Chapter 25: The Diet
The carriages from the Kingdom passed by hundreds, if not thousands, of low level undead workers moving marble, stone, metal, and lumber on their way to Nazarick. The undead were creating the layout for a city of colossal scales that would completely surround Nazarick with buildings designed in ways that had never been seen. The architecture was based off the interior of Nazarick, the massive roads were being laid in shiny black granite, the walls of building were made of pure white marble, and the undead were creating metal supports for buildings, concrete structures, and what could pass as modern plumbing. This would become the capitol city of the Eternal Empire, a city unlike any other. The carriages stopped at the massive metal walls as the soldiers who were on guard began inspection. Metallic, four armed creatures they had never seen before stalked the perimeter in groups of six. Princess Renner stared at them with curiosity while Climb kept an eye on it out of fear that it may attack. A tall figure in dark armor and red robes spoke with those in the carriages while an Elder Lich performed magical inspection to analyze and magical items these humans may be bringing into their home. After a few minutes of waiting, the creature leaned down to peer into the carriage at the very end which contained Princess Renner, Climb, Brain, and Evileye.
"State your names, mortals!" the Dark Paladin boomed.
"I am Princess Renner of the Re-Estize Kingdom and these are my bodyguards, Climb, Brain Unglaus, and Evileye," Renner informed the behemoth.
"You may enter. Welcome to Nazarick," the Dark Paladin said with a bow. Having been given permission, the carriage strolled under the massive lattice gate and into Nazarick's cemetery. Upon leaving the carriage, they saw many other carriages that bore the insignias of the Slane Theocracy, the Draconic Kingdom, and a few that looked like they belonged to the Baharuth Empire but had the imperial crest had been hastily replaced by the Eternal Empire's symbol had all parked in the cemetery as well and were being guarded by those metal things. Curious, Climb walked up behind a man in black armor who was directing the Death Knights.
"Excuse me, but what can you tell me about those things?" he asked.
"Depends on how much you want to know, Climb," a familiar voice answered as he turned around. Climb and Brain gasped. It was Gazef. He looked almost the same as when they had last seen him apart from the red eyes and pale skin. He seemed happy to see them.
"Gazef, it's been a while," Brain said with a grin when he finally recomposed himself. "You're still you, right?"
"I think I'm still me," Gazef shrugged. "Of course, I wouldn't know even if I wasn't."
"What are you doing here?" Climb asked, happy to see the man he looked up to.
"His majesty asked me to manage the security detail outside and lead the delegates from other countries to the dining hall," Gazef replied.
"Gazef," an older voice gasped. Gazef turned to see his former king, Rampossa, staring at him while Ritton sneered at him from the king's left and Raeven gave a nod of respect from the king's right.
"It is good to see you, your majesty," Gazef said. "I understand you would like to catch up but I still have some work to do. If you would please follow me." With that, Gazef turned around and led the Kingdom's delegates, followed by the members of Blue Rose, into the Great Tomb of Nazarick. After leaving the "creepy", as Renner called it, tombs of the 1st Floor, they came to an empty hallway. That was when Gazef finally used the message spell.
[Lady Omega, please open a [Gate] on the 1st Floor at point 1-A5]
[You got it!] came a sweet voice. In response to Gazef's request, a large portal of swirling darkness appeared before them.
"Please step inside. This will transport you to the 9th Floor," Gazef instructed.
"Are you mad!?" Ritton yelled. "I am not setting one foot in this contraption! You'll just have to lead me there on foot."
"Then you can stay down here and become food for the undead," Gazef smirked.
"What!?" Ritton demanded, infuriated that Gazef would speak to him like that. "Do you remember who you're talking to?"
"Yes, and you've reminded me of something else I always wanted to say," Gazef grinned. "Go fuck yourself. The Immortal Emperor doesn't care what happens to you. You're beneath his notice." Ritton was fuming. How dare Gazef say he wasn't worth this vampire's attention? The Immortal Emperor should be grateful that Ritton, a noble, would show ANY respect to this commoner who dared to call himself a ruler. However, if he wanted this monster to understand just how important the nobles were or try to bribe him to denounce the rebellion in the Kingdom, then he would have to play along for now. Without any further arguments, the Kingdom's representatives entered the gate and everything turned black for a moment. When their sight returned to them, they were greeted with a magnificent sight. A grand hall with high made of the purest white marble ceilings and black granite floors. There was red carpeting on the floor and blood red banners that bore the Eternal Empire's symbol hanging from the ceiling. Along the walls there were mosaics of monsters, battles, undead creatures, angels, and demons. The three biggest were in the center of the room. The one on the left was of a paladin in white armor with a large sapphire on his chest holding a sword and apparently leading the way to a new dawn. The one on the right showed what looked like some sort of creature with a head that was similar to that of a white goat with horns sprouting from its head and wearing dark military clothing. It was depicted as being a force of death, destruction, and evil. Finally, the on in the middle was of Lucifer Dracul himself with his typical cold smile and soulless eyes. His arms were outstretched and his mural was divided into two. On the left half, life flourished, there was peace and harmony, and a rose was growing from his left hand. On the right half, there was a depiction of hell with a burning skull being held in his right hand.
"Wow," Climb breathed as Ritton stared around slack jawed and jealous that he didn't have anything that could amount to this.
"Forget the art, you smell that?" Brain interjected. Both he and Climb turned to face a table full of the most delicious looking food they had ever seen. It was at this point they noticed the other people gathered in the hall. Along the walls were more of those mechanical four armed creatures, delegates from all over the known world were talking with each other, and the one closest to them was…..
