Almost a week had passed since the period that was the Royal Honeymoon, and now the two monarchs began to take up their joint role of governing the Roble Holy Kingdom. Even if Aizen was expected by others to learn much before he could properly take his mantle of Holy King. Yet after that time with Calca, Aizen returned to the Espada's base and to one of its rooms, as he inspected himself in a mirror, and with the aid Amelia chose what he should wear for his upcoming trip to the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
With the closet open, Amelia and Aizen made casual conversation about what was soon to happen as she threw different pieces of clothing at him to try on. After a bit of time humoring her, Aizen finally decided on dark-colored boots, white trousers and double-breasted longcoat with blue trim, open sleeves, with a marine blue cloak over his form that had an ornate golden button on it with Robles crest, and from his waist hung his sheathed, materialized Zanpakutō.
"You look good~ I dare say kingly." Amelia chuckled, looking him over.
"Yes. It is satisfactory." Aizen mused, also examining his attire.
"So... You're certain you want to go alone?" Ameilia wearily asked.
"It is the best approach to the situation. We are the ones to initiate dialogue, so it wouldn't do us well to come to a face-to-face presenting any more obvious weaknesses... Ah, no offense." Aizen said in a calm, yet humored tone and smile.
"Hmph~! Offense taken, but I understand. Still, it is a shame. I understand that we are reaching a critical point in the state of things, but it's nothing like when we were going around handling things and gathering the Espada." Amelia sighed in nostalgia, passing her hands through her hair.
"That is true, but don't let get to you, Amelia. Your role as my right-hand is still a very important one. Especially when I plan on making you this country's Prime Minister in the future."
"Uh-huh... Indeed. That, and to go keep Calca company. Still, doing it this way, you may just be getting into your first marital dispute." She sarcastically chuckled.
"I don't think that things would get that extreme."
"Oh, you never know. Love makes people do crazy, unpredictable things. She already proposed to you sooner than expected, so who knows what may happen next."
"Is that why you pushed for me to delay my trip to today?" Aizen asked in amusement.
"Quite. You two just got together after so long in secret, so it's better to make sure she is happy even if it costs the schedule a few days." Amelia argued with a smirk.
"And now here we are. This will be a significant step forward for our goals, given how great an impact Nazarick has had so far. So, unless you have anything else to add I'll be on my way." Aizen declared, sounding confident as usual.
"Right. I'll be waiting. Try not to take too long."
With a confident smile and nod, Aizen disappeared from her sight in a flash. While she sounded confident, Amelia was naturally apprehensive about Aizen's approach to opening dialogue with Nazarick. It wasn't like she doubted Aizen's capabilities, but he would essentially be walking into enemy territory alone, and from the information Cthalpi gave them, it was certainly quite the formidable territory at that.
For his part, Aizen was unmoved, as he also took these things into consideration. Though he did not expect to be so easily outplayed by anyone there, there was still the need to put measures into place just in case things went badly for him. One of these being the transportation of Amelia to the southern nation of Kokka no Shinku-Kokai for no other immediate reason than her survival if things, however remote, did not go according to plan.
As this happened, in an area that used to belong to the Re-Estize Kingdom rested an unaware Nazarick. Despite their message being received by Aizen, the Shinigami had yet to answer it, so his visit would be a complete surprise. Still, for some time now, including the summit with the Emperor of Baharuth, when the area where the Tomb's entrance was approached, the most visible construct would be a wooden cabin that, when needed, a [Gate] to Nazarick itself was conjured. This structure was typically under physical and magical watch.
The Pleiades were those usually tasked with guarding the area, and for this they would work on single person shifts, switching from time-to-time. The one currently tasked with this duty was the insectoid maid, Entoma Vasilissa Zeta. It was both an honored and tedious job, where the hope of feeding on some foolish intruder was nothing more than wishful thinking, as standing orders forbade it, opting instead for discourse, and/or capture, depending on the cirsumtances.
As Entoma stood to the wooden cabin's entrance, her sharp senses detected a figure that had suddenly appeared in-front of her, possessed of unmatched beauty, pristine garments, and a unique presence. Unique and potent, certainly more than matching that of the higher beings that she shared a space with, and potent enough to make the different insects that she possessed squirm in place under her garments.
