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 36
→ Nazarick 9th floor Ainzs bedroom / Arachama ←
Arachama turned, tossed and rolled around in the bed. She felt sore and exhausted. Sweat was gluing her hair to her body. Her abdomen felt strangely relaxed and full. But her upper body felt completely wrecked. All in all she felt as if she had run a marathon while all her legs were sprained. It felt terrible.
Arachama couldn't but tried to get the hair from her chest, since it tickled her. She thus grabbed her hair with all her willpower and moved it from her skin. Arachama realized that she was sleeping naked.
"No wonder I can't sleep. But why am I naked?" Arachama thought. Then she tried to grab many of her pillows, only to find none.
"Strange." Arachama murmured and decided to open her eyes. She wanted to scream, but kept herself under control.
"This is not my room. Neither is Zesshi here. But who is under the blanket?" Arachama asked herself and stood up to cloth herself in her gown.
Once she was wearing her gown Arachama, which was substantially less sweaty than herself, Arachama decided to look at whom she had shared this bed with.
The blanket was moved as gently as possible and Arachama was shocked at the result.
"Please don't tell me we did… Monga is like a son to me." Arachama nearly cried as she saw Mongas sleeping in Incubus form. He looked devastated. Bite Wounds were all over his body and she was sure she could taste him partly. But worse was that Monga was naked in all of his glory.
Praying for the best, Arachama decided to teleport to her own child. If she remembered correctly Zesshi should be in her own area on floor 8. Once she closed her eyes a white glimmer filled her vision and she stood within her spider paradise.
Arachama looked around and soon found Zesshi soundly asleep within her bed. She just wished she had a camera to take a photo.
"She just looks so cute." Arachama thought with a squeal.
Arachama, still exhausted, got into the bed and cuddled with her. Soon enough both were sleeping.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Demiurge ←
Demiurge was standing before Albedo, who looked a bit terrified.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Demiurge asked.
"Yes. We did the wrong thing, didn't we?" Albedo asked, tears in her eyes.
"I think we did the right thing. Think about it. A child between Lord Ainz and Arachama would be the ultimate heir. The essence of two supreme beings. The power, wisdom and intelligence that the heir could have." Demiurge smiled and Albedo placed her forehead on the table.
"What do we know? We effectively betrayed both of them." Albedo whined.
"I think it was part of their plan anyway. Otherwise Lord Ainz would have stopped us. Besides, didn't lady Arachama wish for a child?" Demiurge told Albedo, who did not look much better.
"At least she stopped her whining." Demiurge thought.
"I will apologize to both of them today. Maybe they will remain as part of Nazarick." Albedo cried and Demiurge looked at her.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes. Officially you didn't know anything. That way only one might die." Albedo told him. After that Demiurge was dismissed and thus returned to his farm.
→ Nazarick 8th floor / Arachama ←
Rustling and rolling was ripping Arachama out of her beautiful dreamland. She opened her eyes and saw Zesshi cuddling her back. A smile formed on her face and soon Zesshi opened her own.
"Slept well?" Arachama asked her daughter.
"Yes, mom. Why didn't you come here though?" Zesshi replied.
"I was too exhausted." Arachama answered and continued to cuddle Zesshi
They were laying there and enjoying their time until…
"We need to talk, Ari." the voice of Monga boomed in her head and Arachama groaned.
"Why now? I am having a cuddle session!" Arachama asked.
"It is about last night and something I need you to do." Monga answered.
"Officially last night never happened, understood?" Arachama adamantly ordered and heard Monga gulp.
"As long as nothing comes from it. If there are consequences, we will talk about it, am I understood? But you owe me one as I am dealing with a devastated Albedo." Monga hissed in her head.
"Agreeable. I will be at your office after Zesshi and I are clothed and fed." Arachama told him and cut the connection.
"Who was it, mom?" Zesshi yawned and looked up at Arachamas eyes.
"A nuisance. Luckily I have lots of clothing of different sizes here. I think I have a kimono of your size in there. And one for myself as well…" Arachama smiled and horror formed in Zesshis eyes.
"Don't worry, you will look gorgeous. Besides, we should get used to needing a long time. I am sure to know what we will do after tomorrow." Arachama giggled and Zesshi sighed. She probably resigned to her fate.
