While Aizen's summit had concluded, within Nazarick Ainz wearily sat at his desk within his study. While Albedo quietly stood to his side, positively beaming with adoration and pride at her love's actions, all the Overlord wanted to do was relax his taxed mind. Having to behave like an all-powerful ruler was certainly draining for him. The pressure was immense to not only put up a dignified look for Jircniv and the rest of the NPCs, but he had to then keep this disposition up all the time when around them.
Despite these issues though, he honestly would have preferred if Jircniv had accepted his offer and stayed a little while longer. Perhaps even having a few private discussions as well. After all he learned of him, thanks mostly due to the efforts of the Espada, he came to admire the young Emperor as a very capable ruler. As a common salaryman, he still felt inadequate filling such a role, but as an accomplished ruler himself, he felt that he could learn a great deal from Jircniv, and mulled on the possibility of simply spying upon him on his day-to-day schedule.
Just then, his brief moment of relaxation and contemplation was quickly brought to an end when he felt the approving gazes of Albedo and Demiurge fall upon him, which was especially strange when he clearly remember Demiurge having left his office when he had dismissed the other Guardians, following their choosing of his future title of, "Sorcerer King".
"Oh, Demiurge. I hadn't noticed your return." Ainz remarked in puzzlement.
"My apologies Ainz-sama, but I come to you with a new report regarding the Espada. I thought you would want to learn of it as soon as possible given the interest you've shown in them." Demiurge informed with an apologetic tone.
"That is still no excuse. You have interrupted Ainz-sama's relaxation time." Albedo coldly rebuked, who was truly angered for having her "alone time" with their master interrupted.
"That was not my intention in the slightest." Demiurge calmly retorted as he pushed up his glasses.
"It's fine Albedo." Ainz quickly said, wanting to smooth over the situation.
"M-My apologies, Ainz-sama." Albedo contritely replied, taking a deep bow.
"It's fine, Albedo. Now Demiurge, what is it that you have to tell me?"
"Of course, Ainz-sama. The ones called Aizen and Amelia recently visited Princess Renner. Thanks to the presence of our agent, we were able to confirm several pieces of information. Outside of their usual pleasantries, and talks of continuing collaboration between both parties, we are now certain that the Espada have moved their center of operations from E-Rantel, to the Roble Holy Kingdom..." Demiurge began, when Albedo spoke over him.
"What a shame. We were still some time off from taking that city over. But is this change a permanent one?" She asked in mild curiosity.
"From what we've learned, there are still people in their headquarters in E-Rantel, but as we speak things are being moved." Demiurge concisely replied.
"I see. Was there anything else?" Ainz asked as he contemplatively rubbed his marble-white chin.
"Yes, Ainz-sama. We have learned that the man known as Aizen has revealed himself to be the true mind behind the Espada, while Amelia had simply provided the means and resources to make it all possible."
"Hmm... Aizen is their leader? I guess that explains why he was so talkative when we went to do business with them." Ainz remarked as he thought back on it.
"Indeed. But of course, I am certain that you had already noticed that Aizen was more than he seemed, Ainz-sama." Demiurge energetically mused with a cunning smile.
"Wha..." Ainz tried to say, as Albedo then interjected with a happy, star-struck tone.
"Yes. It makes so much sense. As expected of Ainz-sama~!"
"Umu! Y-Yes. That is exactly right. I had my suspicions that he was more than he seemed. However, I am not certain what merit there was to them doing this." Ainz hurriedly said, deciding once more to go along with what the NPCs' assumptions.
"In that case, please allow your humble servant to offer his own theory on the matter." Demiurge said with a graceful bow.
"Very well. You may speak."
"Thanks to the information we had gathered before and what Princess Renner has told us, Amelia Bedelia Aigner is the daughter of Gaius Liam Aigner. He in turn is a prominent member of the 'Great Merchants'. A group that controls commerce and trade throughout the Re-Estize Kingdom, and is essential towards their functioning economy. Until Aizen appeared, Amelia partook of the family business, and during this time she was targeted for assassination, clearly being a target for someone. I believe that knowing this, Aizen decided that in order to keep himself safe, it would be for the best to let her be the face of the organization." Demiurge smoothly informed.
"I see... Then let us hear why you think they decided to change things?"
"After the events of the 'Demonic Disturbance', as they are taking to calling it, the Re-Estize Kingdom was greatly weakened. Such that Aizen probably decided that it was no longer a fit place to serve as the center of his business. Hence, they moving to the Roble Holy Kingdom. He must see that as a safer area, where there is no need to worry about assassins and business rivals, thus him dropping his façade. But I am sure you had already theorized this, Ainz-sama."
