Prologue

The innermost reaches of the Slaine Theocracy.
Very few people were allowed into this inviolable sancta sanctorum. The first was the highest-ranked member of the Theocracy, the Pontifex Maximus. Next were the Cardinals, the highest appointment holders of the six sects that were devoted to the Six Gods. Incidentally, each of them (aside from the one belonging to the same sect as the current Pontifex Maximus) was a potential candidate to be the next Pontifex Maximus.

The Cardinal of Fire, Berenice Nagua Sandeni, was the sole female among them. She was over 50 years old, and a little plump, possibly due to her age. Her well-fed face bore a motherly smile which put at ease all who looked upon it.

The Cardinal of Water, Ginedine Delan Gwerfe, was a shrivelled old man. He was so old that one could not tell his exact age, and his skin was a dusty brown. Although people worried about his health, few could exceed his intellect.

The Cardinal of Wind, Dominic Ire Partouche, looked like a kindly old man, but he was originally of the Sunlight Scripture, and had exterminated many heteromorphic beings during his time as a holy warrior. His wrath was like a wildfire while his murderous intent was like chilling frost.

The Cardinal of Earth, Raymond Zag Lauransan, was a keen-eyed man and the youngest of his present company. That said, he was still in his mid-40s, though his energy made that fact difficult to believe. He was a former member of the Black Scripture who had served for 15 years, a hero who had defended his nation.

The Cardinal of Light, Ivon Jasna Dracrowa, had narrow eyes and a skinny frame which made him look like a sinister person, but that was definitely not the case as he was a user of divine magic.

The Cardinal of Darkness, Maximilian Oreio Lagier, was surrounded by countless books hovering in the air, supported by improved versions of the [Floating Board] spell. He wore round glasses, and he had originally been a priest from the judiciary. Hence, many of the books levitating next to him pertained to the law.

In addition, there were the heads of the Judicial Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch of the Theocracy's government. There was the head of the research institute which handled magical research. In addition, there was the Grand Marshal, the highest appointment-holder in the military.
These 12 people comprised the highest executive authority of the Slaine Theocracy.

After entering the room, they took up some tools and began cleaning the room. Some of them got rid of dust with feather dusters. Some of them wiped with dry cloths, while other wiped with wet cloths. Someone used a magic item to vacuum up dust.
There was no wastefulness in their movements and they cleaned the room with well-practiced movements. Not a single one of these people who stood at the pinnacle of the Slaine Theocracy was slacking off. Sweat gushed from their foreheads, their beautiful and pristine robes were stained by dust, yet none of them stopped in their efforts until the room was spotless. The room had been quite clean before they started working on it. Now, it glowed.

None of them thought to wipe off their sweat. Instead, they lined up in front of the six statues which appeared to be defending this room and lowered their heads. "Today, we give thanks to the gods that human beings like ourselves are still alive." After the Pontifex Maximus said those words, everyone repeated them after him. "Thus do we offer our thanks." They raised their deeply bowed heads and stored the cleaning equipment back in a corner of the room. Then, they casted [Clean] spells, cleaning their clothes and their bodies, and the towels they used to wipe away their sweat smelled sweet.
It was a trivial matter to clean dirt and dust with a first-tier spell. Widening that spell would allow the entire room to be cleaned in the blink of an eye. However, there was nobody among them who was sacrilegious enough to do so in this sacred room.

After cleaning themselves, they took their seats at the round table. This included the Pontifex Maximus of the Slaine Theocracy: at this table, everyone was equal. There were no superiors or inferiors here. Everyone was a collaborator and a comrade. Indeed, all this was for the glory of mankind.
"Then, let us begin the meeting."

The organizer of this meeting was the Cardinal of Earth, Raymond Zag Lauransan. He brandished a letter, made of exquisite parchment and with an unknown sigil, as if it was a dangerous weapon. "Our first topic is this letter. All of you know about the defeat, seizure and release of all the Black Scripture seats dispatched to the Kingdom, which was everyone but the Extra Seat. Their memory has been erased, so they don't know what happened or who is behind it. The last thing they seem to remember is entering a forest nearby E-Rantel. They are all perfectly safe and sound and not a single trace of divination magic or control magic has been casted on them, we made sure of it. All what the unknown enemy has done, besides humiliating the most powerful humans in the world, was stealing the artefact of the Gods entrusted to Lady Kaire. This is all we know so far, which is next to nothing. I didn't dare open this letter yet. Pontifex Maximus, will you do the honours?"

