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 37
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama was walking through a dungeon. Small mobs were discarded easily by her summons and thus the advance was steady. In short order she came into the treasury. Mountains of gold, precious stones and other valuables were assembled.
Just as Arachama was advancing her goal came, the raid boss. It was an enemy worse than anything she faced, its name was called SPAMer. First it used "Message" to distract her, but luckily Arachama could use her focus to blend it out.
The evil raid boss had the form of a skeleton with certain cheekbones and jaws. It wore black robes with golden trims. On the shoulders were horns and pearls, as they were part of this raid's skin. A red orb was visible in the center of the skeleton.
The mountains of treasures were swept aside and the battle began in earnest as she realized that the "Messages" had no effect on her.
Spells were hurled. Waves of insects swept against it, while flames engulfed Arachama. It truly was a hard fought battle.
"Nudging Side" was used against Arachama and the vision blurred for a second before her determination changed it back again. She grumbled as she barely dodged another "Vermilion Nova".
"Summon: Giant Tar…" Arachama tried, but her mouth couldn't move in the middle.
"Tickling Daughter" came the incantation and Arachama giggled and couldn't focus herself. Again the vision blurred. A short grumble later her mouth was free again.
"Super tier flowing nightmare: Toxic ga…" Arachama tried again, this time she was interrupted again.
"Such an unbalanced boss. I should have asked Monga for tips against this one." She grumbled, trying to cast again, to no avail.
"Slapping Enti", was casted by the boss and Arachama felt a slap.
"How does the AI know Enti?" Arachama thought. The vision blurred and she saw a fearful Enti and Zesshi observing her.
Finally awake, Arachama sat in her bed. Zesshi had eyes as wide as plates while Enti was in arachnoid form, grabbing her and slapping her awake.
"I think I woke up now." Arachama smiled, trying to reassure them.
"I hope so, mom." Enti sighed in relief.
"By the way. What happened that you slapped me?" Arachama asked, completely confused and lost.
"I woke up and tried to get out to prepare breakfast for you and sister Zesshi. Then I heard you trying to summon a 'Giant Tarantula'. I did my best and it worked, as the summon was interrupted. Zesshi woke up and accidentally tickled you. You then tried to use a super tier spell, while sleeping. That was when I slapped you. I rather wish to keep the mansion functional and not a ruin." Enti reported.
"Thank you." Arachama agreed, some of her confusion was now cleared.
"No problem, mom." Enti said and hugged her. Zesshi also got into the cuddling mass of arachnoid.
Soon enough the knot of spiders dissolved, as Enti really needed to go. Zesshi was still in Arachamas arms, having Arachamas head on her own.
"You know what, Zesshi?" Arachama nudged.
"What can I do for you, mom?" Zesshi asked, placing her head in Arachamas lap.
"I got a fitting kimono for you. We not only go to Re-Estize, we will have plenty of time before we go to make you look fabulous."Arachama smiled and heard Zesshi groan.
"Can't we travel there in relaxing clothes and change just before we arrive there?" Zesshi pleaded.
"So halfway it is. Sounds nice." Arachama giggled, not having any interest in losing comfort on her travels.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Jircniv ←
Jircniv woke up early and began preparations for today. There would be a ceremony and afterwards an official introduction of a new baroness. Usually nobles would be introduced during a party by their parents, but in case someone got elevated to nobility the emperor would take over that part. That he could spend some time with her was a bonus, since he would invite her as the party would 'just so happen' that evening.
Now he was going through the script for this afternoon, as he wanted it to go over without any flaw. Sadly he had some troubles concentrating on the script, as the image of the recipient shot through his head.
"How will she dress for this occasion?" Jircniv asked himself and pictured her with many different robes.
First he thought of a red dress. Then he got to purple, but found both unfitting, at least from aesthetics not from future rank. In the end he decided that he would see. Just as he had decided to reread the script later, Nimble walked in.
"The ball room seems to be ready, my emperor." Nimble smiled.
"Why are you so formal right now?" Jircniv snickered.
"I need to get into the right mindset, my emperor." Nimble replied and shook his head.
"Is that so? At least you can concentrate." Jircniv sighed.
"That happens. It is nothing bad if you have trusted friends." Nimble told Jircniv, who just shook his head.