"Indeed~!" Albedo quickly added with a proud, almost lustful smile towards Ainz that once again made him feel uncomfortable.
"..."
While the two NPCs exchanged another round of praises for their master, Ainz quietly pondered on the man known as Aizen. More specifically, how on each time they had met and interacted, Aizen had made him feel uncomfortable, as if he was being overwhelmed in some way. It was unsettling, but at the same time refreshing, since as an undead there was little that could make him feel. Save for maybe Albedo's "affections" towards him, or the ever-present mystery of Shalltear's attackers. It also meant that there clearly was something more to this Aizen. Perhaps some kind of [Talent] was at work?
"Hmm... Still, it is a shame that at this point there is little else they can do, when we begin our operation in the Holy Kingdom." Ainz remarked, moving away from his concerns, to silencing the praises of his NPCs that likewise made him uncomfortable.
"As is they have already done enough in service to Ainz-sama, who's been merciful enough to let them pass with the affronts they committed against him as Momon." Albedo said with clear hostility in her otherwise honey-like tone.
"I agree that they have already done much, but that doesn't change the fact that now, they will serve as little more than sacrificial pawns, once plans for the Roble Holy Kingdom are underway." Ainz added with clear disappointment, seeing it as a waste to see potential resources in such a talented group go to waste.
"While that is true when it comes to be overall operation for the Holy Kingdom, I humbly ask that you do not worry, Ainz-sama. I will make sure that they are put to good use." Demiurge said with a subtle yet malicious grin that was hidden as he performed a dutiful bow towards the Supreme One.
"Oh? Is that so? Very good. Then I will leave that to you Demiurge."
"Thank you, Ainz-sama."
While his master leisurely handwaved the matter to him, Demiurge felt immensely proud of his future plans for the Espada. Naturally, he was certain that the Supreme One knew of it, which surely must have been why he was so quick to place his faith in him. Truly, Demiurge felt like he had outdone himself in his hastily formulated future plans, since the Espada were clearly a numerous group of very skilled and capable individuals by the standards of this world.
Surely, there was no better way to make use of them than to be placed in one of his farms, and in special enclosures where he would make sure that everything about them would be used towards supporting Ainz-sama's vision. Indeed, Demiurge was incredibly pleased with this fate for them. It was a perfect fit for the likes of them to aid in their continued "support" of his master.
"Then, if that is all regarding the Espada, for now we should focus on our newly formed relationship with the Empire. Ah, and regarding Cthalpi, has there been anything new?" Ainz asked in curiosity.
"My sincerest apologies, but nothing new has been discovered, Ainz-sama." Albedo replied with a graceful bow.
"I see. Then I will leave that matter in your hands Albedo. While letting Demiurge continue to look over things with the Empire." Ainz informed in a dignified tone.
"As you wish." Both Guardians acknowledged, taking a bow.
"Umu... In that case, the two of you are dismissed."
Ignoring the pained look of disappointment Albedo bore on her beautiful features as he got up from his desk, the pair of NPCs gave their Supreme Being another bow, before departing from his study. Ainz then made his way to his bedroom, and when he approached his bed he unceremoniously allowed his body to collapse onto it.
He felt mentally spent, having to keep up the role of the ruler the NPCs saw him as was simply too much of a strain on his mind, and after the meeting with Jircniv, and now this update regarding the Espada, Ainz was more than ready to take a much-needed break.
That evening Queen Draudillon Oriculus of the Dragon Kingdom, was again teleported into the lair of Naz'da'gar Cyddrunarth, or "Nazz" of the Espada, in what was now a very familiar and customary ritual in her efforts to produce a child that would strengthen her bloodline. The semi-circular chamber was like usual illuminated by the moonlight that came from the single hole in the ceiling, which reflected off the different valuable artifacts and clear water pool.
She had been teleported to just a few feet from the bed where the true form of the Espada rested, in all his imposing, massive, and dragonoid-form glory. His wings and tail flapping slightly transmitting his excitement to once again see the Queen in her adult form.
"Good evening." Naz'da'gar greeted with a respectful nod.
"Good evening." Draudillon replied with a fond smile.
"First, I would like to apologize for my recent lack of attention to our agreement." The Espada said as the Queen sat by his right-side.
"Please, there is no need to apologize. It is to be expected with the Espada's current vanguard role amongst our forces. I am more than happy to wait, knowing that you are busy to secure the future of this Kingdom." She explained with a soft, understanding tone.
"You are most kind. Then, how can I be of use tonight?" Naz'da'gar purred, allowing his tail to lightly tap her back, causing the Queen to blush.
