Chapter 29: Adventurers and Dwarves
Beneath the looming shadows that veiled the capital, lightning danced frequently as if the city of Re-Estize had invoked the wrath of the very gods.
In a small abode brimming with life and tunes of happiness, Blue Rose gathered around a table, awaiting their much-awaited meal for tonight.
"So about the invasion from the Sorcerer King, we're not gonna do anything, right?" Inquired Gagaran, savoring the irresistible aroma of chicken wafting through the air.
"No, we're adventurers, we won't participate in battle. Right, Lakyus?" Evileye affirmed, directing her gaze toward the team leader, who seemed in thought.
"Ah, right. No, we won't. Also, I proposed to take the princess with us if something were to go wrong, but she declined. And if you guys want to leave, that's fine. But if the Sorcerer King defeats our armies, I won't abandon the capital." Declared Lakyus, at which the other members of Blue Rose looked at each other, their gazes telling something that the leader didn't know.
"Yeah, right. Man, I would certainly like to see Gazef Stronoff go into battle. Haven't really seen him fight before." Gagaran mused, envisioning the Warrior Captain defeating the forces of the Sorcerer King.
"No can do, Gagaran. We're staying here." Evileye replied, receiving a playful tap on the back of her head from the towering warrior. Evileye played along, allowing her to seem fazed to not break the illusion that she was a simple mage, weak in physical standards. Yet the truth was that she was actually stronger than Gagaran in every physical way, even if appearances may deceive. But Gagaran's skills as a warrior would make a fight without magic go in her favor.
Still in thought, Lakyus questioned Evileye about something that plagued her mind since the beginning of the day.
"Evileye, if you were to be present at the battle, do you think you would be able to defeat Ainz Ooal Gown?" Asked Lakyus out of the blue, catching Evileye off guard.
"I'm not sure. There really isn't much known about him. But if he is as incredible as the tales spoken about him, I might lose." She admitted, to which Blue Rose seemed a little surprised. They knew Evileye was a formidable caster, but to think someone even stronger than she roamed the earth was possible. But still, knowing Evileye, they didn't think they could beat such a foe alone.
"Also, don't forget the army that's backing him up." Gagaran mentions.
"But isn't it weird that we never heard of the Sorcerer King before? Like he just appeared someday." Lakyus pondered.
"True. Someone probably should have seen his army move to where now his kingdom is. But nobody seemed to notice." Evileye said, raising doubts in the group about how such a thing was possible.
"Unless the empire planned this with the Sorcerer King from the start. Their alliance could explain it, with the empire assisting in the kingdom's invasion." Lakyus theorized, which even made sense to some extent.
"The empire isn't that bad. If the kingdom were to be under its rule, some things could get better. As an example, the corrupt nobles wouldn't exist any longer since the emperor would simply take away all their power. And because of his known intellect, I could think of this being his plan." Evileye said, sparkling some disagreement from Lakyus. Of course, she would not agree with that since, as a former noble, she was ever so loyal to the country and could not betray it.
"But why would he allow the Sorcerer King to claim E-Rantel? Shouldn't he simply take it for himself?" Lakyus questioned, her thoughts evident.
"Maybe to not share a border with the kingdom? Or because it would invalidate the Sorcerer King's claim on E-Rantel. Now, he has two kingdoms under his control, so he can profit indirectly from that kingdom without ruling it. It could have some advantages. But maybe we're overthinking it." Evileye stated.
"About making a profit, he would make more if he captured E-Rantel for himself, but as you said, maybe they are more than allies." Lakyus said.
"Enough with that! I can't hear these political talks anymore! And you know what, I think I see our food coming toward us!" Gagaran said, her gaze fixated on the giant boar being carried to their table.
"You know what, you're right. Let's eat."
In the underground caves of the Azerlisia Mountains, a city filled with life existed, inhabited by none other than dwarfs, humanoids who lived in the mountains, making their living out of mining ores. Their small stature allowed them to reach parts humans couldn't, making them extraordinary miners. Also, their mastery of mathematics allowed them to construct sturdy tunnels for safe mining.