"Back on track, how is everything else going on?" Jircniv asked.
"The cooks are preparing the buffet for the party and the cake and tea for your date. We even prepared a small pavilion for you and her." Nimble reported.
"That sounds good. I just hope it will be a good first step to more." Jircniv sighed.
"That is how it usually is. But before we do the first step we don't know how the trip goes, do we?" Nimble grinned.
Jircniv meanwhile groaned inwards and decided to observe for himself.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Breakfast at the mansion was a short affair. It also proved somber and the mood was not that great. Arachama herself had cuddled with her daughters, except Ninya as she was still with fever, into oblivion. The twins hugged her as if their life depended on it. Arche on the other hand napped, head on her abdomen. Arachne herself just giggled at the picture. Zesshi meanwhile enjoyed the bit of freedom she temporarily got to gather a few things from her room.
Enti went inside the room and walked over to her. Just shy within her reach Enti opened her arms and Arachama couldn't do anything but scoop her oldest into a tight hug.
"Are you sure you will manage to watch the twins?" Arachama inquired.
"Of course. Though how long are you away?" Enti asked.
"That depends. Zesshi and I will meet with Monga, where we will supply ourselves and I will get the objectives. But I will be back as soon as possible or if danger shows. Just call me, my oldest daughter." Arachama answered and pressed Enti even closer into her bosom.
"I think I will manage. I am also sure the twins will behave perfectly. I even got them nice new outfits." Enti told Arachama, who felt Enti smile underneath the mask. The twins meanwhile, being on Arachamas side, shuddered.
"Again, are you sure?" Arachama asked, fear in her eyes as she looked down.
"Of course. As I said, I am prepared." Enti smiled and the eyes underneath her mask got a purple glow, similar to one Monga gets when he has a plan.
"Then I leave it to you." Arachama relented and hugged her again.
"Old-mother, I hope there will be no problem if I advance from my citation as I see fit? Your guidance will be sparse in the coming times." Arachne asked.
"Do as you see fit. Just remember that I am always ready to help my children." Arachama mused and petted Arches head.
They cuddled for another hour until Arachama looked at the clock. She nearly got a heart attack. She carefully brought the twins and Arche in their bedroom and gave them a kiss on their forehead. Then she gave the same to Enti and Arachne. Zesshi meanwhile waited in the foyer, tapping her foot up and down.
"We need to go "Gate"." Arachama sweatdropped. Zesshi sighed and went through the portal with her.
They arrived at the entrance of the tomb. A gigantic carriage was prepared with their luggage. Cixous and a few Hanzos were at the ready besides the carriage. The carriage itself was kept in gold and the inside was purple and comfy, equipped just for them. Monga himself stood beside the carriage with Albedo and Shalltear.
"Morning, Monga." Arachama smiled, embarrassment creeping in her cheeks.
"Just on time." Monga said and one of his eyes dimmed for a short time, like a wink.
"Yeah. He he. Ehem. I will go now." Arachama smiled awkwardly, also signaling for Zesshi to board the carriage.
"I will not hold you for long. Here are the demands we have. I know you will manage. Besides, we already won the war." Monga told her.
"Of course we have won. We have a stronger army, an easier way to recruit more forces and most importantly, we have bigger wallets." Arachama grinned evilly.
"Just your favorite tactic, isn't it?" Mongas eye flames flared up.
"Of course. Is there something wrong with this approach? You only need to replace the ones bribed, since they aren't trustworthy." Arachama shrugged.
"And I thought I could be evil." Monga sighed.
"In contrast to you they would still be alive by my approach. Give them enough of a pension and they will keep their mouth shut." Arachama smiled.
"Experience from back then?" Monga asked.
"Indeed, how do you think we were able to occupy the dungeon? How do you think we got all this?" Arachama inquired, Monga meanwhile shuddered.
"You will manage. If you need help just ask." Monga said.
"I will. Have some fun you two." Arachama smiled and Albedo and Shalltear had a confused grin on their faces.
Cixous got into the driver's seat while the hanzos seemingly disappeared. Arachama herself got into the carriage and saw plates with prepared snacks. Zesshi was already nibbling on some crisps.