He did not seem hostile, even giving a gentle smile as Entoma's instincts and magical messages screamed at her because of the intruder's sudden, inexplicable appearance. The man calmly walked up to her, and stopped a few feet away as he simply nodded.
"I apologize for the sudden arrival, but my name is Aizen. Sōsuke Aizen. I hope I'm not infringing on anyone's schedule, but I have come to parley." He smoothly announced.
The name and finally the face finally connected in Entoma's mind, and while her instincts still made her uneasy, she and every other Pleiades had been instructed on what to do when this time came. Regaining her composure, since the detection of an intruder would cause scrying magics to be specifically focused on her area, Entoma moved on to the next stage of the greeting plan, as had been made by Nazarick's Supreme One.
"Welcome, King of the Roble Holy Kingdom. I, Entoma Vasilissa Zeta, welcome you to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Please be at ease, and I ask that you wait, as someone will be here shortly."
"Ah, that is perfectly fine. I don't mind the wait."
The wait took approximately 10-minutes, because while Nazarick did have a plan already set in place for this occasion, the fact remained that there was no certainty for when it would be implemented. So that certain key elements had to suddenly be recalled to their stations or even back to Nazarick proper in order to initiate those plans.
Despite this, after preparations were completed Entoma took a step aside as the doors to the cabin opened, revealing a large [Gate] from where emerged the unparalleled beauty of the Guardian Overseer, Albedo. She was wearing her usual dress, while carrying in her hands the [World Class Item] that her creator had so surreptitiously gifted her before YGGDRASIL's end.
"Good day to you. I am Albedo. I welcome you to the Great Tomb of Nazarick." She greeted with a nod.
"A pleasure." Aizen greeted back.
"The preparations for the meeting complete. Please follow me through the portal, and you will be swiftly taken to our master's throne room. There, the 'parley' can begin." She informed, taking a step-aside so he could fully see the [Gate].
"Hm... Very well."
While both were pleasant and cordial in tone, in Albedo's case she was anything but happy in having to exchange pleasantries with the man that not only had put Nazarick through such humiliation, but having also managed to push back their master's plans for the Holy Kingdom. Simply put, she despised this man, yet was skilled enough to hide it behind a pleasant mask. A mask that unfortunately wasn't masterful enough to hide her true feelings from Aizen.
Although, the Shinigami wasn't surprised by her true feelings or that she would hide them. Such things would be expected of her after all, and necessary if they truly wanted to have an open dialogue. Giving Albedo a nod, Aizen walked up to and then past her, entering the active [Gate], with the Guardian Overseer following after him, and leaving Entoma alone to watch the area once more.
Emerging on the other side of the portal, Aizen found himself in the Throne Room of Nazarick. It was a vast and ostentatious room, from where hung all the flags of those that had made the Great Tomb a reality. At the opposite end of the room, sitting on a magnificent throne made of an obsidian-like material, was the Supreme One himself, Ainz Ooal Gown.
However, the meeting didn't have just Ainz, Albedo, and Aizen, as flanking Ainz's sides were all of the Floor Guardians, with the exception of Gargantua, but naturally included the small and malformed Victim and Sebas Tian. Leading up to the throne on either side of a resplendent red carpet were a host of Death Knights, Vampire Brides, and various types of demons and other heteromorphs, all of which calmly and quietly turned their gazes towards the new arrivals. A sight similar to that which greeted Emperor Jircniv's entourage when he visited Nazarick.
Albedo took the lead, and Aizen followed after clearly and truly unfazed by the individuals in the room. Even if they carefully eyed him over and even whispered amongst each other to some extent. As he approached from the crowd came a Death Knight, which placed an ornate, luxurious chair for Aizen to use, keeping him at a respectful distance from the steps that led to Ainz. Once it was placed, a golden hair and eyed maid also appeared who greeted Aizen as he finally stopped next to her and the chair.
"My name Cixous. If there is anything you need before the meeting begins in earnest, please ask me." The Homunculus Maid said with a graceful bow.
"Thank you for your kind offer. For the time being I am fine."