Arachama was right and found the kimonos quite fast. Sadly, for Zesshi, they needed around one hour to put them on. In the end Zesshi wore a kimono, which got to her abdomen and then changed to something similar to a gown. It was black and white. Arachama had something similar, though it had black, orange and toxic green as coloring.
Afterwards Arachama teleported them to the office of Ainz. Inside was a weeping Albedo, who seemed to have tears of happiness and desperation in her eyes. Then there was Cixous, who simply stayed in a corner, ready to serve. Arachama took a great couch out of her inventory and scooped Zesshi up. Both were seated on the couch and relaxed.
"Cixous, dear, could you get us some albion sheep? I am hungry and I am sure I heard my daughter's stomach cause an earthquake." Arachama smiled.
"Moooom." Zesshi whined.
"Don't worry. Food will be here shortly." Arachama grinned. Cixous had already left to get the order.
Albedo meanwhile was hugged and then brought to Ainzs bedroom.
"Anything I should know?" Arachama asked.
"She has a bigger part in something that didn't happen yesterday." Monga replied.
"Is that so? Though I leave it to you. It was mainly the shock this morning." Arachama sighed.
"So you enjoyed it?" Zesshi asked and Arachama felt her cheeks flare up.
"I dont know what you are talking about." Arachama hissed and held her hand in front of Zesshis mouth. Zesshi meanwhile mumbled in her hand.
"I think it is mainly in our best interest to leave it at that and ignore it for now." Monga sighed and seated himself.
"Enough of that. I am sure they will not do something as stupid as this again." Arachama told him.
"Right. Let's talk about something I need to be done. While I can negotiate between members, I am terrible at negotiating with outsiders. I also know your background. I think you would be better at negotiating a truce or peace with Re-Estize. I know that you will not see your children as much and thus will keep an eye on them for the duration." Monga proposed.
"Oh no, Mister. Last time you let my little munchkin go to war. Not happening mister. I would rather have Arachne, Yuri and Enti watch over them." Arachama denied. Monga looked at the carpet, imitating Zesshi.
"Would you go though? If not I could send Albedo or Demiurge…" Monga began and Arachamas eyes flared in a toxic green.
"I think that is a terrible idea. I will go. I think Enti has found a way to keep the twins peacefully. Arche is usually a good child. Ninya and Tuare are too busy and Yuri and Arachne will work alright." Arachama thought loudly.
"What about me, mom? I can help Enti with the twins." Zesshi said.
"Well. You are grounded and dont leave my eyesight. That leaves only one option. I think we will spend a lot of time together in the next few days." Arachama smiled and sadism glinted in her eyes. Zesshis soul meanwhile left her body.
"I will have a carriage prepared for you. Cixous will accompany you as a maid. Together with some 'Hanzo'. That should be safe enough." Monga sighed.
"That sounds great. Maybe I can do some sightseeing in their capital." Arachama thought loudly and Monga plus Zesshi sighed.
Then Cixous came back with two plates with steaks.
"Here is the albion sheep. Dry-aged, medium and spiced with salt, pepper and garlic. It is the best of the 'Happy Farm'." Cixous stated as she placed the trays on the desk.
"Thank you." Arachama thanked the maid for Zesshi and herself.
She and Zesshi ravaged the steaks and Arachama sighed when she was finished. Zesshi herself leaned back and cuddled with Arachama, closing her eight eyes and relaxed.
"Anything else?" Arachama asked.
"Yes. I heard you were using the spa today?" Monga inquired.
"Yes. I had put in the request before I was taking the long nap." Arachama said.
"Ok. Then I will use Pandora's Actor to play you today. I need to have a parade in E-Rantel to make my rule official. I might have also arranged something for today…" Monga explained.
"Then you do you. Just don't give PA too much screen time. He is quite… eh… expressive with his language and gestures." Arachama agreed.
"I didn't plan too. But now I will go to my future wife and cheer her up. Enjoy your time in the spa." Monga told her and she nodded.
After Monga was gone Arachama and Zesshi cuddled for roughly half an hour. Then they roused themselves.
"It is time to collect your sisters. Then we will have a nice time with them." Arachama sighed, as she cracked her shoulders.
"Indeed, mom." Zesshi sighed.
Arachama casted "Gate" and went through the portal. On the other side she would realize two things. It was early morning and all her children, except Zesshi, were still asleep.