"I don't mean to disappoint, but today I would prefer to have a conversation, about a few things."
"Grhm? Yes, of course."
"Right. So... The Espada coming here, you coming here, having helped us to a degree I honestly didn't think possible. It has given me a lot to think about. For example, Elizabeth is also a descendant of the Brightness Dragon Lord, but for generations all my family has done was allow hers to serve us... I'm considering changing that once this war is over, and we can breathe easier. It is only fair, since we are family when I think about it, since we share the same ancestor." Draudillon informed, with a clearly thoughtful tone.
"That sounds like a good idea. I agree that there is no real reason for her family to be bound to yours in such a fashion. I think that is a great idea." Naz'da'gar said in a supportive tone.
"I thought you would say that. Now, moving on to you and the Espada. There have been times where I would have liked to press you more on what the Espada's goal in this is, and more things I'm sure is not common knowledge. I have done my best to hold back on that, due to respect for you as a Dragon Lord and one of our saviors. Not only that, but also a strange sense of faith coming from the fact you will be the father of my child. That being said..."
Draudillon paused momentarily as her face blushed crimson, and her heart picking up pace, as she tried to take the next step in a discussion she thought was a long time coming, and would have already happened if she was more honest with herself. Then she felt his tail wrap around her waist in a familiar act of affection, and the push she needed as she tried to arrange her ideas. So, placing her hands on his tail, she firmly but softly spoke.
"I understand that you have to leave. You've other work that needs to get done. But the child will need a father and I will need... I will need you."
"...!"
Suddenly she felt the Espada's body tense. Not to the point where the grip he currently had on her with his tail changed. He simply seemed surprised by what she said, as his head froze in place as he looked down at her.
"I'm not asking you to stay here all the time. Just be around, so that our child will know that it has a father and a mother. That it has us to fall-back on. And in my case... I don't want to sound selfish, but perhaps I've gotten comfortable with constantly seeing and being with you all these months. I mean, it's almost like something out of a bard's story, no? The knight in shining armor that comes to the Princess', or Queen's, aid and in the process gives her everything she had imagined." Draudillon continued, her face beaming red as her eyes moved all over the place since she was unsure of how to act in this situation.
"A family..." Naz'da'gar mumbled, taking her hand in his.
"I..."
Draudillon looked up and fell silent. The Catastrophe Dragon Lord, strongest as the Zero-ranked Espada as he had been allowed to tell her, was crying even if he didn't seem to realize it himself. The tears were silently rolling down the scaly sides of his face, leaving her in awe at the surprising reaction to her suggestion, even more so when she could see the sorrow in his eyes.
"I-I didn't mean to say anything that would hurt you." She said in uncertainty.
Noticing what was going on, Naz'da'gar looked away from her, using his free hand to cover his face as a few pained growls escaped. That the Espada could be influenced by the lingering thoughts and feelings of the beings they were fused with was known. Yet after all this time, while harboring his own feelings for the Queen, Naz'da'gar had yet to fully process what kind of reaction he would have at the mention of family. After all, Crawl, the man that had been used in his revival, lost his family before meeting Aizen.
"That is not it. I don't even know how I can explain it to you. It's just that it hurts. It hurts so much." He replied in a pained voice.
"What hurts? I don't understand. Please tell me. Though, if you don't want to..." Draudillon went to say, but he lightly squeezed her hand and spoke.
"That's not it. It hurts, but at the same time it feels so relieving. That I would get to... I'm sorry."
With his hand still on his face, the Espada failed to fully stifle the now free-flowing tears and open crying. Draudillon was honestly shocked. She didn't know that many particulars about his past, but never would she imagine him to have this kind of reaction to being offered the chance of being part of a family. Of course, her surprise was justified, as this outburst was not necessarily his. It was the last embers of a man named Crawl, who had lost his family, gained revenge with Aizen's help, but to his last always thought himself a weakling unfit to protect his own.
Whatever the case may be the Queen sighed, placing her free hand on top of his. She caressed it, while her companion had his outburst. Naturally, Draudillon didn't think anything of how much time he had spent doing it, but eventually his tears stopped, and the Dragon Lord regained his emotional center.
"That was... Well, I'm sorry. I was just... Deeply touched." Naz'da'gar mumbled.
"I could tell." Draudillon chuckled.
"I'm sure. That was, relieving in a way, almost as if there was a weight lifted from my shoulders. Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
"And upon keeping that in mind... When you got here, for a moment I thought that you had grown stronger, but after this conversation, I have another theory." The Espada said, a certain hope in his tone.
"Y-You're not wrong. I only just recently found out that I am with child."