A small tuck in the back told Arachama that the road trip had begun. Zesshi was comfortably tucked on Arachamas lap while she herself placed her head on top of Zesshis. It truly would be a long and much needed cuddling session.
When they reached the halfway point the carriage stopped, as Arachama and Zesshi prepared themselves. Arachama took her time to clothe Zesshi appropriately. First she tried the kimono, but something wasn't right about this. In the end she chose to switch for a dress in a gothic style. It seemed elegant and covered everything. It also took a lot of time to prepare Zesshi, who got increasingly tired. It was long and kept in white and black coloring, fitting with her overall. It went just above the ground, even behind her abdomen.
Arachama herself went along with this theme as well, though her coloring was black in the background and then red and toxic-green patterns. These patterns were like spiderwebs in the green and flowers in red. It was one of her older creations from Yggdrasil and only gave her a small buff in the defense, but it was needed back then and now it looked gorgeous in her mind.
While they were already having a break, Zesshi and Arachama also ate lunch. During this time Arachama read the demands from Nazarick and smiled.
"Let's hope they will see reason." Arachama thought and saw Zesshi beaming at the ham.
"What will be our objective for this mission, mom?" Zesshi inquired.
"We will negotiate a treaty. If possible we will get most of our demands in the teaty we negotiate. For that we will need to keep the demands from Monga and Jircniv in mind. Jircniv as our ally and Monga as he will need to approve of the deal" Arachama told her.
"So there is no underlying mission or something?" Zesshi asked, not believing Arachama one bit.
"Only negotiating and meeting my pawns. Nothing else." Arachama answered.
"Then why do I need to come along?" Zesshi pleaded.
"For two reasons. One would be because of your grounding. I want to keep a close watch on you. The second reason is that you are, to them, a big threat. This means they will focus on you. This will give me more room to play in." Arachama smiled, crushing Zesshis puppy-eyes in the process.
"So I am a bait?" Zesshi inquired.
"Not really, as there is no danger. I am always there with you. Remember, you are to remain in my eyesight. If they touch you they will wish to never be born." Arachama smiled, while a black aura enclosed her.
"And what will my role officially be?" Zesshi asked.
"You, as my daughter, will help me with day to day business." Arachama answered and Zesshi decided to just follow her fate, at least if the sigh was anything to go by.
Soon enough they got back into the carriage and the trip would continue.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Renner ←
Renner had woken up early, since she knew that Climb would begin his training soon. Such a view was important for her, even if she had engrained it in her memory. She liked to find small differences in his physics every time she decided to observe.
"Yes, observe. Definitely not stal… ehem. Observe, I observe him as I need to know how well my pup.. Ehem, the bodyguard is developing." Renner mused as she looked into her mirror.
Just as she wanted to stal… observe her precious puppy, a maid came over. She was then escorted to her father.
"This is a terrible start for the day." Renner complained in her head while only showing her typical smile. She would miss her Climbs training.
She came closer to Ramposas office when she could listen through the door.
"What do you mean by that? You want to negotiate with those things?" the voice of Barbo boomed through the door.
"Yes. We don't have the man to defeat them and thus we will negotiate." Ramposas voice, calmer than she expected, replied.
"We would have won. We need to take control of the beasts and then retake this renegade land that calls itself an empire." Barbo demanded.
"Again, we don't have the man to do that. We lost roughly 8 percent of our abled male population. We need to prepare for winter." Ramposa threw at his son.
"Then we need to make it a harsh peace for them." Barbo partly gave in.
"We are in no position for that. Since you don't seem to understand this, I will order you to not engage with the envoy and the envoys servant." Ramposa ordered and the dull sound of a fist onto a table was heard.
"We need to show dominance against them. Who better for this than me?" Barbo shot back, anger seemingly taking over.
"You will be staying in the royal part of the palace. That is it." Ramposa now reiterated his order. Anger was seeping in his voice.
"This is interesting, but now I will help father." Rennner thought and knocked at the door.
"Come in." Ramposas voice sounded, sprinkled with fake kindness and happiness.
Renner opened the door and saw that her father, rather forcefully, composed himself. Barbo on the other hand had a red face.
"You should calm down, dear Barbo. Imagine what could happen if you act upon your anger? All the potential damage." Renner said, trying to sound reassuringly.