"More cuddle time, I guess." Arachama smiled and scooped Zesshi up.
→ E-Rantel / Ainz ←
The forces were assembled for a giant parade and Ainz prepared himself. Albedo and himself would be drawn by a carriage. Ainz also decided to forgo his mask. While it would hide his undead nature and thus lul the city in comfort, it would also be harder to show his true nature later on. Besides, they already hated him for the massacre at Katze Plain. Not because he did it, but because his subordinate pulled it off.
Pandora's Actor, as Arachama, would travel in a separate carriage, which was closed off. It was more or less just to show that Arachama was with Nazarick.
Ainz also fought with his own guilt. On one hand he knew what he and Ari had done last night. How couldn't he, as it was a close call for him. She had started to eat him the hornier she had gotten. He just couldn't tell her. She was more than a decade older than him.
"Besides, I can't tell her that I enjoyed the ride, though the biting wasn't necessary. Even if I was hope for the best." Ainz sighed.
The formation was ready, as Ainz got into his carriage. Albedo was already there. While Albedo smiled, Ainz knew of the inner tumult she had. Luckily he had managed to calm her down significantly.
"Will everything go according to my plan?" Ainz asked.
"Yes, Lord Ainz." Albedo sniffed and looked at him hopefully.
"Then we should proceed." Ainz told her and Albedo gave the signal.
The formation began to move and closed in on the city. The city itself would not defend itself, as it was technically occupied. But he needed to make it official. His forces felt his presence coming closer and opened the city gates. The formation then changed slightly, getting tighter to fit on the main road.
Like a slow and lumbering beast the formation marched in unison. Closer and closer to the mayor's mansion. A combination of undead and insects marched. Amongst those were multiple 'Giant Tarantula', 'Death Knight' and 'Death Paladin'.
Then it happened. A child and a mother, whom Ainz knew as a Doppelganger, were spotted. The 'child' began to pelt the marching troops with small rocks. Once closer the 'child' then targeted Ainz himself. Albedo knew this and advanced quickly.
A pleading 'mother' then asked for forgiveness for her 'child'. That is when the adventurer 'Momon' would step in.
"Not even a honeymoon without trouble." heard the closest people.
Albedo and 'Momon' had a small fight, which lasted for a short while until Ainz stopped it himself.
That would be the end of the show. The final nail in the coffin for any revolt.
"I see that you are strong, Momon. If you want to keep this city safe, then you will serve me. But be warned. If there is any revolt, your head will be the first to be cut off." Ainz told 'Momon', who looked at him stunned.
Then the figure nodded and bowed.
Thus the back of any revolt would be broken from now on and Protagonist, one of Nazaricks homunculi, had an enjoyable afternoon.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion ←
Arachama slowly roused from her sleep when she felt Zesshi roll around. She tried to cuddle her again, but Zesshi was getting out of bed. This gave Arachama the final push to open her eyes as well.
"Morning, mom." Zesshi yawned.
"Mornin'." Arachama grumbled to herself.
Arachama looked out the window and saw the sun high up. It should be late morning to noon. Both clothed each other again, this time in summer dresses, and then went to the living room in the western wing.
On their way they met Enti and asked for something light. Enti immediately ran towards the kitchen. Once both entered the wing Arachama saw a nice scene of her twins playing and Arche reading one of her books. Arachne herself had prepared a small spot on the table and was doing paperwork.
"Good morning, my children. Arche, Ure, Kuude. Please get your swimsuits and a nice summer dress. We will have an urgently needed relaxation day as a family." Arachama told them.
The eyes immediately beamed and they shot towards their rooms. Not soon after they came back, bags filled to the brim with toys and swimsuits. They wore dresses and were clamoring at Arachama. All were hugging each other. Just then Enti came and Arachama and Zesshi inhaled their breakfast.
Enti herself prepared herself for the spa-resort. Arachne was given a proper dress and swimsuit. Tuare herself would also accompany, as she was assigned to Arachne. Leinas accompanied them, as she got an invitation from Arachama. Ninya meanwhile was still in fever and thus needed the tender care of Foire and Fith.
Once they were already Arachama casted "Gate" and they all went to the 9th floor. The way to the spa-reservoir was done easily and without interruption. This reminded Arachama that Monga should be at his parade.
"Why do rulers always try to stroke their egos with such things?" Arachama asked herself and sighed.