There was a brief silence between them, with Draudillon awkwardly chuckling and smiling while Naz'da'gar processed the news. Once it seemed to click, he quickly unwrapped his tail from her waist. While keeping his hold on her hand, he used his free hand to feel her stomach his hand started to slightly glow.
"T-That's warm. I'm just a few weeks so there isn't much to feel." Draudillon lightly laughed.
"This isn't my forte, but just give me a moment." Naz'da'gar said, holding back his own laugh.
Draudillon felt a wave of warmth going through her body, concentrating on her womb, all the while the father of her child chuckled and giggled, much to her growing annoyance.
"Would you like to share?" She asked, just as he pulled his hand away.
"Sorry. Well, I'm not completely certain, but from what I could feel, I believe you are going to have three children, not just one."
"T-Three? Well, that is certainly more than I was expecting." Draudillon remarked with a light chuckle, placing her hand over her womb.
"Perhaps it is my fault..." The 0-Espada went to say, when waved him off.
"No, don't. It's fine. No, it's perfect. I always had thought of having a child in order to do well for my family line, for my people, and my Kingdom, but this is perfect."
Making her happiness known, Draudillon leaned on Naza'da'gar, who quickly accommodated her, wrapping his arms around her, along with his tail basically snuggling her into his torso.
"I'm glad, that I could make you this happy. I had never imagined that I would get to see something like this."
"Same. I never imagined that I could be happy. I guess that was all there is to it. Two unlikely souls making each other happy."
"Hehehe... I guess that is it."
Again, silence fell between them. As time passed she could feel the Dragon Lord become tenser and tenser, as if something was bothering him and he was doing his best to hold it back.
"You can share, if you want. We will be a family soon." Draudillon gently suggested.
"I... I am thankful that you haven't asked much about me and the Espada. While I'm certain that a time will come for that, I'm glad that you haven't pushed it. However, as we know a great battle is coming our way and... I am concerned. I just need you to know that I will do all I can. That I'll give it my all to make sure it goes well." He informed, with a worried and distant tone.
"I know. But, just try to ignore that for the time being, and think only of us."
"Grm. Right. I will."
The two of them stayed like that for hours, evenfalling asleep in each other's arms as both basked in the happiness and relief they brought each other. While at the same time the father to be, was still processing the news and how they only added to the already incredible pressure of the upcoming duel with the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord.
Still, he knew that now wasn't the best time to let his worries get the better of him. Not when Draudillon had so easily relaxed and snuggled into him. Keeping his hold on her, he leaned back slowly and allowed himself to fall asleep, basking in this new surge of happiness.
With the two summits and the growth of the alliances that came from them, willing or otherwise, quickly followed them. Three months passed, and with it came the dawn of the next installment of the Annual War between the Baharuth Empire and Re-Estize Kingdom that takes place upon the Katze Plains.
Meanwhile, the battle for the city of Asike also approached. This was a critical battle for the Dragon Kingdom, because if they were to recover it from the Beastmen, it would push them back to the original borders of the Beastman Country. However, at this point due to their spies and sources of information, they knew that in Asike they would have to fight the current Beastman King Kaze, along with the main bulk of their forces, and in a time after the appearance of Tomo there were more than just the usual causes for concern.
There were also fears that undead would be present in this fight, since many knew a Necromancer was present in the enemy side, and reports mentioned the tainting of land near Asike that would not only lead to the rise of undead, but also empower them. The Espada knew that this was most likely the work of the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. Having seen Tomo's body taken by the Dragon Lord and the vanishing of Liger and Shi, they were expecting the presence of a fearsome undead force.
Overall, serious thought had been made in allowing the Espada to showcase more of their real power than previously planned. Especially when the Cero Espada would have to go face-to-face with someone he saw as his superior. Yet thankfully, there was also some good news.
After Himassa's liberation came reinforcements from the Empire, Slane Theocracy, and Espada, to supliment the forces already in the Dragon Kingdom. So the nation was currently at its strongest from a military standpoint. These forces would naturally become instrumental in pushing back the beastmen until there was nothing left but victory, in a battle that many were already predicting to be a major turning point in this war.
From the Empire, with Commander Jean-Peire Picard, with the now more welcomed aid of Iris Joy Pernet, led 2,900 and an extra 100 from the Dragon Kingdom in several raids against the beastmen. For the Commander it was finally a chance to showcase the military prowess his family was known for, and make use of Iris since only now that they were fighting Beastmen did her knowledge and experience seem useful to him.
Currently, both Picard and Iris were gathered in the center of what used to be a sizable Beastmen camp, yet they had managed to take it over with minimal losses for the humans and the almost complete extermination of the enemy. This was thanks to Picard's knowledge of military tactics and Iris' knowledge of beastman behavior. With the two put together it was a simple task to surround the enemy and overwhelm them, a reliance on specially made projectiles, and quality weaponry to put the enemy down.