"Emperor Jircniv," Zanac growled. Jircniv looked up at them with a faint smile as his bodyguards Nimble and Baziwood narrowed their eyes at the people of the Kingdom.
"Good evening, but I'm afraid you're mistaken. I am Senator Jircniv, a loyal servant of the Immortal Emperor," Jircniv said glumly before he turned his attention to King Rampossa. "The Baharuth Empire is no more. My entire country now marches under the banner of the Eternal Empire." Those from the Kingdom stared with wide eyes. They had not heard of Baharuth's surrender. "I owe you a sincere apology."
"Excuse me?" Rampossa asked with an eyebrow raised.
"It was all my fault. It's my fault he used that spell on Katze Plains," Jircniv sighed. "I wanted to investigate how powerful he was so I could plan some way to fight back. If I had known the kind of power he possessed I would've surrendered to him right there and then." Rampossa stared at the man he once regarded as his mortal enemy and wondered what Lucifer had done to break the man known as the Blood Emperor. In that moment, he felt a sort of kinship with the young ex-ruler, they had both been thoroughly broken by the same man and misery loved company.
"You and I have been fighting for years. I'm tired of it," Rampossa sighed. "Do they have any drinks around here?" Jircniv gave an honest grin to the old man and chuckled lightly.
"I'm sure we can find some. The Immortal Emperor's maids will be happy to point us in the right direction," Jircniv chuckled as he and his former nemesis walked off looking for booze with Nimble and Baziwood following their boss while Tina and Tia guarded the king.
"Evileye," Lakyus spoke up. "Gargan and I will stick with Princess Renner's group. If you want to find Momon in all of this, now's a good time."
"Got it!" Evileye replied cheerfully. "But how will I find him with all these people around?"
"Just look for the walking suit of black armor over there," Gargan said as she pointed out a familiar figure in the crowd. Evileye spun around and looked towards where Gargan was pointing. Sure enough, there was Momon with his arms crossed watching over some tall guy who was speaking to a beautiful pregnant woman in a white dress with black wings and curved horns sprouting from the sides of her head.
"MOMON!" Evileye exclaimed as she rushed towards him. Momon stiffened and looked around for the source of the voice before having his leg hug tackled.
"Um-I don't-what?" Momon stuttered out, flustered.
"Now, now, Momon. It's rude not to introduce your guest," a cold voice called from behind Evileye, sending chills down her spine. She let go of Momon's leg, spun around, and came face to face with death given human form. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Immortal Emperor Lucifer Dracul." Evileye stared through her mask at Lucifer. She had heard all the rumors about him and thought they had been exaggerated, but standing in his presence now felt like all that was good in the world was dead. The rumors needed more exaggeration if they wanted to be anywhere near accurate.
"H-hello. I am the adamantite ranked adventurer Evileye of Blue Rose," Evileye said, refusing to show her fear.
"Ah, yes. I know who you are. Momon has already told me everything about you," Lucifer replied with a charming smile. Evileye's brain went into overdrive.
Momon talks about me? What does he say about me? Are they good things? Does he think I'm cute?
"Hello flea," a familiar voice called from behind Evileye. Nabe had arrived while wearing a formal dinner dress that made Evileye extremely jealous, but she suppressed her urge to act on said jealousy. Evileye gave her a nod of recognition while Nabe simply scowled, as usual.
"Momon, why don't you and your friend go catch up? Take the night off," Lucifer offered.
"Jawohl- I mean, very well," Momon replied. Before Evileye could go find a seat with him, Lucifer grabbed her by the shoulder and leaned in close to her ear.
"I am the father of all vampires and I know one of my children when I see one," he hissed. Evileye turned paler than usual as she realized that he knew that she was a vampire just like him. "We will speak of this another day." And with that he walked off into the crowd leaving a terrified Evileye to go seek comfort in the form of Momon.
Ruvik, Mori, and Corvo were watching over the Cardinal of Light, the Cardinal of Darkness, and the Archbishop. Ruvik had gotten a shave and had fixed himself upon hearing that Avenir was alive, Corvo looked as grumpy as always, growling at any noblewomen who tried to hit on him, and Mori hadn't changed a bit. The Cardinal of Darkness had a plate of food which he was eating in a manner that looked like he didn't give a rat's ass about the amazing decorum and the Cardinal of Light was shouting at a Dark Paladin that was blocking a door.
"Are you telling me that I can't go out there? Do you know who I am?" the Cardinal of Light demanded.
"No I don't know who you are and I never said you weren't allowed in," the Dark Paladin reported. "I simply informed you that you would die if you went through this door."
"That's the same thing!" the Cardinal of Light yelled in frustration.
"Settle down Yvon," the Cardinal of Darkness sighed. "This monster is merely following orders and you're giving me a headache." The Archbishop Pontifex Maximus continued to stare at the glorious hall in awe.
"This is quite disturbing," Maximus mumbled. "This only the 9th Floor and it's enormous. Who knows what can be on the other eight floors? There can be sinister contraptions, unholy abominations, and armies of darkness preparing to destroy the world. But then again, if he wanted to destroy the world then why is he building a city outside? Will it be a city for the undead and other nonhuman abominations? How did Lucifer come by this place in the first place? I refuse to believe an unholy abomination like him could build such a magnificent place. Did he steal it from our gods? I suppose I will have to ask him. But then again, he would probably lie." Ruvik groaned as he listened to the cardinal and the Archbishop's grumbling. This is why he preferred a fight over politics. It was also why he was focused on looking for something that was much more important to him on a personal level.