Once they reached the baths, they changed their clothes and soon were inside the bath. Everything was prepared. The water was clean and at the right temperature, as expected. A buffet was prepared with everything a growing and grown arachne could need. There was also a small portion for Tuare Arachne and Leinas.
Leinas, Zesshi and Arachne went to the whirlpool. The twins, Arche and Arachama meanwhile were playing water polo in a sports pool. Tuare followed Arachne, until Arachna pulled her inside the whirlpool, where she was forced to relax, which she did exceptionally well. Enti though went to gather, in her words 'important things'.
The game of water polo went on and on until Arachama could hear the stomachs of her children grumble. This triggered her own and she sighed.
"I think we should get something to eat? Who would come with me for that?" Arachama smiled and immediately they went out of the pool. Closing in on the buffet she could immediately see Entis signature pudding and steaks. This made Arachama happy, as she knew that the kids enjoyed Entis cooking.
The group from the whirlpool meanwhile had eaten a while ago and were relaxing. This meant that the group around Arachama ate by themselves. She directed the children towards a blanket on a meadow and they started.
Just as Arachama was about halfway through her lunch the twins, already finished, were jumping around like little bundles of energy.
"Mom, speed up, please. We want to play." Ure moaned.
"Please mom." Kuude jumped in. Arche sighed in resignation and simply ate the rest of her plate.
"Nah ah. First we relax for half an hour. Then you can play with Zesshi, as I heard she needs more exercise." Arachama smiled.
The twins sighed and groaned. Arche meanwhile giggled. Arachama meanwhile saw a shudder creep down Zesshis neck.
Once Arachama finished she saw the twins and Arche asleep on the blanket. Again she wished she had a camera.
Arachama stood up and walked towards the whirlpool. Zesshi jumped up and made room for Arachama.
"I heard that I will play with my sisters. Might as well watch them now." Zesshi grumbled.
"Aren't you happy to get some exercise? I am sure I heard you complain yesterday…" she replied and let the end trail of.
"Yes. Yes. Thus I am going." Zesshi sighed and went to the blanket with the sleeping blonds.
Arachama meanwhile went inside and felt her muscles relax immediately. The group around her and herself relaxed in silence for a while. At least Arachama thought this until she heard a small snoring coming from Arachne.
"They are asleep?" Arachama taught and tested the others. Only Tuare was in something close to sleep. The others were out cold.
She waited for roughly an hour, at some point deciding to read. She was close to finishing a book when she heard a yawn, coming from Leinas.
"Slept well?" Arachama asked, looking up from her book.
"Yes. How long did I sleep?" Leinas inquired.
"Roughly an hour. The others should wake up soon as well." Arachama smiled and Leinas looked confused.
Then came a loud shriek as Kuude and Ure were in the middle of a match and splashed cold water on each other. The shrieks were loud and shrill. Arachne and Tuare woke up from their sleeping state and yawned themselve.
"What did I tell you ?" Arachama grinned.
"How did you know?" Leinas asked.
"They always like to play water polo and then have those little matches. I heard them walking over the floor and knew they had played water polo before. The rest was business as usual. They are predictable to some degree." Arachama giggled and Leinas simply shook her head.
"You are probably the only one who says that." Tuare sighed.
"Is that so? I think they are cute and usually well behaved. The pranks are only small, usually rare and well spirited." Arachama told Tuare.
"I think Entoma thinks a bit differently. Last time I saw Entoma clothing them in maids uniform and let them clean the messy aftermath of their prank." Tuare remembered.
Arachama looked at the twins and imagined them in maid uniforms. The picture was too cute.
"Why didn't I get a picture of something? It is too cute to not have witnessed it." Arachama wept.
"Maybe come a bit early next time Entoma watches them?" Arachne proposed.
"That would be a possibility." Aracheme thought loud and the rest sighed.
Then silence ruled for a short period of time, until one of the homunculi maids came over. A bottle of wine and multiple glasses on a tray.
"Lady Arachama, Lady Albedo asked this to be delivered to you. She also apologized for the terrible night." Increment told her.
"That is new." Arachama thought.
"Thank you, Increment." Arachama replied and the wine was distributed. Even Tuare got a glass, even if it only contained a little of the liquor. Increment meanwhile retreated back and was soon out of sight.
"Anything we should know?" Leinas teased.