Taking in his surroundings, a calm confidence settled upon his countenance as Aizen took his seat, looking upon the Floor Guardians and Sebas. Albedo went up the steps to place herself to her master's side, while Ainz himself didn't do much outside of scanning the area and taking in the familiar and oppressive feeling that came from the strange man. Indeed, this feeling was shared by all the undead in the area, including Shalltear. Aizen's presence was offensive to an extent, and in a way felt antagonistic towards an undead's very nature.
Despite this feeling, Ainz naturally did his best to keep focused on the task at hand. This was an important meeting, and one that brought together two kings after a rather unpleasant incident. Taking a moment to collect himself, the Overlord mused if from a Class and Stats point of view, Aizen had some kind of build, Passive, or [Talent] that focused on countering undead, with that being why this feeling was always around him.
Luckily, Ainz having felt this before, even to a lesser degree when having interacted with the head of the Espada before, among the different buffs and defenses he had cast on himself for them meeting, were ones to reduce the damage from anti-undead attacks.
"Welcome to the Great Tomb of Nazarick, King of the Roble Holy Kingdom, Sōsuke Aizen." Ainz greeted in a strong, grand tone.
"Thank you for answering my offers of parley, Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown." Aizen replied with a smile.
"Umu... Perhaps better arrangements could have been made if we had a more upfront notice of your arrival, but that doesn't matter now. I'm sure that you would want to start by discussing the event that led up to this?" Ainz mused aloud.
"Indeed. While I believe that we can both agree that this is by no means an official meeting, as the head of the Espada and King of the Roble Holy Kingdom, it would be remiss of me not to address the unprovoked attack, and I dare say invasion, of my land. The same could be said of the fact that the attack was the second perpetrated by 'Jaldabaoth' on an innocent populous. Although I am curious... Was there any other purpose to these events than weakening a nation being attacked, and creating a situation that would be profitable to Nazarick?"
"How dare you speak to Ainz-sama like that!?"
The room was suddenly silenced, as the whispers that had been echoing a similar sentiment, were drowned out by Shalltear's clear loathing for Aizen. Indeed, while she had been very vocal about it, very much fed-up with the trouble Aizen had brought to her master's plan, almost everyone there shared in those feelings.
Demiurge was silent, as having traded blows with Aizen, he knew that the man in front of them was certainly powerful and intelligent, and not to be taken lightly. Sebas and Cocytus, having learned from spending time interacting with the outside world, were also more or less quiet, interested only in figuring out more about the head of the Espada.
"That is enough, Shalltear! There is no need for that tone." Ainz firmly rebuked, raising a firm hand to silence her.
"M-My apol..." Shalltear tried to say, when Ainz again spoke over her.
"Silence. Now is not the time for that... Ahem! Let me extend an apology for my subordinate's behavior. I fear their loyalty makes them forget proper etiquette. Now, as for your words Aizen-dono, I shall make no excuses. Nor will I try cloud the facts with double-speak. A small, fledgling nation such as ours will need to expand to survive, so we orchestrated events to allow us to make as much progress towards that goal as possible. I can assure you that the advance on the Holy Kingdom was planned long before the Espada moved there, so it wasn't our intentions to encroach upon your domain..." Ainz explained with a calm and professional manner, pausing for a moment before he continued.
"But... This exchange does remind me of something I would like to ask."
"Oh? If it is brief, then I do not mind answering. You have shown me the courtesy of being honest after all. It would be terribly rude not to return the same in kind." Aizen smoothly said.
"Umu... That shouldn't be an issue. During the incident in Re-Estize, Shalltear had an encounter with someone who left quite the impression. I was wondering if you knew who that was."
"Ah, yes. Indeed, I do. That was Rylen Tsezguerra, the Primera Espada."
"Wha-? That old-man!?" Shalltear exclaimed, placing herself in the front of group she was part of so as to directly look at Aizen.
"Stand back, Shalltear." Albedo growled, glaring at the Floor Guardian for another breach in etiquette that only served to embarrass their master.
"It is fine. I do not mind it. And yes, he's that 'old-man'." Aizen answered with an amused tone.
"I... Alright... I apologize for the outburst." Shalltear contritely said, giving everyone a deep bow as she begrudgingly stepped back into line.