"Ruvik," Corvo grunted as he gestured towards one of the doors the Dark Paladins had been guarding. Ruvik looked towards the door that Corvo was indicating and saw who he had been looking for: Avenir. She was the same as she was the last time he had seen her apart from the red eyes and pale skin, but then again she had always been pale to begin with. "Go ahead. I'll keep these idiots from killing each other," Corvo said as he glared at the Cardinal of Light. Ruvik nodded in thanks and walked towards Avenir at a quick pace.
"Corvo!" the Cardinal of Light shouted. "Where is Ruvik going?"
"Gathering intelligence on the enemy," Corvo lied as he hid a smirk. The Black Scripture was about to find itself compromised even further. Avenir would see to that, just as his master had predicted.
"How have things been back in the Kingdom?" Momon, who had removed his helmet, inquired while Nabe sat by and drank tea, keeping an eye on Evileye.
"Not good," Evileye sighed. "The rebel factions are mostly just creating chaos and starting riots wherever they can. The only one that's actually organized is the National Liberation Party. They're led by a man named Sebas Tian.
"He's the one Climb suggested back during the Demonic Disturbance," Momon stated in remembrance.
"Yes. Apparently he wants to put Princess Renner in charge and end the nobility," Evileye confirmed.
"I see. So they have taken inspiration from Lord Dracul?" Momon asked.
"It looks that way. By the way that actually brings up what I wanted to talk to you about," Evileye said seriously. "Why did you chose to follow him? Isn't he an evil vampire hell-bent on slaughtering the living? I've been getting a lot of mixed views of him, but you actually hang around him a lot. What you think of him?"
"When I first agreed to work with him it was because I was afraid he would be a vampire like Valeda Tepes. By keeping close to him I have been able to monitor his activities and have been ready to cut his head off," Momon replied. "However, as I continued to observe him, I found he is not what I was expecting. As an undead, he is supposed to hate the living but he doesn't. He certainly doesn't view them as his equals either, unfortunately. His view of us "mortals" as he calls us is as if we are adorable, helpless animals who are prone to making mistakes. He believes that it is his responsibility as the God of Life and Death to keep us from making those mistakes and to keep us safe. Overall, he is a very rational man. If an action would benefit him or his people he would take that action. If an action is a detriment or is unreasonable then he will not take that action. He prefers logic over emotion."
"I see," Evileye mused.
Maybe I'm not the only vampire who doesn't hate humanity. Still, I should remain cautious.
"Soooooo, how's your eye?" Evileye asked as she gestured to the eyepatch Momon had worn since losing his eye to Jaldabaoth.
"It's alright," Momon chuckled. "The Immortal Emperor actually said he could heal my wound, but I turned him down."
"Really? Even Lakyus wasn't able to fix it!" Evileye exclaimed. Not only was Lucifer Dracul capable of causing apocalyptic levels of destruction, but he was able to heal injuries that even the most esteemed healers couldn't hope to repair. "Why'd you turn him down?" Momon grinned and made an exaggeratedly dramatic pose.
"I thought it made me look badass," he said with a grin. Evileye and Momon stared at each other for a few seconds before they burst out laughing. Nabe shook her head as she observed her colleague and the gnat laugh like a couple of teenagers.
The mood seems pretty good right now. I may have a chance with him after all.
Queen Draudillon walked through the crowd in the loli form she hated so much. She and her Prime Minister were out of options when it came to the situation in the Draconic Kingdom. By their projections, the Beastmen would completely wipe them out within four months if they were lucky. If it wasn't for the growing crisis on her hands then she wouldn't have come here in the first place. If the Immortal Emperor was all that they said he was, then he might be their best chance to get out of this mess. Draudillon didn't care if her dynasty survived anymore, only that her people would be saved from becoming meals for the Beastmen. As she continued to look around the room for whoever may be Lucifer Dracul, she bumped into somebody's back causing him to spill his drink on his orange suit.
"Oh! My apologies sir!" she squeaked. She hated talking in this voice but it was necessary as it gave her an edge in getting people to want to protect her.
"Cretin," the man snarled. Apparently, her trick didn't work on him.
"C-can I get you a new drink?" she offered as the man turned his spectacled eyes towards her.
"No. I apologize for my outburst," he said politely. Now that she got a good look at him, she noticed he wasn't human, in fact he appeared to be a demon of some sort.
"Are you perhaps a subordinate of the Immortal Emperor?" she asked.
"Yes," the demon said proudly. "I am Director Demiurge. I organize all covert operations for the Eternal Empire."
"I am Queen Draudillon," she said with a bow. "I was hoping if I could speak to his majesty. Could you point him out for me?"
"I suppose, but you should really change to whatever your true form is," Demiurge scolded. "Changing yourself to look like a child may be considered an insult to my master." Draudillon froze, disturbed by how easily this demon had figured her out. She was about to inquire how when they were interrupted.
"Jaldabaoth!" Lakyus roared as she charged towards Demiurge. Demiurge wasn't particularly afraid of the massive sword she was lunging towards him with, but he was annoyed that someone had recognized him.
It doesn't really matter. Our lord had a feeling that this may happen and prepared accordingly.
Just as Lakyus' sword was about to strike Demiurge, another massive sword blocked her attack. Her eyes widened as Momon deflected her blow on Demiurge's behalf and she backed away.
"What are you doing Momon! That's Jaldabaoth!" she cried. Momon simply shook his head.
"No, but I understand why you would think that. This is Demiurge. I reacted the same way when I first met him. Emperor Dracul will explain when the diet begins," Momon assured her.