"Nothing really. It was a hard night and I had a small black out. But please don't tell Zesshi. I can't imagine the laughing fit she would have. Anything new from your side?" Arachama smiled.
"Arachne has a date soon. She will also get the title of baroness and get the lands of Arjahar." Leinas threw in. Arachne meanwhile buried her face in her hands.
"That sounds lovely." Arachama told Arachne.
"I know that this is where my life will be. But it feels like I cheated." Arachne sighed.
"It isn't. I just gave you a head start." Arachama reassured her.
"Besides, it makes your life and the mission easier, don't you think?" Arachama continued.
"Yes. Especially since he seems to like me." Arachne reasoned.
"How do you know this? I thought you were oblivious to his ramblings." Leinas asked, completely shocked,
"I have access to the 'Spider Papers'. He is also quite open with his intentions towards me to his trusted Nimble and in his action." Arachne answered.
"So you searched for your information?" Arachama inquired, quite shocked to hear this form of initiative from an NPC.
"Of course. I am not as strong as the guardians. I need to be clever." Arachne replied.
"Then there is only one question remaining… What will you do about his feelings? Will the noble lady reciprocate or will we have a major drama in the empire?" Leinas teased.
"She will totally fall for the emperor." Tuare threw in.
"Tuare, Leinas." Arachne groaned.
"Ara. Is your shyness blushing?" Arachama jumped in.
"Yes. She is." Leinas giggled. Arachne meanwhile pouted.
"But you haven't answered my question. Will you reciprocate or will his feelings and actions be for naught?" Leinas asked again.
"In the end I will reciprocate. But I want him to tell me his feelings." Arachne answered, a heavy sigh at the end.
"That is alright with us. I just want you to be sure." Arachama smiled and hugged Arachne a bit.
"Thanks, old-mother." Arachne sniffed and hugged back.
"I just have one question. Where is this Arjahar?" Tuare asked.
"It is the lands surrounding Arwintar. It once belonged to the family Styx. But it will belong to the family line of 'Arachama the younger', or whatever you will be called." Leinas explained.
"That sounds lovely. But are you implying that I am old?" Arachama teased.
"Of course not. She is just a child, while you are a mature mother." Leinas replied, trying to sound as innocent as possible.
"And there she saved herself. But to be fair, this way we can keep them apart easier." Arachama replied.
"Do we also have three names for her? I don't know how it is in Baharut, but in Re-Estize the number of names indicate the social standing." Tuare thought out loud.
"Hmm. How about Arachama Athropae Arachne?" Arachama asked, loving her idea. The others just nodded along and thus Arachne gained a new chain of names.
The rest of the trip was a mixture of relaxing small talk and sometimes serious debates. Arachama also brought Arachne the news of her new assignment, which meant that Arachne would partly take over the paper trail in Nazarick-mansion. Just an hour before it was time to go, Arachama went from the whirlpool towards the sports bath and found the twins cornering Zesshi.
She observed them and, to Zesshis chagrin, observed them splashing Zesshi completely. Zesshi meanwhile tried to do the same to them, but the numbers were against her. Arachama couldn't do better than smile and remember the nice days with her former daughter. The golden glimmer in her dreams came to her mind and Arachama couldn't help but rub her belly.
"Are you hungry, mom?" Arche asked.
"Eh. No. I just got through some nice memories. Just watch out." Arachama answered.
Arche was pulled into the water by Zesshi, while Arachama got inside and cuddled the twins. The twins immediately took the chance and used her as some kind of hostage/ shield. Though Arachama didn't mind, as she was in her dreamland.
After some cuddle time Arachama played with her daughters and the time flew by without any restraint. Soon enough a clock chimed and Arachama sighed, trying to gather her children.
"Time to go. Our time here is up." Arachama coed.
"But I don't wanna go, mom." Kuude whined.
"I am sure we can have another day in the near future. But only if you behave." Arachama whispered, playing it as a secret.
"Yeah." Kuude beamed and soon enough they were drying and clothing each other. It took the usual amount of time, which meant that Arachama had to fight to keep the twins calm for more than an hour. While exhausting she enjoyed this.
The more human company meanwhile waited and reminisced over the day. Then the arachnoid arrived. First came the twins, to Tuares' fear. Arche came shortly after with Arachama, who cracked her fingers.