"Shut up, you little…" Barbo began.
"No, you will shut up. You heard father. Now you will follow his advice and let us deal with this. I am sick and tired of clearing your problems for you." Renner hissed, showing a bit of her 'anger'. This shocked Ramposa and Barbo.
"But…" Barbo tried again.
"No buts or anything like that. We are in a crisis, thanks to your defeats, and we need to solve this problem. You will not interact with any envoy or their entourage. I don't want to deal with any damage your temper could bring us." Renner hissed again, cutting him off.
Barbos had grew redder until he turned and stormed out of the room.
"I shouldn't have said anything, but its too late for that." Renner though, rethinking her temper. It was one of the few times where she had acted upon emotions. She wanted to reserve that for Climb, as he was her precious.
"You wanted to talk with me father?" Renner asked.
"Indeed. I will need your help. I need information on the envoy. I also want you to befriend the envoy." Ramposa told Renner.
"I will try my best. I guess I play the informal role while Zanac will be the host?" Renner inquired.
"Yes. With a bit of luck we might get a bit better off." Ramposa answered.
"A nice plan indeed, if I would be actually loyal." Renner mused in her head as her father droned on and on.
→ Re-Estize Royal-palace / Zanac ←
The royal palace was in panic-mode, as they prepared as much as possible for the arrival of the envoy. Every possible corner was swept, cleaned and polished. The cooks were preparing some different kinds of food, as it was unknown what race the envoy was, thus the diet of the envoy was unknown.
Zanac only observed one problem. All the spiders were evading the servants. If the servants cleaned in one room the spiders would 'evacuate' it and return later. While interesting to observe, it also made him more paranoid towards them.
"It is as if they were as intelligent as a human." Zanac thought and a shudder went down his spine.
He soon decided that the plans to save the kingdom were important and thus he went to his office. There he saw formal wear, which was prepared for him.
"Just another irregularity." Zanac sighed in his head.
Zanac then proceeded with paperwork. They consisted of requests for grain to other countries, namely Roble Holy Kingdom and the Draconic Kingdom. His father hoped to mitigate the damage as much as possible. They also requested potential military alliances, in case the new kingdom invaded them.
He also started to move resources towards the capital. This included grain, beverages, goods and funding. All was channeled towards either the crown or reliable and loyal nobles. If everything went right the kingdom would clean itself in short order.
"It is actually a neat plan." Zanac smiled to himself. He was also a bit moody that it had not come from himself.
When he finished his paper work he began to get dressed. The formal clothes he now wore were white on the inside with yellow-gold trim. The outside was kept in a blue-purple coloring. It was usually used to impress foreign dignitaries with the wealth of the kingdom. Sadly this wasn't the occasion for this, but it would be rude to not use it.
Soon enough he walked down the hallway towards the courtyard. Some of Gazef Stronoff's warrior troupe were gathered. They wore formal uniforms and were already saddled. A white horse was prepared and he got saddled.
Silence filled the group as they rode through the capital. Zanac had ordered the soldiers to be briefed of the importance and expected the best service possible. It seemed that he was correct and everything went according to plan.
"At least so far." Zanac thought and fought a frown from his face.
Soon enough a carriage appeared. In the driver's seat was a maid, which would make most of the nobles drool and propose in seconds. Luckily his troupe kept their position.
The carriage itself was drawn by 8 black horses with eight legs. Deep blue eyes held more intelligence than they should and Zanac shuddered for a few seconds. The carriage was wide and long, probably spacious inside. The wheels were sturdy and the carriage had no problems traversing the area. This made Zanac curious, as it would usually shake every carriage.
The carriage stopped in his front and he rode towards it.
"It counts from now. Everything or nothing." Zanac thought and the flames of determination in his stomach burned with new tinder.
→ Carriage / Arachama ←
The rest of the trip went without a hitch and Arachama had cuddled Zesshi without pause. She needed it and was sure that Zesshi, despite initial protest, enjoyed it too.
"I love mother-daughter-bonding-time." Arachama mused and petted a sleeping Zesshi.
Just as she herself was about to nap, a small bell was heard and Arachama cursed her luck. She kissed Zesshi at the back of the head. It didn't work. She then nudged and tickled, still no results. She then blew a bit in her ear and felt Zesshi struggling.