"Your apology is accepted. Now, let us return to the motives for those attacks. While I cannot say I do not understand them as a basis for your actions, I must admit that they were hardly the best way to go about expanding without making enemies. The same could also be said for the Massacre at the Katze Plains. Another questionable move, if your wish isn't to rule by fear."
"Ah, that. Responsibility for the massacre can be shared between myself and Emperor Jircniv, as he requested that I show 'my strongest spell' to open the battle. Not wishing to make it seem as if I wasn't putting effort into our relationship, I did as he asked. Admittedly, he clearly did not know exactly what he was asking for, and perhaps I should have toned it back, since it is now clear just how limited the outside world's magic is. As for the rest... I fear that most of us who reside in Nazarick judge things... differently from most. While I can admit that the loss of life can be a regrettable thing, I cannot say that I weight it like most would." Ainz argued, his undead nature helping him to sound unfazed by these topics, for which he was thankful.
"Hoh? That is what I expected as justification for your actions. After all, the more inhuman minds tend to have different viewpoints, and from there conflict inevitably arises." The Shinigami dispassionately mused.
"Hmm... In that case, since you are remarking on what our natures make us do and think, I am curious about your nature, Aizen-dono. You are powerful, possess strange magic, and emit this aura that makes your presence uncomfortable to undead. Yet, I must admit that as best as I and some of those present here try, we cannot get a read on what you are. To continue to speak honestly, from that and the way you speak of differing races having differing viewpoints, I wonder if you are at the very least not fully human yourself." Ainz pointed out.
"Hm... Yes, that is understandable. Would knowing such things help ease the progression this parley for you?"
"It would certainly be appreciated, Aizen-dono. You clearly know about us to some extent. I would even go as far as to assume that in some way, either directly or indirectly, you have access to information held by one known to me as, 'Cthalpi'. So, in the spirit of open and honest talks, it is only fair if you were to reveal something about yourself." The Supreme Being argued.
"That is certainly true. In that case..." Aizen said, taking a brief, almost meditative breath.
"...!"
As he did, Aizen relaxed in his seat and his purple aura started to build around his form, before slowly stretching out towards those surround him. The air became thick and heavy, as Aizen's power emanated and filled the Throne Room, giving everyone presence a firsthand experience at what they were dealing with.
Throughout the entire chamber, detection magics, warrior instincts, [Ki Sense], any ability to measure one's power activated, and within their users alarms were raised higher than they had ever been. For Ainz, what his [Discern Enemy] spell told him was clear, and made it clear as to how Aizen was able to toy with Demiurge; the "man" Sōsuke Aizen was comparable to a [World Class Enemy].
For Ainz, this revelation froze him in the [Throne of Kings] as if a lightning bold had struck his mind. A powerful being that required a minimum of thirty-six, level-100 Players in YGGDRASIL, casually sat before him, within the very heart of Nazarick itself. This was beyond the worst-case scenario, and well beyond anything he had considered. What was he!? Was he native to this world!? Now more than ever, Ainz did not want any of his subordinates to antagonize him.
"It this satisfactory?" Aizen calmly asked, again reeling in aura, and spanning Ainz's attention back to him.
"Certainly. Not. The. Feeling. Of. A. Human." Cocytus mumbled, doing his best to hide the fact he was nervously clutching his [Decapitation Fang] halberd.
"No, I am not. Much like yourselves, I too am not of this world. From where I come from, my species is known as Shinigami. Or otherwise known as..." Aizen began, when his focus was drawn in by Ainz mumbling to himself.
"A God of Death..."
"Ah, that is also a name for it, yes." He answered with an amused smile.
Luckily for the Overlord, his emotion inhibitor continued working into overdrive as he remained looking composed, while processing this information. It was now clear that Aizen wasn't a being from YGGDRASIL, or from this world by hiss own admission. This meant that he was something new altogether, that to some extent ruled himself out of the general laws and similarities between the game and this new world.
This, along with the fact that Aizen's presence was to some extent detrimental to undead, made Ainz weary of a confrontation more than ever. He wasn't sure things would go well if this meeting turned violent, as the numeric advantage felt useless given the circumstances. While Ainz didn't have the same dislike for the Shinigami as the NPCs, he had to admit that there was something about the man's superior nature and composure that reminded him of some of his old world bosses, and those were certainly less than pleasant people.