"Puh. The twins can be a handful. But it is worth the effort." Arachama smiled and the twins pouted.
"How do you do this, lady Arachama?" Tuare inquired.
"Family secret. But how does Enti keep them calm?" Arachama asked.
"She uses …" Tuare began.
"I am back again. I just needed to gather a few things." Enti interrupted.
"Great. How do you keep the twins calm?" Arachama asked, getting more curious by the second.
"Sometimes I need help. I also believe that clothes make people." Enti grinned, a small sadistic gleam in her mask-eyes. Arachama was sure she saw black-red mist emanating from Enti and she could have sworn that she heard the twins shudder.
"Alright, I guess?" Arachama sighed.
"As long as it works?" Arachne smiled.
"Indeed." Zesshi grinned and then shuddered. 16 eyes squinting on her.
"Poor Zesshi, though she is lucky that we will depart soon." Arachama mused in her mind and then casted "Gate".
Arachama was the last to walk through the portal. The mansion was cleaned and everything was as she expected it. Soon enough the crowd dispersed. The twins and Arche went to their living room. Leinas and Arachne went to her office, probably working the stack of paperwork. Enti herself went to hug Arachama. While surprising, at least a bit, Arachama enjoyed this.
But, like everything that is great, it couldn't last.
"I have to pack your and my sister's trunk, mom." Enti sniffed.
"Indeed. If you want we could cuddle in the night?" Arachama asked.
She felt Enti nod and broke free. Enti immediately went to her bedroom.
Zesshi meanwhile waited patiently for her and Arachama smiled at her. One signal and Arachama went to Ninyas room, Zesshi in a respectful distance but still close.
In front of Ninyas room was Fith.
"Good evening, Lady Arachama." Fith greeted and bowed.
"Good evening, Fith. How is Ninya doing?" Arachama inquired, a bit of concern imminent.
"Her health is improving. We had no problems or surprises." Fith reported.
"That sounds great. I will go to bed shortly, if anything gets worse, immediately wake me up and call for Pestonya." Arachama ordered.
"Of course, Lady Arachama." Fith agreed and Arachama went towards her own living room.
Once there she got a second couch and placed it at the side of her own. Zesshi decided to sit down and relax. Arachama meanwhile sat herself in such a way that she could comb through Zesshis hair. It calmed Arachama, especially after being told that she would be away for quite some time.
"Mom, can I stay here when you are in Re-Estize?" Zesshi asked.
"No. I will take you with me, to keep a close watch on you. I still remember that you promised to not go into battle. What did you do though?" Arachama answered and saw Zesshi sigh.
"Just what I thought. Now then. I think we will cuddle here until Enti is finished with packing. Then Enti, you and I will have a good night's rest." Arachama told Zesshi and immediately hugged her.
Enti proved quite efficient, having packed multiple trunks within an hour. That was faster and more complete than Zesshi packed her things, to Zesshis chagrin. Arachama simply giggled at the small banter. Suddenly she decided to hug both of them and went to her bedroom. There all three cuddled.
The last thing she saw, before falling asleep, were the faces of Enti and Zesshi.
→ Re-Estize Palace / Renner ←
Renner herself had enjoyed the last few days. No Barbo to annoy her. Her other brother kept away from her. The 'king', her so-called father, fell back into his habit of ignoring her. This was truly like a holiday for her. Especially since she was to observe and report. Not, like in the last few assignments, to manipulate. And observing is what she did. Not only the movements of the political arena but also her puppy. But that was another matter.
"A matter which is worth my effort." Renner thought as she 'observed', not stalked, her puppy training with only his trousers on.
Just as it got to the good part, a maid appeared and bowed towards her.
"Princess Renner? The king asks for your presence." The maid told her and Renner had to suppress her anger, which was a task of herculean proportion.
"I understand. I will go immediately. Where is he?" Renner inquired.
"He is in his office." The maid reported and scurried off.
"And now the good part is over. Such a shame." Renner sighed, hoping for better luck next time.
Renner walked through the halls of the palace, making sure to walk as slow as possible. Just as she was close to his office she sighed, truly having bad luck today, since normally her puppy would have caught up to her by now.
She knocked and a cough was heard. She opened and found her father sitting in a chair. There were also Raeven, Stronoff and Zanac sitting in different places. Renner sighed and looked around for a chair and found one.