They and many others had been lucky, since it would seem that the most disciplined of the beastmen had resided in Himassa, and now were either killed off, or were probably waiting in Asike. Still, it had been a win for Picard and he was more than pleased to bask in his glory as he reached the center of the camp. Riding on his War Horse, his spear rested on his shoulder, as from it hung the head of a Boar-type beastman that was the leader of this area.
Iris approached him from the opposite direction on foot, since both her and her men were more skilled fighting on their feet and in closer range to the enemy.
"Good work." Picard said plainly.
"Same to you. However, it seems your opponent put up quite the fight." Iris remarked, noting claw marks on the commander, his armor, and his steed.
"Yes, he was very lively. Albeit, not all that smart to think he could take me and my men on while we were on horseback. Are we done here?" He asked, dismissing his light injuries.
"We killed most of them, but a few managed to escape. I doubt we will see them again, since they seemed rather weak and afraid for their own lives."
"Hmph! How smart of them. If that is the case, we are done clearing this land of hostiles. I'll return to our basecamp and see to bringing fresh troops here. The rest of you can begin setting up defensive barriers and camp. We are to hold this area for the time being. Iris, you will come with me." Picard curtly instructed.
Some of the nearby soldiers exchanged a few looks at this new set of orders, while one brought Iris a horse which she promptly took and followed after the commander. It was surprising what could happen on the battlefield once one put aside petty rivalries and disdain.
It was safe to assume that the Empire was an example of how a military force should take on a foe such as the beastmen. Though the same could not be said for the Theocracy's expeditionary force. The now 1,000 strong army, led by Noah Kai Roth, a former member of the now defunct Sunlight Scripture, was both effective and disturbing in their efforts.
Several rumors surrounded Noah and what he had done to some of the survivors rescued from the enemy, were enough reason to earn him the hate of those outside of his men, even if his own feared and were disgusted by what their superior could do to a fellow human. Yet, what Noah did to his enemy reached a point where even the Dragon Kingdom's people shuddered, wondering if Noah had spent too long fighting such beasts, and slowly turning into one himself.
Noah knew that fire was highly effective against his fur covered foes and he relished in cornering and setting ablaze entire enemy camps. While the usage of fire was common, to use it after having so purposely cornered the beastmen and to derive such pleasure from it was something unique to Noah.
Being a man that enjoyed seeing his work unfold before his very eyes, Noah had taken a seat on a small hill that overlooked the camp that was currently engulfed in flames. From there, the panicked cries of the beastmen still echoed. Noah had been given a chair to sit while he watched the display. To his right was a young woman he was keeping for the time being as repent for what he saw as heretic behavior before ultimately killing her. There were also two guards, one placed on each of his side.
"More wine." Noah instructed the woman, who weakly replied.
"This is a good showcase for us. A good burning." He chuckled, taking a sip from his cup.
As the cries grew weaker, three of his men approached on horseback, with the one leading them getting off his mount once they stopped a few feet away from their superior.
"I take it that things are going well?" Noah nonchalantly asked.
"Yes, sir. Most of the enemy is burning inside the camp, while those that ran away have been killed. Should we do the usual?" the soldier asked
"Yes. I want as many of those that weren't burned gutted and scattered through the area, as usual, it will be a good message for whoever approaches this area."
"As you wish."
"Good. Also, since the fires are still strong, take this one, it will give her a clean death." Noah instructed, motioning to the woman.
"A-As you wish." The soldier said, taking a bow so as to hide his troubled expression.
"Dismissed."
Giving his superior a bow, the soldier grabbed the poor woman by her chains, placed her on her horse and left, along with the two that had accompanied him. For Noah this was a painful but necessary sight, since for heretics like this woman, there was little else that would wash their soul clean. At least in his own deluded mind.
On another battlefront, Cerabrate had just finished showcasing his growth ever since the battle in Himassa. Not only was Crystal Tear still running strong with Emma, Afonso, and a temporary member in Labrax, but given Cerabrate's display as a commander in the battle for Himassa, he had been given an additional 100 men to use as he saw fit, bolstering their already 150 strong support troops.
In their case their basecamp had actually been set up on by a group of beastmen, and while the humans had been taken by surprise, Cerabrate managed to keep calm, hold back his usual urge for glory and coordinate his allies in such a way that the threat was swiftly dealt with, resulting in minimal work from Crystal Tear.