There was nothing that could possibly be more important than the best among the Theocracy's Scriptures being subdued but then returned safe and sound, though without their most powerful item. It was a message, and a very significant one, from an unknown entity. Finding out what it was, destroying it and taking back what was stolen was the highest priority the Theocracy could have, nothing else mattered. But even if the Cardinals would usually react like this to an external threat, they were scared by its power and by not knowing a thing about it. Which is why the Pontifex Maximus almost broke character from the curiosity and need of reading the letter's content. Outside of it there was a simple sentence: to be opened only by the highest authority in the Slaine Theocracy.

Certain that Cardinal Raymond had already checked the envelope for magic traps, he opened it and read aloud:
"To the attention of the Slane Theocracy government,
it is with great displeasure that I, Ainz Ooal Gown, must once again be forced to deal with an unjustified assault from one of your special forces. On the first time we sent back to you the survivors of your forces who launched a baseless attack against the innocent villagers of Carne which is under my protection. It appears you have not received the message from them as recently some of my servants were forced to defend themselves from an assault by another of your special forces. I have kindly decided to revive, heal and liberate them after defeating them so that we can put these misunderstandings behind us and have a friendly relationship in the future. However this is the last time I will be merciful on those who invade my lands and attack my people. This is the final warning. If such a thing happens again, I will be forced to retaliate and bring about the downfall of your country. Hoping you will see reason and make sure it does not come to that,

Kind Regards. Sincerely, Ainz Ooal Gown."

To say the room erupted with shock, rage and disbelief would be quite an understatement.

"Who the hell is this Ainz Ooal Gown?!"

"It's him again! He destroyed the Sunlight Scripture and humiliated the Black! We have to take him down as soon as possible!"

"He seeks a friendly relationship in the future? sure then, I'll very friendly stab him in the guts!"

"Final warning?! he dares to threaten us? who the hell does he think he is?!"

It took a while for emotions to fade, and it happened thanks to the one who had called for the meeting. Cardinal Raymond was more furious on the inside than the rest of the present as he hated with his every fibre this unknown Ainz Ooal Gown who had managed to defeat his very best disciples. However, he showed perfect calmness on the outside and turned his rage into the fuel to rack his brains about the circumstances.

"The downfall of your country? He's clearly mocking us for having stolen the Downfall of Castle and Country. This is a cunning and dangerous enemy, we have to find out more about him as soon as possible. But we must not underestimate him. He now has an artefact of the Gods and before possessing it he was already powerful enough to subdue the Black Scripture. For a while we're gonna have to lay low and keep out of the E-Rantel region, we do not want to go at war with an enemy whose powers' limitations are unknown."
The others seemed to now follow his line of thought and, after some more cursing at the enemy, even the Cardinals who had wanted to gloriously charge against Ainz Ooal gown agreed not to inimicate him any more for the time being.

"Should we send an ambassador to Carne village? we could pretend to apologise and discreetly find out about him."

"That's pointless, he'd show us only what he wants us to see. But having someone in the enemy's lair could be helpful regardless, and even a false apology would… who to send though… I know one who is begging me to get there…" He smiled bitterly as he thought about Zesshi Zetsumei.

"Well, we know for sure she's not going. And it's too dangerous for either of us to go into the lion's den. I don't like to put it this way, but is there any high officer with one foot in the grave already?"

"Well, there's Ginedine here…"

"Take that back, Dominic, or I'll send you to meet the Gods!"

"Relax, it was a joke! By the Gods, I was just trying to liven up the mood…"

"Anyway, we'll find someone suitable and give him a little escort. Together with a written apology I suggest we give him a chest full of gold— no, full of platinum coins and in exchange for it we'll ask to be given back the Gods' artefact, although I doubt this Ainz Ooal Gown will ever let it go."

"Bah, he'll steal the money and kill everyone, this is not going to work, we'll just waste coins and people. The only way to take that back will be to wrench it from his dead hands!"