"Wake up, Zesshi. We are close." Arachama whispered and she felt Zesshi grab her at certain places.
"Only a moment more." Zesshi grumbled.
"Sadly we don't have the time. But I am sure we can hold out till night." Arachama smiled and started to comb Zesshis hair. This woke Zesshi up, despite not having the will to do so.
Just as Zesshis hair was done again, the carriage halted and Arachama sighed. Again the small bell chimed and Cixous opened the door.
Arachama stepped outside, while Zesshi remained inside, clearly enjoying the nice shadow a bit more. She was greeted by the sun beaming onto the brown grassland. Arachama sighed and already looked around.
A small group of riders were waiting in the front of the carriage. They seemed neutral and waiting for them. The capital of Re-Estize was not far behind them. A single rider came towards them. The rider was fat, with double skin and sweat stains on the white parts of his formal outfit. Arachama sighed.
"This is one way to start diplomatic relations." Arachama thought and searched him in the distance.
"At least he is seemingly trying to be nice." She observed as he got from the horse's back and walked towards her.
"Good day. I am Prince Zanac. Who might you be?" the prince asked.
"I am Arachama and I am here to negotiate with this kingdom." Arachama answered, a small bow for courtesy.
"What position do you hold?" Zanac inquired.
"Puh. I am a close friend of Monga." Arachama thought loud.
"She is an old-mother." Zesshi smiled from the entrance of the carriage.
"Ok?" Zanac replied, a bit confused.
"Let's just say I am high within the hierarchy but usually keep to myself. I am here because Monga asked me to form diplomatic relations with this kingdom." Arachama tried to explain.
"I understand. I will present you as a diplomat. Do you have a last name?" Zanac asked.
"A last name? WTF? When did I use my last name last time? Half a decade ago? Think fast. Didn't Arachne take one and isn't she supposed to be my descendant?" Arachama thought while Mini-Arachamas were banging their heads on tables, searching files and causing chaos, which Tzeentch would envy, in her brain-office.
"You may call me Arachama Athropae Arachne." Arachama asked, trying to hide her scare.
"That would be possible, Lady Arachama Aracha Arachnae." Zanac told her.
"Arachama is enough. The last time anyone used my last name was a long time ago." She tried and he nodded.
"Then, could your carriage follow my troup to the palace?" He inquired.
"That should be possible. I hope it isn't a problem that my daughter accompanied me for this? I want to keep her close." Arachama smiled.
"Of course it isn't." Zanac replied and Arachama nodded.
Zanac then got back on the horse on the third try with the help of a soldier. She herself went inside and continued to cuddle Zesshi. A tuck informed her that the carriage was moving again. This moment of bliss lasted only for one hour though, as soon a bell chimed. Afterwards the door was opened by Cixous and Arachama stepped outside, closely followed by Zesshi.
Arachama looked around and found the palace slightly disappointing. It just didn't hold a candle to Nazarick.
"Though that might be because I was involved at Nazarick and it took years to build. It could thus be biased." Arachama thought and took a second look.
They were in a courtyard, which was open at one side. The palace was built of seemingly white marble, though it was yellowing. One wing had curtains drawn while the others were opened. Soldiers were standing at attention and Arachama was sure she saw a few of them at Carne.
The king, Renner, the Zanac, Gazef and a few nobles were also present. The king, his family and Gazef seemed to be the welcome committee. The nobles on the other hand looked increasingly uneasy as Zesshi left the carriage.
"Looks like some fools survived after all. But that is to be expected." Arachama thought and straightened herself. Zesshi herself did the same and soon enough Cixous placed herself at a respectful distance.
Arachama decided to use this chance and walked towards the royal family. There she bowed slightly.
"Good afternoon, your highness." Arachama smiled and the king nodded.
"Good afternoon, Arachama Athropae Arachne. I hope your trip was without any problems and wish for fruitful conversations." the king announced.
"There was no problem on our way here." Arachama replied and then the group started to walk towards the main part of the palace.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachne ←
Arachne was just watching old-mother leave with Zesshi. Normally this would inspire envy, but Arachne knew two things.