Not only that, but their connection to the earth was greater than that of humans. It was their home, a place which they cherished greatly. Humans could never live underground for as long as a dwarf could.
With the ores they mined, dwarves learned to become great blacksmiths, their craftsmanship in magical artifacts unparalleled by any human or elf.
Yet, in battle, they were not the best warriors. Their short legs make them slow, and their reach with a sword or axe is smaller than a human's.
Yet that weakness of theirs was balanced with one art dwarfs were the best at runecraft. The ability to infuse runes into weapons, armor, and practically anything served their kind very well.
However, the rise of Tier Magic meant the collapse of the fabled art, leading to its downfall. Enchantments were easier to make since every magic caster could simply enchant a weapon, were runecraft took much time to do so.
'So Aura and Shalltear have made contact with the dwarves of the Azerlisia Mountains, good. If I want to have good relations with them, I want to show them my sincerity and how important their craft is for me and my kingdom.' Ainz contemplated, reading the reports from the Hanzos that followed the two guardians into the underground caves.
Raising his hand to his temple, he cast a [Message] to contact Aura.
{My lord.} The dark elf responded with respect, awaiting Ainz's commands.
{Aura, it is good to hear you. I will soon arrive to meet with the dwarven council. Inform Shalltear and the dwarves of my arrival and that I will speak with them to discuss a potential military alliance.} Ainz conveyed.
{Of course, Lord Ainz! I'll tell them right away!} Aura joyfully responded.
{Good. We will see each other soon.}
With that, Ainz canceled the spell, preparing to join the two guardians.
But before he departed, he retrieved two gauntlets from his inventory and a familiar mask, hiding his undead features so as not to instigate any suspicion from the dwarven community.
"That should do it." With that done, he opened a gate connected to where he felt Aura was. Of course, he would open it beside her, as he didn't want the guardian to be split in two by the gate. Ainz wasn't even sure if that was possible, but he wouldn't want to try it out right now, especially not on someone like Aura, maybe on a Death Knight, but not on a guardian who wasn't so replaceable.
Before he entered the gate, four Dark Paladins encircled the Overlord, two at the front and two at the back. Ainz insisted with Albedo that the Eight Edge Assassins were enough protection and that he would have Aura and Shalltear with him, but she wouldn't let him go without even more protection. Thus, he decided to take the Dark Paladins with him.
Their purpose was also symbolic, as no king should arrive without an escort. That was also an argument Albedo used.
'Right, let's go then.' He commanded the undead paladins mentally, moving forward as the first two entered the portal.
On the other side, Aura, Shalltear, Zenberu, Gondo Firebeard, and the dwarven Commander-in-Chief awaited the Sorcerer King's arrival.
When the first two Dark Paladins emerged, the two dwarves seemed surprised at the sight. Their armor was well made, looked identical, and seemed as hard as adamantite. Their stature was taller than an average human, yet the next person who exited the gate surpassed even them in height, if not by much.
Adorned with a twilight robe and shoulder pads carved out of a great beast, where two orbs of unknown power rested on both sides, the arrived individual could only be described as royalty or even more.
Instead of a face, there was an intricate mask with a wicked laugh, and two obsidian gauntlets acted as hands.
"Greetings. I am the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Ainz stated, maintaining a regal demeanor, then offered a handshake to the Commander-in-Chief. Both the guardians and the dwarves seemed surprised by that gesture.
"We welcome you, Your Majesty." The Commander-in-Chief shook the Overlord's hand. Like any male dwarf, he possessed a long beard, its color slightly reddish. The dwarf had a stern look, with a little anxiety hidden within.
After they shook hands, Ainz went to the next dwarf, greeting him as well.
"I presume you must be Gondo Firebeard. I have heard much from you from my servant's reports." Ainz said, at which Gondo seemed surprised.
"I am. To think I am deemed so important that a king knows my name before meeting me, I can say it never happened to me before. Not that I have met a king." Gondo responded, at which Ainz let out a faint chuckle.