Suppressing such feelings, especially in the face of Aizen's composed exterior, Ainz raised a hand to regain the focus of the room, and to continue the meeting.
"That was... enlightening. Thank you. As you can see your power is recognized, and Demiurge already spoke of what he was able to gleam of your intellect, so I will move straight to the point. What do you have in mind for the continued, non-hostile interactions between our respective nations?"
"We are of like mind in this, as I too do not wish for any further hostilities or machinations to be directed towards the Roble Holy Kingdom, and in turn we won't direct any hostilities towards yours. That is the base of what I propose; a ceasing of hostilities that would allow both parties to flourish." Aizen replied with outstretched hand and smile.
"What else?"
The words escaped Ainz's mouth before he fully processed what had been said, mostly because with the experience he had been gathered his instincts told him that most likely Aizen had something else that he wanted to achieve with this meeting.
"Hoh? It is refreshing to receive such open and direct questions. To answer, not only do I wish for the Roble Holy Kingdom's sovereignty to be respected, my wish is also for the Abelion Hills to be left alone from further interference by the Sorcerer Kingdom. Since the Great Wall is damaged, and the Espada are acting in earnest to take steps to neutralize native threats by expanding into it." Aizen added.
"Begging pardons, but if I may, isn't that a bit much? We have been active in that area since before the Espada's presence in the region?" Albedo countered in as diplomatic a fashion as she could muster.
As Ainz had a similar question brewing in his mind, he didn't stop her from asking in his place. He too knew that that area had become important to them, especially with Demiurge's work in the area that allowed them to gather supplies, including sources for new parchment materials.
"You misunderstand. I am not claiming the area for myself. I am arguing that as preceding both parties, with the Great Wall gone, the Holy Kingdom has the right to do as they wish to secure their borders in that area. The Espada and I will be providing aid, due to recent turn of events. No one will be taking over the entire area. We are simply claiming rights for those more directly accessible to the Wall, so you aren't lacking for territory to claim. Of course, I need not remind all those present that, as things stand, you already have the Baharuth Empire and Re-Estize Kingdom to work on. Truly, our territorial claims are miniscule by comparison. Of course, a non-aggression agreement will also need to be made." Aizen countered in mild amusement.
"Umu... You make a reasonable argument, Aizen-dono. Demiurge, what do you think?" Ainz asked, turning his focus to the demon.
"It is as he says. The overall area that is untamed and governed by demi-humans is large, so while we would need to move most of our operations, we could minimize efforts in finding places to work in, as well as some of our... other, projects. So as to grant the 'buffer zone' that they require." Demiurge analytically said, pushing up his glasses.
"I see... In that case, I have nothing against moving ourselves out in an area encompassing say... Will 40-kilometers be sufficient?" Ainz contemplatively asked, receiving only a pleased nod from Aizen as a reply.
"Umu... I am glad we could come to an agreement there. Now, while I also agree that a non-aggression agreement is welcomed, I must admit that it would leave us, and by extension the Sorcerer Kingdom at a disadvantage. Even if that is fair, since the current troubles in the Holy Kingdom were caused by us, I must continue being honest and say, I would still prefer some kind of additional benefit to us." Ainz mused with a thoughtful tone as he stroked his marble white chin.
"Perhaps, the King of the Roble Holy Kingdom would be willing to afford us some kind of diplomatic goodwill with his people, since this is already limiting our course of action in some ways." Albedo suggested.
"My apologies, but given the circumstances, that is a foolish thing to suggest. The Holy Kingdom doesn't take lightly to non-humans, especially after the recent invasion." Demiurge calmly argued, much to Albedo's veiled annoyance.
"That being said, could a small envoy of humanoid looking ambassadors be allowed to open more official, diplomatic relations?" Ainz mused.
"A reasonable enough request. Although anything after will depend greatly on what they have to say and how dispositions, given the Sorcerer Kingdom's already negative reputation on the world's stage." Aizen replied.
"Agreed. Then, if you would allow time for such a group to be selected, then we can consider the opening of diplomatic relations between our nations to be official. I'll ensure that when they do arrive in the Kingdom, they will come with the offer of bountiful relief supplies that we have farmed using undead laborers and magic, as a goodwill gesture towards our beleaguered neighbors in their most recent, difficult times. Will that be acceptable?" Ainz asked, his eyes brightly glowing, as he felt rather well about the idea.