One would be that this was old-mothers way to make sure nothing bad happens. Second would be that Zesshi would hate the near future. All the diplomacy and paperwork were more her thing than Zesshis.
"But who amI to complain?" Arachama mused in her head.
"Lady Arachne? I will be preparing you now." Tuare smiled.
"Of course." Arachne smiled at the maid.
It took some time, but both were slowly but surely opening up and becoming coordinated. This meant that Arachne had less problems over time.
Tuare, true to her words, prepared Arachne. A gothic dress was prepared and Arachne sighed, knowing that she would sit in it and not show it off. The pillow of her wheelchair got matched as well and was now red and black, just like her dress.
After she was properly clothed she was pushed towards the foyer, where Leinas was already waiting.
"So there is our future noble." Leinas smiled and Arachne felt a shudder creeping down.
This seemed to gather the attention of Leinas.
"Don't panic. Everything will be fine." Leinas cheered her up.
"Can't back out now. When do we go?" Arachne asked.
"When you are loaded into the carriage." Leinas grinned and Tuare began to push her out of the mansion.
The sun tickled at the tip of her nose while fresh air flowed through her hair. She looked along the avenue. Everything was kept clean and in peak condition. But it also covered the mansion from the streets, giving Nazarick the privacy it needed and deserved. Though slowly the leaves were turning from green to yellow. She had observed this through her windows and found the picture nice. She had also seen that most of the trees had chestnuts and wondered if they were sweet chestnuts.
Her moment was destroyed by Leinas and TUare when they started to push her to a carriage. Arachama tried to refocus, sadly to no avail.
She got placed inside and Tuare was seated opposite of her. Leinas took the reins. Then the trip to the palace began.
The city itself was cleaned and prepared. She was sure she heard the different heralds spreading the news of a new noble. This all made her a bit stiff and anxious. But she didnt soak in her anxiousness, as the gates of the palace were already visible.
The guards, already informed, just waved her through and escorted her to a different place. Once there she was brought out of her carriage. She took in the palace and enjoyed the sun again.
Just as she was nearly in her thoughts, a push came and ripped her out of it. Tuare was pushing her towards the palace.
Soon enough they got closer towards a room, which Arachne knew to be the place where Jircniv would usually work from. It was opened for her, her maid and Leinas. Jircniv was just getting up from his couch and looking at her. Arachne couldn't help but blush a bit.
"Ahh. There she is." Jircniv smiled.
"Good afternoon, my emperor." Arachne replied and tried to bow.
"None of that. You helped me greatly. I think you know what will commence today?" Jircniv asked.
"Indeed. There will be some kind of ceremony and then a ball in the evening." Arachne answered.
"Yes. Usually the ceremony is held more privately while the new noble would then attend the ball and have the first dance with the emperor. But, in regards to your …ehm… circumstances, we need to change a bit. First we make you a noble here." Jircniv smiled and again, Arachne couldn't but fight the red of her cheeks.
"As you wish, emperor." Arachne agreed.
"Now then. Try to make a bow." Jircniv ordered and took out a ceremonial sword. It was golden with precious stones embedded at the side of the blade. Arachne meanwhile bowed, as far as it was possible without falling out of the wheelchair.
Jircniv stood before her, sword held upright, blade sideways.
"Do you swear to serve the realm and the emperor of the realm with all your capabilities? Do you swear to protect this realm and represent me justly?" Jircniv asked.
"I will, my emperor." Arachne replied, a solem tone in her head.
Jircniv placed the side of the blade on her. First her left and then her right shoulder..
"Then you shall be entailed, thus you shall serve the empire with the best of your capabilities. Thus you shall serve with righteousness. Thus you may represent the empire in its best assets." Jircniv intoned and placed the tip on her head.
"So shall it be." Both said and Jircniv retreated the sword.
Arachne remained a few seconds in her position, while Jircniv gave the blade to Niimble, who retreated.
"You can raise your head, baroness Arachama Athropae Arachne." Jircniv smiled.
"Of course." Arachne smiled and raised her head. Jircniv stood before her and she was sure she saw warmth in his eyes.
"Sadly the ball will commence much later. Let me invite you to a tea party of my own until the time arises." Jircniv told her.
"It would be an honor, my emperor." Arachne replied.