"It also interests me that you want to revive runecraft, just as I do." Ainz stated, at which both dwarves had perplexed faces.
"You also seek to revive runecraft? How so, your Majesty?" Gondo asked why the Sorcerer King was interested in the great art.
"Enchanting may be quicker, yet runecrafting is more cost-efficient I heard, even if it is time-consuming. So you see, I want to revive the art of runecraft and let people like you come into my kingdom, give them financial support and all the ores our kingdom can produce to create weapons and armor to export or use." Ainz proclaimed. Gondo, looking at Ainz with fascination, could not be more joyful when hearing those words. It was as if a dream had come true.
"If that is true, your Majesty, then I would support your cause. I swore to my father that I would never give up on it, even if I didn't have the talent like my predecessors." The dwarf exclaimed.
"I will talk with your council about what I have in mind. I suppose we will see each other again if the talks prove successful." Ainz conveyed, following the Commander-in-Chief towards the city's entrance.
After a while, Ainz found himself at the doors behind which awaited the Regency Council of the Dwarven Kingdom.
"Announcing the entrance of His Majesty, the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown." After his entry was announced, the doors opened, revealing a table full of dwarfs, all bearing a beard as was tradition.
"Greetings, esteemed members of the Regency Council. I am Ainz Ooal Gown, the Sorcerer King." Extended the Overlord, prompting the Cabinet Secretary to rise. Seated on the far left, his grey beard exuded wisdom, and his attire spoke of nobility reminiscent of human kingdoms.
"It is good that you are here, your Majesty. Please take a seat. We have much to discuss." Gestured the dwarf, inviting Ainz, followed by Aura, Shalltear, and Zenburu, to take their places.
Subsequently, the dwarves introduced themselves and the departments they oversaw.
"Before we start, we would like to thank you and your subordinates for your aid. If not for your envoys, our kingdom would have fallen to the Quagoa by now." The secretary acknowledged, prompting all dwarves to nod slightly in respect.
"Everyone needs help from time to time." Responded Ainz.
"The Commander-in-Chief has already indulged us in what you have in mind with our kingdom. You have come to establish a friendly relationship with our kingdom, is that more or less true?" Another dwarf, the Master of Caves and Mines, wearing a helmet and possessing a short grey beard, spoke, sitting more or less at the back left of the council.
"Yes, I have heard you possess little vegetables. We could provide you with them. Also, if liquor is something of interest, I can provide you with alcohol from the human countries. Overall, I seek to establish trade with your country." Gasps could be heard from the last part of the sentence. The word liquor clearly impacted the dwarves, something Ainz would keep in mind.
Still, the dwarves were wary of the offer, the difference in military power making the dwarves oh so cautious.
"That is all very nice, but we do not have much to offer. What would your kingdom want in exchange?" Said the Merchant's Guildmaster, having two braided strings of hair hanging from his mustache, while his beard showed some signs of grey at the edges. The dwarf knew his trade, that nothing was free, of course.
"Your kingdom could provide mine with ores since we have few natural deposits. I would also like weapons and armor crafted from your workshops. I was told dwarves do the very best." Ainz responded, at which the merchant's suspicions disappeared for the moment.
"Your Majesty, you have already provided us with an invaluable service for which we are grateful. But this offer will require some thought." The Forgemaster of the council stated.
"Take all the time you need. There's no rush. Shall we speak of the Quagoa, I believe we have repelled their invasion for now, through my strength alone." Ainz said, changing the topic.
"It is just as you say, your Majesty. Before your subordinates arrived, we held them off with one set of doors. If the Quagoa managed to break through, many dwarfs would have been killed there." The military general of the dwarves spoke.
"However, this peace is temporary, I fear." Ainz added.
"Yes, now that they found a way around the Great Rift, we should expect they'll attack again." The commander acknowledged.
"Then you should not wait until it is too late and Quogoa overruns your city. So, why not accept my offer? With my help, your capital would be safe for the foreseeable future." Ainz stated.