"If you have a better plan, I'm all ears."

"… Let's ignore the bastard's threats. I say we make the Kingdom fight him for us. We have some agents still in Re-Estize, don't we? This way we'll understand who he really is and maybe how strong he is."

"That'd actually not be a bad idea, but soon there'll be that ridiculous annual war between Re-Estize and Baharuth, not even the nobles of the Kingdom will be stupid enough to fight against two enemies at once."
"About that, I say we just wait until after those pointless skirmishes. I have the feeling a cunning and powerful man like Ainz Ooal Gown will take a part in it, don't you agree? We'll decide how to deal with him after that and in the meantime strengthen our military forces." Although the many curses that were thrown once again at that murderer and thief, everyone in the room ended up agreeing with the wise words of the Pontifex Maximus.

The matter seemed to be settled, but the Cardinal of asked to Cardinal of Earth: "What about the Black Scripture members? Are they going to be fine?"

Raymond's eyes blazed as he replied: "They're all healthy and pretty mad at being fooled by an unknown enemy. They can't wait to get back at him, and someday they will, Berenice. On that day Ainz Ooal Gown shall be destroyed!"

The innermost reaches of the Re-Estize Kingdom.

At the centre and above the capital city it rose the royal castle compound, Ro-Lente. Surrounded by walls linking twenty huge cylindrical towers standing at even intervals, it was the most ancient building in the nation. On its grounds was located Valancia Palace. In the Throne Room, which generally valued function over splendor, a meeting of the court was being held. Many of the great nobles and chief vassals were gathered.

At the center of the room was the captain of the Royal Select, Gazef Stronoff. He was kneeling before King Ramposa III, seated on the throne, to whom he'd sworn loyalty.
It seems he's aged even more… that's what he thought upon examining the king, comparing him to the last time Gazef saw him about two weeks earlier. The hair of Gazef's beloved and respected master had grown whiter and stringier, while his thin body just could not be called healthy even in flattery and his complexion was sickly. The hands gripping his cane-length scepter were withered and the crown looked heavy on his head. He'd reigned for thirty-nine years and was now sixty years old. Normally he would have given the throne to his successor by that age, but the problem was he didn't have one. It was not that he had no heirs. There were two princes, but neither could be said to be terribly bright and it was clear that if either one of them became king, he'd make a perfect puppet for the great nobles.

The old man spoke in a listless voice. "Captain, you've returned. Well done."

"Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty." Gazef bowed low in response to the king's considerate words.

"Well, then. I've received a short report naturally, but I'd like to hear the details of what happened straight from the source."

"Understood." Gazef explained the details of what happened after he left the capital and went to the village of Carne. He gave a particularly minute description of the mysterious caster, Ainz Ooal Gown, but didn't mention the agents who seemed to be from the Slane Theocracy. Very few people needed to know about them, and he didn't think anything good would come of bringing them up in this setting where there were probably some nobles who had secret agreements with the Theocracy. Instead, he spoke volubly of the marvelous man who boldly dove into danger to save the villagers despite only being a passerby. "I see. What a wonderful story. Not giving danger a second thought and rescuing the weak is really something…" In response to the king's admiration-filled words, several of the nobles called out their suspicions.

"There has to be something shady about him!"

"He's a shifty character who hides his face."

"Just a caster with a weird name." There was even someone who suggested he'd set up the attack in advance to make himself look good.

Hearing his life savior talked about in this way while he wasn't able to say anything in his defense made Gazef feel pathetic, but he couldn't let his anger show. Of course, he had a reason. The nobles insulting Ainz all had one thing in common: they were members of the large faction that did not support the king. The Re-Estize Kingdom was a feudal nation where 30% of the territory was controlled by the king, 30% by the great nobles and the remaining 40% by some other nobles. And now, the country was engrossed in a two-sided struggle for power. One side was the king's faction and the other was the nobles', which included more than half the kingdom's six great nobles.