Currently the group was busy surveying the affected area, looking over the toppled wooden wall the enemy had breached, the knocked down tents and naturally the corpses of the fallen enemy and few soldiers that had died.
"Things are growing boring around here." Labrax sighed, not having the chance to even warm up.
"You should feel lucky. At your age, I doubt you could last that long in an all-out fight." Emma remarked in a bored tone.
"Don't sell me so short, your highness." He retorted with a laugh.
Ever since the battle with Tomo, Emma no longer hid her mismatched blue and golden-yellow eyes, which had led to many rumors about her, since it was known to some, thanks to the Theocracy troops, that the Elf King also had different colored eyes. Yet, her position as one of Crystal Tear and Cerabrate's new look on things, had kept these rumors as contained and controlled as possible.
"We were lucky. That the enemy was composed of some stragglers from another battlefield." Afonso wearily said.
"Agreed. We can't get into any significant fighting now, since in a few days the battle for Asike will begin." Cerabrate stoically remarked.
"There's no harm in a warmup. As things are shaping up, we will need to be in top condition." Labrax casually argued.
"We will be. But thankfully we aren't alone in this. While I will do my best to make sure that no matter the case, I won't see what happened in Himassa repeat, I won't ignore the fact that if things go wrong there are other people there to fight with us. Especially the Espada." Cerabrate said with a calm and serious tone, surprising Afonso and Emma.
"If I may, I am sure that Diogo would be very proud to see you now." Afonso remarked, with a chuckle.
"I'm certain that he would have more than a few things to say if he saw me this..." Cerabrate went to say, when Emma spoke over him.
"Humbled?"
"Heh. Yes. That. I never really expected to end up like this."
"It happens. You're one of the strongest fighters in the Kingdom. During a war, if anything, this increase in responsibility and maturing had been a long time coming." Labrax remarked with a shrug.
"I know and I would prefer not to talk about what I used to be like." Cerabrate retorted in a huff.
"Of course. But what should we do now?" Afonso asked, moving away from the topic.
"Right. Emma, take a few men with you and look around the nearby area. Make sure we don't get any surprises. Labrax, stay here make sure that in case anything does come here, it won't get far, and the camp will be warned. Afonso, with me. We're going to make preparations for repairs to what was damaged and clean up these bodies." Cerabrate replied in a professional manner.
With their new orders, Crystal Tear split up and went about seeing to their different duties.
In another area the Espada, Commander Abel Cujo, and Elim Cusak's group had made a camp of their own and due to their combined power had been enjoying a calmer time than most. The camp held different tents with wooden walls surrounding it, and was separated into two halves. One for the Espada and another for Abel, Elim, and his group. The reason for this being the fact that the Espada needed some privacy in case they wanted to speak more openly.
In the tent that belonged to Elim, both he and his beloved Leinas were relaxing in bed, having used some of this calm period to make up for how busy they had been. With the sheets barely covering their naked bodies, Leinas resting her head on Elim's chest as he took a breath.
"That was amazing~ I have to say Leinas, you are the best thing to have happened to me in years"
"Hmm~ You are a close second." Leinas said with a chuckle.
"Ouch. But, I understand, I'm not much when compared to you."
"No. That's not it. It's just that a lot of things happened."
"Right. So, is everything alright? You've been distant these past few days." Elim mused, caressing Leinas' hair.
"..."
For a moment Leinas said nothing, until she lifted her head and shifted to a sitting position, looking at Elim with a troubled expression.
"Well, in a few days we will be fighting for Asike. From what we know, it'll be a very important battle. It might even lead to the end of this if everything goes right. After that we, the Espada, will leave. I think you should stay here. They will be needing people like you. So perhaps we should think about that. About how you are going one way and I another."
Of course, Leinas' worries weren't simply related to how distance would affect their relationship. It the fact that she knew that eventually the Espada would make contact with Nazarick and Ainz Ooal Gown. Regardless of the results, she wanted Elim and his group as far away from that as possible, and the Dragon Kingdom was a perfect place for them to remain at.
"Hey, I get that the distance can be overwhelming, but we've more or less continued from where we left off from when we first met. So, why not give it a chance?" Elim argued, trying and failing to sit up.
"That's... It's easy to say that, but we have to look at this realistically. That means assuming we both survive this battle. You have a great opportunity here, for something better than a life as a Worker. I'm still a high-ranking Espada. I'll have to go back to continue doing what is expected of me. So..." Leinas tried to argue, eventually falling silent since she didn't know how to properly handle this situation.
"I get the feeling that you don't want me to go with you." Elim weakly chuckled, taking Leinas' left-hand in his.
"I don't. I mean, it's nothing against you, but I think you would do better here, than going back out there waiting for quests from whoever. I want you to be safe."