"I guess that we were defeated soundly?" Renner rhetorically asked.
"At least if Yuri with her mirror showed me the truth." Renner though. It had been macabre, especially since Yuri and she had enjoyed biscuits and tea over that massacre. It didn't help that Renner knew that she had a big part in this.
"Ahh. The things we do for love." Renner suppressed her smile at this thought.
"Yes. Barbo returned not even an hour back. Officially he will report the defeat tomorrow, but he already gave me a report. To make matters even worse, the Sorcerer King will also send an envoy tomorrow. We have no other choice than to follow their demands for now. We got a message via an undead courier." Ramposa wept, pointing towards a written report.
"How drastic is the defeat?" Renner inquired to make sure to officially have anything to work with.
"Total. 40 000 survived while 360 000 were killed." Raevan told the group.
"So Barbo already reported? That is more than I expected of him." Renner thought.
"So let me understand this. Barbo lost roughly 760 000 men in less than a year. He also destroyed the noble reputation our kingdom had. And he is still the heir?" Renner asked, to make sure she understood their situation correctly.
"Yes. He has too much support from the nobles to disinherit him." Ramposa sighed.
"That is a mess. How do I navigate this to the best outcome?" Renner sighed mentally.
"I think we should prepare for a hard winter, since most of the abled farmers are now rotting on Katze Plains or in Colognium. We should also start to buy food, metal and armor. Maybe hoard them within the capital and loyal nobles?" Renner proposed.
Most within the room paled as they realized that their battle had cost them the big surplus of grain they were accustomed too. Only exception was Gazef, as he seemed even more depressed.
"I see. Now we need to work out, who is loyal and who isn't." Renner sighed.
"Anything else you see as critical for now?" Zanac inquired.
"We should also build orphanages, soup kitchens and make sure the farms get repopulated. Otherwise we will have a major problem at our hands within the year. Imagine what a hungry population will do if they see us getting fat in the winter?" Renner told them. Another paling occurred.
"We should hoard the food here. That way we at least save the capital." Ramposa shot out.
"Any nobles who died?" Renner then asked.
"The shorter list would be who survived. Barbo amongst them:" Zanac hissed.
"Of course he did. The cowards usually do." Renner thought and nodded along as Zanac listed a few names. None were a threat to Nazarick, or better, notable to them.
"We should keep a short leash on them when the envoy arrives. Gods know what would happen if we antagonize them further." Renner whispered to them. But her voice and the cold within it made sure the message got across.
"What will be our aims with the envoy?" Raeven asked Ramposa.
"We will try to mitigate most of the damage. If possible limit their gains to E-Rantel. But I am willing to give up the newly acquired territories in the north of Slane and to give up the lands at the forest of tob. Both are sparsely settled and barely taxed. Such a loss is a bit lower for us." Ramposa proposed.
"Prepare to pay in a way. I guess they could ask for good old coinage. But what else? Hmm. Maybe the chance to sell their goods or something like that?" Renner shot back. All within the room shuddered.
"Bluntly, that would be great. Barbos' report showed that they were adept in magic, but also carried equipment of high quality. We could tax them and thus gain income." Zanac threw in.
"If they do that. What if they want tax exemptions?" Raeven asked.
"It is irrelevant. In the end, they placed a check on us. We just need to keep it from a mate. In any way I see this situation, they have the upper hand. If we attack the envoy, we tarnish our reputation further and no one would help us in the war that would come. We can try to negotiate them down, but in the end they have us at the throat. They will dictate the treaty. That could be used to..:" Renner began.
"... destroy our kingdom." Zanac continued, getting even paler.
"Indeed. We, as the kingdom must appease the foe, make them feel as welcome as possible. Be as polite as possible and prepare for a hard fall. At the same time we need to appease the nobles. Such a mess." Renner said.
"So it is really over. Even you don't have any idea?" Ramposa asked.
"Right now? I can only think of a few ideas. But even that would be costly, would only be on probability and would do nothing more than appeasement." Renner sighed.
"Then we will try the following strategy…" Ramposa began and the talks would continue till the bells chimed twelfth hours.
"This was truly an unlucky day, not even the view of Climb in his short trousers, with his abs and his determination and more made this worth it. Though I will certainly relish the fruit of my labor later." Renner screamed in her head at the thirteenth toll
AN: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did, please leave a review/ comment.