Although they were before the king, their behavior was an extension of that fight, and this was just another venue for it. That's why Gazef, of the king's faction and the king's right-hand man, just couldn't go shooting his mouth off. He wasn't a great talker and knew he couldn't defeat them in a battle of words, so he needed to avoid situations where they could pick at his speech.
The appearance of the Slane Theocracy's secret squad coincided with our movements, so it is certain that the kingdom has been infiltrated. If that was the case, the nobles' faction must be involved…

Gazef looked at one of the nobles present, one with an exceptionally cold glint in his eyes. The man's blond hair was slicked back, and he had blue almond-shaped eyes. His complexion was a special pallor reserved for those who rarely see the light of day. That combined with his tall, lean figure gave him the impression of a snake. Age-wise he should have been just under forty, but his sickly skin tone made him seem far older. He was one of the six great nobles, Marquis Raeven. He flitted between factions like a bat, seeking advantage. He'd also gotten close to the king's second son.
If someone's betraying the kingdom, maybe it's him? Noticing Gazef's gaze, the marquis stretched his thin lips into a faint smile, making them even thinner. In response to that provocative attitude, Gazef kept his face even stonier.

"Now then, I think we've heard enough from the captain for now. There are other things we need to attend to." At this exhausted-sounding utterance from the king, the nobles settled down for the time being. Gazef moved closer to the king and scanned the room. After getting his position on the king's staff, he'd gotten used to receiving unpleasant looks.

"Now, let's discuss the war with the empire that will no doubt start in a few months as it does every year. Marquis Raeven, if you please."
"Yes, Your Majesty." He glided to the front of the group almost like a ghost and began to speak in a quiet voice. No one heckled. He was a man with influence in both factions as well as being the most powerful of the six great nobles. Everyone was scared to make an enemy of him. After the Marquis had finished speaking about the plan going forward, who would contribute how many soldiers and so on, without receiving any objections, a slight smile played across his face and he bowed to the king. "That is all."

"You have my thanks, Marquis Raeven. Does anyone have an opinion on any of that?"
The crowd stirred again and many people spoke up.

"After driving them off this time, we should keep marching straight into the empire."

"You said it. I'm so sick of fending off their invasions."

"The time has come to show the foolish empire how formidable we can be."

"It certainly has. Just as you say, Count!" The laughter of the well-dressed men filled the room.

In your dreams! How gratified Gazef would feel if he could just say what he thought.
The kingdom and the neighboring Empire clashed at a rate of about once per year on the Katze Plain. Neither side experienced heavy casualties, but that was because the Empire wasn't taking it seriously. If they really wanted to take down the kingdom, there was no reason for them to pitch camp on the Katze Plain and wait for them to show up. Gazef and any noble with even half a brain knew the empire's purpose was to slowly reduce the kingdom's strength. The kingdom built its army by drafting commoners, while the empire's was made up of soldiers given the title of knight as proof of their specialization: it was obvious at a glance which soldiers were stronger. And so the kingdom had to mobilize twice as many commoners. And a large force meant the army needed a vast supply of food. Sure, there were magic items that could produce food, but they appeared to be concerned only with nutrition; the flavor was so unappetizing even a starving person would hesitate to eat them. That could never become a staple.

Then, since the empire's invasion was always during the later wheat harvest season, there were never enough hands in the villages, so they were always behind on the reaping of wheat and other grains. The empire didn't even have to fight so hard and the kingdom's strength declined, causing the power of the royal family to decline with it. That's why the nobles' faction turned a blind eye: they were happy the power of the opposing faction was in decline.
If the country weakens too much, the empire will strike seriously. Do they really think it all will end with these little skirmishes? How can they be so naive? Gazef was angered by these nobles who thought their absolute authority would just hold forever.

"By the way, about that caster who saved you, Captain. He might be from the empire, you know, to infiltrate as a spy or something!"

"Ah, I see. That could very well be. I've heard that the empire has a magic academy for casters. It's definitely a possibility."

"The order of his name with the baptismal name in the middle is the style of the Slane Theocracy, but perhaps that's part of his disguise."

"It doesn't feel good to have that sort of character in the kingdom. Should we not do something about it?"

"Perhaps we should consider capturing him. Really, even having an adventurer guild with a bunch of casters doing what they please is a problem. We should do everything we can to place them under our direct control."

"And the amount of money we pay to the guild is ludicrous! It's ridiculous that we compensate adventurers to exterminate monsters inside their own kingdom!"