"Then, why not be safe with me?" He suggested with a smile.
"Like I said, I still have things to do with the Espada."
"Heh. Right. Well, first things first. I agree that once this war is done, my crew and I should stay here since we will probably be seen as heroes. There's a lot we can do after winning a war. Still, I don't agree with us breaking up. It's a stupid decision, Leinas. We do each other good. So, why not try to do things at a distance? I'll stay here, try to do something with myself, and when you're done, come back. Or come back from time-to-time. I mean, it's not exactly a secret that one of your teammates can use [Teleportation]." Elim continued with a confident smirk.
"Tsk... Huh. You're going to build us a house or something?" Leinas asked with a weak chuckle.
"Hah! Uh, no. But I'll make sure you have something to come back to."
"Do you really see that much in me?" She asked, tightening her grip on his hand.
"I do. It may come from doing little else than watch you fight and being able to share the battlefield with you, but you've made me so happy. While I'm fine with going our separate ways due to work, I don't want to end what we have."
"Ugh... Dammit... You stubborn fool..."
Despite her weak grousing, Leinas felt strangely happy after this. While she did want to put between them as much distance as possible, to know that he was willing to put aside his own freedom to wait on her was a liberating feeling. For someone that, until Aizen came around, was used to being left on her own, this was more than she would have hoped for.
"That you could put me at ease like this." She sighed, giving him a smile.
"Hey. I'm your lover. It's my job."
"Don't get too overconfident. I'm still stronger than you." Leinas said with a confident smirk.
"Heh. Fair. Also, now that we've reached an understanding. I have a ring..."
As soon as the word "ring" escaped Elim's mouth, Leinas was quick to silence him by putting her hand over his mouth, while her face grew bright red.
"Don't you dare." She mumbled, getting only a muffled laugh in reply.
Lifting her hand from his mouth, Leinas gave herself a moment to regain her composure, which also allowed Elim to regain his breath since she had caught him off-guard with her sudden covering of his mouth.
"Too much too soon?" He nonchalantly asked.
"O-Of course!"
"Right. Sorry. I guess that is better saved for after we win this."
"That too."
Rolling her eyes at him, Leinas lowered herself and gave him a deep kiss, which naturally Elim reciprocated. Pulling her head back, Leinas then went back to laying by his side and enjoying the time she still had with him, now that a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
At the same time, Carmyn made her way to an area near the camp, which was a place used by those who wished to train. Due to this she was greeted by a spent Abel standing next to a large boulder he had just cut in half, and a large circular crater that had Inon in the center of it.
"Good job on keeping your footing while Inon is training." Carmyn remarked, approaching Abel.
"Thank you. I admit that I considered moving elsewhere since my efforts seem to be useless compared to him. Hehehe." Abel said with a weak sigh.
"No need to feel down. You have also developed admirably. I've noticed that you look even more determined than usual. Perhaps something related to those letters." The small Espada mused.
"I've been trading letters with my daughter. Of course I would feel determined." He said, throwing away his broken sword and taking a drink from a nearby canteen.
"Oh? And Susan allowed that?" Carmyn asked with raised brow, clearly surprised.
"She's afraid. Like everyone else. Many can see that this conflict is coming to an end, and it is looking favorable to us. Assuming we win, the military and all those involved will be heroes and gain considerable political power. I doubt either she or her husband want to be on our bad side when that happens. After all, how she ended our marriage and took my daughter wasn't right, and she knows it. I bet she's thinking I'll use that, and she's not entirely wrong."
"Well, people like them always show their true colors in situations like this. Either way, this is good progress for you."
"Agreed. And it wouldn't have happened if we hadn't met and you decided to waste your time on someone like me. For that I thank you." Abel said, giving her a bow.
"Oh, no need to be so formal. You'll make me feel old. And as we can see, 'waste' is the wrong word. I simply saw someone that was worth my time, and I am sure that you'll continue to live up to that after this war is done."
"I can only hope that will be the case."
As they spoke, Inon had finally made his way out of the crater and joined them. Since he was training, he was only wearing shorts and the skin of some animal around his waist. Outside of that, his massive and muscular body was in full display.
"Are you finished?" Carmyn asked, with hints of annoyance.
"I am. I apologize for the disturbance." Inon said with a defeated tone.
"Was all of this at least worth the trouble?"
At this question, Inon couldn't help but smile, with pride radiating from him, and giving Carmyn her answer. She was genuinely glad, for having seen his encounter with Tomo and how that had affected him.
"I have learned to use the [Jackhammer]. I'm sure it will be of great use during this fight."