"It's okay Lakyus!" Evileye shouted as she ran up. "Momon already explained everything to me!" Lakyus looked over at her teammate who was motioning her to back off and, with a sigh, she sheathed her blade.
"You're going to explain this later, right?" she asked Demiurge.
"I have no intention of leaving my liege's side," the demon smirked as he glanced to his master, who was discussing something quietly with Marquis Raeven.
Avenir started guzzling the flask of blood she had been given by Shalltear as reparations for their "mishap". Lord Dracul had told her that vampires who were strong enough could go without blood and could eat regular food. She apparently, wasn't strong enough yet. She had tried a piece of what Entoma had called sirloin and when it entered her mouth, it turned to ash. Which was why she was now guzzling blood to get the taste of ash out of her mouth.
"Bleh!" she exclaimed when she finally finished. She pouted as she thought about how this feast fit for the gods had been laid out before her and she couldn't try any of it. "Oh, I hate being a vampire!" she moaned.
"So that's what happened to you," a soothing, familiar voice came from behind her. Avenir started to panic. She'd know Ruvik's voice anywhere. She was extremely nervous, they hadn't seen each other since the incident back in E-Rantel.
What do I do!? How am I supposed at address the fact that I'm a vampire now and that I plan to turn him into one so we can be together forever? Will he think I'm a freak? How will he respond when I tell him how I feel? Can vampires have kids? Do vampires blush? If they do I'm totally blushing!
Avenir slowly turned around to face Ruvik. Each of them were red in the face and nervous about confronting each other. Ruvik couldn't help but to stare at her while Avenir's eyes frantically darted all over the room.
Come on Ruvik, you almost lost her once. Don't wimp out now you may not get a second chance. How do we address the whole vampire thing? Can she have kids? Will she hate me because she's undead and I'm a human?
"H-hey Avenir. It's uh been a while," he managed to say.
"Y-yeah. Good to see you," she stuttered. Jigsaw just stared at the obvious lovebirds with an annoyed expression under his mask.
"By the Supreme Being this is bloody painful to watch," Jigsaw muttered to Neuronist. "They're obviously arse over tits for each other, can they just get this shite over with?"
"Aw, but they're so cute!" Neuronist countered.
"Cute? Bah! You're absolutely barmy mate! "Cute" is a psychological defect in the brain that interprets weakness into something positive. Stupid wankers," Jigsaw scoffed.
"So, you're a vampire now?" Ruvik finally asked.
"Yeah," Avenir said quietly. Neither of them were good with people. Both of them had done nothing but kill monsters since they were kids and both had issues to add on top of that.
"So, personal choice, or was it by force?" Ruvik asked seriously.
"He made me an offer I couldn't refuse," Avenir muttered.
"Like what?" Ruvik inquired with an eyebrow raised.
"Well he said that if I agreed to serve him for eternity, he would reward me with something of equal value to eternity," Avenir said, fidgeting. "I-I made him promise to spare you."
"Was it really worth it?" Ruvik asked, feeling guilty that she was in this situation because of him.
"Ye-yes," she responded, as red in the face as a vampire could get.
"Well, I would've done the same for you," Ruvik commented causing Avenir to stare at him hopefully. "Avenir, I uh-" before he could continue, black gloved hands grabbed onto each of their shoulders.
"SWEET FUCKABLE CHRIST!" Jigsaw shouted. "YOU'RE ARSE OVER TITS FOR EACH OTHER! NOW HURRY THE HELL UP, GET A ROOM, AND GET BUFFIN!" Avenir and Ruvik stared at the madman for a few moments, not fully understanding what he said.
"What does-" Avenir began.
"Bloody hell! Sex! Fuck! Bang! Whatever you people call it! Get naked and work this shite out!" Jigsaw exclaimed, eliciting blushes from both individuals as he stomped off muttering something about "bloody drama queens" to himself.
"Do you wanna-" Ruvik started but was unable to finish his sentence.
"Yes," Avenir said nervously. With that awkward exchange taken care of, Avenir led Ruvik out of the hall and towards her room in Nazarick. Brain Unglaus watched them leave with an expression on his face that looked like he didn't know whether to smile or scowl so he settled for twitching. He and Climb had intentionally been keeping their distance from the Immortal Emperor and were sticking near the food while Princess Renner, who Climb refused to let out of his sight, chatted with someone Brain fearfully recognized as Shalltear Bloodfallen, who kept sending glares at Brain when no one was looking. Lakyus had run off when she heard a voice she recognized leaving Gargan alone.
"What is it Brain?" Climb asked.
"You saw that girl with the blue hair over there?" Brain asked.
"Yeah," Climb shrugged as he took a sip from, he wasn't sure what it was but it tasted good.
"That was my daughter," Brain said nonchalantly. Climb coughed out his drink and stared at his unofficial mentor.
"Your daughter works for the Immortal Emperor?" Climb choked out.
"Apparently," Brain shrugged. "I found out while I was looking for someone to replace Gazef. During that time, I was also doing some digging on the Immortal Emperor and his subordinates. I traced the girl, Avenir, back to the Slane Theocracy and found out that her mother was someone I used to full around with way back in the day. Hell, this was before Gazef and I even met."
"Should you go say something to her?" Climb asked.
"Nah," Brain shrugged as Avenir and Ruvik exited the hall. "She's got enough going on right now."
"So, you're the one responsible for crippling the Black Scripture," the Cardinal of Darkness stated as he looked up at Lucifer's face. Each of them had a pleasant smile, but their eyes radiated with hostility for each other.
"Yes, although it was their own fault," Lucifer grinned. "If they had simply left my subordinate alone none of this would've happened."