"Food stuff would be very much appreciated by my citizens. And am I to assume that these relief supplies would also include building materials and the like?"
"Naturally. Even if it seems that you plan to advocate for expansion beyond the Great Wall, we can provide the materials for its repair, and if your side agrees to the purchase of some undead laborers, additional trade of other things can be made, depending on how things go."
"Indeed. That does sound acceptable." Aizen said, as he rose to his feet.
"If there are no further topics in which you wish to raise, Albedo will show you to the exit." Ainz said, motioning for the Guardian Overseer to leave his side.
"That is very much appreciated. And I do hope that this is the beginning of a fruitful relationship." The Shinigami mused with a smile that frankly unnerved the Overlord, but still remained cordial.
"Umu... Likewise."
With that, Nazarick second meeting of monarchs came to an end as Albedo took Aizen back to the "entrance", before the Shinigami vanished as easily as he had arrived. Albedo returned to the Throne Room a few minutes after she had departed, and by then it had been mostly cleared out, with only the Guardians and Ainz present. Albedo again stood to the Overlord's side as he motioned for open conversation, allowing the opinions of those present to be expressed.
"I don't like him..." Aura said, crossing her arms.
"Did. You. Not. Use. Your. Skill. To. Analize. Him?" Cocytus asked as his mandibles clacked and a frosty mist was expelled.
"S-She did." Mare timidly answered.
"..."
Indeed, despite her initial remark, Aura had her body tensed to the extreme, her fingers almost digging into her arms, as Mare tried his best to calm his sister. Even if she remained quiet and with her eyes lowered, it soon became clear that Aizen's presence had a profound effect on her. For the first time since coming to this new world, Aura was terrified, and needed time to come to grips with that realization.
"To think that someone that strong would have so easily gotten past us." Sebas contemplatively mused.
"Indeed. But now we need to focus on our current agreement. One between both parties so we won't have to worry about aggression for the time being. But even so, we cannot lower our guard. I hope that this reinforces what I have said in the past, that we can never be too careful about our surroundings." Ainz firmly said.
"Ainz-sama. If. I. May. How. Can. This. Aizen. Be. A. God. Of. Death. When. You. Your. Self. Are. One?" Cocytus asked in puzzlement.
Just when Ainz was hoping that the NPCs wouldn't have any troublesome questions, in came Cocytus to change things. As things stood, the NPCs believed Ainz to be a kind of god of death, and sadly Ainz hardly ever made an effort to dissuade these notions. As a result, he never really considered the chance of having to explain differences between a powerful necromancer like himself and a "god of death" to them.
"Hm. That is a fair question, Cocytus. I'm actually glad that you brought it up just in case anyone else had it in mind. The difference is in what aspect of death one manipulates. As a 'Shinigami', Aizen more than likely is capable of vanquishing souls and leading them to the 'afterlife'. It isn't the same as what you know me to be capable of doing. That is also why his presence makes an undead feel uneasy, since undead can in some ways be seen as restless souls that did not pass on. Things that he is probably 'made' to handle. In a sense, undead are his natural enemy, and the same applies in reverse."
'"Ooooh~!"'
As the NPCs exclaimed in awe and fascination at his explanation, Ainz was just quietly thankful that they accepted his half-baked assessment. If he was forced to be honest, he was only piecing together what his instincts were telling him, combined with what little he recalled from old lore his friends from YGGDRASIL had shared with him from some of their idle conversations. Back then he barely paid attention, but was grateful for having such memories being useful.
"So, will he try anything against you, Ainz-sama?" Albedo asked, with clear venom in her tone.
"I do not believe so, as he could have done during our talks. Like Demiurge said, Aizen is a smart man, so he won't attack just because of some nebulous 'incompatibility'." Ainz matter-of-factly replied.
"I... Understood."
"Despite some outbursts, the meeting went well and for that I am very proud of you all. But again, remember that Aizen is a powerful and intelligent individual, so do not antagonize him or his own. That could lead to all-out war, and that is something we cannot afford. Now, you are all dismissed. Take some time and recover if need be, and will be have another meeting tomorrow morning." Ainz announced, leaning back onto the [Throne of Kings].