At the end of his declaration, his tone turned more stern and serious. The Espada were expecting to face Tomo once more, now revived as a Revenant. While the thought of seeing such a powerful and dignified being in such a state pained Inon, he made it clear that he would be the one to put Tomo out of his misery, once and for all.
"Good. Now, you can focus on preparing for the battle proper."
Naturally, this was easier said than done. While the camp was home to the Espada, Elim and his group and Abel's unit, the Fracción Aizen had sent some time ago weren't entirely the most cooperative. Coyote Starrk and Shunsui Kyōraku tended to spend their time doing nothing, no matter how much Lilynette Gingerbuck kicked Starrk to get him to act.
Jūshirō Ukitake was a better case since he was diligent in his work, making things easier when work needed to be done. Kenpachi Zaraki was also a bad worker and Yachiru didn't make things easy. Yet, Carmyn was now used to this and more than happy to whip them into shape whenever necessary.
In the city of Asike, once formally ruled by the hyena-type beastman Oka and her tribe, things had changed greatly since Kaze and Kana made their way there with their own forces, in preparation for the final battle with the Dragon Kingdom.
For Oka, who had reveled in the liberty her position gave her, the coming of her King and his aide had been the worst turn of events. While she was still residing in the central tower of the city, many of her luxuries had diminished and some of the "reforms", like keeping human females alive to produce more humans had been neglected as the city prepared for war.
Oka herself, once cocky and keen on fighting humans, had lost much of her bravado after learning of the death of Tomo, and having most of her authority taken away by Kaze and Kana. She had reached the point of wanting to escape from the city, but she knew that if she tried, she would be killed.
As the day of the battle drew closer, she was often called upon to a large tent that now rested outside her tower that served as the throne room for her King. This was a large area where a stone throne rested on the opposite side of the entrance and had several material goods scattered around that Kaze enjoyed. Currently, he was sitting on his throne, surrounded by several beastmen of note, with Oka among them, now just another one of them despite her power. Naturally to the King's right-side was Kana.
"The day for battle approaches." Kana formally announced.
"Finally." Kaze growled, downing a portion of the large goblet that rested in his hand
"I appreciate your patience, my King. It will be rewarded soon." Kana said, before turning her attention to those present.
"The same goes to all of you. You did well, working to get this city ready to kill the humans. Especially you Oka, to have so selflessly allowed me to use your magic-casters to prepare the land for the undead that will join us." She added in a neutral tone.
"You made that land bad. It's useless now." Oka lowly growled.
"It will make our undead strong. And you should know better than speak to me like that. Or do you think your brutish magic can match mine?"
"...Hmph."
In that moment, Oka decided to look away in a huff. It always ended like this when she tried to argue with Kana. For such a weak and pathetic looking hobgoblin, Kana possessed such an overwhelming presence when she wanted. It didn't help that like she said her hold over magic was much better than Oka's.
"I thought so. Naturally, you and they will stay here during the battle, as magic-casters are better at a distance. The rest of you will be outside, behind the undead. Your power is needed to crush the humans." Kana added, getting several growls and roars in approval.
"Good. Now leave. Rest and prepare, for soon you will have your fill." She announced in an authoritative tone, as they promptly followed her orders.
For Kana, or rather for Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth whom controlled her corpse, these speeches had become frequent, if only because the Dragon Lord wanted to be certain that the beastmen were ready and understood what they were meant to do.
This was a bothersome task, with an army who he felt their only strong suits came from their numbers and natural strength. Even those special cases like Oka who could use magic were only slightly less foolish than the rest. For a Dragon Lord like himself, who had spent so much time researching and learning magic, to think of Oka or other beastman as "magic-casters" left a bad taste in his undead mouth.
Yet, that mattered little now, since the final battle of this war was now upon them. Especially with his eventual duel with the Catastrophe Dragon Lord, for which the older Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth had been preparing for with great diligence. This wasn't a war he was prepared to lose just yet.
Thanks to his spy General Iain, he learned that the Dragon Kingdom would be committing almost all of its manpower to this battle. Meaning that his efforts to bring together as many powerful beastmen and undead as possible was completely justified, as a victory here would mean a deadly blow struck against the Dragon Kingdom. When it came to the young General, the Dragon Lord had decided that Iain was best left do his own devices, since after several failures it was clear he was of no use in this conflict.
As the sun started to set and the moon began to rise, another day came to an end on the conflict between the Dragon Kingdom and Beastman Country. The final battle between the Espada and Elder Coffin Dragon Lord's forces came ever closer, with the duel between two Dragon Lords, two beings that in the past would have been seen as masters of the world, drew closer. With another day gone, the Espada's greatest challenge drew closer.