"We should haul him in and listen to what he has to say."

At this point, Gazef had to say something. He couldn't let the man who saved not only himself but also the villagers and his men be abused any further. "Hold on. That caster showed the kingdom a great deal of goodwill. I do not believe it wise to capture—" Gazef went off in a different direction in an attempt to change the flow of the court meeting. Some of the nobles had put on overtly sour faces. Since Gazef had reached his current position on the merits of his swordsmanship alone, the nobles, with their histories and lineages, regarded him as an upstart. They hated him. His skills with a sword, unrivaled within the kingdom, ended up being the cause of even more animosity. These men of lofty standing couldn't handle being inferior to someone who came from a lower class. Several nobles opened their mouths to talk over Gazef. They expressed negative sentiments toward Ainz Ooal Gown, and other voices sounded in agreement.

The king on his throne spoke, half sighing. "…That's enough. I declare that nothing is wrong with the captain's judgment." "Nrgh… If Your Majesty says so…" The nobles took the borderline sneering smiles off their faces for the time being. Gazef beamed a grateful look toward the object of his loyalty who had appointed him. The king responded with a slight nod.

The court meeting ended soon, but not before it was rife as usual with all the power struggle and brownnosing. Though he was exhausted in both body and spirit, Gazef hid it as he walked down a hall in the palace with the king. The king relied on a cane after injuring his knee in battle, and his gait was unstable, but thinking of his pride, Gazef never offered assistance. Besides, if the king was seen unable to walk without help, the voices of the great nobles' faction calling for abdication in favor of a puppet prince they would control would grow stronger. Gazef did feel bad, but it was imperative that the king walk on his own.

They proceeded down the hall at a snail's pace, and when they were just about to reach the royal family's quarters, the king suddenly spoke.
"…We need the nobles' strength to prevent an imperial invasion. Opposing them head-on would break this country before the empire even gets here." The topic came up suddenly, but it was because Gazef knew so well what the king was trying to say that he bit his lip. I envy the empire. He didn't have a way to console the king. The empire had also been a feudal nation until three emperors ago. But they whittled down the nobles' influence and, by the time the current emperor ascended to power, they had switched to absolute imperial rule. The current emperor, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix. He was young yet already known as the "Bloody Emperor" alluding to the amount that was spilled at the time of his ascension. Gazef remembered seeing him on the battlefield, when he'd been invited by Nix to join him. Now that was a ruler. He was born for it. But Gazef's loyalty to his King and his Kingdom never wavered. He was like a rock assaulted by the sea on all sides, stubbornly refusing to give in to the waves.

"I'm sorry that politics got in the way of my protecting you. Please forgive me for not even being able to outfit you before sending you out on such dangerous orders… That's why you lost some of your men, right?"

"No, that's not why it—"

"Gazef, it's okay. I don't think it will count as an apology to the families of the dead, but I'll send monetary consolation. I would also like to extend my personal gratitude to Sir Gown, a heartfelt thanks for saving my most loyal aide." It was nice of the king to want to thank him directly despite not even being saved from those villains himself, but it would be difficult. Still… "I think those words will be enough coming from Your Benevolence."

They noticed two people coming down the hall. Especially eye-catching was the beautiful girl in front. Words could not express her beauty, it was said that painting her portrait was impossible. The king broke into a smile. His love for his youngest daughter was even stronger than that for his other children. Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself. The third princess who had inherited her mother's radiant beauty was known far and wide as the Golden Princess. She was sixteen years old. It wasn't uncommon at that age to take a husband, one reason she was constantly fending off nobles. One of the origins of her name was her long golden hair that flowed lustrously behind her. The color of her lips, which were often turned up in an enigmatic smile, was the pale pink of cherry blossoms, but it was a healthy tone. The deep blue of her gentle eyes brought sapphires to mind. The detailed design of her white dress made a particularly trim impression, and the golden necklace around her neck seemed to symbolize her noble spirit.