Without any further words, the Guardians bowed to their master as they left the Throne Room, pondering what they had witnessed and learned. For the first time, they shared the space with someone in this world that was stronger than they were. Someone who commanded great martial and intellectual power, and in such degrees that he was able to push them against a wall, all the while looking calm, without any signs of fatigue.
Albedo continued to despise him, with so much rage boiling underneath her ample bosom that she felt it might burst. Demiurge, after all that had happened, started to think on how he had been underestimating those around him. Surely, a mistake that the Supreme One himself would never have made, continually filling him with even more shame.
Cocytus found himself filled with curiosity, wanting to see what this man and his minions would be capable of in a fight, while the twins needed a moment to recover, from the meeting. Most especially Aura who, upon leaving the Throne Room, trembled from experiencing true fear of another not of Nazarick, filling her with shame and confusion.
Victim went back to his duties within the 8th-Floor, since his goal was as always clear. Sebas understood the matters presented to them this day, and was pleased that talks went well, for not only his master, but for everyone in Nazarick. Meanwhile, Shalltear was less than pleased to know the one that had humiliated her in the capital was, for the time being, out of her reach. She would resume her training with Cocytus in due time to, if nothing else, release the pent-up frustration building up with her.
After the meeting's conclusion, Aizen returned to the Espada's base in the Roble Holy Kingdom where by that time Amelia was in her office taking care of some paperwork. She was very much pleased to see Aizen back. Entering the room, Aizen calmly took a seat across from Amelia, who pleasantly looked up from her work, motioning for Juno to call upon Unohana so that she could bring tea to her superiors.
"The Queen is fine, so you don't need to worry about that. So, how did it go? I assume it went well as your clothes are still impeccable."
"It went very well all things considered. They will pull out of the Abelion Hills to some extent so I can use an offer for expansion when talking to Calca and other politicians. However, to do so I agreed to an opening of diplomatic relations, and provide a group of ambassadors backing to ease them into a meeting with some of our own. Initial trade with the Sorcerer Kingdom has been agreed upon. An offer that, if everything goes well, should favor both nations. Finally, I also managed to get them to consent to a non-aggression agreement between our parties. That should become official, once theirs and our ambassadors are able to converse. Still, I do wonder how long it will last." Aizen replied with a cunning smile.
"Oh? You think Ainz won't stick to his word?"
"No, I think he will. All things considered, he is certainly capable and serious, albeit a bit naïve in a way. My concerns lay with some of his 'NPCs', as Cthalpi calls them. Their Floor Guardians and others were present and some, despite their best efforts, clearly did not like me. I believe that, despite their devotion to their master, they may still act upon their own accord, even if that isn't the bast course of action for their group as a whole. I feel some may even try to delude themselves into thinking that it is what is best for their master."
As they spoke, Juno eventually returned with a tea-set, which she used to serve the duo, before taking a step back and waiting to be called upon, as the conversation resumed.
"It is true that we don't exactly have anything to go on regarding their personalities. But which ones do you think may be a problem?" Amelia asked with rapt curiosity.
"Hmm... To a lesser extent, the one called Shalltear Bloodfallen. I went ahead and revealed that the one that entrapped her was Rylen. She took the information well enough, but I could tell that it seemed to tug at her, so she may try something to get back at him. However, my belief is that Albedo, the Guardian Overseer and Prime Minister of the Sorcerer Kingdom, is the most likely at attempting some type of subterfuge against us. She was quite skilled at hiding her true feelings, but I could sense she loathes me for the 'trouble' I am causing them. One way or the other, she may yet try to undermine us. Perhaps using a covert means of doing so, in an attempt to maintain a modicum of compliance with her master's wishes. I ahve the sense that she is, in a way, quite unstable. A genuine surprise to be sure." Aizen said with amusement as he sipped his tea.
"Well, if something is going to happen, let them be the ones to strike first, so that we can argue self-defense. Shalltear's case seems an easy enough situation to handle. Since Ainz is as serious as you say he is, he should understand us needing to defend ourselves from an attack. Still, this Albedo is another matter. Not considering individual power, she carries a great deal of political influence, even if she is most likely new to her role. I mean, the Sorcerer Kingdom is a fairly new nation, so depending on her temperament, as you say she may try a more downplayed, covert approach to hindering us." She mused, as Aizen took another sip of his tea.