"Forgive my rudeness, I haven't even introduced myself. I am Maximillian Oreio Lagier, manager of the Black Scripture," the Cardinal of Darkness said with a bow.
"I am the Immortal Emperor Lucifer Dracul of the Eternal Empire," Lucifer responded in turn.
"So, even vampires have manners," Maximus commented as he approached the two of them. "I'm surprised Lucifer. There isn't even a single drop of blood on the food. I suppose you have whatever poor souls you feed off of locked up somewhere out of the way?" The Cardinal of Darkness frowned at the Archbishop's demeanor while Lucifer let out a sinister chuckle.
"You mistake me for some lesser vampire, Archbishop," Lucifer said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "A vampire of my caliber no longer requires such basic sustenance nor do I recquire any of the primitive needs you humans have." The words "primitive" and "human" made the Archbishop frown.
"You know, it is customary for rulers to bow in the presence of the highest, holiest instrument of the gods' will, even if we are from separate countries," Maximus informed Lucifer with a scowl. "I insist you stop building these churches where your undead heal your people. Healing magic is a divine gift suitable for only the highest of priests and your undead are a mockery of our ways. You wouldn't want to be excommunicated by the church would you?"
"There's nothing holy about you, I don't care about your religion, the people chose to worship me because I don't charge them, and I spit on your gods," Lucifer stated coldly, not even pretending to be polite anymore. "You charge them and I don't. Who is the more charitable and divine being between the two of us?" The Archbishop turned red with anger and looked like he was ready to start yelling.
"Gentlemen, please," the Cardinal of Darkness cut in. "We are gathered to discuss politics, not religion."
"You are right," Lucifer sighed before smirking. "We can address the false gods you worship as well as discuss why I am right and you are wrong later." And with that he swaggered off. The Cardinal of Darkness sighed, fed up with the Archbishop and the Cardinal of Light. It was days like this he thought about killing them off and taking power for himself. He looked around for his bodyguards only to find Mori.
"Mori, where are Ruvik and Corvo?" the Cardinal of Darkness asked.
"I am unsure sir," Mori responded as he shrugged his gigantic shoulders. "I believe Sir Alaf went off to aquire intelligence from one the many vampires in the room while Sir Attano said that he noticed a flaw in the enemy's security and decided to investigate." The Cardinal of Darkness sighed. He wasn't sure what Ruvik was doing but Corvo had skills that couldn't be taught so he would simply have to trust the man's instincts and ask what he found when he returned.
Zanac was nervous as he approached the Immortal Emperor, who no doubt remembered the cold shoulder he had received from Zanac and his deceased elder brother when he visited them. He didn't want to talk to him, but it was his responsibility as the new heir to the throne to try to smooth over their differences. It wasn't hard to find him since he was the tallest person in the room. He was speaking with some beautiful horned woman who had wings that may or may not be magical items. Upon noticing the enlarged bump on her stomach, he recalled overhearing Lucifer say that he had a wife named Albedo and figured that she must be who Lucifer had been talking about.
"G-good evening, your majesty," Zanac said with a polite bow. "You may not remember me, but I am Prince Zanac, next in line for the throne." Lucifer and Albedo stopped their conversation to turn and stare coldly at Zanac, who trembled as if he could feel the ice from their stares sliding down his spine. "I assume that this lovely woman is the wife you mentioned, Empress Albedo Dracul. Congratulations on conceiving an heir, your majesty. May your dynasty reign long and prosperous." Lucifer raised an eyebrow as he recalled the convenient lie and managed to keep a stoic face despite his emotional control almost being overridden. His gaze drifted to Albedo to see how she interpreted this situation.
"Albedo Dracul…wife…family…..Empress Dracul….husband…..Emperor Lucifer Dracul…..he said I'm his wife…." she muttered incoherently as she blushed and smiled as if she was the happiest woman to ever live. The Albedoisms had begun.
Shit. Well she IS having MY mistake pop out of her. How much longer do I have anyway? Three or four months right? Am I really okay with this? Did her nose just start bleeding? What is this, a fucking anime? Goddammit Lucifer Dracul, focus!
"Yes, my wife," Lucifer confirmed while masking his insecurity about the situation. It was at that moment Albedo's Albedoisms became Albedogasms.
"I hope that our two great nations can overlook our past misunderstandings and reach a mutually beneficial relationship," Zanac continued uneasily as he watched Albedo's Albedogasms. "Additionally, I hope that you may denounce the rebels in hopes that they may discontinue their senseless acts of barbarism and provide us with military support in restoring order to the Re-Estize Kingdom."
"There are multiple problems with what you are saying, Prince Zanac," Lucifer said coldly, ignoring the Albedogasms entirely. "What happened between our countries was NOT a misunderstanding as I was quite clear on what would happen if you did not cede E-Rantel to me, I have no intentions of ending a group such as the National Liberation Party that shares my beliefs in ending nobility, your country has absolutely nothing to offer me that I would actually want so any deals we make would NOT be mutually beneficial and would instead be charity, I do not support your Kingdom's nobility nor will I ever, and I do not find establishing relations with your country to be a worthwhile endeavor because by my calculations your country will cease to exist within the next five months and be absorbed into my empire. We are not equals and I will not pretend otherwise." Zanac stared with his mouth agape. He had no way to refute any of that. This man who he had scoffed at only a few months ago for being a commoner had every possible advantage whereas the Kingdom was falling apart. Before he could think of anything else to say, one of the maids called out in a magically amplified voice to the crowd.
"Attention esteemed delegates, the diet will begin on ten minutes," Yuri announced. "Please report to the round table room at your earliest convenience."
