emigrate that instant. But luckily she had a secure future with her pet on her side.

The most notable was the disaster around the now dissolved alliance between Re-Estize and the Roble Holy Kingdom. She was present when the messenger arrived. Renner knew that the poor girl was already shy and mistreated by Remedios Custodio, but Barbo tore her down even further. Renner almost felt pity, but instead told her master that the poor girl could be a potential pawn in the future, thanks to her standing and her mental situation.

After tearing the messenger a new one. Barbo continued to read the scrolls, then he tore them up and threw them to the messenger, degrading her even more. After laughing at her she was literally thrown out of the palace. Not by being walked out the front door, more like thrown out of the first floor window in the throne room. Renner was baffled and the only member of the family to have seen it. The news would spread and the other nations wouldn't want to deal with Re-Estize. Renner was baffled and reassured herself that she would ask Lady Albedo in the coming meeting.

Zanac and Raeven had left the palace when Barbo had taken over. She understood their motives, but for her the comedy was too good. She wrote them and each letter she received from them contained even more frustration. Renner also told them about new developments in regards to the court.

Her brother had a large crowd of followers, most of which were former spares or even spares of spares. Thus they had no experience, even if they were more savvy than Barbo but that was beside the point. The most prominent was a baron called Philip Montserat. She was sure her father, even if he was on the deathbed, would never be manipulated so openly. The only thing Barbo managed to do to stabilize the country was to keep his marriage contract. Barbo was drunk and nearly whored around noble ladies, which would have been another disaster. Luckily, for the kingdom, his small brain decided that it was a bad idea. It could also have been that he first tried this with herself. Though Renner, who had already had a short temper after the two weeks, could have blown this far and wide, she decided to play it safe. She could have made it public but resorted to only remain in the palace during the court meetings. That got some attention, but did not hang the prince's dirty laundry in the wind. Even the oaf had seemingly gotten the warning from her, as he kept to his fiance.

Renner had now locked her room and prepared some cookies, the better ones backed with the tips she received from Yuri Alpha, and tea, again the improved version.

Just as Renner collected herself, she was meeting one of the most important figures for her after all, when a portal opened. Out stepped the most beautiful women, just after Lady Arachama herself, she had ever seen. Long black hair. Black wings hugged her pale body and yellow eyes observed her. Renner meanwhile had bowed the moment Lady Albedo stepped through.

"Welcome, Lady Albedo. May my humble room serve you well." Renner greeted and bowed even deeper.

"A human knowing her place? That is something refreshing. But I am glad to meet you, I only heard great things about you from my Lady and Yuri Alpha." Albedo smiled and seated herself.

Renner filled Albedo's cup, then her own.

"You may seat yourself." LAdy Albedo told Renner.

Renner seated herself, placing herself in an angle to make herself seem as passive as possible.

"I have read many reports about you and from you. You can imagine that I wanted to meet you for quite some time, sadly obligations kept me from that joy." she told Renner.

"I am glad to be of notice to my masters. I am especially thankful for the riddle and the price I received." Renner responded, looking towards the 'Yokai Horn'.

"As soon as you solve the riddle you receive a second one. Don't take too much time though. But I also have to tell you something on my own." Albedo said and took a sip of tea.

"Everything to serve Lady Arachama and Nazarick." Renner bowed slightly.

"Flattery will get you nowhere." Albedo said, a sadistic grin on her face.

"I can understand that you want the reward as fast as possible, but you're moving too fast. But it is still entertaining" Albedo told her, sighing while taking a sip.

Renner meanwhile sweated and felt her heart pound faster and faster. She knew the comedy was too good.

"I apologize, Lady Albedo, but I wanted to play the sitation safely. I infiltrated the group around my so-called father, my younger brother and Marquise Raeven. The group plans to rebuild the kingdom. I hope to slow and undermine their effort." Renner replied.

"Is that so? How did the kingdom screw itself over that fast then?" Albedo grinned and Renner decided to ask the question that had burned on her tongue for quite some time now.

"Lady Albedo, may I be permitted to ask a question?" Renner inquired.

"Of course." Albedo allowed and leaned back.

"Is Prince Barbo serving Nazarick or isn't he serving Nazarick?" Renner asked.

"No he isn't. We determined him to be too unreliable to serve us." Albedo answered.

That was too much for Renner, who looked at Albedo and felt the soul leave her body. Albedo looked at her and waved her hand over Renners eyes multiple times.

Soon Renner returned to her body. She first grumbled and then wanted to cry.

"How stupid can you be, Barbo." Renner wanted to cry, but kept her temper.

"Since the king fell ill Prince Barbo took over. He is neither in the group to rebuild the kingdom nor does he have a brain. I don't manipulate him, as he is too stupid and unreliable to be manipulated." Renner told in a desperate voice, close to breaking again.

Albedo observed her and then smiled. She even petted her shoulder.

"You don't need to worry. You convinced me, but how stupid can a human being be?" Albedo asked.

Renner decided to report over Barbo to Albedo. Afterwards Albedo herself was in the same state that Renner was in, when she found out Barbo did all this without serving Nazarick.

Once Albedo was back she massaged her forehead.

"Please tell me that he isn't that stupid." Albedo nearly cried.

"Sadly I can't, as it would undermine my credibility." Renner sighed and filled Albedos cup again.

"Then we let the idiot do his work for now. How is it going with Climb?" Albedo started, seemingly desperate to change the topic.

They talked about their love lifes for the rest of the day. Albedo gave Renner tips while Renner told Albedo more about her dreams. A big family with Climb. She also told Albedo that her desire grew every day and that waiting became ever harder.

Renner only heard of the next stupidity her brother had accomplished the next morning. He had decided to pass a law, which would conscript adventurers into the army. Renner, if she would have been loyal to the kingdom, would have crawled up the walls in frustration. She predicted that soon the adventurers would also emigrate.

AN: A bit of a timeskip, but the people need to move. But I hope it is acceptable to use this chapter for this.

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