"My thoughts exactly. Even so, it wouldn't be for the best if we take any immediate precautions regarding this. We must maintain at least the spirit of cooperation when their ambassadors do eventually arrive. The rumors regarding the Sorcerer Kingdom and the general outlook on non-humans in this nation will make them feel unwanted as is..." Aizen started saying, when Amelia spoke over him.
"And they do have high-tier magic capability, amongst other things. So they may be able to see through some of our defenses and even argue it as being some kind of prelude to aggression. Well, it's not like we want to force something to happen, right? No, we need to more organically, but quickly burn this newly formed bridge." Amelia cunningly said, eliciting a smile from Aizen as he continued.
"After Nazarick's actions thus far, I do not count them as a usable piece on the board. Nor do I feel their master's leadership is strong enough, or decisive enough, to hold every one of his minions in check. Normally I would advocate to somehow replace said leadership, like we did with the Beastman Country, but with Cthalpi's information, and having been there myself, I feel that isn't an option. So, yes. The best option is to let things unfold, and do our best to profit from the Sorcerer Kingdom, being mindful of any attempt to 'stab us in the back', as you would likely phrase it."
"Oh, yes. And if need be, push them towards aggression, right~?" Amelia asked, with an amused smirk.
"Indeed. Subjugating them would certainly bring whoever is involved status and fame beyond imaginings, but at great cost. Even to us."
"I know, I know. That aside, should we celebrate the successful meeting~?" Amelia asked, with a mischievous tone.
"Charming as always, Amelia. But, let me remind you that I am a married man, and as such I have certain duties and bows to uphold, so I will be taking my leave." Aizen replied, downing his cup and getting to his feet.
"What a bore. You do know that now I'm stuck doing the work of two and limited to these boring matters, don't you?" Amelia growled, pushing some of the papers off the table to the floor.
"I am aware, and my apologies, but I am busy, Amelia. Why not use this time to broaden your horizons? Las Noches is full of servants that would be more than happy to help you with menial labors, as well as fulfill your whims and keep you entertained. You just need to take the initiative to explore." He argued, causing her to tilt her head and glare at him.
"Hmph! Inferior alternatives. And you better leave, before you foul my mood any further."
Giving her an understanding nod, Aizen dematerialized his blade, and from there made his way to the Royal Palace to resume his role as King and naturally attend to his wife, who was very much in-love with him, and more than happy to see him return so promptly from whatever business had taken him away from her.
Queen Calca felt she was in absolute bliss, being in love with a man of such extraordinary caliber. Truly, nothing was too good for the man that had given her so much, and found herself utterly devoted to her Holy King. He gives her so much, and asks for so little in return, she then sword to herself to find some way to repay him for how he has blessed her and their nation...
Meanwhile, Aizen's concerns regarding certain NPCs was already coming into fruition, as things developed in Albedo's personal chambers. Having carefully put aside her lovingly crafted collection of Momonga dolls and children's clothes, the Guardian Overseer started by picking up a masterfully crafted chair and smashing onto the floor, before letting out an inhuman roar.
"DAMN HIM!"
Clenching her fists, she tensed her body and again released a rage filled roar, in an active effort to avoid damaging her surroundings. She absolutely loathed this man "Aizen". God of Death or not, [World Class Enemy] or not, he had no right to walk up to Nazarick with that expression on his face and speak to her beloved as if he was beneath him. Aizen had no right to sound so entitled or sp sure of himself. After all, he had nothing of worth to him, despite all his power he was the mere king of a human nation and the leader of some pathetic mercenary band.
Her heart ached as she thought of the trouble Ainz-sama was now going through. Albedo wished to find a way to ease it, to comfort her beloved, but she understood the weight that had been placed on Aizen's power and how he couldn't simply be challenged. So, throwing herself onto her pile of Momonga dolls, Albedo caressed and hugged them, as she pondered on what she could do, and on ways to negatively affect Aizen and the Espada, without further worrying her beloved, and in a way that would keep Ainz's word intact and pure, as it always had been, and as it always should be...