Corvo rode on horseback, which was "borrowed" from the Slane Theocracy, through the trees until he met up with Sebas' second in command, Freddon.
"Are you Freddon of the National Liberation Party?" Corvo asked.
"Yeah, that's me," Freddon nodded as he narrowed his eyes at this suspicious man. Several of Freddon's fellow rebels kept watch from a distance in case this man turned out to be an enemy.
"My name is Corvo Attano. I am an agent of the Immortal Emperor," Corvo declared as dismounted.
"So did Raeven talk to your emperor? Did he agree to help us?" Freddon asked hopefully.
"My lord regrets that he cannot take public action to help your cause for the time being, however he has agreed to provide weapons, funds, and operatives until we are prepared to publicly pledge support," Corvo informed them. The rebels let out sighs of relief and grinned.
"Will you be one of the agents that will be assisting us?" Freddon asked.
"For this assignment, yes," Corvo grunted. "However, once our task is complete I must resume my activities as a spy."
"That is where we will take up the task of supporting your cause," a new voice declared. The rebels turned to see Zur and several men in red robes appear from out of nowhere."My name is Zur, founder of Zuranon. The Immortal Emperor tasked my men and I with assisting the rebels of the Re-Estize Kingdom with claiming their freedom." The rebels stared at Zur, not sure whether or not they could trust Zuranon.
"Ain't Zuranon the motherfuckers who attacked E-Rantel?" one of them demanded.
"Although they were members of Zuranon, my organization did not sanction their activities. They were a rogue element, and I'm glad they were killed. It certainly saved me the trouble of hunting them down," Zur lied. The rebels looked at each other and began conversing.
"I don't know about this."
"Are you sure we can trust them?"
"Meh."
"We were told all vampires are evil, but Dracul has done more for us than the nobles ever did. Maybe those things we were told about Zuranon were lies too?"
"If the Immortal Emperor really did send these guys then I say we give e'm a chance."
"Alright, what's your damn plan?" Freddon asked.
"We are going to cripple the enemy's leadership and strike a major blow against the Royal family," Zur proclaimed. "We will need several men on horseback to keep the guards busy when the Kingdom's carriages come through here. Our friend Corvo will eliminate the primary target."
"Who's that?" another rebel asked.
"King Rampossa," Corvo grunted as he equipped his metallic, skull-like mask.
The representatives of the First International Diet of Nazarick had gathered around the round table where the guild of Ainz Ooal Gown used to have their meetings. The Cardinals of Light and Darkness sat on either side of the Archbishop while Mori and a disheveled Ruvik stood behind them. Queen Draudillon sat next to her prime minister, Arkan Centino, while several royal guards guarded them from behind. King Rampossa sat between Princess Renner, Prince Zanac, Marquis Raeven, and Count Ritton with Climb, Brain, and the members of Blue Rose behind them. Jircniv, Albedo, Demiurge, and Shalltear all sat by their Immortal Emperor.
"Thank you all for coming this evening," Lucifer began. "We are here to discuss any problems that we may be experiencing in our countries, address each other's concerns, and engage in more direct diplomacy."
"Why is Jircniv here?" the Cardinal of Light demanded. "The Baharuth Empire wasn't invited!"
"The Baharuth Empire has been dissolved into the Eternal Empire and thus Jircniv is here as a senator representing the region of Baharuth," Lucifer explained. The cardinals paled as Jircniv nodded in confirmation. When did this happen?
"Allow me to begin," Draudillon spoke up as she cleared her throat. "I am Queen Draudillon of the Draconic Kingdom. I am here to request aid for my country which is being torn apart by Beastmen. I'm not supposed to say this, but at this point I don't care if my government collapses as long as we can stop the Beastmen from eating my people." Once she was done with her plea, the representatives looked at each other and cringed. The Kingdom couldn't do anything about it with all their problems and the Slane Theocracy wouldn't lift a finger to help anyone as long they were preparing to fight Lucifer and eliminate the elves.
"That is quite the predicament, Queen Draudillon. I believe the Eternal Empire can assist you in this matter," Lucifer said, eliciting shocked expressions from the other delegates. The thought that this undead monster among monsters would help was surprising to say the least. "For the time being, I suggest you begin evacuating the noncombatants from your kingdom. It should be a fairly simple job seeing as your country sits on the borders of the region of Baharuth of the Eternal Empire. Jircniv, you will see to it that those who are evacuated are accommodated until they can return to their homes, yes?"
"Yes my lord, that should be a fairly manageable task," Jircniv replied.
"But there is a large mountain range between our borders! How are my people supposed to traverse that?" Draudillon cried.
"They won't. I will have my Dragon Airforce transport your people. At the same time they will drop off an army of Death Knights," Lucifer explained. "Momon."
"Sir?" Momon responded.
"I want you, Nabe, and Hamsuke to go with them. Slaughter the Beastmen tribes and then lead my army into the Beastmen country itself. Contact me when they are ready to negotiate," Lucifer commanded.
"As you decree, my lord," Momon said with a bow.
"Good. I have business to attend to in Azerlisia Mountains so I will not be joining you for now. Do not hesitate to contact me if you run into trouble," Lucifer ordered. "Does anyone else have anything to bring up?" The delegates of the Slane Theocracy kept their mouths shut, unwilling to admit that they had a plague on their hands as that would make them look weak and may prompt Lucifer to strike at them while they were down.
"I have a question," Gargan spoke up as she glared at Demiurge. "Who the hell is that and why the hell does he remind me of Jaldabaoth so much?"