"It goes without saying that this would benefit us." Said the Master of Caves and Mines.
"Let me go even a step further. For instance, I could help take back that Quagoa nest, the former capital of your kingdom, I believe?" Ainz offered, and the air seemed to shudder.
The council wasn't as stern as before, showing a whole new reaction.
The Master of Caves and Mines licked his lips.
"Your Majesty, you say that as if it were easy. Do You mean that such a thing could be possible?" Asked the dwarf.
"Of course, if I prepare for it."
"With all due respect, that is too dangerous. It is ruled over by a clan lord, who controls all eight Quagoa factions. I do not believe we stand a chance even with your strength, your Majesty." The commander said.
"Not to mention the three impasses one has to cross to get to the capital. It is pretty much impossible to get through them." The Director of Food Production warned.
"And even if your forces manage to get through there alive, there are Frost Dragons which settled in that area." Added the High Priest of Earth.
"Mmh, how intriguing."
"One moment, do you really think we can reclaim our old capital?" Inquired one of the council members.
"I find that far too idealistic. Why are you giving us so much help? What are you after?" The Forgemaster said, glaring at Ainz with suspicion.
"Now, now, let us be respectful."
"If a stranger walks into a bar and pays off your whole tab, you gonna wonder what he's after, don't you?" The Forgemaster responded, earning agreement from his fellow dwarf.
"Your suspicions are warranted. Then let me be frank with you. I want to establish diplomatic relations with your country and not the Quagoa because I believe them to be beasts. And if I aid the losing side in this war, who will be more grateful in the end?" Ainz asserted. The Forgemaster maintained a hint of skepticism. "In addition, I would like this debt to be paid not with words but with something else I want from your country."
"So it is a business transaction. Do you desire gold, rare metals or exotic ores? Or do you want mining rights as well?" The council's secretary spoke.
"Not exactly. I want something different. I want to recruit the runesmiths of this country to my nation." At his words, the dwarves blinked, still contemplating what the Sorcerer King requested. The Forgemaster, of course, frowned upon his words.
"So you intend to enslave our people?!" He spit in rage.
"Why would I do this when I intend to trade with your kingdom? All I had in mind was recruiting runesmiths and having them make runic equipment in my country." Ainz responded.
"Could we perhaps give you top priority on the sales of runecrafted gear?"
"No. I want to be the sole producer of runecrafted items. Or the investment I do now to retrieve your capital would not be worth the reward. If you want your capital returned under your control, this is my price." Ainz said, his mask unwavering. "So, when can I expect a response from your council?" The secretary cleared his throat.
"Perhaps tomorrow-"
"Need I remind you that the city is still in danger of being attacked by the Quagoa? Even if His Majesty accepts the task of defeating the Quagoa, it will take time for him to gather his troops. With that in mind, tomorrow will be too late already." Interjected the Commander-in-Chief before he turned back to Ainz. "Forgive me, your Majesty, we must decide right now. Please return to the reception room and let us have time to discuss this further."
"Fine then. I shall wait there." Ainz said, standing up and leaving the room together with his subordinates.
It took some time, time Ainz invested in reading the reports the Hanzos gave about the dwarves' culture and customs.
Yet in time, the dwarves invited Ainz to join the council again.
"We accept your offer, your Majesty. But we request inspectors be sent to your nation to see if our runesmiths are treated fairly." The secretary said.
"Of course. That will not be a problem." Ainz responded, a sound of relief coming from the dwarves.
"Then, when does Your Majesty intend to begin recapturing the Royal Capital?"
"As soon as possible."
discord . gg / h6cpJ5d3xh
Here's my discord invitation code. Join if you're interested in becoming a proofreader of my next chapters, or you just want to hang around. Both work.
I haven't forgotten about the dwarves, but I simply thought of their volume as pretty average and maybe even boring, just like with the Lizardmen. That's why they didn't appear, but both happened in the background. I just decided to skip or not mention that arc very much.
Chapter 30 will be the grand battle. Hope you're ready for one of the last chapters with the kingdom until we can move on.