"Please, just call me Jircniv. You helped me greatly and thus deserve this right." Jircniv laughed a bit uneasy.
"Of course, Jircniv." Arachne giggled a bit and the group went to the garde of the palace.
"Such a hard day for me." Arachne thought in exhaustion on her way.
→ Arwintar / Fluder ←
Fluder was inside of his scriptorium. Copious amounts of scrolls and books were strewn around the room. Spiderwebs were in the corners, though those weren't the small friends of his master. Those were well cared for by him in another room.
The scratching of his quill on paper was heard and small but surely his smile grew, when he remembered the last few months. He had seen his goal. The endless pools of mana. The impossibility of their magic. It was close to inconceivable. Yet here he was writing his findings.
Just as the sun began to set, his last sentence was written. He looked the book over and then drank a bit of wine, looking over his finished work. It was a grimoire, which was as tall as his table and it reached over 10 000 pages.
It contained instructions on entomancy, venomancy, some summons and recipes and instructions for rituals, potions and talismans. All of those were taught by his new master.
"Now I need a fitting name for you, my great work." Fluder beamed at the finished work.
One of his disciples came inside with a tray of food and drink. He placed it on another table and looked at the book.
"Is this the project, master Fluder?" asked the disciple.
"Yes, indeed. It is one of my magnum opus. I shall call it Entonomica. It is the only work inside the empire, which contains the lost arts of Entomancy. I also included some of the other teachings my master gave me on her way. Imagine. The importance of this work right now." Fluder nearly drooled over his work.
"Can we disciples learn this art?" he inquired.
"Later. First I need to make copies. At least one for the library in the academy and one for the library inside the palace. Then the disciples can learn by writing before testing the spells themselves. I fear what could happen if we don't test them in a controlled environment. I heard of the damage some of the spells inside here did. They can be highly dangerous. Does the name Katze Plain tell you something?" Fluder replied and the disciple shuddered visibly.
"Next will be my book on necromancy." Thought Fluder, already eager to write it and to learn more about entomancy.
"Now. Let us celebrate the return of the lost art." Fluder beamed and both went for drinks inside the academy.
→ Nazarick frozen prison / Demiurge ←
His plan was a success, though there was still uncertainty. He just hoped that it worked the first time, since it had taken much of his energy. Energy, which he now used on his pet projects. But first he had gotten the affirmative from Lord Ainz in regards to one of his plans. His lord even forgave Albedo and him, as he understood the necessity of it.
He was now standing besides Neuronist, who made a captured blond scream like a little girl. In the beginning the girl was hurling insults, but now she was broken. The will to fight had left her eyes and only resignation and despair filled them. She told them about a group called Zuranon, whom she served under. Though the only name, at least who was alive, was a man called Alator.
"I should keep my ears open for this name. He could know more." mentally noted Demiurge as Neuronist inserted a spiked q-tip.
Again, screams would fill the air, but her voice had cracked weeks ago and only rasps left the blond. If not for the small bit of information she conveyed, Demiurge would have already thrown her to his little farm.
"I will be going now. Break her as soon as possible. I heard Lord Ainz say something about not wasting potential assets. But right now she is not useful enough." Demiurge ordered and left the room. Afterwards he used "Gate" to get to his farm.
While he enjoyed witnessing Neuronists artwork,he was going to enjoy his next assignment much more. Some cretins were messing around in his general direction. One faction in this was this disgusting kingdom. The second was again this third called Zuranon, at least he had to count them in without proof to the contrary. The third party were all this demi-humans.
"But if I can play this correctly…" Demiurge thought and was getting closer to unravel his masters masterpiece of scheming.
Just then he saw one of his shadow demons. He had learned to use them like Lady Arachama. The information made his work much easier.
"What is it?" He spat at the demon.
"They are gathering, lord. They are uniting, lord." the shadow demon reported.
"That is great. Did my observation prove to be true?" Demiurge inquired.
"Yes, lord. They proved correct, lord." came the answer.
"Great. Go back to your post and follow the directive as before." Demiurge ordered and the shadow demon disappeared.
"It is going smoothly, too smoothly." Demiurge sighed and decided to prepare for his part in his own lords 10000-year-plan.
AN: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did, please feel free to review.