"Ah yes. This is Director Demiurge. He oversees most covert operations the Eternal Empire administers," Lucifer replied. "As many of you have no doubt noticed, he has an uncanny resemblance to Jaldabaoth. As many of you are aware, Jaldabaoth is responsible for a dreadful catastrophe in Re-Estize known as the Demonic Disturbance."
"Yes. But what does that have to with Director Demiurge?" Raeven asked.
"Demiurge and Jaldabaoth are twin siblings," Lucifer lied causing everyone to gasp. Many of them looked fearful while others glared.
"I knew you couldn't be trusted!" the Cardinal of Light shouted. "You sent that demon to the Kingdom didn't you!?" He looked like he was going to keep yelling but Lucifer was in no mood.
"[Perfect Silence]," he said. Every time the Cardinal of Light opened his mouth to speak, no sound came out. It took him a few moments to realize this and when he finally did, he turned pale. "Now allow me to continue uninterrupted. It is true that Jaldabaoth used to serve me, but he betrayed me long before any of your countries even existed. We had a slight difference of opinion on what to do with humanity."
"What was this difference of opinion?" Renner asked.
"Jaldabaoth wanted all of mankind wiped out. I did not," Lucifer lied with a shrug. "So he stole several magical items from me and attempted a ritual that would kill every human alive. Obviously, he did not succeed otherwise we would not be having this discussion. I sealed him away out of some misplaced sense of pity and bound my power to his prison. Ironically, it was three years after that the Eight so-called Gods you worship turned my own sealing ritual against me. Figures it took eight of the divine beings you revere so much to even try to face me. When they failed to kill me they used the sealing ritual they copied from me to seal me away and even then they managed to mess up on something such a simple ritual."
"Eight Gods? You mean our Six?" the Cardinal of Darkness asked with narrowed eyes.
"Ah, yes. My mistake. There USED to be eight of them. I killed two of them when they tried to seal me."
"Blasphemy! You weren't around before the Six saved humanity! There's no way our gods would make a mistake regarding anything!" the Archbishop cried.
I really do enjoy riling people up like this. It's amazing how a few simple lies can crush someone.
"The real names of your "Six Gods" are kept secret, yes? I know all of them. Surshana, Alah Alaf, Arthor, Wasser, Hexel, and Sadao," Lucifer listed off as he smirked at the humans' increasingly pale faces. "Because they failed to complete the ritual correctly, I awoke about five years ago. Unfortunately, because Jaldabaoth's sealing was bound to me, he awoke as well although I was unaware of this at the time. He no doubt has spent the past five years searching for the materials he required to attempt his ritual yet again. My sources indicate that he is currently within the Holy Kingdom and, although I have offered assistance to deal with him, the Holy Kingdom refuses to let anyone within their borders." The other delegates sighed as they knew all too well the isolationist policies of the Holy Kingdom of Roble. "As for you, members of the Slane Theocracy, I would very much like the items your so-called gods stole from me returned. Downfall of Castle and Country, Ahura Mazda, Wrath of God, and Loginus."
"How dare you demand the holy artifacts that our Six Great Gods bestowed upon us and claim that they are yours!?" the Archbishop yelled. "I've never even heard of this "Loginus" anyway!"
"Very well then, don't return them. But you will find that you will not be welcome back here," Lucifer said coldly. He hadn't actually expected them to give them back, but the objectives he sought to complete were satisfied. Seeds of doubt had been planted, his already terrifying power had been made more mysterious and godlike, future conflict with the Theocracy had been prepared, Demiurge's cover was secured, the Theocracy would go on a wild goose chase looking for the magical items that "Jaldabaoth" was searching for, and he was making people think that he really wasn't as heartless as they believed. The emissaries of the Theocracy left in a huff with Ruvik and Mori bringing up the rear. "I propose we end things here for now. If anyone else wishes to discuss something, you can contact me at one of the Eternal Empire's embassies."
"Do you really think he's been alive for that long?" Arken asked as the Draconic Kingdom's carriage sped back to the Draconic Kingdom.
"It would certainly explain why he's as powerful and intelligent as he is," Draudillon sighed. "The question is: What does he get out of helping us. I get the sense that he cares about humans in some manner, but not like actual people. It's like he sees us as stupid animals that he's trying to raise so that he can tolerate our existence."
"This is most disturbing. How did he know the names of our gods? Their holy names are kept secret," the Archbishop muttered.
"Do you think he may have been telling the truth, your holiness?" Mori asked with wide eyes.
"Perhaps. However, I believe that those powerful items he requested are capable of hurting him, so all the more reason to hold onto them, hunt down this Loginus, and find the magical artifacts that Jaldabaoth is searching for," the Cardinal of Light declared.
"Indeed. We must deal with the elves and this accursed plague as quickly as possible and begin hunting for these powerful artifacts that both Lucifer Dracul and Jaldabaoth seek," the Archbishop said.
"Where's Corvo?" the Cardinal of Darkness asked.
"He said he found something concerning those metal creatures the Immortal Emperor has walking about. He said he would meet us back at Humanika," Ruvik reported. The Cardinal of Darkness sighed in aggravation.
You bring your subordinates to a party as bodyguards and everyone just disappears on you. Whatever Corvo found had better be worth it.
"That was scary," Climb muttered. Once again, Renner, Brain, Evileye, and himself were in a carriage and were headed back to Re-Estize through a forest.
"You were very brave, Climb," Renner said affectionately. Brain and Evileye just rolled their eyes at the two of them, failing to notice the strange and creepy look in Renner's eyes.