Behind her in attendance was a boy right on the edge of adulthood clad in white armor. Thick brows slanted over his eyes, which showed too much white around his irises. His iron will shone through as if to challenge anyone within range, and his tanned face was fixed in a singular expression. His golden hair was trimmed short so it wouldn't get pulled in battle and also because it was easier to fit in a helmet. The boy's name was Climb, and Gazef never felt at ease with him. It wasn't that he disliked him, on the contrary, he was rather fond of the him. He just had a hard time dealing with the heavy atmosphere Climb carried with him. Gazef didn't mind that he took things seriously but he thought the boy could stand to relax a little bit. Still, he understood how Climb felt. Many envied his position in attendance at the side of the kingdom's greatest beauty. He probably didn't have anyone he could call a friend. And he was from the same commoner background as Gazef, if not lower. That probably made him extra cautious not to show any weakness or do anything that would harm his master's reputation.

The king smiled at her as she ran up to them and nodded in response to Climb's deep bow.

"Is the meeting finally over?"

"Yes. There was a lot to discuss." "Oh. I've been thinking about some things. I've been waiting to talk to you."

"I see, I see. Sorry about that."

Golden. Her nickname also came from how bright she actually was, establishing epoch-making institutions, proposing new laws. Plus her shining spirit. The majority of her proposals were measures to aid the common people, anyone of lower status. And they weren't about saving people from above but about putting systems in place that gave them a chance to help themselves. Plus, while improving the commoner position, her methods also led to greater loyalty to the royal family, increased productivity, and other benefits for the kingdom's royalty.
Most of her proposals were scrapped after interference by the nobles, who hated the idea of the common people's positions improving, but she was very well regarded among all those who had benefited and the informed.

"Let me hear what you have to say when we get to my quarters."

"But Father, it's time for my walk, so I'll be out wandering around with Climb for a little while." Hearing that she prioritized her walk over speaking with the king, Climb's face hardened even further, and Gazef felt a bit bad for him. But that's just how Princess Renner is. All you can do as an attendant is go along with it. "I see. Then have a good walk. When you get back, let's talk in my room."
"Got it. Okay, let's go, Climb."

"Then please excuse me." When Climb bowed, Gazef spoke in his capacity as a warrior.

"Do always keep working on your swordsmanship, Climb! You never know when or under what circumstances you'll have to defend Princess Renner."

"Yes, sir!" Climb gave a firm nod, but Renner pouted. "Climb is fine! He'll definitely protect me no matter what." There was no basis for those words, but when this princess said them, they felt like they might just be true. "Okay, Climb, let's go." Renner's delicate white fingers grabbed the edge of his shirt. She probably did it unconsciously, but Climb took notice and his expression hardened to diamond levels. "Yes, Princess." Tugged along by Renner's hand, Climb's face was blank, but as he was taken away, his eyes held shades of pain or grief.

The two had forgotten their manners, but the king didn't say anything. He simply looked after them as if seeing something heartwarming he'd lost long ago. "…As king, I probably shouldn't pity him…" They didn't know where Climb had been born. Renner had picked up the slum child during a visit to the castle town. The emaciated kid had seemed like he was liable to die at any moment, but he worked hard to protect the one who had saved him. No, it wouldn't be fair to sum up his efforts with the phrase hard work.
He had no ability with a sword. He had no magic ability. He wasn't blessed physically in any way either. But one by one, he managed everything, all of it. Granted, he lacked the ability to reach Gazef's level, the heroes' realm, but he had gotten strong enough that he could probably be counted among the higher ranks of the kingdom's soldiers. There were just certain things that couldn't be overcome: status, authority, how he was valued as a person. Renner's value, as a princess, was extremely high: she was too good for Climb, so to speak.

"I sympathize deeply." "I know it's foolish, but I'd want to let at least one of my daughters… do what she pleases. Mm, I guess I'll be scolded by my other daughters?… I must have grown truly old to be thinking things like this…" The king looked into space, almost as if someone was standing there. "In the end, I may have to make her unhappy as well…" If she was to marry under present circumstances, it would probably be to a member of the nobles' faction, Gazef thought, but he said nothing. He had nothing that needed to be said or spoken of. The only one who could understand the king's anguish was someone in the same position. That wasn't Gazef.

A silence fell between the two, and as if to shake it off, they began walking again, side by side, as best friends. For, in spite of the status difference, Gazef Stronoff was the only one in the world the King could call his friend.