Unwavering 9 (Overlord, Zanac!SI)
A year can be quite important when a potential world-ending scenario is around the corner.
Between physical training, martial arting, keeping an eye on uplifting a good slice of the country and making sure no surprises came from the Theocracy and the Empire, I would say that I had a full agenda, but at least one that gave me many boons in the long run.
I doubted I could last against any of the Guardians, even less against a Supreme Being, but I could say I had an advantage against the Pleiades and entities close to their power-range. It wasn't much, it wasn't the best results I had planned for, but it was still something to not scoff at.
A look into the arrogance of some of Nazarick's NPCs (cough, Shalltear, cough) is enough to tell that their disdain against humans is as much as a concerning factor as an exploitable one within the right situation.
At the same time, I wasn't planning to square up and pick fights with any of those- I had to play some high-tier diplomacy to either let my country survive or even become a vassal in the worst case scenario. I refused to considering anything less than that as I refused to let that happen from the get-go.
And as I finished the expansion of E-Rantel to be a city close in size to the capital with its steadily-rising population, services and military output, I got news that the Carne Village got a visit from some 'undead scouts'. That report was then followed by other patrols' reports confirming the spotting of other similar entities, such as winged skeletons and other monsters, checking around the premises where Nazarick was bound to 'suddenly appear'.
With the big red flag finally flaring, it was time to get my years-long plan to begin. First, I summoned the war council, raising concerns over the chances of some anomaly unfolding up north around the border we had with the Dwarves. A small scout force was then sent to rapidly assess the situation and, as I had suspected, Ainz used this chance to appear to the soldiers and make a proper first contact.
The force returned soon to E-Rantel and we were able to establish a tentative meeting within two days near the Carne Village. Despite some of the nobles wanting me to outright prepare the army and raze this 'undead invasion force', I ruled it out since 1) we wouldn't have the time by not prolonging these peaceful few days, and 2) We couldn't just invade people around willy-nilly.
After what felt a stressful amount of days trying to keep the nobles in the city from getting uppity for a chance to be 'promoted' or something, I got aboard the carriage taking me, Clementine and a few hand-picked diplomats to the meeting's location and... and that's where I got the chance to see some lingering unease.
Clementine was 'fine' if one was to ignore her constant checking over her available equipment. Her armor was akin to her skimpy bikini one, but with a few extra pieces protecting her knees and elbows, adding more protecting to important areas to uphold her needed mobility.
The diplomats, albeit experienced, were not that happy that the other side was made by non-humans. But I knew enough on keeping them under control and, hopefully, avoid that my father declared war on a group that could easily erase us all from the map.
The worst fear of a map-painter (beyond border-gore) is a map-cleaner.
I was managing just fine as I kept on telling myself that Ainz could be manipulated. Momonga, despite his intelligence and good improv skills, was still a normal introverted guy that wouldn't mind friends. So, I just had to be 'open' to this without being too noisy or make it blatant I am primarily doing this to save myself and the kingdom I planned to one day rule as its king.
But that amount of self-confidence was dashed away as the plot farted and then sharted on my parade the moment we arrived.
For it wasn't just Momonga to have been pulled into this new world. Two more Supreme Guardians had seemingly joined Skelly-Papa for the last day. And this was fucking bad news... with a hint of good news.
The 'good news' was that I have a feeling Momonga had nonetheless changed Albedo's description, which meant she would be running 'rogue' more than a few times since she has an obsession in having Momonga as the only one to rule. Which meant that it was going to create internal dissent in the long run.
The rest of things were bad... in case these two failed to understand what the fuck was going on to the extent Momonga was able to within little time. And considering I had no trust in the brain of one, and I think the other one was just as airheaded when the situation was too complex- I had little faith in things being 'easy' for me.
"Greetings. My name is Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself, Second Prince to the Re-Estize Kingdom and Governor of E-Rantel. As of now, I am representative to my father, King Ramposa III. May I ask you to introduce yourselves?"
I already knew their names but-
"Hmph! I thought my name was known far and wide," The 'first' Wildcard stated, standing up from his chair, booted foot on the table as I stood prideful. I am the Winged King of Explosive Strikes, the Greatest Archer, the Unbeatable Lover-"
"And also a known bed-wetter up to the age of six," Another voice, this one youthful and feminine, dryly interrupted. "Just get on with it, dumbass."
The tall guy removed his foot from the table.
"F-Fine... I am Peroroncino! My name is legendary and-"
"And I am Bukubuku Chagama," The pink slime sitting on Momonga's left interrupted once more. "I am the Unsinkable but... you can always count of me~."
I have a feeling the sudden shift to a kawaii voice had stunned the few diplomats trying to wrap their heads around that the slime entity was able to produce that sort of convincing voice. Clementine held her own, but she too appeared surprised by this.
"Lastly, it is me. I am Momonga, and I am a Sorcerer of incredible power and... the current leader of Ainz Ooal Gown, our home is the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
"It is quite a honor to make so many clearly incredible acquaintances. But alas, one of the first things I wish to discuss, just so we can avoid any potential 'troubles', is how did you suddenly appear within the borders of this realm? After all, such a sudden event is bound to create some unsavory assumptions but... I am willing to understand all sides rather than draw the truth from just a side of the issue."
"We are unsure of what caused this, but we can claim that it wasn't intentional on our part and we don't seek to initiate any conflict."
"Yet-" Peroroncino tried to add, but his sister was onto his butt.
"Brother!" The exasperated Bukubuku Chagama huffed, then 'bowed her head' at us. "Apologies, I was born with a dumb brother that has no class in the matters of negotiation."
"Th-That's not-"
"Peperoncino," Momonga interjected, sounding 'stoic'. "You should let us do this."
The bird-masked guy huffed, turning away. "Fine!"
Man, this is getting extra cringey...
Alas, the remainder of this negotiation was somewhat positive. A 'peace treaty' was conceded within the notion of recognizing for the time being the existence of the Grand Tomb of Nazarick as an independent land within the Kingdom's borders.
While some nobles were expected to whine, the truth was that we were in no position to stage an attack and I just couldn't imagine myself declaring war to reclaim land that had no value to us to begin with. However, one thing that I did warn the three Supreme Beings about was the existence of the Empire and the 'uneasy peace' that existed between us.
I think I succeeded in making it clear I wasn't planning a war and that I was open to expand trading rights within limited proposals, so we should be able to avoid getting Jircniv'd this time around. What really worried me now as we made it back to E-Rantel was two things:
How was Nazarick going to handle its need in humans to consume for its monstrous population? And what plan should I enact to keep Barbro to somehow fuck this shit up?
AN
Next time... Nazarick's POV just so we can get more insight on what happened in regard to Bukubuku Chagama and Peroroncino being there when the Great Tomb got isekai'd and their own take on what is to follow. You will be surprised by what are their opinions!