"So, what is your impression of the Immortal Emperor?" Brain asked.
"He doesn't seem to hold a pathological hatred for life, but he also doesn't seem to genuinely care about them," Evileye stated as her mind drifted back to how easily he figured her out as a vampire. "He understands the concepts of good and evil, but finds them irrelevant. He is only concerned with reaching his goals while considering long term consequences. He's rational to the point where you can label him as a sociopath and is so intelligent that I'm not sure I can even begin to comprehend what's going through his mind." Renner furrowed her eyebrows since that description vaguely reminded her of herself.
"I got the sense that he'll do whatever it takes to get what he wants while also making sure people see him as a hero. It's hard to rally humanity against a villain when half of humanity thinks he's a hero," Brain mused. Climb simply agreed to with whatever the others said.
"Still, finding out the truth about Jaldabaoth has given us some answers," Evileye said. "Momon confirmed that Jaldabaoth had been looking for an item when he attacked Re-Estize, so perhaps the item we secured from the Eight Fingers' warehouse was once the Immortal Emperor's?"
"Even if it is, he didn't ask for it," Brain interjected. "Maybe he doesn't know we have it and even if he did know, do you really want to give him a powerful magical item like that?" Before anyone else could respond, something hit the side of their carriage.
"What was that?" Climb muttered asked he peered out the carriage window. His eyes widened as he was met with the sight of several masked men on horseback. Although there was no way of knowing for sure, Climb's gut told him that they were members of the National Liberation Party. The object that had struck the carriage was one of the guards that had accompanied the Royal family. He had been knocked off his horse by a stone fired from a rebel's slingshot. Without wasting any time, Brain and Evileye sprang into action. Evileye used her diminutive size to slip through the carriage's back window and climb onto the roof while Brain bust the other window open and fended off an attacker with his katana. From the roof, Evileye began casting spells to hold the rebels back.
"[Maximize Magic: Shard Buck Shots]!" Evileye exclaimed causing crystal shards to hail down on the enemy. The assailants fell back a few feet and looked like they were about ready to give up when a man in a dark, hooded trenchcoat started jumping from horse to horse until he appeared right in front of Evileye and delivered a jab to her stomach, knocking the wind out of her. "[Enhanced Maximize Magic: Crystal Dagger]!" she cried, summoning a weapon to her hand and pointing it at her opponent, who in turn drew some sort of large handle that, with a flick of his wrist, unfolded into a shorter than average sword.
What kind of sword folds in half? He must be some kind of assassin.
She made three swift strikes at her assailant, all of which were blocked with infuriating ease. When she tired making an overhead strike with all of her vampiric might, he once again blocked it and retaliated this time by striking her with a hard kick right between her legs causing her jolt upwards before backing away to gain some difference.
If I was a boy that would've hurt a LOT more.
It was at this point, the enemy seemed to grow tired of her resistance.
"[Windblast]," came a distorted, mechanical voice. With a wave of his hand which was accompanied by a powerful gust of wind, Evileye was sent flying over the side of the carriage. The only reason she was still technically on the carriage was because she had grabbed onto the roof and was trying to pull herself back up.
Shit! He can use magic too? What kind of assassin is this guy? Is he a member of Ijaniya?
When she looked up at the dark figure's face, she saw why his voice was distorted. He wore a metallic mask that looked like a grinning, deformed skull. An agent of death itself.
"You're in my way," the assassin grunted as he delivered a hard stomp to Evileye's face, shattering her mask and forcing her off of the carriage. "[Dark Vision]," he muttered, allowing him to see through walls and see the people inside the carriage. The target wasn't in this one. Without a moment's hesitation, he jumped onto one of the two horses that were pulling the carriage and severed the restraints that attached them to the carriage, bringing it to a halt as the horses that pulled it were let loose. Directing the one he was riding towards the other carriages he sped towards the one in the middle which held King Rampossa, who he had seen thanks to his [Dark Vision]. Once he got close enough, he pulled out a rope from his belt and used a spell. "[Stop Time]." with the world around him frozen in time, he jumped onto the back of the king's carriage, broke the window, and tied the rope around the unaware king's neck. He then rushed over to a nearby tree and tied the other end of the rope to its trunk. Just as he hopped back onto his horse, time resumed. The king's still moving carriage made the line go taut, and with the king being too big to fit through the small back window, the rope ended up snapping his neck before ripping his head off entirely. He was dead before he even knew what had happened. Raeven, Ritton, and Zanac all stared in shock at the king's headless corpse, barely noticing the assassin and the rebels retreating now that their job was done.
"Those damn commoners!" Zanac exclaimed as tears came to his eyes. He may not have cared for his brother, but while he and the king weren't close, he was still is father.
"We must take immediate action and punish those responsible!" Ritton screeched.
"What are your orders, King Zanac?" Raeven asked sadly. Zanac's eyes widened, realizing what his father's death meant for him.
"Gather the Royalists and the guards when we return to Re-Estize. We will stamp out this rebellion and kill ANYONE who supports them!" Zanac growled.
Corvo grinned under his mask. This was what he lived for. Sure, spying and carrying out the orders of his creator were satisfying to say the least, but there was nothing like the efficient assassination of a high-ranking official to bring a smile to his face. He was so overjoyed by his return to assassination that his façade as a human almost slipped. He couldn't have anyone realizing that Corvo Attano of the Black Scripture was in fact an undead Vengeful Spirit. Even so, his hair became flickering purple flames for the briefest of moments. Nobody seemed to notice though. This act would take the rebellion of Re-Estize and turn it into a full-blown civil war. The end of the Kingdom was drawing near.